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Murray SM, Wiginton JM, Xue QL, Dibble K, Sanchez T, Kane JC, Augustinavicius J, Nowak RG, Crowell TA, Njindam IM, Tamoufe U, Charurat M, Turpin G, Sithole B, Mothopeng T, Nemande S, Simplice A, Kouanda S, Diouf D, Lyons C, Baral S. Measuring sexual behavior stigma among cisgender men who have sex with men: an assessment of cross-country measurement invariance. STIGMA AND HEALTH 2024; 9:349-361. [PMID: 39185350 PMCID: PMC11343079 DOI: 10.1037/sah0000443] [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] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Globally, cisgender men who have sex with men experience sexual stigma, but limited investigation of cross-population scale performance hinder comparisons. As measurement invariance is a necessary but seldom-established criterion of valid cross-cultural comparisons, we assessed invariance in scales of stigma related to sexual behavior across 9 countries. Methods This secondary analysis used data collected from adult (mean age=29.6, standard deviation=12.5) cisgender men who have sex with men (n=8,669) in studies from 6 West African, 2 Southern African, and 1 North American country from 2012-2016. A common item set assessed 2 sexual behavior stigma domains. A sequential process was used to test the factor structure and measurement invariance, which included multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Individual countries, items, living with HIV, and disclosure were explored as possible sources of noninvariance. Results Goodness-of-fit statistics indicated adequate fit of the same 2-factor model in 7 of the 9 countries. The chi2 difference test comparing a constrained and unconstrained 7-country model in which loadings and thresholds were freely estimated was significant (p<0.001), indicating metric and scalar noninvariance, but removing the US provided evidence of invariance and freeing certain items led to a finding of partial invariance. Sexuality disclosure exhibited a direct relationship with select stigma items in several countries. Conclusions Our findings point to the utility of the two stigma scale dimensions in making cross-country comparisons, but also to the necessity of assessing invariance with explicit attention to several factors including differential disclosure of sexuality across contexts to ensure valid comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John Mark Wiginton
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University; Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Qian Li Xue
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kate Dibble
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeremy C. Kane
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Jura Augustinavicius
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca G. Nowak
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Trevor A. Crowell
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Man Charurat
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gnilane Turpin
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Seni Kouanda
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Institut Africain de Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Carrie Lyons
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Farley JE, Beuchamp G, Bergman A, Hughes JP, Batey DS, del Rio C, Raifman J, Lowensen K, Gamble T, Remien RH, Beyrer C. The Impact of Stigma and Sexual Identity on PrEP Awareness and Use Among At-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men in Four U.S. Cities (HPTN 078). STIGMA AND HEALTH 2024; 9:400-410. [PMID: 39148912 PMCID: PMC11323033 DOI: 10.1037/sah0000413] [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] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Persistent pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use reduces the risk of HIV infection, yet uptake lags among those with the greatest need. Sexual identity stigma may be a significant barrier to PrEP awareness and use among high-risk communities. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether sexual identity was related to PrEP awareness and use. This multi-site HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) study (HPTN 078) focuses on men who have sex with men (MSM) (n=335) who were HIV-negative at screening. The majority of participants were non-white (62.1%), younger than 35 (57.9%), single (79.1%), and aware of PrEP, yet had never taken PrEP (52.5%). Participants completed questionnaires including sexual history and identity; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community engagement; PrEP awareness and use; and several measures of sexual identity stigma including family and friend stigma, general societal stigma, and anticipated healthcare stigma. Univariate and multinomial logistic regression models helped to determine factors associated with PrEP awareness and use. There were stark disparities in PrEP awareness comparing Black and White participants; 50% of Black participants reported being PrEP unaware vs 11.8% of White participants. In this sample, gay sexual identity (compared to bisexual identity) was associated with increased PrEP awareness (AOR 6.66) and use (AOR 16.9). Additionally, 29% of the association between sexual orientation and PrEP use was mediated through internalized stigma. Given low PrEP uptake among MSM, interventions that address sexual identity stigma may motivate greater PrEP uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E. Farley
- The Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
| | - Geetha Beuchamp
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Seattle, WA
| | - Alanna Bergman
- The Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
| | - James P Hughes
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Seattle, WA
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Julia Raifman
- HPTN Leadership and Operations Center, FHI 360, Durham, NC
| | - Kelly Lowensen
- The Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
| | | | | | - Chris Beyrer
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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Remera E, Tuyishime E, Kayitesi C, Malamba SS, Sangwayire B, Umutesi J, Ruisenor-Escudero H, Oluoch T. HIV and hepatitis B, C co-infection and correlates of HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Rwanda, 2021: a respondent-driven sampling, cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:347. [PMID: 38521947 PMCID: PMC10960483 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09206-2] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key population group disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. In Rwanda, the HIV epidemic remains a significant public health concern, and understanding the burden of HIV and hepatitis B and C coinfections among MSM is crucial for designing effective prevention and control strategies. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infections among MSM in Rwanda and identify correlates associated with HIV infection within this population. METHODS We used respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to recruit participants between November and December 2021. A face-to-face, structured questionnaire was administered. Testing for HIV infection followed the national algorithm using two rapid tests: Alere Combo and STAT PAK as the first and second screening tests, respectively. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV tests were performed. All statistics were adjusted for RDS design, and a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify factors associated with HIV infection. RESULTS The prevalence of HIV among MSM was 6·9% (95% CI: 5·5-8·6), and among HIV-positive MSM, 12·9% (95% CI: 5·5-27·3) were recently infected. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C was 4·2% (95% CI: 3·0-5·7) and 0·7% (95% CI: 0·4-1·2), respectively. HIV and hepatitis B virus coinfection was 0·5% (95% CI: 0·2-1·1), whereas HIV and hepatitis C coinfection was 0·1% (95% CI: 0·0-0·5), and no coinfection for all three viruses was observed. MSM groups with an increased risk of HIV infection included those who ever suffered violence or abuse because of having sex with other men (AOR: 3·42; 95% CI: 1·87-6·25), those who refused to answer the question asking about 'ever been paid money, goods, or services for sex' (AOR: 10·4; 95% CI: 3·30-32·84), and those not consistently using condoms (AOR: 3·15; 95% CI: 1·31-7·60). CONCLUSION The findings suggest more targeted prevention and treatment approaches and underscore the importance of addressing structural and behavioral factors contributing to HIV vulnerability, setting interventions to reduce violence and abuse against MSM, promoting safe and consensual sexual practices, and expanding access to HIV prevention tools such as condoms and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Remera
- Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) ), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Elysee Tuyishime
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center (GHC), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Catherine Kayitesi
- Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) ), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Samuel S Malamba
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center (GHC), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Beata Sangwayire
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center (GHC), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Justine Umutesi
- Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) ), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Horacio Ruisenor-Escudero
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center (GHC), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tom Oluoch
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center (GHC), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kigali, Rwanda
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Alvey B, Stone J, Salyuk T, Barzilay EJ, Doan I, Vickerman P, Trickey A. Associations Between Sexual Behavior Stigma and HIV Risk Behaviors, Testing, Treatment, and Infection Among Men Who have Sex with Men in Ukraine. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:786-798. [PMID: 37792231 PMCID: PMC10896872 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04182-1] [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: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Stigma toward same-sex behaviors may be a structural driver of HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Eastern Europe and has been linked to adverse HIV-outcomes elsewhere. We explored associations between sexual behavior stigma with HIV risk behaviors, testing, treatment, and infection. From November 2017 to February 2018, MSM across 27 Ukrainian cities were recruited to cross-sectional surveys using respondent driven sampling. Eligible participants were cisgender males aged ≥ 14 years residing in participating cities that reported ≥ 1 sexual contact with another man in the prior 6 months. Participants self-reported experience of stigma (ever) and various HIV-outcomes and were tested for HIV antibodies. Regression models were used to explore associations between three sexual behavior stigma variables with demographic and HIV-related variables. Of 5812 recruited cisgender MSM, 5544 (95.4%) were included. 1663 (30.0%) MSM reported having experienced stigma due to being MSM from family and friends, 698 (12.6%) reported anticipated healthcare stigma, and 1805 (32.6%) reported general public/social stigma due to being MSM (enacted). All forms of stigma were associated with heightened HIV risk behaviors; those experiencing stigma (vs not) had more anal sex partners in the prior month and were less likely to have used condoms during their last anal intercourse. Stigma was not associated with HIV infection, testing, or treatment variables. A sizeable proportion of Ukrainian MSM reported ever experiencing stigma due to being MSM. MSM that had experienced stigma had higher odds of HIV sexual risk behaviors. Further study using longitudinal designs is required to determine causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Alvey
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Ivan Doan
- Centers for Disease Control, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam Trickey
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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5
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Lamontagne E, Leroy V, Yakusik A, Parker W, Howell S, Ventelou B. Assessment and determinants of depression and anxiety on a global sample of sexual and gender diverse people at high risk of HIV: a public health approach. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:215. [PMID: 38238673 PMCID: PMC10795213 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual and gender diverse people face intersecting factors affecting their well-being and livelihood. These include homophobic reactions, stigma or discrimination at the workplace and in healthcare facilities, economic vulnerability, lack of social support, and HIV. This study aimed to examine the association between such factors and symptoms of anxiety and depression among sexual and gender diverse people. METHODS This study is based on a sample of 108,389 gay, bisexual, queer and questioning men, and transfeminine people from 161 countries collected through a cross-sectional internet survey. We developed a multinomial logistic regression for each group to study the associations of the above factors at different severity scores for anxiety and depression symptoms. RESULTS Almost a third (30.3%) of the participants reported experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. Higher severity scores were found for transfeminine people (39%), and queer or questioning people (34.8%). Severe symptoms of anxiety and depression were strongly correlated with economic hardship for all groups. Compared to those who are HIV-negative, those living with HIV were more likely to report severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the highest score was among those who do not know their HIV status. Transfeminine people were the most exposed group, with more than 80% higher risk for those living with HIV suffering from anxiety and depression. Finally, homophobic reactions were strongly associated with anxiety and depression. The relative risk of severe anxiety and depression was 3.47 times higher for transfeminine people facing transphobic reactions than those with no symptoms. Moreover, anxiety and depression correlate with stigma or discrimination in the workplace and healthcare facilities. CONCLUSIONS The strong association between the severity of anxiety and depression, and socioeconomic inequality and HIV status highlights the need for concrete actions to meet the United Nations' pledge to end inequalities faced by communities and people affected by HIV. Moreover, the association between stigma or discrimination and anxiety and depression among sexual and gender diverse people is alarming. There is a need for bold structural public health interventions, particularly for transfeminine, queer and questioning people who represent three communities under the radar of national HIV programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Lamontagne
- UNAIDS, 20 Ave Appia, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, EHESS, Centrale Marseille, Aix-Marseille School of Economics, 5-9 Boulevard Maurice Bourdet 13205, Marseille, France.
| | - Vincent Leroy
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de La Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Anna Yakusik
- UNAIDS, 20 Ave Appia, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, London, SW7 2AZ, England
| | | | | | - Bruno Ventelou
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, EHESS, Centrale Marseille, Aix-Marseille School of Economics, 5-9 Boulevard Maurice Bourdet 13205, Marseille, France
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6
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Zhang H, Sanchez T, Zlotorzynska M, Baral S, Hecht J. Experiences of Stigma and HIV Status Associated with Awareness and Usage of Safer Sex Functions in Dating Apps Among MSM, 2019 American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS) Study. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3603-3611. [PMID: 37421546 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04074-4] [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] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Dating apps represent opportunities to implement sexual health interventions among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly those who may avoid traditional health services due to intersecting stigmas. We used multivariable models to explore whether stigma experience was associated with awareness and usage of safer sex functions in dating apps among 7700 MSM who completed a 2019 US nationwide online survey. Perceived community intolerance of gay and bisexual men was associated with reduced awareness of sexual health strategy profile options (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.95; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.93-0.98) and sexual health information and resources (aPR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94-0.99). Stigma from family and friends was associated with increased usage of app-based sexual health reminders (aPR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02-1.28) and sexual health information and resources (aPR 1.16; 95% CI 1.04-1.31). Stigma experience of MSM should be considered in optimizing app-based sexual health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisu Zhang
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21215, USA
| | - Jen Hecht
- Building Healthy Online Communities, Springboard Health Lab, Richmond, USA
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Dibble KE, Murray SM, Baral SD, Zlotorzynska M, Wiginton JM, Stephenson R, Edwards OW, Lyons C, Rainey JC, Xue QL, Sanchez TH. Predicting salivary cortisol and sexual behavior stigma among MSM in the American Men's Internet Survey 2019. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18082. [PMID: 37872353 PMCID: PMC10593931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44876-z] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological stress levels in response to sexual behavior stigma among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States (US) are understudied. The current study aims to explore the relationship between sexual behavior stigma and salivary cortisol both overall and stratified by race/ethnicity. If such an association exists, it may suggest that sexual behavior stigma can be physiologically measured or indicated by the presence of heightened salivary cortisol. A subsample of 667 MSM participants from the 2019 American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS; N = 10,129) submitted morning (AM) and evening (PM) saliva cortisol samples using at-home mail-in collection kits. Average daily cortisol and daily cortisol change were calculated; simple linear regressions estimated associations between cortisol measures and sexual behavior stigma characterized in four different ways (ever and recent experience of individual stigma items; average ever and recent experience of three stigma scales: stigma from family and friends, anticipated healthcare stigma, general social stigma). Participants reported a mean age of 36.0 years (SD = 14.9), with most being non-Hispanic white (n = 480, 72.0%), Hispanic (n = 164, 12.3%), or Black/African American (n = 146, 10.9%), and identified as homosexual/gay (n = 562, 84.3%). Reporting ever experiencing healthcare providers gossiping was significantly associated with higher PM cortisol (β = 0.12, p = 0.001) and higher average daily cortisol (β = 0.11, p = 0.004), while reporting ever experiencing police refusing to protect was associated with higher AM cortisol (β = 0.08, p = 0.03) and higher average daily cortisol (β = 0.09, p = 0.02). Recent experiences of stigma were not significant predictors of any measure of cortisol. Measures of salivary cortisol may be used to characterize sexual behavior stigma among MSM populations, however more insight is needed to determine its exact relationship and strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E Dibble
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6133, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6133, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - John Mark Wiginton
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership, School of Nursing, and The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - O Winslow Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Carrie Lyons
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jacob C Rainey
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Qian-Li Xue
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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8
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Wiginton JM, Murray SM, Baral SD, Sanchez TH. Targeted Violence as a Risk Factor for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Cisgender Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who have Sex with Men in the United States. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:9739-9764. [PMID: 37118946 PMCID: PMC10527206 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231169755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the United States (US) are disproportionately exposed to interpersonal violence, which carries a high conditional risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and which is often motivated by sexual prejudice. We determined PTSD prevalence by violence attribution (motivated by sexual prejudice or not) and measured PTSD-attribution associations. Using a 2020 nationwide cross-sectional survey of 2,886 GBMSM who reported ever experiencing interpersonal violence, we performed multivariable modified Poisson regressions with robust variance estimators to examine differences in prevalence of current PTSD by how participants attributed the violence (occurring due to one's same-sex practices, not occurring due to one's same-sex practices, or being unsure if it occurred due to one's same-sex practices). Model results are reported as adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Median age was 27 years; 78.8% of participants identified as gay, and 62.2% were non-Hispanic White. Violence was attributed to same-sex practices by 45.8% of participants; 46.3% did not make this attribution, and 7.0% were unsure (0.9% preferred not to answer). Overall, 23.0% screened positive for PTSD, and PTSD prevalence was greater for those who attributed violence to same-sex practices (25.9% [342/1,321]; aPR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.34, 1.79]) and those who were unsure (33.5% [68/203]; aPR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.44, 2.25]) compared to those who did not make the attribution (18.1% [242/1,335]). Age modified this association, with participants 15 to 19 years old who made the attribution being significantly more likely to have PTSD relative to 20+ participants who also made the attribution. In addition to violence-prevention and stigma-mitigation efforts, interventions targeting attribution styles may be useful for violence-exposed GBMSM, especially teenagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mark Wiginton
- University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- San Diego State University, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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9
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Hamill MM, Hu F, Adebajo S, Kokogho A, Tiamiyu AB, Parker ZF, Charurat ME, Ake JA, Baral SD, Nowak RG, Crowell TA. Food and Water Insecurity in Sexual and Gender Minority Groups Living With HIV in Lagos, Nigeria. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:171-180. [PMID: 36881816 PMCID: PMC10293107 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food and water insecurity are associated with poor health outcomes that may be exacerbated by social marginalization and barriers to health care experienced by sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in resource-limited settings. We explored factors associated with food and water insecurity in SGM with HIV. SETTING A longitudinal study of 357 men who have sex with men, transgender women, and other gender-identifying people in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS Laboratory testing, interviews, food and water assessments, and anthropometry were performed quarterly. Robust Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations was used to evaluate factors potentially associated with food and water insecurity. RESULTS From 2014 to 2018, 357 SGM with HIV completed either the food or water assessments. At baseline, participants identified as cisgender men who have sex with men 265 (74.2%), transgender women 63 (17.7%), or as nonbinary/other gender 29 (8.1%). Food insecurity and water insecurity were reported by 63/344(18.3%) and 113/357(31.7%), respectively, at any visit. Food and water insecurity each decreased with ongoing study participation. Food insecurity was associated with nonpartnered relationship status, CD4 count <500 cells/mm 3 , and lack of access to piped water. Water insecurity was associated with age 25 years or older, living with a man, transactional sex, and food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS Food and water insecurity were common among SGM in Nigeria and decreased with continued study participation, suggesting amenability to intervention when SGM are successfully engaged in care. Targeted interventions to support food and water security may improve HIV-related outcomes, such as CD4 count.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M. Hamill
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Fengming Hu
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, USA
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc, Bethesda, USA
| | - Sylvia Adebajo
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, USA
| | - Afoke Kokogho
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, USA
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc, Bethesda, USA
| | - Abdulwasiu B. Tiamiyu
- HJF Medical Research International, Abuja, Nigeria
- US Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Zahra F. Parker
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, USA
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc, Bethesda, USA
- US Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Manhattan E. Charurat
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Julie A. Ake
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, USA
| | - Stefan D. Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Rebecca G. Nowak
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Trevor A. Crowell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, USA
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc, Bethesda, USA
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Wiginton JM, Maksut JL, Scheim AI, Zlotorzynska M, Sanchez TH, Baral SD. Intersecting Sexual Behavior and Gender Identity Stigmas Among Transgender Women in the United States: Burden and Associations with Sexual Health. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-04028-w. [PMID: 36952112 PMCID: PMC10034890 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04028-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, a context of multiple marginalization shapes sexual health disparities experienced by transgender women. Using data from 396 transgender women with negative or unknown HIV status, we performed exploratory factor analysis on responses to gender identity and sexual behavior stigma items and regressed sexual health outcomes on extracted factors via modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. Overall, 97.2% of participants endorsed ≥ 1 gender identity stigma; 67.2% endorsed ≥ 1 sexual behavior stigma; and 66.9% endorsed ≥ 1 of each. Extracted factors included gender-identity social stigma, reflecting experiences related to family, fearfulness in public, and verbal harassment (α = 0.68); gender-identity institutional stigma/violence, reflecting experiences related to healthcare, police interactions, and interpersonal violence (α = 0.73); and global sexual behavior stigma, reflecting experiences related to family, friends, and healthcare, as well as police interactions, fearfulness in public, verbal harassment, and interpersonal violence (α = 0.83). Gender-identity social stigma was significantly, positively associated with testing for HIV and testing for sexually transmitted infections. Gender-identity institutional stigma/violence and global sexual behavior stigma were both significantly, positively associated with condomless anal sex, sex work, testing for HIV, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Stigma-mitigation remains critical to improve quality of life and sexual health for transgender women in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mark Wiginton
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Jessica L Maksut
- Center for Public Health & Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Ayden I Scheim
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1581 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1581 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Center for Public Health & Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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11
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Lyons CE, Twahirwa Rwema JO, Makofane K, Diouf D, Mfochive Njindam I, Ba I, Kouame A, Tamoufe U, Cham B, Aliu Djaló M, Obodou EP, Karita E, Simplice A, Nowak RG, Crowell TA, Matse S, Kouanda S, Enama JP, Kavanagh M, Millett GA, Beyrer C, Murray S, Baral S. Associations between punitive policies and legal barriers to consensual same-sex sexual acts and HIV among gay men and other men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa: a multicountry, respondent-driven sampling survey. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e186-e194. [PMID: 36623537 PMCID: PMC10288909 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00336-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few assessments of associations between structural-level factors and HIV among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) have been conducted, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Our objective was to examine HIV testing history, HIV status, and stigmas among MSM living in ten countries with heterogeneous legal environments. METHODS This study used pooled data from ten country-specific, cross-sectional studies done in 25 sites in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, Eswatini, Rwanda, and Togo. MSM were recruited by respondent-driven sampling and were eligible if they met country-specific requirements for age, area of residence, and self reported being assigned male sex at birth and having anal sex with a man in the past 12 months. Policy related to same-sex sexual behaviour for each country was categorised as not criminalised or criminalised. Countries were also categorised on the basis of recent reports of prosecutions related to same-sex sexual acts. Legal barriers were defined as those that legally prevented registration or operation of sexual orientation related civil society organisations (CSOs). Individual data on HIV testing history, HIV status, and stigma were collected via interviewer-administered sociobehavioural questionnaires and HIV testing. Multilevel logistic regression with random intercepts was used to assess the association between policies, recent prosecutions, legal barriers to CSOs, and HIV-related factors with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% CIs. FINDINGS Between Aug 3, 2011, and May 27, 2020, we recruited 8047 MSM with a median age of 23 years (IQR 21-27). 4886 (60·7%) lived in countries that criminalise same-sex sexual acts. HIV prevalence among MSM was higher in criminalised settings than non-criminalised settings (aOR 5·15, 95% CI 1·12-23·57); higher in settings with recent prosecutions than in settings without prosecutions (12·06, 7·19-20·25); and higher in settings with barriers to CSOs than without barriers to CSOs (9·83, 2·00-48·30). HIV testing or status awareness was not associated with punitive policies or practices. Stigma was associated with HIV status but did not consistently vary across legal environments. Disparities in HIV prevalence between MSM and other adult men were highest in punitive settings. INTERPRETATION Structural risks including discriminatory country-level policies, prosecutions, and legal barriers might contribute to higher HIV prevalence among MSM. Taken together, these data highlight the importance of decriminalisation and decreasing enforcement, alongside stigma reduction, as central to effective control for HIV. FUNDING National Institutes of Health. TRANSLATION For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E Lyons
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | - Keletso Makofane
- FXB Health and Human Rights, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Abo Kouame
- Ministère de la Santé et de l'Hygiène Publique, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Ubald Tamoufe
- Johns Hopkins Cameroon Program/Metabiota, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rebecca G Nowak
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Trevor A Crowell
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sindy Matse
- Eswatini Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Seni Kouanda
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Institut Africain de Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Matthew Kavanagh
- Department of International Health and Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Chris Beyrer
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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12
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Wiginton JM, Murray SM, Algarin AB, Baral SD, Sanchez TH, Smith LR. Metrics of sexual behavior stigma among cisgender men who have sex with men in Mexico: exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:690. [PMID: 35964006 PMCID: PMC9375942 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07672-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Mexico experience disparities in sexual health outcomes, perhaps most notably in HIV prevalence, HIV testing and status awareness, and condom use. Sexual behavior stigma, underpinned by socio-structural factors specific to Mexico (e.g., machismo), uniquely shapes these sexual health disparities. However, few reliable, valid measures are available to document, track, and ultimately mitigate sexual behavior stigma in this context. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on responses to a 13-item sexual behavior stigma scale from 15,681 MSM recruited online across Mexico. Associations with extracted factors were tested to assess construct validity. Three subscales were identified in exploratory factor analysis and validated in confirmatory factor analysis: "stigma from family and friends" (α = 0.65), "anticipated healthcare stigma" (α = 0.84), and "general social stigma" (α = 0.70). External construct validity was indicated through each subscale's strong association (all p < 0.001) with perceived community intolerance of MSM and perceived community discrimination toward people living with HIV. These subscales show promise as reliable, valid measures for assessing sexual behavior stigma among MSM in Mexico, and as tools for documenting and tracking sexual behavior stigma trends, comparing regional burdens of sexual behavior stigma, and tracking the progress of stigma-mitigation interventions among MSM in Mexico. Future research is needed to understand the extent to which each subscale is differentially associated with sexual (and other) health outcomes, which can inform the development and implementation of uniquely tailored stigma-mitigation, HIV-prevention, HIV-care, and other needed interventions for MSM in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mark Wiginton
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, USA.
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Angel B Algarin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA, San Diego, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Center for Public Health & Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Laramie R Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA, San Diego, USA
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13
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LeeVan E, Hu F, Mitchell AB, Kokogho A, Adebajo S, Garges EC, Qian H, Ake JA, Robb ML, Charurat ME, Baral SD, Nowak RG, Crowell TA. Associations of gender identity with sexual behaviours, social stigma and sexually transmitted infections among adults who have sex with men in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25956. [PMID: 35794838 PMCID: PMC9259961 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sexual and gender minority populations are disproportionately affected by the global syndemic of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We hypothesized that transgender women (TGW) and non‐binary individuals in Nigeria have more STIs than cis‐gender men who have sex with men (cis‐MSM), and that experiences of stigma and sexual practices differ between these three groups. Methods From 2013 to 2020, TRUST/RV368 enrolled adults assigned male sex at birth who reported anal sex with men in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. Participants were tested for STIs and completed questionnaires about sexual behaviours and social stigma every 3 months. Participants were categorized as cis‐MSM, TGW or non‐binary/other based on self‐reported gender identity. Gender group comparisons were made of HIV, gonorrhoea and chlamydia prevalence and incidence; stigma indicators; and condom use during anal sex. Results Among 2795 participants, there were 2260 (80.8%) cis‐MSM, 284 (10.2%) TGW and 251 (9.0%) non‐binary/other individuals with median age of 23 years (interquartile range 20–27). HIV prevalence among cis‐MSM, TGW and non‐binary/other participants was 40.8%, 51.5% and 47.6%, respectively (p = 0.002). HIV incidence was 8.7 cases per 100 person‐years (PY) (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.9–10.8), 13.1 cases/100 PY (95% CI 6.5–23.4) and 17.6 cases/100 PY (95% CI 9.8–29.0, p = 0.025), respectively. Anorectal gonorrhoea incidence was lower in cis‐MSM than TGW (22.2 [95% CI 19.6–25.0] vs. 35.9 [95% CI 27.3–46.3]). TGW were more likely than cis‐MSM to report being affected by stigma, including assault (47.2% vs. 32.3%), fear of walking around (32.4% vs. 19.2%) and healthcare avoidance (25.0% vs. 19.1%; all p < 0.05). TGW were more likely to report always using condoms than non‐binary/other individuals (35.3% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.041) during receptive anal sex. Conclusions Sexual and gender minorities in Nigeria have heterogeneous sexual behaviours and experiences of social stigma that may influence the vulnerability to HIV and other STIs. There is a need for tailored interventions that acknowledge and are informed by gender. Further research is needed, particularly among understudied non‐binary individuals, to better understand disparities and inform tailored interventions to improve outcomes among these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyse LeeVan
- U.S. Military HIV Research ProgramWalter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Fengming Hu
- U.S. Military HIV Research ProgramWalter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | | | | | - Sylvia Adebajo
- Center for International Health and Biosecurity (Ciheb)AbujaNigeria
| | - Eric C. Garges
- Department of Preventive Medicine and BiostaticsUniformed Services UniversityBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Haoyu Qian
- U.S. Military HIV Research ProgramWalter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Julie A. Ake
- U.S. Military HIV Research ProgramWalter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Merlin L. Robb
- U.S. Military HIV Research ProgramWalter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | | | - Stefan D. Baral
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Rebecca G. Nowak
- Institute of Human VirologyUniversity of MarylandBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Trevor A. Crowell
- U.S. Military HIV Research ProgramWalter Reed Army Institute of ResearchSilver SpringMarylandUSA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineBethesdaMarylandUSA
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14
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Dibble KE, Baral SD, Beymer MR, Stahlman S, Lyons CE, Olawore O, Ndour C, Turpin Nunez G, Toure-Kane C, Leye Diouf N, Diouf D, Drame FM, Mboup S, Murray SM. Stigma and healthcare access among men who have sex with men and transgender women who have sex with men in Senegal. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121211069276. [PMID: 35517371 PMCID: PMC9066634 DOI: 10.1177/20503121211069276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender women experience HIV incidence disparities in Senegal. These analyses determined how depression and different stigma mechanisms related to sexual behavior are associated with healthcare access, sexually transmitted infection testing, and HIV testing among cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender women across three cities in western Senegal. Methods: Logistic regression assessed the relationship of three stigma scales (stigma from family and friends, anticipated healthcare stigma, and general social stigma) and depression with these outcomes. Results: Depression and stigma were not associated with healthcare access, sexually transmitted infection testing, or HIV testing. However, individuals who had disclosed their sexual identity to a medical provider were more likely to test for HIV. Conclusions: Sexual behavior stigma experienced by cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and trans women in Senegal may not limit access to routine healthcare, but may limit disclosure of sexual orientation and practices, limiting access to appropriate HIV prevention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E Dibble
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew R Beymer
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shauna Stahlman
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carrie E Lyons
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Oluwasolape Olawore
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cheikh Ndour
- Division de La Lutte Contre Le Sida et Les IST, Ministry of Health, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Gnilane Turpin Nunez
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Coumba Toure-Kane
- Molecular Biology Unit, National Reference Center for HIV and STDs, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Nafissatou Leye Diouf
- Institut de Recherche en Santé de Surveillance Epidemiologique et de Formations, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Souleymane Mboup
- Institut de Recherche en Santé de Surveillance Epidemiologique et de Formations, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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15
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Lyons C, Bendaud V, Bourey C, Erkkola T, Ravichandran I, Syarif O, Stangl A, Chang J, Ferguson L, Nyblade L, Amon J, Iovita A, Janušonytė E, Looze P, Sprague L, Sabin K, Baral S, Murray SM. Global assessment of existing HIV and key population stigma indicators: A data mapping exercise to inform country-level stigma measurement. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003914. [PMID: 35192602 PMCID: PMC8903269 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma is an established barrier to the provision and uptake of HIV prevention, diagnostic, and treatment services. Despite consensus on the importance of addressing stigma, there are currently no country-level summary measures to characterize stigma and track progress in reducing stigma around the globe. This data mapping exercise aimed to assess the potential for existing data to be used to summarize and track stigma, including discrimination, related to HIV status, or key population membership at the country level. METHODS AND FINDINGS This study assessed existing indicators of stigma related to living with HIV or belonging to 1 of 4 key populations including gay men and other men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who use drugs, and transgender persons. UNAIDS Strategic Information Department led an initial drafting of possible domains, subdomains, and indicators, and a 3-week e-consultation was held to provide feedback. From the e-consultation, 44 indicators were proposed for HIV stigma; 14 for sexual minority stigma (including sexual behavior or orientation) related to men who have sex with men; 12 for sex work stigma; 10 for drug use stigma; and 17 for gender identity stigma related to transgender persons. We conducted a global data mapping exercise to identify and describe the availability and quality of stigma data across countries with the following sources: UNAIDS National Commitments and Policies Instrument (NCPI) database; Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS); Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS); People Living with HIV Stigma Index surveys; HIV Key Populations Data Repository; Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveys (IBBS); and network databases. Data extraction was conducted between August and November 2020. Indicators were evaluated based on the following: if an existing data source could be identified; the number of countries for which data were available for the indicator at present and in the future; variation in the indicator across countries; and considerations of data quality or accuracy. This mapping exercise resulted in the identification of 24 HIV stigma indicators and 10 key population indicators as having potential to be used at present in the creation of valid summary measures of stigma at the country level. These indicators may allow assessment of legal, societal, and behavioral manifestations of stigma across population groups and settings. Study limitations include potential selection bias due to available data sources to the research team and other biases due to the exploratory nature of this data mapping process. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current state of data available, several indicators have the potential to characterize the level and nature of stigma affecting people living with HIV and key populations across countries and across time. This exercise revealed challenges for an empirical process reliant on existing data to determine how to weight and best combine indicators into indices. However, results for this study can be combined with participatory processes to inform summary measure development and set data collection priorities going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Lyons
- Epidemiology Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Christine Bourey
- Mental Health Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Ishwarya Ravichandran
- Epidemiology Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Omar Syarif
- Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Stangl
- International Health Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Hera Solutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Judy Chang
- International Network of People Who Use Drugs (INPUD) Secretariat, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Ferguson
- Keck School of Medicine, USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Laura Nyblade
- Global Health Division, International Development Group, RTI International, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Joseph Amon
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alexandrina Iovita
- Communities, Rights and Gender Department, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eglė Janušonytė
- International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Pim Looze
- Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Baral
- Epidemiology Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sarah M. Murray
- Mental Health Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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16
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Wiginton JM, Murray SM, Augustinavicius J, Maksut JL, Anderson BJ, Sey K, Ma Y, Flynn CP, German D, Higgins E, Menza TW, Orellana ER, Flynn AB, Al-Tayyib A, Kienzle J, Shields G, Lopez Z, Wermuth P, Baral SD. Metrics of Sexual Behavior Stigma Among Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men in 9 Cities Across the United States. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:93-103. [PMID: 34664625 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab240] [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] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States are stigmatized for their same-sex practices, which can lead to risky sexual behavior, potentiating risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Improved measurement is necessary for accurately reporting and mitigating sexual behavior stigma. We added 13 sexual behavior stigma items to local surveys administered in 2017 at 9 sites in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system, which uses venue-based, time-sampling procedures to survey cisgender MSM in US Census Metropolitan Statistical Areas. We performed exploratory factor analytical procedures on site-specific (Baltimore, Maryland; Denver, Colorado; Detroit, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Nassau-Suffolk, New York; Portland, Oregon; Los Angeles, California; San Diego, California; and Virginia Beach-Norfolk, Virginia) and pooled responses to the survey items. A 3-factor solution-"stigma from family" (α = 0.70), "anticipated health-care stigma" (α = 0.75), and "general social stigma" (α = 0.66)-best fitted the pooled data and was the best-fitting solution across sites. Findings demonstrate that MSM across the United States experience sexual behavior stigma similarly. The results reflect the programmatic utility of enhanced stigma measurement, including tracking trends in stigma over time, making regional comparisons of stigma burden, and supporting evaluation of stigma-mitigation interventions among MSM across the United States.
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17
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Wiginton JM, Murray SM, Poku O, Augustinavicius J, Jackman KMP, Kane J, Billong SC, Diouf D, Ba I, Mothopeng T, Njindam IM, Turpin G, Tamoufe U, Sithole B, Zlotorzynska M, Sanchez TH, Baral SD. Disclosure of same-sex practices and experiences of healthcare stigma among cisgender men who have sex with men in five sub-Saharan African countries. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2206. [PMID: 34861835 PMCID: PMC8641177 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For men who have sex with men (MSM) across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), disclosure of same-sex practices to family and healthcare workers (HCWs) can facilitate access to HIV prevention services and support, but can also lead to experiences of stigma. METHODS We performed mixed-effects regressions on pooled data from MSM in Cameroon, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Lesotho, and eSwatini to assess associations between disclosure and sexual behavior stigma in healthcare contexts; we used logistic regressions to analyze country-specific data. RESULTS Compared to participants who had not disclosed to either family or HCWs, those who had disclosed only to family were more likely to have been gossiped about by HCWs (aOR = 1.70, CI = 1.18, 2.45); the association between having disclosed to family and having felt mistreated in a health center approached, but did not achieve, statistical significance (aOR = 1.56, CI = 0.94, 2.59). Those who had disclosed only to HCWs were more likely to have feared to seek health services (aOR = 1.60, CI = 1.14, 2.25), avoided health services (aOR = 1.74, CI = 1.22, 2.50), and felt mistreated in a health center (aOR = 2.62, CI = 1.43, 4.81). Those who had disclosed to both were more likely to have feared to seek health services (aOR = 1.71, CI = 1.16, 2.52), avoided health services (aOR = 1.59, CI = 1.04, 2.42), been gossiped about by HCWs (aOR = 3.78, CI = 2.38, 5.99), and felt mistreated in a health center (aOR = 3.39, CI = 1.86, 6.20). Country-specific analyses suggested that data from Cameroon drove several of these associations. CONCLUSIONS Research to determine the factors driving disclosure's differential effect on healthcare stigma across contexts is needed. Ultimately, supportive environments enabling safe disclosure is critical to understanding HIV-acquisition risks and informing differentiated HIV-prevention, treatment, and testing services for MSM across SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mark Wiginton
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Sarah M. Murray
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Ohemaa Poku
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jura Augustinavicius
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Kevon-Mark Phillip Jackman
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jeremy Kane
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY USA
| | - Serge C. Billong
- grid.412661.60000 0001 2173 8504Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Central Technical Group, National AIDS Control Committee, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Iliassou Mfochive Njindam
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Public Health & Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA ,grid.452492.cMetabiota, Yaounde, Cameroon, Johns Hopkins Cameroon Program, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Gnilane Turpin
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Public Health & Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA ,grid.452492.cMetabiota, Yaounde, Cameroon, Johns Hopkins Cameroon Program, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Ubald Tamoufe
- grid.452492.cMetabiota, Yaounde, Cameroon, Johns Hopkins Cameroon Program, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Travis H. Sanchez
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Stefan D. Baral
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Public Health & Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
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18
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Mwaniki SW, Mugo PM, Palanee-Phillips T. Project BESPOKE (Integrated Bio-Behavioral Assessment of HIV and STI Among Young Tertiary Student Men Who Have Sex With Men in Nairobi, Kenya): A Respondent-Driven Sampling Survey Protocol. Front Public Health 2021; 9:619694. [PMID: 34708012 PMCID: PMC8542710 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.619694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Globally, men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key population for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. Among MSM, young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). However, there is a dearth of research and interventions targeting HIV/STI prevention among YMSM. In Kenya, there is paucity of knowledge on the burden of HIV/STI and related factors among YMSM, including tertiary student men who have sex with men (TSMSM). The barriers TSMSM experience in accessing and utilizing health services in their learning institutions have seldom been explored. In the context of healthcare providers (HCP) working in tertiary institutions, little is known about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward providing services to TSMSM. Methods: The aims of the study are to: estimate prevalence and correlates of HIV/STI among TSMSM; estimate population size of TSMSM; explore experiences of TSMSM with access and utilization of health services; and assess HCP knowledge of, attitudes toward, and practices in provision of services to TSMSM. A mixed-methods approach will be used in three phases: Phase I-formative qualitative research will be conducted to understand TSMSM social networks, select "seeds", and explore strategies for implementing a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey. Interviews will be conducted with at least three staff who work in community based/non-governmental organizations (CBO/NGO) that serve MSM and at least 10 TSMSM. Phase II-an integrated bio-behavioral assessment (IBBA) will be conducted, where 200 TSMSM recruited by RDS will be offered HIV/STI testing, complete a behavioral survey, and provide information for population size estimation (PSE). Phase III-in-depth interviews will be held with 20 TSMSM selected from 200 TSMSM in phase II, to explore their experiences with access and utilization of healthcare services. Focus group discussions (FGD) will be conducted with HCP working in tertiary institutions to assess their knowledge of, attitudes toward, and practices in providing services to TSMSM. Data collection started in September 2020 and is expected to end by September 2021. Discussion: Findings from this study will be useful in informing HIV/STI prevention programming for TSMSM, by policy makers such the Kenyan ministries of health and education, tertiary education institutions, service providers, advocacy groups, and other interested stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Waweru Mwaniki
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- University Health Services, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Mwangi Mugo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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19
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Stark BA, Obedin-Maliver J, Shindel AW. Sexual Wellness in Cisgender Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People. Urol Clin North Am 2021; 48:461-472. [PMID: 34602168 DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cisgender sexual minority persons have sexual wellness needs that go well beyond disease prevention. Despite historical asymmetries in research and clinical attention to sexual wellness in cisgender lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons, a growing body of evidence exists on how to optimally care for these populations. Additional research and development is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A Stark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, 10th Floor, Box 0132, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Juno Obedin-Maliver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, 1701 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Alan W Shindel
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, Suite A-610, San Francisco, CA 94143-0738, USA.
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20
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Kayode BO, Mitchell A, Ndembi N, Kokogho A, Ramadhani HO, Adebajo S, Robb ML, Baral SD, Ake JA, Charurat ME, Crowell TA, Nowak RG. Retention of a cohort of men who have sex with men and transgender women at risk for and living with HIV in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria: a longitudinal analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 6:e25592. [PMID: 33000914 PMCID: PMC7527765 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women (TGW), face specific obstacles to retention in care, particularly in settings with stigmatization such as sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated the impacts of HIV status and other factors on loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) and visit adherence among MSM and TGW in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS TRUST/RV368 is an open cohort that provides comprehensive and integrated prevention and treatment services for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at community venues supportive of sexual and gender minorities. Recruitment began in March 2013 and participants were followed every three months for up to 18 months. LTFU was defined as not presenting for an expected visit in the past 180 days. Visit adherence was calculated as a rate of completed visits adjusted by the number of three-month intervals elapsed since enrolment. HIV and other factors predictive of LTFU and visit adherence were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards and Poisson regression models, respectively. RESULTS A total of 1447 participants who completed enrolment evaluations over two visits as of November 2018 were included in these analyses. Their median age was 24 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 21 to 28) and 53% (n = 766) were living with HIV. LTFU occurred in 56% (n = 808) and visit adherence was 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.61 to 0.64) visits per three-month interval. Participants at risk and living with HIV had median follow-up times of 12 months (IQR: 6 to 22), and 21 months (IQR: 12 to 30), respectively (p < 0.01). After controlling for other factors, LTFU was less common among participants living with HIV or other STIs and more common among those who did not own a cell phone, sold sex and had never undergone HIV testing prior to enrolment. These factors had parallel associations with visit adherence. CONCLUSIONS Retention was suboptimal in Nigerian clinics designed to serve MSM and TGW. Particularly high LTFU and low visit adherence among participants at risk for HIV could complicate deployment of HIV prevention interventions. Marketing the benefits of testing, improving access to cell phones and nurturing more trust with clients may improve retention among marginalized communities in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Mitchell
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Afoke Kokogho
- HJF Medical Research International, Abuja, Nigeria
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Habib O Ramadhani
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sylvia Adebajo
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation- A University of Maryland Baltimore Affiliate, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Merlin L Robb
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julie A Ake
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Manhattan E Charurat
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Trevor A Crowell
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca G Nowak
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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21
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Twahirwa Rwema JO, Lyons CE, Herbst S, Liestman B, Nyombayire J, Ketende S, Mazzei A, Olawore O, Nsanzimana S, Mugwaneza P, Kagaba A, Sullivan PS, Allen S, Karita E, Baral SD. HIV infection and engagement in HIV care cascade among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Kigali, Rwanda: a cross-sectional study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 6:e25604. [PMID: 33000912 PMCID: PMC7527755 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given intersecting biological, network and structural risks, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) consistently have a high burden of HIV. Although MSM are a key population in Rwanda, there are limited epidemiologic data to guide programming. This study aimed to characterize HIV prevalence and care cascade among MSM and TGW in Kigali. METHODS MSM and TGW ≥ 18 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) from March-August 2018 in Kigali. Participants underwent a structured interview including measures of individual, network and structural determinants. HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) including syphilis, Neisseria gonorrhoea (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) were tested. Viral load was measured for MSM living with HIV. Robust Poisson regression was used to characterize the determinants of HIV infection and engagement in the HIV treatment cascade. RESULTS A total of 736 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 27 years (range:18 to 68) and 14% (106) were TGW. HIV prevalence was 10% (RDS-adjusted: 9.2% (95% CI: 6.4 to 12.1)). Unadjusted prevalence of any STI was 20% (147); syphilis: 5.7% (42); CT: 9.1% (67) and NG: 8.8% (65). Anticipated (41%), perceived (36%) and enacted stigmas (45%) were common and higher among TGW (p < 0.001). In multivariable RDS adjusted analysis, higher age (aPR: 1.08 (95% CI: 1.05 to 1.12)) and ever having sex with women (aPR: 3.39 (95% CI: 1.31 to 8.72)) were positively associated with prevalent HIV. Being circumcised (aPR: 0.52 (95% CI: 0.28 to 0.9)) was negatively associated with prevalent HIV infection. Overall, 61% (45/74) of respondents reported knowing their HIV-positive status. Among these, 98% (44/45) reported antiretroviral therapy use (ART); 75% (33/44) were virally suppressed using a cut-off of <200 copies/mL. Of the 29 participants who did not report any previous HIV diagnosis or ART use, 38% (11/29) were virally suppressed. Cumulatively, 59% (44/74) of all participants living with HIV were virally suppressed. CONCLUSIONS These data show a high burden of HIV among MSM/TGW in Kigali, Rwanda. Bisexual concurrency was common and associated with prevalent HIV infection, demonstrating the need of comprehensive screening for all sexual practices and preferences in the provision of comprehensive HIV prevention services in Rwanda. Viral suppression was below the UNAIDS target suggesting poor adherence and potential ART resistance. There is a need for adherence support, screening for primary and secondary ART resistance and stigma mitigation interventions to optimize HIV-related outcomes for MSM in Rwanda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Olivier Twahirwa Rwema
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Carrie E Lyons
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | | | - Benjamin Liestman
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | | | - Sosthenes Ketende
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | | | - Oluwasolape Olawore
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
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22
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Zhao Y, Rao A, Wirtz AL, Umar E, Trapence G, Jumbe V, Ketende S, Kamba D, Beyrer C, Baral S. A structural equation model of factors associated with HIV risk behaviors and mental health among men who have sex with men in Malawi. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:591. [PMID: 32778057 PMCID: PMC7419207 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05310-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of HIV in Malawi. Early prevention efforts in Malawi have been largely focused on preventing heterosexual and vertical transmission of HIV, and MSM have rarely been the specific benefactors of these efforts, despite facing both higher prevalence of HIV coupled with multiple barriers to prevention and care. To better facilitate the design of culturally relevant HIV prevention programs and prioritize resources among MSM in resource limited settings, the objective of this analysis was to estimate the relationship between social factors and HIV related risk behaviors and mental health. METHODS 338 MSM were recruited using respondent-driven sampling in Blantyre, Malawi from April 2011 to March 2012. Structural equation models were built to test the association between six latent factors: participation in social activities, social support, stigma and human rights violations, depression symptomatology, condom use, and sexual risk behaviors, including concurrent sexual partnerships and total number of partners. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 25 years old. Almost 50% (158/338) of the participants were unemployed and 11% (37/338) were married or cohabiting with women. More than 30% (120/338) of the participants reported sexual behavior stigma and 30% (102/338) reported depression symptomatology. Almost 50% (153/338) of the participants reported any kind of HIV-related risk behaviors and 30% (110/338) participated in one of the recorded social activities. Significant associations were identified between stigma and risk behaviors (β = 0.14, p = 0.03); stigma and depression symptomatology (β = 0.62, p = 0.01); participation in social activities and depression symptomatology (β = 0.17, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Results suggest MSM reporting stigma are more likely to report sexual risk practices associated with HIV/STI transmission and depressive symptoms, while those reporting participation in social activities related to HIV education are less likely to be depressed. Furthermore, interventions at the community level to support group empowerment and engagement may further reduce risks of HIV transmission and improve mental health outcomes. Taken together, these results suggest the potential additive benefits of mental health services integrated within comprehensive HIV prevention packages to optimize both HIV-related outcomes and general quality of life among MSM in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Amrita Rao
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Andrea L Wirtz
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Eric Umar
- Department of Health Systems and Policy Development, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Vincent Jumbe
- Department of Health Systems and Policy Development, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- Center for Global Health, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sosthenes Ketende
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Dunker Kamba
- Center for Development of People, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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23
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Furukawa NW, Maksut JL, Zlotorzynska M, Sanchez TH, Smith DK, Baral SD. Sexuality Disclosure in U.S. Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Impact on Healthcare-Related Stigmas and HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Denial. Am J Prev Med 2020; 59:e79-e87. [PMID: 32376144 PMCID: PMC7375915 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stigma impairs access to health care by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who are open about their sexuality, or out, are more resilient to stigma than those who are not out. Outness may influence healthcare utilization and prescription of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis to HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. METHODS Analyzing the 2018 American Men's Internet Survey during 2019, the adjusted prevalence ratios of healthcare stigmas and outness to healthcare providers were calculated. The effect of outness on annual healthcare visits and stigma was measured. Pre-exposure prophylaxis seeking and denial by providers was quantified and stratified by outness. RESULTS Of 5,794 respondents, 3,402 (58.7%) were out to their provider. Out gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men were less likely to experience anticipated stigma (adjusted prevalence ratio=0.75, 95% CI=0.72, 0.80) but more likely to experience enacted stigma or discrimination (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.23, 95% CI=1.18, 1.28). In a subsample of out gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, recently experienced discrimination was associated with higher healthcare utilization (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.51, 95% CI=1.14, 1.51). Conversely, recent experienced discrimination was associated with lower healthcare utilization in not out gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (adjusted prevalence ratio=0.67, 95% CI=0.54, 0.82). Of 3,104 out gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, 1,417 (45.7%) discussed pre-exposure prophylaxis with their providers, compared with 120 of 1,711 (7.0%) gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who were not out (p<0.001). Pre-exposure prophylaxis denials were less common among out (116/793, 14.6%) than not out (14/55, 25.5%) gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (p=0.044). CONCLUSIONS Healthcare provider-related stigmas impair healthcare engagement among not out gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who were also more commonly denied pre-exposure prophylaxis. Ending the HIV epidemic necessitates creating safe environments for disclosure of sexual preferences and practices to facilitate access to HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan W Furukawa
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Epidemic Intelligence Service, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Jessica L Maksut
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dawn K Smith
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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24
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Poteat TC, Baral S. Celebrating the struggle against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia as central to ending HIV transmission by 2030. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25532. [PMID: 32407566 PMCID: PMC7224635 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tonia C Poteat
- Department of Social MedicneUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
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25
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Jones MU, Ramadhani HO, Adebajo S, Gaydos CA, Kokogho A, Baral SD, Nowak RG, Ake JA, Liu H, Charurat ME, Robb ML, Crowell TA. Seizing opportunities for intervention: Changing HIV-related knowledge among men who have sex with men and transgender women attending trusted community centers in Nigeria. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229533. [PMID: 32119701 PMCID: PMC7051043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of HIV risk factors and reduction strategies is essential for prevention in key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). We evaluated factors associated with HIV-related knowledge among MSM and TGW and the impact of engagement in care at trusted community health centers in Nigeria. METHODS The TRUST/RV368 cohort recruited MSM and TGW in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria via respondent driven sampling. During study visits every three months, participants underwent structured interviews to collect behavioral data, received HIV education, and were provided free condoms and condom compatible lubricants. Five HIV-related knowledge questions were asked at enrollment and repeated after 9 and 15 months. The mean number of correct responses was calculated for each visit with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Multivariable Poisson regression was used to calculate adjusted risk ratios and CIs for factors associated with answering more knowledge questions correctly. RESULTS From March 2013 to April 2018, 2122 persons assigned male sex at birth were enrolled, including 234 TGW (11.2%). The mean number of correct responses at enrollment was 2.36 (95% CI: 2.31-2.41) and increased to 2.95 (95% CI: 2.86-3.04) and 3.06 (95% CI: 2.97-3.16) after 9 and 15 months in the study, respectively. Among 534 participants who completed all three HIV-related knowledge assessments, mean number of correct responses rose from 2.70 (95% CI: 2.60-2.80) to 3.02 (95% CI: 2.93-3.13) and then 3.06 (95% CI: 2.96-3.16). Factors associated with increased overall HIV-related knowledge included longer duration of study participation, HIV seropositivity, higher education level, and more frequent internet use. CONCLUSIONS There was suboptimal HIV-related knowledge among Nigerian MSM and TGW at that improved modestly with engagement in care. These data demonstrate unmet HIV education needs among Nigerian MSM and TGW and provide insights into modalities that could be used to address these needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milissa U. Jones
- Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Habib O. Ramadhani
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Charlotte A. Gaydos
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Afoke Kokogho
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate – Africa/Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
- HJF Medical Research International, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Stefan D. Baral
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rebecca G. Nowak
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Julie A. Ake
- Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hongjie Liu
- University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Manhattan E. Charurat
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Merlin L. Robb
- Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Trevor A. Crowell
- Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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