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Chakrapani V, Newman PA, Shunmugam M, Rawat S, Mohan BR, Baruah D, Tepjan S. A scoping review of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people's health in India. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001362. [PMID: 37079524 PMCID: PMC10118178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Amid incremental progress in establishing an enabling legal and policy environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified people, and people with intersex variations (LGBTQI+) in India, evidence gaps on LGBTQI+ health are of increasing concern. To that end, we conducted a scoping review to map and synthesize the current evidence base, identify research gaps, and provide recommendations for future research. We conducted a scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. We systematically searched 14 databases to identify peer-reviewed journal articles published in English language between January 1, 2010 and November 20, 2021, that reported empirical qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods data on LGBTQI+ people's health in India. Out of 3,003 results in total, we identified 177 eligible articles; 62% used quantitative, 31% qualitative, and 7% mixed methods. The majority (55%) focused on gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM), 16% transgender women, and 14% both of these populations; 4% focused on lesbian and bisexual women, and 2% on transmasculine people. Overall, studies reported high prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections; multilevel risk factors for HIV; high levels of mental health burden linked to stigma, discrimination, and violence victimization; and non-availability of gender-affirmative medical care in government hospitals. Few longitudinal studies and intervention studies were identified. Findings suggest that LGBTQI+ health research in India needs to move beyond the predominant focus on HIV, and gay men/MSM and transgender women, to include mental health and non-communicable diseases, and individuals across the LGBTQI+ spectrum. Future research should build on largely descriptive studies to include explanatory and intervention studies, beyond urban to rural sites, and examine healthcare and service needs among LGBTQI+ people across the life course. Increased Indian government funding for LGBTQI+ health research, including dedicated support and training for early career researchers, is crucial to building a comprehensive and sustainable evidence base to inform targeted health policies and programs moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesan Chakrapani
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
- The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, India
| | - Peter A. Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- VOICES-Thailand Foundation, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Murali Shunmugam
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
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Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention: a Global Overview. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:474-483. [PMID: 36348186 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00632-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW With the promise of HIV prevention, there has been a scale-up of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) in high HIV incidence/low circumcision prevalence nations worldwide. Nonetheless, debates over the implementation and the effectiveness and safety of the VMMC in real-world settings persist. We revisit the role of VMMC in HIV prevention to inform health professionals, policymakers, and advocates or opponents in this new era. RECENT FINDINGS There has been substantial progress on VMMC scale-up to date, but this has varied considerably by region. The evidence of solid and direct protection of VMMC is available for heterosexual men and older adolescent boys in sub-Saharan Africa. The protective effect in men who have sex with men is suggested by systematic reviews but is not confirmed by clinical trials. Sexual partners, including women, likely benefit indirectly from the increased VMMC coverage through a decreased risk of exposure to infected male partners. Fortunately, the preponderance of studies does not suggest higher sexual risk behaviors among circumcised men, so-called risk compensation. VMMC requires health systems strengthening and continued promulgation of other evidence-based HIV prevention strategies to be successful. Health authorities in high HIV incidence areas that have low circumcision coverage should implement VMMC within a context of complementary biomedical and behavioral prevention strategies.
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Lin Y, Gao Y, Sun Y, Turner D, Zou H, Vermund SH, Qian HZ. Does Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Reduce HIV Risk in Men Who Have Sex with Men? Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:522-525. [PMID: 36520379 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00637-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the evidence on the effect of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) on reducing HIV risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) and assess the limitations of available evidence. RECENT FINDINGS Individual studies have shown conflicting results, but recent meta-analyses have consistently suggested that VMMC was associated with 7 to 23% reductions in HIV prevalence or incidence in MSM, particularly among a subgroup of men who predominantly practice insertive role in anal sex. Mathematical models have also suggested a moderate population-level impact of VMMC intervention. All original studies have been observational and are subject to confounding and bias. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are needed to provide strong evidence of assessing the efficacy of VMMC on HIV risk among MSM. VMMC is a promising HIV risk reduction tool for MSM. RCTs are needed to evaluate the efficacy of VMMC intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidie Lin
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanxiao Gao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Sun
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - DeAnne Turner
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sten H Vermund
- School of Public Health, Yale University, Suite 501, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- School of Public Health, Yale University, Suite 501, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT, USA.
- GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Rockville, MD, USA.
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Petterson LJ, Vasey PL. Men's Sexual Interest in Feminine Trans Individuals across Cultures. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:1015-1033. [PMID: 34985389 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.2013429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Feminine trans individuals (i.e., individuals who were assigned male at birth but who have a feminine gender presentation and identity) are present in many cultures. In some cultures, these individuals identify as (trans) women. Many of these individuals undergo medical treatments to feminize their bodies (e.g., breast augmentation), but most do not undergo vaginoplasties and therefore have penises. In many non-Western cultures, feminine trans individuals identify as a non-binary gender (i.e., neither man, nor woman). Many of these individuals do not surgically augment their bodies. Across cultures, some men express sexual interest in feminine trans individuals. Are manifestations of sexual interest in feminine trans individuals consistent across Western and non-Western cultural settings? Our review suggests that, across cultures, most of these men are also sexually attracted to cisgender individuals. Many are sexually attracted to cisgender women or to cisgender members of both sexes. A small subset is sexually attracted to cisgender men. Men who are sexually interested in feminine trans individuals commonly report being primarily insertive during anal sex. Additionally, they tend to report that their sexual interest in these individuals is motivated by attraction to femininity or to the combination female- and male-typical characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanna J Petterson
- Laboratory of Comparative Sexuality, Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge
| | - Paul L Vasey
- Laboratory of Comparative Sexuality, Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge
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Yuan T, Fitzpatrick T, Ko NY, Cai Y, Chen Y, Zhao J, Li L, Xu J, Gu J, Li J, Hao C, Yang Z, Cai W, Cheng CY, Luo Z, Zhang K, Wu G, Meng X, Grulich AE, Hao Y, Zou H. Circumcision to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global data. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 7:e436-e447. [PMID: 30879508 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(18)30567-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. Previous reviews investigating the role of circumcision in preventing HIV and other STIs among MSM were inconclusive. Many new studies have emerged in the past decade. To inform global prevention strategies for HIV and other STIs among MSM, we reviewed all available evidence on the associations between circumcision and HIV and other STIs among MSM. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, BioMed Central, Scopus, ResearchGate, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and websites of international HIV and STI conferences for studies published before March 8, 2018. Interventional or observational studies containing original quantitative data describing associations between circumcision and incident or prevalent infection of HIV and other STIs among MSM were included. Studies were excluded if MSM could not be distinguished from men who have sex with women only. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs using random-effect models. We assessed risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. FINDINGS We identified 62 observational studies including 119 248 MSM. Circumcision was associated with 23% reduced odds of HIV infection among MSM overall (OR 0·77, 95% CI 0·67-0·89; number of estimates [k]=45; heterogeneity I2=77%). Circumcision was protective against HIV infection among MSM in countries of low and middle income (0·58, 0·41-0·83; k=23; I2=77%) but not among MSM in high-income countries (0·99, 0·90-1·09; k=20; I2=40%). Circumcision was associated with reduced odds of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection among MSM overall (0·84, 0·75-0·95; k=5; I2=0%) and penile human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among HIV-infected MSM (0·71, 0·51-0·99; k=3; I2=0%). INTERPRETATION We found evidence that circumcision is likely to protect MSM from HIV infection, particularly in countries of low and middle income. Circumcision might also protect MSM from HSV and penile HPV infection. MSM should be included in campaigns promoting circumcision among men in countries of low and middle income. In view of the substantial proportion of MSM in countries of low and middle income who also have sex with women, well designed longitudinal studies differentiating MSM only and bisexual men are needed to clarify the effect of circumcision on male-to-male transmission of HIV and other STIs. FUNDING National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Science and Technology Major Project of China, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Early Career Fellowship, Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen, National Institutes of Health, Mega Projects of National Science Research for the 13th Five-Year Plan, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanwei Yuan
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Nai-Ying Ko
- Department of Nursing, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yong Cai
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqing Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division and Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jin Zhao
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Linghua Li
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing Gu
- School of Public Health, and Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghua Li
- School of Public Health, and Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun Hao
- School of Public Health, and Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengrong Yang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiping Cai
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chien-Yu Cheng
- Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Zhenzhou Luo
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kechun Zhang
- Shenzhen Longhua Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guohui Wu
- Chongqing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojun Meng
- Wuxi Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, China
| | - Andrew E Grulich
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuantao Hao
- School of Public Health, and Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China; School of Public Health, and Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Zhang C, Qian HZ, Liu Y, Vermund SH. Voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV infection among men who have sex with men: Implications from a systematic review. SAGE Open Med 2019; 7:2050312119869110. [PMID: 31448119 PMCID: PMC6689924 DOI: 10.1177/2050312119869110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: With the rapidly-increased HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men worldwide, the effectiveness of voluntary medical male circumcision as the tool of HIV prevention still remains undetermined. Purpose: In the current study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV risk among men who have sex with men. Methods and Conclusion: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline, we conducted a comprehensive literature search through multiple databases. A total of 37 articles/abstracts were included in the analysis. We employed random-effects models and subgroup analyses based upon key study characteristics derived from empirical studies. A total of 117,293 men who have sex with men were included in the meta-analysis, and no randomized control trials have been identified. The odds of being HIV positive were 7% lower among men who have sex with men who were circumcised than among men who have sex with men who were uncircumcised (adjusted odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–0.99). The evidence for the potential protective effect of voluntary medical male circumcision was stronger among men who have sex with men in Asia and Africa (adjusted odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.73). Our meta-analyses may suggest a protective effect of voluntary medical male circumcision against HIV infection among men who have sex with men, especially in settings like Asia/Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Van Howe RS. Is circumcision an answer for HIV prevention in men who have sex with men? LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2019; 7:e1011. [PMID: 31303287 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30274-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Van Howe
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University College of Medicine, Marquette, MI 49855, USA.
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Zhang C, Penson DF, Qian HZ, Webb GF, Lou J, Shepherd BE, Liu Y, Vermund SH. Modeling economic and epidemiological impact of voluntary medical male circumcision among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China. Int J STD AIDS 2019; 30:630-638. [PMID: 30890118 PMCID: PMC6666307 DOI: 10.1177/0956462419831859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) among men who have sex with men (MSM) may protect against HIV acquisition. We conducted a series of analyses to assess if expanded VMMC might reduce HIV incidence among MSM effectively and economically. We used a deterministic compartmental model to project new HIV cases (2016-2026) under annual VMMC coverage rates (λ) ranging from 0.0001 to 0.15. The 'number needed to avert' (NNA) is defined as the cumulative number of VMMCs conducted up to that year divided by the cumulative number of HIV cases averted in that specific year. Compared with the baseline circumcision coverage rate, we projected that new HIV cases would be reduced with increasing coverage. By 2026 (last year simulated), the model generated the lowest ratio (11.10) when the annual circumcision rate was the most optimistic (λ = 0.15). The breakeven point was observed at the year of 2019 with the annual VMMC coverage rate of 0.001. The total cost saved by averting HIV cases would range from 2.5 to 811 million US dollars by the end of 2026 with different hypothetical coverage rates. Our model suggests that acceleration in VMMC implementation among MSM could help stem the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - David F. Penson
- Departments of Urologic Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Han-zhu Qian
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Glenn F. Webb
- Department of Mathematics, Vanderbilt University School of Arts and Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jie Lou
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Brian E. Shepherd
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Public Health Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Sharma SC, Raison N, Khan S, Shabbir M, Dasgupta P, Ahmed K. Male circumcision for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition: a meta-analysis. BJU Int 2018; 121:515-526. [DOI: 10.1111/bju.14102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Raison
- Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine; King's College London; London UK
| | - Shamim Khan
- Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine; King's College London; London UK
| | - Majid Shabbir
- Department of Urology; Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust; London UK
| | - Prokar Dasgupta
- Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine; King's College London; London UK
| | - Kamran Ahmed
- Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine; King's College London; London UK
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Lower HIV Risk Among Circumcised Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: Interaction With Anal Sex Role in a Cross-Sectional Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 71:444-51. [PMID: 26413852 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voluntary medical male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV heterosexual transmission in men, but its effect on male-to-male sexual transmission is uncertain. METHODS Circumcision status of men who have sex with men (MSM) in China was evaluated by genital examination and self-report; anal sexual role was assessed by questionnaire interview. Serostatus for HIV and syphilis was confirmed. RESULTS Among 1155 participants (242 were seropositive and 913 with unknown HIV status at enrollment), the circumcision rate by self-report (10.4%) was higher than confirmed by genital examination (8.2%). Male circumcision (by examination) was associated with 47% lower odds of being HIV seropositive [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27 to 1.02] after adjusting for demographic covariates, number of lifetime male sexual partners, and anal sex role. Among MSM who predominantly practiced insertive anal sex, circumcised men had 62% lower odds of HIV infection than those who were uncircumcised (aOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.09 to 1.64). Among those whose anal sex position was predominantly receptive or versatile, circumcised men have 46% lower odds of HIV infection than did men who were not circumcised (aOR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.14). Compared to uncircumcised men reporting versatile or predominantly receptive anal sex positioning, those who were circumcised and reported practicing insertive sex had an 85% lower risk (aOR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.65). Circumcision was not associated clearly with lower syphilis risk (aOR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.51 to 1.61). CONCLUSIONS Circumcised MSM were less likely to have acquired HIV, most pronounced among men predominantly practicing insertive anal intercourse. A clinical trial is needed.
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Phanuphak N, Lo YR, Shao Y, Solomon SS, O'Connell RJ, Tovanabutra S, Chang D, Kim JH, Excler JL. HIV Epidemic in Asia: Implications for HIV Vaccine and Other Prevention Trials. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2015; 31:1060-76. [PMID: 26107771 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2015.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An overall decrease of HIV prevalence is now observed in several key Asian countries due to effective prevention programs. The decrease in HIV prevalence and incidence may further improve with the scale-up of combination prevention interventions. The implementation of future prevention trials then faces important challenges. The opportunity to identify heterosexual populations at high risk such as female sex workers may rapidly wane. With unabating HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) populations, an effective vaccine would likely be the only option to turn the epidemic. It is more likely that efficacy trials will occur among MSM and TG because their higher HIV incidence permits smaller and less costly trials. The constantly evolving patterns of HIV-1 diversity in the region suggest close monitoring of the molecular HIV epidemic in potential target populations for HIV vaccine efficacy trials. CRF01_AE remains predominant in southeast Asian countries and MSM populations in China. This relatively steady pattern is conducive to regional efficacy trials, and as efficacy warrants, to regional licensure. While vaccines inducing nonneutralizing antibodies have promise against HIV acquisition, vaccines designed to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies and cell-mediated immune responses of greater breadth and depth in the mucosal compartments should be considered for testing in MSM and TG. The rationale and design of efficacy trials of combination prevention modalities such as HIV vaccine and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remain hypothetical, require high adherence to PrEP, are more costly, and present new regulatory challenges. The prioritization of prevention interventions should be driven by the HIV epidemic and decided by the country-specific health and regulatory authorities. Modeling the impact and cost-benefit may help this decision process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying-Ru Lo
- HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Unit, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Yiming Shao
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Sunil Suhas Solomon
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Y.R. Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education (YRG CARE), Chennai, India
| | - Robert J. O'Connell
- Department of Retrovirology, U.S. Army Medical Component, Armed Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sodsai Tovanabutra
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - David Chang
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Jerome H. Kim
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Jean Louis Excler
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
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Satyanarayan S, Kapur A, Azhar S, Yeldandi V, Schneider JA. Women Connected to at Risk Indian Men Who Have Sex with Men: An Unexplored Network. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:1031-6. [PMID: 25403143 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0946-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the women connected to Indian MSM and their impact on HIV risk. We surveyed 240 Indian MSM, who identified their social networks (n = 7,092). Women (n = 1,321) comprised 16.7 % of the network, with 94.7 % representing non-sexual connections. MSM were classified as having low, moderate, or high female network proportion. MSM with moderate female network proportion (8-24 % total network) had significantly lowered odds of HIV seropositivity (AOR = 0.24, 95 % CI = 0.1-0.6). This suggests moderate proportions of female connections could mediate HIV risk. HIV prevention interventions in India could consider the greater involvement of women among their target audiences. Se sabe poco sobre las mujeres conectadas a HSH en India y su impacto en el riesgo de VIH. Se encuestó a 240 HSH indios, quienes identificaron sus redes sociales (n = 7,092). Las mujeres (n = 1,321) formaron al 16.7 % de la red, del cual el 94.7 % representa conexiones no sexuales. Los HSH se clasificaron como baja, moderada o alta proporción de red femenina. HSH con proporción moderada de red femenina (8-24 % del red total) tuvieron un riesgo significativamente reducido de seropositividad de VIH (AOR = 0,24; IC 95 % = 0,1-0,6). Esto sugiere que tener una proporción moderada de contactos femeninos podría atenuar el riesgo de VIH. Las intervenciones de prevención del VIH en India podrían considerar una mayor participación de las mujeres en su público objetivo.
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Martínez Pérez G, Triviño Durán L, Gasch A, Desmond N. Towards a gender perspective in qualitative research on voluntary medical male circumcision in east and southern Africa. Glob Public Health 2015; 10:626-38. [PMID: 25727455 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2015.1014826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization endorsed voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) in 2007 as an effective method to provide partial protection against heterosexual female-to-male transmission of HIV in regions with high rates of such transmission, and where uptake of VMMC is low. Qualitative research conducted in east and southern Africa has focused on assessing acceptability, barriers to uptake of VMMC and the likelihood of VMMC increasing men's adoption of risky sexual behaviours. Less researched, however, have been the perceptions of women and sexual minorities towards VMMC, even though they are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS transmission than are heterosexual men. The purpose of this paper is to identify core areas in which a gendered perspective in qualitative research might improve the understanding and framing of VMMC in east and southern Africa. Issues explored in this analysis are risk compensation, the post-circumcision appearance of the penis, inclusion of men who have sex with men as study respondents and the antagonistic relation between VMMC and female genital cutting. If biomedical and social science researchers explore these issues in future qualitative inquiry utilising a gendered perspective, a more thorough understanding of VMMC can be achieved, which could ultimately inform policy and implementation.
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Wamai RG, Morris BJ, Bailey RC, Klausner JD, Boedicker MN. Male circumcision for protection against HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa: the evidence in favour justifies the implementation now in progress. Glob Public Health 2015; 10:639-66. [PMID: 25613581 PMCID: PMC6352987 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2014.989532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This article responds to a recent 'controversy study' in Global Public Health by de Camargo et al. directed at three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of male circumcision (MC) for HIV prevention. These trials were conducted in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and published in 2005 and 2007. The RCTs confirmed observational data that had accumulated over the preceding two decades showing that MC reduces by 60% the risk of HIV infection in heterosexual men. Based on the RCT results, MC was adopted by global and national HIV policy-makers as an additional intervention for HIV prevention. Voluntary medical MC (VMMC) is now being implemented in 14 SSA countries. Thus referring to MC for HIV prevention as 'debate' and viewing MC through a lens of controversy seems mistaken. In their criticism, de Camargo et al. misrepresent and misinterpret current science supporting MC for HIV prevention, omit previous denunciations of arguments similar to theirs, and ignore evidence from ongoing scientific research. Here we point out the flaws in three areas de Camargo et al. find contentious. In doing so, we direct readers to growing evidence of MC as an efficacious, safe, acceptable, relatively low-cost one-off biomedical intervention for HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G. Wamai
- Department of African-American Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian J. Morris
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert C. Bailey
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Klausner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, California, USA
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A digital network approach to infer sex behavior in emerging HIV epidemics. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101416. [PMID: 24992340 PMCID: PMC4081581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Improve the ability to infer sex behaviors more accurately using network data. Methods A hybrid network analytic approach was utilized to integrate: (1) the plurality of reports from others tied to individual(s) of interest; and (2) structural features of the network generated from those ties. Network data was generated from digitally extracted cell-phone contact lists of a purposeful sample of 241 high-risk men in India. These data were integrated with interview responses to describe the corresponding individuals in the contact lists and the ties between them. HIV serostatus was collected for each respondent and served as an internal validation of the model’s predictions of sex behavior. Results We found that network-based model predictions of sex behavior and self-reported sex behavior had limited correlation (54% agreement). Additionally, when respondent sex behaviors were re-classified to network model predictions from self-reported data, there was a 30.7% decrease in HIV seroprevalence among groups of men with lower risk behavior, which is consistent with HIV transmission biology. Conclusion Combining the relative completeness and objectivity of digital network data with the substantive details of classical interview and HIV biomarker data permitted new analyses and insights into the accuracy of self-reported sex behavior.
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Schneider JA, Zhou AN, Laumann EO. A new HIV prevention network approach: sociometric peer change agent selection. Soc Sci Med 2014; 125:192-202. [PMID: 24518188 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Internationally, the Peer Change Agent (PCA) model is the most frequently used conceptual framework for HIV prevention. Change agents themselves can be more important than the messages they convey. PCA selection is operationalized via heterogeneous methods based upon individual-level attributes. A sociometric position selection strategy, however, could increase peer influence potency and halt transmission at key network locations. In this study, we selected candidate PCAs based upon relative sociometric bridging and centrality scores and assessed their attributes in comparison to one another and to existing peer educators. We focused upon an emerging HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men in Southern India in 2011. PCAs selected based on their bridging score were more likely to be innovators when compared to other centrally-located PCAs, to PCAs located on the periphery, and to existing peer educators. We also found that sociodemographic attributes and risk behaviors were similar across all candidate PCAs, but risk behaviors of existing peer educators differed. Existing peer educators were more likely to engage in higher risk behavior such as receiving money for sex when compared to sociometrically selected peer changes agents. These existing peer educators were also more likely to exhibit leadership qualities within the overall network; they were, however, just as likely as other non-trained candidate peer change agents to report important HIV intravention behavior (encouraging condoms within their network). The importance of identifying bridges who may be able to diffuse innovation more effectively within high risk HIV networks is especially critical given recent efficacy data from novel HIV prevention interventions such as pre-exposure prophylaxis. Moreover, while existing peer educators were more likely to be leaders in our analysis, using peer educators with high risk behavior may have limited utility in enacting behavior change among sex worker peers or male clients in the network.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Schneider
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA; Department of Health Studies, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.
| | - A Ning Zhou
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
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Translation of biomedical prevention strategies for HIV: prospects and pitfalls. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2013; 63 Suppl 1:S12-25. [PMID: 23673881 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e31829202a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Early achievements in biomedical approaches for HIV prevention included physical barriers (condoms), clean injection equipment (both for medical use and for injection drug users), blood and blood product safety, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission. In recent years, antiretroviral drugs to reduce the risk of transmission (when the infected person takes the medicines; treatment as prevention) or reduce the risk of acquisition (when the seronegative person takes them; preexposure prophylaxis) have proven to be efficacious. Circumcision of men has also been a major tool relevant for higher prevalence regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. Well-established prevention strategies in the control of sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis are highly relevant for HIV (ie, screening, linkage to care, early treatment, and contact tracing). Unfortunately, only slow progress is being made in some available HIV-prevention strategies such as family planning for HIV-infected women who do not want more children and prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. Current studies seek to integrate strategies into approaches that combine biomedical, behavioral, and structural methods to achieve prevention synergies. This review identifies the major biomedical approaches demonstrated to be efficacious that are now available. We also highlight the need for behavioral risk reduction and adherence as essential components of any biomedical approach.
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18
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Finneran C, Chard A, Sineath C, Sullivan P, Stephenson R. Intimate Partner Violence and Social Pressure among Gay Men in Six Countries. West J Emerg Med 2012; 13:260-71. [PMID: 22900124 PMCID: PMC3415831 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2012.3.11779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent research suggests that men who have sex with men (MSM) experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at significantly higher rates than heterosexual men. Few studies, however, have investigated implications of heterosexist social pressures – namely, homophobic discrimination, internalized homophobia, and heterosexism – on risk for IPV among MSM, and no previous studies have examined cross-national variations in the relationship between IPV and social pressure. This paper examines reporting of IPV and associations with social pressure among a sample of internet-recruited MSM in the United States (U.S.), Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil. Methods We recruited internet-using MSM from 6 countries through selective banner advertisements placed on Facebook. Eligibility criteria were men age over 18 reporting sex with a man in the past year. Of the 2,771 eligible respondents, 2,368 had complete data and were included in the analysis. Three outcomes were examined: reporting recent experience of physical violence, sexual violence, and recent perpetration of physical violence. The analysis focused on associations between reporting of IPV and experiences of homophobic discrimination, internalized homophobia, and heteronormativity. Results Reporting of experiencing physical IPV ranged from 5.75% in the U.S. to 11.75% in South Africa, while experiencing sexual violence was less commonly reported and ranged from 2.54% in Australia to 4.52% in the U.S. Perpetration of physical violence ranged from 2.47% in the U.S. to 5.76% in South Africa. Experiences of homophobic discrimination, internalized homophobia, and heteronormativity were found to increase odds of reporting IPV in all countries. Conclusion There has been little data on IPV among MSM, particularly MSM living in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the lack of consensus in demographic correlates of violence reporting, heterosexist social pressures were found to significantly increase odds of reporting IPV in all countries. These findings show the universality of violence reporting among MSM across countries, and highlight the unique role of heteronormativity as a risk factor for violence reporting among MSM. The results demonstrate that using internet-based surveys to reach MSM is feasible for certain areas, although modified efforts may be required to reach diverse samples of MSM.
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Snyder H, Yeldandi VV, Kumar GP, Liao C, Lakshmi V, Gandham SR, Muppudi U, Oruganti G, Schneider JA. Field-based video pre-test counseling, oral testing, and telephonic post-test counseling: implementation of an HIV field testing package among high-risk Indian men. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2012; 24:309-326. [PMID: 22827901 PMCID: PMC3660959 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2012.24.4.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In India, men who have sex with men (MSM) and truck drivers are high-risk groups that often do not access HIV testing due to stigma and high mobility. This study evaluated a field testing package (FTP) that identified HIV positive participants through video pre-test counseling, OraQuick oral fluid HIV testing, and telephonic post-test counseling and then connected them to government facilities. A total of 598 MSM and truck drivers participated in the FTP and completed surveys covering sociodemographics, HIV testing history, risk behaviors, and opinions on the FTP. MSM and truck drivers equally preferred video counseling, although MSM who had been previously tested preferred traditional methods. Nearly all participants preferred oral testing. Rates of counseling completion and linkage to government centers were low, with one-third of newly identified positives completing follow-up. With increased public-private coordination, this FTP could identify many hard-to-reach preliminary positive individuals and connect them to government testing and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Snyder
- University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, United States
| | | | | | - Chuanhong Liao
- University of Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, United States
| | - Vemu Lakshmi
- Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Microbiology, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Uma Muppudi
- California College for Health Sciences, Public Health, Salt Lake City, United State
| | | | - John A. Schneider
- University of Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago, Department of Medicine and Health Studies, Chicago, United States
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Wamai RG, Morris BJ, Bailis SA, Sokal D, Klausner JD, Appleton R, Sewankambo N, Cooper DA, Bongaarts J, de Bruyn G, Wodak AD, Banerjee J. Male circumcision for HIV prevention: current evidence and implementation in sub-Saharan Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2011; 14:49. [PMID: 22014096 PMCID: PMC3207867 DOI: 10.1186/1758-2652-14-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterosexual exposure accounts for most HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa, and this mode, as a proportion of new infections, is escalating globally. The scientific evidence accumulated over more than 20 years shows that among the strategies advocated during this period for HIV prevention, male circumcision is one of, if not, the most efficacious epidemiologically, as well as cost-wise. Despite this, and recommendation of the procedure by global policy makers, national implementation has been slow. Additionally, some are not convinced of the protective effect of male circumcision and there are also reports, unsupported by evidence, that non-sex-related drivers play a major role in HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Here, we provide a critical evaluation of the state of the current evidence for male circumcision in reducing HIV infection in light of established transmission drivers, provide an update on programmes now in place in this region, and explain why policies based on established scientific evidence should be prioritized. We conclude that the evidence supports the need to accelerate the implementation of medical male circumcision programmes for HIV prevention in generalized heterosexual epidemics, as well as in countering the growing heterosexual transmission in countries where HIV prevalence is presently low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Wamai
- Department of African-American Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian J Morris
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Stefan A Bailis
- Research & Education Association on Circumcision Health Effects, Bloomington, MN, USA
| | - David Sokal
- Behavioral and Biomedical Research, Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco Department of Public Health, USA
| | - Ross Appleton
- College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David A Cooper
- Kirby Institute, St Vincents Hospital and University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia
| | - John Bongaarts
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY, USA
| | - Guy de Bruyn
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, New Nurses Home, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alex D Wodak
- Alcohol & Drug Unit, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joya Banerjee
- Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Pretoria, South Africa
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