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Montegrico J, Lee JM, De Los Santos JAA. A 13-Year Trend Analysis of HIV Epidemiology in the Philippines (2010 to 2022). J Community Health Nurs 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38900001 DOI: 10.1080/07370016.2024.2365146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This article describes the trends and contributing factors in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemiology in the Philippines from 2010 to 2022. This is the first trend analysis of the Philippine HIV/AIDS situation. DESIGN Using time trend research design, 13-year longitudinal epidemiological data were collected and analyzed to present a dynamic perspective of the Philippine HIV/AIDS epidemic. METHODS Secondary data analysis of HIV surveillance public documents from 2010 to 2022 was conducted. The Centers for Disease Control's socioecological model was used to guide the literature and interpretation of findings. Frequency, percentage distribution, and Sieve-bootstrap t-test for linear trends were used to analyze the results. FINDINGS There is an increased trend in HIV incidence, late diagnosis, and AIDS-related mortality in all geographical regions in the country from 2010-2022. The majority of HIV cases are males, ages 25-34, and reside in the nation's capital. Increased HIV incidence among overseas workers, sex workers, and HIV-positive blood products were noted. CONCLUSION Trends in Philippine HIV epidemiology are contrary to global trends. Community-based HIV prevention programs targeting specific high-risk populations are needed. CLINICAL EVIDENCE Community health nurses in the Philippines play a critical role in reversing the rising trend of HIV/AIDS. They are positioned to lead targeted education and prevention programs for high-risk groups using the socioecological model to implement community-based strategies that address factors contributing to the epidemic. Their efforts in early detection and linkage to care are essential in reducing late diagnosis and AIDS-related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Montegrico
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jung-Min Lee
- College of Nursing, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea
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Garcia-Iglesias J, Heaphy B, Mowlabocus S, Yodovich N, Nagington M, Patton K, Atherton S, Ford A. Dating apps as health allies? Examining the opportunities and challenges of dating apps as partners in public health. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2024:medhum-2024-012901. [PMID: 38754966 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2024-012901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, dating apps have become important allies in public health. In this paper, we explore the implications of partnering with dating apps for health promotion. We consider the opportunities and challenges inherent in these collaborations, paying special attention to privacy, trust, and user care in a digital environment.Despite their potential as targeted health promotion tools, dating apps raise significant ethical concerns, including the commodification of user data and privacy breaches, which highlight the complexities of blending healthcare initiatives with for-profit digital platforms. Furthermore, the paper delves into issues of discrimination, harassment and unequal access within these apps, factors which can undermine public health efforts.We develop a nuanced framework, emphasising the development of transparent data policies, the decoupling of content moderation from health initiatives and a commitment to combat discrimination. We underscore the importance of embedding app-based health initiatives within broader care pathways, ensuring comprehensive support beyond the digital domain. This essay offers vital insights for public health practitioners, app developers and policymakers navigating the intersection of digital innovation and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Garcia-Iglesias
- Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Social Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Brian Heaphy
- School of Social Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sharif Mowlabocus
- Communication & Media Studies, Fordham University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Neta Yodovich
- School of Social Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maurice Nagington
- Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Karissa Patton
- Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sophie Atherton
- Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrea Ford
- Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Lasco G, Yu VG. Taking Flight: Narratives, Logistics, and Risks of Chemsex Scenes in the Philippines. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:799-810. [PMID: 37042837 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2197426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Chemsex - the use of specific, illicit substances to facilitate and enhance sexual encounters - has been documented extensively across the Global North using qualitative methodologies. Elsewhere, however, little is known about the phenomenon. Our article addresses this gap in the scholarly literature by exploring how chemsex encounters transpire in the Philippines. Through semi-structured interviews, we demonstrate the spatiotemporal nature of chemsex scenes, showing how people move between physical and virtual domains across time as they find sexual partners, procure drugs, and organize and attend the actual encounter. Consequently, the risks faced by chemsex practitioners - to health and to security - are also spatiotemporally plotted within intersecting physical and virtual risk environments, and best mitigated by a form of experiential expertise that is likewise temporally determined. Ultimately, chemsex scenes in the Philippines are distinguished from the rest of the world by the state-led "war on drugs." We consider our findings in the context of this war, showing how its very real and often fatal threats have shaped the way people navigate chemsex scenes and mitigate the risks through "counterpublic health" measures, and how its prominent ideologies and discourses are reflected in the ways by which people make sense of their drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Lasco
- Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University
- Department of Anthropology, University of the Philippines Diliman
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Lasco G, Yu VG. Pampalibog: chemsex, desire and pleasure in the Philippines. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2024; 26:143-158. [PMID: 37000038 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2192256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
This article draws from qualitative interviews to provide the first in-depth exploration of reasons for engaging in chemsex in the Philippines. It articulates the many forms that drugs assume as pampalibog, or enhancers of libido, demonstrating the multidimensional pleasures of chemsex along overlapping sensorial and affective planes. By showing the inextricability of the corporeal to the affective, and of the emotional to the erotic, we contend that chemsex also involves the embodied and performed attainment of pleasure. As such, chemsex is both central to modern sexual scripts yet also a negotiable aspect of any sexual encounter. In constructing this rare account of drug use in settings of pleasure in the Philippines, we situate chemsex within a historical pattern of bodily tinkering and, more significantly, demystify people who use drugs by departing not only from global public health's pathologising approach to chemsex, but also from the scholarly tendency to locate drug use in the country within scenes of hardship and marginalisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Lasco
- Development Studies Program, School of Social Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
- Department of Anthropology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Vincen Gregory Yu
- Development Studies Program, School of Social Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
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Witzel TC, Charoenyang M, Bourne A, Guadamuz TE. Hi-fun among men who have sex with men in Bangkok: A scoping study exploring key informants' perspectives on hi-fun contexts, harms and support strategies. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002295. [PMID: 37624762 PMCID: PMC10456137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The use of specific drugs (e.g. methamphetamine, GHB/GBL and other stimulants) to enhance sex among men who have sex with men (MSM), is the focus of global public health concern because of links to social harms, poor mental and sexual health. Often called 'chemsex' in Western settings or 'hi-fun' in Southeast Asia, this type of sexualised drug use is increasingly visible in Thailand where the unique sociocultural and legislative environments shape sexual cultures and harms. This study aimed to develop an understanding of key informants' perspectives on hi-fun contexts, harms and current responses in Bangkok. In-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen key informants from clinical, community, policy and development organisations. Four key informants had personal experience of hi-fun. Interviews covered hi-fun contexts, harms and support, were transcribed verbatim, translated to English (where necessary) and analysed using a thematic framework. MSM hi-fun 'influencers' shape norms and provide support online, primarily through Twitter. Hi-fun was linked to Westernisation and wealth; complex hierarchies emerged from asymmetries in social/financial capital. Police coercion towards MSM engaged in hi-fun was a concern. Given the nature of their funding, HIV/HCV/STI transmission was the most pressing focus for many organisations, however key informants were concerned especially about drug overdoses and mental health/well-being impacts. The political and economic context means funding for MSM health in Thailand focuses primarily on HIV prevention/treatment; restrictions on development aid constrain holistic hi-fun focused service development. Most hi-fun support was informally developed; successful strategies relied on partnership working and peer developed/delivered services, some of which were adapted from high-income settings. Despite substantial barriers, organisations developed services responding to the needs of MSM engaged in hi-fun. Given that many were informally developed or adapted from high-income settings, establishing a theoretical basis for further interventions that is grounded in this unique context is a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Charles Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mookarpa Charoenyang
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thomas E. Guadamuz
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Li M, Li N. A study of the factors influencing HIV-preventive intentions among "hookup" application users. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1048226. [PMID: 36687841 PMCID: PMC9846252 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1048226] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
"Hooking up" refers to the act of experiencing sexual intimacy with strangers without committing to a romantic relationship. Social media provide more convenient conditions for hooking up; however, it also poses a greater risk for HIV infection. Therefore, it is necessary to study the factors influencing the HIV-preventive intentions of those who engage in online dating to devise effective strategies for preventing the spread of HIV. This study consisted of a questionnaire that was distributed to 520 users of the Hello Group application. The survey results revealed that structural equation modeling is a useful framework for understanding the risk of HIV transmission in casual hookup encounters. In addition, combining the health belief model with the theory of planned behavior can provide recommendations for enhancing HIV-preventive intentions among users of dating applications. The results showed that mindfulness, the Chinese cultural context, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy were the main predictors of users' HIV-preventive intentions when using online dating applications. Among the perceived HIV risks, only perceived barriers had a negative effect on users' HIV-preventive intentions. In addition, attitude, subjective norms, and behavior control served as mediating variables between independent variables and HIV-preventive intentions; however, the mediating effect of attitude on perceived benefits and intentions was not significant. According to our study, some users misunderstand the risks and make incorrect assessments of the cultural risks of hooking up. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the research on the psychological tendencies of users and risk intervention when studying the concept of hooking up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Li
- College of Humanities and Development Studies, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- School of Journalism and Communication, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Media and Communication, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-si, South Korea
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Yang J, Yi M, Qian HZ, Chen Y, Zhou Q, Li X. Post-lockdown Rebounding High-risk Behaviors and HIV Testing Among MSM in China in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Curr HIV Res 2022; 20:287-295. [PMID: 35702795 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x20666220613120735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lockdown measures for controlling the COVID-19 epidemic were enforced in China between January and May 2020. Previous studies showed a decrease in HIV high- Risk Behaviors (HRBs) and updated testing during the lockdown, but little is known about these behaviors during the post-lockdown period. OBJECTIVE We conducted quantitative and qualitative assessments of HIV-related behaviors among MSM during the lockdown and post-lockdown periods in Changsha, south-central China. METHODS Face-to-face structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted using the TimeLine Follow Back (TLFB) method for collecting retrospective data on frequencies of HRBs and testing. McNemar's Chi-square test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to comparing frequencies of behaviors between lockdown (January-May 2020) and post-lockdown periods (June- October 2020). Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data on the reasons for rebounding HRBs and testing. RESULTS Of 159 MSM participants, 64% had at least one HRB during the post-lockdown period. Men had increased condomless sex (from 24% to 35%), multiple partners (23% to 35%), and substance abuse (16% to 27%) between the two study periods due to the negative emotions and increased use of social networks during the lockdown. HIV testing frequency also increased from 37% to 66% due to resuming routine testing services in the community-based organizations and increased HRBs among MSM during post-lockdown. CONCLUSION After lifting the lockdown measures, MSM had rebounding HRBs and uptake of testing. Effective preventive measures and healthcare services should be available to MSM after the lockdown measures are lifted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Yang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Mengyao Yi
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China.,School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qidi Zhou
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xianhong Li
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
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Galvan FH, Liu H, Brooks RA, Chen YT, Mendoza Lepe R. Using social and sexual networking mobile applications to promote HIV testing, medical care and prevention services among Latino men who have sex with men in Los Angeles County, California, USA. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268406. [PMID: 35560041 PMCID: PMC9106153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV disproportionately affects Latinos versus Whites, with Latinos having higher rates of HIV. Additionally, many HIV-positive Latinos are unaware of their infection. Proyecto Protégete, an HIV prevention intervention developed for Latino men who have sex with men (MSM), used social and sexual networking mobile applications (apps) to recruit individuals for HIV testing and linkage to medical care and prevention services. This study occurred in Los Angeles County, California, USA from December 18, 2015 to April 22, 2017. The study’s primary aim was to assess Proyecto Protégete‘s ability to successfully recruit Latino MSM involved in high-risk sexual activities. A secondary aim was to evaluate its capacity to promote HIV testing and linkage to HIV medical care and prevention services among this population by comparing it to two programs with similar samples. Comparisons using Fisher’s Exact Test were conducted between Proyecto Protégete and the HIV testing program of the agency in which Proyecto Protégete was located and the County-funded HIV testing programs to compare the samples’ rates of HIV-positive Latino MSM identified through HIV testing and linked to HIV medical care and prevention services. Participants were recruited through seven apps. In Proyecto Protégete, 9,573 individuals completed the screener, 4,657 were eligible, and 359 (7.7% of those eligible) enrolled. Among those enrolled, 79% reported anal sex without a condom in the previous twelve months; 51% reported anal sex under the influence of alcohol. The HIV positivity rates were as follows: Proyecto Protégete, 1.71%; the agency, 1.25% (p = .293, compared to Proyecto Protégete); and the County, 1.09% (p = .172, compared to Proyecto Protégete). The rates of those confirmed as new HIV-positives and linked to medical care within 30 days were as follows: Proyecto Protégete, 71.4%; the agency, 81.5% (p = .450, compared to Proyecto Protégete); and the County, 77.3% (p = .503, compared to Proyecto Protégete). Proyecto Protégete had a higher rate of linked referrals to prevention services than the agency’s testing program (19.5% versus 8.3%, p < .001). Proyecto Protégete experienced successes in some areas but not in others. Future research should build on Proyecto Protégete’s experiences to promote HIV-related services among Latino MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank H. Galvan
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Bienestar Human Services, Inc., Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Honghu Liu
- Division of Public Health & Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ronald A. Brooks
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Bienestar Human Services, Inc., Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ying-Tung Chen
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Bienestar Human Services, Inc., Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ricardo Mendoza Lepe
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Bienestar Human Services, Inc., Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Power J, Waling A. New technologies are changing sex, intimacy and health. HEALTH SOCIOLOGY REVIEW : THE JOURNAL OF THE HEALTH SECTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 2020; 29:229-231. [PMID: 33411599 DOI: 10.1080/14461242.2020.1824376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Power
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrea Waling
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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