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Konda KA, Qquellon J, Torres TS, Vega-Ramirez EH, Elorreaga O, Guillén-Díaz-Barriga C, Diaz-Sosa D, Hoagland B, Guanira JV, Benedetti M, Pimenta C, Vermandere H, Bautista-Arredondo S, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Caceres CF. Awareness of U = U among Sexual and Gender Minorities in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru: Differences According to Self-reported HIV Status. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2391-2402. [PMID: 38662277 PMCID: PMC11199300 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04336-9] [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: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The slogan Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U = U) communicates that people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) will not transmit HIV to their sexual partners. We describe awareness of U = U among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) living in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru by self-reported HIV status (PLHIV, negative, unknown) during 2021 using an online survey. We estimated two models using Poisson regression for each population group: Model A including socio-demographic factors (country, gender, age, race, education, and income), and then Model B including taking ART (for PLHIV) or risk behavior, ever-taking PrEP, and HIV risk perception (for HIV-negative or of unknown HIV status). A total of 21,590 respondents were included (Brazil: 61%, Mexico: 30%, Peru: 9%). Among HIV-negative (74%) and unknown status (12%), 13% ever used PrEP. Among PLHIV (13%), 93% reported current use of ART. Awareness of U = U was 89% in both Brazil and Mexico, which was higher than in Peru 64%. Awareness of U = U was higher among PLHIV (96%) than HIV-negative (88%) and HIV-unknown (70%). In multivariate models, PLHIV with lower education were less aware of U = U, while those taking ART were more aware. Among HIV-negative, non-cisgender, lower income, and those with lower education had lower awareness of U = U, while individuals ever using PrEP had higher awareness. In conclusion, awareness of U = U varied by HIV status, socio-demographic characteristics, and HIV risk behavior. The concept of U = U should be disseminated through educational strategies and include a focus on SGM to combat HIV stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Konda
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA.
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, SIDA y Sociedad, Lima, Peru.
| | - J Qquellon
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, SIDA y Sociedad, Lima, Peru
| | - T S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E H Vega-Ramirez
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - O Elorreaga
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, SIDA y Sociedad, Lima, Peru
| | - C Guillén-Díaz-Barriga
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - D Diaz-Sosa
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - B Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J V Guanira
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, SIDA y Sociedad, Lima, Peru
| | - M Benedetti
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C Pimenta
- Departmento de Doenças de Condições Crônicas e Infecções Sexualmente Transmissiveis, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - H Vermandere
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - V G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - B Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C F Caceres
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, SIDA y Sociedad, Lima, Peru
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Yang X, Zhang G, Kang W, Guo J, Liu A, Tang H, Liu T, Sun L. Related barriers to using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among MSM: A multicentre cross-sectional survey. HIV Med 2024. [PMID: 38770643 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13663] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to gain insight into the barriers hindering the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in five cities in China. METHODS MSM were recruited via community-based organizations in an online "snowball" manner. Participants completed the questionnaire anonymously and shared it with key MSM peers (seeds) in five cities in China. Based on the results of univariate analysis, we used a structural equation model to analyse the role of PrEP knowledge awareness, PrEP counselling, and other behavioural variables on PrEP use. RESULTS The study collected a total of 4223 valid questionnaires, and 18.2% of participants reported PrEP use. The results of the standardized total effects showed that the following paths were statistically significant (p < 0.05): from the age of first sex with men to PrEP knowledge awareness (β = -0.113) and PrEP use (β = 0.042); from high-risk sexual behaviour scores to PrEP counselling (β = 0.039) and PrEP use (β = 0.103); from the number of HIV tests in the last year to PrEP knowledge awareness (β = 0.034), PrEP counselling (β = 0.170), and PrEP use (β = 0.197); from the level of self-perceived risk of HIV infection to PrEP counselling (β = -0.115); from PrEP knowledge awareness to PrEP use (β = -0.049); and from PrEP counselling to PrEP use (β = 0.420). CONCLUSIONS The proportion of PrEP use among MSM was relatively low. Age at first sex with men, number of HIV tests, high-risk sexual behaviour, and PrEP counselling had a positive effect on PrEP use, whereas PrEP knowledge awareness had an inverse effect on PrEP use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Zhang
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Wenting Kang
- Chinese Association of STD and AIDS Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahuan Guo
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - An Liu
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Houlin Tang
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | | | - Lijun Sun
- Chinese Association of STD and AIDS Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Silva KRO, Ferreira RC, Coelho LE, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Torres TS, Luz PM. Knowledge of HIV transmission, prevention strategies and U = U among adult sexual and gender minorities in Brazil. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26220. [PMID: 38379186 PMCID: PMC10879640 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26220] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although strong scientific evidence of the efficacy and effectiveness of treatment-as-prevention (TasP) is available, full endorsement of the "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U = U) and "zero-risk" messages could be improved. Increasing knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention and treatment is a critical component of care efforts. The study assessed knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention strategies, and the perceived accuracy of the slogan U = U among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Brazil. METHODS Cross-sectional web-based survey targeting adult SGM living in Brazil (2021-2022) recruited on social media and dating apps. We used the 12-item HIV Knowledge Assessment (HIV-KA) questionnaire to assess HIV knowledge, three items of which address pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis and TasP. Perceived accuracy of the U = U slogan was assessed with the question: "With regards to HIV-positive individuals transmitting HIV through sexual contact, how accurate do you believe the slogan U = U is?". We a priori grouped the study population into three mutually exclusive groups: people living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV negative and HIV unknown. We used logistic regression models to assess factors associated with high HIV knowledge and perception of the U = U as completely accurate. RESULTS Of 50,222 individuals accessing the questionnaire, 23,981 were included: 5071 (21.0%) PLHIV, 17,257 (71.5%) HIV negative and 1653 (6.9%) HIV unknown. The proportion of participants with high knowledge was significantly higher for PLHIV and HIV negative (48.1% and 45.5%, respectively) compared to 26.1% of HIV unknown. More PLHIV perceived U = U as completely accurate (80.4%), compared to 60.0% of HIV negative and 42.9% of HIV unknown. HIV knowledge correlates with perceived accuracy of the U = U slogan across all groups. Higher HIV knowledge was associated with higher income and education regardless of HIV status. Among HIV-negative participants, PrEP awareness and use were associated with higher knowledge and accurate perception of the U = U slogan. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that HIV knowledge and perceived accuracy of U = U are strongly correlated, that knowledge differs according to HIV status, and that poor socio-economic is linked to poor knowledge among SGM from Brazil. Educational strategies regarding TasP, U = U and zero risk targeting socio-economically vulnerable populations are urgent in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lara E. Coelho
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo CruzRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Valdilea G. Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo CruzRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo CruzRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Thiago S. Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo CruzRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Paula M. Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo CruzRio de JaneiroBrazil
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Nagai S, Kitahara T, Kito K, Hitosugi M. HIV/AIDS knowledge level, awareness of public health centers and related factors: a cross-sectional study among Brazilians in Japan. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2379. [PMID: 38037053 PMCID: PMC10691059 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17308-w] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate information is essential so that HIV infection can be detected in time for initiation of HIV/AIDS treatment. Immigrants are at high risk for delayed HIV testing and diagnosis, but foreign residents in Japan also seem to face barriers to accessing HIV/AIDS care. We aimed to assess their knowledge level of HIV/AIDS and awareness of public health centers in Japan (PHCs), and to explore factors related to these items. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of Brazilians, the largest group of foreigners living in Shiga, using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey in Brazilian Portuguese and Japanese via the Internet and mail. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors related to "Knowledge of HIV/AIDS" and "Awareness of PHCs". RESULTS A total 182 Brazilians responded. More than half of them were beginners in Japanese. Most respondents were familiar with HIV/AIDS, but only 58% knew the existence of PHCs, and only 25% knew that HIV testing is available at PHCs free of charge and anonymously. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that PHCs were less recognized by those with intermediate (odds ratio: 5.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.53-21.23) and beginner (odds ratio: 6.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.98-23.45) Japanese proficiency than by those with advanced. CONCLUSIONS This survey revealed the knowledge level of HIV/AIDS and awareness of PHC among Brazilians in Shiga. Their lack of awareness of PHCs due to language barriers may lead to delays in HIV testing among them. Therefore, it is important for PHCs to disseminate information about medical services related to HIV/AIDS in Portuguese and plain Japanese to facilitate their access to HIV testing. However, PHC efforts alone are not enough. Medical interpreters who are familiar with Brazilian culture and customs, and the clinics that employ them, could help the Brazilian community and PHCs to overcome the language barrier and provide efficient and appropriate medical care to Brazilians. This would be one way to eliminate delays in HIV testing for Brazilians in Shiga.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiho Nagai
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Social Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa Cho, Otsu City, 520- 2192, Shiga, Japan
- Department of Hematology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa Cho, Otsu City, Shiga, Japan
| | - Teruyo Kitahara
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Social Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa Cho, Otsu City, 520- 2192, Shiga, Japan.
| | - Katsuyuki Kito
- Department of Hematology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa Cho, Otsu City, Shiga, Japan
| | - Masahito Hitosugi
- Division of Legal Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa Cho, Otsu City, Shiga, Japan
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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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Moyo PL, Nunu WN. Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Uptake and Acceptability Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Scoping Review of the Literature. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231201729. [PMID: 37776162 PMCID: PMC10541771 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231201729] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the global effort to end the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic as a global threat by 2030, the rate of new HIV infections worldwide remains unacceptably high among men who have sex with men, hence the need to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of HIV infection. This population has an increased risk of getting HIV; thus, it is imperative to assess the uptake and acceptability of PrEP. This study investigated the willingness, availability, accessibility, and knowledge and identified barriers and facilitators to using PrEP among this population. A scoping literature review search was conducted on research papers published in English and focused on men who have sex with men and their use of PrEP. These were independently screened and coded. Of about 1,202 literature sources, 55 were included in the study. Findings reported that the uptake and acceptability of PrEP were influenced by knowledge and perception of being high-risk. Generally, PrEP uptake and understanding were high in North America, Latin America, and Europe and low in Asia and Africa. Low uptake and acceptability have been largely attributed to fear of side effects, societal stigma, cost, and perception of not being at risk. Noted facilitators to PrEP use include education, availability of free pills, support groups, and friendly health care facilities. Health intervention programs to increase the use of PrEP must be backed by appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perez Livias Moyo
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Environmental Science, National University of Science & Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Wilfred Njabulo Nunu
- Office of the Executive Dean, Faculty of Environmental Science, National University of Science & Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
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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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de Sousa AFL, Lima SVMA, Ribeiro CJN, de Sousa AR, Barreto NMPV, Camargo ELS, Araújo AAC, dos Santos AD, Bezerra-Santos M, Fortunato MDR, Possani MA, dos Santos AJ, de Lima JLT, Gir E, Fronteira I, Mendes IAC. Adherence to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Portuguese-Speaking Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4881. [PMID: 36981792 PMCID: PMC10049571 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Strengthening strategies to improve adherence to the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in key populations constitutes a global health priority to be achieved across countries, especially in countries that share a high flow of people such as Brazil and Portugal. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with adherence to PrEP among MSM from two Portuguese-speaking countries, highlighting the opportunities and preventive strategies for the global health scenario. This was a cross-sectional analytical online survey conducted from January 2020 to May 2021 with MSM in Brazil and Portugal. For analysis of the data, the Poisson regression model was used to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) for developing a model to evaluate the associated factors in both countries in a comparative and isolated way. Adherence to PrEP use corresponded to 19.5% (n = 1682) of the overall sample: 18.3% (n = 970) for Brazil and 21.5% (n = 712) for Portugal. Having more than two sex partners in the last 30 days (aPR: 30.87) and routinely undergoing HIV tests (aPR: 26.21) increased the use of this medication. Being an immigrant (PR: 1.36) and knowing the partner's serological status (PR: 1.28) increased adherence to PrEP in Portugal, whereas, in Brazil, it was being an immigrant (PR: 0.83) and not knowing the serological status (PR: 2.24) that promoted the use of this medication. Our findings reinforce the need to invest in programs and strategies to improve access and adherence to PrEP, especially in key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa
- Hospital Sírio-Libânes, Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, São Paulo 01308-050, São Paulo, Brazil
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Shirley Veronica Melo Almeida Lima
- Collective Health Research Center, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Lagarto 49400-000, Sergipe, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Nursing, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | - Anderson Reis de Sousa
- Graduate Program in Nursing and Health of the Nursing School, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40170-110, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Allan Dantas dos Santos
- Collective Health Research Center, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Lagarto 49400-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Márcio Bezerra-Santos
- Medical and Nursing Science Center, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Arapiraca 57309-005, Alagoas, Brazil
| | | | - Matheus Arantes Possani
- Medical School, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-180, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriano José dos Santos
- Collective Health Research Center, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Lagarto 49400-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | - Elucir Gir
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Inês Fronteira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Amélia Costa Mendes
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, São Paulo, Brazil
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Nabunya R, Karis VMS, Nakanwagi LJ, Mukisa P, Muwanguzi PA. Barriers and facilitators to oral PrEP uptake among high-risk men after HIV testing at workplaces in Uganda: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:365. [PMID: 36805698 PMCID: PMC9940677 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15260-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men in Uganda contribute significantly to new HIV infections annually yet PrEP uptake among them is low and those initiated are likely to discontinue usage. We explored the barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake among high-risk men employed in private security services with negative HIV results after testing at workplaces in Uganda. METHODS An explorative qualitative study comprising in-depth participant interviews. Data were collected via telephone calls and manually analyzed by inductive content analysis. RESULTS Fifty-six (56) men participated, 27(48.21%) had heard about PrEP, and 29(51.79%) were willing to initiate it. Four categories emerged for the facilitators of PrEP uptake including the perceived need for HIV prevention, awareness creation, availability, and sexual freedom. Six categories emerged for the barriers to PrEP uptake. These were: Inaccessibility of PrEP services, Misinformation, Knowledge deficit, Medication-related barriers, Potential for increased risky sexual behavior, and Perceptions about PrEP use. CONCLUSION The findings suggest the need for healthcare providers to offer information regarding PrEP and HIV prevention services and mass sensitization campaigns to facilitate uptake. Participants recommend mass roll-out of PrEP to lower-level facilities and accessible pick-up points for men such as workplaces. The men also suggested the use of longer-acting PrEP modalities such as an injectable option or an option that is utilized specifically by the female partner. Finally, the stigma surrounding PrEP use could be reduced by the separation of PrEP and ART services at health facilities, or special pick-up days to reduce waiting times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal Nabunya
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Victoria M. S. Karis
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lydia Joslyline Nakanwagi
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pius Mukisa
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patience A. Muwanguzi
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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Serrano VB, Moore DJ, Morris S, Tang B, Liao A, Hoenigl M, Montoya JL. Efficacy of Daily Text Messaging to Support Adherence to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among Stimulant-Using Men Who Have Sex with Men. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:465-469. [PMID: 36659873 PMCID: PMC10122514 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2165409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) who use stimulants are at increased risk for HIV infection. Adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces the risk of HIV infection. We evaluated the efficacy of the individualized Texting for Adherence Building (iTAB) intervention for PrEP adherence compared to standard of care (SoC) among 119 MSM who use stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine and/or other amphetamine) from the California Collaborative Treatment Group 595 randomized control trial.Method: Three ordered levels of PrEP adherence (non-adherence, adequate adherence, and near-perfect adherence) were compared between intervention arms across study visits (weeks 12 and 48) using ordinal logistic regressions.Results: The effect of intervention arm was not significant in the final model; however, there was a 38% decrease in odds (OR = 0.62, p=.023) of having near-perfect adherence (versus non-adherence or adequate adherence) at week 48 compared to week 12, indicating a significant effect of time. In a follow-up analysis examining week 48 only, logistic regression examining PrEP adherence showed that receiving iTAB (compared to SoC) trended toward higher odds of near-perfect adherence relative to adequate adherence (OR = 2.48, p=.061). Higher HIV knowledge resulted in higher odds (OR = 1.72, p=.020) of near-perfect adherence (versus non-adherence or adequate adherence).Conclusion: HIV knowledge may influence PrEP adherence, and most notably, the iTAB intervention may support near-perfect adherence relative to adequate adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa B. Serrano
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David J. Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sheldon Morris
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bin Tang
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Antony Liao
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jessica L. Montoya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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11
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Zhou L, Assanangkornchai S. Current Perspectives on the Determinants of Acceptability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Nonoccupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis among People at Risk for HIV: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12605. [PMID: 36231904 PMCID: PMC9565962 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and nonoccupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) were found to be effective HIV biomedical interventions. However, several barriers to acceptance of these interventions were discovered among populations at risk for HIV, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may also exacerbate these. The current scoping review aims to update information in regards to facilitators and barriers for PrEP and nPEP acceptability among key populations collected in the past two years and to identify any existing knowledge gaps during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of 1453 studies retrieved, 16 met the final inclusion criteria. The review synthesized a range of individual, PrEP-specific, psychosocial, and health system factors that may affect the acceptability of PrEP or nPEP. The conclusion from this scoping review is that more research is needed to enable a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of acceptability of PrEP and nPEP in the context of COVID-19, particularly among PWID and FSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingmi Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Department of AIDS Control and Prevention, Guilin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guilin 541000, China
| | - Sawitri Assanangkornchai
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
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12
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Ferreira RC, Torres TS, Marins LMS, Ceccato MDGB, Bezerra DRB, Luz PM. HIV knowledge and its correlation with the Undetectable = Untransmittable slogan in Brazil. Rev Saude Publica 2022; 56:87. [PMID: 36228232 PMCID: PMC9529210 DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2022056004168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention is a necessary step for adopting preventive behaviors. We assessed HIV knowledge and its correlation with the perceived accuracy of the "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) slogan in an online sample with 401 adult Brazilians. Overall, 28% of participants showed high HIV knowledge level. The perceived accuracy of the U=U slogan significantly correlated with HIV knowledge. Younger participants, those reporting lower income or lower education, or who had never tested for HIV showed poorer HIV knowledge. Filling gaps of knowledge among specific populations is urgent in order to increase preventive behaviors and decrease HIV stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayane C. Ferreira
- Fundação Oswaldo CruzEscola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio AroucaPrograma de Pós-graduação de Epidemiologia em Saúde PúblicaRio de JaneiroRJBrasil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca. Programa de Pós-graduação de Epidemiologia em Saúde Pública. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Thiago Silva Torres
- Fundação Oswaldo CruzInstituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro ChagasLaboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST e AidsRio de JaneiroRJBrasil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas. Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST e Aids. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Luana Monteiro Spindola Marins
- Fundação Oswaldo CruzInstituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro ChagasLaboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST e AidsRio de JaneiroRJBrasil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas. Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST e Aids. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria das Graças B. Ceccato
- Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisFaculdade de FarmáciaDepartamento de Farmácia SocialBelo HorizonteMGBrasil Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Faculdade de Farmácia. Departamento de Farmácia Social. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Daniel R. B. Bezerra
- Fundação Oswaldo CruzInstituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro ChagasLaboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST e AidsRio de JaneiroRJBrasil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas. Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST e Aids. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Paula M. Luz
- Fundação Oswaldo CruzInstituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro ChagasLaboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST e AidsRio de JaneiroRJBrasil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas. Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST e Aids. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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13
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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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14
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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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15
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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] [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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