Publications by authors named "K J Koester"

Background: Point-of-care HIV viral load testing may enhance patient care and improve HIV health services. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of implementing such testing in a high-volume community sexual health clinic in the United States.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study.

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Introduction: Perspectives on long-acting injectable cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV-LA) from HIV health disparity populations are under-represented in current literature yet crucial to optimize delivery.

Methods: Between August 2022 and May 2023, we conducted in-depth interviews with people with HIV (PWH) at four HIV clinics in Atlanta, Chicago and San Francisco. Eligibility criteria were current CAB/RPV-LA use with receipt of ≥3 injections or CAB/RPV-LA discontinuation.

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Background: Community health workers (CHWs) can support patient engagement in care for a variety of health conditions, including HIV. This paper reports on the experiences of HIV clinics and health departments that integrated CHWs into their health systems as part of a capacity-building initiative to address HIV-related disparities in the United States.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants (n = 14) in two Ryan White HIV/AIDS program jurisdictions: Mississippi (jurisdiction covers the entire state) and the city of New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Background: Dual use of both e-cigarettes and cigarettes is popular among young adults and may lead to greater nicotine dependence and additive adverse health effects than single-product use. However, existing cessation programs target quitting either e-cigarettes or cigarettes, highlighting a need for interventions to help young adults quit both products (ie, dual tobacco cessation).

Objective: This formative study is part of a larger project to develop a smartphone intervention for dual tobacco cessation among young adults.

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HIV stigma has a negative influence on antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and persistence and viral suppression. Immediate access to ART (RAPID ART) has been shown to accelerate viral suppression (VS) that is sustained up to one year after HIV diagnosis. Little is known about the role of RAPID ART in reducing individual-level stigma.

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