1
|
Knox J, Shiau S, Kutner B, Reddy V, Dolezal C, Sandfort TGM. Information, Motivation and Behavioral Skills as Mediators Between Sexual Minority Stigma and Condomless anal Sex Among Black South African Men Who have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:1587-1599. [PMID: 36318425 PMCID: PMC10149565 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03892-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We assessed pathways between sexual minority stigma and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) among two samples of Black South African men who have sex with other men (MSM). Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Tshwane, South Africa; one among 199 Black MSM and another among 480 Black MSM. Men reported on external and internalized experiences of sexual minority stigma, mental health, alcohol use, information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model constructs, and CAI. Structural equation modeling was used to test whether external and internalized stigma were directly and indirectly associated with CAI. In both studies, external stigma and internalized stigma were associated with CAI through IMB model constructs. These results suggest a pathway through which stigma contributes to HIV risk. For HIV prevention efforts to be effective, strengthening safer sex motivation and thus decreasing sexual risk behavior likely requires reducing sexual minority stigma that MSM experience and internalize.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Knox
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, US. .,HIV Center for Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, US. .,Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, US. .,, 722 West 168th street, 10032, New York, US.
| | - Stephanie Shiau
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Bryan Kutner
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, US.,HIV Center for Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, US
| | - Vasu Reddy
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Curtis Dolezal
- HIV Center for Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, US
| | - Theo G M Sandfort
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, US.,HIV Center for Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, US.,Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, US.,Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Daniels J, Peters RPH, Medina-Marino A, Bongo C, Stephenson R. A skills-based sero-status HIV disclosure intervention for sexual minority men in South Africa: A protocol for intervention adaptation and pilot randomized controlled trial (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e36845. [PMID: 35576574 PMCID: PMC9152729 DOI: 10.2196/36845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) living with HIV have low antiretroviral treatment adherence in South Africa due to limited skills in managing disclosure and prevention behaviors with sexual and romantic partners. As a result, there is a high HIV transmission risk within HIV-discordant partnerships, but an existing intervention may address these outcomes, if adapted effectively. Healthy Relationships (HR) is a behavioral intervention that was originally delivered in groups and in person over 5 sessions to develop coping skills for managing HIV-related stress and sexually risky situations, enhance decision-making skills for HIV disclosure to partners, and establish and maintain safer sex practices with partners. HR effectively improves prevention behaviors but has yet to be tailored to a non-US context. Objective We aim to adapt HR into a new culturally grounded intervention entitled Speaking Out & Allying Relationships for GBMSM and then assess its feasibility in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods The study will have 2 aims. For aim 1—adaptation—we will use a human-centered design approach. Initial intervention tailoring will involve integrating Undetectable=Untransmittable and pre-exposure prophylaxis education, developing intervention content for a videoconference format, and designing role-plays and movies for skill building based on preliminary data. Afterward, interviews and surveys will be administered to GBMSM to assess intervention preferences, and a focus group will be conducted with health care providers and information technology experts to assess the intervention’s design. Finally, a usability test will be performed to determine functionality and content understanding. Participants will be GBMSM living with HIV (n=15) who are in a relationship and health care providers and information technology (n=7) experts working in HIV care and programming with this population. For aim 2, we will examine the feasibility of the adapted intervention by using a pilot randomized control design. There will be 60 individuals per arm. Feasibility surveys and interviews will be conducted with the intervention arm, and behavioral and biomedical assessments for relationship and treatment adherence outcomes will be collected for both arms. All participants will be GBMSM living with HIV who are in a relationship with an HIV-negative or unknown status partner. Results Intervention adaptation began in August 2021. Initial tailoring and the refining of GBMSM intervention preferences were completed in December 2021. Usability and feasibility assessments are due to be completed by March 2022 and February 2024, respectively. Conclusions GBMSM need efficacious interventions that tackle partnership dynamics, HIV prevention, and treatment outcomes for antiretroviral treatment adherence and viral suppression in South Africa. Harnessing everyday technology use for social networking (eg, videoconferences), Undetectable=Untransmittable education, and pre-exposure prophylaxis to update an existing intervention for South African GBMSM has the potential to strengthen relationship communication about HIV treatment and prevention and, in turn, improve outcomes. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/36845
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Daniels
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Medina-Marino
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, East London, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cikizwa Bongo
- Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Knox J, Patnaik P, Hakim AJ, Telly N, Ballo T, Traore B, Doumbia S, Lahuerta M. Prevalence of condomless anal intercourse and associated risk factors among men who have sex with men in Bamako, Mali. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:218-227. [PMID: 33622107 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420922446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disparately impacted by HIV in sub-Saharan Africa and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) is a major driver of HIV transmission. The objective of the current study was to identify factors associated with CAI among MSM in Bamako, Mali, among whom HIV prevalence was 13.7%. METHODS A bio-behavioral survey was conducted between October 2014 and February 2015 using respondent-driven sampling to recruit 552 adult MSM. Weighted statistical analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence of CAI with one's most recent male partner and survey logistic procedures were used to identify associated factors. RESULTS The prevalence of CAI with one's most recent male partner was 40.7%. Associated factors included: inability to get a condom when needed (aOR = 5.8, 95%CI: 2.7-12.3) and believing CAI is acceptable under some circumstances (aOR = 8.4, 95%CI: 4.4-16.2). CONCLUSIONS Programs addressing HIV among MSM in Mali should aim to increase access to condoms and education about HIV prevention through consistent condom use during anal intercourse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Knox
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Padmaja Patnaik
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Avi J Hakim
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nouhoum Telly
- International Center of Excellence in Research (ICER-Mali), Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Tako Ballo
- World Health Organization (WHO), Bamako, Mali
| | - Bouyagui Traore
- African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET-Mali), Bamako, Mali
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- International Center of Excellence in Research (ICER-Mali), Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Maria Lahuerta
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Knox J, Chen YN, He Q, Liu G, Jones J, Wang X, Sullivan P, Siegler A. Use of Geosocial Networking Apps and HIV Risk Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Case-Crossover Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e17173. [PMID: 33448934 PMCID: PMC7846440 DOI: 10.2196/17173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. The HIV epidemic is largely driven by unprotected anal sex (ie, sex not protected by condoms or HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]). The possible association between unprotected anal sex and the use of geospatial networking apps has been the subject of scientific debate. Objective This study assessed whether users of a gay geospatial networking app in China were more likely to use condoms when they met their partners online versus offline. A case-crossover analysis, with each person serving as his own control, was employed to address the potential bias that men looking for sex partners through an online dating medium might have inherently different (and riskier) patterns of sexual behavior than men who do not use online dating media. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered in 2018 to adult male users of Blued—a gay geospatial networking app—in Beijing, Tianjin, Sichuan, and Yunnan, China. A case-crossover analysis was conducted among 1311 MSM not taking PrEP who reported engaging in both unprotected and protected anal sex in the previous 6 months. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to quantify the association between where the partnership was initiated (offline or online) and the act of unprotected anal sex, controlling for other interval-level covariates. Four sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess other potential sources of bias. Results We identified 1311 matched instances where a person reported having both an unprotected anal sex act and a protected anal sex act in the previous 6 months. Of the most recent unprotected anal sex acts, 22.3% (292/1311), were initiated offline. Of the most recent protected anal sex acts, 16.3% (214/1311), were initiated offline. In multivariable analyses, initiating a partnership offline was positively associated with unprotected anal sex (odds ratio 2.66, 95% CI 1.84 to 3.85, P<.001) compared with initiating a partnership online. These results were robust to each of the different sensitivity analyses we conducted. Conclusions Among Blued users in 4 Chinese cities, men were less likely to have unprotected anal sex in partnerships that they initiated online compared with those that they initiated offline. The relationship was strong, with over 2.5 times the likelihood of engaging in unprotected anal sex in partnerships initiated offline compared with those initiated online. These findings suggest that geospatial networking apps are a proxy for, and not a cause of, high-risk behaviors for HIV infection; these platforms should be viewed as a useful venue to identify individuals at risk for HIV transmission to allow for targeted service provision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Knox
- Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yi-No Chen
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Qinying He
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
| | - Guowu Liu
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jeb Jones
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Chengdu Tongle Social Work Service Center, Chengdu, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stone J, Mukandavire C, Boily M, Fraser H, Mishra S, Schwartz S, Rao A, Looker KJ, Quaife M, Terris‐Prestholt F, Marr A, Lane T, Coetzee J, Gray G, Otwombe K, Milovanovic M, Hausler H, Young K, Mcingana M, Ncedani M, Puren A, Hunt G, Kose Z, Phaswana‐Mafuya N, Baral S, Vickerman P. Estimating the contribution of key populations towards HIV transmission in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25650. [PMID: 33533115 PMCID: PMC7855076 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In generalized epidemic settings, there is insufficient understanding of how the unmet HIV prevention and treatment needs of key populations (KPs), such as female sex workers (FSWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM), contribute to HIV transmission. In such settings, it is typically assumed that HIV transmission is driven by the general population. We estimated the contribution of commercial sex, sex between men, and other heterosexual partnerships to HIV transmission in South Africa (SA). METHODS We developed the "Key-Pop Model"; a dynamic transmission model of HIV among FSWs, their clients, MSM, and the broader population in SA. The model was parameterized and calibrated using demographic, behavioural and epidemiological data from national household surveys and KP surveys. We estimated the contribution of commercial sex, sex between men and sex among heterosexual partnerships of different sub-groups to HIV transmission over 2010 to 2019. We also estimated the efficiency (HIV infections averted per person-year of intervention) and prevented fraction (% IA) over 10-years from scaling-up ART (to 81% coverage) in different sub-populations from 2020. RESULTS Sex between FSWs and their paying clients, and between clients with their non-paying partners contributed 6.9% (95% credibility interval 4.5% to 9.3%) and 41.9% (35.1% to 53.2%) of new HIV infections in SA over 2010 to 2019 respectively. Sex between low-risk groups contributed 59.7% (47.6% to 68.5%), sex between men contributed 5.3% (2.3% to 14.1%) and sex between MSM and their female partners contributed 3.7% (1.6% to 9.8%). Going forward, the largest population-level impact on HIV transmission can be achieved from scaling up ART to clients of FSWs (% IA = 18.2% (14.0% to 24.4%) or low-risk individuals (% IA = 20.6% (14.7 to 27.5) over 2020 to 2030), with ART scale-up among KPs being most efficient. CONCLUSIONS Clients of FSWs play a fundamental role in HIV transmission in SA. Addressing the HIV prevention and treatment needs of KPs in generalized HIV epidemics is central to a comprehensive HIV response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Stone
- Population Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Christinah Mukandavire
- Department of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Marie‐Claude Boily
- Department of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyImperial CollegeLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Amrita Rao
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | | | - Matthew Quaife
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Alexander Marr
- University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Tim Lane
- Equal InternationalWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Jenny Coetzee
- Perinatal HIV Research UnitFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- South African Medical Research CouncilCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Glenda Gray
- South African Medical Research CouncilCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research UnitFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Minja Milovanovic
- Perinatal HIV Research UnitFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Adrian Puren
- National Institute of Communicable DiseasesJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Gillian Hunt
- National Institute of Communicable DiseasesJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Zamakayise Kose
- Research and Innovation OfficeNorth West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
| | | | - Stefan Baral
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Knox J, Reddy V, Lane T, Lovasi GS, Hasin D, Sandfort T. Safer sex intentions modify the relationship between substance use and sexual risk behavior among black South African men who have sex with men. Int J STD AIDS 2019; 30:786-794. [PMID: 31142222 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418825333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Due to the global burden of HIV, a better understanding of the relationship between substance use and HIV risk behavior is a public health priority, particularly among populations with high rates of HIV infection. The current study explored the moderating effects of psychosocial factors on the relationship between substance use and sexual risk behavior. Among 480 black South African men who have sex with men recruited using respondent-driven sampling, a cross-sectional survey was conducted that included questions about their last sexual event that involved anal sex. Substance use was not associated with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) ( P = 0.97). The effect of substance use on UAI was modified by safer sex intentions ( P = 0.001). Among those with higher safer sex intentions, substance use was positively associated with UAI (aOR = 5.8, 95%CI = 1.6–21.3, P < 0.01). This study found that among men who have sex with men with high intentions to engage in safer sex, substance use was associated with increased risky sexual behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Knox
- 1 Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vasu Reddy
- 2 Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tim Lane
- 3 Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gina S Lovasi
- 4 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Urban Health Collaborative, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Deborah Hasin
- 1 Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Theo Sandfort
- 5 HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NYS Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,6 Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Knox J, Reddy V, Lane T, Lovasi G, Hasin D, Sandfort T. Determinants of hazardous drinking among black South African men who have sex with men. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 180:14-21. [PMID: 28850902 PMCID: PMC5648600 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a known heavy burden of hazardous drinking and its associated health risks among black South African MSM; however, no study to date has identified risk factors for hazardous drinking among this nor any other African MSM population. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 480 black South African MSM recruited using respondent-driven sampling. All analyses were adjusted using an RDS II estimator. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between demographic characteristics, psychosocial factors, behavioral attributes and hazardous drinking. RESULTS More than half of the men (62%, 95%CI=56%-68%) screened positive as hazardous drinkers. In multivariable analyses, living in a township (versus the city of Pretoria) (aOR=1.9, 95%CI=1.2-3.1, p<.01), more gender dysphoria (aOR=1.4, 95%CI=1.0-1.8, p=.03), having ever received money or other incentives in return for sex (aOR=2.4, 95%CI=1.3-4.3, p<.01), having been sexually abused as a child (aOR=2.6, 95%CI=1.1-6.4, p=.03), having anxiety (aOR=5.4, 95%CI=1.2-24.3, p=.03), and social network drinking behavior (aOR=5.4, 95%CI=1.2-24.3, p=.03) were positively associated with hazardous drinking. Being sexually attracted only to men (aOR=0.3, 95%CI=0.1-0.8, p=.01) was negatively associated with hazardous drinking. DISCUSSION Hazardous drinking is highly prevalent among black South African MSM. Multiple indicators of social vulnerability were identified as independent determinants of hazardous drinking. These findings are of heightened concern because these health problems often work synergistically to increase risk of HIV infection and should be taken into consideration by efforts aimed at reducing hazardous drinking among this critical population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Knox
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Vasu Reddy
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tim Lane
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Gina Lovasi
- Department of Epidemiology, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Deborah Hasin
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Theo Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NYS Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Substance Use and HIV Risk Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Africa: A Systematic Review. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 76:e34-e46. [PMID: 28903126 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use and its relation to HIV risk among men who have sex in Africa, a population at high risk for HIV, has received little attention. METHODS This systematic review summarizes and discusses findings from 68 empirical studies, published between 1980 and 2016 that included data about substance use in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Africa. RESULTS Substance use has rarely been the primary focus of studies in African MSM. In general, measurement of substance use was suboptimal. Whereas prevalence of alcohol use varied across studies, partly resulting from variety in assessment strategies, it seemed higher than in the general male population across countries. Alcohol use was associated with sexual risk practices, but not with HIV infection. The most frequently reported drug used by African MSM was cannabis. The use of other drugs, such as cocaine and heroin seemed relatively rare, although injection drug use was exceptionally high in a few studies. As alcohol, drugs were regularly used in conjunction with sex. Both alcohol and drug use were often associated with other risk factors for HIV infection, including violence and transactional sex. No interventions were found addressing substance use among African MSM. CONCLUSIONS Given high HIV risk and prevalence in this population, substance use should be studied more in-depth, taking into account the specific social and cultural context. Assessment of substance use practices in this population has to be improved. The available information suggests, though, that there is an urgent need for interventions addressing substance use tailored to the needs of this critical population.
Collapse
|
9
|
Knox J, Reddy V, Lane T, Hasin D, Sandfort T. Substance Use and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Black South African Men Who Have Sex With Men: The Moderating Effects of Reasons for Drinking and Safer Sex Intentions. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:2023-2032. [PMID: 28025737 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1652-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Research studies suggest an association between substance use and sexual risk behavior, but are not completely consistent. The moderating effects of other psychosocial factors might help explain these inconsistencies. The current study therefore assessed whether substance use is associated with sexual risk behavior, and whether this relationship is modified by expectancies about the effects of alcohol, reasons for consuming alcohol, or intentions to engage in safe sex. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 480 black South African men who have sex with men recruited using respondent-driven sampling. In multivariable analyses, the effect of alcohol use on unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI) was modified by drinking to enhance social interaction (R2 change = 0.03, p < 0.01). The effect of drug use on URAI was modified by safe sex intentions (R2 change = 0.03, p < 0.001). Alcohol use was positively associated with URAI only among those who drink to enhance social interaction (β = 0.08, p < 0.05). Drug use was positively associated with URAI only among those with high safe sex intentions (β = 0.30, p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that efforts to minimize the impact of substance use on HIV risk behavior should target men who drink to enhance social interaction and men who intend to engage in safer sex. Efforts made to increase safer sex intentions as a way to reduce HIV risk behavior should additionally consider the effects of substance use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Knox
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Vasu Reddy
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tim Lane
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Deborah Hasin
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Theo Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NYS Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Learning to Live With HIV in the Rural Townships: A Photovoice Study of Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With HIV in Mpumalanga, South Africa. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2017; 28:408-421. [PMID: 28279587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jana.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
There is limited understanding about the health and well-being of men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV infection living in rural African areas. We present the results of an adapted photovoice project with 35 MSM with HIV infection who live in townships in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The project was designed to explore the social factors that influenced HIV care. Twenty-four photo essays were developed by participants in focus group discussions that were audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. Transcripts and photo essays were coded using a constant comparison approach combining researcher observation notes and reflection on participant-identified themes. Participants identified (a) a shared experience of illness and coming to terms with having HIV infection and (b) family and taverns as necessary support systems. The findings suggested that family- and tavern-based interventions might improve health outcomes for MSM newly diagnosed with HIV infection living in rural and semi-rural African communities.
Collapse
|
11
|
Evans MGB, Cloete A, Zungu N, Simbayi LC. HIV Risk Among Men Who Have Sex With Men, Women Who Have Sex With Women, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations in South Africa: A Mini-Review. Open AIDS J 2016; 10:49-64. [PMID: 27347271 PMCID: PMC4893624 DOI: 10.2174/1874613601610010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HIV epidemic in South Africa is characterized mainly by heterosexual transmission. Recently, the importance of targeting key populations and marginalized groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, has been added to the national agenda. OBJECTIVES This mini-review explores the current state of empirical research on HIV risk and MSM, women who have sex with women (WSW), lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations in South Africa in order to assess the current state of research and identify gaps in the literature. METHOD Peer-reviewed empirical social and behavioral articles on HIV prevalence and risk focusing on MSM, WSW, and LGBT populations published since 2006 were included in this mini-review. RESULTS In total 35 articles were included: 30 on MSM, gay, and/or bisexual male-identified populations, three on WSW, lesbian, and/or bisexual female-identified populations, two on LGB youth, and none on transgender populations. CONCLUSION Despite South Africa being the country with the largest number of people living with HIV in the world, there is a limited amount of research in South Africa on HIV and non-normative gender identities and sexualities, especially WSW, lesbian, and/or bisexual female-identified populations, transgender populations, and LGB youth. Research with MSM, WSW, and LGBT populations should be prioritized in South Africa in order to appropriately inform HIV prevention strategies that meet the specific needs of these marginalized groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith G. B. Evans
- HUMA (Institute for Humanities in Africa) and Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Allanise Cloete
- HAST (HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB) Program, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nompumelelo Zungu
- HAST (HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB) Program, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leickness C. Simbayi
- HAST (HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB) Program, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zeglin RJ. Assessing the role of masculinity in the transmission of HIV: a systematic review to inform HIV risk reduction counseling interventions for men who have sex with men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:1979-1990. [PMID: 25917411 PMCID: PMC5502076 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-015-0501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 01/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
HIV affects over 1.2 million people in the United States; a substantial number are men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite an abundance of literature evaluating numerous social/structural and individual risk factors associated with HIV for this population, relatively little is known regarding the individual-level role of masculinity in community-level HIV transmission risk. To address this gap, the current analysis systematically reviewed the masculinity and HIV literature for MSM. The findings of 31 sources were included. Seven themes were identified: (1) number of partners, (2) attitudes toward condoms, (3) drug use, (4) sexual positioning, (5) condom decision-making, (6) attitudes toward testing, and (7) treatment compliance. These factors, representing the enactment of masculine norms, potentiate the spread of HIV. The current article aligns these factors into a masculinity model of community HIV transmission. Opportunities for counseling interventions include identifying how masculinity informs a client's cognitions, emotions, and behaviors as well as adapting gender-transformative interventions to help create new conceptualizations of masculinity for MSM clients. This approach could reduce community-level HIV incidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Zeglin
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, George Washington University, 2134 G St. NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC, 20037, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lane T, Osmand T, Marr A, Shade SB, Dunkle K, Sandfort T, Struthers H, Kegeles S, McIntyre JA. The Mpumalanga Men's Study (MPMS): results of a baseline biological and behavioral HIV surveillance survey in two MSM communities in South Africa. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111063. [PMID: 25401785 PMCID: PMC4234301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mpumalanga Men's Study (MPMS) is the assessment of the Project Boithato HIV prevention intervention for South African MSM. Boithato aims to increase consistent condom use, regular testing for HIV-negative MSM, and linkage to care for HIV-positive MSM. The MPMS baseline examined HIV prevalence and associated risk behaviors, and testing, care, and treatment behaviors among MSM in Gert Sibande and Ehlanzeni districts in Mpumalanga province, South Africa in order to effectively target intervention activities. We recruited 307 MSM in Gert Sibande and 298 in Ehlanzeni through respondent-driven sampling (RDS) between September 2012-March 2013. RDS-adjusted HIV prevalence estimates are 28.3% (95% CI 21.1%–35.3%) in Gert Sibande, and 13.7% (95% CI 9.1%–19.6%) in Ehlanzeni. Prevalence is significantly higher among MSM over age 25 [57.8% (95% CI 43.1%–72.9%) vs. 17.9% (95% CI 10.6%–23.9%), P<0.001 in Gert Sibande; 34.5% (95%CI 20.5%–56.0%) vs. 9.1% (95% CI 4.6%–13.9%), P<0.001 in Ehlanzeni]. In Gert Sibande, prevalence is higher among self-identified gay and transgender MSM vs. other MSM [39.3% (95%CI, 28.3%–47.9%), P<0.01], inconsistent condom users [38.1% (18.1%–64.2%), P<0.05], those with a current regular male partner [35.0% (27.1%–46.4%), P<0.05], and those with lifetime experience of intimate partner violence with men [40.4%, (95%CI 28.9%–50.9%), P<0.05]. Prevalence of previous HIV testing was 65.8% (95%CI 58.8%–74.0%) in Gert Sibande, and 69.3% (95%CI 61.9%–76.8%) in Ehlanzeni. Regular HIV testing was uncommon [(34.6%, (95%CI 27.9%–41.4%) in Gert Sibande; 31.0% (95%CI 24.9%–37.8%) in Ehlanzeni]. Among HIV-positive participants, few knew their status (28.1% in Gert Sibande and 14.5% in Ehlanzeni), or were appropriately linked to care (18.2% and 11.3%, respectively), or taking antiretroviral therapy (13.6% and 9.6% respectively). MPMS results demonstrate the importance of implementing interventions for MSM to increase consistent condom use, regular HIV testing, and linkage and engagement in care for HIV-infected MSM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lane
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas Osmand
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Alexander Marr
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Starley B. Shade
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kristin Dunkle
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Theodorus Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Helen Struthers
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Susan Kegeles
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - James A. McIntyre
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Men at risk; a qualitative study on HIV risk, gender identity and violence among men who have sex with men who report high risk behavior in Kampala, Uganda. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82937. [PMID: 24358239 PMCID: PMC3866199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In Uganda, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for HIV. Between May 2008 and February 2009 in Kampala, Uganda, we used respondent driven sampling (RDS) to recruit 295 MSM≥18 years who reported having had sex with another man in the preceding three months. The parent study conducted HIV and STI testing and collected demographic and HIV-related behavioral data through audio computer-assisted self-administered interviews. We conducted a nested qualitative sub-study with 16 men purposively sampled from among the survey participants based on responses to behavioral variables indicating higher risk for HIV infection. Sub-study participants were interviewed face-to-face. Domains of inquiry included sexual orientation, gender identity, condom use, stigma, discrimination, violence and health seeking behavior. Emergent themes included a description of sexual orientation/gender identity categories. All groups of men described conflicting feelings related to their sexual orientation and contextual issues that do not accept same-sex identities or behaviors and non-normative gender presentation. The emerging domains for facilitating condom use included: lack of trust in partner and fear of HIV infection. We discuss themes in the context of social and policy issues surrounding homosexuality and HIV prevention in Uganda that directly affect men's lives, risk and health-promoting behaviors.
Collapse
|