Robin J. Jacobs

A systematic review of eHealth interventions to improve health literacy

Implementation of eHealth is now considered an effective way to address concerns about the health status of health care consumers. The purpose of this study was to review empirically based eHealth intervention strategies designed to improve health literacy among consumers in a variety of settings. A computerized search of 16 databases of abstracts (e.g. Biomedical Reference Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Computers & Applied Sciences Complete, Health Technology Assessments, MEDLINE) were explored in a systematic fashion to assess the presence of eHealth applications targeting health literacy. Compared to control interventions, the interventions using technology reported significant outcomes or showed promise for future positive outcomes regarding health literacy in a variety of settings, for different diseases, and with diverse samples. This review has indicated that it is feasible to deliver eHealth interventions specifically designed to improve health literacy skills for people with different health conditions, risk factors, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Factors associated with risk for unprotected receptive and insertive anal intercourse in men aged 40 and older who have sex with men.

Abstract The frequency of HIV infection is increasing in men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 40 and older yet little is known about factors that influence their risky sexual behavior, such as sexual positioning. The goal of this study was to examine multi-level factors associated with unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI) and unprotected insertive anal intercourse (UIAI) in MSM aged 40 and older. A community-based sample of 802 self-identified MSM aged 40–94 years was recruited through targeted outreach from community venues (e.g., bars, social events) in South Florida and completed an anonymous pen-and-paper questionnaire. Logistic regression showed that younger age (i.e., aged 40–59; odds ratio [OR]=0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4, 0.9), HIV-positive status (OR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.9, 4.0), drug use (OR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.7), a larger number of male sexual partners (OR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.3), and lower scores on internalized homonegativity (OR=0.9; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.0) were associated with higher risk for URAI. Younger age (OR=0.4; 95% CI: 0.3, 0.6), HIV-positive status (OR=1.5; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.1), drug use (OR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.1, 22.3), Viagra use (OR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.4), larger number of sexual partners (OR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.6, 2.9), and holding views more characterized by high optimism concerning the future (OR=1.1; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.1) were associated with higher risk for UIAI. These results provide useful information that may guide the development of tailored prevention interventions to reduce the growing rates of HIV among MSM aged 40 and older.

Self-silencing and age as risk factors for sexually acquired HIV in midlife and older women.

Objectives: This study explores the contribution of psychosocial factors on sex behaviors of midlife and older women. Methods: A community-based sample of ethnically diverse women (N = 572) between the ages of 50 and 93 completed standardized measures of self-silencing, self-esteem, sensation-seeking behavior, HIV-related stigma behavior, sexual assertiveness, and safer sex behaviors. Results : Results from the regression analysis indicated the model significantly predicted safer sex behaviors (p < .001), with self-silencing (β = —.115, p < .05) and age (β = .173, p < .001) as significant predictors. Bivariate correlation analysis indicated an inverse correlation between HIV stigma (p < .05) and safer sex behaviors. Discussion: Implications for further study and practice are discussed to include considerations for development of age- and gender-appropriate prevention interventions assisting women with interpersonal processes combined with skills for active involvement in addressing high-risk sex behaviors.

Drug Use and Hispanic Men Who Have Sex with Men in South Florida: Implications for Intervention Development

Despite continued high HIV risk among Hispanic men who have sex with men (HMSM), culturally tailored, theoretically based interventions have yet to be developed and tested. As a first step toward intervention development, we collected quantitative and qualitative data on sociocultural and psychological factors associated with drug use and risky sex among 566 HMSM recruited from community and Internet venues. Participants reported high rates of drug use (43%), unprotected anal sex (45%), and multiple sex partners (median 4) in the past 6 months. In multivariate analyses, use of drugs was associated with HIV seropositivity, less orientation to the Hispanic community, stronger attachment to the gay community, lower levels of homophobia, higher numbers of sex partners and more unprotected anal sex. The need for acceptance and desire to please partners emerged as core drivers of HIV risk in the qualitative data. Findings were used to guide development of Proyecto SOL, a theoretically grounded intervention that targets core determinants of HIV risk, builds on protective cultural influences, and strengthens positive social connections.

HIV-Related Stigma in Midlife and Older Women

HIV-related stigma has been identified as a barrier to HIV testing and prevention efforts internationally and nationally. Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is rapidly increasing in women aged 50 and older, little is known about the HIV-stigmatizing behaviors in this underserved population. In this exploratory analysis we investigated the influence of self esteem, sensation seeking, self silencing, and sexual assertiveness on the HIV-stigmatizing behaviors in 572 women aged 50 to 93. The variables considered in this analysis included subscales for the variables self silencing (Externalized Self Perception, Care as Self Sacrifice, Silencing the Self, Divided Self) and sexual assertiveness (Information Communication, Initiation, Refusal). Contributing predictive variables in the final model included: Self esteem (β = −.190, t = −4.487, p = .000), Care as Self-Sacrifice (β = .125, t = 2.714, p = .007), and Silencing the Self (β = .164, t = 3.290, p = .001). Initiation (β = .108, t = −2.619, p = .009) and Refusal (β = −.091, t = −2.154, p = .032). Implications for social work and health perception regarding HIV prevention in midlife and older women are considered. Development of age- and gender-appropriate strategies assisting women in addressing HIV-stigma and related influences are addressed.

Theory-Based Policy Development for HIV Prevention in Racial/Ethnic Minority Midlife and Older Women

ABSTRACT In 2008, there were more than a million persons with HIV/AIDS in the United States. The CDC (2007) estimates that 15% of persons with HIV/AIDS are over age 50. At greater risk are women of color. Most intervention efforts have focused on intrapersonal aspects of an individual and his or her sexual-risk behaviors, with little or no attention directed toward interpersonal and socioenvironmental considerations of risk and prevention. This paper considers the limitations of current national policies relating to HIV prevention in minority populations, especially among midlife and older women of color. In particular, this paper examines risk and prevention policies in light of ecological perspectives, social capital, and dialogical theories.

Condom use, disclosure, and risk for unprotected sex in HIV-negative midlife and older men who have sex with men.

Sexual risk behaviors account for most HIV infections in men who have sex with men (MSM), and the risk of exposure from each sexual encounter increases with age. The focus of this study was to investigate which behaviors in midlife and older MSM influence their sexual risk/protection. Cross-sectional data were collected from a community-based sample of 802 MSM aged 40 years and older from community venues (e.g., bars) who completed an anonymous questionnaire. Data from a subset of 420 MSM who were HIV-negative (aged 40-81 years) were used to investigate which behaviors were associated with greater risk for unprotected anal sex. Regression analyses indicated that erection difficulties (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8-12.2), practicing safe sex with outside partners but not with one’s primary partner (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.3-0.94), and recreational drug use (OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.3-5.1) were associated with higher risk for unprotected receptive anal intercourse. Younger age (OR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.9- 0.9), not telling partners about HIV status (OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.5-6.5), finding partners in backrooms/sex clubs (OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.1- 6.8), and erection difficulties (OR = 10.3; 95% CI = 2.8-37.8) were associated with higher risk for unprotected insertive anal intercourse. These data indicate there may be certain factors specific to older MSM that influence their sexual risk taking behaviors. Programs may be more effective if they are tailored for older cohorts of MSM and address interpersonal communication, erection problems, and substance use to reduce health risks and promote healthier lifestyles.

Development and Validation of a Brief Computer-Administered HIV-Related Health Literacy Scale (HIV-HL)

Health literacy is related to a number of health status variables and has been associated with medication adherence in persons treated for HIV infection. Currently-available measures of health literacy require lengthy administration or have content or format limitations. In this paper we report the preliminary development and validation of a brief computer-administered health literacy test that includes content focused on medication adherence as well as questions based on a video simulation of an HIV-related clinical encounter. The measure shows significant relations with other measures of health literacy, HIV-related knowledge, and electronically-measured medication adherence. We also present receiver operating characteristic analyses that provide estimates of various scores’ sensitivities and specificities so that the HIV-Related Health Literacy Scale can be used as a screening measure.ResumenEl alfabetismo en salud está relacionado con un sinnúmero de variables y ha sido asociado con la adherencia a los medicamentos en personas que reciben tratamiento para la infección por el VIH. Las medidas de alfabetismo en salud que están actualmente disponibles toman mucho tiempo en administrarse y evidencian limitaciones de contenido o formato. En este artículo, reportamos el desarrollo preliminar y la validación de una prueba computarizada breve de alfabetismo en salud cuyo contenido se centra en la adherencia a los medicamentos, así como en preguntas basadas en un video que presenta una simulación de una visita médica relacionada con el VIH. Esta medida demuestra relaciones significativas con otras medidas de alfabetismo en salud, el conocimiento relacionado al VIH y la adherencia a los medicamentos medida electrónicamente. También presentamos análisis de la curva ROC que proveen estimados de la sensibilidad y especificidad de varias puntuaciones, de modo que la medida VIH-AS pueda ser utilizada como un cribado.

Cost effectiveness of a computer-delivered intervention to improve HIV medication adherence

BackgroundHigh levels of adherence to medications for HIV infection are essential for optimal clinical outcomes and to reduce viral transmission, but many patients do not achieve required levels. Clinician-delivered interventions can improve patients’ adherence, but usually require substantial effort by trained individuals and may not be widely available. Computer-delivered interventions can address this problem by reducing required staff time for delivery and by making the interventions widely available via the Internet. We previously developed a computer-delivered intervention designed to improve patients’ level of health literacy as a strategy to improve their HIV medication adherence. The intervention was shown to increase patients’ adherence, but it was not clear that the benefits resulting from the increase in adherence could justify the costs of developing and deploying the intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation of development and deployment costs to the effectiveness of the intervention.MethodsCosts of intervention development were drawn from accounting reports for the grant under which its development was supported, adjusted for costs primarily resulting from the project’s research purpose. Effectiveness of the intervention was drawn from results of the parent study. The relation of the intervention’s effects to changes in health status, expressed as utilities, was also evaluated in order to assess the net cost of the intervention in terms of quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Sensitivity analyses evaluated ranges of possible intervention effectiveness and durations of its effects, and costs were evaluated over several deployment scenarios.ResultsThe intervention’s cost effectiveness depends largely on the number of persons using it and the duration of its effectiveness. Even with modest effects for a small number of patients the intervention was associated with net cost savings in some scenarios and for durations greater than three months and longer it was usually associated with a favorable cost per QALY. For intermediate and larger assumed effects and longer durations of intervention effectiveness, the intervention was associated with net cost savings.ConclusionsComputer-delivered adherence interventions may be a cost-effective strategy to improve adherence in persons treated for HIV.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01304186.

Development and initial validation of a computer-administered health literacy assessment in Spanish and English: FLIGHT/VIDAS

Current measures of health literacy have been criticized on a number of grounds, including use of a limited range of content, development on small and atypical patient groups, and poor psychometric characteristics. In this paper, we report the development and preliminary validation of a new computer-administered and -scored health literacy measure addressing these limitations. Items in the measure reflect a wide range of content related to health promotion and maintenance as well as care for diseases. The development process has focused on creating a measure that will be useful in both Spanish and English, while not requiring substantial time for clinician training and individual administration and scoring. The items incorporate several formats, including questions based on brief videos, which allow for the assessment of listening comprehension and the skills related to obtaining information on the Internet. In this paper, we report the interim analyses detailing the initial development and pilot testing of the items (phase 1 of the project) in groups of Spanish and English speakers. We then describe phase 2, which included a second round of testing of the items, in new groups of Spanish and English speakers, and evaluation of the new measure’s reliability and validity in relation to other measures. Data are presented that show that four scales (general health literacy, numeracy, conceptual knowledge, and listening comprehension), developed through a process of item and factor analyses, have significant relations to existing measures of health literacy.