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Coelho LE, Luz PM, Pires DC, Jalil EM, Perazzo H, Torres TS, Cardoso SW, Peixoto EM, Nazer S, Massad E, Carvalho LM, Réquia WJ, Motta FC, Siqueira MM, Vasconcelos AT, da Fonseca GC, Cavalcante LT, Costa CA, Amancio RT, Villela DA, Pereira T, Goedert GT, Santos CV, Rodrigues NC, Bormann de Souza Filho BA, Csillag D, Grinsztejn B, Veloso VG, Struchiner CJ. SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a highly vulnerable population of Brazil: a household cohort study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2024; 36:100824. [PMID: 38993539 PMCID: PMC11237915 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Background Household transmission studies seek to understand the transmission dynamics of a pathogen by estimating the risk of infection from household contacts and community exposures. We estimated within/extra-household SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and associated factors in a household cohort study in one of the most vulnerable neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro city. Methods Individuals ≥1 years-old with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in the past 30 days (index cases) and household members aged ≥1 year were enrolled and followed at 14 and 28 days (study period November/2020-December/2021). RT-PCR testing, COVID-19 symptoms, and SARS-CoV-2 serologies were ascertained in all visits. Chain binomial household transmission models were fitted using data from 2024 individuals (593 households). Findings Extra-household infection risk was 74.2% (95% credible interval [CrI] 70.3-77.8), while within-household infection risk was 11.4% (95% CrI 5.7-17.2). Participants reporting having received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine had lower extra-household (68.9%, 95% CrI 57.3-77.6) and within-household (4.1%, 95% CrI 0.4-16.6) infection risk. Within-household infection risk was higher among participants aged 10-19 years, from overcrowded households, and with low family income. Contrastingly, extra-household infection risk was higher among participants aged 20-29 years, unemployed, and public transportation users. Interpretation Our study provides important insights into COVID-19 household/community transmission in a vulnerable population that resided in overcrowded households and who struggled to adhere to lockdown policies and social distancing measures. The high extra-household infection risk highlights the extreme social vulnerability of this population. Prioritising vaccination of the most socially vulnerable could protect these individuals and reduce widespread community transmission. Funding Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, CNPq, FAPERJ, Royal Society, Instituto Serrapilheira, FAPESP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara E. Coelho
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula M. Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Débora C. Pires
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emilia M. Jalil
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hugo Perazzo
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thiago S. Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra W. Cardoso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M. Peixoto
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandro Nazer
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Massad
- Escola de Matemática Aplicada, Fundação Getulio Vargas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz Max Carvalho
- Escola de Matemática Aplicada, Fundação Getulio Vargas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e Computação, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Weeberb J. Réquia
- Escola de Políticas Públicas e Governo, Fundação Getulio Vargas, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Fernando Couto Motta
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e do Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marilda Mendonça Siqueira
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e do Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana T.R. Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Bioinformática, Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica (LNCC), Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Guilherme C. da Fonseca
- Laboratório de Bioinformática, Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica (LNCC), Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Liliane T.F. Cavalcante
- Laboratório de Bioinformática, Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica (LNCC), Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Carlos A.M. Costa
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel A.M. Villela
- Programa de Computação Científica (PROCC), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Center for Health and Wellbeing, School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Tiago Pereira
- Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e Computação, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cleber V.B.D. Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Social Hesio Cordeiro, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nadia C.P. Rodrigues
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Social Hesio Cordeiro, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Breno Augusto Bormann de Souza Filho
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Daniel Csillag
- Escola de Matemática Aplicada, Fundação Getulio Vargas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G. Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudio J. Struchiner
- Escola de Matemática Aplicada, Fundação Getulio Vargas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Social Hesio Cordeiro, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Irfan SD, Reza M, Khan MNM, Khan SI. Exploring and addressing the sexual and reproductive health and other related rights of transgender women in Bangladesh: A mixed methods protocol under the policy analysis framework. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306051. [PMID: 39058707 PMCID: PMC11280239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transgender women (hijra) in Bangladesh are declared as a separate gender category by the Government. However, research revealed that they experience transphobia, which could potentially affect their physical and mental health outcomes, and their access to SRHR-related care. This warrants an exploration of their SRHR-related rights issues, particularly using a community-engaged approach. Moreover, it is crucial to operationalize these findings into actionable policies and practice. This study aims to explore and address the SRHR and other rights-related challenges experienced by hijra under the framework of policy analysis. METHODS The study population will include hijra in four selected service centers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In the first phase, evidence will be generated through desk review and mixed methods research. The desk review will consist of reading and analyzing literature to understand the difference between policy and reality. For the quantitative component, a first-come-first-serve sampling approach will be used on a total sample size of 296. This will be complemented by the qualitative component, which will entail in-depth interviews, focus groups and key informant interviews. Moreover, life case histories will be conducted for particularly compelling cases. These findings will be collectively analyzed through the policy analysis framework, to analyze the differences between the policy and reality, which will ultimately generate a lay summary for stakeholders. Univariate and multivariate analysis will be used for the quantitative component whereas thematic analysis will be used for the qualitative component. In the second phase, the findings from the lay summary will be shared with stakeholders and hijra community members through a series of discussions. DISCUSSION There are a few limitations of the study. In particular, this study consists of various activities which may require substantial time and effort to complete. Additionally, this study merely goes up to the policy recommendation formulation stage, as opposed to formulating an intervention design. Moreover, the findings will be disseminated through various platforms, including dissemination seminars, scientific articles and the study report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Dishti Irfan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Masud Reza
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Niaz Morshed Khan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sharful Islam Khan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Niyongabo A, Villes V, Diagne R, Castro Avila J, Mutima JM, Gakima D, Nimbona P, Niyoncuti E, Rwamuco E, Manirakiza M, Riegel L, Lorente N, Delabre RM, Rojas Castro D. Factors associated with ART interruption during the COVID-19 crisis in Burundi (the EPIC community-based research program). Sci Rep 2024; 14:13187. [PMID: 38851798 PMCID: PMC11162476 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63805-2] [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] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
With a national prevalence of 0.9%, Burundi is close to achieving UNAIDS' 2025 targets. Despite this, different types of crises periodically disrupt its HIV health services. The community-based program EPIC measured the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Burundi in 2021. Specifically, it assessed ART interruption and associated factors since the beginning of the pandemic. The study questionnaire was administered to PLHIV in three cities between October and November 2021. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Logistic regression models helped identify factors associated with ART interruption. Of the 317 respondents, 37 (11.7%) reported interruption. The majority (79.2%) self-identified as belonging to key populations. Interruption was significantly associated with: fewer HIV medical follow-up visits (adjusted Odds Ratio, aOR = 7.80, p = 0.001) and forced HIV status disclosure (aOR = 4.10, p = 0.004). It was inversely associated with multi-month ART dispensing (aOR = 0.36, p = 0.017) since the beginning of the pandemic and the perception of not having been sufficiently informed by the HIV medical team about the risk of COVID-19 infection (aOR = 0.11, p < 0.001). Our results highlight the importance of multi-month ART dispensing, enhanced communication, and voluntary disclosure of one's HIV status in preventing ART interruption in times of crises in Burundi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Niyongabo
- Community-based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Dakar, Sénégal.
- Association Nationale de Soutien aux Séropositifs et malades du Sida - Santé PLUS (ANSS-Santé PLUS), Bujumbura, Burundi.
| | - Virginie Villes
- Community-based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | - Rokhaya Diagne
- Community-based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Dakar, Sénégal
| | | | - Jean-Michel Mutima
- Association Nationale de Soutien aux Séropositifs et malades du Sida - Santé PLUS (ANSS-Santé PLUS), Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Dévote Gakima
- Association Nationale de Soutien aux Séropositifs et malades du Sida - Santé PLUS (ANSS-Santé PLUS), Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Pélagie Nimbona
- Association Nationale de Soutien aux Séropositifs et malades du Sida - Santé PLUS (ANSS-Santé PLUS), Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Evangéline Niyoncuti
- Association Nationale de Soutien aux Séropositifs et malades du Sida - Santé PLUS (ANSS-Santé PLUS), Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Elvis Rwamuco
- Association Nationale de Soutien aux Séropositifs et malades du Sida - Santé PLUS (ANSS-Santé PLUS), Bujumbura, Burundi
| | | | - Lucas Riegel
- Community-based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | - Nicolas Lorente
- Community-based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France.
- Centre Estudis Epidemiològics sobre les Infeccions de Transmissió Sexual i Sida de Catalunya (CEEISCAT), Departament de Salut, Generalitat de Catalunya, Badalona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Daniela Rojas Castro
- Community-based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
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O'Cleirigh C, Foley JD, Stanton AM, McKetchnie SM, Gulbicki LR, Muten J, Chai P, Fitch C, Onofrey S, Klevens RM, Psaros C. Sexual Networking and HIV/STI Prevention Among Men who have Sex with Men and Identify as Persons of Color in the Era of COVID-19 in Boston, MA: Qualitative Findings from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Project. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:473-487. [PMID: 38165597 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04238-2] [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: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men and identify as persons of color (MSM of color) are significantly impacted by HIV in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic may have disproportionately exacerbated HIV-related disparities among MSM of color by affecting sexual networking behaviors and disrupting access to sexual health care. The current study explored the impact of COVID-19 on sexual networking and HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention behaviors among MSM of color in Boston, MA. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted via the 2020-2021 Boston sample of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project. Eligible participants were at least 18 years old, identified as a man or non-binary person assigned male at birth and as a person of color, and endorsed ever having sex with men. Interviews were coded using inductive and deductive approaches, and themes were extracted using thematic analysis. When participants were asked about the impact of COVID-19 on sexual networking and HIV/STI prevention, the following themes emerged: (1) differing interpretations of COVID-19 public health guidance, (2) behavior change to meet social and sexual needs, (3) limited or changed access to HIV/STI prevention services; and (4) avoidance of healthcare appointments. Overall, the pandemic affected sexual networking and HIV/STI prevention behaviors among MSM of color. Though changes in sexual networking varied, most participants decreased in-person networking, increased dating app use, and prioritized longer-term relationships. Despite loosening of restrictions, these impacts may persist and should inform the adaptation of sexual networking guidance and interventions to mitigate HIV-related disparities in communities of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conall O'Cleirigh
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jacklyn D Foley
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amelia M Stanton
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha M McKetchnie
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren R Gulbicki
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Muten
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Chai
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- The Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Calvin Fitch
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shauna Onofrey
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Forero-Peña DA, Carrión-Nessi FS, Forero-Peña JL, Camejo-Ávila NA, Mendoza-Millán DL, Omaña-Ávila ÓD, Maricuto AL, Velásquez VL, Mejía-Bernard MD, Rodriguez-Saavedra CM, Marcano-Rojas MV, Contreras Y, Guerra LJ, Alvarado MF, Carballo M, Caldera J, Guevara RN, Redondo MC, Landaeta ME. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV: a cross-sectional study in Caracas, Venezuela. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:87. [PMID: 38225550 PMCID: PMC10789023 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted multiple health services, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, care, and treatment services, jeopardizing the achievement of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 global target. While there are limited studies assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Latin America, there are none, to our knowledge, in Venezuela. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among PLHIV seen at the outpatient clinic of a reference hospital in Venezuela. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among PLHIV aged 18 years and over seen at the Infectious Diseases Department of the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela between March 2021 and February 2022. RESULTS A total of 238 PLHIV were included in the study. The median age was 43 (IQR 31-55) years, and the majority were male (68.9%). Most patients (88.2%, n = 210) came for routine check-ups, while 28 (11.3%) were newly diagnosed. The majority of patients (96.1%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but only 67.8% had a viral load test, with almost all (95.6%) being undetectable. Among those who attended regular appointments, 11.9% reported missing at least one medical consultation, and 3.3% reported an interruption in their ART refill. More than half of the patients (55.5%) had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the rest expressed hesitancy to get vaccinated. Most patients with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were male (65.1%), younger than 44 years (57.5%), employed (47.2%), and had been diagnosed with HIV for less than one year (33%). However, no statistically significant differences were found between vaccinated patients and those with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Older age was a risk factor for missing consultations, while not having an alcoholic habit was identified as a protective factor against missing consultations. CONCLUSION This study found that the COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on adherence to medical consultations and interruptions in ART among PLHIV seen at the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Forero-Peña
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela.
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
| | - Fhabián S Carrión-Nessi
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
| | - José L Forero-Peña
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | | | - Daniela L Mendoza-Millán
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Óscar D Omaña-Ávila
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Andrea L Maricuto
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Viledy L Velásquez
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Mario D Mejía-Bernard
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | | | - Yoesmir Contreras
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Luis J Guerra
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - María F Alvarado
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Martín Carballo
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Jocays Caldera
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Rafael N Guevara
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - María C Redondo
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - María E Landaeta
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
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Torres TS, Jesus JS, Arabe D, Guaraldo L, Lessa FS, Facchinetti LD, Estrela R, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Cardoso SW. Frailty and health-related quality of life among older people living with HIV pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic onset: A cross-sectional study. Braz J Infect Dis 2024; 28:103723. [PMID: 38369295 PMCID: PMC10904252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2024.103723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antiretroviral therapy increased the survival and life expectancy of People living With HIV (PWH). Frailty-related syndromes among older PWH (aged 50+ years) may affect their Health-related Quality of Life (HQoL). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted health-related outcomes. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty among older PWH, and to explore associations of HQoL with the study assessment period and frailty status. METHODS Cross-sectional study conducted pre- (23-Mar-2019 to 5-Mar-2020) and post-COVID-19 pandemic onset (23-Jun-2021 to 5-May-2022), among older PWH at INI-Fiocruz, the largest cohort of PWH in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We measured frailty using Fried assessment, consisting of five domains: unintentional weight loss; self-reported exhaustion, weakness, slow walking speed, low physical activity. HQoL was assessed using the ACTG SF-21, which contains 21 questions divided into 8 domains. We used Chi-Square test, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis and ranksum test for comparisons. RESULTS We included 250 older PWH: 109 (43.6 %) pre- and 141 (56.4 %) post-COVID-19 pandemic onset. Median age was 60-years (IQR: 55‒64). Most self-identified as cisgender men 152 (60.8 %), Pardo/Black 146 (58.4 %), with completed secondary education or less 181 (72.7 %) and low income 132 (52.8 %). Overall, prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty were 9.2 % (95 % CI: 8.1‒10.3) and 61.6 % (95 % CI: 54.0‒69.2). Prevalence of frailty in the pre- and pos-COVID-19 pandemic periods were 7.3 % and 10.6 % (p = 0.66). HQoL scores were lower among participants with frailty compared to those with non-frailty and pre-frailty in all eight domains, and among those included in the post-COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 period for four domains. CONCLUSIONS We observed low prevalence of frailty, but high prevalence of pre-frailty among older PWH. Frailty status did not differ according to the COVID-19 assessment period. Assessment of frailty and HQoL should be incorporated in clinical practice for older PWH. Programs to reverse or prevent frailty should be implemented within the public health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Jovanice S Jesus
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniel Arabe
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lusiele Guaraldo
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Flavia Serrao Lessa
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lívia Dumont Facchinetti
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rita Estrela
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandra W Cardoso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Martins F, Lima A, Diep L, Cezarino L, Liboni L, Tostes R, Parikh P. COVID-19, SDGs and public health systems: Linkages in Brazil. HEALTH POLICY OPEN 2023; 4:100090. [PMID: 36852296 PMCID: PMC9946878 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpopen.2023.100090] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The global 2030 Agenda covers a range of interconnected issues which need interdisciplinary and holistic approaches to improve human well-being and protect the natural environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light critical inequities in society and policy gaps in health services. As highlighted through analyses of the interlinkages among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), connections between human health and well-being and the environment, can help support new policy needs in addressing systemic health crises, including widespread pandemics. Method We identify links between the COVID-19 crisis and multiple SDGs in the context of Brazil based on a review of the current literature in the health sector.Findings: We identify synergistic connections between 88 out of 169 SDG targets and COVID-19, notably around themes such as City Environment, Contextual Policies and the value created by improved Information and Technology. Using the context of the Brazilian National Health Service (SUS) highlights recurrent interconnections from the focal point of target 3.8. This includes topics such as challenges for universal healthcare coverage, budget allocation, and universalisation. Conclusions The framework developed for supporting policy-making decisions and the design of toolkits for dealing with future health-related emergency scenarios offers a practical solution in the health sector. It is worth noting that progress and action on public health systems and policies must go hand in hand with addressing existing socio-economic vulnerabilities in society. This is vital for tackling future pandemics and simultaneously addressing the SDGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Martins
- Engineering for International Development Centre, The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Lima
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Loan Diep
- Urban Systems Lab, The New School, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Luciana Cezarino
- Department of Management, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, VE, Italy
| | - Lara Liboni
- School of Economics Business Administration and Accounting at Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rita Tostes
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priti Parikh
- Engineering for International Development Centre, The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Weidlich S, Schneider J, Lee M, Mijočević H, Graf N, Protzer U, Spinner C, Noe S. Seroconversion rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and dating behaviour in HIV-PrEP users in a German metropolis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:956-961. [PMID: 37461288 PMCID: PMC10352700 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231190419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when mortality was high, social distance was the only option to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and prohibit uncontrolled spreading. As the impact of social distancing on sexual behavior was unclear, we aimed to assess the influence of sexual risk behavior on SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion in HIV pre-exposition prophylaxis (PrEP) users after declaration of the pandemic. METHODS Prospective study on SARS-CoV-2 IgG-antibody seroconversion rate over time in men having sex with men (MSM) using PrEP at a single tertiary university hospital in Munich, Germany, during quarterly (Q) routine HIV-PrEP visits over 1 year per participant (May 2020 - September 2021). Seroconversion was defined as at least one positive anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody test as surrogate for past infection. In addition, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), personal estimated risk behavior and sexual contacts were assessed. RESULTS Seroconversion rate during the full observation period was 7.3% (9/124 subjects) by September 2021. Percentage of subjects with symptomatic STIs (T. pallidum, N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis and M. genitalium) was 18.7% in Q3-20, 8.1% in Q4-20, 11.1% in Q1-21, 11.6% in Q2-21 and 9.5% in Q3-21. Perception of subjective threat of SARS-CoV-2 infection and adequacy of preventive measures decreased during the observation period. However, self-reported sex behavior remained stable during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS Our cohort showed low proportion of PrEP-users with anti-N IgG by September 2021, comparable to the local incidence. Sexual behavior in this cohort did not change, despite local recommendations for social distancing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Weidlich
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Schneider
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hrvoje Mijočević
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Natalia Graf
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Spinner
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Noe
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- MVZ München am Goetheplatz, Munich, Germany
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Bleckmann C, Leyendecker B, Busch J. Sexual and Gender Minorities Facing the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Systematic Review of the Distinctive Psychosocial and Health-Related Impact. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:2741-2762. [PMID: 35576127 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2074335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) constitute vulnerable groups in many countries. Thus, they might be affected to a different extent than heterosexual and cisgender individuals by the Coronavirus pandemic. This systematic review aimed to summarize the state of international research on the mental and physical health-related as well as socioeconomic effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on SGM individuals. Following the PRISMA protocol, we identified 35 publications, including different article formats. We considered minority stress theory and intersectionality in synthesizing the reviewed literature. Our key finding implicates that both minority- and pandemic-specific adversities have increased the vulnerabilities of SGM individuals during the Coronavirus pandemic. Minority-specific stressors include discrimination experiences, poorer mental and physical health, and fewer socioeconomic resources. Pandemic-specific challenges such as the deferral and delay of medication or school closing have exposed certain SGM subgroups (transgender individuals, young SGM) to particularly high risk. Moreover, the reviewed evidence suggests distinctive interactive effects of minority-specific stressors with pandemic-specific challenges (e.g., being forced to stay close to rejecting others during lockdown periods). A significant share of the included literature was US-based, while research from other countries remained scarce. The specific mechanisms still deserve to be better understood to protect SGM in future crises, especially during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Bleckmann
- Child and Family Research, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Julian Busch
- Child and Family Research, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Center for Research on Education and School Development, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
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10
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Blair KJ, Torres TS, Hoagland B, Bezerra DRB, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Clark J, Luz PM. Moderating Effect of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use on the Association Between Sexual Risk Behavior and Perceived Risk of HIV Among Brazilian Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e45134. [PMID: 37796573 PMCID: PMC10587815 DOI: 10.2196/45134] [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] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) with a higher perceived risk of HIV are more aware of and willing to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is an effective HIV prevention strategy, but there is a lack of data on how PrEP use might moderate the relationship between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV. Moreover, most studies measure perceived risk of HIV via a single question. OBJECTIVE We estimated the moderating effect of PrEP use on the association between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV, measured with the 8-item Perceived Risk of HIV Scale (PRHS), among Brazilian MSM. METHODS A cross-sectional, web-based survey was completed by Brazilian Hornet app users aged ≥18 years between February and March 2020. We included data from cisgender men who reported sex with men in the previous 6 months. We evaluated the moderating effect of current PrEP use on the association between sexual risk behavior, measured via the HIV Incidence Risk Index for MSM (HIRI-MSM), and perceived risk of HIV, measured by the PRHS. Higher HIRI-MSM (range 0-45) and PRHS (range 10-40) scores indicate greater sexual behavioral risk and perceived risk of HIV, respectively. Both were standardized to z scores for use in multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS Among 4344 cisgender MSM, 448 (10.3%) were currently taking PrEP. Current PrEP users had a higher mean HIRI-MSM score (mean 21.0, SD 9.4 vs mean 13.2, SD 8.1; P<.001) and a lower mean PRHS score (mean 24.6, SD 5.1 vs mean 25.9, SD 4.9; P<.001) compared to those not currently taking PrEP. In the multivariable model, greater HIRI-MSM scores significantly predicted increased PRHS scores (β=.26, 95% CI 0.22-0.29; P<.001). PrEP use moderated the association between HIRI-MSM and PRHS score (interaction term β=-.30, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.21; P<.001), such that higher HIRI-MSM score did not predict higher PRHS score among current PrEP users. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest current PrEP users have confidence in PrEP's effectiveness as an HIV prevention strategy. PrEP's effectiveness, positive psychological impact, and the frequent HIV testing and interaction with health services required of PrEP users may jointly influence the relationship between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV among PrEP users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin James Blair
- South American Program in HIV Prevention Research, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel R B Bezerra
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jesse Clark
- South American Program in HIV Prevention Research, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Paula M Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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11
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Tian T, Fu L, Lu Z, Wu X, Luo G, Wang B, Zhou X, Lin YF, Zhang Z, Liu L, Xi M, Zhen C, Dai J, Zou H. Changes in human papillomavirus prevalence, incidence, and clearance among men who have sex with men in Xinjiang, China after implementation of nonpharmaceutical interventions to control COVID-19: An interrupted time series analysis. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 134:261-268. [PMID: 37453487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on the human papillomavirus (HPV) epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Xinjiang, China. METHODS In our cohort study, we enrolled and followed HIV-negative MSM in Xinjiang, China, between 2016 and 2022. Anal swab samples were collected to test for HPV DNA. We used interrupted time series analysis to characterize the temporal trends in HPV prevalence, incidence, and clearance before (September 01, 2016, to July 16, 2020) and during the implementation of COVID-19 NPIs in Xinjiang (July 17, 2020, to March 31, 2022). We used binomial segmented regression models to estimate the impact of COVID-19 NPIs on HPV prevalence, incidence, and clearance. RESULTS We recruited 1296 MSM who contributed to a total of 5374 HPV tests in our study. COVID-19 NPIs were associated with a 37.9% decrease in the prevalence (prevalence ratio, 0.621; 95% confidence interval, 0.465-0.830), 52.2% decrease in the incidence (risk ratio, 0.478; 0.377-0.606), and 40.4% increase in the clearance (risk ratio, 1.404; 1.212-1.627) of HPV of any genotype after the implementation of COVID-19 NPIs in Xinjiang. CONCLUSION COVID-19 NPIs may lead to lower transmission and higher clearance of HPV among MSM. Future studies are needed to clarify the longer-term impact of COVID-19 on the transmission and natural history of HPV among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Leiwen Fu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhen Lu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinsheng Wu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ganfeng Luo
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bingyi Wang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi-Fan Lin
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zewen Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Lirong Liu
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Miaomiao Xi
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Chen Zhen
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jianghong Dai
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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12
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Wang S, Yang J, Niu D, Hou Y, Fei L, Zhao H, Chen F, Lv F. Change of sexual behavior among men who have sex with men before, during and after COVID-19 pandemic in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:527. [PMID: 37563554 PMCID: PMC10416525 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08488-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 epidemic control and prevention strategies affected people's sexual activities and behaviors. Little was known about long-term effects of COVID-19 prevention and control strategies on sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to examine changes in risky sexual behaviors of MSM before and after the local epidemic. METHODS An online survey was conducted nationwide from June 1 to June 10, 2022. MSM aged 16 years and above, residing in China were recruited through convenience sampling. A generalized estimating equation model with modified Poisson regression was used to analyze changes in multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, mobility for sexual activity, and recreational substance use before and after the local epidemic. RESULTS Compared to the pre-pandemic (36.5%), the prevalence of multiple sexual partners (11.5%) significantly decreased during the local epidemic and then increased after the local epidemic (25.2%) but remained lower than pre-pandemic, as did the prevalence of unprotected sex (31.1%, 19.4%, and 26.1%), mobility for sexual activity (7.5%, 2.8%, and 4.1%) and recreational substance use (47.7%, 27.2%, and 39.5%). Compared to the pre-pandemic, higher declines in the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors during the local epidemic existed among MSM living without a regular partner (44% decrease in unprotected sex and 46% in recreational substance use), with a bachelor's degree and above (70% decrease in multiple sex partners, 39% in unprotected sex, 67% in mobility for sexual activity and 44% in recreational substance use), higher incomes (70% decrease in multiple sex partners), self-identified gay or bisexual/unsure (38-71%), and HIV infection (49-83% decrease respectively in these four indicators). After the local epidemic, the declines in the above indicators compared to the pre-pandemic were correspondingly. And higher declines existed among MSM living without a regular partner (8% decrease in unprotected sex and 13% in recreational substance use), with a bachelor's degree and above (33% decrease in multiple sex partners), higher incomes (55% decrease in mobility for sexual activity), self-identified gay (51% decrease in mobility for sexual activity), and HIV infection (32%, 68%, 24% decrease respectively in unprotected sex, mobility for sexual activity and recreational substance use). CONCLUSIONS Risky sexual behaviors reduced considerably during the local epidemic, then seemed rebounded after the outbreak but wouldn't return to pre-pandemic levels. More attention should be paid to vulnerable people with lower socio-economic status, HIV-positive, and sexual minorities for sustained HIV and COVID-19 prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Wang
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Shenlan Public Health Counsel Service Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Dandan Niu
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yushan Hou
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Liping Fei
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Hehe Zhao
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Fangfang Chen
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Fan Lv
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
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Parmley LE, Nkumbula T, Chilukutu L, Chelu L, Mulemfwe C, Hanunka B, Mwale J, Neal J, Handema R, Kasonde P, Mutale K, Sakala HM, Lahuerta M. Impacts of COVID-19 on sexual risk behaviors, safe injection practices, and access to HIV services among key populations in Zambia: Findings from a rapid qualitative formative assessment. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289007. [PMID: 37527283 PMCID: PMC10393175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite achievements in the HIV response, social and structural barriers impede access to HIV services for key populations (KP) including men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women (TGW), and people who inject drugs (PWID). This may be worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemic threats. We explored the impact of COVID-19 on HIV services and sexual and substance use behaviors among MSM/TGW and PWID in Zambia as part of a formative assessment for two biobehavioral surveys. METHODS From November-December 2020, 3 focus groups and 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with KP were conducted in Lusaka, Livingstone, Ndola, Solwezi, and Kitwe, Zambia. Overall, 45 PWID and 60 MSM/TGW participated in IDIs and 70 PWID and 89 MSM/TGW participated in focus groups. Qualitative data were analyzed using framework matrices according to deductive themes outlined in interview guides. RESULTS KP reported barriers to HIV testing and HIV treatment due to COVID-19-related disruptions and fear of SARS-CoV-2 exposure at the health facility. MSM/TGW participants reported limited supply of condoms and lubricants at health facilities; limited access to condoms led to increased engagements in condomless sex. Restrictions in movement and closure of meet-up spots due to COVID-19 impeded opportunities to meet sex partners for MSM/TGW and clients for those who sold sex. COVID-19 restrictions led to unemployment and loss of income as well as to shortages and increased price of drugs, needles, and syringes for PWID. Due to COVID-19 economic effects, PWID reported increased needle-sharing and re-use of needles. CONCLUSIONS Participants experienced barriers accessing HIV services due to COVID-19 and PWID attributed unsafe needle use and sharing to loss of income and lack of affordable needles during pandemic-related restrictions. To maintain gains in the HIV response in this context, strengthening harm reduction strategies and improvements in access to HIV services are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Parmley
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Brave Hanunka
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - John Mwale
- National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joyce Neal
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Ray Handema
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | | | | | - Maria Lahuerta
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
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Bocage AE, Coelho LE, Lake JE, Clark JL, Torres TS, Jalil EM, Cardoso SW, Moreira RI, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Luz PM. The Impact of COVID-19 on HIV Care in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2019-2021: Disparities by Age and Gender. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2629-2641. [PMID: 36715887 PMCID: PMC9885404 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03988-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated COVID-19's impact on HIV care indicators among INI/FIOCRUZ's HIV Clinical Cohort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: (1) Adequate care visits: two visits ≥ 90 days apart; (2) Adequate viral load monitoring: ≥ 2 viral load results ≥ 90 days apart; (3) Consistent viral suppression: all viral loads < 40 copies/mL; and (4) ART medication possession ratio (MPR) ≥ 95%. Chi-square tests compared the fraction of participants meeting each indicator per period: pre-pandemic (3/1/2019-2/29/2020) and post-pandemic (3/1/2020-2/28/2021). Logistic regression models were used to assess disparities in adequate care visits. Among 906 participants, care visits and viral load monitoring decreased pre-pandemic to post-pandemic: 77.0-55.1% and 36.6-11.6% (both p < 0.001), respectively. The optimal MPR rate improved from 25.5 to 40.0% (p < 0.001). Post-pandemic period (aOR 0.33, CI 0.28-0.40), transgender women (aOR 0.34, CI 0.22-0.53), and those aged 18-24 years (aOR 0.67, CI 0.45-0.97) had lower odds of adequate care visits. COVID-19 disrupted care access disproportionately for transgender women and younger participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Bocage
- South American Program in HIV Prevention Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Box G-M117, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Lara E Coelho
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jordan E Lake
- South American Program in HIV Prevention Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jesse L Clark
- South American Program in HIV Prevention Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for HIV Identification, Prevention, and Treatment Services, Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emília M Jalil
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra W Cardoso
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo I Moreira
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula M Luz
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Torres TS, Silva MST, Coutinho C, Hoagland B, Jalil EM, Cardoso SW, Moreira J, Magalhaes MA, Luz PM, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B. Evaluation of Mpox Knowledge, Stigma, and Willingness to Vaccinate for Mpox: Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey Among Sexual and Gender Minorities. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e46489. [PMID: 37459174 PMCID: PMC10411424 DOI: 10.2196/46489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2022 multicountry mpox outbreak positioned the condition as a public health emergency of international concern. By May 2023, Brazil ranked second globally in the cumulative number of mpox cases and deaths. The higher incidence of mpox among gay and other men who have sex with men in the current mpox outbreak deepens the stigma and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities (SGM). This might worsen the structural barriers impacting access to health services, which ultimately leads to undertesting and underreporting of cases. There are no data available on mpox knowledge and stigma in Latin America. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate mpox knowledge, stigma, and willingness to vaccinate for mpox among SGM, and to describe sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics according to self-reported mpox diagnosis. METHODS A cross-sectional, internet-based survey was conducted in a convenience sample of adults (aged >18 years) living in Brazil recruited through advertisements on dating apps, social media, referral institutions for infectious diseases websites, and mass media (October-November 2022). We compared participants' characteristics according to self-reported mpox diagnosis using chi-square test or Fisher exact test for qualitative variables and Kruskal-Wallis test for quantitative variables. RESULTS We enrolled 6236 participants: 5685 (91.2%) were cisgender men; 6032 (96.7%) were gay, bisexual, or pansexual; 3877 (62.2%) were White; 4902 (78.7%) had tertiary education; and 4070 (65.2%) reported low or middle income. Most participants (n=5258, 84.4%) agreed or strongly agreed that "LGBTQIA+ individuals are being discriminated and stigmatized due to mpox." Mpox awareness was 96.9% (n=6044), and 5008 (95.1%) were willing to get vaccinated for mpox. Overall, 324 (5.2%) reported an mpox diagnosis. Among these, 318 (98.1%) reported lesions, 178 (56%) local pain, and 316 (99.4%) sought health care. Among participants not reporting a diagnosis, 288 (4.9%) had a suspicious lesion, but only 158 (54.9%) of these had sought health care. Compared to participants with no diagnosis, those reporting an mpox diagnosis were younger (P<.001), reported more sex partners (P<.001), and changes in sexual behavior after mpox onset (P=.002). Moreover, participants diagnosed with mpox reported more frequently being tested for HIV in the prior 3 months (P<.001), living with HIV (P<.001), currently using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (P<.001), and previous sexually transmitted infection diagnosis (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results point to high mpox knowledge and willingness to vaccinate among SGM in Brazil. Participants self-reporting mpox diagnosis more frequently reported to be living with HIV, STI diagnosis, and current pre-exposure prophylaxis use, highlighting the importance of an mpox assessment that includes comprehensive sexual health screenings. Efforts to decrease stigma related to mpox among SGM are necessary to avoid mpox underdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Silva Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Carolina Coutinho
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emilia Moreira Jalil
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra Wagner Cardoso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Monica Avelar Magalhaes
- Instituto de Comunicação e Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ICICT-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula Mendes Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Roster KO, Martinelli T, Connaughton C, Santillana M, Rodrigues FA. Estimating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dengue in Brazil. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2548491. [PMID: 36798282 PMCID: PMC9934738 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2548491/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Atypical dengue prevalence was observed in 2020 in many dengue-endemic countries, including Brazil. Evidence suggests that the pandemic disrupted not only dengue dynamics due to changes in mobility patterns, but also several aspects of dengue surveillance, such as care seeking behavior, care availability, and monitoring systems. However, we lack a clear understanding of the overall impact on dengue in different parts of the country as well as the role of individual causal drivers. In this study, we estimated the gap between expected and observed dengue cases in 2020 using an interrupted time series design with forecasts from a neural network and a structural Bayesian time series model. We also decomposed the gap into the impacts of climate conditions, pandemic-induced changes in reporting, human susceptibility, and human mobility. We find that there is considerable variation across the country in both overall pandemic impact on dengue and the relative importance of individual drivers. Increased understanding of the causal mechanisms driving the 2020 dengue season helps mitigate some of the data gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and is critical to developing effective public health interventions to control dengue in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. O. Roster
- Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - T. Martinelli
- Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - C. Connaughton
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- London Mathematical Laboratory, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Santillana
- Machine Intelligence Group for the Betterment of Health and the Environment, Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - F. A. Rodrigues
- Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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17
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Li L, Taeihagh A, Tan SY. A scoping review of the impacts of COVID-19 physical distancing measures on vulnerable population groups. Nat Commun 2023; 14:599. [PMID: 36737447 PMCID: PMC9897623 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36267-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Most governments have enacted physical or social distancing measures to control COVID-19 transmission. Yet little is known about the socio-economic trade-offs of these measures, especially for vulnerable populations, who are exposed to increased risks and are susceptible to adverse health outcomes. To examine the impacts of physical distancing measures on the most vulnerable in society, this scoping review screened 39,816 records and synthesised results from 265 studies worldwide documenting the negative impacts of physical distancing on older people, children/students, low-income populations, migrant workers, people in prison, people with disabilities, sex workers, victims of domestic violence, refugees, ethnic minorities, and people from sexual and gender minorities. We show that prolonged loneliness, mental distress, unemployment, income loss, food insecurity, widened inequality and disruption of access to social support and health services were unintended consequences of physical distancing that impacted these vulnerable groups and highlight that physical distancing measures exacerbated the vulnerabilities of different vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Li
- Policy Systems Group, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Araz Taeihagh
- Policy Systems Group, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Si Ying Tan
- Alexandra Research Centre for Healthcare in The Virtual Environment (ARCHIVE), Department of Healthcare Redesign, Alexandra Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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18
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Veloso VG, Cáceres CF, Hoagland B, Moreira RI, Vega-Ramírez H, Konda KA, Leite IC, Bautista-Arredondo S, Vinícius de Lacerda M, Valdez Madruga J, Farias A, Lima JN, Zonta R, Lauria L, Tamayo CVO, Flores HJS, Santa Cruz YMC, Aguayo RMM, Cunha M, Moreira J, Makkeda AR, Díaz S, Guanira JV, Vermandere H, Benedetti M, Ingold HL, Pimenta MC, Torres TS, Grinsztejn B, d'Albuquerque P, Palombo C, Alencastro PR, Ito RKDL, Benedetti JL, Maria FV, Luz PM, Freitas L, Geraldo K, Derrico M, Nazer S, Kristic T, Girade R, Lima R, Carvalho AR, Rocha C, Leite P, Lessa M, Santini-Oliveira M, Bezerra DR, Souza CDO, Corrêa J, Alves M, Souza C, Portugal C, Valões MDS, Mota GL, Gomes JA, Falcão CFL, Riberson FF, Melo L, Oliveira TA, Oliveira Júnior AM, Fonseca B, Lannoy LH, Carlos LAS, Cunha JP, Coracini SMDA, Rodrigues TO, Mettrau ERS, Meira KV, Tavares H, Valeiras APNV, Rocha TMADC, Amorim A, Sabadini P, Córdoba LG, Gusmão C, Faustino E, Hansen JSDS, Cunha AM, Nishimura NU, Santos JEFRP, Cano AB, Dias WMT, Tonhon M, Rezende TR, Gomes A, Rodrigues EDS, Carneiro MDDA, Castilho A, Carvalho M, Diaz-Sosa D, Guillen-Diaz-Barriga C, Hernández L, Robles R, Medina-Mora ME, González M, Icelo IH, Davalos AM, Castro JG, Valdez LOO, Barajas FR, González VR, Guadarrama GV, Macías I, Sánchez JT, Noriega JPO, Moheno M HR, Ramírez JMB, Juarez VDG, Vizcaíno G, Arjona FJ, Calvo G, Vargas S, Elorreaga O, Gutierrez X, Olivos F, Caviedes D, Adriazola D, Juárez E, Mariño G, Qquellon J, Vasquez F, Jiron JP, Flores S, Campos K. Same-day initiation of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men and transgender women in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru (ImPrEP): a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicentre implementation study. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e84-e96. [PMID: 36565708 PMCID: PMC9889521 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00331-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women have the highest HIV burden in Latin America, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation is poor. We aimed to assess the feasibility of same-day oral PrEP delivery in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. METHODS Implementation PrEP (ImPrEP) was a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicentre PrEP implementation study conducted in Brazil (14 sites), Mexico (four sites), and Peru (ten sites). MSM and transgender women were eligible to participate if they were aged 18 years or older, HIV-negative, and reported one or more prespecified criteria. Enrolled participants received same-day initiation of daily oral PrEP (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [300 mg] coformulated with emtricitabine [200 mg]). Follow-up visits were scheduled at week 4 and quarterly thereafter. We used logistic regression models to identify factors associated with early loss to follow-up (not returning after enrolment), PrEP adherence (medication possession ratio ≥0·6), and long-term PrEP engagement (attending three or more visits within 52 weeks). This study is registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, U1111-1217-6021. FINDINGS From Feb 6, 2018, to June 30, 2021, 9979 participants were screened and 9509 were enrolled (Brazil n=3928, Mexico n=3288, and Peru n=2293). 543 (5·7%) participants were transgender women, 8966 (94·3%) were cisgender men, and 2481 (26·1%) were aged 18-24 years. There were 12 185·25 person-years of follow-up. 795 (8·4%) of 9509 participants had early loss to follow-up, 6477 (68·1%) of 9509 were adherent to PrEP, and 5783 (70·3%) of 8225 had long-term PrEP engagement. Transgender women (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% CI 1·20-2·14), participants aged 18-24 years (1·80, 1·49-2·18), and participants with primary education (2·18, 1·29-3·68) had increased odds of early loss to follow-up. Transgender women (0·56, 0·46-0·70), participants aged 18-24 years (0·52, 0·46-0·58), and those with primary education (0·60, 0·40-0·91) had lower odds of PrEP adherence. Transgender women (0·56, 0·45-0·71), participants aged 18-24 years (0·56, 0·49-0·64), and those with secondary education (0·74, 0·68-0·86) had lower odds of long-term PrEP engagement. HIV incidence was 0·85 per 100 person-years (95% CI 0·70-1·03) and was higher for transgender women, participants from Peru, those aged 18-24 years, Black and mixed-race participants, and participants who were non-adherent to PrEP. INTERPRETATION Same-day oral PrEP is feasible for MSM and transgender women in Latin America. Social and structural determinants of HIV vulnerability need to be addressed to fully achieve the benefits of PrEP. FUNDING Unitaid, WHO, and Ministries of Health in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. TRANSLATIONS For the Portuguese and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdiléa G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Carlos F Cáceres
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Centro de Investigaciones Interdisciplinarias em Salud, Sexualidad, y SIDA, Lima, Peru
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo I Moreira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hamid Vega-Ramírez
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Kelika A Konda
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Iuri C Leite
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Alessandro Farias
- CEDAP-Centro Estadual Especializado em Diagnóstico, Assistência e Pesquisa, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Josué N Lima
- Centro de Referência em DST/AIDS-AMDA, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Lilian Lauria
- Hospital Municipal Rocha Maia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cesar Vidal Osco Tamayo
- Centro de Referencia de Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual del Centro Materno Infantil Tahuantinsuyo Bajo, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | - Marcelo Cunha
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Júlio Moreira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Ramos Makkeda
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Steven Díaz
- United Nations Population Fund, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan V Guanira
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Centro de Investigaciones Interdisciplinarias em Salud, Sexualidad, y SIDA, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Marcos Benedetti
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Ferraz D, Rossi TA, Zucchi EM, de Deus LFA, Mabire X, Ferguson L, Magno L, Grangeiro A, Préau M, Botelho FC, Rodrigues A, Steele S, Dourado I. "I Can't Take This Shitty Quarantine Anymore": Sexual Behavior and PrEP Use Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Brazil During the COVID-19 Pandemic. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:689-702. [PMID: 35881251 PMCID: PMC9321283 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02364-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzes how the COVID-19 pandemic affected sexual behavior and use of HIV prevention methods among young transgender women (YTGW) and young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YGBMSM) participating in an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) demonstration study in Brazil. Online interviews with 39 participants aged 15-22 years old were conducted between September and November 2020 and analyzed based on social constructionism and human rights-based approaches to health. The pandemic disrupted interviewees' routines, negatively affecting their life conditions. Among those who did not have a steady partner, social distance measures led to temporary interruption of sexual encounters and increased sexting and solo sex. Conversely, for those who had a steady relationship such measures contributed to increasing sexual practices and intimacy. Participants who had sexual encounters during the pandemic reported having continued to use PrEP. However, home confinement with family, lack of privacy, loss of daily routines and changes in housing impaired PrEP adherence and attendance at follow-up consultations. These results highlight the importance of maintaining HIV-service delivery for these groups during a public health crisis, as well as to address the structural drivers of the epidemic with comprehensive HIV prevention policies and by ensuring access of YGBMSM and YTGW to social protection policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Ferraz
- UMR 1296 "Radiations: Défense, Santé, Environnement", Université Lyon 2, Lyon, France.
- Institut de Psychologie, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Escola FIOCRUZ de Governo, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Thais Aranha Rossi
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Eliana Miura Zucchi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Mestrado Profissional em Psicologia e Políticas Públicas, Universidade Católica de Santos (UniSantos), Santos, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fabio Alves de Deus
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia Social e Institucional, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Xavier Mabire
- UMR 1296 "Radiations: Défense, Santé, Environnement", Université Lyon 2, Lyon, France
- Institut de Psychologie, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura Ferguson
- Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laio Magno
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Grangeiro
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marie Préau
- UMR 1296 "Radiations: Défense, Santé, Environnement", Université Lyon 2, Lyon, France
| | - Fernanda Cangussu Botelho
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ayra Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Mestrado Profissional em Psicologia e Políticas Públicas, Universidade Católica de Santos (UniSantos), Santos, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Steele
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Inês Dourado
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
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Smith AKJ, Lancaster K, Rhodes T, Holt M. Understanding how PrEP is made successful: Implementation science needs an evidence-making approach. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2250426. [PMID: 37621076 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2250426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
After a decade of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the next generation of PrEP is being anticipated, including long-acting pills, injections, and implants. The unevenness of international PrEP implementation is increasingly recognised, with successful rollout in some settings and failure in others. There is a need to better understand conditions of PrEP implementation, and its localised (and sometimes unanticipated) effects. Implementation science explores how contexts and health systems shape the successful translation of health interventions. In this essay, we consider how PrEP is evolving and argue for an 'evidence-making' approach in relation to evidence and intervention translations. This approach emphasises how both interventions and their implementation contexts are co-constituted and evolve together. Unsettling the assumed universality of an intervention's effects and potential in relation to its implementation contexts helps to harness the localised possibilities for what PrEP might become. As the next generation of PrEP offers renewed promise, we must explore how PrEP is put to use and made to work in relation to its evolving situations. We urge implementation science to consider implementation processes as 'evidence-making events' in which evidence, intervention and context evolve together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony K J Smith
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kari Lancaster
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tim Rhodes
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Suen YT, Wong EMY, Chan RCH. Experiences of COVID-19 among Chinese-speaking lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Hong Kong: an inductive thematic analysis of survey response data. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2022; 30:2102537. [PMID: 36017871 PMCID: PMC9423823 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2102537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
As social inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic have been recognised, emerging research showed that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people may be additionally affected during the pandemic. This paper adds to the understanding of the experiences of LGB people during the pandemic with a focus on Hong Kong, where issues of space significantly influence LGB people’s lives in this city with high population density. As part of a larger community study of LGB lives in Hong Kong, COVID-19-related impact on 434 Chinese-speaking LGB people was explored. Data collection was conducted from 20 May to 30 June 2020. Inductive thematic analysis of the open-text response survey data found that the LGB participants described both negative and positive impacts brought by COVID-19. Such impacts could be dimensionalised into those related to personal space and privacy, romantic and sexual space, and community space. It was also found that the experiences of COVID-19 among LGB people in Hong Kong were intersectional, along the lines of living arrangement and relationship status. Such findings make unique contributions to the emerging literature. First, there needs to be a more nuanced understanding of sexual minority individuals’ experiences during COVID-19 across cultural contexts. Second, COVID-19 was described as having brought positive impact in addition to its widely known negative impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiu Tung Suen
- Associate Professor, Gender Studies Programme, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 250, 2/F, Sino Building, Shatin, Hong Kong. Correspondence:
| | - Eliz Miu Yin Wong
- PhD Candidate, Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Randolph C. H. Chan
- Associate Professor, Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
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22
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Characterizing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on HIV PrEP care: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:2089-2102. [DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03941-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe global COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures have caused disruptions to sexual health services and created additional barriers to the continuity of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among key populations. This review provides an examination of the influences of the pandemic on engagement in the PrEP care continuum. Using the PRISMA guideline, 46 studies were included in this review and the synthesis. Most of the studies were conducted in high-income settings through quantitative analysis. A majority of studies examining the changes in PrEP use suggested a decline or discontinuation in PrEP uptake during the pandemic. The most common reasons for stopping using PrEP were perceived barriers to PrEP-related care, having reduced sexual behaviors and fewer sexual partners, and reduced perceived risk of HIV infection. Limited studies documenting an increase in PrEP uptake were all in specific PrEP optimizing programs. During the pandemic, there is also an emerging trend of switching to on-demand PrEP from daily oral PrEP. Future studies should understand the mechanism of strategies that facilitated the improvements during the pandemic. PrEP implementation programs should consider alternative PrEP modalities and provide consistent and comprehensive knowledge about correct information.
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23
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Hong C, Stephenson R, Santos GM, Garner A, Howell S, Holloway I. Intimate Partner Violence Victimization During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among a Global Online Sample of Sexual Minority Men. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2022; 38:1-10. [PMID: 36373030 PMCID: PMC9638473 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-022-00461-y] [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: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Purpose We aimed to describe the prevalence of IPV victimization, changes of experiencing IPV victimization, and examined factors associated with more severe or frequent IPV victimization since the COVID-19 crisis among a global sample of sexual minority men (SMM). Methods Data were collected between October and November 2020 through a gay social networking (GSN) application. We used multinominal logistic regression to examine correlates of experiencing any IPV during the pandemic and experiencing more severe or frequent IPV since the pandemic began. Results Of all participants (n = 9420), IPV victimization prevalence in the past 6 months was 17.0%, 19.5% of whom reported experiencing more severe or frequent IPV and 55.7% reported experiencing IPV that stayed the same since the COVID-19 started. Experiencing more severe or frequent IPV victimization since the pandemic began was associated with having engaged in sex work, having an income reduction by more than 20% and cutting meals since the COVID-19 crisis began. Increased tobacco use and psychological distress were also associated with increased IPV victimization. Lastly, SMM who reported having met a sexual partner through GSN apps were more likely to say that their experience of IPV had been more severe or frequently. Conclusion Our results demonstrate relatively high levels of reporting IPV victimization during the COVID-19 pandemic among a global sample of SMM. The findings illustrate an increasing need for IPV resources and programs as the pandemic continues to evolve. New technologies such as GSN apps have the potential to deliver confidential and safe IPV screening, services, and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglin Hong
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, 3250 Public Affairs Building, 90095-1656 Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Glenn-Milo Santos
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA USA
| | | | | | - Ian Holloway
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, 3250 Public Affairs Building, 90095-1656 Los Angeles, CA USA
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Levy I, Michael S, Olmer L, Gofen R, Davidson O, Zucker R, Wagner-Kolasko G. The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on men having sex with men (MSM). AIDS Care 2022; 34:1400-1404. [PMID: 35427195 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2049197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Social distancing including lockdowns are acceptable measures to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross sectional study, we surveyed the impact of these measurements on sexual behavior and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) use among MSM. A digital questionnaire was distributed via social media and geographically based meeting applications after the first lockdown (March-April 2020). 1194 MSM responded, 91.8% were HIV negative, 19.4% of them used PrEP regularly, and 8.2% were people living with HIV (PLWH). Median age was 34.5 years. 54.4% reported that they kept strictly social distancing guidelines. Low education, hazardous sexual behavior, moderate/severe, and depression predicted low compliance with social distancing guidelines. 66.7% reported a significant decrease in the number of casual sex partners. 55% of those who took PrEP reduced their PrEP intake. Many of the PLWH and PrEP users reduced their medical follow-up. In light of the continuous outbreak and the risk of further outbreaks in the future consideration should be given to provide continuing access to HIV and sexual health clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itzchak Levy
- Infectious Disease Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Medical School, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shahar Michael
- Infectious Disease Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Liraz Olmer
- Biostatistics and Biomathematics Unit, Gerthner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | | | - Roy Zucker
- Sorasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Family Medicine, Gan Meir LGBT Clinic, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gal Wagner-Kolasko
- Department of Family Medicine, Gan Meir LGBT Clinic, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
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25
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Wang Y, Kinsler J, Cumberland WG, Young SD. Mental Health among African American and Latinx Men who have sex with men after the COVID-19 Lockdown in Los Angeles - Findings from the HOPE cohort. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:1554-1562. [PMID: 35441965 PMCID: PMC9019533 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-00970-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the depression and anxiety among men of color (primarily African American and Latinx) who have sex with men after the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes included 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and a 10-item COVID-related anxiety measure using a modified H1N1-related anxiety question. Independent variables were food insecurity and belief in government efficiency. Data were analyzed by Regression models with random cluster effects. Food insecurity experiences were significantly associated with higher depression (p < 0.001), higher anxiety (p < 0.001), and higher pandemic-related anxiety (p < 0.001). Higher levels of belief in government efficiency were significantly associated with lower depression (p < 0.05), less anxiety (p < 0.05), and less pandemic-related anxiety (p-value < 0.001). These findings emphasize the importance of establishing trust between government and at-risk communities when issuing public health policies, especially during unforeseen circumstances, as well as to ensure basic human rights, such as food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte, 90095, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Janni Kinsler
- Section of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte, 90095, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - William G Cumberland
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte, 90095, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sean D Young
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, 92697, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Informatics, Institute for Prediction Technology, University of California, 6091 Bren Hall, Irvine, CA, USA
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Coelho LE, Luz PM, Pires DC, Jalil EM, Perazzo H, Torres TS, Cardoso SW, Peixoto EM, Nazer S, Massad E, Silveira MF, Barros FC, Vasconcelos AT, Costa CA, Amancio RT, Villela DA, Pereira T, Goedert GT, Santos CV, Rodrigues NC, Grinsztejn B, Veloso VG, Struchiner CJ. Prevalence and predictors of anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology in a highly vulnerable population of Rio de Janeiro: A population-based serosurvey. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH - AMERICAS 2022; 15:100338. [PMID: 35936224 PMCID: PMC9337985 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 serosurveys allow for the monitoring of the level of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and support data-driven decisions. We estimated the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a large favela complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods A population-based panel study was conducted in Complexo de Manguinhos (16 favelas) with a probabilistic sampling of participants aged ≥1 year who were randomly selected from a census of individuals registered in primary health care clinics that serve the area. Participants answered a structured interview and provided blood samples for serology. Multilevel regression models (with random intercepts to account for participants’ favela of residence) were used to assess factors associated with having anti-S IgG antibodies. Secondary analyses estimated seroprevalence using an additional anti-N IgG assay. Findings 4,033 participants were included (from Sep/2020 to Feb/2021, 22 epidemic weeks), the median age was 39·8 years (IQR:21·8-57·7), 61% were female, 41% were mixed-race (Pardo) and 23% Black. Overall prevalence was 49·0% (95%CI:46·8%-51·2%) which varied across favelas (from 68·3% to 31·4%). Lower prevalence estimates were found when using the anti-N IgG assay. Odds of having anti-S IgG antibodies were highest for young adults, and those reporting larger household size, poor adherence to social distancing and use of public transportation. Interpretation We found a significantly higher prevalence of anti-S IgG antibodies than initially anticipated. Disparities in estimates obtained using different serological assays highlight the need for cautious interpretation of serosurveys estimates given the heterogeneity of exposure in communities, loss of immunological biomarkers, serological antigen target, and variant-specific test affinity. Funding Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Royal Society, Serrapilheira Institute, and FAPESP.
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Macedo Neto AO, Silva SAGD, Gonçalves GP, Torres JL. COVID-19 vulnerability among Brazilian sexual and gender minorities: a cross-sectional study. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2022; 38:e00234421. [PMID: 35946615 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xen234421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Minority groups are more prone to worsen their personal and social vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the highest COVID-19 vulnerability in the Brazilian sexual and gender minorities. This is a cross-sectional study based on 826 respondents of the Brazilian LGBT+ Health Survey, conducted online from August to November 2020. The COVID-19 vulnerability was based on a previous vulnerability index created by an LGBT+ institution, which comprises three dimensions (income, COVID-19 exposure, and health). The outcome was the highest score quartile. Statistical analysis was based on logistic regression models. The COVID-19 vulnerability was higher in heterosexual and other scarce sexual orientations (OR = 2.34; 95%CI: 1.01-9.20, vs. homosexual), cisgender men (OR = 3.52; 95%CI: 1.35-4.44, vs. cisgender women), and those aged ≥ 50 years (OR = 3.74; 95%CI: 1.24-11.25, vs. 18-29 years old). A negative association was found with complete graduate education (OR = 0.06; 95%CI: 0.02-0.22, vs. complete high school), being white (OR = 0.44; 95%CI: 0.23-0.83), and proper facemask use (OR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.13-0.76). Except for proper facemask use, factors associated with higher COVID-19 vulnerability are structural determinate and suggest overlapping vulnerabilities, as described by the syndemic model. It guides strategies to deal with the pandemic, which includes a joint approach to the common epidemic that affects sexual and gender minorities, broadening the intersectoral approach to decrease inequalities.
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28
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Bezerra DRB, Jalil CM, Jalil EM, Coelho LE, Netto EC, Freitas J, Monteiro L, Santos T, Souza C, Hoagland B, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Cardoso SW, Torres TS. Comparing Web-Based Venues to Recruit Gay, Bisexual, and Other Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men to a Large HIV Prevention Service in Brazil: Evaluation Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e33309. [PMID: 35925658 PMCID: PMC9389387 DOI: 10.2196/33309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Internet and mobile phones, widely available in Brazil, could be used to disseminate information about HIV prevention and to recruit gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) to HIV prevention services. Data evaluating the characteristics of MSM recruited through different web-based strategies and estimating their cost and yield in the country are not available.
Objective
We aimed to describe a web-based recruitment cascade, compare the characteristics of MSM recruited to a large HIV prevention service in Rio de Janeiro according to web-based venues, and estimate the cost per participant for each strategy.
Methods
We promoted advertisements on geosocial networking (GSN) apps (Hornet and Grindr) and social media (Facebook and Instagram) from March 2018 to October 2019. The advertisements invited viewers to contact a peer educator to schedule a visit at the HIV prevention service. Performance of web-based recruitment cascade was based on how many MSM (1) were reached by the advertisement, (2) contacted the peer educator, and (3) attended the service. We used chi-square tests to compare MSM recruited through GSN apps and social media. The estimated advertisement cost to recruit a participant was calculated by dividing total advertisement costs by number of participants who attended the service or initiated preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Results
Advertisement reached 1,477,344 individuals; 1270 MSM contacted the peer educator (86 contacts per 100,000 views)—564 (44.4%), 401 (31.6%) and 305 (24.0%)—through social media, Grindr, and Hornet. Among the 1270 individuals who contacted the peer educator, 36.3% (n=461) attended the service with similar proportion for each web-based strategy (social media: 203/564, 36.0%; Grindr: 152/401, 37.9%; and Hornet: 107/305, 35.1%). MSM recruited through GSN apps were older (mean age 30 years vs 26 years; P<.001), more frequently self-reported as White (111/247, 44.9% vs 62/191, 32.5%; P=.03), and had higher schooling level (postsecondary: 157/254, 61.8% vs 94/194, 48.5%; P=.007) than MSM recruited through social media. GSN apps recruited MSM with higher HIV risk as measured by PrEP eligibility (207/239, 86.6% vs 133/185, 71.9%; P<.001) compared with social media, but there was no difference in PrEP uptake between the two strategies (P=.22). The estimated advertisement costs per participant attending the HIV prevention service were US $28.36 for GSN apps and US $12.17 for social media. The estimated advertisement costs per participant engaging on PrEP were US $58.77 for GSN apps and US $27.75 for social media.
Conclusions
Social media and GSN app advertisements were useful to disseminate information on HIV prevention strategies and to recruit MSM to a large HIV prevention service in Brazil. Compared to GSN apps, social media advertisements were less expensive and reached more vulnerable and younger MSM. Digital marketing campaigns should use different and complementary web-based venues to reach a plurality of MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Moreira Jalil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emilia Moreira Jalil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lara Esteves Coelho
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Josias Freitas
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Laylla Monteiro
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Toni Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cleo Souza
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra Wagner Cardoso
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thiago Silva Torres
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Water demand profile before and during COVID-19 pandemic in a Brazilian social housing complex. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10307. [PMID: 35996422 PMCID: PMC9387059 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way resources are consumed around the world. The relationship between the pandemic and water consumption has important implications for the management of water use and must be evaluated in depth. The main goal of this research paper is to establish a comparison between pre-pandemic and pandemic water consumption profiles for 14 social-housing buildings located in Joinville, Southern Brazil. Telemetry data from each apartment were collected on an hourly basis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis was based on descriptive statistics on the hourly and daily water consumption in addition to its profile plots. The best probability distribution fitting was also determined. To assess the differences in water consumption due to de pandemic, the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was employed and a Generalized Linear Model with mixed effects was fitted to the data. The Lognormal distribution was shown to be the most appropriate to model the water consumption data. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two daily peak consumption periods changed from 12 h to 15 h and from 19 h to 21 h. The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted daily water consumption, leading to a small, yet significant, increase in demand in the first quarter of the pandemic period.
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Stephenson R, Sullivan SP, Pitter RA, Hunter AS, Chavanduka TMD. Are We Still Having Sex? Results of Round Two of the Love and Sex in the Time of COVID Survey with Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2338-2348. [PMID: 35044555 PMCID: PMC8767038 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03580-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents data from the Love and Sex in the Time of COVID survey, an online survey with US gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. The first round of the Love and Sex in the Time of COVID-19 survey was conducted online from April to May, 2020: the second round was collected November 2020 to January 2021. GBMSM were recruited through advertisements featured on social networking platforms. Analysis examines changes in self-reported measures of sexual behavior (number of sex partners, number of anal sex partners and number of anal sex partners not protected by pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or condoms) between those with complete data for round one and round two of the surveys (n = 280). While in round one, men reported a moderate willingness to have sex during COVID-19 (3.5 on a scale from 1 to 5), this had reduced significantly to 2.1 by round two. Men reported declines in the number of unprotected anal sex partners since pre-COVID. Perceptions of a longer time until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with increases in the number of sex partners and UAI partners. The results illustrate some significant declines in sexual behavior among GBMSM as the COVID-19 pandemic progressed. As vaccine programs continue to roll out across the U.S, as lockdowns ease and as we return to some normalcy, it will be important to continue to think critically about ways to re-engage men in HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
| | - Stephen P Sullivan
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Renée A Pitter
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Alexis S Hunter
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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31
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Krist LC, Zimmermann HML, van Dijk M, Stutterheim SE, Jonas KJ. PrEP Use in Times of COVID-19 in the Netherlands: Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) on PrEP Test Less for HIV and Renal Functioning During a COVID-19 Related Lockdown. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3656-3666. [PMID: 35578141 PMCID: PMC9109746 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03693-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, HIV care and prevention efforts have been disrupted. We investigated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use and testing behaviors among MSM in the Netherlands, and the factors that influenced testing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cohort of 766 MSM, established in 2017, was asked in August 2020 to report on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic via an online survey. Participants (n = 319) reported increased PrEP use and, among PrEP users (n = 211), significantly lower rates of having tested in the last 3 months for HIV and renal functioning compared to before the pandemic. Daily PrEP use and a higher number of sexual partners during the pandemic was significantly associated with continued HIV testing. Continued renal functioning testing was associated with older age. Correcting for pandemic-related disruptions in PrEP use and care will require sustained effort to understand and address missed opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizette C Krist
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Hanne M L Zimmermann
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mart van Dijk
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah E Stutterheim
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kai J Jonas
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Ousseine YM, Vaux S, Vandentorren S, Bonmarin I, Champenois K, Lydié N, Velter A. Predictors of Uncertainty and Unwillingness to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine in Men Who Have Sex with Men in France. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095372. [PMID: 35564769 PMCID: PMC9101119 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The development of vaccines against COVID-19 has given hope to populations. Public acceptability of vaccination is a major driver in containing the disease. However, in marginalized and stigmatized populations, uncertainty and unwillingness may be a challenge. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with uncertainty and unwillingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 in men who have sex with men (MSM) living in France. The data used came from Rapport au Sexe (ERAS) 2021, a voluntary, cross-sectional, anonymous, self-administered, online survey conducted from 26 February to 11 April 2021. Among the 15,426 respondents included in the analysis, 60.5% were willing to vaccinate (these included persons already vaccinated), 17.5% were not, and 22% were uncertain. Factors independently associated with uncertainty and unwillingness were lower education level, low health literacy level, financial hardship, being under 30 years of age, and living in a rural area. HIV-positive MSM were less likely to report vaccination uncertainty and unwillingness than HIV-negative MSM and those with unknown serostatus. Although more impacted by COVID-19, socioeconomically vulnerable MSM were the sub-group most unwilling to vaccinate. To improve acceptability of COVID-19 vaccination in MSM, policy makers and researchers must increase access to and understanding of medical information by considering the general public’s health literacy when developing information sources. Moreover, a dedicated global care approach, which ensures these populations can be reached, is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssoufa M. Ousseine
- Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France; (S.V.); (S.V.); (I.B.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sophie Vaux
- Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France; (S.V.); (S.V.); (I.B.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
| | - Stéphanie Vandentorren
- Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France; (S.V.); (S.V.); (I.B.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM UMR 1219, PHAreS Team, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Isabelle Bonmarin
- Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France; (S.V.); (S.V.); (I.B.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
| | | | - Nathalie Lydié
- Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France; (S.V.); (S.V.); (I.B.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
| | - Annie Velter
- Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France; (S.V.); (S.V.); (I.B.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
- Aix Marseille Univ., INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
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Zhang KC, Fang Y, Cao H, Chen H, Hu T, Chen YQ, Zhou X, Wang Z. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV testing utilization among men who have sex with men in China: a cross-sectional online survey. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e30070. [PMID: 35486811 PMCID: PMC9135116 DOI: 10.2196/30070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic creates disruptions on HIV prevention and sexual health services for men who have sex with men (MSM). OBJECTIVE This study compared HIV testing utilization in three different reference periods (Period 1: before COVID-19 outbreak [November 2019 to January 2020], Period 2: after the outbreak [February to April 2020], and Period 3: after the pandemic was under initial control [May to July 2020]). Factors associated with HIV testing utilization after COVID-19 outbreak (combine Period 2 & 3) were also investigated. METHODS Participants were MSM aged ≥18 years living in Shenzhen, China. Those self-reported as HIV positive were excluded. A total of 595 participants recruited through multiple sources completed a self-administered online survey during August to September 2020. HIV testing uptake after COVID-19 outbreak was the dependent variable, and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted. RESULTS HIV testing uptake was significantly lower during Period 2 than Period 1 (44.0% versus 61.0%, p<.001). However, HIV testing uptake was not significantly higher in Period 3 than Period 2 (46.6% versus 44.0%, p=.21). The prevalence of HIV testing uptake after COVID-19 outbreak was 55.6%. After adjusting for significant background characteristics, condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with regular male sex partners (AOR: 2.15, 95%CI: 1.29, 3.57) and sexualized drug use (AOR: 2.94, 95%CI: 1.41, 6.06) both before and after COVID-19 outbreak, CAI with regular (AOR: 2.07, 95%CI: 1.06, 4.07) and non-regular male sex partners (AOR: 3.57, 95%CI: 1.43, 8.89) were positively associated with the dependent variable. Regarding HIV prevention service utilization, HIV testing uptake before COVID-19 outbreak (AOR: 10.75, 95%CI: 7.22, 16.02), and use of sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing (AOR: 7.02, 95%CI: 4.10, 12.02), other HIV/STI prevention (AOR: 3.15, 95%CI: 2.16, 4.60) and PrEP (AOR: 3.58, 95%CI: 1.54, 8.34) after COVID-19 outbreak were associated with higher HIV testing uptake. Perceived risk of HIV infection at present was higher than the time before COVID-19 outbreak (AOR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.30), perceived COVID-19 preventive measures taken up by HIV testing service providers to be effective (AOR: 1.52, 95%CI: 1.29, 1.78), and perceived higher behavioral control to take up HIV testing (AOR: 1.18, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.40) were positively associated with HIV testing uptake. Concerns about COVID-19 infection during HIV testing (AOR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.68, 0.89), avoiding crowed places (AOR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.48, 0.98) and HIV testing service providers reduced their working hours (AOR: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.48, 0.98) were negatively associated with the dependent variable. CONCLUSIONS HIV testing utilization among Chinese MSM declined after COVID-19 outbreak and did not increase after the pandemic received initial control. Removing structural barriers to access HIV testing caused by COVID-19, modifying perceptions related to HIV testing, and making use of HIV self-testing might be useful strategies to improve HIV testing among MSM during the pandemic. CLINICALTRIAL
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Chun Zhang
- Longhua District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, CN
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Early Childhood Education, the Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HK
| | - He Cao
- Longhua District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, CN
| | - Hongbiao Chen
- Longhua District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, CN
| | - Tian Hu
- Longhua District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, CN
| | - Ya Qi Chen
- Longhua District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, CN
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Longhua District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, CN
| | - Zixin Wang
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 508, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, HK
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Corneli A, Perry B, Taylor J, Beckford J, Molokwu N, Reif S, Wilson J, Gulden C, Bickham J, Siren J, Thompson W, Clement ME. HIV Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sexual Activity and PrEP Use Among Black Same-Gender-Loving Men and Black Cisgender Women. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2022; 34:142-157. [PMID: 35438538 PMCID: PMC9534043 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.2.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Black populations in the U.S. South are disproportionally affected by HIV and COVID-19 due to longstanding inequalities. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews-12 with Black same-gender-loving men and 8 with Black cisgender women-to explore the impact of the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual activities and PrEP use. Almost all participants reduced the frequency of sex and number of partners. Women described little interest in sex, whereas men began to connect with some sexual partners after stay-at-home orders were lifted. Both populations were concerned about contracting COVID-19 through sexual partners, and men described selecting partners based on perceived COVID-19 risk. Participants valued PrEP and could access it, although several men who were not having sex stopped taking it. Risk of acquiring HIV during this time was likely limited. Future qualitative research is needed to understand how sexual behaviors and PrEP use changed as the pandemic continued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Corneli
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Brian Perry
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jamilah Taylor
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jeremy Beckford
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Orleans, LA
| | - Nneka Molokwu
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Susan Reif
- Center for Health Policy and Inequities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | | | | | - Jacquelyn Bickham
- Louisiana Department of Health STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program, New Orleans, LA
| | - Julia Siren
- CrescentCare Federally Qualified Health Center, New Orleans, LA
| | | | - Meredith E. Clement
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Orleans, LA
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Gaither TW, Sigalos JT, Landovitz RJ, Mills JN, Litwin MS, Eleswarapu SV. Engagement with HIV and COVID-19 prevention: a national cross-sectional analysis of users on a geosocial networking app (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e38244. [PMID: 36026586 PMCID: PMC9512083 DOI: 10.2196/38244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Gaither
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - John T Sigalos
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Raphael J Landovitz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Center for Clinical AIDS Research & Education, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jesse N Mills
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mark S Litwin
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Health Policy & Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sriram V Eleswarapu
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Sifat RI, Ahmed F, Miah MRA, Khisa M. Effects of COVID-19 on Livelihood, Health, and Psychology of Hijra Population: Insights from Dhaka, Bangladesh. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2022:1-17. [PMID: 35254949 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2048162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown in Bangladesh has left hijra individuals at an increased risk of poverty and food insecurity due to the economic crisis. COVID-19 challenges the fundamental foundation of the public health system, and now the hijra group is out of the system because of stigma and discrimination. This article features three focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted by 23 respondents about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following research aimed to understand the health, mental stress, and social and economic effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on the lives of deprived and marginalized hijra people in Bangladesh. The results reflect the effect of COVID-19 in terms of social, health care, and mental health problems on the hijra community in Bangladesh. In the aftermath of the pandemic, their disadvantaged and socially excluded status makes the hijra population more vulnerable to being affected by the virus and facing its economic and social impacts. The conclusion presents that hijra people are assumed to suffer under the severity of the pandemic even more than the general population due to the intersections between their status as a vulnerable social group and their high level of medical risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridwan Islam Sifat
- Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of General Education, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Northern University Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Faria Ahmed
- Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rafid Abrar Miah
- Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Non-Traditional Security Division, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Manila Khisa
- Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Karaosmanoglu HK, Mete B, Gunduz A, Sevgi DY, Aydin OA, Dokmetas I, Tabak F. Changing Characteristics of Patients Living with HIV/AIDS after COVID-19 Pandemics in Turkey. Curr HIV Res 2022; 20:236-241. [PMID: 35240974 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x20666220303103805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS COVID-19 pandemic has substantially changed the life and presented several barriers to health services. HIV care continuum needs a high rate of diagnosis, an effective treatment and a sustained suppression of viral replication. COVID-19 pandemic has affected these three steps of HIV care. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of newly diagnosed patients living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) during the COVID pandemic and compared them with those before the pandemic. METHODS All newly diagnosed patients in three HIV healthcare center, in Istanbul, Turkey were included into the study. Pandemic period included April 1, 2020 to April 1, 2021 and pre-pandemic period included March 1, 2019 to March 1, 2020. RESULTS During pre-pandemic period, 756 patients were diagnosed HIV/AIDS. In pandemic period, this figure was 58% less: 315. Patients in pre-pandemic and pandemic period had comparable age and gender distributions. PLWH diagnosed in pandemic period had higher rates of low CD4 cells: low CD4 (<350 cells /mm3) was measured in 243 (36.4%) patients in pre-pandemic, while it was done in 126 (47.9%) in pandemic period (p<0.01). Also the distribution of CD4 cells was significantly different between periods: In pandemic period, CD4 cell distribution skewed to lower CD4 categories significantly. Symptomatic patient rate and AIDS-defining disorder rate among symptomatic patients were comparable. Viral loads were not significantly different in two periods. CONCLUSION Less number of newly diagnosed PLWH can be explained by less HIV testing, less admission to the health care or actual decrease of HIV prevalence during pandemic. Sexual behaviors may have changed during COVID-19 pandemic which could lead to HIV transmission restriction. Lower CD4 counts among the newly diagnosed PLWH suggest that admittance to health care is late and a significant portion of PLWH remain undiagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Kumbasar Karaosmanoglu
- Bakırkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Birgul Mete
- Cerrahpasa University Medical Faculty, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Gunduz
- Sisli Hamidiye Training and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilek Yildiz Sevgi
- Sisli Hamidiye Training and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Altuntas Aydin
- Bakırkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilyas Dokmetas
- Sisli Hamidiye Training and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fehmi Tabak
- Cerrahpasa University Medical Faculty, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
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Braga LHR, Menezes CS, Martins IV, da Silva JDP, Torres JL. Factors associated with lifestyle deterioration during the COVID-19 pandemic among Brazilian lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals, transvestites and related identities: a cross-sectional study. EPIDEMIOLOGIA E SERVIÇOS DE SAÚDE 2022; 31:e2021752. [PMID: 35239896 PMCID: PMC11321200 DOI: 10.1590/s1679-49742022000100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To verify factors associated with deteriorating lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic, including physical activity, cigarette and alcohol intake in lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals, transvestites and people with related identities (LGBT+). METHODS This was a cross-sectional study with individuals aged ≥18 years. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS Of the 975 participants, 48.9% (95%CI 45.7;52.1) decreased physical activity, 6.2% (95%CI 4.8;7.9) increased cigarette smoking, and 17.3% (95%CI 15.0;19.8) increased alcohol intake. Physical activity deteriorated among individuals who adhered to mask use (OR=2.26; 95%CI 1.20;4.23), cigarette smoking increased among individuals who had a chronic health condition (OR=2.39; 95%CI 1.03;5.56), and alcohol intake increased among cisgender women (OR=1.95; 95%CI 1.31;2.92) and individuals living with a partner (OR=1.89; 95%CI 1.23;2.91). CONCLUSION Lifestyle deterioration stood out among cisgender women, individuals with a chronic health condition and those who adhered to mask use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Helena Reis Braga
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Gestão de Serviços de Saúde, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisDepartamento de Gestão de Serviços de SaúdeBelo HorizonteMGBrazil
| | - Cynthia Santos Menezes
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Gestão de Serviços de Saúde, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisDepartamento de Gestão de Serviços de SaúdeBelo HorizonteMGBrazil
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Direito, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisDepartamento de DireitoBelo HorizonteMGBrazil
| | - Isadora Viegas Martins
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Gestão de Serviços de Saúde, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisDepartamento de Gestão de Serviços de SaúdeBelo HorizonteMGBrazil
| | - Janderson Diego Pimenta da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Gestão de Serviços de Saúde, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisDepartamento de Gestão de Serviços de SaúdeBelo HorizonteMGBrazil
- Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Departamento de Enfermagem, Tangará da Serra, MT, BrasilUniversidade do Estado de Mato GrossoUniversidade do Estado de Mato GrossoDepartamento de EnfermagemTangará da SerraMTBrazil
| | - Juliana Lustosa Torres
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Gestão de Serviços de Saúde, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisDepartamento de Gestão de Serviços de SaúdeBelo HorizonteMGBrazil
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Social, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisDepartamento de Medicina Preventiva e SocialBelo HorizonteMGBrazil
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Bezerra DRB, Jalil CM, Jalil EM, Coelho LE, Carvalheira E, Freitas J, Monteiro L, Santos T, Souza C, Hoagland B, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Cardoso SW, Torres TS. Complementary Recruitment Strategies to Reach Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women: The Experience of a Large Brazilian HIV Prevention Service. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2643-2652. [PMID: 35122578 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03609-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Different strategies have been used to reach men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) for HIV prevention services. We described the characteristics of MSM and TGW attending a large HIV prevention service in Brazil according to different recruitment strategies or referrals. A total of 2713 individuals (2246[82.8%] MSM and 467[17.2%] TGW) attended the service. Among HIV-negative MSM and TGW, 74.6% and 82.8% were eligible for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), respectively. PrEP uptake among MSM and TGW was 56.4% and 39.1%, respectively. Participants were mostly referred by peers (43.6%), followed by web-based (24.1%) and venue-based recruitment (16.2%). More young and Black MSM were referred from venue-based recruitment, and web-based strategies more frequently referred MSM with higher education. TGW who were younger and had higher education were more frequently referred from venue-based recruitment. Web-based recruitment failed to reach TGW. Multiple strategies were complementary to reach diverse MSM and TGW populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R B Bezerra
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Cristina M Jalil
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Emilia M Jalil
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Lara E Coelho
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Carvalheira
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Josias Freitas
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Laylla Monteiro
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Toni Santos
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Cleo Souza
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Sandra W Cardoso
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Thiago S Torres
- STD/AIDS Clinical Research Lab (LapClin-AIDS), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil.
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Blair KJ, Torres TS, Hoagland B, Bezerra DR, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Clark J, Luz PM. Pre-exposure prophylaxis use, HIV knowledge, and internalized homonegativity among men who have sex with men in Brazil: A cross-sectional study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 6:100152. [PMID: 35291206 PMCID: PMC8920052 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use in Brazil remains low despite free national access. We explored associations of HIV knowledge and internalized homonegativity with PrEP use among PrEP-eligible men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods Brazilian Hornet users completed an online, cross-sectional survey in February-March 2020. We included cis-men ≥18 years old who reported recent sex with men and were PrEP-eligible per the following: condomless anal intercourse, partner(s) living with HIV, transactional sex, and/or sexually transmitted infection. Our outcome was current PrEP use, defined by the response, "I am currently taking PrEP." Key predictors included the HIV/AIDS Knowledge Assessment (HIV-KA) and Reactions to Homosexuality Scale (RHS); higher scores indicate greater knowledge and greater internalized homonegativity, respectively. Scales were standardized for analysis. Associations with current PrEP use were estimated using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Findings Among 2398 PrEP-eligible MSM, n = 370 (15·4%) reported current PrEP use. Increasing HIV-KA scores were associated with greater odds of PrEP use (aOR 1·70 [95%CI 1·41-2·04], p < 0·001), and increasing RHS scores with lower odds of PrEP use (aOR 0·83 [95%CI 0·73-0·96], p = 0·010). PrEP use was lower among 18-24 versus 40+-years-old MSM (aOR 0·43 [95%CI 0·27-0·69], p = 0·005), and in Black versus White/Asian respondents (aOR 0·51 [95%CI 0·31-0·85], p = 0·040). Interpretation Among PrEP-eligible Brazilian MSM, HIV knowledge was associated with increased PrEP use and internalized homonegativity with decreased use. Wider dissemination of HIV prevention knowledge and addressing stigma experienced by MSM could promote increased PrEP use. Funding National Institute of Mental Health, Fiocruz, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Blair
- South American Program in HIV Prevention Research (SAPHIR), Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 72-227 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Thiago S. Torres
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Daniel R.B. Bezerra
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Valdilea G. Veloso
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Jesse Clark
- South American Program in HIV Prevention Research (SAPHIR), Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paula M. Luz
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Räuchle J, Briken P, Schröder J, Ivanova O. Sexual and Reproductive Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from a Cross-Sectional Online Survey in Germany. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031428. [PMID: 35162449 PMCID: PMC8834909 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The accumulated evidence maps the COVID-19 pandemic's diverse impacts on sexual and reproductive health (SRH); however, the precise changes in sexual behaviours and the underlying causes producing these changes are rarely considered. This study is aimed at assessing the changes in sexual behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, using quantitative methods, and it is also aimed at identifying the underlying reasons, using qualitative methods. It is a part of the broader I-SHARE project, which administered a cross-sectional online survey in 33 countries to describe the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions on different aspects of SRH. In the current study, a total of 611 adults from Germany are included. The findings demonstrate a decline in sexual satisfaction, as well as increases in sexual problems and partnership conflicts. Furthermore, the findings indicate an increase in pornography consumption and masturbation. Psychological stress, due to the pandemic, seemed to be the main reason for the changes in the participants' sexual behaviours, followed by a decrease in social contacts, and an increase in time resources. Thus, it is important to provide accessible clinical and psychosocial (online) interventions and services in order to maintain good sexual health in times of pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jule Räuchle
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.R.); (P.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.R.); (P.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Johanna Schröder
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.R.); (P.B.); (J.S.)
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olena Ivanova
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU), 80802 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Torres TS, Jalil EM, Coelho LE, Bezerra DRB, Jalil CM, Hoagland B, Cardoso SW, Arayasirikul S, Veloso VG, Wilson EC, McFarland W, Grinsztejn B. A Technology-Based Intervention Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men and Nonbinary People (The Conectad@s Project): Protocol for A Vanguard Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e34885. [PMID: 35023848 PMCID: PMC8796043 DOI: 10.2196/34885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many parts of the world, including Brazil, uptake for biomedical interventions has been insufficient to reverse the HIV epidemic among key populations at high risk for HIV, including men who have sex with men. Young MSM (YMSM), particularly Black YMSM, have high HIV incidence, low viral suppression, and low preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence. Therefore, novel approaches to increase the HIV biomedical interventions uptake by YMSM are urgently needed. OBJECTIVE We describe the Conectad@s Project, which aims to: (1) estimate the prevalence and incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, the onset of sexual risk behavior, and barriers to biomedical interventions among YMSM aged 18 to 24 years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and (2) conduct a technology-based adherence intervention study to promote a rapid linkage of YMSM to HIV care or prevention, and support and sustain adherence. METHODS A cross-sectional survey will be conducted with 400 YMSM recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) adapted for social media-based sampling, preceded by a formative phase. HIV and sexually transmitted infections testing will be conducted, including early HIV infection biomarker detection. Behavioral, partnership, network, and structural measures will be collected through structured questionnaires. All individuals recruited for the survey will have access to HIV risk assessment, antiretroviral therapy (ART), PrEP, prevention counseling, and a technology-based adherence intervention. Those who accept the adherence intervention will receive weekly text messages via a social networking app (WhatsApp) for 24 weeks, with follow-up data collected over 48 weeks. RESULTS The Conectad@s project has been approved by our local institutional review board (#CAAE 26086719.0.0000.4262) in accordance with all applicable regulations. Questionnaires for the RDS survey and intervention were developed and tested in 2020, formative interviews were conducted in January and February 2021 to guide the development of the RDS, and enrollment is planned to begin in early 2022. CONCLUSIONS The Conectad@s Project is a vanguard study that, for the first time, will apply digital RDS to sample and recruit YMSM in Brazil and rapidly connect them to ART, PrEP, or prevention counseling through a technology-based adherence intervention. RDS will allow us to estimate HIV prevalence among YMSM and measure HIV infection biomarkers in the context of the onset of risky behavior. The data will lay the groundwork to adapt and implement HIV prevention strategies, identify barriers to the earliest HIV infection diagnosis, immediate ART or PrEP initiation, and detect new clusters of HIV transmission. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/34885.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Silva Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emilia Moreira Jalil
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lara Esteves Coelho
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Cristina Moreira Jalil
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra Wagner Cardoso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sean Arayasirikul
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Erin C Wilson
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Willi McFarland
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Griffin M, Jaiswal J, Martino RJ, LoSchiavo C, Comer-Carruthers C, Krause KD, Stults CB, Halkitis PN. Sex in the Time of COVID-19: Patterns of Sexual Behavior Among LGBTQ+ Individuals in the U.S. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:287-301. [PMID: 35141814 PMCID: PMC9033939 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02298-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the pathogen which causes COVID-19, has left an indelible impact on the daily lives of individuals in the USA. This study sought to explore the sexual behaviors among people in the LGBTQ+ population at the onset of the pandemic. Behaviors were explored across sub-groups of the population. The study employed data from an internet survey about the impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ identified individuals conducted between May and July 2020. The final sample was comprised of 1090 participants from across the USA. Overall, sexual activity and the number of sexual partners decreased after March 13, 2020 (as compared to before this date) across all sexual orientation groups; however, living situation and partnership status supported sexual activity. Gay and bisexual men living with a partner or a spouse (AOR = 2.20, p = .023) and those living with a non-romantic roommate or friend (AOR = 2.88, p = .004) reported more sexual activity. For both cisgender lesbian and bisexual women and transgender and non-binary individuals, those who were married or in a domestic partnership (AOR = 4.54, p < .001; AOR = 9.97, p < .001, respectively) and those in a committed relationship (AOR = 3.54, p = .001; AOR = 8.46, p < .001, respectively) reported more sexual activity. Additionally, cisgender lesbian and bisexual women living with their partner or spouse (AOR = 2.14, p = .044) reported more sexual activity. When examining the number of sexual partners, cisgender lesbian and bisexual women and transgender and non-binary individuals in a committed relationship (AOR = 0.31, p < 0.001; AOR = 0.26, p = .004, respectively) and those living with a partner or spouse (AOR = 0.30, p = .002; AOR = 0.25, p = .028, respectively) were less likely to report two or more sexual partners. Examining the changes in sexual activity and number of sexual partners helps us better identify the effects of COVID-19 on intimate relationships and sexual behaviors. Furthermore, this study may help develop clinical best practices to facilitate risk-reduction strategies for LGBTQ+ populations when engaging in sexual activity within a communicable disease framework. Current guidance on sexual activity within a pandemic has created a unique opportunity for sex-positive public health messaging that protects individual health while also offering a framework for conversations about risk mitigation that is applicable for both COVID-19 and STI/HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marybec Griffin
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Jessica Jaiswal
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Richard J Martino
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Caleb LoSchiavo
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Camilla Comer-Carruthers
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Kristen D Krause
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Christopher B Stults
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Psychology Department, Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Perry N Halkitis
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Libotte GB, dos Anjos L, Almeida RCC, Malta SMC, Silva RS. Framework for enhancing the estimation of model parameters for data with a high level of uncertainty. NONLINEAR DYNAMICS 2022; 107:1919-1936. [PMID: 35017792 PMCID: PMC8736321 DOI: 10.1007/s11071-021-07069-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Reliable data are essential to obtain adequate simulations for forecasting the dynamics of epidemics. In this context, several political, economic, and social factors may cause inconsistencies in the reported data, which reflect the capacity for realistic simulations and predictions. In the case of COVID-19, for example, such uncertainties are mainly motivated by large-scale underreporting of cases due to reduced testing capacity in some locations. In order to mitigate the effects of noise in the data used to estimate parameters of models, we propose strategies capable of improving the ability to predict the spread of the diseases. Using a compartmental model in a COVID-19 study case, we show that the regularization of data by means of Gaussian process regression can reduce the variability of successive forecasts, improving predictive ability. We also present the advantages of adopting parameters of compartmental models that vary over time, in detriment to the usual approach with constant values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo B. Libotte
- National Laboratory for Scientific Computing, Getúlio Vargas Av., 333, Quitandinha, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucas dos Anjos
- National Laboratory for Scientific Computing, Getúlio Vargas Av., 333, Quitandinha, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Regina C. C. Almeida
- National Laboratory for Scientific Computing, Getúlio Vargas Av., 333, Quitandinha, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra M. C. Malta
- National Laboratory for Scientific Computing, Getúlio Vargas Av., 333, Quitandinha, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renato S. Silva
- National Laboratory for Scientific Computing, Getúlio Vargas Av., 333, Quitandinha, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Starks TJ, Bosco SC, Doyle KM, Revenson TA. Partners' Consensus About Joint Effort and COVID-19 Prevention Among Sexual Minority Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:217-230. [PMID: 34155577 PMCID: PMC8216588 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02063-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined the relevance of relationship functioning to partners' agreement or consensus about joint effort surrounding COVID-19 prevention. Interdependence theory has been widely used to understand how relationship partners influence health behavior, including how sexual minority male (SMM) couples regulate HIV risk. Couples with better relationship functioning tend to be more successful at negotiating joint (shared) goals and subsequently accomplishing them. The study recruited 134 cis-male, SARS-CoV-2 negative adults in relationships with cis-male partners from phone-based social networking applications. Participants completed an online survey assessing relationship functioning (Perceived Relationship Components Questionnaire), COVID-19 prevention behaviors, and risk perceptions. Partners' consensus around joint COVID-19 prevention effort was assessed using an adapted version of the Preferences for Sexual Health Outcomes scale. Path analyses indicated that consensus for joint prevention effort predicted social distancing (B = 0.23; p = .001) and the number of other COVID-19 prevention behaviors engaged in (B = 0.17; p = .003) above and beyond perceived risk and relationship functioning. Relationship satisfaction predicted higher levels of consensus for joint COVID-19 prevention effort (B = 0.40; p = .029). Findings suggest that the theoretical foundations of successful HIV prevention interventions that utilize joint goal formation may generalize to the prediction of COVID-19 prevention behavior and may be leveraged to mitigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among SMM in relationships. Interventions that overlook the potential for dyadic regulation of health behavior may miss opportunities to capitalize on shared coping resources and fail to address relational barriers to prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrel J Starks
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA.
| | - Stephen C Bosco
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
| | - Kendell M Doyle
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
| | - Tracey A Revenson
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
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Elorreaga OA, Torres TS, Vega-Ramirez EH, Konda KA, Hoagland B, Benedetti M, Pimenta C, Diaz-Sosa D, Robles-Garcia R, Grinsztejn B, Caceres CF, Veloso VG. Awareness, willingness and barriers to HIV Self-testing (HIVST) among Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru: A web-based cross-sectional study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000678. [PMID: 36962436 PMCID: PMC10021908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an essential tool within the combined HIV prevention package and has been available in Latin America since 2015. However, HIVST use among key populations remains low. This study describes awareness, willingness, and barriers to HIVST among MSM in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. A cross-sectional web-based survey was advertised in two geosocial networking apps (Grindr and Hornet) and Facebook in 2018. We included cisgender men ≥18 years old who self-reported HIV-negative status. We used multivariable Poisson regression models to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) to assess the factors associated with willingness to use HIVST for each country. A total of 18,916 completed the survey, 59% from Brazil, 30% from Mexico, and 11% from Peru. Overall, 20% of MSM had never tested for HIV. Awareness and willingness to use HIVST were higher in Brazil than in Peru and Mexico (p < .001). Across the countries, the patterns of association of willingness with HIVST barriers were similar. Most participants think post-test counseling is essential and that dealing with a positive result would be difficult (aPR 1.13 to 1.37, range of aPRs across the three countries). Having the knowledge to deal with a positive HIVST resulted in increased willingness to use HIVST (aPR range: 1.11 to 1.22), while a lack of trust in HIVST compared to HIV testing in clinics was inversely associated (aPR range: 0.80 to 0.90). In general, willingness to use HIVST was associated with higher income (aPR range: 1.49 to 1.97), higher education (aPR range: 1.13 to 1.42), and willingness to use PrEP (aPR range: 1.19 to 1.72). Efforts to increase HIVST knowledge and resolve perceived barriers are warranted, especially among MSM with lower income and education from Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. Personalized virtual counseling could be crucial among this population. In addition, those willing to use HIVST are also willing to use PrEP. It indicates that HIVST delivery could be incorporated into PrEP programs within the Brazilian Public Health System and eventually in Mexico and Peru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver A Elorreaga
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad Sida y Sociedad, UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Kelika A Konda
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad Sida y Sociedad, UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Benedetti
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristina Pimenta
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dulce Diaz-Sosa
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | | | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos F Caceres
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad Sida y Sociedad, UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Garcia PJ, Cabrera DM, Cárcamo PM, Diaz MM. HIV and COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:37-45. [PMID: 35092570 PMCID: PMC8799981 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00589-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has been hit hard by COVID-19 due to political instability, flawed health systems, and structural inequalities. The repercussion of the pandemic on vulnerable populations, like people living with HIV (PLWH), is complex. This review aims to explore the interactions between the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics in this region. RECENT FINDINGS Data regarding the interactions of HIV and COVID-19 in LAC is scarce. Only case reports or small case series have been published regarding the clinical course of COVID-19 in PLWH and regarding the clinical course of COVID-19 in PLWH, which appears to be similar to the general population. The pandemic has disrupted prevention and treatment of PLWH. However, there have been country efforts to counteract those effects. There are some lessons from the HIV response which have been effectively applied in the region to address COVID-19. COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the cascade-of-care among PLWH in LAC. There is a need for longitudinal studies that assess clinic implication of these pandemic interactions in LAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J. Garcia
- grid.11100.310000 0001 0673 9488School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martin de Porres, Lima 31 Peru
| | - Diego M. Cabrera
- grid.11100.310000 0001 0673 9488School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martin de Porres, Lima 31 Peru ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Section of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Paloma M. Cárcamo
- grid.11100.310000 0001 0673 9488School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martin de Porres, Lima 31 Peru
| | - Monica M. Diaz
- grid.11100.310000 0001 0673 9488School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martin de Porres, Lima 31 Peru ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, Campus Box 7025, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599 USA
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Diaz MM, Cabrera DM, Gil-Zacarias M, Ramirez V, Saavedra M, Cárcamo C, Hsieh E, Garcia PJ. Knowledge and Impact of COVID-19 on Middle-Aged and Older People Living with HIV in Lima, Peru. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2021; 20:23259582211056760. [PMID: 34870508 PMCID: PMC8655474 DOI: 10.1177/23259582211056760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has had an unprecedented worldwide impact, and Peru has had one of the
highest COVID-19 case rates despite implementation of an early strict nationwide
quarantine. Repercussions on Peru's healthcare system may impact vulnerable
populations, particularly people with HIV (PWH). We explored knowledge of
COVID-19 and the socioeconomic and health impact of the pandemic among
middle-aged and older PWH. A cross-sectional telephone survey was administered
to 156 PWH age ≥40 years receiving care in one of two large HIV clinics in Lima,
Peru. The majority of PWH (age 52 ± 7.7 years, 41% female, 65% completed
secondary school or less) were knowledgeable regarding COVID-19 symptoms and
prevention methods. Nearly half of those employed prior to the pandemic reported
job loss. Female sex (unadjusted prevalence ratio [PR] 1.85 [95%CI 1.27-2.69]),
low educational level (PR 1.62 [1.06-2.48]) and informal work (PR 1.58
[1.06-2.36]) were risk factors for unemployment but not in adjusted models.
Increased anxiety was reported in 64% and stress in 77%. COVID-19 has had a
substantial socioeconomic and mental health impact on PWH living in Lima, Peru,
particularly those with lower educational levels and informal workers. Efforts
are needed to ensure continued medical care and socioeconomic support of PWH in
Peru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Diaz
- 6797University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,33216Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Diego M Cabrera
- 33216Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,5755Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Cesar Cárcamo
- 33216Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Chen YT, Duncan DT, Del Vecchio N, Timmins L, Pagkas-Bather J, Lacap S, Hotton A, Knox J, Hanson H, Koli K, Durrell M, Dehlin J, Schneider JA. COVID-19-Related Stressors, Sex Behaviors, and HIV Status Neutral Care Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Chicago, USA. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:261-271. [PMID: 34310447 PMCID: PMC8518204 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations, including Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) and transgender women (BTW). We investigated associations of COVID-19 stressors and sex behaviors with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) among BMSM and BTW. METHODS As part of the Neighborhoods and Networks (N2) study, we conducted virtual interviews during peak COVID-19 infectivity in Chicago among BMSM and BTW (April-July 2020). Survey questions included multilevel COVID-19 stressors, sex behaviors, and current PrEP/ART use and access. Poisson regressions were used to examining relationships between COVID-19 stressors, sex behaviors, and PrEP/ART use/access. RESULTS Among 222 participants, 31.8% of participants not living with HIV reported current PrEP use and 91.8% of participants living with HIV reported ART use during the pandemic. Most (83.3% and 78.2%, respectively) reported similar or easier PrEP and ART access during the pandemic. Physical stress reaction to COVID-19 [adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 2.1; confidence interval (CI): 1.3 to 3.5] and being in close proximity with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (aPR = 1.7; CI: 1.1 to 2.8) were associated with current PrEP use. Intimate partner violence (aPR = 2.7; CI: 1.0 to 7.2) and losing health insurance (aPR = 3.5; CI: 1.1 to 10.7) were associated with harder ART access. Travel-related financial burden was associated with harder access in PrEP (aPR = 3.2; CI: 1.0 to 10.1) and ART (aPR = 6.2; CI: 1.6 to 24.3). CONCLUSIONS Multiple COVID-19 stressors were found to interfere with PrEP and ART use and access among BMSM and BTW. Contextually relevant strategies (eg, promoting telehealth and decreasing transportation burden) to address COVID-19 stressors and their sequelae should be considered to minimize disruption in HIV biomedical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Tyng Chen
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne, NJ
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Dustin T. Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Natascha Del Vecchio
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Liadh Timmins
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Jade Pagkas-Bather
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Shaina Lacap
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne, NJ
| | - Anna Hotton
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Justin Knox
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Mainza Durrell
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Jessica Dehlin
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - John A. Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; and
- Crown School of Social Work, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Pereira CCDA, Torres TS, Luz PM, Hoagland B, Farias A, Brito JDU, Guimarães Lacerda MV, da Silva DAR, Benedetti M, Pimenta MC, Grinsztejn B, Veloso VG. Preferences for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men and transgender women at risk of HIV infection: a multicentre protocol for a discrete choice experiment in Brazil. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049011. [PMID: 34580095 PMCID: PMC8477321 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an important and well-established prevention strategy for sexual acquisition of HIV. In Brazil, transgender women (TGW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) bear the largest burden among key populations. Little is known about preferences for PrEP characteristics in these vulnerable populations in Latin America. The goal of this study is to investigate preferences of TGW and MSM with respect to PrEP characteristics, whether current user or not, and to assess any attributes and levels that may improve the decision to start using PrEP (uptake) and optimal continuity of use (adherence), which are important dimensions for PrEP success. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We hereby outline the protocol of a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to be conducted among TGW and MSM in Brazil. The study will be carried out in two phases. The first phase involves literature review and qualitative approaches including in-depth interviews to inform the development of the DCE (attributes and levels). The second phase entails the DCE survey and supporting questions pertaining to sociodemographic and risk behaviour information. The survey is aimed at current PrEP users and non-users, consisting of two modes of administration: face to face in five Brazilian capitals (Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Manaus, Porto Alegre and Salvador) and online targeting the entire country. A D-efficient zero-prior blocked experimental design will be used to select 60 paired-profile DCE choice tasks, in which participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups and presented with a set of 15 choice tasks. The planned sample size is 1000 volunteers. ETHICS, TIMELINE AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa-Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas-INI/FIOCRUZ, CEP/INI, CAAE 28416220.2.1001.5262, approval number 3.979.759 in accordance with the Comissão Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa (CONEP-Brazilian National Board of Research Ethics). The study will be conducted between 2020 and 2021. The results will be disseminated to the scientific community and to the public in general through publications in published in peer-reviewed journals and in scientific conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thiago Silva Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas - INI/FIOCRUZ, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula Mendes Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas - INI/FIOCRUZ, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas - INI/FIOCRUZ, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Farias
- Centro Estadual Especializado em Diagnóstico, Assistência e Pesquisa (CEDAP), Governo do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daila Alena Raenck da Silva
- Centro de Testagem Aconselhamento (CTA) Santa Marta, Porto Alegre Secretaria Municipal de Saude, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcos Benedetti
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas - INI/FIOCRUZ, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Pimenta
- Departamento de Doenças de Condições Crônicas e Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, Ministério da Saúde, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas - INI/FIOCRUZ, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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