Risky Trade: Individual and Neighborhood-Level Socio-Demographics Associated with Transactional Sex among Urban African American MSM

PrEPare for Work: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an Intervention to Optimize HIV PrEP Outcomes Among Male Sex Workers

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is limited among male sex workers, who are at exceptionally high-risk for HIV infection. We developed a theory-informed, two-pronged intervention ("PrEPare-for-Work") to optimize PrEP initiation and adherence among male sex workers, which was preliminarily evaluated in a two-stage pilot randomized controlled trial of 110 male sex workers in the US Northeast. Individuals randomized to the Stage 1 PrEPare-for-Work Case Management arm were three times as likely as those in the standard of care (SOC) arm to initiate PrEP (RR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.57-5.57). Participants who initiated PrEP and were randomized to the Stage 2 PrEPare-for-Work Adherence Counseling arm had higher rates of prevention-effective adherence (measured via tenofovir in hair) compared to those in the SOC arm (RR = 1.7, 95% CI 0.64-4.77; 55.6% vs. 28.6%, respectively); though not statistically significant. Given the need and the promise of this pilot RCT, further efficacy testing is warranted and should be prioritized.

"Take It Out on the Floor": Experiences of Violence Among Black LGBT House and Ball Community Youth in a Rust Belt City

Black, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), individuals experience higher rates of violent victimization compared to their cisgender heterosexual counterparts over their life course. Among Black LGBT people, witnessing and experiencing violence have been related to poor health outcomes, including depression, risky sexual behavior, substance use, and lower engagement in healthcare services. We engaged in research to better understand the effects of violence experienced by the Black LGBT youth community. We conducted a qualitative, phenomenological study focused on the causes of violence occurring in the lives of Black LGBT youth engaged in a recreation-based community health program. The study consisted of four focus groups with Black LGBT youth (N = 24) and in-depth individual interviews with medical and social service providers who work with Black LGBT youth (N = 4). Data analysis presented three themes: (1) causes of violence, (2) the context of intracommunity violence, and (3) solutions to violence. The first theme describes the reasoning, motivation, or explanation for violence experienced by the Black LGBT youth community. The second theme, the context of intracommunity violence, describes how violence occurs specifically within Black LGBT young adult communities. The third theme, solutions to violence, describes the recommendations for addressing, reducing, and/or eliminating violence within the Black LGBT youth community. Our findings highlight the need for safe spaces, culturally-relevant services, and trusted figures for Black LGBT young adults, which can serve as mechanisms for mitigating violence.

Social identity support, descriptive norms, and economic instability in PrEP engagement for emerging adult MSM in the United States

Rates of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake for HIV prevention continue to increase rapidly among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States (U.S.); however, these increases have been slower among young MSM. Emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) is a time of transitions and social development, resulting in increased vulnerability to HIV. Analyzing data from a cross-sectional survey of emerging adult MSM (ages 18-25 years; n = 281) in the Mid-Atlantic urban metropolitan region of the U.S., we examined how social identity support, descriptive PrEP norms, and economic instability were related to PrEP engagement. In structural equation models, PrEP norms were directly associated with PrEP engagement (β = 0.29, 95% CI = [0.12,0.46]) and social identity support was indirectly associated with PrEP engagement through its association with descriptive PrEP norms (β = 0.18, 95% CI = [0.09,0.28]). Economic instability was not significantly associated with PrEP engagement, although a negative trend was present (β = -0.19, 95% CI = [-0.39,0.02]). Our results suggest that an integrative socioecological model is appropriate for the study of PrEP engagement among emerging adult MSM. Efforts to increase PrEP engagement should support community capacity building, amplify positive descriptive PrEP norms, and address unmet economic needs.

A Systematic Review of Neighborhood-Level Influences on HIV Vulnerability

A better understanding of the social-structural factors that influence HIV vulnerability is crucial to achieve the goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. Given the role of neighborhoods in HIV outcomes, synthesis of findings from such research is key to inform efforts toward HIV eradication. We conducted a systematic review to examine the relationship between neighborhood-level factors (e.g., poverty) and HIV vulnerability (via sexual behaviors and substance use). We searched six electronic databases for studies published from January 1, 2007 through November 30, 2017 (PROSPERO CRD42018084384). We also mapped the studies' geographic distribution to determine whether they aligned with high HIV prevalence areas and/or the "Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for the United States". Fifty-five articles met inclusion criteria. Neighborhood disadvantage, whether measured objectively or subjectively, is one of the most robust correlates of HIV vulnerability. Tests of associations more consistently documented a relationship between neighborhood-level factors and drug use than sexual risk behaviors. There was limited geographic distribution of the studies, with a paucity of research in several counties and states where HIV incidence/prevalence is a concern. Neighborhood influences on HIV vulnerability are the consequence of centuries-old laws, policies and practices that maintain racialized inequities (e.g., racial residential segregation, inequitable urban housing policies). We will not eradicate HIV without multi-level, neighborhood-based approaches to undo these injustices. Our findings inform future research, interventions and policies.

Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Persons Diagnosed With Primary and Secondary Syphilis Who Reported High-Risk Substance Use: Data From the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, 2018

BACKGROUND

Recent increases in high-risk substance use (HRSU; i.e., injection drug use, heroin, methamphetamine, crack/cocaine) have coincided with rising primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis rates. To further understand these trends, we examined sexual risk behaviors among women, men who have sex with women only (MSW), and men who have sex with men (MSM) who were diagnosed with P&S syphilis in 2018 and reported HRSU.

METHODS

Data on HRSU and sexual risk behaviors among persons with P&S syphilis were drawn from syphilis case reports in 2018 from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Persons with P&S syphilis were asked about sexual risk behaviors in the past 12 months including exchange sex for drugs/money, sex while intoxicated and/or high on drugs, sex with a person who injects drugs (PWID), sex with an anonymous partner, and number of sex partners. We describe percentages and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for women, MSW, and MSM reporting these behaviors by age, race/Hispanic ethnicity, type of drug used, and incarceration history (both in the past 12 months).

RESULTS

Among 19,634 persons diagnosed with P&S syphilis in 2018 with information on HRSU, 29.3% of women, 22.7% of MSW, and 12.4% of MSM reported HRSU. Among those reporting HRSU, percentages reporting exchange sex ranged from 17% to 35% (highest for women), whereas reports of anonymous sex ranged from 44% to 71% (highest for MSM). In this population, sexual risk behaviors were more commonly reported among those with a recent incarceration history than those without such history. Among those reporting injection drug use or heroin use, percentages reporting sex with a PWID ranged from 51% to 77%. In adjusted models, HRSU was significantly associated with one or more sexual risk behaviors for women (aPR, 2.63 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.39-2.90]; MSW: aPR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.31-1.46]; and MSM: aPR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.26-1.34]).

CONCLUSIONS

Collaborative partnerships across the US public health system could help address barriers to timely clinical care among persons diagnosed with P&S syphilis who report HRSU.

Material Hardship and Association With Sexual Risk Behavior Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males in 3 US Cities-National HIV Behavioral Surveillance-Young Men Who Have Sex With Men, 2015

INTRODUCTION

Adolescent sexual minority males (ASMMs) are disproportionately affected by HIV relative to other youth within the United States. Social determinants of health have been explored among this population; however, economic determinants, such as material hardship, remain understudied. We examined the relationship between material hardship and sexual behavior among ASMMs aged 13-18 years residing in 3 US cities using 2015 data from CDC's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men.

METHODS

Young men ages 13-18 years residing in 3 US cities were recruited through venue-based, respondent-driven, or Facebook sampling. We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with a male sex partner in the past 12 months and with having 4 or more male sex partners in the past 12 months.

RESULTS

Of 547 ASMMs, 27% reported experiencing material hardship in the past 12 months. After adjusting for demographics, household characteristics, and city, ASMMs who experienced material hardship were more likely to report CAI with a male partner in the past 12 months (aPR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.93) and to have had 4 or more male sex partners in the past 12 months (aPR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.91).

DISCUSSION

More than a quarter of ASMMs experienced material hardship that was associated with increased sexual risk behavior among ASMMs. Incorporating services that address all unmet needs is important to consider for HIV prevention efforts for ASMMs.

Linking racism and homonegativity to healthcare system distrust among young men of color who have sex with men: Evidence from the Healthy Young Men's (HYM) study

BACKGROUND

Experiences with racism predict healthcare system distrust among people of color, but Black and Latino young men who have sex with men (YMSM) also experience overlapping forms of stigma associated with their sexual identities and behaviors (i.e., homonegativity and internalized homonegativity). These forms of minority stress may drive healthcare system distrust among Black and Latino YMSM but have received far less attention.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the associations of racism, homonegativity, and internalized homonegativity with healthcare system distrust among a community sample of Black and Latino YMSM.

METHODS

Data came from waves 2-4 (years 2017-2018) of the Healthy Young Men's study, a longitudinal cohort study of Black and Latino YMSM living in Los Angeles County. Data across waves (n = 424, nobs = 1272) were combined and analyzed using a fixed effects approach and adjusting for repeated measures across participants. A series of regression models that added sets of covariates (demographics, syndemic indicators, and health-related factors) were tested to examine associations of racism, homonegativity, and internalized homonegativity with healthcare system distrust.

RESULTS

Adjusting for demographics and syndemic indicators, racism, but not homonegativity or internalized homonegativity, was associated with healthcare system distrust. Adjustment for health-related factors had little impact on results.

CONCLUSIONS

Among Black and Latino YMSM, greater exposure to racism is associated with greater healthcare system distrust. Efforts to strengthen healthcare system trust should explicitly target the institutional policies that disproportionately harm people of color.

Lifetime Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Multifactorial Discrimination Among Middle-Aged and Older Adult Men Who Have Sex with Men

This study describes multifactorial discrimination (discrimination attributed to multiple social identities) among middle-aged and older adult MSM. MSM aged 40+ years (N = 1,193) enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study completed behavioral surveys ascertaining experiences of discrimination and their social identity attributions. Non-proportional odds regressions assessed multifactorial discrimination by age, race/ethnicity, HIV status, and covariates. Twenty-seven percent of participants reported multifactorial discrimination. Adjusted models indicated that middle-aged men were more likely to report multifactorial discrimination compared to older adult men. Racial/ethnic minorities were more likely to report multifactorial discrimination compared to non-Hispanic white participants. These same patterns emerged among the sub-sample of participants living with HIV. To our knowledge, this is the first assessment of multifactorial discrimination in middle-aged and older MSM. Our findings support the deleterious association between multiple-marginalization and multifactorial discrimination. Multilevel interventions targeting interconnected experiences of stigma may improve the health of MSM in transition to older age.

Assessment of spatial mobility among young men who have sex with men within and across high HIV prevalence neighborhoods in New York city: The P18 neighborhood study

The purpose of this study was to examine and quantify spatial mobility among HIV-negative young men who have sex with men (YMSM) within and across high prevalence HIV neighborhoods in New York City (NYC). We completed an analysis with global positioning system (GPS) and survey data to quantify spatial mobility for participants enrolled in the P18 Neighborhood Study (analytic n = 211; 83.4%). Spatial mobility was documented with self-reported survey data and objective GPS data, which was uncorrelated. Nearly one-quarter of participants (26.1%) said that they consider the neighborhood in which they currently live to differ from the neighborhood in which they had sex most frequently. In addition, 62.9% of participants' GPS points were recorded in NYC ZIP Code Tabulation Areas within the highest quartile of HIV prevalence. Future studies of YMSM populations should be conducted to examine how environments beyond the residential neighborhood can influence sexual health, which may guide HIV prevention services.

A Syndemic Model of Exchange Sex Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men

Exchange sex is a behavior associated with HIV transmission risk among men who have sex with men (MSM). Few studies have examined exchange sex among HIV-positive MSM. We utilize a syndemic framework to account for co-occurring psychosocial problems that suggest the presence of intertwining epidemics (i.e., syndemics), which have not been examined within the context of exchange sex among HIV-positive MSM. In 2015, MSM were recruited via online sexual networking Web site and app advertisements for Sex Positive!^[+], a video-based online intervention that aimed to improve health outcomes for men living with HIV. Participants completed surveys every three months for a year. Surveys covered demographics, drug use, exchange sex, intimate partner violence (IPV), and past 2-week depressive symptoms. We conducted three logistic regression models to assess syndemic factors associated with exchange sex in the past 3 months. Of the 722 HIV-positive MSM included in the sample, 59 (8%) reported exchange sex in the past 3 months at 12-month follow-up. HIV-positive MSM who had more syndemic factors had greater odds of exchange sex. Exchange sex was associated with being African-American/Black, age 18-29 years, past and present experiences with IPV, stimulant use, polysubstance use, and depressive symptoms. Exchange sex was associated with multiple psychosocial factors, indicating exchange sex may be part of a syndemic involving substance use, depression, HIV, and IPV. Interventions should address the social and behavioral circumstances that perpetuate environments that can foster multiple negative health outcomes.

Age- and Race/Ethnicity-Specific Sex Partner Correlates of Condomless Sex in an Online Sample of Hispanic/Latino, Black/African-American, and White Men Who Have Sex with Men

We sought to identify and compare correlates of condomless receptive anal intercourse with HIV-positive or unknown status partners (CRAI) for younger (< 25 years) and older (≥ 25 years) Hispanic/Latino, black/African-American, and white men who have sex with men (MSM). Baseline data from the Evaluation of Rapid HIV Self-Testing among MSM Project (eSTAMP), a randomized controlled trial with MSM (n = 2665, analytical sample size = 2421), were used. Potential correlates included participants' sociodemographic characteristics and HIV status as well as the characteristics of participants' partners. Younger Hispanic/Latino and black men were most likely to report having older sex partners (≥ 50% of partners being at least 5 years older), and having older partners was a significant correlate of CRAI among younger Hispanic/Latino and white men. Regardless of race/ethnicity, not knowing one's HIV status was a significant correlate of CRAI among younger men, whereas having a black sex partner was a significant correlate among older men. HIV prevention initiatives could address these and other correlates specific to race/ethnicity groups to target their prevention resources and messaging.

Insurance status and level of education predict disparities in receipt of treatment and survival for anal squamous cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is relatively rare, but its incidence and mortality have been steadily climbing in marginalized populations. We explored the impact of insurance status, education, and income on survival and receipt of chemoradiation therapy.

METHODS

We included patients with ASCC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database from 2004 to 2016. Socioeconomic variables included insurance status, level of education, income, and unemployment rate. Cox proportional hazards and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine predictors of survival and receipt of chemoradiation.

RESULTS

We included a total of 10,868 cases of ASCC. The median age was 55, 10.4 % were black, and 65.4 % were female. Overall, 74.1 % of patients received combination chemoradiation. In multivariate analysis, poorer survival was found for Medicaid (HR 1.52, 95 % CI 1.34-1.74) and uninsured (HR 1.68, 95 % CI 1.35-2.10) patients, and for communities with the lowest rates of high school education (HR 1.17, 95 % CI 1.02-1.38), lowest income (HR 1.29, 95 % CI 1.08-1.54), and highest unemployment (HR 1.21, 95 % CI 1.03-1.40). Patients were less likely to receive combination treatment if they were black (OR 0.76, 95 % CI 0.55-0.92), had Medicaid insurance (OR 0.54, 95 % CI 0.33-0.88) or lower education (OR 0.59, 95 % CI 0.46-0.76).

CONCLUSION

Insurance status, level of education, income, and employment impact survival and receipt of treatment in patients with ASCC. Identifying high risk patients and developing targeted interventions to improve access to treatment is integral to reducing these disparities and improving cancer survival.

Associations Between Neighborhood Problems and Sexual Behaviors Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Deep South: The MARI Study

There is a disproportionately high HIV incidence among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) despite equal or lower levels of HIV risk behaviors compared to White MSM. Due to high levels of racial segregation in the U.S., Black MSM have an elevated likelihood of living in neighborhoods that contain psychosocial stressors, which, in turn, may increase behaviors promoting HIV infection. We examined associations between perceived neighborhood problems and sexual behaviors among Black MSM in the Deep South, a population at highest risk of HIV. Data came from the MARI Study, which included Black MSM ages 18-66 years recruited from the Jackson, MS, and Atlanta, GA, metropolitan areas (n = 377). Participants completed questions about neighborhood problems (e.g., excessive noise, heavy traffic/speeding cars and trash/litter) and sexual behaviors (e.g., condomless sex and drug use before or during sex). We used Poisson's regression model with robust standard errors to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR; 95% confidence intervals [CI]) of neighborhood problems (coded as tertiles [tertile 1 = low neighborhood problems, tertile 2 = medium neighborhood problems, tertile 3 = high neighborhood problems] as well as continuously) with sexual behaviors, after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and other variables. About one-fourth of the sample reported at least one neighborhood problem, with the most common (31.6%) being no/poorly maintained sidewalks, which indicates an infrastructural problem. In multivariable models, compared to those in the lowest tertile, those reporting more neighborhood problems (tertile 2: aPR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.14 and tertile 3: aPR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.24) reported more drug use before or during sex (p for trend = .027). Neighborhood problems may promote behaviors (e.g., drug use before or during sex) conducive to HIV infection. Structural interventions could improve community infrastructure to reduce neighborhood problems (e.g., no/poorly maintained sidewalks and litter). These interventions may help to reduce HIV incidence among Black MSM in the Deep South.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for HIV, HCV, HBV and syphilis among blood donors in Mali

Background

HIV, HBV and HCV remain a global public health concern especially in Africa. Prevalence of these infections is changing and identification of risk factors associated with each infection in Mali is needed to improve medical care.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of all individuals donating blood (n = 8207) in 2018 to the blood bank at university hospital in Bamako, Mali, to assess prevalence and risks factors associated with HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections.

Results

HIV-seroprevalence was 2.16% and significantly increased with age, being married and decreasing education level. In multivariate analysis, after adjustements with age, marital status and geographical setting, only education level was associated with HIV-infection (OR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.15–2.07], p = 0.016). HBsAg prevalence was 14.78% and significantly increased with to be male gender. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for age, marital status and type of blood donation, education level (OR, 1.17 [95%CI, 1.05–1.31], p = 0.02) and male gender (OR, 1.37 [95%CI, 1.14–1.65], p = 0.005) were associated with HBV-infection. HCV-prevalence was 2.32% and significantly increased with living outside Bamako. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for gender, age and education level, living outside Bamako was associated with HCV-infection (OR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.41–2.35], p < 0.001). Syphilis seroprevalence was very low (0.04%) with only 3 individuals infected. Contrary to a prior study, blood donation type was not, after adjustments, an independent risk factor for each infection.

Conclusions

Overall, HIV and HBV infection was higher in individuals with a lower level of education, HBV infection was higher in men, and HCV infection was higher in people living outside of Bamako. Compared to studies performed in 1999, 2002 and 2007 in the same population, we found that HIV and HCV prevalence have decreased in the last two decades whereas HBV prevalence has remained stable. Our finding will help guide infection prevention and treatment programs in Mali.