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Gautam K, Paudel K, Ahmed A, Dhakal M, Wickersham JA, Poudel KC, Pagoto S, Acharya B, Deuba K, Valente PK, Shrestha R. High Interest in the Use of mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nepal. J Community Health 2024; 49:575-587. [PMID: 38281283 PMCID: PMC11283576 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-024-01324-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Mobile technology growth in Nepal offers promising opportunities for using mobile health (mHealth) interventions to facilitate HIV prevention efforts. However, little is known about access and utilization of communication technology and their willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention services in Nepal. We conducted a cross-sectional respondent-driven sampling survey of 250 MSM in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal from October to December 2022. We collected information on participant characteristics, HIV risk-related behaviors, ownership, or access to and frequency of use of communication technology (phones, tablets, laptops, and computers), and willingness to use mHealth to access HIV prevention services. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. Almost all participants had smartphones with the internet (231/250, 92.4%) and accessed the internet daily (219/250, 87.6%) on the smartphone (236/250, 94.4%). The median score for willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention was 10 (IQR: 3 to 17). Willingness to use mHealth was higher among those participants with a high school or above education (β = 0.223, p = < 0.001), had experienced violence (β = 0.231, p = 0.006), and had moderate to severe depressive symptoms (β = 0.223, p = < 0.001). However, monthly income above NPR 20,000 (USD 150) (β= -0.153, p = 0.008), disclosure of their sexual orientation to anyone (β= -0.159, p = < 0.007), and worry about being negatively judged by health care workers (β= -0.136, p = 0.023) were less willing to use mHealth strategies. The findings from this study suggest that there is a high willingness for utilizing mHealth interventions for HIV prevention in MSM population who are at higher risk of HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Gautam
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Kiran Paudel
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Nepal Health Frontiers, Tokha-5, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Ali Ahmed
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Manisha Dhakal
- Blue Diamond Society, Dhumbarahi Marg, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Krishna C Poudel
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- Institute for Global Health, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Sherry Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Bibhav Acharya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, School of Medicine, 675 18th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
- Possible, a non-profit organization, Bhim Plaza, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Keshab Deuba
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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Pravosud V, Ballard AM, Holloway IW, Young AM. Latent Class Analysis of Online Platforms for Partner-Seeking and Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men from Central Kentucky. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1015-1028. [PMID: 37824036 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04210-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Little is known whether engagement in sexual behaviors associated with potential HIV risks differs by subgroups of men who have sex with men (MSM), who are distinct regarding patterns of use of online tools for partner-seeking. Using latent class analysis, we revealed four classes of app-using MSM (n = 181, 18-34 y.o., 82.4% identified as White and non-Hispanic) residing in Central Kentucky: the Grindr/Tinder class; the Poly App Use class of MSM-oriented apps; the General Social Media class, and the Bumble class. Unadjusted penalized logistic regressions showed associations of the Poly App Use class with increased numbers of receptive anal sex partners and reporting condomless receptive anal sex. Adjusting for other covariates, poly app users versus others were more likely to be older (25-34 vs. 18-24, AOR = 3.81, 95%CI = 1.70-9.03), to report past six-month illicit drug use (AOR = 2.93, 95%CI = 1.25-7.43) and to have ever used pre-exposure prophylaxis (AOR = 2.79, 95%CI = 1.10-7.12). Poly app users had behavior profiles associated with an elevated HIV risk and also reported HIV-related protective behaviors likely indicating increased risk awareness among this class. Our findings warrant differentiation of behavior profiles by patterns of app use and suggest not to generalize sexual behaviors associated with potential HIV risks to all app-using MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vira Pravosud
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - April M Ballard
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ian W Holloway
- Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Drydakis N. M-health Apps and Physical and Mental Health Outcomes of Sexual Minorities. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:3421-3448. [PMID: 35904851 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2095240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Given the assigned health inequalities faced by sexual minorities, it is fitting to assess whether m-health could be associated with better health-related outcomes for these sexual minorities. The present study examines associations between m-physical and m-mental health apps and sexual minorities' physical and mental health status in Greece. The study utilized three waves of panel data collected in 2018, 2019, and 2020. The findings indicated associations between the use of m-physical and m-mental health apps and increased physical and mental health status for sexual minorities. The work concludes that m-health could enhance informational capabilities associated with increased levels of physical and mental health for sexual minorities. Indeed, the study found that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, sexual minorities experienced physical and mental health deteriorations. Interestingly, the estimates indicated that the association between the use of m-physical and m-mental health apps and increased mental health status for sexual minorities was stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic than before. The study suggests that tracking health-related information through m-health apps during periods of increased uncertainty could be associated with better health prevention and management. If m-health apps can alleviate adverse physical and mental health symptoms for sexual minorities, their potential should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Drydakis
- School of Economics, Finance, and Law, Centre for Pluralist Economics, Faculty of Business and Law, East Road, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
- Pembroke College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Global Labor Organization, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Labor Economics, Bonn, Germany
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Zhang H, Sanchez T, Zlotorzynska M, Baral S, Hecht J. Experiences of Stigma and HIV Status Associated with Awareness and Usage of Safer Sex Functions in Dating Apps Among MSM, 2019 American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS) Study. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3603-3611. [PMID: 37421546 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04074-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Dating apps represent opportunities to implement sexual health interventions among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly those who may avoid traditional health services due to intersecting stigmas. We used multivariable models to explore whether stigma experience was associated with awareness and usage of safer sex functions in dating apps among 7700 MSM who completed a 2019 US nationwide online survey. Perceived community intolerance of gay and bisexual men was associated with reduced awareness of sexual health strategy profile options (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.95; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.93-0.98) and sexual health information and resources (aPR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94-0.99). Stigma from family and friends was associated with increased usage of app-based sexual health reminders (aPR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02-1.28) and sexual health information and resources (aPR 1.16; 95% CI 1.04-1.31). Stigma experience of MSM should be considered in optimizing app-based sexual health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisu Zhang
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21215, USA
| | - Jen Hecht
- Building Healthy Online Communities, Springboard Health Lab, Richmond, USA
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Abraham E, Chow EPF, Fairley CK, Lee D, Kong FYS, Mao L, Goller JL, Medland N, Bavinton BR, Sudarto B, Joksic S, Wong J, Phillips TR, Ong JJ. eSexualHealth: Preferences to use technology to promote sexual health among men who have sex with men and trans and gender diverse people. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1064408. [PMID: 36711397 PMCID: PMC9877518 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1064408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and trans and gender diverse (TGD) people are disproportionately affected by poorer sexual health outcomes compared to heterosexual populations. We aimed to explore the preferences of GBMSM and TGD for using eHealth for sexual health (eSexualHealth). Methods We distributed an anonymous online survey from April to August 2021among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other people of diverse sexuality or gender (LGBTIQA+) community in Australia. The survey collected data on sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviors, their preferences for app/website functions and preferred HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing reminders. We used descriptive statistics to summarize the characteristics of the study population. Free-text responses were thematically analyzed. Results Of 466 participants included, most identified as cisgender males (92.7%). The median age was 48 [interquartile range (IQR): 37-56]. For accessing sexual health-related information, 160 (34.6%) would use either a website or an app, 165 (32.7%) would prefer a website, 119 (25.8%) would prefer an app, and 33 (7.1%) would not use either platform. There was no significant difference between GBMSM and TGD people. Participants were most interested in information about STI clinics, HIV/STI hotspots, and sexual health education. Participants stressed the need for privacy and anonymity when using eHealth. Regarding reminders to test for HIV/STIs, receiving regular SMS was most popular (112/293, 38.2%), followed by regular emails (55/293 18.8%) and a reminder function on their phone (48/293, 16.4%). Conclusion Our study suggests a promising future for eHealth among GBMSM and TGD people. Sexual health is still a stigmatized area, and eHealth may circumvent barriers this population faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha Abraham
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric P. F. Chow
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Lee
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fabian Y. S. Kong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Limin Mao
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane L. Goller
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Medland
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Budiadi Sudarto
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Tiffany R. Phillips
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason J. Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Jason J. Ong ✉
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Eysenbach G, Kennedy CE, Minamitani A, Baggaley R, Shah P, Verster A, Luhmann N, de Mello MB, Macdonald V. Web-Based Service Provision of HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention, Testing, Linkage, and Treatment for Key Populations: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e40150. [PMID: 36548036 PMCID: PMC9816952 DOI: 10.2196/40150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growth of web-based interventions for HIV, viral hepatitis (VH), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for key populations, the evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions has not been reported. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to inform the World Health Organization guidelines for HIV, VH, and STI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services for key populations by systematically reviewing the effectiveness, values and preferences, and costs of web-based outreach, web-based case management, and targeted web-based health information for key populations (men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, trans and gender-diverse people, and people in prisons and other closed settings). METHODS We searched CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Embase in May 2021 for peer-reviewed studies; screened abstracts; and extracted data in duplicate. The effectiveness review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for RCTs and the Evidence Project and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tools for non-RCTs. Values and preferences and cost data were summarized descriptively. RESULTS Of 2711 records identified, we included 13 (0.48%) articles in the effectiveness review (3/13, 23% for web-based outreach; 7/13, 54% for web-based case management; and 3/13, 23% for targeted web-based health information), 15 (0.55%) articles in the values and preferences review, and 1 (0.04%) article in the costs review. Nearly all studies were conducted among men who have sex with men in the United States. These articles provided evidence that web-based approaches are as effective as face-to-face services in terms of reaching new people, use of HIV, VH, and STI prevention services, and linkage to and retention in HIV care. A meta-analysis of 2 RCTs among men who have sex with men in China found increased HIV testing after web-based outreach (relative risk 1.39, 95% CI 1.21-1.60). Among men who have sex with men in the United States, such interventions were considered feasible and acceptable. One cost study among Canadian men who have sex with men found that syphilis testing campaign advertisements had the lowest cost-per-click ratio on hookup platforms compared with more traditional social media platforms. CONCLUSIONS Web-based services for HIV, VH, and STIs may be a feasible and acceptable approach to expanding services to key populations with similar outcomes as standard of care, but more research is needed in low-resource settings, among key populations other than men who have sex with men, and for infections other than HIV (ie, VH and STIs).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin Elizabeth Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ayako Minamitani
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Purvi Shah
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,Regional Support Team Asia Pacific, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, New Delhi, India
| | - Annette Verster
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Niklas Luhmann
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maeve Brito de Mello
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginia Macdonald
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Pleuhs B, Walsh JL, Quinn KG, Petroll AE, Nyitray A, John SA. Uptake of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination by HIV Status and HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Care Engagement Among Young Sexual Minority Men 17-24 Years Old in the USA. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2022; 19:1944-1953. [PMID: 36687804 PMCID: PMC9857745 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-022-00740-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) are common sexually transmitted infections among young sexual minority men (YSMM) that are prevented by pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HPV vaccination, respectively. We sought to determine the association between a history of PrEP use and HPV vaccination uptake among YSMM. Methods Data were collected from an online survey of YSMM (n = 287; M age = 20.6 years, range: 17-24; 58% Black or Latinx) recruited from social media and men-for-men geosocial networking apps in 2020 and analyses were conducted using chi-squared comparisons and Poisson regression using STATA (IC) version 15.1. Results About half (45.0%) of YSMM reported receiving at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Controlling for other factors, YSMM who were living with HIV or had used PrEP were significantly more likely to have received at least one dose of an HPV vaccine (PR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.52-4.07; PR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.26-2.31, respectively). Conclusions YSMM living with HIV or with PrEP use experience reported higher rates of HPV vaccination compared to their counterparts, potentially due to greater utilization of health care or contacts with providers attuned to their health needs. Nevertheless, HPV vaccination uptake is suboptimal given the high prevalence of high-risk HPV genotypes among YSMM. Policy Implications Standard of care for YSMM should include revisiting HPV vaccination status and discussion of PrEP and other HIV prevention methods given suboptimal rates of HPV and PrEP uptake among this priority population for HPV vaccination, anal cancer, and HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Pleuhs
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Walsh
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Katherine G. Quinn
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Andrew E. Petroll
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Alan Nyitray
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Steven A. John
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Prevalence and Risk Factors of PrEP Use Stigma Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Johannesburg, South Africa and Mwanza, Tanzania Participating in the EMPOWER Trial. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3950-3962. [PMID: 35776254 PMCID: PMC9640431 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03721-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa may benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), yet stigma may limit PrEP acceptance and continuation. We examined factors associated with PrEP use stigma among 307 participants of the EMPOWER trial (2016-2018), an unblinded randomized controlled trial among HIV-negative, AGYW, aged 16-24, in South Africa and Tanzania. The 6-item, brief-PrEP use stigma scale (B-PSS) had high internal reliability. At the end of the trial, 34.2% of study participants reported any PrEP use stigma. Three latent classes were observed, reflecting low (46.9%), medium (31.9%), and high (21.2%) reported PrEP use stigma. Disclosure of PrEP use to sexual partner and belief that PrEP prevents HIV were associated with less reported PrEP use stigma. Conversely, participants who reported fear and shame about people living with HIV were more likely to report PrEP use stigma. Our validated tool and findings will enable practitioners to identify AGYW at high risk of PrEP use stigma who may benefit from additional support.Pan African clinical trials registry PACTR202006754762723, 5 April 2020, retrospectively registered.
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Brennan DJ, Kesler M, Lachowsky NJ, Davies A, Georgievski G, Adam BD, Collict D, Hart TA, Salway T, Griffiths D. Sociodemographic and Psychological Predictors of Seeking Health Information Online among GB2M in Ontario: Findings from the #iCruise Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2021; 34:337-350. [PMID: 38596527 PMCID: PMC10903557 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.2000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives The current study examines the experiences of gay, bisexual, two-spirit and other men who have sex with men (GB2M) who use networking applications and their engagements with online sexual health outreach workers disseminating healthcare information through these digital spaces. Methods The iCruise study was a longitudinal mixed-methods study across Ontario, Canada which collected data on online sexual health information seeking behaviors. Results Results offer insight into differences in information seeking behaviors among diverse groups of queer men. Conclusions Implications for the dissemination of health information based on the results of information seeking patterns is discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maya Kesler
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Adam Davies
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Georgi Georgievski
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barry D. Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
| | - David Collict
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor A. Hart
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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Ogunbajo A, Lodge W, Restar AJ, Oginni OA, Iwuagwu S, Williams R, Biello K, Mimiaga MJ. Correlates of Geosocial Networking Applications (GSN Apps) Usage among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nigeria, Africa. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2981-2993. [PMID: 33844118 PMCID: PMC8040750 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01889-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Geosocial networking applications (GSN apps) are widely utilized by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) to meet potential sexual/romantic partners, foster friendships, and build community. However, GSN apps usage has been linked to elevated levels of HIV sexual risk behavior among GBMSM. Little is known about how GSN apps can facilitate HIV sexual risk behaviors, especially among GBMSM in Africa. To fill this gap in research, the present study aimed to characterize the frequency of GSN apps usage and its association with sociodemographic characteristics, sexual health, healthcare access, psychosocial problems, and substance use in a large multicity sample of community-recruited GBMSM in Nigeria (N = 406). Bivariate and multivariable ordinal logistic regression procedures were used to examine factors associated with GSN apps usage. We found that 52.6% of participants reported recent (≤ 3 months) GSN apps use to meet sexual partners. Factors associated with increased odds of GSN apps usage included: being single, having a university degree or higher, reporting higher recent receptive anal sexual acts, being aware of PrEP, having a primary care provider, and reporting higher levels of identity concealment. HIV-related intervention delivered through GSN apps may help curb the spread of HIV among Nigerian GBMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adedotun Ogunbajo
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S Main Street, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - William Lodge
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S Main Street, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Arjee J Restar
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S Main Street, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Olakunle A Oginni
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria
| | | | - Rashidi Williams
- Equality Triangle for Health and Peoples Development Initiative, Warri, Delta, Nigeria
| | - Katie Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S Main Street, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S Main Street, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
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11
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Hubach RD, O'Neil A, Stowe M, Giano Z, Curtis B, Fisher CB. Perceived Confidentiality Risks of Mobile Technology-Based Ecologic Momentary Assessment to Assess High-Risk Behaviors Among Rural Men Who Have Sex with Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:1641-1650. [PMID: 32078710 PMCID: PMC7438245 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01612-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although men who have sex with men (MSM) within rural communities are disproportionately impacted by HIV, limited HIV research and programmatic resources are directed to these communities within the U.S. There is a need for improved behavioral data collection methods to obtain more detailed information on the relationship between rural environments, sexual behavior, and substance use. Utilization of mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as ecologic momentary assessment (EMA), has been advocated for; however, limited research has evaluated its utility among rural MSM. Forty MSM residing in rural Oklahoma were recruited to complete in-depth interviews related to participating online/mobile-based HIV prevention research. Men described a willingness to participate in HIV and substance use studies that use EMA methodologies for data collection; however, they raised various research-related concerns. In particular, participants indicated potential privacy and confidentiality concerns related to the use of the mobile technology-based EMA in public and the storage of data by researchers. Given the varying degree of sexual orientation and substance use disclosure by participants, rural MSM were largely concerned with being inadvertently "outed" within their communities. Men described the various strategies they could employ to protect private information and methods to minimize research risk. Study findings suggest that EMA is an acceptable research methodology for use among rural MSM in the context of HIV and sexual health information, when privacy and confidentiality concerns are adequately addressed. Input from community members and stakeholders is necessary to identify potential areas of concerns for participants prior to data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph D Hubach
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA.
| | - Andrew O'Neil
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Mollie Stowe
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Zachary Giano
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Brenda Curtis
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Celia B Fisher
- Center for Ethics Education and Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA
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12
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Shrestha R, Lim SH, Altice FL, Copenhaver M, Wickersham JA, Saifi R, Ab Halim MA, Naning H, Kamarulzaman A. Use of Smartphone to Seek Sexual Health Information Online Among Malaysian Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): Implications for mHealth Intervention to Increase HIV Testing and Reduce HIV Risks. J Community Health 2020; 45:10-19. [PMID: 31375976 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-019-00713-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In settings where stigma and discrimination toward men who have sex with men (MSM) are high or illegal, like in Malaysia, innovative methods to anonymously reach them are urgently needed. The near ubiquitous availability of mobile technology, including smartphones, has the potential to open new frontiers (such as mHealth) to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The extent to which MSM use mHealth tools for HIV and STI prevention in the Malaysia context, however, is unknown. A cross-sectional online survey in 622 Malaysian MSM was conducted between July and November 2017. Participants were recruited via advertisements on mobile apps frequently used by MSM. In addition to demographic, smartphone access and utilization, and other information were assessed using logistic regression to determine factors associated with the use of a smartphone to search for online sexual health information. Nearly all (99.2%) participants owned a smartphone, with 63% reported having used one to seek sexual health information, including HIV/STIs. Overall, 96% used smartphones to find sexual partners, with high levels of HIV risk behavior reported. Independent correlates of smartphone use to seek online sexual health information included older age (aOR 0.943, p = 0.005), higher education (aOR 2.14, p = 027), recent (past year) HIV testing (aOR 3.91, p = 0.026), and seeking sexual partners using geosocial networking apps (aOR 5.58, p = 0.006). These findings suggest high smartphone use by high-risk MSM to seek sexual health information and suggests that mHealth strategies may be an effective strategy to engage MSM in HIV prevention activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Shrestha
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College Street, Suite 323, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Sin How Lim
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Michael Copenhaver
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rumana Saifi
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Akbar Ab Halim
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Herlianna Naning
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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13
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John SA, Petroll AE, Walsh JL, Quinn KG, Patel VV, Grov C. Reducing the Discussion Divide by Digital Questionnaires in Health Care Settings: Disruptive Innovation for HIV Testing and PrEP Screening. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 85:302-308. [PMID: 32701822 PMCID: PMC7572720 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care provider assessment of patient sexual behavior and substance use is essential for determining appropriate prevention interventions-including HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-for sexual minority men (SMM). We sought to explore acceptability and utility of using electronic surveys to conduct health behavior assessments in clinical settings among SMM. METHODS Among a US nationwide sample of SMM (n = 4187; mean age = 38.3 years; 60% white; 82% HIV-negative), we examined associations of demographics, recruitment venue, sexual behavior characteristics, and recent substance use with participants' comfort communicating verbally and through electronic survey with a health care provider about sexual and substance use behavior. RESULTS On average, SMM had greater comfort communicating through electronic survey vs. verbally. In our fully adjusted analysis, preference favoring electronic surveys more strongly than verbal communication differed by age (β = -0.07, P ≤ 0.001). SMM with a bachelor's degree or more (β = 0.04, P < 0.05), those recruited from nonclinical settings (β = 0.06, P ≤ 0.001), and those without primary care providers (β = 0.04, P < 0.05) favored electronic surveys more strongly in the fully adjusted multivariable model. SMM who reported any recent casual sex partners (β = 0.05, P < 0.01), those never tested for HIV (β = 0.03, P < 0.05), and HIV-negative/unknown men not on PrEP (compared with PrEP users; β = 0.09, P ≤ 0.001) also favored electronic surveys in the fully adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS Reducing communication barriers by incorporating electronic surveys into patient assessments could help identify HIV testing and PrEP needs for SMM most susceptible to HIV acquisition. Nonetheless, no one screening strategy is likely to work for most SMM, and multiple approaches are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A. John
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Andrew E. Petroll
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Walsh
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Katherine G. Quinn
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Viraj V. Patel
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy; The CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA
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14
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Shrestha R, Galka JM, Azwa I, Lim SH, Guadamuz TE, Altice FL, Wickersham JA. Willingness to Use HIV Self-Testing and Associated Factors Among Transgender Women in Malaysia. Transgend Health 2020; 5:182-190. [PMID: 32923668 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2019.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: While global research on the implementation of HIV self-testing (HIVST) has increased exponentially, few studies have assessed information on HIVST uptake factors (i.e., willingness, preferences) in transgender women (TW) and none in the Malaysian context. We therefore sought to assess willingness to use HIVST among this understudied key population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 361 HIV-negative Malaysian TW in 2017. Participants were recruited using flyers, announcements through social media, and direct referral from staff members of the community-based organizations serving the TW communities. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify correlates of willingness to use HIVST. Results: Nearly half of the participants (47.6%) reported that they would be willing to use HIVST. Multivariable analysis showed that willingness to use HIVST was positively associated with having experienced sexual assault in childhood (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.239, p<0.001), having ever used mobile phone or apps to find sex work clients (aOR=1.677, p=0.040), and having engaged in condomless sex in the past 6 months (aOR=1.886, p=0.018). In contrast, living in Kuala Lumpur (aOR=0.559, p=0.032), having higher number of sex work clients per day (aOR=0.927, p=0.004), and current depressive symptoms (aOR=0.576, p=0.026) were negatively associated with willingness to use HIVST. Conclusions: Findings in this study suggest that TW in our sample were moderately willing to use HIVST. Especially important here is the increased interest in HIVST among TW who are at higher risk for HIV infection. Overall, our findings underscore the need for additional research on how to most effectively implement HIVST for key populations, including TW, such that uptake and retention in regular HIV screening is sustained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Shrestha
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jonathan M Galka
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sin How Lim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thomas E Guadamuz
- Department of Society and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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15
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Acceptability of Using Geosocial Networking Applications for HIV/Sexually Transmitted Disease Partner Notification and Sexual Health Services. Sex Transm Dis 2020; 47:41-47. [PMID: 31688728 PMCID: PMC9773232 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geosocial networking (GSN) app use among men who have sex with men (MSM) has presented new opportunities for increasing the reach and efficiency of sexual health interventions but also poses challenges to HIV/sexually transmitted disease partner notification. Understanding MSM's attitudes toward app-based preventive sexual health services can help inform their development and delivery. METHODS We recruited US MSM who had met a sex partner on GSN apps in the last year to participate in an online survey assessing acceptability and preferences regarding app-based partner notification, health department presence, and sexual health services. Three app-based notification strategies were presented: sending notification messages through participant's/partner's app profile, health department app profile, or in-app anonymous messaging. RESULTS Of 791 respondents, a majority (70%) preferred to be notified by their partner directly; however, most would get tested if notified by health department profile (95%) or anonymous in-app message (85%). Given the options provided, 50% preferred notifying a partner using their own profile, 26% with health department assistance, and 24% via in-app anonymous message. A majority (71%) were comfortable notifying a partner through a health department profile, and 74% were comfortable using in-app anonymous messaging. Most participants (82%) were comfortable with health departments having app profiles to provide sexual health services. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that GSN app-based partner notification and sexual health services would be used by and are acceptable to US MSM. Partnering with app companies to integrate these services and increase access to public health programs has potential to improve MSM sexual health.
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16
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Wu D, Huang W, Zhao P, Li C, Cao B, Wang Y, Stoneking S, Tang W, Luo Z, Wei C, Tucker J. A Crowdsourced Physician Finder Prototype Platform for Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: Qualitative Study of Acceptability and Feasibility. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2019; 5:e13027. [PMID: 31596245 PMCID: PMC6913768 DOI: 10.2196/13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Men who have sex with men (MSM), including both gay and bisexual men, have a high prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in China. However, healthcare seeking behaviors and engagement in clinical services among MSM are often suboptimal. Global evidence shows that embedding online HIV or sexual health services into gay social networking applications holds promise for facilitating higher rates of healthcare utilization among MSM. We developed a prototype of a gay-friendly health services platform, designed for integration within a popular gay social networking app (Blued) in China. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of the platform and ask for user feedback through focus group interviews with young MSM in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, cities in Southern China. Methods The prototype was developed through an open, national crowdsourcing contest. Open crowdsourcing contests solicit community input on a topic in order to identify potential improvements and implement creative solutions. The prototype included a local, gay-friendly, STI physician finder tool and online psychological consulting services. Semistructured focus group discussions were conducted with MSM to ask for their feedback on the platform, and a short survey was administered following discussions. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data in NVivo, and we developed a codebook based on the first interview. Double coding was conducted, and discrepancies were discussed with a third individual until consensus was reached. We then carried out descriptive analysis of the survey data. Results A total of 34 participants attended four focus group discussions. The mean age was 27.3 years old (SD 4.6). A total of 32 (94%) participants obtained at least university education, and 29 (85%) men had seen a doctor at least once before. Our survey results showed that 24 (71%) participants had interest in using the online health services platform and 25 (74%) thought that the system was easy to use. Qualitative data also revealed that there was a high demand for gay-friendly healthcare services which could help with care seeking. Men felt that the platform could bridge gaps in the existing HIV or STI service delivery system, specifically by identifying local gay-friendly physicians and counselors, providing access to online physician consultation and psychological counseling services, creating space for peer support, and distributing pre-exposure prophylaxis and sexual health education. Conclusions Crowdsourcing can help develop a community-centered online platform linking MSM to local gay-friendly HIV or STI services. Further research on developing social media–based platforms for MSM and evaluating the effectiveness of such platforms may be useful for improving sexual health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health Global, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Huang
- School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Peipei Zhao
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health Global, Guangzhou, China.,Shenzhen Nanshan Canter for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Bolin Cao
- School of Media and Communication, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- School of Media and Communication, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shelby Stoneking
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Weiming Tang
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health Global, Guangzhou, China.,Project-China, University North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Guangzhou, China.,Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhou Luo
- Shenzhen Nanshan Canter for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chongyi Wei
- Department of Social and Behavior Health Sciences, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Joseph Tucker
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health Global, Guangzhou, China.,Project-China, University North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Chavez K, Palfai TP. Feasibility of a Mobile Messaging-Enhanced Brief Intervention for High Risk Heavy Drinking MSM: A Pre-Pilot Study. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT QUARTERLY 2019; 38:87-105. [PMID: 32982032 PMCID: PMC7518379 DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2019.1653240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to assess the feasibility of an in-person session + mobile messaging intervention approach to reduce heavy drinking and condomless anal intercourse among heavy drinking men who have sex with men at high risk for HIV. Participant (n = 8) engagement rates, retention and satisfaction ratings were used to measure feasibility and acceptability of the 4-week intervention. Paired t-tests were used to assess additional secondary outcomes. Results support the feasibility and acceptability of this novel treatment approach among this population. Pre-post intervention effect sizes on alcohol, sex risk and process variable secondary outcomes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Chavez
- Boston University, Psychological and Brain Science, 900 Commonwealth Avenue 2 Floor, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
| | - Tibor P. Palfai
- Boston University, Psychological and Brain Science, 900 Commonwealth Avenue 2 Floor, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
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18
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John SA, Starks TJ, Rendina HJ, Parsons JT, Grov C. High willingness to use novel HIV and bacterial sexually transmitted infection partner notification, testing, and treatment strategies among gay and bisexual men. Sex Transm Infect 2019; 96:173-176. [PMID: 31189548 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-053974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to determine willingness of gay and bisexual men (GBM) to give HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits with patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) and engage in geosocial sexual networking (GSN) app-based partner notification. METHODS A nationwide sample of GBM who self-tested HIV negative (n=786) were asked about their willingness to give recent sex partners (main and casual) PDPT with an HIVST kit (PDPT+HIVST) after hypothetical bacterial STI (BSTI) diagnosis. Men were also asked about their willingness to notify sexual partners met on GSN apps using an anonymous app function after BSTI diagnosis. We examined associations of relationship status and condomless anal sex with casual partners, recent BSTI diagnosis and perceived risk of HIV on PDPT+HIVST and anonymous app-based partner notification willingness (dichotomised) using binary logistic regressions, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education and US region. From the partner's perspective after receiving an app-based referral, frequency measures were used to report intentions for obtaining subsequent HIV/BSTI counselling and testing, engaging in HIVST if provided a free voucher, and obtaining BSTI treatment from a pharmacy with prescription voucher. RESULTS Most (90.1%) were willing to give PDPT+HIVST to recent sex partners after STI diagnosis, and nearly all (96.4%) were willing to notify sex partners met online using an anonymous function within GSN apps. Regardless of casual partner condomless anal sex engagement, partnered GBM had higher odds of reporting willingness to give PDPT+HIVST compared with single men who recently engaged in condomless anal sex with a casual partner. If anonymously notified via an app, 92.5% reported they would likely obtain counselling and testing, 92.8% would engage in HIVST if provided a free voucher, and 93.4% would obtain treatment from a pharmacy with prescription voucher. CONCLUSIONS GBM generally found novel partner notification, testing, and treatment strategies acceptable, indicating the need for feasibility and cost-effectiveness evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A John
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tyrel J Starks
- Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training, Department of Pscyhology, Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA.,Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University ofNew York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
| | - H Jonathon Rendina
- Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training, Department of Pscyhology, Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA.,Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University ofNew York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Parsons
- Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training, Department of Pscyhology, Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA.,Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University ofNew York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA .,CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, New York, USA
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19
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Zhang A, Reynolds NR, Farley JE, Wang X, Tan S, Yan J. Preferences for an HIV prevention mobile phone app: a qualitative study among men who have sex with men in China. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:297. [PMID: 30866880 PMCID: PMC6417268 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6617-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) have a disproportionate burden of HIV infection. Mobile phone apps provide a promising means of improving HIV prevention among MSM. But this has received little examination in China. The objective of this study was to explore MSM's preferences for an HIV prevention mobile phone app. METHODS Qualitative semi-structured personal interviews were conducted with 19 MSM to determine their preferences for features and content to inform the design of an app aimed at HIV prevention in China. RESULTS Five categories were identified under the main category preferences for features of the app: target population, attributes, language used, potential user access, and perceived usefulness. Five categories were identified under the main category preferences for content of the app: functions to facilitate HIV testing behavior, HIV post-exposure prevention, warning against substance use, psychological support, and areas for communication. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that the design of an app targeting MSM in China should use an integrated framework addressing behavioral and psychological aspects, satisfy common needs of potential users, avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes and stigma, and avoid possible increase of risk behavior due to using the app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidi Zhang
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 40013, China
| | - Nancy R Reynolds
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jason E Farley
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 40013, China
| | - Simin Tan
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 40013, China
| | - Jin Yan
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 40013, China.
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20
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Sharpe JD, Kamara MT. A systematic evaluation of mobile apps to improve the uptake of and adherence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Sex Health 2018; 15:587-594. [PMID: 30347177 DOI: 10.1071/sh18120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, has been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of HIV infection, yet persons at-risk for acquiring HIV exhibit suboptimal uptake of and adherence to this prevention modality. Although PrEP use among all at-risk groups is low, mobile apps have been shown to increase the use of PrEP; however, it is unknown whether currently available apps have been designed with features to facilitate PrEP uptake and adherence. METHODS The Google Play store and Apple App store were systematically searched for currently available PrEP-related apps. A qualitative evaluation was conducted on apps that met the inclusion criteria for the presence of features that can contribute to PrEP uptake and adherence, and the quality of apps was assessed using the Mobile Apps Rating Scale (MARS) tool. RESULTS From the systematic search, less than 2% (11/621) of the identified apps were relevant to improving PrEP uptake and adherence. Demonstrating a moderate capacity for facilitating PrEP use, the 11 PrEP-related apps, on average, contained features that addressed two of four factors that can contribute to the uptake of PrEP, particularly features that provided comprehensive information on PrEP and resources to locate providers and clinics offering PrEP services. Findings from the app quality assessment suggested that existing PrEP-related apps are of acceptable quality (mean overall MARS score: 3.2 on a five-point scale). CONCLUSION Overall, currently available mobile apps for PrEP demonstrate some promise as potential avenues for increasing PrEP uptake and adherence among persons at-risk for HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Danielle Sharpe
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, CNR 3050J, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mustapha T Kamara
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, PO Box 100231, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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