Prevention with HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men: lessons from the Seropositive Urban Men's Study (SUMS) and the Seropositive Urban Men's Intervention Trial (SUMIT)

Recording harms in randomized controlled trials of behavior change interventions: a scoping review and map of the evidence

OBJECTIVES

Randomized controlled trials evaluate diverse interventions. This can include medical interventions such as drugs or surgical procedures, or behavior change interventions (BCIs) that aim to change a habit, belief, or attitude to improve health, for example, healthy eating, psychological wellbeing. Harms are often recorded poorly or inconsistently within randomized controlled trials of BCIs. This scoping review aimed to collate and describe literature on categories, definitions, and mechanisms of harms from BCIs; methods of identifying plausible harms; and recommendations for recording harms.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A scoping review was conducted. Three databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched. Reference list checking and citation searching were performed. Articles were included if they discussed (1) interventions that aimed to modify behavior, (2) categories or mechanisms of harms, and (3) methods or recommendations for recording harms. All research designs were included. One reviewer reviewed titles, abstracts, and full texts; queries were checked with another reviewer. Data were extracted and synthesized descriptively by one reviewer and checked by another reviewer. A thematic map was constructed to summarize the review findings. Harms described from specific BCIs were identified, and examples were selected and summarized.

RESULTS

The review included 37 articles. Nineteen of 37 articles contributed to a thematic review. Three articles described categories of harms; categories of harm included physical, psychological, group and social interactions, cultural, equity, opportunity cost, environmental, and economic. Seven articles included mechanisms or underlying factors for harms including feelings of failure leading to shame or stigma, and group interventions enabling knowledge exchange on unhealthy behaviors. Twelve articles provided recommendations for recording harms, including taking a proportionate approach by focusing on the most plausible and important harms, collecting different perspectives on whether harms had occurred (eg, caregivers and family members), and using qualitative research methods to identify harms. One article described a three-step method to identify plausible harms from an intervention, and six articles supported aspects of the method. Eighteen of 37 articles contributed to a review which collated harms arising from specific interventions, for example, a peer support intervention in inflammatory bowel disease caused distressing conversations which might lead to anxiety and confrontation with a possible negative future.

CONCLUSION

BCIs can cause harm. This review identified categories and proposed mechanisms of harms, as well as methods and recommendations for identifying and recording harms in BCIs for inclusion in forthcoming recommendations.

An Approach to Reducing Problematic Data in an ACASI Sexual Behavior Assessment

Minimizing error in self-reported sexual behavior could reduce investigators' likelihood of rejecting truly successful interventions to decrease HIV and STI transmission risk. Sexual behavior assessments can elicit problematic data. This may manifest in the form of elevated levels of non-response, inaccurate point estimates, or misclassification errors resulting in inappropriately answering or, perhaps more importantly, skipping questions. We programed conversational interviewing elements into 20 sexual behavior questions in an exit survey of gay bathhouse patrons (N = 459) administered using ACASI. Those elements, called alternate pathways, included follow-up questions to responses to confirm that operational definitions were applied in the answer (with return to the initial question if confirmation failed), and assurances of confidentiality and requests for best guesses in reaction to non-response (including "don't know"). These elements were invoked in nearly 10% of participants, and approximately 74% of all invocations resulted in a usable numeric response, or 87% if the data need only estimate prevalence. Almost two-thirds of the problematic data issues occurred in answers to sexual contact questions, with others related to follow-up questions about specific sexual behavior. It is at this level of important filtering questions where the benefits of the approach are likely to be maximized.

Awareness of and willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among community residents

INTRODUCTION

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) helps to decrease HIV acquisition and transmission rates. The purpose of this study was to assess awareness of HIV PrEP and willingness to use it, if available, among individuals residing in Buea, Cameroon.

METHODS

Residents in different communities throughout Buea, Cameroon participated in the study through survey completion with their responses assessed by age, marital status, highest level of education completed, profession, and health area (urban or rural).

RESULTS

421 participants completed the survey with the majority being 20-29 years of age, single, having secondary or tertiary education, residing in rural Cameroonian areas. Eighty percent of respondents had not previously heard of HIV PrEP. Ninety-five percent of the study sample expressed willingness to use HIV PrEP, if available. Participants ages 40 years old and above were less aware of HIV PrEP than those 39 years old and younger. Primary education, serving in the role of a nurse, doctor, or scientist, along with hospital affiliations were characteristics closely associated with HIV PrEP awareness. Participants younger than 20 years old were less likely to report willingness to use HIV PrEP whereas married participants found HIV PrEP to be a more favorable option.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of HIV PrEP was minimal with healthcare personnel having more familiarity. Willingness to use HIV PrEP decreased by age but higher among married participants. Further promotion of HIV PrEP and facilitating its accessibility can lead to less transmissions of HIV worldwide.

DNA methylation mediates the effect of cocaine use on HIV severity

Background

Cocaine use accelerates human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) progression and worsens HIV outcomes. We assessed whether DNA methylation in blood mediates the association between cocaine use and HIV severity in a veteran population.

Methods

We analyzed 1435 HIV-positive participants from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study Biomarker Cohort (VACS-BC). HIV severity was measured by the Veteran Aging Cohort Study (VACS) index. We assessed the effect of cocaine use on VACS index and mortality among the HIV-positive participants. We selected candidate mediators that were associated with both persistent cocaine use and VACS index by epigenome-wide association (EWA) scans at a liberal p value cutoff of 0.001. Mediation analysis of the candidate CpG sites between cocaine’s effect and the VACS index was conducted, and the joint mediation effect of multiple CpGs was estimated. A two-step epigenetic Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted as validation.

Results

More frequent cocaine use was significantly associated with a higher VACS index (β = 1.00, p = 2.7E−04), and cocaine use increased the risk of 10-year mortality (hazard ratio = 1.10, p = 0.011) with adjustment for confounding factors. Fifteen candidate mediator CpGs were selected from the EWA scan. Twelve of these CpGs showed significant mediation effects, with each explaining 11.3–29.5% of the variation. The mediation effects for 3 of the 12 CpGs were validated by the two-step epigenetic MR analysis. The joint mediation effect of the 12 CpGs accounted for 47.2% of cocaine’s effect on HIV severity. Genes harboring these 12 CpGs are involved in the antiviral response (IFIT3, IFITM1, NLRC5, PLSCR1, PARP9) and HIV progression (CX3CR1, MX1).

Conclusions

We identified 12 DNA methylation CpG sites that appear to play a mediation role in the association between cocaine use and HIV severity.

Recent US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Activities to Reduce HIV Stigma

HIV stigma affects many persons living with HIV in the United States, and reducing stigma is central to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) mission to promote health and prevent HIV transmission. To this end, CDC funds and implements programmatic activities, research, communication campaigns, and monitoring through data collection and public health surveillance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded programs have developed promising interventions and educational materials for reducing HIV stigma. Research conducted by CDC staff and their collaborators have made important contributions to the scientific literature on stigma, which have informed current CDC programmatic efforts, including public education activities and social marketing campaigns. By monitoring HIV stigma in multiple populations, CDC can evaluate the population-level effectiveness of stigma-reduction efforts and identify key populations in need of support and intervention. This article describes these and other recent CDC efforts to address HIV stigma, and discusses new strategies with the potential to further reduce stigma.

A Pilot Intervention Trial to Promote Sexual Health and Stress Management Among HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience HIV disparities. This study pilot-tested a two session, group-delivered intervention to promote sexual health and stress management skills for HIV-infected MSM. Participants (N = 80) were randomized to an immediate or delayed intervention condition. Analyses of covariance examined intervention efficacy. Compared to the delayed condition, intervention condition participants reported: greater HIV transmission knowledge (p < .001), higher HIV disclosure self-efficacy (p = .004), stronger intentions to refuse unprotected sex (p = .05), decreased frequency of unprotected anal or oral sex (p = .03), decreased perceived stress levels (p = .03), and higher coping self-efficacy (p = .003). Differences in the number of unprotected anal sex episodes, condom attitudes, and level of social support did not differ between conditions. Findings provide evidence of intervention acceptability and suggest the brief intervention may enhance stress management skills and modify sexual risk behavior antecedents for HIV-infected MSM.

Opportunities for HIV Prevention Communication During Sexual Encounters with Black Men Who Have Sex with Men

Conversations about HIV prevention before engaging in sex may result in safer sex practices and decreased HIV transmission. However, partner communication for HIV prevention has been understudied among black/African American men who have sex with men (BMSM), a group that is disproportionately affected by HIV. We explored and described encounters and perceptions about HIV prevention conversations among BMSM and their sex partner(s) in New York City. We conducted an inductive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with BMSM who reported sex with a man in the previous 3 months. Interviews were professionally transcribed; Nvivo was used for data analysis. Twenty-two BMSM were included in this analysis; median age = 29.1 years; 71.4% self-identified as MSM; 85.7% were ever HIV tested; and 52.6% reported no disclosure or discussion about HIV status with their previous sex partner. The main themes were: (1) missed opportunities for HIV prevention conversations (e.g., no HIV prevention conversations or HIV prevention conversations after sex had occurred); (2) barriers to HIV prevention conversations (e.g., being in the moment; not wanting to pause); (3) emotional thoughts after sex (e.g., feeling worried about possible HIV exposure); and (4) rethinking relationships and sexual health (e.g., changed sex practices by asking partners' HIV status before sex; started using condoms). These findings offer insight into HIV prevention conversations by BMSM around the time of or during sexual encounters and may inform and strengthen partner-level HIV prevention communication interventions for BMSM.

Incidence of syphilis seroconversion among HIV-infected persons in Asia: results from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database

INTRODUCTION

Outbreaks of syphilis have been described among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in Western communities, whereas reports in Asian countries are limited. We aimed to characterize the incidence and temporal trends of syphilis among HIV-infected MSM compared with HIV-infected non-MSM in Asian countries.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database cohort and with a negative non-treponemal test since enrolment were analyzed. Incidence of syphilis seroconversion, defined as a positive non-treponemal test after previously testing negative, was evaluated among patients at sites performing non-treponemal tests at least annually. Factors associated with syphilis seroconversion were investigated at sites doing non-treponemal testing in all new patients and subsequently testing routinely or when patients were suspected of having syphilis.

RESULTS

We included 1010 patients from five sites that performed non-treponemal tests in all new patients; those included had negative non-treponemal test results during enrolment and subsequent follow-ups. Among them, 657 patients were from three sites conducting regular non-treponemal testing. The incidence of syphilis seroconversion was 5.38/100 person-years (PY). Incidence was higher in MSM than non-MSM (7.64/100 PY vs. 2.44/100 PY, p<0.001). Among MSM, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for every additional year from 2009 was 1.19 (p=0.051). MSM status (IRR 3.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.88-6.47), past syphilis diagnosis (IRR 5.15, 95% CI 3.69-7.17) and younger age (IRR 0.84 for every additional 10 years, 95% CI 0.706-0.997) were significantly associated with syphilis seroconversion.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a higher incidence of syphilis seroconversion among HIV-infected MSM and a trend to increasing annual incidence. Regular screening for syphilis and targeted interventions to limit transmission are needed in this population.

Correlates of Seroadaptation Strategies Among Black Men Who have Sex with Men (MSM) in 4 US Cities

We assessed associations of demographic, psychosocial, and substance use factors with seroadaptation strategies among 835 BMSM in four US cities. Seroadaptation strategies were practiced by 59.8 % of men, with 10.5 % practicing 100 % condom use, 26.5 % serosorting, 7.2 % condom serosorting, and 15.6 % seropositioning. In multivariable analyses, compared to men who used no seroadaptation strategies, serosorters were older, were less likely to be HIV infected, had fewer male sex partners, and had higher levels of social support and sexual self-efficacy. Condom serosorters had less psychological distress, were more likely to use methamphetamine, and had higher levels of sexual self-efficacy. Seropositioners were older, were less likely to be HIV infected, to have a main partner, and report alcohol/drug use with sex, while having higher levels of sexual self-efficacy. Seroadaptation practices among BMSM need to be considered to address perceived safer sex strategies and strengthen access to a broader reach of culturally-relevant prevention efforts.

A scoping review of unintended harm associated with public health interventions: towards a typology and an understanding of underlying factors

OBJECTIVES

Unintended harm theory as related to public health interventions (PHI) is under developed, with harm evaluation and reporting often absent or incomplete. This review presents a typology for, and underlying factors linked to, PHI-associated unintended harm.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted electronically and includes articles from 1992 to June of 2013. Out of 2,490 originally identified titles, 26 full-text articles were included that discussed unintended harm associated with PHI. An iterative data analysis process was utilized to identify both a typology and underlying factors associated with unintended harm.

RESULTS

A typology of PHI-associated unintended harm was identified: (1) physical; (2) psychosocial; (3) economic; (4) cultural and (5) environmental. Five underlying factors associated with PHI unintended harm emerged: (1) limited and/or poor quality evidence; (2) prevention of one extreme leads to another (boomerang effects); (3) lack of community engagement; (4) ignoring root causes; and (5) higher-income country PHI implementation in a lower- or middle-income country.

CONCLUSIONS

PHI planning and evaluation frameworks may benefit from the consideration and potential incorporation of the unintended harm typology and underlying factors.

Syndemic and other risk factors for unprotected anal intercourse among an online sample of Belgian HIV negative men who have sex with men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are confronted with different health problems. Next to a higher HIV prevalence and a higher reporting of depressive symptoms and other mental health problems, there is also evidence of substance dependence and sexual compulsivity occurring simultaneously. Using a sample of 591 HIV-negative Belgian MSM, we examine the relationships between depressive symptoms and other risk factors of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) practice with casual partners. These risk factors include depressive symptoms, sexual behavioural indicators, individual risk perception of UAI, intrapersonal factors measured by the sexual sensation seeking scale, substance use, sources of social support and social norming regarding condom use and finally the location where or media through which men find sex partners. Our findings show that multifactorial, intertwined factors contribute to the explanation of UAI among MSM at risk for HIV infection. These findings underline the need for an integrated sexual health approach for MSM.

International mobility, sexual behaviour and HIV-related characteristics of men who have sex with men residing in Belgium

Background

European men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionally affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Several factors are contributing to the rates of new HIV infections among MSM. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of travel behaviour and sexual mobility in the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) among European MSM.

Methods

Belgian data from the first pan-European MSM internet survey EMIS was used (n=3860) to explore individual and contextual determinants of sexual behaviour among MSM, who resided in Belgium at the time of data collection and who reported having had sexual contact abroad in the last 12 months. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by means of logistic regression.

Results

MSM who practiced unprotected anal intercourse UAI during their last sexual encounter abroad were less likely to be living in a large city (OR:0.62, 95% CI:0.45-0,86, p<0.01) and more likely to be HIV positive (OR:6.20, 95% CI:4.23-9.06, p<0.001) ), to have tested HIV positive in the last 12 months (OR:3.07, 95% CI:1.07-8.80, p<0.05), to have been diagnosed with any STI in the last 12 months (OR:2.55; 95% CI:1.77-3.67, p<0.05), to have used party drugs (OR:2.22, 95% CI:1.59-3.09, p<0.001), poppers (OR:1.52, 95% CI:1.07-2.14, p<0.001) and erection enhancing substances (OR:2.23, 95% CI:1.61-3.09, p<0.001) compared to MSM who did not have UAI with their last sexual partner abroad. Men having had UAI in the last 12 months were more likely to have done so in a neighbouring country of Belgium (OR:1.66, 95% CI:1.21-2.29, p<0.001). Different sexual behavioural patterns related to condom use and drug use were identified according to HIV test status among travelling men.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide evidence for the role of international mobility and sexual behavior while travelling, in the spread of HIV and STI among MSM in Europe. Further, the findings underline the need for development of European cross-border HIV and STI interventions with coherent messages and prevention policies for MSM.

When 'raw sex' turns to a 'raw deal' … taking the opportunity to think about sex? Interviews with HIV-positive gay men diagnosed with acute hepatitis C

Since 2001, cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) sexual transmission have been reported in France, among HIV-positive gay men who do not inject drugs. An earlier study focused on the incidence of acute hepatitis C and risk factors associated with HCV transmission. The present study, based on in-depth interviews, aimed to highlight the biography, the sexual practices and the experiences of gay men infected with HCV. Beyond an apparent uniformity, the group of interviewees illustrates a variety of situations, life stories and health pathways, depending on their age. These well-adjusted gay men were used to engaging in unprotected sexual practices, but before their diagnosis they largely ignored HCV-transmission risk, which was associated in their mind with a pejorative drug addict image. Once diagnosed with acute hepatitis C, they experienced a critical and emotional period during which they were open to discuss their sexual practices and reconsider risk-reduction procedures, without being willing to give up on their satisfying sex life. Health educators should consider labelling hepatitis C as an STI in order to disrupt its negative image and to help HIV-positive gay man raise their awareness of HCV-transmission risks and implement better risk-reduction strategies.

HIV-infected men who have sex with men who engage in very high levels of transmission risk behaviors: establishing a context for novel prevention interventions

Men who have sex with men (MSM) comprise the largest risk group of individuals living with HIV in the USA and have the highest rates of new infections. A minority of HIV-infected MSM engage in unprotected anal intercourse after learning about their infection, potentially transmitting the virus to others. The current study sought to generate self-generated descriptive themes, from a group of HIV-infected MSM who reported high rates of sexual transmission risk behavior that may be relevant for understanding sexual risk in this group. Five descriptive themes emerged during content analysis: (a) serostatus attribution, (b) assumption of sexual partner's responsibility for safer sex, (c) sexual sensation seeking, (d) ongoing substance use, and (e) dissatisfaction with current relationships. Traditional HIV transmission risk reduction interventions that have been known to have only modest effects should be augmented by developing HIV prevention strategies for this subgroup of MSM to address these salient themes.

Risk reduction practices in men who have sex with men in Switzerland: serosorting, strategic positioning, and withdrawal before ejaculation

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of intentional use of the HIV risk reduction practices of serosorting, strategic positioning, and withdrawal before ejaculation during unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with casual partners. A cross-sectional survey pertaining to the Swiss HIV behavioral surveillance system, using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, was conducted in 2007 in a self-selected sample of men having sex with other men (MSM). Analysis was restricted to participants with UAI with casual partner(s) (N = 410). Logistic regression was used to estimate factors associated with intentional use of serosorting, strategic positioning, and withdrawal before ejaculation. In the previous 12 months, 71% of participants reported having UAI with a casual partner of different or unknown HIV-status. Of these, 47% reported practicing withdrawal, 38% serosorting, and 25% strategic positioning. In the 319 participants with known HIV-status, serosorting was associated with frequent Internet use to find partners (OR = 2.32), STI (OR = 2.07), and HIV testing in the past 12 months (OR = 1.81). Strategic positioning was associated with HIV-status (OR = 0.13) and having UAI with a partner of different or unknown HIV-status (OR = 3.57). Withdrawal was more frequently practiced by HIV-negative participants or participants reporting high numbers of sexual partners (OR = 2.48) and having UAI with a partner of unknown or different serostatus (OR = 2.08). Risk reduction practices are widely used by MSM, each practice having its own specificities. Further research is needed to determine the contextual factors surrounding harm reduction practices, particularly the strategic or opportunistic nature of their use.

What HIV-positive MSM want from sexual risk reduction interventions: findings from a qualitative study

To facilitate the development of a tailored intervention that meets the needs of HIV-positive men who have sex with men (HIV-positive MSM), we conducted formative research with 52 HIV-positive MSM. We sought to (a) identify major barriers to consistent condom use, (b) characterize their interest in sexual risk reduction interventions, and (c) elicit feedback regarding optimal intervention format. Men identified several key barriers to consistent condom use, including treatment optimism, lessened support for safer sex in the broader gay community, challenges communicating with partners, and concerns about stigmatization following serostatus disclosure. Many men expressed an interest in health promotion programming, but did not want to participate in an intervention focusing exclusively on safer sex. Instead, they preferred a supportive group intervention that addresses other coping challenges as well as sexual risk reduction. Study results reveal important considerations for the development of appealing and efficacious risk reduction interventions for HIV-positive MSM.

Secondary HIV prevention: novel intervention approaches to impact populations most at risk

This paper reviews recent secondary prevention interventions designed to reduce sexual risk behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). A summary of findings from previous meta-analyses and narrative reviews of interventions is provided. Next, novel HIV prevention approaches for PLWHA are reviewed. The review reports on the efficacy of interventions delivered in primary care settings or by technology-formats, interventions that also address mental health difficulties, and programs to address particular at-risk populations (eg, men who have sex with men). A critique of recent interventions for people living with HIV/AIDS is provided as well as suggestions for future research.

hivstigma.com, an innovative web-supported stigma reduction intervention for gay and bisexual men

An intervention to address stigma directed toward HIV-positive men and to enhance the sexual health of gay and bisexual men was developed through a community-based process involving HIV prevention workers, public health, government and researchers. The intervention aimed to diminish stigma, create greater support for HIV-positive men, make disclosure safer and easier, discourage reliance on disclosure to prevent transmission and encourage testing. The question, 'If you were rejected every time you disclosed, would you?' was widely disseminated in the gay community and supported by the Web site, hivstigma.com, to encourage participation in blog-based discussions. Eight bloggers moderated lively discussions over 5 months. There were 20 844 unique visitors to the site averaging more than 5 min each; 4384 visitors returned more than 10 times. About 1,942 men answered a pre-test survey on a popular gay dating site and 1791, a post-test evaluation. Results show a statistically significant shift among those aware of the intervention toward reduced stigma-related attitudes and behaviors and toward recognition that HIV-positive gay men face stigma in the gay community and that stigma reduces the likelihood of HIV disclosure.

Sexual risk taking and club drug use across three age cohorts of HIV-positive gay and bisexual men in New York City

This study examined club drug use (i.e., cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate [GHB], and methamphetamine) and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in an ethnically and racially diverse sample of 166 New York City-based seropositive, club drug-using, gay and bisexual men, ages 19-61, and considered these behaviors in relation to age category (20s, 30s, and 40 +) and number of years living with HIV. Club drug use was common across all age categories, with differences arising only in the type of club drug used. Multivariate logistic regression modeling indicated older participants (30s and 40 +) were more likely to use cocaine and methamphetamine and less likely to use GHB and ketamine than those in their 20s. We examined UAI with casual partners in relation to age category, the number of years living with HIV, and club drug use. The likelihood of engaging in UAI with seronegative casual partners was greater among those in their 20s than those in their 30s or 40+. Further, participants were equally likely to engage in unprotected receptive anal intercourse and unprotected insertive anal intercourse with each casual partner serostatus type. With regard to number of years living with HIV, those living longer with the disease were more likely to report UAI with casual partners with a seropositive status than with a negative or unknown serostatus. Our findings suggest that UAI and club drug use is common among seropositive gay and bisexual men regardless of age category, but that differential patterns of risk emerge in relation to the number of years one has been living with HIV and age. These findings are of significance as both the aging population of seropositive gay and bisexual men and HIV infection rates continue to grow, and demonstrate a need for differentiated and tailored prevention strategies across the age continuum.

The Treatment Advocacy Program: a randomized controlled trial of a peer-led safer sex intervention for HIV-infected men who have sex with men

OBJECTIVE

Primary care may be an effective venue for delivering behavioral interventions for sexual safety among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM); however, few studies show efficacy for such an approach. We tested the efficacy of the Treatment Advocacy Program (TAP), a 4-session, primary-care-based, individual counseling intervention led by HIV-positive MSM "peer advocates" in reducing unprotected sex with HIV-negative or unknown partners (HIV transmission risk).

METHOD

We randomized 313 HIV-positive MSM to TAP or standard care. HIV transmission risk was assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months (251 participants completed all study waves). We conducted intent-to-treat analyses using general estimating equations to test the interaction of group (TAP vs. standard care) by follow-up period.

RESULTS

At study completion, TAP participants reported greater transmission risk reduction than did those receiving standard care, χ2(2, N = 249) = 6.6, p = .04. Transmission risk among TAP participants decreased from 34% at baseline to about 20% at both 6 and 12 months: Transmission risk ranged from 23% to 25% among comparison participants.

CONCLUSIONS

TAP reduced transmission risk among HIV-positive MSM, although results are modest. Many participants and peer advocates commented favorably on the computer structure of the program. We feel that the key elements of TAP-computer-based and individually tailored session content, delivered by peers, in the primary care setting-warrant further exploration.

Comparison of substance use and risky sexual behavior among a diverse sample of urban, HIV-positive men who have sex with men

The purpose of this study was to examine substance use among a racially and ethnically diverse group of HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) living in six U.S. cities, model associations between drug use and serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse (SDUAI), and characterize users of the substances strongly associated with risky sexual behavior. Baseline questionnaire data from 675 participants of the Positive Connections intervention trial were analyzed. Overall, substance use was common; however, the highest percentage of stimulant (30%), methamphetamine (27%), and popper (i.e., amyl nitrite) (46%) use was reported among white MSM and crack/cocaine (38%) use was highest among African American MSM. Popper use versus non-use (odds ratio = 2.46; 95% confidence interval = 1.55-3.94) and condom self-efficacy (1 standard deviation (sd) increase on scale; odds ratio = .58; 95% confidence interval = .46-.73) were significantly associated with SDUAI after adjusting for key demographic and psychosocial factors. These results highlight the importance of addressing drug use in the context of sex for possible HIV transmission risk.

Implementing packaged HIV-prevention interventions for HIV-positive individuals: considerations for clinic-based and community-based interventions

Providing efficacious human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention services to HIV-positive individuals is an appropriate strategy to reduce new infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified interventions with evidence of efficacy for prevention with positives (PwP). Through its process of disseminating evidence-based interventions (EBIs), CDC has attempted to diffuse four of these interventions into practice. One of these interventions has been diffused to community-based organizations, whereas another has been diffused to medical clinics serving HIV-positive people. A third intervention was originally developed with HIV-positive individuals using methadone, but uptake by methadone clinics has not occurred. A fourth intervention for HIV-positive adolescents and young adults has had disappointing adoption levels. Unique implementation challenges have been encountered in various intervention settings. Lessons learned in the dissemination of the first four PwP interventions will facilitate implementation of three new PwP EBIs currently being packaged for dissemination.

Audience reactions and receptivity to HIV prevention message concepts for people living with HIV

This study measured audience reactions and receptivity to five draft HIV prevention messages developed for people living with HIV (PLWH) to inform future HIV message choice and audience targeting decisions. Our premise was that message concepts that receive wide audience appeal constitute a strong starting point for designing future HIV prevention messages, program activities, and health communication and marketing campaigns for PLWH. The majority of participants indicated agreement with evaluative statements that expressed favorable attitudes toward all five of the message concepts we evaluated. Participants gave the lowest approval to the message promoting sero-sorting. Sociodemographic characteristics played less of a role in predicting differences in message perceptions than attitudes, beliefs and sexual behavior. The general appeal for these messages is encouraging given that messages were expressed in plain text without the support of other creative elements that are commonly used in message execution. These results confirm the utility of systematic efforts to generate and screen message concepts prior to large-scale testing.

Reducing sexual risk behaviors and alcohol use among HIV-positive men who have sex with men: a randomized clinical trial

This randomized clinical trial (N = 253) evaluated the efficacy of a theory-based intervention designed to reduce both alcohol use and incidence of unprotected sexual behaviors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men with alcohol use disorders. An integrated, manualized intervention, using both individual counseling and peer group education/support, was compared with a control condition in which participants received resource referrals. The intervention was based on the transtheoretical model's stages and processes of change, and motivational interviewing was used to enhance client readiness for change. Major findings include treatment effects for reduction in number of drinks per 30-day period, number of heavy drinking days per 30-day period, and number of days on which both heavy drinking and unprotected sex occurred. Practitioners employing this intervention may achieve enhanced client outcomes in reduction of both alcohol use and risky sexual behavior.

Epidemiology of Hepatitis B virus infection in a US cohort of HIV-infected individuals during the past 20 years

BACKGROUND

The epidemiologic trends of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients over the past 20 years are largely unknown.

METHODS

Prevalence and risk factors for HBV infection overall, at the time of HIV infection, and after HIV infection were examined in an ongoing observational HIV cohort study. Risk factors for HBV infection at the time of diagnosis of HIV infection were evaluated using logistic regression, and risk of incident HBV infection after diagnosis of HIV infection was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Of the 2769 evaluable participants, 1078 (39%) had HBV infection, of whom 117 (11%) had chronic HBV infection. The yearly cross-sectional prevalence of HBV infection decreased from a peak of 49% in 1995 to 36% in 2008 (P < .001). The prevalence of HBV infection at the time of diagnosis of HIV infection decreased during 1989-2008 from 34% to 9% (P < .001). The incidence of HBV infection after diagnosis of HIV infection decreased from 4.0 cases per 100 person-years during the pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era to 1.1 cases per 100 person-years during the HAART era (P < .001); however, this incidence remained unchanged during 2000-2008 (P = .49), with >20% of HBV infections occurring after HIV infection being chronic. Decreased risk of HBV infection after diagnosis of HIV infection was associated with higher CD4 cell count and the use of HBV-active HAART. Receipt of 1 dose of HBV vaccine was not associated with reduced risk of HBV infection after diagnosis of HIV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the burden of HBV infection overall is slowly decreasing among HIV-infected individuals, the persistent rate of HBV infection after diagnosis of HIV infection raises concern that more-effective prevention strategies may be needed to significantly reduce the prevalence of HBV infection in this patient population.

How do social norms impact HIV sexual risk behavior in HIV-positive men who have sex with men?: multiple mediator effects

This study examines mediation of the association between social norms and unsafe sexual behavior. Self-report data were collected from 675 HIV-infected men enrolled in a study exploring interventions for HIV risk behavior. Unsafe sex included any unprotected anal sex with HIV-negative or HIV status unknown partners in the last three months. Norms for condom use indirectly influenced unsafe sex through condom self-efficacy and/or safer sex intentions. Additionally, sexual behavior discontrol influenced unsafe sex regardless of other individual or social factors. Our results suggest that interventions consider the combined effects of condom self-efficacy, safer sex intentions and sexual behavior control.

Prevention options for positives: the effects of a health communication intervention for men who have sex with men living with HIV/AIDS

This article reports the results of a small-scale quasi-experiment that tested the efficacy of the Prevention Options for Positives intervention. The experiment tested for the outcomes of group sessions combined with individual-level counseling (ILC) versus ILC-only for men who have sex with men who are HIV positive. Both arms of the intervention were based on behavior change theory and dealt specifically with communication outcomes. The results indicate that the group- and individual-level interventions combined have a greater impact on risk communication behaviors with main partners than did the ILC-only sessions. group-session/ILC participants were more likely to decide not to have sex if they were drunk or high, and more likely to tell their partner and ask their partner about HIV status than were participants in the ILC groups. Knowledge about HIV was relatively high, and there was little change across groups. The Prevention Options for Positives intervention influenced the relative importance of various referent groups, but normative beliefs were not affected. The implications of these findings for communication practice and research with HIV-positive men who have sex with men are addressed.

Psychosocial predictors of sexual HIV transmission risk behavior among HIV-positive adults with a sexual abuse history in childhood

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with HIV sexual risk behavior. Although many psychosocial correlates of sexual risk among HIV-positive persons have been identified, studies predicting continued risk among HIV-positive adults with histories of CSA are limited. This cross-sectional study identified variables predictive of sexual transmission risk behavior among an ethnically diverse sample of 256 HIV-positive adults (women and men who have sex with men; MSM) with CSA histories. Participants were assessed for trauma symptoms, shame related to HIV and sexual trauma, substance use, coping style, and sexual risk behavior. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify variables predictive of unprotected sexual behavior in the past 4 months. Unprotected sex was significantly associated with substance use and trauma-related behavioral difficulties among women and men, and less spiritual coping among men. Unprotected sex with HIV negative or serostatus unknown partners was significantly associated with greater trauma-related behavioral difficulties, more HIV-related shame, and fewer active coping strategies. Thus, trauma symptoms, shame, coping style, and substance use were significantly associated with sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive adults with histories of CSA, with models of prediction differing by gender and partner serostatus. HIV prevention intervention for persons with HIV and CSA histories should address trauma-related behavioral difficulties and enhance coping skills to reduce sexual transmission risk behavior.

Mucosal immunity and protection against HIV/SIV infection: strategies and challenges for vaccine design

To date, most HIV vaccine strategies have focused on parenteral immunization and systemic immunity. These approaches have not yielded the efficacious HIV vaccine urgently needed to control the AIDS pandemic. As HIV is primarily mucosally transmitted, efforts are being re-focused on mucosal vaccine strategies, in spite of complexities of immune response induction and evaluation. Here, we outline issues in mucosal vaccine design and illustrate strategies with examples from the recent literature. Development of a successful HIV vaccine will require in-depth understanding of the mucosal immune system, knowledge that ultimately will benefit vaccine design for all mucosally transmitted infectious agents.

The virus stops with me: HIV-infected Ugandans' motivations in preventing HIV transmission

Few Positive Prevention interventions have been implemented in Africa; however, greater attention is now being paid to interventions that include messages of personal responsibility or altruism that may motivate HIV-infected individuals towards HIV prevention behaviors in Africa. We conducted 47 in-depth interviews in 2004 with HIV-infected men and women purposefully sampled to represent a range of sexual activities among clients of an AIDS support organization in Uganda. Qualitative interviews were selected from a cross-sectional survey of 1092 HIV-infected men and women. Clients were interviewed about their concerns around sexual HIV transmission, feelings of responsibility and reasons for these feelings, as well as about the challenges and consequences of actions to prevent HIV transmission. The reasons they provided for their sense of prevention responsibility revolved around ethical and practical themes. Responsibility toward sexual partners was linked to the belief that conscious transmission of HIV equals murder, would cause physical and emotional harm, and would leave children orphaned. The primary reason specific to preventing HIV transmission to unborn children was the perception that they are 'innocent'. Most participants felt that HIV-infected individuals held a greater responsibility for preventing HIV transmission than did HIV-uninfected individuals. Respondents reported that their sense of responsibility lead them to reduce HIV transmission risk, encourage partner testing, disclose HIV test results, and assume an HIV/AIDS educator role. Challenges to HIV preventive behavior and altruistic intentions included: sexual desire; inconsistent condom use, especially in long term relationships; myths around condom use; fear of disclosure; gender-power dynamics; and social and financial pressure. Our finding that altruism played an important role in motivating preventive behaviors among HIV-infected persons in Uganda supports the inclusion of altruistic prevention and counseling messages within Positive Prevention interventions.

HIV prevention altruism and sexual risk behavior in HIV-positive men who have sex with men

An understanding of men's motivations to avoid risk behavior is needed to create efficacious HIV prevention programs for HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). This study investigates the relationship between sexual risk behavior and HIV prevention altruism, which is defined as the values, motivations, and practices of caretaking towards one's sexual partners to prevent the transmission of HIV. In a sample of 637 HIV-positive MSM, HIV prevention altruism significantly protects against serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse (SDUAI) in crude analysis, but not after adjustment for drug use and compulsive sexual behavior. HIV prevention altruism is also related to not engaging in anal intercourse, but is not related to serodisclosure to secondary partners. Lack of altruism appears related to sexual risk behavior in HIV-positive MSM, although other psychological and contextual factors play significant roles. The promotion of HIV prevention altruism may provide a formidable new direction for HIV prevention programs.

Predictors of HIV disclosure to secondary partners and sexual risk behavior among a high-risk sample of HIV-positive MSM: results from six epicenters in the US

This study sought to identify predictors of HIV disclosure and serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse (SDUAI) among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Between January 2005 and April 2006, 675 HIV-positive MSM were recruited into the Positive Connections intervention trial held in six US cities with intentional over-sampling of HIV-positive MSM of Color (74%) and men engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the previous year. Baseline survey data showed 30 and 31%, respectively, of participants disclosed to none or some of their secondary sex partners in the last 90 days. Greater disclosure to secondary partners was associated with having fewer sexual partners, being extremely out as MSM, longer HIV diagnosis, knowledge of CD4 count, detectable viral load and being white. Disclosure to all secondary partners was associated with lower SDUAI. Recommendations for prevention for HIV-positive MSM include the promotion of serodisclosure to all secondary partners and increasing comfort with, and outness about, one's sexuality.

A cluster analysis of drug use and sexual HIV risks and their correlates in a sample of African-American crack cocaine smokers with HIV infection

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to classify a sample of HIV-seropositive African-American crack cocaine smokers into homogenous HIV drug use and sexual risk groups using a two step multivariate cluster analysis. Two hundred and fifty-eight crack cocaine smokers participated in the study. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct HIV risk groups. The highest risk group, the largest one, was characterized by frequent, daily crack use, multiple sex partners, trading sex, and inconsistent condom use. The consistent condom use group, the smallest group, was characterized by consistent condom use. The inconsistent condom use group, the second largest group, was distinguished by inconsistent condom use. Comparisons of the three HIV risk groups revealed that the highest risk group had a higher proportion of illegal sources of income, higher proportion of binged crack use, frequent, daily, alcohol use, same gender sex partners, and scored higher on depressive symptoms. Members of the consistent condom use group were more likely to have been HIV diagnosed for a shorter time, to have HIV serodiscordant casual sex partners, higher psychological motivation for condom use, and a lower frequency of vaginal sex. Members of the inconsistent condom use group were more likely to have a main sex partner, to be married, to be on public assistance, to know the HIV serostatus of their casual partner, and less likely to conceal their HIV serostatus. An alarming finding was that a large number of participants inconsistently used condoms with HIV serodiscordant sex partners. Interventions aiming to prevent the secondary spread of HIV infection in African-American crack cocaine smokers should take this variability in account and focus on the differences.

An investigation of a personal norm of condom-use responsibility among African American crack cocaine smokers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the unique contribution of a personal norm of condom-use responsibility to the formation of intentions to use male condoms during vaginal sex. Data were collected from 402 male and 157 female heterosexual African American crack cocaine smokers in Houston, Texas, US. Two structural equation models of the intention to use a condom with the last sex partner were estimated. One model included measures of condom-use attitudes, subjective norms and condom-use self-efficacy. A second model included these three measures and a fourth measure of a personal norm of condom-use responsibility. Separate models were estimated for men and women. The addition of a personal norm of condom-use responsibility provided a significantly better fit to the data than did models including only outcome expectations, subjective norms and self-efficacy. Results also showed distinctly different underlying cognitive structures of condom-use intention for men and women. A personal norm of condom-use responsibility had a strong direct effect on men's intentions to use condoms with the last sex partner. Other variables appeared to have no direct effect on men's intentions. Women's intentions were strongly influenced by a personal norm and social subjective norms. Situational self-efficacy and outcome expectations had weaker, yet significant, effects on women's intentions. Given the strong effect of personal norms on men's intentions to use condoms, further research should be undertaken.

HIV, AIDS, and sexuality

The purpose of this article is to outline information about people who live with HIV and AIDS and provide nurses with information on how to provide high-quality care for these patients related to sexuality and intimacy. This care is provided through a discussion of relationships, sexuality and sexual health, gender perceptions about sexuality, sexual needs and difficulties, and nursing assessment and intervention strategies.

Are feelings of responsibility to limit the sexual transmission of HIV associated with safer sex among HIV-positive injection drug users?

We developed a scale among HIV-positive injection drug users (IDUs) to measure self-perceived responsibility to limit HIV transmission during sex. We describe the characteristics of HIV-positive IDUs (n=1114, 62% male, HIV-positive for 9 years on average) who felt responsible for protecting their sexual partners from HIV and evaluated whether such feelings were associated with safer sexual practices. Using this scale (Cronbach alpha=0.83) and audio computer-assisted self-interviewing technology, 75% of this sample felt responsible for protecting their sexual partners from HIV. In cross-sectional multivariate analysis, HIV-positive IDUs who felt responsible were those with greater HIV knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.74 [1.26 to 2.40]), perceived social support (1.77 [1.28 to 2.44]), self-efficacy for safely injecting (1.41 [1.02 to 1.94]), and self-efficacy for using condoms (1.92 [1.38 to 2.68]). Feeling responsible was associated with having relatively fewer sex partners (<10 vs. >or=10, 0.57 [0.34 to 0.96]) and a lower odds of unprotected sex (0.63 [0.45 to 0.89]) but was not associated with safer injection practices. Feelings of responsibility did not vary by demographic characteristics, suggesting that prevention messages that encourage HIV-positive people to play a role in curbing HIV transmission may be acceptable to many HIV-positive IDUs. Working with HIV-positive IDUs to increase or reinforce feelings of responsibility may reduce the sexual transmission of HIV.

Beliefs about personal and partner responsibility among HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men: measurement and association with transmission risk behavior

Beliefs of people living with HIV about their own responsibility for preventing HIV transmission (personal responsibility) and their sex partners' responsibility for protecting themselves (partner responsibility) are poorly understood. A sample of 1163 HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men (MSM; 55% men of color) completed an A-CASI assessment of sexual behavior and psychosocial measures. A two-dimensional model that represents four orientations toward responsibility was tested: (1) self-high personal and low partner responsibility, (2) other-low personal and high partner responsibility, (3) shared-high personal and high partner responsibility, and (4) diminished-low personal and low partner responsibility. As predicted, the self-responsibility group demonstrated the lowest risk of HIV transmission; the other responsibility group had the highest risk. Intermediate risk was observed in the shared and diminished responsibility groups. Implications for future research and HIV prevention efforts are discussed.

Ongoing risk behavior among persons with HIV in medical care

We surveyed randomly selected patients in the largest HIV clinic in Seattle, WA in 2005 and 2006. A total of 397 patients completed usable surveys. Twenty-seven percent of men who have sex with men (MSM) and 22% of women or heterosexual men reported having non-concordant unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse in the preceding year. Compared to 2005, more MSM in 2006 reported meeting a sex partner via the Internet (15% vs. 33%), and fewer met partners in bathhouses (23% vs. 13%). Twenty-four percent of MSM reported deciding not to have sex with a potential partner because he was HIV negative, and 31% of MSM reported that another man had decided not to have sex with them because they were HIV positive. Among all participants, 22% had told a sex partner they were HIV negative since their HIV diagnosis. These findings demonstrate the persistence of high-risk behavior among persons with HIV, a rapid increase in the use of the Internet among MSM to find sex partners, and provide direct evidence for serosorting among MSM.

Probability Sample Estimates of Bathhouse Sexual Risk Behavior

OBJECTIVE

Previous research links high rates of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with men who go to bathhouses; however, the literature provides no prevalence estimates. An exit survey of a probability sample was conducted to describe the prevalence of risk activity at the bathhouse.

METHODS

Data are from a 2-stage probability sample of men exiting a gay bathhouse (n = 400).

RESULTS

During their visit, 91.5% of men had oral sex and 44.2% had anal sex (11.1% reported UAI and 5.5% reported unprotected receptive anal intercourse). In the prior 3 months, 85% reported having anal sex, which was more likely to be unprotected when it occurred in a private home or hotel as opposed to a public setting (P < 0.001). Moreover, having UAI at home was a significant correlate of risk during the bathhouse visit (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Most men at the bathhouse engaged in oral sex rather than anal sex, and most anal sex included use of condoms. Furthermore, men were more likely to have UAI in a private home than in any public setting. The bathhouse seems to have facilitated condom use when anal sex occurred on-site.

Disclosure of HIV serostatus to sex partners in rural Louisiana

To examine correlates of HIV disclosure, a convenience sample of 273 HIV-infected persons throughout rural Louisiana were interviewed. Disclosure to sexual partners at time of initial HIV-positive diagnosis and the time of the study interview was ascertained (an average of 5.76 years later). The prevalence of disclosure to past and current sex partners was 57.2% and 80.7% respectively. Those who reinitiated sex with their partner since testing positive for HIV and those who received partner notification were more likely to disclose to past partners. Non-African Americans and those with only one partner were more likely to disclose to present sex partners. Much like urban settings, disclosure is not universal, and interventions such as disclosure skills building and/or ongoing partner notification services may be needed to facilitate disclosure.

Prevention with HIV-infected men: recommendations for practice and research

In the United States in 2004, 74% of the new AIDS cases and 70% of the new HIV cases were in men; in addition, 75% of the cases of HIV in women were classified as heterosexually acquired. These numbers make it clear that expanded prevention efforts for men who are infected with HIV would make a large contribution to containing the epidemic. This report explores epidemiologic and psychosocial issues related to prevention in men with HIV and compares how those variables relate to prevention efforts. The report ends with a discussion of a method to approach HIV risk reduction in clinical care settings.