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Howell J, Deane-King J, Maguire R. Factors Associated with PrEP Stigma Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (gbMSM): A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024:1-30. [PMID: 38511847 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2024.2326891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. While pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition, uptake of PrEP among gbMSM is low, which may in part be due to stigma associated with PrEP use. This systematic review aimed to explore experiences of PrEP stigma and to identify factors associated with this. Four databases were searched for papers including terms relating to (i) gbMSM, (ii) PrEP, and (iii) stigma, with narrative synthesis used to analyze results. After screening, 70 studies were included in the final analysis. Experiences of PrEP stigma were found to be characterized by a number of stereotypes and came from a range of sources. Five categories of factors were associated with stigma: (i) healthcare-related factors, (ii) cultural and contextual factors, (iii) sociodemographic factors, (iv) peer-discussion, and (v) psychosocial factors. These findings suggest that stigma can be a common experience for gbMSM. However, some are more at risk than others. Interventions aimed at reducing PrEP stigma may be useful in increasing uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Howell
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | | | - Rebecca Maguire
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
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2
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Agarwal H, Núñez I, Hill LM, Dubé K, Knoble A, Pamilerin O. Perceptions and experiences of daily and long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among MSM in India. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0001477. [PMID: 38232067 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy with high efficacy. An increased willingness to use PrEP among at-risk Indian men who have sex with men (MSM) population has been reported; however, little is known about their real experiences that guide their key motivators, facilitators, and barriers with using oral and Long-Acting (LA) Injectable PrEP. We recruited participants (n = 18) through active MSM social media networks. The interviews were conducted using teleconferencing software. Interview topics included participants' sources of knowledge, experiences accessing daily PrEP, safe-sex behaviors while on PrEP, barriers and facilitators around PrEP, long-term goals with PrEP, perceptions around LA PrEP, and discussion around decision-making to switch from oral PrEP to LA PrEP. Transcripts were coded according to interview topics, and key themes were analyzed using a topical data analysis approach. Participants (median age 28 years, ranging from 18 to 40) reported a high perceived risk of HIV. This increased perceived risk was a key motivator for oral PrEP uptake. Most participants shared that they accessed PrEP through non-profit organizations serving the MSM community, where doctor consultations and medication were either free or subsidized. Even when participants reported high adherence to oral PrEP, they expressed discontent with the requirement to take it daily. High condom usage was reported concomitantly with PrEP use among most participants, except for a few who preferred bareback sex. Participants shared that they would prefer to continue PrEP until they are in a monogamous, exclusive relationship. The cost and affordability remained recurring themes, and while participants could afford oral PrEP, they wished it was cheaper, making it more accessible to the community at large. Most participants did not have prior knowledge of LA injectable PrEP but welcomed the intervention, alluding to cost and availability as the key decision-making factors affecting switching. MSM from India we interviewed adopted oral PrEP as an additional HIV prevention strategy to condoms through non-profit and private channels. Cost and broader access remains a concern among the MSM community. More acceptability research about long-acting PrEP is needed among MSM in the Indian context, and it is recommended for government interventions to include oral PrEP groups at higher risk of HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Agarwal
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ivania Núñez
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lauren M Hill
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Karine Dubé
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Abigail Knoble
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Oluwamuyiwa Pamilerin
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Gao Y, Zheng W, Sun Y, Yang L, Guo Z, Li Y, Lin YF, Lu Z, Yuan T, Zhan Y, Qian HZ, Su B, Zhu Z, Duan J, Wang G, Cui X, Ouyang L, Sheng G, Zhou Y, Long A, Yao Y, Fitzpatrick T, Yu M, Wu G, Zou H. Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision and Incident HIV Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China (The CoM Study): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e47160. [PMID: 37247211 PMCID: PMC10262017 DOI: 10.2196/47160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic reviews and meta-analyses based on observational studies have shown voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) may reduce HIV risk among men who have sex with men (MSM). There is a lack of randomized controlled trial (RCT) data assessing the efficacy of VMMC. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of VMMC for preventing HIV acquisition among MSM who primarily engage in insertive anal sex. METHODS A multicenter RCT will be conducted among MSM in 8 cities in China. Eligible participants are men aged 18-49 years who self-report ≥2 male sex partners in the past 6 months, predominantly practice insertive anal sex, and are willing to undergo circumcision. Interested men who satisfy inclusion criteria will be tested for HIV 1 month before enrollment and at enrollment, and only those who are HIV negative will be enrolled. At baseline, all enrolled participants will be asked to report sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviors; provide a blood sample for HIV, syphilis, and herpes simplex virus type 2 testing; and provide a penile swab for human papillomavirus testing. Participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Those in the intervention group will receive VMMC and undergo a web-based weekly follow-up assessment of postsurgery healing for 6 consecutive weeks. All participants will be tested for HIV at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups. All participants will also be asked to report sexual behaviors and undergo repeat herpes simplex virus type 2 and human papillomavirus testing at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. The primary end point is HIV seroconversion. Secondary end points are the safety and satisfaction with VMMC and the changes in sexual behaviors after VMMC. The grouped censored data will be analyzed by intention-to-treat approach. RESULTS Recruitment for the RCT began in August 2020 and continued through July 2022. Data collection is expected to be completed by July 2023, and full data analysis is going to be completed by September 2023. CONCLUSIONS This study will be the first RCT to assess the efficacy of VMMC in preventing HIV infection among MSM. Results from this trial will provide preliminary evidence for the potential efficacy of VMMC to reduce incident HIV infection among MSM. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000039436; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=63369. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/47160.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiao Gao
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiran Zheng
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinghui Sun
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Luoyao Yang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhihui Guo
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuwei Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi-Fan Lin
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhen Lu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tanwei Yuan
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuewei Zhan
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- GlaxoSmithKline plc, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Bin Su
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhu
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junyi Duan
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghui Wang
- Qingdao Qingtong AIDS Prevention Volunteer Service Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Cui
- Qingdao Qingtong AIDS Prevention Volunteer Service Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Lin Ouyang
- Chongqing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Genshen Sheng
- Shenzhen Rainbow 258 Centre for Men, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yepeng Zhou
- Foshan Pengyou Care and Rescue Center for AIDS Prevention, Foshan, China
| | - Ao Long
- Luzhou Red Ribbon Heart Association, Luzhou, China
| | - Yuming Yao
- Zhitong LGBT Service Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Thomas Fitzpatrick
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Maohe Yu
- Tianjin Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Guohui Wu
- Chongqing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Yuan D, Yin Y, Chen J, Lu J, Zhou Y, Fu G, Wang B. Acceptability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:218-231. [DOI: 10.1177/09564624211042308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV infection is a popular, contemporary research topic. We retrieved PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Wanfang, CNKI, and Sinomed databases, and related websites to identify studies both in Chinese and English, which reported the acceptability of PrEP in China. A total of 3203 citations were retrieved, of which 54 were included. We found that the acceptability varied widely across the country, ranging from 19.1% to 94.6%, and the pooled estimate was 66.8% (95% CI: 62.0%–71.3%). Higher acceptability of PrEP was associated with the following factors: individuals with a lower educational degree, higher income, non-discriminatory attitude towards AIDS or AIDS patients, self-perceived high HIV risk, feeling that PrEP should be promoted, familiarity with PrEP, history of HIV testing, history of anal intercourse, consistent condom use, higher number of sexual partners. The main reasons for not using PrEP are doubting its validity, fear of potential side effects and financial burden, and fear of stigma for using PrEP. This review found that the acceptance in China was moderate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defu Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yueqi Yin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianshuang Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of STD/AIDS Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of STD/AIDS Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Gengfeng Fu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of STD/AIDS Prevention and Control, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Carter G, Brown L, Mahnke B, Ohmit A, Woodward B. Sexual Communication Self-Efficacy and PrEP Literacy Helps to Meet HIV Prevention Outcomes Among Black and Latinx Individuals. J Prim Care Community Health 2022; 13:21501319221099789. [PMID: 35578769 PMCID: PMC9118410 DOI: 10.1177/21501319221099789] [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: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ending the HIV Epidemic is a campaign dedicated to reducing new HIV infections in the United States by 90% by 2030. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) holds significant promise as a prevention tool. However, uptake has not improved much since then. As a result, this research looked at how PrEP literacy relates to sexual communication self-efficacy Methods: Between August 4 and 21, 2020, we performed a community-informed cross-sectional study of Black and Latino residents in Indiana. We collected demographic information as well as PrEP literacy, sexual communication self-efficacy, and awareness of HIV status. Results: Being unaware of one’s own HIV status and being unsure of one’s sexual identity were both linked to reduced self-efficacy in the domain of sex communication. Those who had a greater level of PrEP literacy felt more confident in their ability to communicate with others about sexually related topics. People living in rural areas showed a significantly lower degree of sexual communication self-efficacy than participants in urban settings. Conclusion: Providing information about PrEP to those at risk of acquiring the virus may help them connect with treatment or prevention services. Healthcare professionals should take the time to understand their patients’ levels of PrEP literacy and communication self-efficacy regarding sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Carter
- Indiana University School of Nursing, Bloomington, IN, USA.,The Kinsey Institute, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Lucy Brown
- The Kinsey Institute, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brianna Mahnke
- The Kinsey Institute, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Anita Ohmit
- Indiana Minority Health Coalition, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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