Homeless adults are at high risk for Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection due to high rates of injection drug use and unprotected sexual activity. Our NIDA-funded RO1 award has enabled us to implement a successful intervention designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a HBV vaccination intervention with homeless adults. Our findings revealed that a greater percent of homeless adults randomized to the Nurse Case Managed Plus Incentive and Tracking group completed the HAV/HBV vaccine series compared to a Standard program without tracking. Homeless persons least likely to complete the vaccine series were young (<40), and were men having sex with men (MSM);a significant number of these young adults also reported methamphetamine (MA) and cocaine/crack use. Stimulants (SAs), including MA and cocaine/crack are commonly used by homeless MSM, who contend with disorganized lives, unemployment, and little access to health and social services;thus, HBV vaccination is particularly challenging in this population. HAV/HBV vaccination and effective behavioral treatment are two of the most important strategies for reducing HBV infection among this at-risk group of SA users. Based upon advice from our community partners who have successfully treated SA-using gay and bisexual men (GBM), we will incorporate contingency management into our vaccination completion program, which had lower completion rates among young adults and MSMs. Thus, in this competitive renewal, we propose a randomized, experimental, two-group design to evaluate the effectiveness of a Nurse Case Managed Program, which includes specialized education and Contingency Management and Tracking (NCCMT), with a Standard Program, including brief education, Contingency Management and Tracking (SCMT) with 500 homeless, young (18-39), SA-using GBM, on completion of theTwinrixHAV/HBV vaccine and, secondarily, on reduction of risk for hepatitis and HIV. This study is innovative in that it will allow us to look at the effect of an enhanced case management and contingency management program versus a standard contingency management program. The proposed study combines optimal strategies to approach, engage and intervene with a hidden and high- risk population to assess the feasibility and efficacy of interventions that may prove beneficial in preventing HBV and HAV infections. We will also assess the relative cost of these programs in terms of completion of the HAV/HBV vaccination series. As use of SAs threatens to intensify homeless persons'risk of exposure to HAV and HBV, particularly among young users who may not yet be HBV-infected, research targeted to engage this group in treatment, until they are suitably protected from HBV, is critical.

Public Health Relevance

In this study, researchers from UCLA and Friends Community Center will work together in designing a program to assist young homeless stimulant-using gay and bisexual homeless men to complete the hepatitis vaccine and in reducing drug and sexual activity. Using nurse case management strategies, found successful with homeless adults as well as contingency management strategies, found successful with gay and bisexual homeless adults by our community partners, we will evaluate the effectiveness of a program that combines both strategies. As Stimulant use threatens to increase homeless persons'risk of exposure to hepatitis A and B viruses, particularly among young users who may not yet be HBV-infected, this research is targeted to engage this group in treatment, until they are suitably protected from HBV, and hopefully reduce risk for HCV and HIV as well.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DA016147-07
Application #
7795041
Study Section
Behavioral and Social Science Approaches to Preventing HIV/AIDS Study Section (BSPH)
Program Officer
Kahana, Shoshana Y
Project Start
2002-12-01
Project End
2014-02-28
Budget Start
2010-04-01
Budget End
2011-03-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$650,752
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Type
Schools of Nursing
DUNS #
092530369
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095
Zhang, S X; Shoptaw, S; Reback, C J et al. (2018) Cost-effective way to reduce stimulant-abuse among gay/bisexual men and transgender women: a randomized clinical trial with a cost comparison. Public Health 154:151-160
Nyamathi, Adeline; Reback, Cathy J; Shoptaw, Steven et al. (2017) Impact of Tailored Interventions to Reduce Drug Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Homeless Gay and Bisexual Men. Am J Mens Health 11:208-220
Nyamathi, Adeline M; Reback, Cathy J; Shoptaw, Steven et al. (2016) Impact of Community-Based Programs on Incarceration Outcomes Among Gay and Bisexual Stimulant-Using Homeless Adults. Community Ment Health J 52:1037-1042
Salem, Benissa E; Nyamathi Anp, Adey; Reback, Cathy et al. (2015) Unmet physical and mental healthcare needs among stimulant-using gay and bisexual homeless men. Issues Ment Health Nurs 36:685-92
Nyamathi, Adeline; Reback, Cathy J; Salem, Benissa E et al. (2015) Correlates of self-reported incarceration among homeless gay and bisexual stimulant-using young adults. West J Nurs Res 37:799-811
Ibabe, Izaskun; Stein, Judith A; Nyamathi, Adeline et al. (2014) Predictors of substance abuse treatment participation among homeless adults. J Subst Abuse Treat 46:374-81
Nyamathi, Adeline; Salem, Benissa; Reback, Cathy J et al. (2013) Correlates of hepatitis B virus and HIV knowledge among gay and bisexual homeless young adults in Hollywood. Am J Mens Health 7:18-26
Nyamathi, Adeline M; Marlow, Elizabeth; Branson, Catherine et al. (2012) Hepatitis A/B vaccine completion among homeless adults with history of incarceration. J Forensic Nurs 8:13-22
Nyamathi, Adeline; Branson, Catherine; Idemundia, Faith et al. (2012) Correlates of depressed mood among young stimulant-using homeless gay and bisexual men. Issues Ment Health Nurs 33:641-9
Hudson, Angela L; Nyamathi, Adeline; Bhattacharya, Debika et al. (2011) Impact of prison status on HIV-related risk behaviors. AIDS Behav 15:340-6

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