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Kajaia M, Butsashvili M, DeHovitz JA, Kamkamidze G, Gulbiani L, Abzianidze T, DjibutiMD M. Prevalence and predictors of condom use among people who inject drugs in Georgia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4521575. [PMID: 38978572 PMCID: PMC11230473 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4521575/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWID) are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior placing them at high risk of acquiring HIV and other STIs. This study aims to assess the prevalence and predictors of inconsistent condom use with casual and/or paid sexual partners among PWID in Georgia. Methods Integrated Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey was conducted among PWID in seven major cities of Georgia. Study design was cross-sectional with respondent-driven sampling (RDS) methodology. Data collection was carried out through individual face-to-face interviews. In this paper we analysed subsample of 619 PWID who reported having casual and/or paid sexual partners during last 12 months and described prevalence and predictors of consistent condom use. Results Consistent condom use during casual and/or paid sex in past 12 months was reported by 49.4% of respondents. The likelihood of consistent use with casual and/or paid sexual partners was statistically significantly associated with residence, family income, drug use frequency, drug dependance and HIV risk self-perceptions. In multivariate analysis independent predictors of always using condom at casual/paid sex during the last 12 months were place of residence (aOR = 6.4; 95% CI: 3.2-12.7), family income (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI:1.3-3.5) and drug use frequency (aOR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.9). Conclusion The study revealed low prevalence of consistent condom use with casual and/or paid sexual partners among PWID in Georgia. Integration of safe sex educational interventions in harm reduction services will improve the rates of condom use among PWID and should focus PWID with lower socio-economic status and residing outside capital city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia Kajaia
- Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
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Semenova Y, Lim L, Salpynov Z, Gaipov A, Jakovljevic M. Historical evolution of healthcare systems of post-soviet Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan: A scoping review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29550. [PMID: 38655295 PMCID: PMC11036062 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This scoping review addresses the transformation and development of new healthcare systems in nine countries -Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan over the period following the collapse of the Soviet Union from 1991 to the present. This assessment focuses on maternal and child health, mental health, communicable diseases, and non-communicable diseases in an effort to highlight the changes in the healthcare status of these nine countries under scrutiny. Considering that all the post-Soviet nations are officially recognized members of the World Health Organization (WHO) and have demonstrated their commitment to attaining the WHO's objectives, the evaluation of healthcare system progress and improvement was carried out utilizing indicators provided by the WHO. This review reveals that the evolution of healthcare systems could be considered sustainable, given that average life expectancy has returned to the level it was in 1991- the year of the USSR's breakup, and people's health has improved since the turn of the twenty-first century. To enhance the potential success of future healthcare reforms, however, governments must monitor implementation of the reform process, evaluate the achievement of objectives, and make necessary adjustments. The success of future healthcare changes will depend on the active involvement of the government, medical community, and patient community, as well as obtaining the support of local health authorities. This study may help identify successful and failed strategies, guiding future healthcare changes and investments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Semenova
- Nazarbayev University, School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Lisa Lim
- Nazarbayev University, Graduate School of Public Policy, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | - Mihajlo Jakovljevic
- UNESCO-TWAS, Trieste, Italy
- Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, China
- Department of Global Health Economics and Policy, University of Kragujevac, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia
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Amirkhanian YA, Kelly JA, DiFranceisco WJ, Tarima SS, McAuliffe TL, Kuznetsova AV. People Living With HIV in St. Petersburg, Russia: Gender and Exposure Group Differences in HIV Care Engagement, Psychosocial Health, Substance Use, and Transmission Risk Behavior. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2022; 34:226-244. [PMID: 35647864 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.3.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study examined psychosocial and health needs of persons living with HIV (PLWH) in Russia. The study combined baseline datasets from two social network samples of PLWH in St. Petersburg (N = 872). Samples were recruited between 2014 and 2018 by enrolling a PLWH seed who was either out-of-care or treatment nonadherent as well as network members surrounding each seed, assessing each participant's HIV care, transmission risk, substance use, and mental health characteristics. Almost one-quarter of participants said they were never offered antiretroviral therapy (ART), and-among those offered ART-one-quarter refused or discontinued therapy and 45% were <95% ART-adherent. Almost half of participants had detectable viral load, and many reported continued condomless intercourse with potentially nonconcordant serostatus partners or needle sharing. Over 46% of participants had elevated scores on measures of depression, hopelessness, state anxiety, or poor social support. Study findings illustrate unmet needs of PLWH in Russia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri A Amirkhanian
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Interdisciplinary Center for AIDS Research and Training (ICART), St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Jeffrey A Kelly
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Wayne J DiFranceisco
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Sergey S Tarima
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Timothy L McAuliffe
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Anna V Kuznetsova
- Interdisciplinary Center for AIDS Research and Training (ICART), St. Petersburg, Russia
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Seidu AA, Ahinkorah BO, Dadzie LK, Tetteh JK, Agbaglo E, Okyere J, Salihu T, Oteng KF, Bugase E, Osei SA, Hagan JE, Schack T. A multi-country cross-sectional study of self-reported sexually transmitted infections among sexually active men in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1884. [PMID: 33287785 PMCID: PMC7722450 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09996-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the importance of self-reporting health in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) control, studies on self-reported sexually transmitted infections (SR-STIs) are scanty, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with SR-STIs among sexually active men (SAM) in SSA. Methods Analysis was done based on the current Demographic and Health Survey of 27 countries in SSA conducted between 2010 and 2018. A total of 130,916 SAM were included in the analysis. The outcome variable was SR-STI. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed with a statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results On the average, the prevalence of STIs among SAM in SSA was 3.8%, which ranged from 13.5% in Liberia to 0.4% in Niger. Sexually-active men aged 25–34 (AOR = 1.77, CI:1.6–1.95) were more likely to report STIs, compared to those aged 45 or more years. Respondents who were working (AOR = 1.24, CI: 1.12–1.38) and those who had their first sex at ages below 20 (AOR = 1.20, CI:1.11–1.29) were more likely to report STIs, compared to those who were not working and those who had their first sex when they were 20 years and above. Also, SAM who were not using condom had higher odds of STIs (AOR = 1.35, CI: 1.25–1.46), compared to those who were using condom. Further, SAM with no comprehensive HIV and AIDS knowledge had higher odds (AOR = 1.43, CI: 1.08–1.22) of STIs, compared to those who reported to have HIV/AIDS knowledge. Conversely, the odds of reporting STIs was lower among residents of rural areas (AOR = 0.93, CI: 0.88–0.99) compared to their counterparts in urban areas, respondents who had no other sexual partner (AOR = 0.32, CI: 0.29–0.35) compared to those who had 2 or more sexual partners excluding their spouses, those who reported not paying for sex (AOR = 0.55, CI: 0.51–0.59) compared to those who paid for sex, and those who did not read newspapers (AOR = 0.93, CI: 0.86–0.99) compared to those who read. Conclusion STIs prevalence across the selected countries in SSA showed distinct cross-country variations. Current findings suggest that STIs intervention priorities must be given across countries with high prevalence. Several socio-demographic factors predicted SR-STIs. To reduce the prevalence of STIs among SAM in SSA, it is prudent to take these factors (e.g., age, condom use, employment status, HIV/AIDS knowledge) into consideration when planning health education and STIs prevention strategies among SAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. .,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Louis Kobina Dadzie
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Justice Kanor Tetteh
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Agbaglo
- Department of English, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Joshua Okyere
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Tarif Salihu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Kenneth Fosu Oteng
- Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eustace Bugase
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sampson Aboagye Osei
- Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - John Elvis Hagan
- Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.,Neurocognition and Action-Biomechanics-Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Schack
- Neurocognition and Action-Biomechanics-Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Nyitray AG, Bagyinszky F, Ross MW, Schmidt AJ. Lack of HIV testing and dissatisfaction with HIV testing and counselling among men having sex with men in Hungary. Eur J Public Health 2019; 28:713-720. [PMID: 29182742 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Using data from a large internet-based survey of European men having sex with men (MSM), we assessed factors associated with HIV testing and reasons for dissatisfaction with HIV testing and counselling among Hungarian MSM. Methods A total of 2052 Hungarian MSM provided evaluable data for the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS) in 2010. χ2 tests and Poisson regression with a robust variance estimator were used to assess factors associated with HIV testing and dissatisfaction with HIV testing and counselling. Results A total of 42.1% of MSM reported never being testing for HIV. Over one-half of men (54.1%) who reported condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in the prior 12 months with a person of unknown or sero-discordant HIV status reported no lifetime HIV testing. The factor most strongly associated with dissatisfaction with HIV testing and counselling was test site with increased dissatisfaction with inpatient hospital settings vs. community-based organizations. Both lack of HIV testing and dissatisfaction with testing were independently associated with MSM who reported that no one, or only a few people, knew they were attracted to men. Conclusions Lack of HIV testing was strongly associated with CAI. MSM reported that community-based organizations better supported confidentiality and were more respectful during HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan G Nyitray
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Michael W Ross
- Program in Human Sexuality, Department of Family Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Axel J Schmidt
- Sigma Research, Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Sharma V, Tun W, Sarna A, Saraswati LR, Pham MD, Thior I, Luchters S. Prevalence and determinants of unprotected sex in intimate partnerships of men who inject drugs: findings from a prospective intervention study. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 30:386-395. [PMID: 30541403 PMCID: PMC6446434 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418802142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Unprotected sex, common among people who inject drugs, puts them and their partners at risk of sexually transmitted infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This analysis assesses the changes in sexual risk behavior with regular female partners (RFPs), among married men who inject drugs, before and after implementation of a HIV prevention intervention, and identifies correlates of unprotected sex. People who inject drugs (PWID) were assessed at three points: baseline, preintervention follow-up visit (FV)1, and postintervention FV2. Descriptive analysis was used for reporting changes in sexual behavior over time. Generalized estimating equation assessed the population-averaged change in self-reported unprotected sex with an RFP, attributable to intervention uptake. Multivariable logistic regression determined correlates of self-reported unprotected sex with an RFP at FV2. Findings suggest that the proportion of men reporting any unprotected sex remained high (baseline = 46.0%, FV1 = 43.5%, FV2 = 37.0%). A reduction was observed in unprotected sex after the intervention phase, but this could not be attributed to uptake of the intervention. Higher odds of self-reported unprotected sex with an RFP in the past three months at FV2 were associated with self-reported unprotected sex at baseline, living with family, and being HIV-negative. Married male PWID should receive counseling for safe sex with RFPs, especially those who are HIV-negative and live with their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vartika Sharma
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,2 Ex-Population Council, Delhi, India
| | - Waimar Tun
- 3 Population Council, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Stanley Luchters
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,5 Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,7 School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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7
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Amirkhanian YA. Emerging opportunities and challenges for HIV prevention, treatment and care for MSM in the former Soviet Union and other post-communist states in Eastern Europe. Sex Transm Infect 2017; 93:305-306. [PMID: 28389443 PMCID: PMC5522349 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuri A. Amirkhanian
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 North Summit Avenue Milwaukee, WI, 53202 USA
- Interdisciplinary Center for AIDS Research and Training (!CART) Municipal Hospital for Infectious Diseases named after S.P. Botkin 3/2 Mirgorodskaya Street, St. Petersburg, 191167 Russia, Phone: 1 (414) 955-7781
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8
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Haghgoo SM, Joula H, Mohammadzadeh R, Sabour S, Yousefi R, Ghahramani G, Rahimi AAR. Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in the East Azerbaijan Province, Northwest of Iran. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015; 8:e19766. [PMID: 26468361 PMCID: PMC4601292 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.19766v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study was performed in response to the rapid propagation of HIV/AIDS across Iran and its status in this region. Accordingly, an evidence-based program is required to combat this disease. Objectives: The present study estimated the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in East Azerbaijan (population: 3,724,000). Materials and Methods: We created a database of all positive cases from 1987 to 2012. We also analyzed and described the epidemiological status of HIV/AIDS during a 25-year period by using SPSS. Results: In East Azerbaijan, 371 HIV/AIDS cases have been reported, i.e. 1 case per 10,000 population. The vast majority of reported cases (91%, n =338) were men, whereas only 9% (n = 33) were women. The mean age of patients was 30.8 ± 12.3 years. Unsafe drug injection (59%, n = 219) and sexual interaction (13%, n = 48) were the two major modes of HIV transmission. In addition, 7% (n = 25) of patients have been diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis B Virus, and hepatitis C virus simultaneously. Moreover, 60% (n = 205) of men were infected via drug injection, while 82% (n = 27) of women were infected via unprotected sexual interaction (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results indicate a rapid increase in the number of HIV/AIDS cases in East Azerbaijan, necessitating immediate attention and strategies to combat the rapid spread of the disease. Development of provincial and national HIV/AIDS strategies demands more accurate and comprehensive HIV/AIDS surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hadi Joula
- Student Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran
| | - Ramin Mohammadzadeh
- Student Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran
| | - Siamak Sabour
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology (COH), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Reza Yousefi
- Health Center of East Azerbaijan Province, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran
| | - Gholamreza Ghahramani
- Health Center of East Azerbaijan Province, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran
| | - Ali A. R. Rahimi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Ali Rahimi, Department of Medical Microbiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran. Tel: +98-9127624297, Fax: +98-4113360510, E-mail:
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Correlates of HIV infection and being unaware of HIV status among soon-to-be-released Ukrainian prisoners. J Int AIDS Soc 2014; 17:19005. [PMID: 25216073 PMCID: PMC4161962 DOI: 10.7448/ias.17.1.19005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prisoners bear a disproportionate burden of Ukraine's volatile and transitional HIV epidemic, yet little is known in Eastern Europe about HIV testing, treatment and HIV-related risk among prisoners. Methods A nationally representative biobehavioural health survey linked with serological testing was conducted among soon-to-be released prisoners in 13 Ukrainian prisons from June to November 2011. Results Among 402 participants, 78 (19.4%) tested HIV seropositive of whom 38 (50.7%) were previously unaware of their HIV status. Independent correlates of HIV infection included drug injection (AOR=4.26; 95% CI: 2.23–8.15), female gender (AOR=2.00; 95% CI: 1.06–3.78), previous incarceration (AOR=1.99; 95% CI: 1.07–3.70) and being from Southern Ukraine (AOR=5.46; 95% CI: 2.21–13.46). Those aware of being HIV-positive reported significantly more pre-incarceration sex- and drug-related HIV risk behaviours than those who were unaware. Conclusions Routine rather than risk-based HIV testing and expansion of opioid substitution and antiretroviral therapy among prisoners is urgently needed to reduce HIV transmission in volatile transitional HIV epidemics.
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Mole RC, Parutis V, Gerry CJ, Burns FM. The impact of migration on the sexual health, behaviours and attitudes of Central and East European gay/bisexual men in London. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2014; 19:86-99. [PMID: 23597207 PMCID: PMC4095972 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2013.789829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Building on an earlier quantitative study which found that gay/bisexual men from Central and Eastern Europe were at greater risk of sexual ill health following migration to the UK, the aim of this qualitative study is to explore how the process of migration itself may have influenced the migrants' sexual behaviour and attitudes. METHODS To address these questions, we conducted 17 in-depth interviews in London with gay/bisexual male migrants from Central and Eastern Europe, drawing on Fisher and Fisher's Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model as an interpretive framework. RESULTS We find that the sexual behaviours of our respondents have been significantly influenced by the process of migration itself. In particular, extricating themselves from the traditional systems of social control in their home societies and having greater access to gay venues in London resulted in their increased sexual activity, particularly in the first phase of migration. High-risk sexual behaviour was found to be a factor of sexual mixing, the use of commercial sex and perceptions of risk in the UK vis-á-vis Central and Eastern Europe, with each of these factors also influenced by the process of migration. Risk-prevention behaviour depended upon the possession of appropriate risk-prevention information, motivation to use condoms and appropriate behavioural skills, with the latter two factors in particular influenced by social mores in the home country and the UK. CONCLUSIONS The interviews suggested a number of migration-related factors that increased the STI and HIV risk for these migrants. A number of potentially important policy recommendations stem from our analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Violetta Parutis
- School of Slavonic and East European Studies, London, UK
- National Centre for Social Research, London, UK
| | | | - Fiona M. Burns
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, University College London, London, UK
- Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, London, UK
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Berbesi D, Segura A, Montoya L. Cross-sectional study of HIV prevalence and the characteristics of injecting drug users in Colombia. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2013. [DOI: 10.3109/14659891.2013.824037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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12
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Zohrabyan L, Johnston L, Scutelniciuc O, Iovita A, Todirascu L, Costin T, Plesca V, Cotelnic-Harea T, Ionascu G. HIV, hepatitis and syphilis prevalence and correlates of condom use during anal sex among men who have sex with men in the Republic of Moldova. Int J STD AIDS 2013; 24:357-64. [PMID: 23970702 DOI: 10.1177/0956462412472808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Limited data on HIV prevalence and related risks among men who have sex with men (MSM) exist in the Republic of Moldova. In Chisinau and Balti, 188 and 209, respectively, men who reported having anal or oral sex in the last six months with another man, aged ≥16 years were recruited into a study in 2010 using respondent-driven sampling methods. MSM reported having multiple male and female partners and inconsistent condom use. In Chisinau, 2% of MSM were HIV seropositive, 3.7% had antibodies to hepatitis C (HCV), 5.7% had antibodies to hepatitis B (HBV) and 12.1% had syphilis. In Balti, less than 1% of MSM were HIV seropositive, 1.2% had antibodies to HCV, 3.2% had antibodies to HBV and only 0.5% had syphilis. MSM who used a condom at last anal sex with a man were less likely to reside in Chisinau, to have casual sex partners and to have had an HIV test in the last year and were more likely to know where to get an HIV test. Although HIV prevalence was low, MSM practice a number of risky sexual behaviours that may heighten the risk of further HIV transmission in this population and to the wider population.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zohrabyan
- UNAIDS Regional Support Team, Moscow, Russia
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Takács J, Kelly J, P. Tóth T, Mocsonaki L, Amirkhanian Y. Effects of Stigmatization on Gay Men Living with HIV/AIDS in a Central-Eastern European Context: A Qualitative Analysis from Hungary. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2013; 10:24-34. [PMID: 23439743 PMCID: PMC3579507 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-012-0102-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study highlights the social dynamics affecting people living with HIV (PLH) in Hungary and in the Central-Eastern European region. The study focused on the special needs and concerns of men living with HIV/AIDS as well as changes in their social relationships and institutional support provision, coping strategies and patterns of social functioning, especially in the context of social stigmatization. Consistent with international qualitative research findings in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention, the present study contributes to a fuller understanding of relationship between sexual behavior, HIV/AIDS related risks and risk perceptions as well as homosexuality-and HIV/AIDS stigma-related social exclusion in a previously under-researched socio-cultural setting. The findings of our study point to several barriers to effective HIV prevention, which should be overcome to improve the present situation by lessening the adverse effects of HIV/AIDS-and homosexuality-related stigma within the gay community, the general population and especially among service providers. One of the main barriers is the lack of public health programs specifically targeting MSM in Hungary, where the predominant mode of HIV transmission remains sex between men.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Takács
- Institute of Sociology of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - T. P. Tóth
- Institute of Sociology of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - L. Mocsonaki
- Háttér Support Society for LGBT People, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Y.A. Amirkhanian
- CAIR, Medical College of Wisconsin, US & Botkin Hospital for Infectious Diseases, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Wang LJ, Lin SK, Chiang SC, Su LW, Chen CK. Risk factors for HIV, viral hepatitis, and syphilis among heroin users in northern Taiwan. Subst Use Misuse 2013; 48:89-98. [PMID: 23077983 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2012.731131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A total of 125 heroin users were recruited from a detention center and two psychiatric hospitals in northern Taiwan during 2006 in order to investigate the prevalence and correlates of blood-borne infections among heroin users. The seroprevalence rates of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), HBV, HDV, and syphilis were 15.2%, 74.4%, 15.2%, 6.4%, and 8%, respectively. Injection risk behaviors were associated with HIV, HCV, and syphilis infections, but not with HBV infections. Meanwhile, HCV and HBV infections were correlated with the duration of heroin use and age of the subjects, respectively. The results of this study suggest that a comprehensive public health program is needed to prevent transmission of these blood-borne infections. The study's limitations are noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Jen Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
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Exavery A, Mubyazi GM, Rugemalila J, Mushi AK, Massaga JJ, Malebo HM, Tenu F, Ikingura JK, Malekia S, Makundi EA, Ruta AS, Ogondiek JW, Wiketye V, Malecela MN. Acceptability of condom promotion and distribution among 10-19 year-old adolescents in Mpwapwa and Mbeya rural districts, Tanzania. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:569. [PMID: 22892205 PMCID: PMC3490789 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The HIV/AIDS pandemic remains a leading challenge for global health. Although condoms are acknowledged for their key role on preventing HIV transmission, low and inappropriate use of condoms persists in Tanzania and elsewhere in Africa. This study assesses factors affecting acceptability of condom promotion and distribution among adolescents in Mpwapwa and Mbeya rural districts of Tanzania. Methods Data were collected in 2011 as part of a larger cross-sectional survey on condom use among 10–19 year-olds in Mpwapwa and Mbeya rural districts of Tanzania using a structured questionnaire. Associations between acceptability of condom promotion and distribution and each of the explanatory variables were tested using Chi Square. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine independent predictors of the acceptability of condom promotion and distribution using STATA (11) statistical software at 5% significance level. Results Mean age of the 1,327 adolescent participants (50.5% being males) was 13.5 years (SD = 1.4). Acceptance of condom promotion and distribution was found among 37% (35% in Mpwapwa and 39% in Mbeya rural) of the adolescents. Being sexually active and aged 15–19 was the strongest predictor of the acceptability of condom promotion and distribution (OR = 7.78, 95% CI 4.65-12.99). Others were; not agreeing that a condom is effective in preventing transmissions of STIs including HIV (OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.20-0.56), being a resident of Mbeya rural district (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.28-2.19), feeling comfortable being seen by parents/guardians holding/buying condoms (OR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.40-3.46) and living with a guardian (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.08-2.04). Conclusion Acceptability of condom promotion and distribution among adolescents in Mpwapwa and Mbeya rural is low. Effect of sexual activity on the acceptability of condom promotion and distribution is age-dependent and was the strongest. Feeling comfortable being seen by parents/guardians buying or holding condoms, perceived ability of condoms to offer protection against HIV/AIDS infections, district of residence and living arrangements also offered significant predictive effect. Knowledge of these factors is vital in designing successful and sustainable condom promotion and distribution programs in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amon Exavery
- Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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Crosby RA, Cates W. Condom use: still a sexual health staple. Sex Health 2012; 9:1-3. [PMID: 22348626 DOI: 10.1071/sh11111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This article introduces and summarizes the contents of this special edition. Given the exceptional potential of condoms to avert epidemics of sexually transmitted infections and teen or unintended pregnancy - even in low-resource environments - this in-depth examination of current knowledge, practice, and issues with condoms and their use is an important asset for educators and practitioners worldwide.
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