Publications by authors named "T Dark"

Background: Individuals with chronic physical conditions and comorbid mental illness have increased probability of adverse health outcomes. As minority populations have limited access to both medical care and culturally appropriate mental health services, having a comorbid mental health condition can further impede their ability to manage chronic conditions and widen racial disparities in health outcomes. Further, racial/ethnic disparities in treatment patterns are likely to exacerbate disparities in adverse health outcomes.

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Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many US youth with HIV (YHIV) used telehealth services; others experienced disruptions in clinic and antiretroviral therapy (ART) access.

Methods: Using the Cost-effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications (CEPAC)-Adolescent HIV microsimulation model, we evaluated 3 scenarios: 1) Clinic: in-person care; 2) Telehealth: virtual visits, without CD4 or viral load monitoring for 12 months, followed by return to usual care; and 3) Interruption: complete care interruption with no ART access or laboratory monitoring for 6 months (maximum clinic closure time), followed by return to usual care for 80%. We assigned higher 1-year retention (87% vs 80%) and lower cost/visit ($49 vs $56) for Telehealth vs Clinic.

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Background: The HIV epidemic remains a major public health concern, particularly among youths living with HIV. While the availability of antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved the health outcomes of people living with HIV, there is growing evidence that youths living with HIV may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying mechanisms linking HIV and cardiovascular disease among youths living with HIV remain poorly understood.

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Objective: Women living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are less of a focus in the HIV literature, which tends to focus on the HIV experiences of men who have sex with men (MSMs). Hence, we conducted a qualitative study that examined: (a) the type of stigma and discrimination that women living with HIV experience related to their HIV status, (b) the source of this stigma and discrimination, (c) their responses related to this stigma and discrimination, and (d) the ways in which women living with HIV cope with these experiences of stigma and discrimination.

Design: Participants consisted of 14 self-identified women living with HIV that were recruited at a community organization in the Southern United States that provides services to individuals living with HIV.

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Introduction: Incarcerated individuals experience increased health problems, presenting additional challenges as they leave prison and re-enter the community. These challenges are disproportionally experienced by racial and ethnic minorities. Despite these trends, little is known regarding the availability of medical services within the communities to which incarcerated individuals return.

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