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Thanh Nguyen HT, Nguyen LT, Thanh Hoang HT, Bui DH, Thu Phan HT, Van Khuu N, Hong Ngo HT, Dang DA, Mirzazadeh A, McFarland W, Pham TH. Increase in human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis prevalence and incidence among men who have sex with men, vietnam 2015 - 2020. Int J STD AIDS 2024; 35:197-205. [PMID: 37967472 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231214583] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We assessed trends in HIV and syphilis prevalence, HIV incidence, related risk factors, and preventive behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam from 2015 to 2020. METHODS Data originated from the HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus system, which sampled MSM at venues and hotspots in seven of Vietnam's 63 provinces in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2020 (N = 1100-1445 per year; ∼150-300 per province per year). RESULTS HIV prevalence estimates increased from 6.6% (95% CI 4.5-9.6) in 2015 to 13.8% (95% CI 10.5-18.2, p = .001 for trend) in 2020 overall, and separately in An Giang, Can Tho, Hai Phong, and Khanh Hoa provinces but not in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Kien Giang. Syphilis prevalence increased from 2.7% (95% CI 1.4-5.1) in 2015 to 12.6% (95% CI 8.7-18.0) in 2020 overall (p < .001 for trend), and separately in An Giang, Can Tho, and Hai Phong provinces but not in Ho Chi Minh City or Kien Giang. We calculated time-at-risk from first anal sex to first HIV-positive or last HIV-negative test to estimate HIV incidence. Estimated HIV incidence suggested increasing rates of seroconversion from 1.36 per 100 person-years experienced by participants in 2015 to 2.61 per 100 person-years among participants in 2020 (hazard ratio per year 1.13, 95% CI 1.08-1.18, p < .001). There was a statistically significant increase in HIV testing, STI testing, and receipt of free condoms over the period (p < .05 for trend), and a statistically significant decrease in amphetamine use (p = .043 for trend). CONCLUSIONS Despite prevention efforts and improvements in some risk indicators, consecutive cross-sectional sampling results provide evidence of increasing incidence of HIV and syphilis among MSM in Vietnam, especially outside the major cities. Aggressive HIV prevention and treatment services can be expanded while conducting deeper investigations into the causes of these increases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ly Thuy Nguyen
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Duc Hoang Bui
- Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Heath, Vietnam
| | | | | | | | - Duc Anh Dang
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Willi McFarland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Thang Hong Pham
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Berger MN, Taba M, Marino JL, Lim MSC, Skinner SR. Social media use and health and wellbeing of LGBTQ youth: A systematic review (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e38449. [PMID: 36129741 PMCID: PMC9536523 DOI: 10.2196/38449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are at higher risk of poor mental health and well-being. Social media platforms can provide LGBTQ youths with a space that counters heteronormative environments and potentially supports mental health and well-being. Mental health includes an individual’s state of psychological and emotional well-being and not merely the absence of mental disorders. Objective We sought to identify how LGBTQ youths and adolescents use social media for connection with other LGBTQ peers and groups, identity development, and social support and how these affect mental health and well-being. Methods PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) procedures were used to guide this review. Searches were conducted in ACM Digital Library, CINAHL, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science in March 2021. This review focused on LGBTQ youths aged 10 to 24 years. Included peer-reviewed studies must comprise social media; explore peer connection, identity development, or social support; and be published from 2012 onward. In total, 2 researchers extracted data and performed quality assessments independently using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for quantitative articles and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for qualitative articles. Qualitative synthesis was performed on articles that satisfied the eligibility criteria. Results A total of 26 studies (n=15, 58% qualitative; n=8, 31% quantitative; n=3, 12% mixed methods) met the inclusion criteria. Of the 8 quantitative studies, 6 (75%) were cross-sectional, and 2 (25%) were cohort studies. All studies ranged from moderate to high quality. Social media was a popular tool used by LGBTQ youths to connect with LGBTQ communities. In qualitative data, we found that LGBTQ youths negotiated and explored identity and obtained support from peers on social media. Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter were commonly used to access LGBTQ content owing to ease of anonymity. Identity management was the most studied social media affordance, important to LGBTQ youths for strategic disclosure. Key strategies for managing identities included being anonymous, censoring locations or content, restricting audiences, and using multiple accounts. Quantitative studies (3/8, 38%) showed that social media was associated with reduced mental health concerns and increased well-being among LGBTQ youths. Mental health concerns arising from social media use were attributed to discrimination, victimization, and policies that did not accommodate changed identities. Conclusions We found that social media may support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ youths through peer connection, identity management, and social support, but findings were limited by weaknesses in the evidence. More robust and longitudinal studies are needed to determine the relationship between social media use and LGBTQ mental health, particularly among adolescents. The findings may inform interventions to promote social media health literacy and the mental health and well-being of this vulnerable group. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42020222535; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=222535
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N Berger
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
- Centre for Population Health, Western Sydney Public Health Unit, North Parramatta, Australia
| | - Melody Taba
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Marino
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Megan S C Lim
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S Rachel Skinner
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
- Kids Research, Children's Hospital Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, Australia
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3
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Chen JS, Levintow SN, Tran HV, Sripaipan T, Nguyen MX, Nguyen SM, Miller WC, Go VF, Giang LM. HIV and STI prevalence and testing history among men who have sex with men in Hanoi, Vietnam. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 33:193-201. [PMID: 34852691 DOI: 10.1177/09564624211060185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have disproportionately affected communities of men who have sex with men (MSM). We describe HIV and STI prevalence and testing patterns among urban Vietnamese MSM. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional community-based study of MSM in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2016. Participants self-reported experiences of social stigma in healthcare settings and previous HIV and STI testing. STI testing included HIV, herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. RESULTS 205 MSM participated in the study. STI prevalence was HIV (10%), HSV-2 (4%), syphilis (13%), gonorrhea (34%), and chlamydia (19%). More than half (55%) of participants tested positive for at least one STI. Most participants had been previously tested for HIV or another STI (72%), with 24% previously receiving a positive result. Perceived and enacted social stigma in healthcare contexts was negatively associated with previous HIV or STI testing (adjusted prevalence odds ratio (aPOR): 0.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10-0.48). DISCUSSION High prevalence of STIs was observed among Vietnamese MSM, and perceived and enacted stigma was related to HIV and STI testing. Our findings reaffirm the importance of regular STI screening among this population as well as additional outreach to promote safe HIV and STI healthcare engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane S Chen
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sara N Levintow
- Department of Epidemiology, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ha V Tran
- Department of Health Behavior, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Teerada Sripaipan
- Department of Health Behavior, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Minh X Nguyen
- Department of Health Behavior, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sang M Nguyen
- Division of Epidemiology, 12327Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - William C Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, 51113College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vivian F Go
- Department of Health Behavior, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Le Minh Giang
- Center for Research and Training on HIV/AIDS, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Hershow RB, Miller WC, Giang LM, Sripaipan T, Bhadra M, Nguyen SM, Vu VD, Bui Q, Ha TV, Go VF. Minority Stress and Experience of Sexual Violence Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Hanoi, Vietnam: Results From a Cross-Sectional Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:6531-6549. [PMID: 30569781 DOI: 10.1177/0886260518819884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are highly vulnerable to sexual violence, a known driver of HIV infection. Homosexuality stigma may be a unique risk factor for sexual violence among MSM. In this study, we examine the relationship between homosexuality stigma measures and sexual violence in the last 12 months using a minority stress framework. MSM were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling. Participants completed an interviewer-administered survey and provided blood samples for HIV testing. Bivariable associations were tested between self-reported experience of sexual violence in the last 12 months and homosexuality stigma measures using odds ratios (ORs) produced by Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel Statistics. A logistic regression model for each type of minority stress was built to conduct the multivariable analyses with independent covariates. Of 202 MSM, 29 (14.4%) participants reported experiencing sexual violence in the last 12 months. About one fourth of participants reported experiencing high enacted (55/202; 27.2%), perceived (52/202; 25.7%), and internalized (60/202; 29.7%) homosexuality stigma. In bivariable and multivariable analyses, enacted homosexuality stigma was the only variable consistently associated with experience of sexual violence in the last 12 months (aOR: 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.5, 8.4]). Sexual violence and homosexuality stigma are highly prevalent among MSM in Hanoi, Vietnam. MSM-targeted HIV prevention interventions in Vietnam should incorporate violence prevention and homosexuality stigma reduction activities. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand how homosexuality stigma influences sexual violence and other HIV risk behaviors among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Quynh Bui
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Tran Viet Ha
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Vivian F Go
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
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Cancio R. Addressing Military Sexual Violence by Proposing a Social Media Influencer Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2021; 65:937-954. [PMID: 33567956 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x21994065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Military sexual violence (MSV) is a prevalent issue that uniquely affects mission readiness. Although research on MSV and social media is growing, examinations of possible interventions like those employing social media in this population are scant. Given the growing interest in targeting MSV, the present systematic review was conducted. The PRISMA framework was used to conduct a systematic review of MSV and social media (N = 71). Queries were limited to articles published between 2010 and 2020. SAGE Journals, PubMed, and JSTOR were utilized. Terms and potential combinations were entered into the databases in varying Boolean combinations. Additional recorders were identified for inclusion via the reference sections of relevant records. After removing duplicates from the query results, we selected records of suspected relevance by title and screened abstracts. Finally, articles with relevant abstracts were reviewed thoroughly to determine whether they met inclusion criteria for the review. The employments of military leaders in a social media intervention puts into practice the military's central values and development of its leadership core. This intervention promotes group solidarity while maximizing conversations around meaningful messages. Findings in this review suggest military leaders could feasibly employ a cost-effective global intervention using social media, as a tool to help actively address MSV.
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Macapagal K, Kraus A, Moskowitz DA, Birnholtz J. Geosocial Networking Application Use, Characteristics of App-Met Sexual Partners, and Sexual Behavior Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents Assigned Male at Birth. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2020; 57:1078-1087. [PMID: 31846592 PMCID: PMC7297657 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1698004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Although many sexual and gender minorities (SGM) assigned male at birth (AMAB) use sexual networking applications intended for adult sexual minority men, little is known about adolescents' use of these technologies and characteristics of their online-met partners. We conducted an online survey of 219 sexually experienced SGM AMAB adolescents in the USA aged 15-17 (39.3% racial/ethnic minority; 74.9% gay; 94.1% cisgender male). Questions assessed app use patterns, partner-seeking behaviors on sexual minority male-specific apps vs. social media/other dating apps, app-met partner characteristics, and sexual behavior with app-met partners. Most (70.3%) used apps for sexual minority men, 14.6% used social media/other apps to meet partners, and 15.1% used neither. Nearly 60% of adolescents who used any type of app reported having met people from the apps in person, and nearly 90% of these reported at least one online-met sexual partner. Most partners were reportedly older than participants, and participants were more likely to report condomless receptive anal sex with older (vs. younger) online-met partners. Although partnerships were primarily sexual in nature, a minority reported friendships or serious partnerships. Meeting same-sex/gender partners via applications for adults may be common among SGM AMAB adolescents, which has implications for their sexual health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Macapagal
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ashley Kraus
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - David A. Moskowitz
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jeremy Birnholtz
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Dr., Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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Nemoto T, Xie H, Iwamoto M, Sakata M. HIV Risk Behaviors in Relation to Psychosocial Factors and Internet Usage Among Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Men Who Had Sex With Men (MSM) in California. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2020; 32:117-136. [PMID: 32539477 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2020.32.2.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Very few studies have been conducted to investigate HIV risk and protective behaviors in relation to psychosocial factors among Asian and Pacific Islander (API) MSM whose HIV/AIDS prevalence is lower than those of other racial/ethnic groups. This study, based on an online survey targeting API MSM in California revealed that API MSM often met sex partners online and that psychosocial factors (e.g., homophobia and identity with API gay community) were correlated with condomless receptive anal sex (RAS) with casual partners. In particular, an Asian cultural construct, interdependency, was correlated with condom use for RAS; that is, those who consider sex partners' health and value harmony tend to engage in safe sex. This finding sheds light on re-thinking the current over-emphasis on assertiveness and self-responsibility to keep free from HIV/STIs during negotiation with partners. Future STI prevention programs for API MSM should incorporate Asian cultural constructs and target specific risk groups.
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Espinosa da Silva C, Smith LR, Patterson TL, Semple SJ, Harvey-Vera A, Nunes S, Rangel G, Pines HA. Stigma and Web-Based Sex Seeking Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Tijuana, Mexico: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2020; 6:e14803. [PMID: 32031963 PMCID: PMC7055757 DOI: 10.2196/14803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma toward sexual and gender minorities is an important structural driver of HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) globally. Sex-seeking websites and apps are popular among MSM and TW. Interventions delivered via Web-based sex-seeking platforms may be particularly effective for engaging MSM and TW in HIV prevention and treatment services in settings with widespread stigma toward these vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVE To assess the potential utility of this approach, the objectives of our study were to determine the prevalence of Web-based sex seeking and examine the effect of factors that shape or are influenced by stigma toward sexual and gender minorities on Web-based sex seeking among MSM and TW in Tijuana, Mexico. METHODS From 2015 to 2018, 529 MSM and 32 TW were recruited through venue-based and respondent-driven sampling. Interviewer-administered surveys collected information on Web-based sex seeking (past 4 months) and factors that shape or are influenced by stigma toward sexual and gender minorities (among MSM and TW: traditional machismo, internalized stigma related to same-sex sexual behavior or gender identity, and outness related to same-sex sexual behavior or gender identity; among MSM only: sexual orientation and history of discrimination related to same-sex sexual behavior). A total of 5 separate multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of each stigma measure on Web-based sex seeking. RESULTS A total of 29.4% (165/561) of our sample reported seeking sex partners on the Web. Web-based sex seeking was negatively associated with greater endorsement of traditional machismo values (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.36, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.69) and greater levels of internalized stigma (AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99). Web-based sex seeking was positively associated with identifying as gay (AOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.33), greater outness (AOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.28), and a history of discrimination (AOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.08). CONCLUSIONS Web-based sex-seeking is relatively common among MSM and TW in Tijuana, suggesting that it may be feasible to leverage Web-based sex-seeking platforms to engage these vulnerable populations in HIV prevention and treatment services. However, HIV interventions delivered through Web-based sex-seeking platforms may have limited reach among those most affected by stigma toward sexual and gender minorities (ie, those who express greater endorsement of traditional machismo values, greater levels of internalized stigma, lesser outness, and nongay identification), given that within our sample they were least likely to seek sex on the Web.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laramie R Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Thomas L Patterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Shirley J Semple
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | | | - Stephanie Nunes
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, Tijuana, Mexico
- El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Mexico
| | - Heather A Pines
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Son VH, Safarnejad A, Nga NT, Linh VM, Tu LTC, Manh PD, Long NH, Abdul-Quader A. Estimation of the Population Size of Men Who Have Sex With Men in Vietnam: Social App Multiplier Method. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2019; 5:e12451. [PMID: 30994469 PMCID: PMC6492067 DOI: 10.2196/12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although the prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam has been increasing in recent years, there are no estimates of the population size of MSM based on tested empirical methods. Objective This study aimed to estimate the size of the MSM population in 12 provinces in Vietnam and extrapolate from those areas to generate a national population estimate of MSM. A secondary aim of this study was to compare the feasibility of obtaining the number of users of a mobile social (chat and dating) app for MSM using 3 different approaches. Methods This study used the social app multiplier method to estimate the size of MSM populations in 12 provinces using the count of users on a social app popular with MSM in Vietnam as the first data source and a questionnaire propagated through the MSM community using respondent-driven sampling as the second data source. A national estimation of the MSM population is extrapolated from the results in the study provinces, and the percentage of MSM reachable through online social networks is clarified. Results The highest MSM population size among the 12 provinces is estimated in Hanoi and the lowest is estimated in Binh Dinh. On average, 37% of MSM in the provinces surveyed had used the social app Jack’d in the last 30 days (95% CI 27-48). Extrapolation of the results from the study provinces with reliable estimations results in an estimated national population of 178,000 MSM (95% CI 122,000-512,000) aged 15 to 49 years in Vietnam. The percentage of MSM among adult males aged 15 to 49 years in Vietnam is 0.68% (95% CI 0.46-1.95). Conclusions This study is the first attempt to empirically estimate the population of MSM in Vietnam and highlights the feasibility of reaching a large proportion of MSM through a social app. The estimation reported in this study is within the bounds suggested by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. This study provides valuable information on MSM population sizes in provinces where reliable estimates were obtained, which they can begin to work with in program planning and resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vo Hai Son
- Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ali Safarnejad
- The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Green One United Nations House, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thien Nga
- The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Green One United Nations House, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Vu Manh Linh
- Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Le Thi Cam Tu
- Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Pham Duc Manh
- Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Hoang Long
- Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
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