HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Men Experiencing Incarceration in the United States: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective approach to preventing HIV acquisition and recommended for populations over-represented in carceral systems, given the overlap with populations disproportionately impacted by HIV. However, few studies have focused on PrEP initiation outcomes in a carceral setting to maximize public health impact.

Setting: This study was conducted in a unified jail/prison system within the state of Rhode Island located in the United States.

"Why Not Just go on PrEP?": A Study to Inform Implementation of an HIV Prevention Intervention Among Hispanic/Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Northeastern United States.

Background: Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective biological option for HIV prevention yet persistent disparities in PrEP uptake and retention exist among Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). We evaluated barriers and facilitators to PrEP care among Hispanic/Latino MSM at risk for and living with HIV.

Setting: A small urban setting in the Northeastern United States.

Characterizing Interest in and Uptake of Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention Among Men in a US State Correctional System.

Background: People experiencing incarceration are disproportionately impacted by HIV and are potential candidates for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We explored factors associated with PrEP interest and PrEP uptake and described barriers to PrEP uptake among incarcerated men in a state correctional system.

Methods: From September 2019 to July 2022, incarcerated men at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections were screened for PrEP eligibility and referred to a PrEP initiation study.

Implementation of Point of Care Sexually Transmitted Infections Testing in a Community Clinic Setting.

The rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, are rising. Point-of-care (POC) testing could increase access to testing and treatment. This evaluation found POC STI testing to be concordant with the results of traditional laboratory testing for 100% of patients who were tested.

Implementing Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in a Statewide Correctional System in the United States.

HIV disproportionately affects populations experiencing incarceration. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective approach to preventing HIV acquisition among populations at increased risk of acquiring HIV. Yet few, if any, efforts have been made to offer PrEP in correctional settings.

Human papillomavirus vaccination coverage among sexually active young adults aged 18 to 26 at a sexually transmitted infections clinic.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is the most effective biomedical intervention for HPV infections. HPV vaccination rate among sexually active young adults is largely unknown.

Methods: Patients aged 18-26 years, who attended the Rhode Island Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic between 2013-2018, were included in the study.

Characterizing HIV Syndemics and the Role of Incarceration Among Men Who have Sex with Men Presenting for Care at a Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) with a history of incarceration experience unique risk factors for HIV acquisition. The current study examined unique risk factors for HIV among MSM with a history of incarceration presenting to a sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic. We analyzed self-reported behavioral data from clinical encounters among patients attending the clinic between January 2012 and April 2021.

Statewide evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Rhode Island.

Background: Vaccines are effective in preventing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccine hesitancy defined as delay of acceptance or refusal of the vaccine is a major barrier to effective implementation.

Methods: Participants were recruited statewide through an English and Spanish social media marketing campaign conducted by a local news station during a one-month period as vaccines were becoming available in Rhode Island (from December 21, 2020 to January 22, 2021).

Characterizing the Impact of COVID-19 on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Care.

COVID-19 is a public health crisis that has fundamentally altered health care provision. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care. We reviewed all patient records for those who presented for PrEP care at a PrEP program in Providence, Rhode Island from September 1st, 2019 to May 29th, 2020.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Internal Medicine Residents at a Major Academic Medicine Residency Program.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its associated disease (COVID-19) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality across the United States. Internal medicine (IM) residents are a critical component of the healthcare workforce yet their seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is largely unknown. The aim of this research was to ascertain the seroprevalences of SARS-CoV-2 among internal medicine residents during the first peak of COVID-19.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic Visits.

Coronavirus disease 2019 is responsible for a global pandemic and has impacted health care accessibility and delivery. Clinic data were reviewed for an STI clinic from September 2019 to May 2020. A significant decrease in rates of STI visits and treatments during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic was observed.