Biomedical subjects

Robert H Remien

Publications and source records attributed to Robert H Remien.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

A comparison of on-line and off-line sexual risk in men who have sex with men: an event-based on-line survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to report unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with partners met on-line compared with those met off-line. METHODS: A total of 6122 individuals consented to participate in an anonymous behavioral survey on-line. This event-based analysis is limited to the 1683 men from the United States and Canada who had sex in the 3 months before the study and reported that their last sexual encounter included a new or casual male partner or partners. Prevalence and predictors of UAI were analyzed separately for the 386 men reporting more than 1 partner (multiple) and the 1297 men reporting only 1 (single) partner in their last encounter. RESULTS: Of the 1683 MSM recruited on-line, 51% met their partner(s) in their last sexual encounter on-line and 23% reported UAI. No difference in risk for UAI was found for partners met on-line versus off-line in the bivariate or multivariate analyses. In a multivariate analysis of men with multiple-partner encounters, UAI was significantly associated with being HIV-seropositive (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.87; P = 0.02) in a model that included age; education; whether partners were met on-line or off-line; and use of crystal methamphetamine, sildenafil, or alcohol before sex. Using the same model, significant predictors of UAI in men reporting a single-partner encounter were use of crystal methamphetamine (adjusted OR = 5.67; P = 0.001) and no college degree (adjusted OR = 1.63; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: MSM recruited on-line who reported a new or casual sex partner(s) in the prior 3 months are at considerable risk of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, but they are equally likely to report UAI whether sex partners were met on-line or off-line. The Internet may be an ideal venue for reaching high-risk MSM.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2007

A model for adapting evidence-based behavioral interventions to a new culture: HIV prevention for psychiatric patients in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

As in other countries worldwide, adults with severe mental illness in Brazil have elevated rates of HIV infection relative to the general population. However, no HIV prevention interventions have been tested for efficacy with psychiatric patients in Brazil. We conducted participatory research with local providers, community leaders, patient advocates, and patients using an intervention adaptation process designed to balance fidelity to efficacious interventions developed elsewhere with fit to a new context and culture. Our process for adapting these interventions comprised four steps: (1) optimizing fidelity; (2) optimizing fit; (3) balancing fidelity and fit; and (4) pilot testing and refining the intervention. This paper describes how these steps were carried out to produce a Brazilian HIV prevention intervention for people with severe mental illness. Our process may serve as a model for adapting existing efficacious interventions to new groups and cultures, whether at a local, national, or international level.

Brazil↗

PubMed2006

Moving from theory to research to practice. Implementing an effective dyadic intervention to improve antiretroviral adherence for clinic patients.

There is a dearth of evidence on the relative efficacy of intervention modalities to improve and maintain patient adherence to antiretroviral medications. Although empiric findings from research on HIV/AIDS, other diseases, and chronic medical conditions consistently demonstrate that social support plays an important role in facilitating adherence, few HIV/AIDS interventions have directly targeted this factor. Ewart's social action theory emphasizes the role of social relationships in behavior change and provides a comprehensive and useful guide to the development of interventions for adherence. We describe the development, content, and testing of SMART Couples, an effective antiretroviral adherence intervention that is grounded in social action theory and designed to enhance social support for ART adherence. Finally, we discuss some of the challenges of translating findings from the randomized clinical trial of this intervention into clinical practice and offer recommendations for integration of lessons learned into ongoing clinical care.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

PubMed2006

Examining the role of partner status in an HIV prevention trial targeting HIV-positive gay and bisexual men: the seropositive urban men's intervention trial (SUMIT).

The goal of this analysis was to examine whether partner status impacted behavioral outcomes from the Seropositive Urban Men's Intervention Trial (SUMIT). We contrasted sample characteristics of HIV-positive gay and bisexual men with and without main partners and then examined differences in sexual behaviors among men participating in an enhanced HIV prevention intervention compared to those in a standard condition. Logistic regression analyses were performed to differentiate characteristics of men with and without main partners and mixed-model logistic regression analyses were performed to test for intervention effects. Men with main partners showed a greater likelihood of having unprotected anal sex with any partner, although the number of male sexual partners was higher for men without a main partner. SUMIT generally produced few differences in sexual risk behaviors and did not affect several potential mediator variables of the relationship between the intervention and sexual behaviors with main and nonmain partners.

Bisexuality↗

PubMed2006

The role of HIV serostatus disclosure in antiretroviral medication adherence.

This study examined the relationship between HIV serostatus disclosure and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The study was conducted with 215 HIV-seropositive patients who demonstrated poor adherence (<80%) and who were in serodiscordant relationships. Participants completed self-report measures regarding HIV serostatus disclosure and reasons for missing ART doses, as well as electronic monitoring of ART adherence (MEMS caps). Overall, 19% of the sample reported missing medication doses in the last two months due to concerns regarding serostatus disclosure. Participants who reported greater serostatus disclosure to others demonstrated higher rates of adherence, and this relationship remained after controlling for other explanatory variables. The relationship between disclosure and adherence was not mediated by practical support for adherence from others. Interventions to improve ART adherence should address the role of serostatus disclosure by providing patients with skills to maintain adherence in contexts of non-disclosure and to make informed choices regarding selective disclosure.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Depressive symptomatology among HIV-positive women in the era of HAART: a stress and coping model.

OBJECTIVE: An enhanced stress and coping model was used to explain depression among HIV-positive women in healthcare and community settings where highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) was commonplace. METHOD: HIV-infected women in four cities (N=978) were assessed, cross-sectionally, for mental and physical health, stress, social support, and other background factors. RESULTS: Self-reported level of depressive symptomatology was high. Number of physical symptoms, illness intrusiveness, and perceived stress were positively associated with depressed mood, while coping self-efficacy and social support were negatively associated. Stress mediated the effect of health status on depression and coping self-efficacy mediated the effect of psychosocial resources on depression. Our enhanced stress and coping model accounted for 52% of variance in depressive symtpomatology. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions focused on improving coping self-efficacy, bolstering social supports, and decreasing stress in the lives of HIV-positive women may help to reduce the negative effects of HIV disease on mood.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2006

Integrating HIV prevention activities into the HIV medical care setting: a report from the NYC HIV Centers Consortium.

With the maturing of the HIV epidemic and availability of potent antiretroviral therapies in the US, priorities for HIV prevention have shifted from general population approaches to case finding, treatment, risk reduction and relapse prevention activities among those at greatest risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV infection. The challenges of this approach include ensuring access and adherence to HIV care and treatment and appropriate prevention activities to ensure adequate and sustained sexual and drug use risk reduction across diverse populations. Experience with approaches to address these issues, particularly in the context of primary care, has been limited. An agenda for future research and practice includes continued development and evaluation of interventions that can address this next generation of health care issues.

Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active↗

PubMed2006

HIV behavioral research online.

Internet access has caused a global revolution in the way people of all ages and genders interact. Many have turned to the Internet to seek love, companionship, and sex, prompting researchers to move behavioral studies online. The sexual behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) has been more closely studied than that of any other group online given the abundance of gay-oriented websites and concerns about increasing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Not only does the Internet provide a new medium for the conduct of behavioral research and for participant recruitment into an array of research studies, it has the as yet unrealized potential to reach huge numbers of MSM with innovative harm reduction and prevention messages tailored to individualized needs, interests, and risk behavior. Internet-based research on sexual behavior has many advantages in rapidity of recruitment of diverse samples which include individuals unreachable through conventional methods (i.e., non-gay identified and geographically and socially isolated MSM, etc.). Internet-based research also presents some new methodologic challenges in study design, participant recruitment, survey implementation, and interpretation of results. In addition, there are ethical issues unique to online research including difficulties in verifying informed consent, obstacles to surveying minors, and the ability to assure anonymity. This paper presents a review of Internet-based research on sexual behavior in MSM, a general discussion of the methodologic and ethical challenges of Internet-based research, and recommendations for future interdisciplinary research.

Ethics, Research↗

PubMed2006

Positive provider interactions, adherence self-efficacy, and adherence to antiretroviral medications among HIV-infected adults: A mediation model.

Adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for HIV infection is critical for maximum benefit from treatment and for the prevention of HIV-related complications. There is evidence that many factors determine medication adherence, including adherence self-efficacy (confidence in one's ability to adhere) and relations with health care providers. However, there are no studies that examine how these two factors relate to each other and their subsequent influence on HIV medication adherence. The goal of the current analysis was to explore a model of medication adherence in which the relationship between positive provider interactions and adherence is mediated by adherence self-efficacy. Computerized self-administered and interviewer-administered self reported measures of medication adherence, demographic and treatment variables, provider interactions, and adherence self-efficacy were administered to 2765 HIV-infected adults on ARV. Criteria for mediation were met, supporting a model in which adherence self-efficacy is the mechanism for the relationship between positive provider interactions and adherence. The finding was consistent when the sample was stratified by gender, race, injection drug use history, and whether the participant reported receipt of HIV specialty care. Positive provider interactions may foster greater adherence self-efficacy, which is associated with better adherence to medications. Results suggest implications for improving provider interactions in clinical care, and future directions for clarifying interrelationships among provider interactions, adherence self-efficacy, and medication adherence are supported.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Cybercartography of popular internet sites used by New York City men who have sex with men interested in bareback sex.

A systematic method was used to elicit the names of the six most popular free Internet sites used by gay men and other men who have sex with men in New York City, to meet partners for "bareback" sex. An analysis of the sites characteristics shows that men can use mainstream Internet sites, gay-specific sites, and sex-focused sites free of charge to search for bareback sex partners, selecting by location, physical attributes, sexual mode, HIV-serostatus, and other characteristics. Many individuals use these sites, producing the impression that bareback sex is not an oddity confined to just a few. The official language of the bareback sites associates bareback sex with masculinity and courage, prioritizing pleasure, freedom, choice, and intimacy over HIV-transmission prevention. The sites facilitate sexual experimentation and the expansion of bareback networks. Although some consider bareback sex to represent a failure of HIV prevention, this study suggests that harm reduction strategies may be viable within bareback networks.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Predicting HIV transmission risk among HIV-infected men who have sex with men: findings from the healthy living project.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the predictors of transmission risk among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in 4 US cities. METHOD: Individual computer-assisted interviews assessing psychologic measures and sexual behavior with the 5 most recent male and female partners were conducted with a diverse sample of 1910 HIV-infected MSM recruited from community and clinic settings in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee. Transmission-risk events were defined as unprotected vaginal or anal sex with a partner who was HIV negative or of unknown status. RESULTS: A small but not insignificant proportion of MSM (12.7%) reported at least 1 transmission-risk event in the previous 3 months, with 57% of those events taking place with casual as opposed to steady partners. Multivariate predictors of transmission risk with casual partners were stimulant (eg, crystal methamphetamine) and other drug use, having low coping self-efficacy, and not having disclosed one's HIV serostatus to all partners. Stimulant use and failing to disclosing one's serostatus to all partners were associated with risk in primary relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Responding to HIV transmission risk in MSM requires different strategies for primary and casual partners.

HIV Infections↗

PubMed2005

Health and health care among male-to-female transgender persons who are HIV positive.

Recent studies have reported high rates of HIV infection among male-to-female transgender persons, but little research has examined how male-to-female transgender persons manage living with HIV. We compared demographic and health characteristics of 59 male-to-female transgender persons who were HIV positive with 300 nontransgender control subjects who were HIV positive. We found several demographic differences between the groups but no significant differences in HIV-related health status. Male-to-female transgender persons were less likely than the control group to take highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Couple-focused support to improve HIV medication adherence: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a couple-based intervention to improve medication-taking behavior in a clinic population with demonstrated adherence problems. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial (SMART Couples Study) conducted between August 2000 and January 2004. SETTING: Two HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in New York City. PARTICIPANTS: Heterosexual and homosexual HIV-serodiscordant couples (n = 215) in which the HIV-seropositive partner had < 80% adherence at baseline. The sample was predominantly lower-income racial/ethnic minorities. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to a four-session couple-focused adherence intervention or usual care. The intervention consisted of education about treatment and adherence, identifying adherence barriers, developing communication and problem-solving strategies, optimizing partner support, and building confidence for optimal adherence. OUTCOME MEASURES: Medication adherence at week 8 (2 weeks after the intervention) compared with baseline, assessed with a Medication Event Monitoring System cap. RESULTS: Intervention participants showed higher mean medication adherence at post-intervention when compared with controls whether adherence was defined as proportion of prescribed doses taken (76% versus 60%) or doses taken within specified time parameters (58% versus 35%). Also, participants in the intervention arm were significantly more likely to achieve high levels of adherence (> 80%, > 90%, or > 95%) when compared with controls. However, in most cases, effects diminished with time, as seen at follow-up at 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSION: The SMART Couples program significantly improved medication adherence over usual care, although the level of improved adherence, for many participants, was still suboptimal and the effect was attenuated over time.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Multiple dimensions of HIV stigma and psychological distress among Asians and Pacific Islanders living with HIV illness.

Asians and Pacific Islanders (APIs) living with HIV/AIDS in the US are particularly vulnerable to HIV-related stigma largely due to ingrained socio-cultural norms that strongly associate HIV transmission with activities perceived to be immoral. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between five HIV-stigma factors and psychological distress among 54 HIV-seropositive APIs. Social Rejection, Negative Self-Worth, Perceived Interpersonal Insecurity, and Financial Security were all significantly associated with psychological distress. Results from hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that Social Rejection, Negative Self-Worth, and Perceived Interpersonal Insecurity significantly predicted psychological distress after control for physical symptoms and country of birth. Undocumented Asians endorsed higher levels of Social Rejection, Negative Self-Worth and Perceived Interpersonal Insecurity than documented APIs. Future studies examining mechanisms of psychological distress among HIV-seropositive APIs are needed.

Asia↗

PubMed2005

Risk Perception and sexual risk behaviors among HIV-positive men on antiretroviral therapy.

There are reports of increased sexual risk behavior among people on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) due to beliefs about risk of HIV transmission when on HAART. In a cross-sectional study (Seropositive Urban Men's Study), we examined the relationship between risk perception and sexual risk behavior among sexually active, culturally diverse HIV positive men who have sex with men (N = 456). Less than twenty-five percent engaged in unprotected anal sex (either with an HIV negative, or unknown-status partner, or an HIV positive partner) within the past 3 months. Most men believed there was significant health risk (to partner or self) associated with unprotected sex when on HAART. There was no increased risk behavior associated with being on HAART, although the perception of negative health consequences, including HIV transmission, when on HAART was significantly lower for the relatively small subset of men who reported unprotected sex. Prevention strategies need to be tailored to address risk perception associated with HAART.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Increased high risk sexual behavior after September 11 in men who have sex with men: an Internet survey.

Numerous studies on the mental health effects of terrorist attacks have been published, with some reporting increases in smoking and drug and alcohol use. None have reported on changes in sexual behavior. To investigate the impact of the September 11 attacks on sexual and drug- and alcohol-using behaviors of men who have sex with men (MSM), an anonymous Internet survey was conducted to obtain information retrospectively on behavior during three month periods before and after the attacks. A total of 2,915 MSM from all 50 U.S. states completed the survey. Men who were exposed to the attacks were not differentially targeted for the survey since the online banner ad used to recruit did not mention September 11. Exposure to the attacks varied: 11.4% lost a friend or relative; 5% witnessed the attacks in person; and nearly all saw the attacks on television within one hour of their occurrence. Nearly equal proportions of men reported increases and decreases in the number of sex partners following September 11. Small, statistically significant increases in unprotected anal intercourse and alcohol use, but not illicit drug use, were found when behavior after September 11 was compared to that before the attacks. Men who lost a friend or relative in the attacks were significantly more likely to report unprotected anal intercourse, an increased number of sex partners, and increased alcohol use after September 11 than those who did not. Counseling about substance abuse and risky sexual behavior should be incorporated into trauma-related programs for adolescents and adults.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Perceived adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy.

Adverse effects from antiretroviral therapy (ARV) for HIV are associated with medication nonadherence. The purposes of this study were to explore group differences in the reporting of adverse effects, identify individual adverse effects that are linked to nonadherence, and to explore the role of coping in the relationship between adverse effects and adherence. Cross-sectional interviews of 2,765 HIV-positive adults on ARV therapies in four U.S. cities were performed using a computerized assessment of self-reported adverse effects, coping self-efficacy, and adherence. There were no gender differences in the rate or severity of adverse effects reported. Latino respondents reported more adverse effects than either White or African Americans. Those taking a protease inhibitor (PI) reported a higher rate and greater severity of adverse effects. Older participants reported fewer adverse effects despite being more likely to be on a regimen containing a PI. Respondents with less than 90% adherence reported greater numbers and severity of adverse effects overall. In multivariate analyses, nausea, skin problems, vomiting, and memory adverse effects were independently related to less than 90% adherence over the prior three days. Coping moderated the relationship between nausea and adherence such that individuals who reported lower coping self-efficacy and experienced nausea were at increased risk for nonadherence, regardless of the length of time on the current ARV regimen. Women and men are similar in their overall reports of adverse effects, and Latinos report more adverse effects to ARVs than White or African American patients. Specific adverse effects (skin problems, memory problems, vomiting, and nausea) are more likely than others to be associated with missing ARV medications. Increasing adaptive coping self-efficacy among patients experiencing nausea may be a particularly effective strategy in increasing medication adherence.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2005

Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine use, and relationship quality among HIV serodiscordant male couples.

The association between substance use and relationship quality was explored in a sample of 117 serodiscordant male couples. Several measures of relationship quality were used including dyadic satisfaction, affection, commitment, sexual satisfaction, and domestic violence. Although frequency of use was assessed for several substances, only alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine were used frequently enough for statistical analyses. The highest frequency of use within the couple in the past 2 months as well as the discrepancy in the frequency of use between the 2 members of the couple were considered. Although daily substance use was relatively rare in this sample, alcohol use was reported by 79%, marijuana use by 35%, and cocaine use by 15% of the men. Domestic violence was not associated with any substance use variable. Marijuana use was generally not associated with relationship quality. Alcohol and cocaine use were moderately associated with several indicators of poorer relationship quality.

Adult↗