Publications by authors named "J B Dacus"

We explored whether siblings can be engaged in PrEP promotion. We used the Information-Motivation-Behavior model to develop and conduct surveys and dyadic interviews with Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM) and their siblings (n = 31) and three sibling-only focus groups (n = 20). For LMSM, only n = 14 (45%) agreed they would benefit from taking PrEP, yet = 22 (71%) would take PrEP to make their sibling worry less about them, and = 23 (74%) requested a PrEP referral.

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Background: There is an urgent need to conduct innovative research on the health needs of populations whose intersecting identities, such as being Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) and sexual and gender identity (SGM) persons, put them at greater risk of HIV infection. More so, as important as it is to train on the best practices, it is as important to train aspiring BIPOC SGM scholars in intersectional HIV science so that they can address the HIV-related issues of BIPOC SGM populations.

Methods: In line with guidelines to increase diversity in the HIV workforce, we sought to (1) solidify the interest of BIPOC SGM trainees engaging in intersectional HIV science by piloting a 2-week Summer Intensive Program, (2) leverage the relationships and resources of our community partner to enhance our recruitment from HBCUs and MSIs, and (3) identify opportunities for postprogram training and mentoring activities.

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Background: There is an urgent need to increase diversity among scientific investigators in the HIV research field to be more reflective of communities highly affected by the HIV epidemic. Thus, it is critical to promote the inclusion and advancement of early-stage scholars from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in HIV science and medicine.

Methods: To widen the HIV research career pathway for early-stage scholars from underrepresented minority groups, the National Institutes of Health supported the development of the Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI).

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Objectives: After identifying and recruiting men who have sex with men living with HIV and virally unsuppressed, this study attempted to enhance treatment and care via case management to increase the proportion who achieved viral suppression.

Design: Participants were randomized into one of two study arms: standard of care (SOC) or enhanced case management (CM) intervention. Participants were followed for 12 months with quarterly study assessments, with blood collected for CD4+ cell count testing, HIV viral load testing (primary prespecified outcome), and plasma storage.

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Background: Black sexual minority men (SMM) ages 30 and older are under-represented in HIV studies in sub-Saharan Africa, despite being at increased risk of HIV infection and contributing to potential onward HIV transmission. To better understand the social and sexual lives of older Black South African SMM, we conducted in-depth interviews with SMM who were > 30 years old.

Methods: From March-September 2016, we recruited a convenience sample of 37 SMM ages 30 and older by partnering with an LGBTQ+ organization in Tshwane, Pretoria.

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