Community-based Organizations Staff Research Articles

Mental health priorities and cultural-responsiveness of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for Asian immigrant populations in Greater Boston, Massachusetts

BackgroundAsians and Asian Americans have the lowest rate of mental health service utilization (25%) in the US compared to other racial/ethnic groups (39 − 52%), despite high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The lack of culturally-responsive mental health trainings hinders access to mental health services for these populations. We assessed the mental health priorities of Asian communities in Greater Boston and evaluated cultural responsiveness of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), a first-responder training teaching participants skills to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, and how to appropriately respond.MethodsThis is community-based participatory research with the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC), Asian Women For Health (AWFH), and the Addressing Disparities in Asian Populations through Translational Research (ADAPT) Coalition. We conducted focus groups with community-based organization staff and community members to assess mental health priorities of Asian populations in Boston, MA. We then evaluated the utility and cultural-responsiveness of the English-language MHFA for Asian populations through pre- and post-training questionnaires and focus groups with community participants. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate questionnaire responses. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interviews.ResultsIn total, ten staff and eight community members participated in focus groups, and 24 community members completed the MHFA and pre- and post-training questionnaires. Common mental health challenges in the Asian communities reported by participants were loneliness, high stigma around mental illnesses, academic pressure, and acculturation stress. Compared to pre-training, MHFA participants demonstrated lower personal mental health stigma (p < 0.001) and higher mental health literacy (p = 0.04) post-training. Participants also noted the lack of data statistics and case studies relevant to Asian populations in the training, and desired the training be offered in languages spoken by Asian ethnic subgroups (e.g., Chinese, Vietnamese).ConclusionCultural-responsiveness of the MHFA for Asian populations could be improved with the inclusion of data and case studies that capture common mental health challenges in the Asian communities and with translation of the MHFA to non-English languages predominant in Asian communities. Increasing the cultural relevance and language accessibility of the MHFA could facilitate wider adoption of these trainings across communities and help to reduce mental health stigma and gaps in literacy and service utilization.

A multi-informant qualitative analysis of desired features for an mHealth tool for youth living with HIV in South Carolina.

Youth living with HIV (YLHIV) in the southern United States experience poor outcomes across the HIV care continuum and are at high-risk for virologic failure. This study used a qualitative, community-engaged approach to inform the development of a tailored mobile Health (mHealth) tool for YLHIV in South Carolina (SC). Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with YLHIV in SC (n = 16) and their HIV care providers (n = 15). Focus group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted with HIV-focused community-based organization staff (n = 23). Interviews and FGDs queried desired components for a future mHealth tool tailored for YLHIV. Data were analyzed using a team-based rapid qualitative approach. Across informants, key themes emerged related to medical management of HIV, including a desire for connections with medical providers, appointment and medication reminders, and accurate HIV information. In addition, informants voiced a desire for mental health resources to be integrated into the app. Connection with HIV-positive peers also emerged as a key desire from youth informants. In terms of app design, informants emphasized the need for strict privacy practices, a youth-friendly design, compensation for use, and integration with existing healthcare systems. mHealth interventions developed for YLHIV should meet the mental health and social needs of YLHIV in addition to their medical needs. In addition, the highly stigmatized nature of HIV requires careful consideration when designing digital tools-youth want their privacy prioritized, but also express strong desire for social support to help cope with the isolation and stigma of this chronic health condition.

"And then the person sort of just drops off the radar…": barriers in the transition from hospital to community-based care among survivors of intimate partner violence in Metropolitan Atlanta.

Hospitals and community-based organizations (CBOs) provide the service-base for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), particularly those in acute crisis. Both settings face discrete challenges in meeting survivors' needs. In hospitals these challenges include the pressures of a fast-paced work setting, and a lack of trauma-informed and survivor-centered care. Connections to community care are often unmeasured, with relatively little known about best practices. Often IPV survivors who receive hospital care fail to connect with community-based services after discharge. Despite the critical role of CBOs in supporting IPV survivors, there is limited research examining the perspectives and insights of CBO staff on the challenges and opportunities for improving care coordination with hospitals. The purpose of this study was to address this knowledge gap by characterizing CBO staff perceptions of IPV care coordination between hospital and community-based organizations in Metropolitan Atlanta. We used a qualitative study design to conduct a cross-sectional examination of the perceptions and experiences of staff working at CBOs serving IPV survivors in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. The adapted in-depth interview (IDI) guide was used to explore: (1) IPV survivor experiences; (2) Survivors' needs when transitioning from hospital to community-based care; (3) Barriers and facilitators to IPV care coordination; and (4) Ideas on how to improve care coordination. Data analysis consisted of a thematic analysis using MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2022. Participants (N = 14) included 13 women and one man who were staff of CBOs serving IPV survivors in Metropolitan Atlanta. CBO staff perceived that: (1) IPV survivors face individual-, organizational-, and systems-level barriers during help seeking and service provision; (2) Care coordination between hospitals and CBOs is limited due to siloed care provision; and (3) Care coordination can be improved through increased bidirectional efforts. Our findings highlight the multi-level barriers IPV survivors face in accessing community-based care following medical care, the limitations of existing hospital-CBO coordination, and opportunities for improvement from the perspectives of CBO staff. Participants identified silos and inconsistent communication/relationships between hospital and CBOs as major barriers to care connections. They also suggested warm handoffs and a Family Justice Center to support care connection.

What features of drug treatment programs help, or not, with access? a qualitative study of the perspectives of family members and community-based organization staff in Atlantic Canada

BackgroundWithdrawal management and opioid agonist treatment (OAT) programs help to reduce some of the harms experienced by people who use substances (PWUS). There is literature on how features of drug treatment programs (e.g., policies and practices) are helpful, or not helpful, to PWUS when seeking access to, or in, treatment. There is, however, relatively little literature based on the perspectives of family members/family of choice of PWUS and community-based organization staff within the context of Atlantic Canada. This paper explored the perspectives of these two groups on what was helpful, or not, about drug treatment programs in Atlantic Canada in terms of supporting access to, and retention in, treatment.MethodsOne-on-one qualitative telephone interviews were conducted in 2020 with the two groups. Interviews focused on government-funded withdrawal management and OAT programs. Data were coded using a qualitative data management program (ATLAS.ti) and analyzed inductively for key themes/subthemes using grounded theory techniques.ResultsFifteen family members/family of choice and 16 community-based organization staff members participated (n = 31). Participants spoke about features of drug treatment programs in various places, and noted features that were perceived as helpful (e.g., quick access), as well as not helpful (e.g., wait times, programs located far from where PWUS live). Some participants provided their perceptions of how PWUS felt when seeking or accessing treatment. A number of participants reported taking various actions to help support access to treatment, including providing transportation to programs. A few participants also provided suggestions for change to help support access and retention such as better alignment of mental health and addiction systems.ConclusionsParticipants highlighted several helpful and not helpful features of drug treatment programs in terms of supporting treatment access and retention. Previous studies with PWUS and in other places have reported similar features, some of which (e.g., wait times) have been reported for many years. Changes are needed to reduce barriers to access and retention including the changes recommended by study participants. It is critical that the voices of key groups, (including PWUS) are heard to ensure treatment programs in all places support access and retention.

“To do so in a patient-centred way is not particularly lucrative”: The effects of neoliberal health care on PrEP implementation and delivery

BackgroundHIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective biomedical intervention used by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV acquisition. Despite increased use of PrEP worldwide, several barriers to PrEP implementation have resulted in insufficient uptake, inadequate adherence, and frequent discontinuation. Our objective was to interrogate the social, political, and economic conditions shaping PrEP implementation and delivery among gay, bisexual, queer and other men who have sex with men (GBQM) in Ontario, Canada. MethodsSix focus groups and three interviews with 20 stakeholders in Ontario (e.g., healthcare professionals, clinicians, community-based organization staff, and government staff) were conducted between July and October 2021. Participants were asked about the personal, workplace, and structural factors shaping PrEP delivery strategies for GBQM. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by the political economy of PrEP and employed a critique of neoliberalism. ResultsParticipants critiqued the problematic arrangements of the current healthcare system in Canada. Neoliberal governmentality and policies have resulted in inequitable PrEP care by establishing funding structures prioritizing profit and requiring patients and providers to function as individual entrepreneurs. Consequently, healthcare disparities are compounded for marginalized peoples who lack the resources and capacity to navigate existing healthcare systems. Participants identified several pathways to improve the implementation of PrEP, including greater institutional and governmental supports for PrEP and healthcare, leveraging communities and collaboration, and moving beyond risk-based health frameworks. ConclusionSocio-political-economic changes reflecting post-neoliberal principles are needed to overcome existing barriers to PrEP care, and sexual and reproductive healthcare more broadly.

Sexual Behavior and Sexual Decision-Making Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observations from a Rapid Ethnographic Assessment in Marion County, Indiana, October-November 2021.

From 2020 to 2021, Marion County, Indiana, USA, saw an increase in early syphilis diagnoses, primarily among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This rapid ethnographic assessment combines survey data from GBMSM with data from key informant interviews with multiple groups of stakeholders, including GBMSM, to describe how COVID-19 impacted sexual behaviors, sexual decision-making, and access to sexually transmitted disease (STD) services among GBMSM in Marion County, Indiana. A total of 62 virtual, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 72 key respondents including health department staff, medical providers, community-based organization staff, and GBMSM were conducted from October 14 to November 22, 2021. Modifications to partner-seeking and sexual behaviors attributable to the pandemic were associated with the way in which individuals reacted to the pandemic in general. Some GBMSM adopted mitigation strategies to avoid COVID-19 when meeting sex partners, such as creating a "sex pod." Effects on mental health included increased loneliness, heightened anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness regarding the perceived inevitability of acquiring COVID-19. For some, the latter prompted decreased engagement in preventive measures when engaging in sexual activity. The pandemic decreased access to STD services and significantly curtailed public health outreach efforts, which may have limited access to needed STD treatment and care. Efforts focusing on ongoing public health concerns during extreme health events like COVID-19 may want to consider the many ways these events affect ancillary behaviors, such sexual decision-making and sexual behaviors. The role of mental health is key; messaging and guidance may benefit from a trauma-informed approach.

Centering Equity and Fostering Stakeholder Collaboration and Trust-Pillars of the Maternal Health Innovation Program in Maryland.

To describe two main pillars of the Maryland Maternal Health Innovation Program (MDMOM): (1) centering equity and (2) fostering broad stakeholder collaboration and trust. We summarized MDMOM's key activities and used severe maternal morbidity (SMM) surveillance and program monitoring data to quantify MDMOM's work on the two pillars. We developed measures of hospital engagement with MDMOM (participation in quality improvement [QI] activities, participation in check-in meetings, staff involvement) and with other partners (participation in QI activities, representation in state-level groups). We examined Bonferroni-adjusted correlations between these hospital engagement measures and with key hospital characteristics: level of maternity care, annual delivery volume, and SMM rate. Over 100 national and state organizations and individual stakeholders contributed to our building the MDMOM program and implementing key activities centering equity: hospital-based SMM surveillance in 20 of Maryland's 32 hospitals; almost 5,000 trainings offered to perinatal health care providers; two telemedicine/telehealth interventions; training of home visitors and community-based organization staff. Birthing hospitals represent MDMOM's main implementation partners. The strength of their participation in MDMOM QI activities is positively correlated to their participation in check-in meetings and with the degree of involvement by physicians in such activities. Higher engagement in MDMOM QI activities is also positively correlated to hospitals' participation in other state-level maternal health initiatives or groups. Our experience with the MDMOM program demonstrates that an equity focus and broad stakeholder collaboration building strong relationships and providing implementation support can lead to high levels of engagement in innovative maternal health interventions.

A qualitative study of childhood cancer families' post-treatment needs and the impact of a community-based organization in a rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged, majority Hispanic/Latino region.

Individual- and population-level socioeconomic disadvantages contribute to unequal outcomes among childhood cancer survivors. Reducing health disparities requires understanding experiences of survivors from historically marginalized communities, including those with non-English language preference. We partnered with a community-based organization (CBO) serving families of children with cancer in a rural region in California with low socioeconomic status and majority Hispanic/Latino (H/L) residents. We interviewed English- and Spanish-speaking adolescent/young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors (≥15years old, ≥5years from diagnosis), parents, and CBO staff to evaluate post-treatment needs and impact of CBO support. Data were analyzed qualitatively using applied thematic analysis. Themes were refined through team discussions with our community partners. Twelve AYAs (11 H/L, 11 bilingual), 11 parents (eight H/L, seven non-English preferred), and seven CBO staff (five H/L, five bilingual) participated. AYAs (five female, seven male) were of median (min-max) age 20 (16-32) and 9 (5-19) years post diagnosis; parents (nine female, two male) were age 48 (40-60) and 14 (6-23) years post child's diagnosis. Themes included challenges navigating healthcare, communication barriers among the parent-AYA-clinician triad, and lasting effects of childhood cancer on family dynamics and mental health. Subthemes illustrated that language and rurality may contribute to health disparities. CBO support impacted families by serving as a safety-net, fostering community, and facilitating H/L families' communication. Childhood cancer has long-lasting effects on families, and those with non-English language preference face additional burdens. Community-based support buffers some of the negative effects of childhood cancer and may reduce disparities.

Collaborative PrEP Implementation Strategies for Latino Men Who have Sex with Men: A Health Center-Community Consensus Process

Community-based organizations (CBOs) deliver services in culturally-responsive ways, and could effectively partner with health centers to deliver HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM). However, few such models exist. We conducted a planning study in collaboration with three CBOs serving LMSM to identify optimal PrEP delivery strategies for health centers and CBOs to implement jointly. We established a Community Expert Panel (CEP) of eight client-facing CBO and health center staff. Over 6 months, the panel met monthly to identify collaborative strategies for PrEP delivery, using a modified Delphi method consisting of the following steps: (1) brainstorming strategies; (2) rating strategies on acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility; (3) review of data from qualitative focus group discussions with CBO clients; and (4) final strategy selection. The panel initially identified 25 potential strategies spread across three categories: improving communication between health centers and CBOs; using low-barrier PrEP options (e.g. telemedicine), and developing locally-relevant, culturally-sensitive outreach materials. Focus groups with CBO clients highlighted a desire for flexible options for PrEP-related care and emphasized trust in CBOs. The final package of strategies consisted of: (1) a web-based referral tool; (2) telemedicine appointments; (3) geographically-convenient options for lab specimen collection; (4) tailored print and social media; and (5) regular coaching sessions with CBO staff. Through a community-engaged process, we identified a package of PrEP delivery strategies that CBOs and health centers can implement in partnership, which have the potential to overcome barriers to PrEP for LMSM.

Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention: Perspectives on the Benefits and Barriers from Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Men and Health System Stakeholders in Ontario, Canada.

One hope surrounding long-acting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is reaching new users who could most benefit, as well as improving the experiences of oral PrEP users who may desire to switch modalities. Gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men (GBQM) continue to make up over half of new HIV diagnoses in Canada, and oral PrEP uptake has plateaued among this population. Approval of injectable PrEP is anticipated, but there is a paucity of research to inform health promotion and implementation. Between June and October 2021, we conducted 22 in-depth interviews with GBQM oral PrEP users and non-PrEP users living in Ontario, Canada. We also conducted small focus groups or individual interviews with 20 key stakeholders (health care providers, public health officials, community-based organization staff). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed in NVivo using thematic analysis. Only about one-third of GBQM had heard of injectable PrEP. Many PrEP users perceived greater convenience, adherence, and confidentiality with injectable PrEP. Some PrEP users did not anticipate switching because of needle discomfort or feeling more "in control" with oral PrEP. None of the non-PrEP users said that injectable PrEP would make them start PrEP. Injectable PrEP may offer additional convenience for GBQM; however, it did not appear to affect participants' PrEP decision-making significantly. Stakeholders noted that injectable PrEP may improve access, support adherence, and benefit marginalized groups. Some clinicians expressed concerns about the time/personnel required to make injectable PrEP available. System-level challenges in implementing injectable PrEP, including cost, must also be addressed.

Advancing health equity: A qualitative study assessing barriers and facilitators of implementing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk screening tools in community-based organizations.

Genetic counseling and testing (GCT) inform cancer management for persons at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Community-based organizations (CBOs) may play a role in identifying at-risk Latinx individuals to connect them to GCT but data are lacking. Two academic centers and their four CBO partners planned to implement a validated questionnaire for HBOC risk screening ("HBOC risk screening tool"). This study aimed to assess CBO's preferences for HBOC risk screening tools, as well as the barriers and facilitators anticipated for future implementation. Pre-implementation focus groups were conducted with CBO's staff. Discussions centered on current practices to identify and refer at-risk patients. During the discussion, staff were asked to select one out of five validated HBOC risk screening tools to implement and to discuss anticipated barriers/facilitators for implementation. The four focus groups were coded and qualitative analyzed following the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Health Equity domains. All CBOs chose the Family History Screen 7 (FHS-7). Participants (N = 35) highlighted how the FHS-7 was easy to adapt to better fit the target population and changing guidelines. They had positive attitudes toward implementing the screening tool, stressed how the culture of the organization positioned them to reach the target population, and noted barriers in different CFIR domains (e.g., low knowledge about HBOC and GCT referrals; scarce available resources). Participants pointed to barriers related to health equity domains including limited access to GCT and follow-up care for uninsured and underinsured populations, challenges obtaining accurate family history, and immigration-related barriers. CBOs highlighted the importance of partnering with other stakeholders to overcome barriers. Findings emphasize the need to develop multi-level implementation strategies to overcome barriers and leverage facilitators. This study can inform the development of implementation toolkits for CBOs to implement HBOC screening tools to advance health equity.

“We Keep Each Other Safe”: San Francisco Bay Area Community-Based Organizations Respond to Enduring Crises in the COVID-19 Era

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed ways in which communities take care of themselves in deeply unequal times. Tracing a pandemic-year evolution of community-based organizations (CBOs) in the San Francisco Bay Area through twenty-seven semi-structured interviews with CBO staff, we argue that, through diverse approaches that we characterize as a <i>politics of care</i>, Bay Area CBOs are reshaping their work in ways that could address social and structural determinants of health inequities in the long term. Their approaches call for rethinking the crisis framework around public health challenges such as pandemics. Our research confirms that, rather than an exceptional, short-term challenge, the pandemic crisis is a product of a longer trajectory of structurally produced inequities endemic to racial capitalism.

Reproducibility and implementation of a rapid, community-based COVID-19 "test and respond" model in low-income, majority-Latino communities in Northern California.

To evaluate implementation of a community-engaged approach to scale up COVID-19 mass testing in low-income, majority-Latino communities. In January 2021, we formed a community-academic "Latino COVID-19 Collaborative" with residents, leaders, and community-based organizations (CBOs) from majority-Latinx, low-income communities in three California counties (Marin/Merced/San Francisco). The collaborative met monthly to discuss barriers/facilitators for COVID-19 testing, and plan mass testing events informed by San Francisco's Unidos en Salud "test and respond" model, offering community-based COVID-19 testing and post-test support in two US-census tracts: Canal (Marin) and Planada (Merced). We evaluated implementation using the RE-AIM framework. To further assess testing barriers, we surveyed a random sample of residents who did not attend the events. Fifty-five residents and CBO staff participated in the Latino collaborative. Leading facilitators identified to increase testing were extended hours of community-based testing and financial support during isolation. In March-April 2021, 1,217 people attended mass-testing events over 13 days: COVID-19 positivity was 3% and 1% in Canal and Planada, respectively. The RE-AIM evaluation found: census tract testing coverage of 4.2% and 6.3%, respectively; 90% of event attendees were Latino, 89% had household income <$50,000/year, and 44% first-time testers (reach), effectiveness in diagnosing symptomatic cases early (median isolation time: 7 days) and asymptomatic COVID-19 (41% at diagnosis), high adoption by CBOs in both counties, implementation of rapid testing (median: 17.5 minutes) and disclosure, and post-event maintenance of community-based testing. Among 265 non-attendees surveyed, 114 (43%) reported they were aware of the event: reasons for non-attendance among the 114 were insufficient time (32%), inability to leave work (24%), and perceptions that testing was unnecessary post-vaccination (24%) or when asymptomatic (25%). Community-engaged mass "test and respond" events offer a reproducible approach to rapidly increase COVID-19 testing access in low-income, Latinx communities.

Community-Engaged Teen Pregnancy Prevention: A Needs Assessment.

Teen birth is a contributor to significant challenges, including poverty, foster care, increased medical expenses, and high school dropout. Although teen birth rates have declined, disparities persist by state. Oklahoma's teen birth rate is fifth highest in the nation. Recognizing population-level change is not possible through the work of any single organization, Thrive is the convening leader of a multipartner collaboration called the Central Oklahoma Teen Pregnancy Prevention Collaboration. This collaboration utilizes the Collective Impact framework to bring organizations together to address teen pregnancy. The purpose of this article is to detail the consulting phase of the Collective Impact Community Engagement Toolkit, welcoming feedback from community members regarding programs. Method. Researchers conducted a mixed-methods needs assessment, including interviews and surveys with community-based organization staff, faith members, and caregivers. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and NVIVO 12 Pro. Results. A total of 350 surveys and 25 interviews were included in the analysis. Looking across all three populations, participants wanted to learn most about parent-child communication, communication skills with partners, and sexually transmitted infections/sexually transmitted diseases. Participants wanted topics delivered through educational programs, handouts/brochures, group settings, and websites. Common barriers were needing additional training/information, limited time, and lack of approval/support from others. Conclusions. This community needs assessment provided valuable information regarding needs of community-based organization staff, faith members, and parents related to adolescent sexual health. By including the community in needs assessments and using multiple tools, researchers/practitioners are able to see which strategies are best for gathering rich feedback and planning sustainable programs.

Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination Among People Living With HIV and AIDS in China: Nationwide Cross-sectional Online Survey.

BackgroundHIV infection is a significant independent risk factor for both severe COVID-19 presentation at hospital admission and in-hospital mortality. Available information has suggested that people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) could benefit from COVID-19 vaccination. However, there is a dearth of evidence on willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination among PLWHA.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination among a national sample of PLWHA in China.MethodsThis cross-sectional online survey investigated factors associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination among PLWHA aged 18 to 65 years living in eight conveniently selected Chinese metropolitan cities between January and February 2021. Eight community-based organizations (CBOs) providing services to PLWHA facilitated the recruitment. Eligible PLWHA completed an online survey developed using a widely used encrypted web-based survey platform in China. We fitted a single logistic regression model to obtain adjusted odds ratios (aORs), which involved one of the independent variables of interest and all significant background variables. Path analysis was also used in the data analysis.ResultsOut of 10,845 PLWHA approached by the CBOs, 2740 completed the survey, and 170 had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This analysis was performed among 2570 participants who had never received COVID-19 vaccination. Over half of the participants reported willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination (1470/2570, 57.2%). Perceptions related to COVID-19 vaccination were significantly associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination, including positive attitudes (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09-1.12; P<.001), negative attitudes (aOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.97; P<.001), perceived support from significant others (perceived subjective norm; aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.46-1.61; P<.001), and perceived behavioral control (aOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.11-1.14; P<.001). At the interpersonal level, receiving advice supportive of COVID-19 vaccination from doctors (aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.65-2.40; P<.001), CBO staff (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.51-2.36; P<.001), friends and/or family members (aOR 3.22, 95% CI 1.93-5.35; P<.001), and PLWHA peers (aOR 2.38, 95% CI 1.85-3.08; P<.001) was associated with higher willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The overall opinion supporting COVID-19 vaccination for PLWHA on the internet or social media was also positively associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination (aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.31-1.94; P<.001). Path analysis indicated that interpersonal-level variables were indirectly associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination through perceptions (β=.43, 95% CI .37-.51; P<.001).ConclusionsAs compared to PLWHA in other countries and the general population in most parts of the world, PLWHA in China reported a relatively low willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The internet and social media as well as interpersonal communications may be major sources of influence on PLWHA’s perceptions and willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination.

Knowledge and perceptions of human trafficking among community-based and faith-based organization members in South Los Angeles.

The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the knowledge and perceptions of human trafficking (HT) among leaders and staff from 11 community-based organizations (CBOs) and faith-based organizations (FBOs) in South Los Angeles, and (2) to identify gaps in knowledge of HT and inform community organizations regarding possible best practices in health promotion for addressing this emerging public health problem. A self-administered survey was conducted during the period from 4 December 2015 to 28 January 2016. Descriptive statistics were generated and a logistic regression model was constructed using SAS 9.3. A total of 277 CBO and FBO leaders and staff completed the survey. Participants demonstrated high levels of knowledge of HT but their knowledge was not comprehensive, as gaps exist in recognizing the context in which HT usually takes place; understanding the local laws that govern this activity; and ways to follow related policies/procedures when the problem is suspected. A majority (a) believed there were not enough services in Los Angeles County to help survivors of HT, (b) could not recognize the signs of HT, and (c) did not know what steps to take if they suspected this criminal activity. A statistically significant association was found between education and participants' knowledge of HT, and with their beliefs and attitudes toward this violation of human rights. Study findings suggest that, generally, CBO/FBO leaders and staff in South Los Angeles have good knowledge about HT. However, notable gaps in knowledge and misperceptions remain, suggesting opportunities for Public Health to further educate and intervene.

Management practices in community-based HIV prevention organizations in Nigeria

BackgroundNigeria has one of the largest Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemics in the world. Addressing the epidemic of HIV in such a high-burden country has necessitated responses of a multidimensional nature. Historically, community-based organizations (CBOs) have played an essential role in targeting key populations (eg. men who have sex with men, sex workers) that are particularly burdened by HIV. CBOs are an essential part of the provision of health services in sub-Saharan Africa, but very little is known about the management practices of CBOs that provide HIV prevention interventions.MethodsWe interviewed 31 CBO staff members and other key stakeholders in January 2017 about management practices in CBOs. Management was conceptualized under the classical management process perspective; these four management phases—planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating—guided the interview process and code development. Data analysis was conducted thematically using Atlas.ti software. The protocol was approved by the ethics committees of the National Institute of Public Health of Mexico (INSP), the National Agency for the Control of AIDS in Nigeria (NACA), and the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR).ResultsWe found that CBOs implement variable management practices that can either hinder or facilitate the efficient provision of HIV prevention services. Long-standing CBOs had relatively strong organizational infrastructure and capacity that positively influenced service planning. In contrast, fledgling CBOs were deficient of organizational infrastructure and lacked program planning capacity. The delivery of HIV services can become more efficient if management practices are taken into account.ConclusionsThe delivery of HIV services by CBOs in Nigeria was largely influenced by inherent issues related to skills, organizational structure, talent retention, and sanction application. These, in turn, affected management practices such as planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating. This study shows that KP-led CBOs are evolving and have strong potentials and capacity for growth, and can become more efficient and effective if attention is paid to issues such as hierarchy, staff recruitment, and talent retention.

Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination Among People Living With HIV and AIDS in China: A Nationwide Online Survey

Background: People living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) could benefit from COVID-19 vaccination. There is a dearth of evidence on willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination (WTR) among PLWHA.Methods: The study is a multicenter cross-sectional online survey conducted in eight conveniently selected Chinese metropolitan cities between January and February 2021. Participants were PLWHA aged 18-65 years and living in the study cities. Eight community-based organizations (CBO) providing services to PLWHA, one in each city, facilitated the recruitment through their networks. Eligible PLWHA completed an online survey developed using Golden Data, a widely used encrypted web-based survey platform in China. Logistic regression models and path analysis were used in data analysis.Findings: Out of 10,845 PLWHA approached by the CBO, 2740 completed the survey. This analysis was performed among 2570 participants who had never received COVID-19 vaccination. Over half of the participants reported WTR (57·2%, 1470/2570). After adjusting for potential confounders, all four constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) were significantly associated with WTR, including positive attitudes (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 1·11, 95%CI: 1·09, 1·12), negative attitudes (aOR: 0·96, 95%CI: 0·94, 0.97), perceived support from significant others (perceived subjective norm) (aOR: 1·53, 95%CI: 1·46, 1·61), and perceived higher behavioral control (aOR: 1·13, 95%CI: 1·11, 1·14). At the interpersonal level, receiving advice supportive of COVID-19 vaccination from doctors (aOR: 1·99, 95%CI: 1·65, 2·40), CBO staff (aOR: 1·89, 95%CI: 1·51, 2·36), friends and/or family members (aOR: 3·22, 95%CI: 1·93, 5·35), and PLWHA peers (aOR: 2.38, 95%CI: 1·85, 3·08) were associated with higher WTR. Overall opinion supporting COVID-19 vaccination for PLWHA on Internet or social media was also positively associated with WTR (aOR: 1·59, 95%CI: 1·31, 1·94). Path analysis indicated that interpersonal-level variables was indirectly associated with WTR through TPB-related perceptions (β=0·43, 95% CI=0·37, 0·51).Interpretation: PLWHA in China reported a relatively low WTR. Interpersonal communication and Internet/social media may be the major sources to convey information and promote COVID-19 vaccination in the population.Funding Statement: This work was supported by the Academic technology leader project of Changzhi Medical College (Grant No. XSQ201902), he Beijing Excellent Talent Plan (2018000021223ZK04) and the National Institute of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers R34MH119963.Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.Ethics Approval Statement: The Institutional Review Boards of Changzhi Medical College (RT2021003) approved this study.

“I Want to Advocate for Our Kids”: How Community-Based Organizations Broker College Enrollment for Underrepresented Students

This exploratory study examines the role community-based organizations have in bridging low-income students of color to postsecondary institutions. Data came from interviews with organization staff, high school students, and college students associated with three distinct community-based organizations located in a mid-size city. The findings suggest that organization staff are well-positioned in youth, academic, and community social networks. Staff become social brokers across these networks through three steps: cultivating authentic and safe relationships, lessons from students, and becoming advocates. Community-based organization staff strategically advocate for underrepresented student college enrollment and admissions by serving as social brokers between students, schools, and their communities.

The methamphetamine epidemic among persons who inject heroin in Hai Phong, Vietnam

AimsTo describe the current methamphetamine (MA) use epidemic among persons who inject heroin (PWID) in Hai Phong, Vietnam, and consider possibilities for mitigating adverse effects of methamphetamine use. MethodsThis study conducted surveys of PWID in 2016, 2017, and 2018 (N = 1383, 1451, and 1445, respectively). Trained interviewers administered structured interviews covering drug use histories, current drug use, and related risk behaviors. The study used urinalysis to confirm current drug use, and conducted HIV and HCV testing. ResultsParticipants were predominantly male (95%), mean age of 40, and all reported injecting heroin. Respondents' reports of initiating MA use were rare up through early 2000s but increased exponentially through the mid-2010s. MA use was predominantly “smoking,” heating the drug and inhaling the vapor using a pipe; injecting MA was rare. Current (past 30 day) MA use appears to have plateaued in 2016–2018 with 53–58% of participants reporting no use in the last 30 days, 37–41% reporting low to moderate use (1 to 19 days in last 30 days), and 5–7% reporting very frequent use (20 or more days in last 30 days). This plateau reflects a rough balance between new users and individuals ceasing use. ConclusionsMA use has become a substantial public health problem among PWID in Hai Phong. Initiation into MA use rose exponentially from 2005 to about 2015. Use of MA will likely continue for a substantial number of PWID. Currently, no medication is approved for treating MA disorders in Vietnam. Current psychosocial treatment requires highly trained counselors and months of treatment, so that psychosocial treatment for all PWID with MA disorders is likely beyond the resources available in a middle-income country such as Vietnam. Harm reduction programs implemented by community-based organization staff may provide a way to rapidly address aspects of the current MA epidemic. Such programs could emphasize social support for reducing use where possible and for avoiding escalation of use among persons continuing to use.