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Guure C, Puplampu AE, Dery S, Abu-Ba’are GR, Afagbedzi SK, Ayisi Addo S, Torpey K. Syphilis among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Ghana: The 2023 biobehavioral survey. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0310909. [PMID: 39321171 PMCID: PMC11423959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apart from HIV acquisition, men who have sex with men are at a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections, especially syphilis. Although the intersection between syphilis and HIV poses a formidable challenge among key populations who are known to be vulnerable to many health threats, there is little known about syphilis infection among MSM living with HIV in Ghana. This study seeks to investigate the burden of syphilis and address the existing knowledge gap by exploring behavioral, healthcare access, and structural factors influencing the syphilis burden within the HIV-positive MSM population. METHOD This study was conducted in 2023 as part of the bio-behavioral survey (BBS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey that used a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) approach was conducted in the old ten regions of Ghana. Data was collected on 3,420 participants, however, 857 HIV-positive MSM were included in this study since it focused on syphilis among HIV-positive MSM in Ghana. The study estimated the prevalence of syphilis among MSM living with HIV and provided a 95% confidence interval across different categories of explanatory variables. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with overall syphilis prevalence. All other analyses were weighted due to the complex design of the study. RESULTS The overall prevalence of syphilis was 23.83% (95% CI: 20.44, 27.58). HIV-positive men who only had sex with men had a 29.77% (95% CI: 23.90, 36.40) prevalence of syphilis compared to a prevalence of 9.50% (95% CI: 2.56, 29.53) recorded by HIV-positive MSM who were attracted to mostly females. Participants who ever had receptive anal sex recorded a higher prevalence 26.79% (95% CI: 22.78, 31.23) than those who never had receptive anal sex 12.86% (95% CI: 8.02, 19.99). The odds of syphilis among HIV-positive MSM who never used condoms with regular sex partners in the last 6 months were 41.08 (aOR: 41.08 at 95% CI 1.24-136.42; p = 0.038). CONCLUSION There is a high prevalence of syphilis among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Ghana, especially among those who engage in unprotected anal sex and have multiple sexual partners. Our findings underscore the dire need for targeted interventions to address the dual brunt of HIV and syphilis among the MSM population in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Guure
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Samuel Dery
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Seth Kwaku Afagbedzi
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Kwasi Torpey
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Fu L, Zhao J, Zheng W, Sun Y, Tian T, Wang B, Yang L, Zhou X, Lin YF, Yang Z, Li H, Zou H. Oral Sexual Behavior Among HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men - China, February 2021. China CDC Wkly 2022; 4:541-548. [PMID: 35813885 PMCID: PMC9260084 DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2022.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Unprotected oral sex carries a risk of the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially if the individual has poor oral health. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? Most human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected men who have sex with men (MSM) had never used a condom when giving oral sex (89.30%, 718/804) or receiving oral sex (90.32%, 709/785). Among MSM with detectable viral loads who had ever received oral sex without a condom, 40.00% reported ejaculation in their partner's mouth. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? Unprotected oral sex is very common among HIV-infected MSM in China. The public health sectors in China should recommend condom use during oral sex among HIV-infected MSM, especially when in-mouth ejaculation is involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiwen Fu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weiran Zheng
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yinghui Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tian Tian
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bingyi Wang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Luoyao Yang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi-Fan Lin
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhengrong Yang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hui Li
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shizhong District, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China,Huachun Zou,
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Huang L, Cheng W, Han Z, Liang Y, Wu H, Wang H, Xu H, Tang S. Syphilis infection does not affect immunodeficiency progression in HIV-infected men who have sex with men in China. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:488-496. [PMID: 32157947 DOI: 10.1177/0956462419860618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection is expected to play a role in HIV-1-related immunodeficiency progression; however, studies involving syphilis/HIV co-infection have not been conclusive. We investigated the factors associated with co-infection of syphilis and HIV and to assess the effect of syphilis on HIV progression in the context of HIV-1 diversity in an observational cohort of 246 newly-diagnosed HIV-infected but antiretroviral therapy-naive men who have sex with men enrolled in Guangzhou, China between 2008 and 2012. CD4+ cell counts of all the participants were measured from the time of diagnosis until 2015 with an average of 32 ± 18 months. Logistic analysis indicated that patients with syphilis/HIV co-infection were more likely to be older with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 2.48 (95% CI: 1.28–4.80) for those aged between 31 and 40 years and 3.20 (1.11–9.22) for those aged ≥40 years as compared to 16–30 year-olds. The AOR of patients infected with HIV-1 CRF07_BC as compared to CRF01_AE was 2.14 (95% CI: 1.01–4.53). Co-infection of syphilis and HIV was associated with lower baseline CD4+ cell count (0.45, 95% CI: 0.22–0.94), but was not associated with HIV disease progression (HR: 1.03; 95% CI, 0.86–1.23) based on Kaplan–Meier analysis. Our results provide new evidence about the interaction between syphilis and HIV and indicate differential rates of immunodeficiency progression as a function of HIV-1 genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Huang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; School of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Cheng
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China.,Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Han
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanhao Liang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; School of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; School of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huifang Xu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shixing Tang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; School of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Guangzhou, China.,Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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4
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Phanuphak N, Pattanachaiwit S, Pankam T, Teeratakulpisarn N, Chamnan P, Pathipvanich P, Thongpaen S, Nonenoy S, Jantarapakde J, Pengnonyang S, Trachunthong D, Sungsing T, Parasate K, Seeneewong Na Ayutthaya S, Trairat K, Pussadee K, Lertpiriyasuwat C, Phanuphak P. Sexually transmitted infections and HIV RNA levels in blood and anogenital compartments among Thai men who have sex with men before and after antiretroviral therapy: implication for Treatment as Prevention programme. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25186. [PMID: 30225927 PMCID: PMC6141901 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). There have been concerns that undiagnosed and untreated STIs could undermine efforts to use antiretroviral therapy (ART) for prevention due to genital secretion infectiousness. We evaluated the correlation between STIs and HIV RNA in anogenital compartments among HIV-positive MSM before and after ART. METHODS MSM participants newly diagnosed with HIV were offered ART regardless of CD4 count during November 2012 to November 2015. Syphilis serology, oropharyngeal swab, rectal swab, urine collection for gonorrhoea and chlamydia nucleic acid amplification testing, and HIV RNA measurement in blood, semen and rectal samples were performed at baseline, 12 and 24 months thereafter. RESULTS Of 143 HIV-positive MSM, 16.1% had syphilis, 23.1% had gonorrhoea and 32.8% had chlamydia at baseline. Participants with STIs at baseline had higher median HIV RNA levels in blood plasma (p = 0.053), seminal plasma (p = 0.01) and rectal secretions (p = 0.002) than those without STIs. Multivariate models identified HIV RNA 100,000 to 500,000 (OR 6.74, 95% CI 2.24 to 20.28, p = 0.001) and >500,000 (OR 9.39, 95% CI 1.08 to 81.72, p = 0.04) copies/mL in blood, CD4 count <350 cells/mm3 (OR 4.20, 95% CI 1.05 to 16.70, p = 0.04) and having any STIs (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.01 to 6.80 p = 0.047) to be associated with detectable (>40 copies/mL) seminal plasma HIV RNA. Having chlamydia at any sites (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 9.44, p = 0.04) was associated with detectable rectal HIV RNA. Incidences of syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia were 13.4, 16.4 and 18.1 per 100 person-years respectively. Nine participants had detectable HIV RNA (five in blood, one in semen, two in rectal samples and one in both blood and rectal samples) at 12 and/or 24 months after ART. CONCLUSIONS STIs were extremely common among HIV-positive MSM prior to and after ART. ART effectively reduced HIV RNA in all compartments. The correlation between STIs and anogenital HIV RNA, especially prior to ART and likely until complete HIV RNA suppression from ART is achieved, points to the importance of integrating asymptomatic STIs screening into Treatment as Prevention programme for MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tippawan Pankam
- PREVENTIONThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
| | | | - Parinya Chamnan
- Tawanghin Community Medical Care Center‐Sanpasitthiprasong HospitalUbonratchathaniThailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kittiyaporn Parasate
- Tawanghin Community Medical Care Center‐Sanpasitthiprasong HospitalUbonratchathaniThailand
| | | | | | | | | | - Praphan Phanuphak
- PREVENTIONThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
- HIV‐NATThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
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5
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Weiss KM, Jonas KJ, Guadamuz TE. Playing and Never Testing: Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Among App-Using MSM in Southeast Asia. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:406-411. [PMID: 28608790 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about mobile application (app)-based behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand. A cross-sectional online assessment of app users in Bangkok found that more than a quarter have never tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 1 in 3 never tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI). STI testing patterns and HIV testing frequency were highly associated with each other in multinomial logistic regression. In the midst of an escalating epidemic where HIV incidence among MSM is highest in Asia, apps can serve to engage those least likely to be reached by traditional methods of recruitment and outreach in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Weiss
- From the *Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, †Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; ‡Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and §Department of Society and Health and the Center for Health Policy Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Pattanasin S, Dunne EF, Wasinrapee P, Tongtoyai J, Chonwattana W, Sriporn A, Luechai P, Mock PA, Chitwarakorn A, Holtz TH, Curlin ME. Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection among asymptomatic men who have sex with men in Bangkok, Thailand. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 29:577-587. [PMID: 29198179 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417744904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We report positivity rates of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection at each anatomic site among asymptomatic men who have sex with men (MSM). We calculated the number needed to screen (NNS) to detect CT and NG infection at each anatomic site. From 2006 to 2010, we enrolled Thai MSM, age ≥ 18 years into the Bangkok MSM Cohort Study. Participants underwent physical examination and had rectal, urethral, and pharyngeal screening for CT and NG infection using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). Of 1744 enrollees, 1696 (97.2%) had no symptoms of CT and NG infection. The positivity rates of CT and NG infection at any site were 14.3% (rectum, urethra, pharynx) and 6.4% (rectum, urethra), respectively. The NNS to detect rectal CT and rectal NG infections was 10 and 16, respectively (p < 0.05). For urethral infection, the NNS of CT was lower than the NNS of NG (22, 121: p < 0.05). The lowest NNS found for rectal CT infection was in HIV-infected MSM (6, 5-8). Asymptomatic CT and NG infection were common among MSM in Bangkok, Thailand and frequently detected in the rectum. In setting where screening in all specimens using NAAT is not feasible, rectal screening should be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarika Pattanasin
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Eileen F Dunne
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.,2 Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Punneeporn Wasinrapee
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Jaray Tongtoyai
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Wannee Chonwattana
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Anuwat Sriporn
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Pikunchai Luechai
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Philip A Mock
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Anupong Chitwarakorn
- 3 Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Timothy H Holtz
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.,2 Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.,5 Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marcel E Curlin
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.,2 Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.,4 Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
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7
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Shame and blame and its influence on male gay (chaay rak chaay) quality of life in Bangkok Thailand: a health promotion community nursing perspective. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 2017. [DOI: 10.1108/jpmh-12-2016-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore gay male informant experiences of discrimination and stigma in Bangkok from a health promotion community nursing perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 informants and included field work observations at eight entertainment venues. Data analysis utilised an inductive thematic approach.
Findings
Key themes that emerged from the data were related to communication, particularly the use of smart phone applications; lack of privacy in health services; sexual exploitation by entertainment venues; and concerns about coming out safely to protect self-esteem and mental health.
Originality/value
Development of key mental health promotion messages based on a greater understanding and knowledge of discrimination and stigma may help to reduce negative behaviour and stigmatisation towards Thai gay men in Bangkok.
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8
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Tam A, Ho J, Sohn AH. Brief communication (Original). Challenges of providing treatment and care to men who have sex with men and with HIV/AIDS in Bangkok. ASIAN BIOMED 2017. [DOI: 10.5372/1905-7415.0806.358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Across the Asia-Pacific, men who have sex with men (MSM) constitute a growing proportion of those infected with and at risk for HIV/AIDS, but frequently lack access to treatment-related resources because of stigma and discrimination.
Objective: To identify challenges that a community-based organization (CBO) and its corresponding HIV clinic in Bangkok, Thailand, face in order to facilitate access to HIV-related care and treatment services by HIV-positive MSM.
Methods: Data were collected through focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and surveys of staff members and volunteers working at the support facilities from April through May 2011.
Results: A total of 21 staff and volunteers working at the support facilities participated. Participants reported various barriers to use of HIV-related services by MSM including fear of stigmatization because of their infection status, limited clinic/hospital hours, and misunderstanding of risks.
Conclusions: In response to these barriers, CBOs implemented solutions ranging from outreach activities to organization of a men’s health clinic targeting MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tam
- UCSF Global Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Ho
- TREAT Asia/ amfAR—The Foundation for AIDS Research, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Annette H. Sohn
- TREAT Asia/ amfAR—The Foundation for AIDS Research, 388 Sukhumvit Road, Suite 210, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
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9
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Prevalence and Correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae by Anatomic Site Among Urban Thai Men Who Have Sex With Men. Sex Transm Dis 2016; 42:440-9. [PMID: 26165436 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection are prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) and may infect multiple anatomic sites. We measured site-specific prevalence and correlates of CT and NG infection among Bangkok MSM Cohort Study participants. METHODS In April 2006 to November 2010, 1744 men enrolled in the Bangkok MSM Cohort Study. Participants provided historical information and underwent physical examination. Rectal, urethral, and pharyngeal CT and NG screening were performed by nucleic acid amplification and/or culture. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of site-specific CT, NG, and coinfection. RESULTS Among 1743 participants, 19.2% were infected with CT and/or NG. CT, NG, and CT-NG coinfection were detected in 11.6%, 4.6%, and 2.9%, of participants, respectively. Rectal, urethral, and pharyngeal CT infections were detected in 9.5%, 4.5%, and 3.6% of cases. N. gonorrhoeae was present at these sites in 6.1%, 1.8%, and 0.5% of cases. Most infections were asymptomatic (CT: 95.3%, NG: 83.2%). Rectal CT and NG infections were mutually associated (CT: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4-8.7; NG: AOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-5.2) and independently associated with HIV infection (CT: AOR, 1.6, 95% CI, 1.0-2.4; NG: AOR, 2.0, 95% CI, 1.3-3.1). Numerous behavioral correlates of infection were observed. CONCLUSIONS CT and NG infections are highly prevalent among MSM in Bangkok, most frequently affect the rectum, and are most often asymptomatic. Routine screening of asymptomatic MSM for CT and NG infection should include rectal sampling and focus on men with HIV and a history of other sexually transmitted infections.
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Logie CH, Newman PA, Weaver J, Roungkraphon S, Tepjan S. HIV-Related Stigma and HIV Prevention Uptake Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Thailand. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2016; 30:92-100. [PMID: 26788978 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2015.0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-related stigma is a pervasive structural driver of HIV. With an HIV epidemic among young men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TG) in Thailand characterized as explosive, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among MSM and TG aged 18-30 years. From April-August 2013, participants recruited using venue-based sampling from gay entertainment sites and community-based organizations completed a tablet-assisted survey interview in Thai language. We conducted multiple logistic regression to assess correlations between HIV-related stigma (felt-normative, vicarious domains) and socio-demographic variables, HIV vulnerabilities (gay entertainment employment, sex work, forced sex history), and HIV prevention uptake (condom use, HIV testing, rectal microbicide acceptability). Among participants (n = 408), 54% identified as gay, 25% transgender, and 21% heterosexual. Two-thirds (65.7%) were employed at gay entertainment venues, 67.0% had more than three male partners (past month), 55.6% had been paid for sex, and 4.5% were HIV-positive. One-fifth (21.3%) reported forced sex. Most participants reported experiencing felt-normative and vicarious HIV-related stigma. Adjusting for socio-demographics, participants with higher total HIV-related stigma scores had significantly lower odds of HIV testing and rectal microbicide acceptability, and higher odds of having experienced forced sex. Both vicarious and felt-normative dimensions of HIV-related stigma were inversely associated with HIV testing and rectal microbicide acceptability. Our findings suggest that HIV-related stigma harms the health of HIV-negative MSM and TG at high risk for HIV infection. HIV-related interventions and research among young MSM and TG in Thailand should address multiple dimensions of HIV-related stigma as a correlate of risk and a barrier to accessing prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H. Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter A. Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Weaver
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Surachet Roungkraphon
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suchon Tepjan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Poudel KC, Poudel-Tandukar K, Palmer PH, Mizoue T, Jimba M, Kobayashi J, Acharya B, Pandey BD, Oka S. Coinfection of Sexually Transmitted Infections among HIV-Positive Individuals: Cross-Sectional Results of a Community-Based Positive Living with HIV (POLH) Study in Nepal. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2015; 16:338-346. [PMID: 26527219 DOI: 10.1177/2325957415614644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In Asian concentrated HIV epidemics, data on coinfection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among HIV-positive individuals are limited. The authors measured the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and syphilis, and their correlates among 319 HIV-positive individuals in Kathmandu, Nepal. The authors tested blood samples for syphilis and urine samples for CT and NG. Overall, 17 (5.3%) participants had at least 1 STI (CT: 1.3%, NG: 2.8%, and syphilis: 1.2%). Of 226 participants who had sex in past 6 months, 51.3% did not always use condoms. Older (aged 35-60 years) participants were more likely (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-12.33; P = .024) and those who were currently married (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.09-0.97; P = .046) or on antiretroviral therapy (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.06-0.71; P = .012) were less likely to have at least 1 STI. Our results suggest the need to strengthen the efforts to screen and treat STIs and to promote safer sexual practices among Nepalese HIV-positive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna C Poudel
- 1 Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | - Paula H Palmer
- 3 School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Tetsuya Mizoue
- 4 Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masamine Jimba
- 5 Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Kobayashi
- 6 Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.,7 Bureau of International Medical Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bishnu Acharya
- 8 Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Basu Dev Pandey
- 9 Everest International Clinic and Research Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shinichi Oka
- 10 AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Rongkavilit C, Wang B, Naar-King S, Bunupuradah T, Parsons JT, Panthong A, Koken JA, Saengcharnchai P, Phanuphak P. Motivational interviewing targeting risky sex in HIV-positive young Thai men who have sex with men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:329-340. [PMID: 24668304 PMCID: PMC4177013 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-014-0274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Motivational interviewing (MI) has been shown to reduce sexual risks among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (HMSM) in the US. We conducted a randomized trial of Healthy Choices, a 4-session MI intervention, targeting sexual risks among 110 HIV-positive youth ages 16-25 years in Thailand. Risk assessments were conducted at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months post-intervention. This report presents the analysis of 74 HMSM in the study. There were 37 HMSM in the Intervention group and 37 in the control group. The proportions of participants having anal sex and having sex with either HIV-uninfected or unknown partners in past 30 days were significantly lower in Intervention group than in Control group at 6 months post-intervention (38 vs. 65 %, p = .04; and 27 vs. 62 %, p < .01, respectively). There were no significant differences in general mental health scores and HIV stigma scores between the two groups at any study visit. Thirty-five (95 %) HMSM in the Intervention group vs. 31 (84 %) in control group attended ≥ 3 sessions. Loss to follow-up was 8 and 30 %, respectively (p = .04). Healthy Choices for young Thai HMSM was associated with sexual risk reduction. Improvements in mental health were noted in Intervention group. Healthy Choices is a promising behavioral intervention and should be further developed to serve the needs of young HMSM in resource-limited countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chokechai Rongkavilit
- The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Beaubien Blvd., Detroit, MI, 48201, USA,
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Rönn M, White PJ, Hughes G, Ward H. Developing a conceptual framework of seroadaptive behaviors in HIV-diagnosed men who have sex with men. J Infect Dis 2015; 210 Suppl 2:S586-93. [PMID: 25381379 PMCID: PMC4231642 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seroadaptive behaviors are strategies employed by men who have sex with men (MSM) to reduce the transmission risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It has been suggested that they contribute to the increasing diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections in HIV-diagnosed MSM. To understand the context in which the reemerging sexually transmitted infections appear, we developed a social epidemiological model incorporating the multiple factors influencing seroadaptive behaviors. METHODS A literature review of seroadaptive behaviors in HIV-diagnosed MSM was conducted. The literature was synthesized using a social epidemiological perspective. RESULTS Seroadaptive behaviors are adopted by MSM in high-income countries and are a way for HIV-diagnosed men to manage and enjoy their sexual lives. Influences are apparent at structural, community, interpersonal, and intrapersonal levels. There is little evidence of whether and when the behavior forms part of a premeditated strategy; it seems dependent on the social context and on time since HIV diagnosis. Social rules of HIV disclosure and perception of risk depend on the setting where partners are encountered. CONCLUSIONS Seroadaptive behaviors are strongly context dependent and can reduce or increase transmission risk for different infectious diseases. Further data collection and mathematical modeling can help us explore the specific conditions in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minttu Rönn
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology
| | - Peter J White
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling and NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling Methodology, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London Modelling and Economics Unit, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control
| | - Gwenda Hughes
- STI Section, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Ward
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology
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Li MJ, Murray JK, Suwanteerangkul J, Wiwatanadate P. Stigma, social support, and treatment adherence among HIV-positive patients in Chiang Mai, Thailand. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2014; 26:471-483. [PMID: 25299810 PMCID: PMC4782778 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2014.26.5.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Our study assessed the influence of HIV-related stigma on treatment adherence among people living with HIV in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and whether social support had a moderating effect on this relationship. We recruited 128 patients living with HIV from Sansai Hospital, a community hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and collected data through structured interviews. All forms of HIV-related stigma considered in this study (personalized experience, disclosure, negative self-image, and public attitudes) were negatively correlated with adherence to anti-retroviral regimens. Multiple linear regression indicated that total HIV-related stigma was more predictive of treatment adherence than any individual stigma type, after adjusting for socio-demographic and health characteristics. Tests of interaction showed that social support did not appear to moderate the association between HIV stigma and treatment adherence. Our findings suggest that community and government efforts to improve public perceptions about people living with HIV might promote treatment adherence behaviors among HIV-positive patients.
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Wu Z, Xu J, Liu E, Mao Y, Xiao Y, Sun X, Liu Y, Jiang Y, McGoogan JM, Dou Z, Mi G, Wang N, Sun J, Liu Z, Wang L, Rou K, Pang L, Xing W, Xu J, Wang S, Cui Y, Li Z, Bulterys M, Lin W, Zhao J, Yip R, Wu Y, Hao Y, Wang Y. HIV and syphilis prevalence among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional survey of 61 cities in China. Clin Infect Dis 2013; 57:298-309. [PMID: 23580732 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has rapidly spread among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China in recent years; the magnitude of the epidemic is unclear. We sought to test 3 hypotheses: (1) The prevalence of both HIV and syphilis among MSM in China is high, (2) the 2 epidemics each have unique geographical distributions, and (3) demographic and sexual behavior characteristics are different among segments of the MSM population in China. METHODS A total of 47 231 MSM from 61 cities in China participated in a cross-sectional survey conducted from February 2008 to September 2009. Demographic and behavioral data were collected and analyzed and blood samples tested for HIV and syphilis. Three subgroups among the broader MSM sample were described. Main outcome measures were HIV and syphilis prevalence. RESULTS An overall prevalence of 4.9% (2314/47 231; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.7%-5.1%) for HIV and 11.8% (5552/47 231; 95% CI, 11.5%-12.0%) for syphilis was found. Syphilis-positive MSM had the highest HIV prevalence, 12.5% (693/5552; 95% CI, 11.6%-13.4%). However, correlations between HIV and syphilis prevalence were found in only 3 of 6 geographical regions (Northwest: r = 0.82, P = .0253; East: r = 0.78, P = .0004; and South-central: r = 0.63, P = .0276). Three subgroups-nonlocal MSM, Internet-using MSM, and female-partnering MSM-were found to have different profiles of characteristics and behaviors. CONCLUSIONS HIV and syphilis prevalences among MSM in China are high and the 2 epidemics are largely separate geographically. Three segments of the Chinese MSM population each have different demographic and sexual risk "profiles" that suggest high potential for bridging infection across geographies, generations, and sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunyou Wu
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
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HIV disclosure and sexual transmission behaviors among an Internet sample of HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Asia: implications for prevention with positives. AIDS Behav 2012; 16:1970-8. [PMID: 22198313 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-011-0105-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between HIV disclosure and sexual transmission behaviors, and factors that influence disclosure are unknown among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Asia. We describe disclosure practices and sexual transmission behaviors, and correlates of disclosure among this group of MSM in Asia. A cross-sectional multi-country online survey was conducted among 416 HIV-positive MSM. Data on disclosure status, HIV-related risk behaviors, disease status, and other characteristics were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify significant correlates of disclosure. Only 7.0% reported having disclosed their HIV status to all partners while 67.3% did not disclose to any. The majority (86.5%) of non-disclosing participants had multiple partners and unprotected insertive or receptive anal intercourse with their partners (67.5%). Non-disclosure was significantly associated with non-disclosure from partners (AOR = 37.13, 95% CI: 17.22, 80.07), having casual partners only (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.53), drug use before sex on a weekly basis (AOR: 6.48, 95% CI: 0.99, 42.50), being diagnosed with HIV between 1 and 5 years ago (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.74), and not knowing one's viral load (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.00, 7.83). Given the high HIV prevalence and incidence among MSM in Asia, it is imperative to include Prevention with Positives for MSM. Interventions on disclosure should not solely focus on HIV-positive men but also need to include their sexual partners and HIV-negative men.
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Sexual transmission behaviors and serodiscordant partnerships among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Asia. Sex Transm Dis 2012; 39:312-5. [PMID: 22421700 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e31824018e8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We described sexual transmission behaviors and serodiscordant partnerships among an online sample of HIV-positive men who have sex with men (N = 416) in Asia. High rates of unprotected anal intercourse (74.8%), serodiscordant partnerships (68.5%), and unprotected sex within serodiscordant partnerships (∼60.0%) were reported. Increased number of partners, meeting partners on the Internet, drug use before sex, and not knowing one's viral load were associated with unprotected anal intercourse. Efforts to develop and scale up biomedical and behavioral interventions for HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Asia are needed.
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Mutua G, Sanders E, Mugo P, Anzala O, Haberer JE, Bangsberg D, Barin B, Rooney JF, Mark D, Chetty P, Fast P, Priddy FH. Safety and adherence to intermittent pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-1 in African men who have sex with men and female sex workers. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33103. [PMID: 22511916 PMCID: PMC3325227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about safety of and adherence to intermittent HIV PrEP regimens, which may be more feasible than daily dosing in some settings. We present safety and adherence data from the first trial of an intermittent PrEP regimen among Kenyan men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSW). METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS MSM and FSW were randomized to daily oral FTC/TDF or placebo, or intermittent (Monday, Friday and within 2 hours after sex, not to exceed one dose per day) oral FTC/TDF or placebo in a 2:1:2:1 ratio; volunteers were followed monthly for 4 months. Adherence was assessed with the medication event monitoring system (MEMS). Sexual activity data were collected via daily text message (SMS) queries and timeline followback interviews with a one-month recall period. Sixty-seven men and 5 women were randomized into the study. Safety was similar among all groups. Median MEMS adherence rates were 83% [IQR: 63-92] for daily dosing and 55% [IQR:28-78] for fixed intermittent dosing (p = 0.003), while adherence to any post-coital doses was 26% [IQR:14-50]. SMS response rates were low, which may have impaired measurement of post-coital dosing adherence. Acceptability of PrEP was high, regardless of dosing regimen. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Adherence to intermittent dosing regimens, fixed doses, and in particular coitally-dependent doses, may be more difficult than adherence to daily dosing. However, intermittent dosing may still be appropriate for PrEP if intracellular drug levels, which correlate with prevention of HIV acquisition, can be attained with less than daily dosing and if barriers to adherence can be addressed. Additional drug level data, qualitative data on adherence barriers, and better methods to measure sexual activity are necessary to determine whether adherence to post-coital PrEP could be comparable to more standard regimens. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00971230.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaudensia Mutua
- Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eduard Sanders
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Mugo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Omu Anzala
- Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David Bangsberg
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Burc Barin
- The EMMES Corporation, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - David Mark
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Paramesh Chetty
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patricia Fast
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Frances H. Priddy
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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