A Qualitative Exploration of the Potential Role of Using Online Social Media Support Communities to Increase Initiation of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).

Objectives: This study sought to explore the potential role of peer-led online communities to increase use of medications for opioid use disorder.

Methods: From January through March 2020, participants with opioid use disorder and their family members/friends were recruited from paid Facebook ads; public health key stakeholders were recruited from referrals from the study team and opioid experts. Thirty participants from California were interviewed; 23 persons reporting opioid misuse, 3 family members/friends of persons misusing opioids, and 4 public health key stakeholders.

Factors Associated with COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination, and Use of Digital Contact Tracing Apps among Black and Latinx MSM (BLMSM) in Los Angeles.

This study examines the factors associated with COVID-19 testing, vaccination intent (both individually and jointly), and willingness to use contact tracing digital apps among a cohort of Black and Latinx men who have sex with men (BLMSM) living in Los Angeles during the initial peak (July 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire detailing participants COVID-19 experiences was sent to 300 primarily BLMSM after the first state-wide COVID-19 lockdown. Logistic regression models with random cluster effects were used for analyses.

The role of perceived health in retention disparity: A HIV-testing-related behavioral intervention among African American and Latinx men who have sex with men in the United States.

Retention in healthcare and health behavior remains a critical issue, contributing to inequitable distribution of intervention benefits. In diseases such as HIV, where half of the new infections occur among racial and sexual minorities, it is important that interventions do not enlarge pre-existing health disparities. To effectively combat this public health issue, it is crucial that we quantify the magnitude of racial/ethnic disparity in retention.

Feasibility and Acceptability of Online Recruitment and an Online Brief Mindfulness Intervention Among Patients With Sickle Cell Disease.

Background Pain among young adult patients with sickle cell disease (PWSCD) is a highly significant public health problem associated with reduced quality of life. Due to issues uniquely affecting PWSCD, including distrust of research, challenging life situations, debilitating pain, stigma, and logistical challenges (e.g.

A HOPE Online Community Peer Support Intervention for Help Seeking: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: A 6-week study was conducted to test the effectiveness of the Harnessing Online Peer Education (HOPE) intervention on anxiety, help seeking (requests for electronic resources [e-resources] on anxiety reduction), and online engagement.

Methods: Three hundred participants with moderate to severe anxiety (i.e.