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Frances C, Garnsey C, DeMulder J. Neglected gaps in improving the health, wellbeing, and care for sexual and gender minority young people living in low- and lower-middle- income countries: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1664. [PMID: 37648963 PMCID: PMC10466764 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16443-8] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of reliable data on the size, characteristics, and experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) young people (ages 10-24) in low- and lower-middle- income countries (LMICs). This review examines the research conducted in the last thirteen years with and about SGM young people living in low-income settings and seeks to answer the question: What is known about the mental and physical health needs, safety, and wellbeing of SGM young people living in LMICs? METHODS We conducted a scoping review informed by the methodological frameworks put forth by Arksey and O'Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute. We systematically searched two general social science databases and one topic-specific database for peer-reviewed papers, of any research design, that included SGM young people or explored attitudes toward SGM young people in LMICs. We included papers that reported on factors influencing the health and wellbeing of SGM populations, including physical and mental health, healthcare-seeking behaviors, substance use, experiences of discrimination and/or stigma, experiences of violence and abuse (emotional, physical, and/or sexual), economically motivated paid sex practices, housing or economic security, and attitudes of others toward SGM populations. RESULTS Of the 5,409 unique records identified, 79 papers drawing from data collected from 74 unique studies met the inclusion criteria. Only 50 of the 79 papers included SGM young people as participants, with just 13 focusing exclusively on SGM young people ages 10-24. The included papers were classified into three thematic groupings: attitudes toward SGM populations (n = 26), risks to health (n = 40), and experiences of stigma and discrimination (n = 13). CONCLUSION The findings indicate that the health and wellbeing of SGM young people in LMICs has been historically under-researched. While SGM young people have received more attention from researchers in recent years, the body of literature as a whole is disjointed and sparse, and often studies are about SGM young people, rather than with and for them. Our review highlights the need for more and better research, more accurate and disaggregated demographic data, and leadership and participation of SGM-led community-based organizations in the co-design of studies that focus on SGM young people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camille Garnsey
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Coomes D, Green D, Barnabas R, Sharma M, Barr-DiChiara M, Jamil MS, Baggaley R, Owiredu MN, Macdonald V, Nguyen VTT, Vo SH, Taylor M, Wi T, Johnson C, Drake AL. Cost-effectiveness of implementing HIV and HIV/syphilis dual testing among key populations in Viet Nam: a modelling analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056887. [PMID: 35953255 PMCID: PMC9379490 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Key populations, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs, have a high risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. We assessed the health and economic impacts of different HIV and syphilis testing strategies among three key populations in Viet Nam using a dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic test (RDT). SETTING We used the spectrum AIDS impact model to simulate the HIV epidemic in Viet Nam and evaluated five testing scenarios among key populations. We used a 15-year time horizon and a provider perspective for costs. PARTICIPANTS We simulate the entire population of Viet Nam in the model. INTERVENTIONS We modelled five testing scenarios among key populations: (1) annual testing with an HIV RDT, (2) annual testing with a dual RDT, (3) biannual testing using dual RDT and HIV RDT, (4) biannual testing using HIV RDT and (5) biannual testing using dual RDT. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome is incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Secondary outcomes include HIV and syphilis cases. RESULTS Annual testing using a dual HIV/syphilis RDT was cost-effective (US$10 per disability-adjusted life year (DALY)) and averted 3206 HIV cases and treated 27 727 syphilis cases compared with baseline over 15 years. Biannual testing using one dual test and one HIV RDT (US$1166 per DALY), or two dual tests (US$5672 per DALY) both averted an additional 875 HIV cases, although only the former scenario was cost-effective. Annual or biannual HIV testing using HIV RDTs and separate syphilis tests were more costly and less effective than using one or two dual RDTs. CONCLUSIONS Annual HIV and syphilis testing using dual RDT among key populations is cost-effective in Vietnam and similar settings to reach global reduction goals for HIV and syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Coomes
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dylan Green
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ruanne Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Magdalena Barr-DiChiara
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Muhammad S Jamil
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R Baggaley
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Morkor Newman Owiredu
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginia Macdonald
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Son Hai Vo
- Viet Nam Authority for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Government of Viet Nam Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Melanie Taylor
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Teodora Wi
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cheryl Johnson
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alison L Drake
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Adamson PC, Bhatia R, Tran KDC, Bui HTM, Vu D, Shiraishi RW, Giang LM. Prevalence, Anatomic Distribution, and Correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections Among a Cohort of Men Who Have Sex With Men in Hanoi, Vietnam. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:504-510. [PMID: 35312657 PMCID: PMC9601603 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) disproportionately affect men who have sex with men (MSM). Data on the prevalence, anatomical distribution, and correlates of NG and CT infections among MSM in Vietnam are limited. METHODS Between July 2017 and April 2019, MSM 16 years or older without HIV were enrolled into an observational cohort study. Baseline data, including sociodemographics, sexual behavior, and HIV status, were collected. Testing for NG and CT were performed on urine, rectal, and pharyngeal specimens. Multivariate logistic regression models identified factors associated with NG and CT infections at baseline. RESULTS In total, 1489 participants underwent NG/CT testing. The median age was 22 years (interquartile range, 20-26 years). There were 424 (28.5%) NG or CT infections: 322 (21.6%) with CT and 173 (11.6%) with NG. Rectal infections were most common for CT (73.9%), whereas pharyngeal infections were most common for NG (70.5%). Independent risk factors for CT or NG infection included ≥2 sex partners in the prior month (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-2.91), condomless anal sex (aOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.12-1.86), and meeting sex partners online (aOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.03-1.76). Recent genitourinary or rectal symptoms were not associated with infections. CONCLUSIONS The overall and extragenital prevalences of NG and CT infections were high within this sample of young MSM without HIV in Hanoi. Testing limited to urethral specimens would have missed nearly three-quarters of CT and NG infections, supporting the need for routine testing at multiple anatomic sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. Adamson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Khoa D. C. Tran
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse and HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam
| | - Hao T. M. Bui
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse and HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam
| | - Diep Vu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vietnam
| | - Ray W. Shiraishi
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Le Minh Giang
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse and HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam
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Breen AB, Estrellado JE, Nakamura N, Felipe LCS. Asian LGBTQ+ Sexual Health: an Overview of the Literature from the Past 5 Years. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-020-00298-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Ly AT, Wilson PA, Parker CM, Giang LM, Hirsch JS, Pham T, Parker RG. Categorical dilemmas: challenges for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Vietnam. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2020; 22:1161-1176. [PMID: 31496368 PMCID: PMC7061063 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1662089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In Vietnam, HIV continues disproportionately to affect men who have sex with men and transgender women, and the increase in HIV prevalence in these populations may be related to a lack of tailoring of current prevention approaches, which often fail to address social diversity within these populations. To effectively respond to HIV in Vietnam, it is imperative to identify sub-populations within the broad category of 'men who have sex with men' (MSM), a term which in Vietnam as in many other sites frequently subsumes transgender women. In this paper, we document the different categories used to describe people who engage in same-sex sexual practices and/or non-normative gender performances drawing on data collected via in-depth interviews and focus groups with a total of 79 participants in Hanoi. We identified over 40 different categories used to describe men who have sex with men and/or transgender women. These categories could be described as behaviourally-based, identity-based, or emic, and each carried different meanings, uses (based on age and geography) and levels of stigma. The categories shine light on the complexity of identities among men who have sex with men and transgender women and have utility for future research and programming to more comprehensively address HIV in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Thanh Ly
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Patrick A. Wilson
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline M. Parker
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Social Anthropology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Le M. Giang
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer S. Hirsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy Pham
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard G. Parker
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for the Study of Collective Health, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Walters SM, Braksmajer A, Coston B, Yoon I, Grov C, Downing MJ, Teran R, Hirshfield S. A Syndemic Model of Exchange Sex Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1965-1978. [PMID: 31965453 PMCID: PMC7321855 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01628-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Exchange sex is a behavior associated with HIV transmission risk among men who have sex with men (MSM). Few studies have examined exchange sex among HIV-positive MSM. We utilize a syndemic framework to account for co-occurring psychosocial problems that suggest the presence of intertwining epidemics (i.e., syndemics), which have not been examined within the context of exchange sex among HIV-positive MSM. In 2015, MSM were recruited via online sexual networking Web site and app advertisements for Sex Positive![+], a video-based online intervention that aimed to improve health outcomes for men living with HIV. Participants completed surveys every three months for a year. Surveys covered demographics, drug use, exchange sex, intimate partner violence (IPV), and past 2-week depressive symptoms. We conducted three logistic regression models to assess syndemic factors associated with exchange sex in the past 3 months. Of the 722 HIV-positive MSM included in the sample, 59 (8%) reported exchange sex in the past 3 months at 12-month follow-up. HIV-positive MSM who had more syndemic factors had greater odds of exchange sex. Exchange sex was associated with being African-American/Black, age 18-29 years, past and present experiences with IPV, stimulant use, polysubstance use, and depressive symptoms. Exchange sex was associated with multiple psychosocial factors, indicating exchange sex may be part of a syndemic involving substance use, depression, HIV, and IPV. Interventions should address the social and behavioral circumstances that perpetuate environments that can foster multiple negative health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 380 2nd Ave., Suite 306, NY 10010, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Bethany Coston
- Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Irene Yoon
- Research and Advisory, Gartner L2, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy and the CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Richard Teran
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Finding Sex Partners Through Social Media Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hanoi, Vietnam. J Community Health 2019; 43:146-156. [PMID: 28677027 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-017-0397-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Many men who have sex with men (MSM) in low and middle income countries search for male sexual partners via social media in part due to societal stigma and discrimination, yet little is known about the sexual risk profiles of MSM social media users. This cross-sectional study investigates the prevalence of social media use to find male sex partners in Hanoi, Vietnam and examines associations between social media use and sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, including levels of internalized, perceived and enacted stigma, high-risk sexual behaviors, and HIV testing. 205 MSM were recruited from public venues where MSM congregate as well as through snowball sampling and completed an anonymous survey. MSM who found their male sexual partners using social media in the last year were more likely to have completed a university or higher degree (aOR 2.6; 95% CI 1.2-5.7), experience high levels of MSM-related perceived stigma (aOR 3.0; 95% CI 1.1-8.0), and have more than ten lifetime male sexual partners (aOR 3.2; 95% CI 1.3-7.6) compared to those who did not use social media. A niche for social media-based interventions integrating health and stigma-reduction strategies exists in HIV prevention programs for MSM.
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Jeet G, Thakur JS, Prinja S, Singh M, Paika R, Kunjan K, Dhadwal P. Effectiveness of targeting the health promotion settings for non-communicable disease control in low/middle-income countries: systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e014559. [PMID: 29950455 PMCID: PMC6020988 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Settings-based approaches to health promotion, involving holistic and multidisciplinary methods, which integrate action across risk factors are important. Major advantage of focusing on these settings is the continuous and intensive contact with the participant. Despite the apparent advantages of addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) using targeted interventions for several developed country settings, a relative lack of evidence of effectiveness of such interventions in low/middle-income countries has led to poor allocation of resources towards these interventions. The focus is therefore on the settings rather than any one condition, and we therefore expect the findings to generalise to NCD prevention and control efforts. We intend to estimate the effectiveness of targeted interventions in low/middle-income countries. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will search PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, OVID, WHO Library and The Cochrane Library from the year 2000 to March 2018 without language restrictions. Study designs to be included will be randomised controlled trials. The primary outcome of effectiveness will be the percentage change in population having different behavioural risk factors. Subgroup analyses will be performed, and sensitivity analyses will be conducted to assess the robustness of the findings. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethical issues are foreseen. The Institute Ethics Committee of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research approved the doctoral research protocol under which this review is being done. Dissemination will be done by submitting scientific articles to academic peer-reviewed journals. We will present the results at relevant conferences and meetings. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42016042647; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gursimer Jeet
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jarnail Singh Thakur
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shankar Prinja
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Meenu Singh
- Advanced Paediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ronika Paika
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kunjan Kunjan
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Priya Dhadwal
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Goldsamt LA, Clatts MC, Giang LM, Le BQ, Colby DJ, Yu G. HIV and other STIs in male sex workers: Findings from a sexual health promotion intervention in Vietnam. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 29:540-546. [PMID: 29130407 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417740291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Male sex workers (MSWs) in Vietnam are at high risk for acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yet are extremely disengaged from the healthcare system. This contributes to large numbers of untreated or late-treated infections and increased secondary transmission. We enrolled 995 MSWs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in a Sexual Health Promotion intervention that included face-to-face delivery of seven content modules, a clinical examination and testing for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Onsite treatment was provided for STIs, and those who tested positive for HIV were referred to local treatment centers. While 64.6% of participants had never been to a health service and fewer than half (41.2%) had ever been tested for HIV, 67.1% returned for test results. This testing identified 109 (11.0%) participants who were HIV-positive and 312 (31.4%) who tested positive for at least one other STI. Substantive differences were seen in MSWs from different cities, with those from Hanoi more likely to have ever visited a health service (57.8% vs. 24.9%) and to have taken a prior HIV test (54.1% vs. 37.9%) than those in HCMC. Sexual health promotion is a promising approach to engaging MSWs in health services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael C Clatts
- 2 School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Le Minh Giang
- 3 Center for Research and Training in HIV/AIDS, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bao Q Le
- 4 Center for Applied Research on Men and Community Health, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Donn J Colby
- 4 Center for Applied Research on Men and Community Health, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Gary Yu
- 1 Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, USA
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