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Kamitani E, Higa DH, Crepaz N, Wichser M, Mullins MM. Identifying Best Practices for Increasing HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Use and Persistence in the United States: A Systematic Review. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2340-2349. [PMID: 38743381 PMCID: PMC11199112 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04332-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] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
A qualitative systematic review was conducted to evaluate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) interventions, describe characteristics of best practices for increasing PrEP use and persistence, and explore research gaps based on current PrEP interventions. We searched CDC's Prevention Research Synthesis (PRS) Project's cumulative HIV database (includes CINAHL, EMBASE, Global Health, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Sociological Abstracts) to identify PrEP intervention studies conducted in the U.S., published between 2000 and 2022 (last searched January 2023). Eligibility criteria include studies that evaluated PrEP interventions for persons testing negative for HIV infection, or for healthcare providers who prescribed PrEP; included comparisons between groups or pre/post; and reported at least one relevant PrEP outcome. Each eligible intervention was evaluated on the quality of study design, implementation, analysis, and strength of evidence (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021256460). Of the 26 eligible interventions, the majority were focused on men who have sex with men (n = 18) and reported PrEP adherence outcomes (n = 12). Nine interventions met the criteria for Best Practices (i.e., evidence-based interventions, evidence-informed interventions). Five were digital health interventions while two implemented individual counseling, one offered motivational interviewing, and one provided integrated medical care with a PrEP peer navigator. Longer intervention periods may provide more time for intervention exposure to facilitate behavioral change, and engaging the community when developing, designing and implementing interventions may be key for effectiveness. For digital health interventions, two-way messaging may help participants feel supported. Research gaps included a lack of Best Practices for several populations (e.g., Black persons, Hispanic/Latino persons, persons who inject drugs, and women of color) and evidence for various intervention strategies (e.g., interventions for promoting provider's PrEP prescription behavior, peer support). These findings call for more collaborative work with communities to develop interventions that work and implement and disseminate Best Practices for increasing PrEP use and persistence in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Kamitani
- Division of HIV Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA.
| | - Darrel H Higa
- Division of HIV Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Nicole Crepaz
- Division of HIV Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Megan Wichser
- Division of HIV Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
- SeKON Enterprise, Inc., Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Mary M Mullins
- Division of HIV Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
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Luz PM, Apelian H, Lambert G, Fourmigue A, Dvorakova M, Grace D, Lachowsky N, Hart TA, Moore DM, Skakoon-Sparling S, Cox J. HIV Treatment Optimism Moderates the Relationship between Sexual Risk Behavior and HIV Risk Perception among Urban HIV-negative Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men who have Sex With Men. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04380-5. [PMID: 38869761 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04380-5] [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: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Using baseline data of the Engage Cohort Study, a Canadian study of sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM), we evaluated the association between sexual behavior and risk perception among HIV-negative participants and whether HIV treatment optimism moderated this relationship. Participants were recruited by respondent-driven-sampling (RDS). We defined high-risk sexual behavior in the past six months as any condomless anal sex with a casual partner (i.e. not the participant's main partner) with either unknown HIV-status where neither used pre-exposure prophylaxis or with a partner living with HIV having detectable/unknown viral load. We assessed HIV treatment optimism-skepticism using a 12-item scale. RDS-II-weighted adjusted logistic regression models examined associations with risk perception measured by the question "How would you assess your current risk of getting HIV?" (response options were on a 6-point Likert-scale ranging from "very unlikely" to "very likely", dichotomized into "No Perceived Risk" (very unlikely/unlikely) and "Perceived Risk" (somewhat likely/likely/very likely/I think I already have HIV). Of 1961 participants, engagement in high-risk sexual behavior was reported by 155 (17.0%), 62 (12.4%), 128 (17.2%) of participants in Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver, respectively. High-risk sexual behavior increased the odds of perceived HIV risk (pooled adjusted odds ratio = 2.9, 95%CI = 2.2-3.8). HIV treatment optimism-skepticism scores moderated the relationship: for GBM engaging in high-risk sexual behavior, higher HIV treatment optimism-skepticism scores increased perceived HIV risk. Promoting awareness around advances related to HIV prevention and treatment is important for appropriate risk assessment and for increased engagement in prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Luz
- National Institute of Infectious Disease Evandro Chagas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil.
| | - Herak Apelian
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alain Fourmigue
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Milada Dvorakova
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan Lachowsky
- School of Public, Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shayna Skakoon-Sparling
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Psychology Department, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Dangerfield Ii DT, Anderson JN, Wylie C, Bluthenthal R, Beyrer C, Farley JE. A Multicomponent Intervention (POSSIBLE) to Improve Perceived Risk for HIV Among Black Sexual Minority Men: Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness Pilot Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e54739. [PMID: 38861707 PMCID: PMC11200034 DOI: 10.2196/54739] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is urgently needed to substantially decrease HIV incidence among Black sexual minority men. Low perceived risk for HIV (PRH) is a key unaddressed PrEP barrier for Black sexual minority men. Peers and smartphone apps are popular intervention tools to promote community health behaviors, but few studies have used these together in a multicomponent strategy. Therefore, we designed a multicomponent intervention called POSSIBLE that used an existing smartphone app called PrEPme (Emocha Mobile Health, Inc) and a peer change agent (PCA) to increase PRH as a gateway to PrEP. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to describe the feasibility and preliminary impact of POSSIBLE on PRH and willingness to accept a PrEP referral among Black sexual minority men. METHODS POSSIBLE was a theoretically guided, single-group, 2-session pilot study conducted among Black sexual minority men from Baltimore, Maryland between 2019 and 2021 (N=69). POSSIBLE integrated a PCA and the PrEPme app that allows users to self-monitor sexual risk behaviors and chat with the in-app community health worker to obtain PrEP service information. PRH was assessed using the 8-item PRH scale before and after baseline and follow-up study visits. At the end of each study visit, the PCA referred interested individuals to the community health worker to learn more about PrEP service options. RESULTS The average age of participants was 32.5 (SD 8.1, range 19-62) years. In total, 55 (80%) participants were retained for follow-up at month 1. After baseline sessions, 29 (42%) participants were willing to be referred to PrEP services, 20 (69%) of those confirmed scheduled appointments with PrEP care teams. There were no statistically significant differences in PRH between baseline and follow-up visits (t122=-1.36; P=.17). CONCLUSIONS We observed no statistically significant improvement in PRH between baseline and month 1. However, given the high retention rate and acceptability, POSSIBLE may be feasible to implement. Future research should test a statistically powered peer-based approach on PrEP initiation among Black sexual minority men. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04533386; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04533386.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek T Dangerfield Ii
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Janeane N Anderson
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Charleen Wylie
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ricky Bluthenthal
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jason E Farley
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Glynn TR, Kirakosian N, Stanton AM, Westphal LL, Fitch C, McKetchnie SM, O'Cleirigh C. A Longitudinal Examination of HIV Risk Perception Accuracy among Sexual Minority Men with History of Childhood Sexual Abuse. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04400-4. [PMID: 38856844 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04400-4] [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: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) with history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are at high risk for HIV acquisition. One reason is posttraumatic responses compromise ability to accurately appraise risk for danger/vulnerability. Health behavior change models and related interventions assume risk perception can be changed in an enduring manner. Given paucity of studies examining how risk perception changes or sustains over time post-intervention, this underlying assumption is not confirmed. Among this particularly high-risk group who struggle with perceiving risk due to trauma-related cognitions, it may be accuracy of risk perception is fluid. The study primarily aimed to examine accuracy of HIV risk perception over time post-HIV prevention behavioral intervention. Leveraging data from a larger RCT, N = 190 MSM in Boston, MA and Miami, FL USA completed a psychosocial baseline assessment, an intervention aimed to increase awareness of personal HIV risk level, then four follow-up assessments three months apart for a year. Linear mixed effect models were used to examine the degree to which accuracy of HIV risk perception (vs. traditional construct of risk perception with no information about accuracy) predicts sex risk behavior over time delineated by between-person (trait level) and within-person (state level) effects. Majority (92%) of participants fluctuated in HIV risk accuracy over time post-intervention. Within-person risk accuracy (one's accuracy at any given timepoint) predicted sex risk behavior (condomless sex not protected by adherent PrEP) over time, but not between-person (one's average of accuracy). Findings have implications for intervention and counseling related to specific HIV prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R Glynn
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Norik Kirakosian
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Amelia M Stanton
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Calvin Fitch
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Vega-Ramirez H, Guillen-Diaz-Barriga C, Luz PM, Torres TS. Perceived risk for HIV acquisition and sexual HIV exposure among sexual and gender minorities: a systematic review. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:574. [PMID: 38858666 PMCID: PMC11163805 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09456-0] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review to explore the relationship between perceived risk for HIV acquisition and sexual HIV exposure among sexual and gender minorities. We included 39 studies divided into (i) correlations or associations, (ii) models using sexual HIV exposure as the outcome, and (iii) models using perceived risk for HIV acquisition as the outcome. The sample size range was from 55 to 16,667 participants, primarily cisgender men who have sex with men (73.3%) and White (51.3%). Sexual HIV exposure and perceived risk for HIV acquisition assessments and recall time frames across studies differed markedly. Most of studies (84.6%) found significant correlations, comparisons, or associations between different levels of perceived risk for HIV acquisition and high sexual HIV exposure. In addition, 51.3% of studies reported other variables associated with high sexual HIV exposure (i.e., misuse of substances or alcohol) or with high perceived risk for HIV acquisition (i.e., younger age). In conclusion, the association between perceived risk for HIV acquisition and sexual HIV exposure has shown to be consistent. However, the assessment for perceived risk for HIV acquisition should include more components of perception (i.e., an affective component), or for sexual HIV exposure should consider the different estimated sexual per-acts probability of acquiring HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Vega-Ramirez
- Division of Epidemiology and Psychosocial Research, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Centli Guillen-Diaz-Barriga
- Division of Graduate Studies and Research, Faculty of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Paula M Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI- Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI- Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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van den Elshout MAM, Wijstma ES, Boyd A, Jongen VW, Coyer L, Anderson PL, Davidovich U, de Vries HJC, Prins M, Schim van der Loeff MF, Hoornenborg E. Sexual behaviour and incidence of sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) using daily and event-driven pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): Four-year follow-up of the Amsterdam PrEP (AMPrEP) demonstration project cohort. PLoS Med 2024; 21:e1004328. [PMID: 38718068 PMCID: PMC11111007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of countries are currently implementing or scaling-up HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care. With the introduction of PrEP, there was apprehension that condom use would decline and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) would increase. To inform sexual health counselling and STI screening programmes, we aimed to study sexual behaviour and STI incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women who use long-term daily or event-driven PrEP. METHODS AND FINDINGS The Amsterdam PrEP demonstration project (AMPrEP) was a prospective, closed cohort study, providing oral daily PrEP and event-driven PrEP to MSM and transgender women from 2015 to 2020. Participants could choose their PrEP regimen and could switch at each three-monthly visit. STI testing occurred at and, upon request, in-between 3-monthly study visits. We assessed changes in numbers of sex partners and condomless anal sex (CAS) acts with casual partners over time using negative binomial regression, adjusted for age. We assessed HIV incidence and changes in incidence rates (IRs) of any STI (i.e., chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or infectious syphilis) and individual STIs over time using Poisson regression, adjusted for age and testing frequency. A total of 367 participants (365 MSM) commenced PrEP and were followed for a median 3.9 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 3.4-4.0). Median age was 40 years (IQR = 32-48), 315 participants (85.8%) self-declared ethnicity as white and 280 (76.3%) had a university or university of applied sciences degree. Overall median number of sex partners (past 3 months) was 13 (IQR = 6-26) and decreased per additional year on PrEP (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] = 0.86/year, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83-0.88). Overall median number of CAS acts with casual partners (past 3 months) was 10 (IQR = 3-20.5) and also decreased (aRR = 0.92/year, 95% CI = 0.88-0.97). We diagnosed any STI in 1,092 consultations during 1,258 person years, resulting in an IR of 87/100 person years (95% CI = 82-92). IRs of any STI did not increase over time for daily PrEP or event-driven PrEP users. Two daily PrEP users, and no event-driven PrEP users, were diagnosed with HIV during their first year on PrEP. Study limitations include censoring follow-up due to COVID-19 measures and an underrepresentation of younger, non-white, practically educated, and transgender individuals. CONCLUSIONS In this prospective cohort with a comparatively long follow-up period of 4 years, we observed very low HIV incidence and decreases in the numbers of casual sex partners and CAS acts over time. Although the STI incidence was high, it did not increase over time. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NL5413) https://www.onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/22706.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eline S. Wijstma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anders Boyd
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Stichting hiv monitoring, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (AII), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vita W. Jongen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Stichting hiv monitoring, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Liza Coyer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter L. Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Udi Davidovich
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henry J. C. de Vries
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (AII), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (AII), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten F. Schim van der Loeff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (AII), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elske Hoornenborg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Kilboy M, Shihabuddin C, Morgan E, Herbell K. Assessment of Barriers and Facilitators to Prescribing HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis by Primary Care Providers. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:737-738. [PMID: 37643401 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective class of drugs used to prevent the transmission of HIV-1. Despite its high efficacy, the uptake of PrEP has been very low. This project sought to understand the barriers and facilitators to prescribing PrEP in a community health clinic in a Midwestern state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kilboy
- From The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH
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Blair KJ, Torres TS, Hoagland B, Bezerra DRB, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Clark J, Luz PM. Moderating Effect of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use on the Association Between Sexual Risk Behavior and Perceived Risk of HIV Among Brazilian Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e45134. [PMID: 37796573 PMCID: PMC10587815 DOI: 10.2196/45134] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) with a higher perceived risk of HIV are more aware of and willing to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is an effective HIV prevention strategy, but there is a lack of data on how PrEP use might moderate the relationship between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV. Moreover, most studies measure perceived risk of HIV via a single question. OBJECTIVE We estimated the moderating effect of PrEP use on the association between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV, measured with the 8-item Perceived Risk of HIV Scale (PRHS), among Brazilian MSM. METHODS A cross-sectional, web-based survey was completed by Brazilian Hornet app users aged ≥18 years between February and March 2020. We included data from cisgender men who reported sex with men in the previous 6 months. We evaluated the moderating effect of current PrEP use on the association between sexual risk behavior, measured via the HIV Incidence Risk Index for MSM (HIRI-MSM), and perceived risk of HIV, measured by the PRHS. Higher HIRI-MSM (range 0-45) and PRHS (range 10-40) scores indicate greater sexual behavioral risk and perceived risk of HIV, respectively. Both were standardized to z scores for use in multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS Among 4344 cisgender MSM, 448 (10.3%) were currently taking PrEP. Current PrEP users had a higher mean HIRI-MSM score (mean 21.0, SD 9.4 vs mean 13.2, SD 8.1; P<.001) and a lower mean PRHS score (mean 24.6, SD 5.1 vs mean 25.9, SD 4.9; P<.001) compared to those not currently taking PrEP. In the multivariable model, greater HIRI-MSM scores significantly predicted increased PRHS scores (β=.26, 95% CI 0.22-0.29; P<.001). PrEP use moderated the association between HIRI-MSM and PRHS score (interaction term β=-.30, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.21; P<.001), such that higher HIRI-MSM score did not predict higher PRHS score among current PrEP users. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest current PrEP users have confidence in PrEP's effectiveness as an HIV prevention strategy. PrEP's effectiveness, positive psychological impact, and the frequent HIV testing and interaction with health services required of PrEP users may jointly influence the relationship between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV among PrEP users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin James Blair
- South American Program in HIV Prevention Research, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel R B Bezerra
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jesse Clark
- South American Program in HIV Prevention Research, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Paula M Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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9
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Luo Q, Wu Z, Mi G, Xu J, Scott SR. Using HIV Risk Self-Assessment Tools to Increase HIV Testing in Men Who Have Sex With Men in Beijing, China: App-Based Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45262. [PMID: 37656500 PMCID: PMC10504623 DOI: 10.2196/45262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) in China hold a low-risk perception of acquiring HIV. This has resulted in an inadequate HIV testing rate. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate whether administering HIV risk self-assessments with tailored feedback on a gay geosocial networking (GSN) app could improve HIV testing rates and reduce sexual risk behaviors in Chinese MSM. METHODS We recruited MSM from Beijing, China, who used the GSN platform Blued in October 2017 in this 12-month double-blinded randomized controlled trial. From October 2017 to September 2018, eligible participants were randomly assigned to use a self-reported HIV risk assessment tool that provided tailored feedback according to transmission risk (group 1), access to the same HIV risk assessment without feedback (group 2), or government-recommended HIV education materials (control). All interventions were remotely delivered through the mobile phone-based app Blued, and participants were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from baseline. The number of HIV tests over the 12-month study was the primary outcome and was assessed using an intention-to-treat analysis with an incident rate ratio (IRR). Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) over 6 months was assessed by a modified intention-to-treat analysis and was the secondary outcome. All statistical analyses were conducted in SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute, Inc.), and a P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS In total, 9280 MSM were recruited from baseline and were randomly assigned to group 1 (n=3028), group 2 (n=3065), or controls (n=3187). After follow-up, 1034 (34.1%), 993 (32.4%), and 1103 (34.6%) remained in each group, respectively. Over 12 months, group 1 took 391 tests (mean of 2.51 tests per person), group 2 took 352 tests (mean of 2.01 tests per person), and controls took 295 tests (mean of 1.72 tests per person). Group 1 had significantly more HIV testing than the control group (IRR 1.32, 95% CI 1.09-4.58; P=.01), while group 2 did not differ significantly from the controls (IRR 1.06, 95% CI 0.86-1.30; P=.60). The proportion of UAI was not statistically different among different groups, but all 3 groups had UAI, which declined from baseline. CONCLUSIONS Repeated HIV risk assessments coupled with tailored feedback through GSN apps improved HIV testing. Such interventions should be considered a simple way of improving HIV testing among MSM in China and increasing awareness of HIV status. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03320239; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03320239.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Luo
- School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Zunyou Wu
- The National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Guodong Mi
- The National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- Blued City Holdings, Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- The National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Sarah Robbins Scott
- The National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Maragh-Bass AC, Stoner MCD, Castellanos-Usigli A, Agarwal H, Katz AWK, Patani H, Sukhija-Cohen A, Campbell L, Arreola S, Saberi P. New preexposure prophylaxis options need updated counseling approaches: reframing 'risk' in HIV prevention counseling for young sexual and gender minorities of color. AIDS 2023; 37:1361-1366. [PMID: 37070546 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Allysha C Maragh-Bass
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences Division, FHI 360
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California
| | | | - Antón Castellanos-Usigli
- ACU Innovations & Consulting, New York, New York
- TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Harsh Agarwal
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences Division, FHI 360
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Parya Saberi
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California
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11
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Pico-Espinosa OJ, Hull M, Gaspar M, Lachowsky N, Grace D, Truong R, Mohammed S, MacPherson P, Woodward K, Tan DHS. Disjuncture between self-perceived and clinically assessed risk of HIV among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1133. [PMID: 37312073 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16065-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-perceived and clinically assessed HIV risk do not always align. We compared self-perceived and clinically assessed risk of HIV and the reasons for self-perceived low risk of HIV among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) from large urban centers in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada. METHODS Never PrEP users recruited from sexual health clinics or online, completed a cross-sectional survey between July/2019 and August/2020. We contrasted self-perceived HIV risk against criteria from the Canadian PrEP guidelines and participants were categorized as concordant or discordant. We used content analysis to categorize participants' free-text explanations for perceived low HIV risk. These were compared with answers to quantitative responses about condomless sex acts and number of partners. RESULTS Of 315 GBM who self-perceived low risk of HIV, 146 (46%) were considered at high risk according to the guidelines. Participants with discordant assessment were younger, had less years of formal education, were more often in an open relationship and were more likely to self-identify as gay. Reasons for self-perceived low HIV risk in the discordant group were condom use (27%), being in a committed relationship/having one main partner (15%), having no or infrequent anal sex (12%) and having few partners (10%). CONCLUSIONS There is a disjuncture between self-perceived and clinically assessed risk of HIV. Some GBM may underestimate their HIV risk and clinical criteria may overestimate risk. Bridging these gaps requires efforts to increase HIV risk awareness in the community, and refinement of clinical assessments based on individualized discussions between the provider and the user.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Hull
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Saira Mohammed
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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12
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Pico-Espinosa OJ, Hull M, MacPherson P, Grace D, Lachowsky N, Gaspar M, Mohammed S, Truong R, Tan DHS. Reasons for not using pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV and strategies that may facilitate uptake in Ontario and British Columbia among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional survey. CMAJ Open 2023; 11:E560-E568. [PMID: 37369522 PMCID: PMC10310342 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20220113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is underutilized. We aimed to identify barriers to use of PrEP and strategies that may facilitate its uptake. METHODS Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, aged 19 years or older and living in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada, completed a cross-sectional survey in 2019-2020. Participants who met Canadian PrEP guideline criteria and were not already using PrEP identified relevant barriers and which strategies would make them more likely to start PrEP. We described the barriers and strategies separately for Ontario and BC. RESULTS Of 1527 survey responses, 260 respondents who never used PrEP and met criteria for PrEP were included. In Ontario, the most common barriers were affordability (43%) and concern about adverse effects (42%). In BC, the most common reasons were concern about adverse effects (41%) and not feeling at high enough risk (36%). In Ontario, preferred strategies were short waiting time (63%), the health care provider informing about their HIV risk being higher than perceived (62%), and a written step-by-step guide (60%). In BC, strategies were short waiting time (68%), people speaking publicly about PrEP (68%), and the health care provider counselling about their HIV risk being higher than perceived (64%), adverse effects of PrEP (65%) and how well PrEP works (62%). INTERPRETATION Concern about adverse effects and not self-identifying as having high risk for HIV were common barriers, and shorter waiting times may increase PrEP uptake. In Ontario, the findings suggested lack of affordability, whereas in BC, strategies involving health care providers were valued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Javier Pico-Espinosa
- St Michael's Hospital (Pico-Espinosa, Truong, Tan), Toronto, Ont.; BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Hull, Mohammed); Department of Medicine (Hull), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Medicine (MacPherson) University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Grace, Gaspar), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health and Social Policy (Lachowsky), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
| | - Mark Hull
- St Michael's Hospital (Pico-Espinosa, Truong, Tan), Toronto, Ont.; BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Hull, Mohammed); Department of Medicine (Hull), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Medicine (MacPherson) University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Grace, Gaspar), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health and Social Policy (Lachowsky), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
| | - Paul MacPherson
- St Michael's Hospital (Pico-Espinosa, Truong, Tan), Toronto, Ont.; BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Hull, Mohammed); Department of Medicine (Hull), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Medicine (MacPherson) University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Grace, Gaspar), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health and Social Policy (Lachowsky), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
| | - Daniel Grace
- St Michael's Hospital (Pico-Espinosa, Truong, Tan), Toronto, Ont.; BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Hull, Mohammed); Department of Medicine (Hull), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Medicine (MacPherson) University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Grace, Gaspar), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health and Social Policy (Lachowsky), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
| | - Nathan Lachowsky
- St Michael's Hospital (Pico-Espinosa, Truong, Tan), Toronto, Ont.; BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Hull, Mohammed); Department of Medicine (Hull), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Medicine (MacPherson) University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Grace, Gaspar), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health and Social Policy (Lachowsky), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
| | - Mark Gaspar
- St Michael's Hospital (Pico-Espinosa, Truong, Tan), Toronto, Ont.; BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Hull, Mohammed); Department of Medicine (Hull), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Medicine (MacPherson) University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Grace, Gaspar), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health and Social Policy (Lachowsky), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
| | - Saira Mohammed
- St Michael's Hospital (Pico-Espinosa, Truong, Tan), Toronto, Ont.; BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Hull, Mohammed); Department of Medicine (Hull), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Medicine (MacPherson) University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Grace, Gaspar), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health and Social Policy (Lachowsky), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
| | - Robinson Truong
- St Michael's Hospital (Pico-Espinosa, Truong, Tan), Toronto, Ont.; BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Hull, Mohammed); Department of Medicine (Hull), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Medicine (MacPherson) University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Grace, Gaspar), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health and Social Policy (Lachowsky), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
| | - Darrell H S Tan
- St Michael's Hospital (Pico-Espinosa, Truong, Tan), Toronto, Ont.; BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Hull, Mohammed); Department of Medicine (Hull), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Medicine (MacPherson) University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Grace, Gaspar), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health and Social Policy (Lachowsky), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
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13
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Dangerfield DT. A Principal Investigator as a PrEP-Using Peer Change Agent for HIV Prevention among Black Gay and Bisexual Men: An Autoethnography. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5309. [PMID: 37047925 PMCID: PMC10093874 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075309] [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] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use remains suboptimal among Black gay and bisexual men (GBM). Multilevel factors such as medication costs, intersectional stigma, patient-clinician communication, medical mistrust, side effect concerns, and low perceived HIV risk (PHR) are well-established PrEP initiation barriers for this group. Peer change agents (PCAs) are culturally congruent interventionists who can circumvent multilevel PrEP barriers among Black GBM. I led an intervention as a PrEP-using PCA to improve PHR and PrEP willingness among 69 Black GBM from 2019-2022 and conducted an autoethnography to better understand multilevel barriers and identify the personal/professional challenges of being an in-group HIV interventionist serving Black SMM. Findings provide novel perspectives regarding PrEP barriers, the role of cultural homophily in behavior change interventions, and how interpersonal dynamics can impact staff fatigue, protocol fidelity, and research participation. Recommendations to prepare and support culturally congruent research staff are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek T. Dangerfield
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; ; Tel.: +1-667-355-5188
- Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc., Washington, DC 20010, USA
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14
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Mavragani A, Hagen K, Duarte AP, Escobar C, Batina I, Orozco H, Rodriguez J, Camacho-Gonzalez A, Siegler AJ. Development of a Mobile App to Increase the Uptake of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Latino Sexual Minority Men: Qualitative Needs Assessment. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e43844. [PMID: 36625855 PMCID: PMC9947765 DOI: 10.2196/43844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disproportionally impacts Latino sexual minority men (SMM). Uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an effective biomedical intervention to prevent HIV, is low in this group compared with White SMM. Mobile health technology represents an innovative strategy to increase PrEP uptake among Latino SMM. OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the qualitative process leading to the development of SaludFindr, a comprehensive HIV prevention mobile app aiming to increase PrEP uptake, HIV testing, and condom use by Latino SMM. METHODS We conducted 13 in-depth interviews with Latino SMM living in the Atlanta area to explore their main barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake and to analyze their opinions of potential SaludFindr app functionalities. To explore potential app functions, we used HealthMindr, an existing HIV prevention app, as a template and added new proposed features intended to address the specific community needs. RESULTS We identified general PrEP uptake barriers that, although common among non-Latino groups, had added complexities such as the influence of religion and family on stigma. Low perceived PrEP eligibility, intersectional stigma, lack of insurance, cost concerns, and misconceptions about PrEP side effects were described as general barriers. We also identified Latino-specific barriers that predominantly hinder access to existing services, including a scarcity of PrEP clinics that are prepared to provide culturally concordant services, limited availability of Spanish language information related to PrEP access, distrust of peers as credible sources of information, perceived ineligibility for low-cost services owing to undocumented status, fear of immigration authorities, and competing work obligations that prevent PrEP clinic attendance. Health care providers represented a trusted source of information, and 3 provider characteristics were identified as PrEP facilitators: familiarity with prescribing PrEP; being Latino; and being part of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) group or ally. The proposed app was very well accepted, with a particularly high interest in features that facilitate PrEP access, including a tailored list of clinics that meet the community needs and a private platform to seek PrEP information. Spanish language availability and free or low-cost PrEP care represented the 2 main clinic criteria that would facilitate PrEP uptake. Latino representation in clinic staff and providers; clinic perception as a safe space for undocumented patients; and LGBTQIA+ representation was listed as additional criteria. Only 8 of 47 clinics listed on the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention PrEP locator website for the Atlanta area fulfilled at least 2 main criteria. CONCLUSIONS This study provides further evidence of the substantial PrEP uptake barriers that Latino SMM face; exposes the urgent need to increase the number of accessible PrEP-providing clinics for Latino SMM; and proposes an innovative, community-driven, and mobile technology-based tool as a future intervention to overcome some of these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Hagen
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Isabella Batina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Humberto Orozco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Josue Rodriguez
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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15
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Ji-Xu A, Leslie KS. Syphilis: recommendations for dermatologists on a resurgent epidemic. Int J Dermatol 2023; 62:583-588. [PMID: 36596704 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite reaching historical lows in the early 2000s, cases of both primary and secondary syphilis and congenital syphilis have increased dramatically in the U.S. over the last decade. In the U.S., the current syphilis epidemic is disproportionately impacting communities that have been historically underserved in medicine. These include men who have sex with men, especially those infected with HIV; people of color; and reproductive-age women with poor access to prenatal care. With syphilis now being more commonly diagnosed in non-STI than STI clinics in all genders, and since primary and secondary syphilis and congenital syphilis present with characteristic mucocutaneous manifestations, dermatologists are in a position to help reduce the advance of this preventable epidemic, by actively considering this diagnosis and incorporating syphilis screening into their practice. Herein, we delineate strategies by which dermatologists can contribute to this critical effort in their roles as clinicians, public health advocates, and researchers. In particular, we discuss the rapidly changing demographics of syphilis, nuances in serologic testing and treatment, strategies to increase public healthcare access and equity in these underserved populations, and research gaps in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Ji-Xu
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kieron S Leslie
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
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16
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Rotsaert A, Reyniers T, Vanhamel J, Van Landeghem E, Vanbaelen T, Van Mieghem H, Nöstlinger C, Laga M, Vuylsteke B. Putting 2-1-1 into Practice: PrEP Users’ Knowledge of Effectively Starting and Stopping Oral PrEP Use. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:1793-1799. [PMID: 36399253 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03911-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Starting and stopping oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a way that compromises its effectiveness should be avoided. Between September 2020 and June 2021, we assessed self-perceived and actual knowledge of effectively starting and stopping oral PrEP through an online survey among 206 PrEP users assigned male at birth in Belgium. We examined associations between incorrect start-and-stop knowledge and socio-demographics, sexual behaviour and PrEP use, using bi- and multi-variable logistic regression. The majority of men (84.9%) perceived their start-and-stop knowledge as 'very good', but only 62.1% of all men correctly indicated how to effectively start and stop with PrEP. Using PrEP daily [adjusted OR 2.12, 95% CI (1.06-4.28), p = 0.034] was significantly associated with incorrect start-and-stop knowledge. To enable PrEP users to effectively use PrEP, they need to be better informed about how to start and stop use, irrespective of the dosing regimen.
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17
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Dangerfield Ii DT, Anderson JN, Wylie C, Arrington-Sanders R, Bluthenthal RN, Beyrer C, Farley JE. Refining a Multicomponent Intervention to Increase Perceived HIV Risk and PrEP Initiation: Focus Group Study Among Black Sexual Minority Men. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e34181. [PMID: 35947442 PMCID: PMC9403828 DOI: 10.2196/34181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increased preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation is needed to substantially decrease HIV incidence among Black sexual minority men (BSMM). However, BSMM perceive others as PrEP candidates instead of themselves and are less likely than other groups to use PrEP if prescribed. Peers and smartphone apps are popular HIV prevention intervention tools typically used independently. However, they could be useful together in a multicomponent strategy to improve perceived HIV risk and PrEP initiation for this group. Information regarding attitudes and preferences toward this multicomponent strategy is limited. Objective The goal of this study is to obtain attitudes and perspectives regarding the design of a multicomponent intervention that uses a smartphone app and a peer change agent (PCA) to increase perceived HIV risk and PrEP initiation. The intervention will be refined based on thematic findings for a culturally responsive approach. Methods Data were obtained guided by life course theory and the health belief model using 12 focus groups and 1 in-depth interview among HIV-negative BSMM from Baltimore, MD, between October 2019 and May 2020 (n=39). Groups were stratified by the following ages: 18 to 24 years, 25 to 34 years, and 35 years and older. Participants were provided details regarding an existing mobile app diary to self-monitor sexual behaviors and a hypothetical PCA with whom to review the app. Facilitators posed questions regarding perceived HIV risk, attitudes toward the app, working with a PCA, and preferences for PCA characteristics and approaches. Results Most participants identified as homosexual, gay, or same gender-loving (26/38, 68%), were employed (26/38, 69%), single (25/38, 66%), and interested in self-monitoring sexual behaviors (28/38, 68%). However, themes suggested that participants had low perceived HIV risk, that self-monitoring sexual behaviors using a mobile app diary was feasible but could trigger internalized stigma, and that an acceptable PCA should be a possible self for BSMM to aspire to but they still wanted clinicians to “do their job.” Conclusions HIV-negative BSMM have dissonant attitudes regarding perceived HIV risk and the utility of a mobile app and PCA to increase perceived HIV risk and PrEP initiation. Future research will explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of implementing the multicomponent intervention on perceived HIV risk and PrEP initiation among BSMM in a pilot study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek T Dangerfield Ii
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Janeane N Anderson
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Charleen Wylie
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christopher Beyrer
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jason E Farley
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, United States
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18
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Wang Y, Mitchell JW, Zhang C, Liu Y. Evidence and implication of interventions across various socioecological levels to address pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake and adherence among men who have sex with men in the United States: a systematic review. AIDS Res Ther 2022; 19:28. [PMID: 35754038 PMCID: PMC9233830 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-022-00456-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) represents a proven biomedical strategy to prevent HIV transmissions among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States (US). Despite the design and implementation of various PrEP-focus interventions in the US, aggregated evidence for enhancing PrEP uptake and adherence is lacking. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize and evaluate interventions aimed to improve PrEP uptake and adherence among MSM in the US, and identify gaps with opportunities to inform the design and implementation of future PrEP interventions for these priority populations. METHODS We followed the PRISMA guidelines and conducted a systematic review of articles (published by November 28, 2021) with a focus on PrEP-related interventions by searching multiple databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and PsycINFO). Details of PrEP interventions were characterized based on their socioecological level(s), implementation modalities, and stage(s) of PrEP cascade continuum. RESULTS Among the 1363 articles retrieved from multiple databases, 42 interventions identified from 47 publications met the inclusion criteria for this review. Most individual-level interventions were delivered via text messages and/or apps and incorporated personalized elements to tailor the intervention content on participants' demographic characteristics or HIV risk behaviors. Interpersonal-level interventions often employed peer mentors or social network strategies to enhance PrEP adoption among MSM of minority race. However, few interventions were implemented at the community-, healthcare/institution- or multiple levels. CONCLUSIONS Interventions that incorporate multiple socioecological levels hold promise to facilitate PrEP adoption and adherence among MSM in the US given their acceptability, feasibility, efficacy and effectiveness. Future PrEP interventions that simultaneously address PrEP-related barriers/facilitators across multiple socioecological levels should be enhanced with a focus to tackle contextual and structural barriers (e.g., social determinants of health, stigma or medical mistrust) at the community- and healthcare/institution-level to effectively promote PrEP use for MSM of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jason W Mitchell
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Chen Zhang
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 256 Crittenden Blvd, Ste. 3305, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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19
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Shorrock F, Alvarenga A, Hailey-Fair K, Vickroy W, Cos T, Kwait J, Trexler C, Wirtz AL, Galai N, Beyrer C, Celentano D, Arrington-Sanders R. Dismantling Barriers and Transforming the Future of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake in Young Black and Latinx Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:194-203. [PMID: 35507322 PMCID: PMC9125574 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2021.0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to transform HIV in young Black and Latinx sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women (TW). Addressing low PrEP uptake in this population depends on the better understanding of barriers to PrEP use. This article uses an ecological framework to explore barriers to daily oral PrEP in a sample of young Black and Latinx SMM and TW in three geographically prioritized cities in the United States. In-depth interviews were completed with 33 young Black and Latinx SMM and TW (22 at risk for and 11 recently diagnosed with HIV), aged 17-24, participating in a randomized trial aimed at increasing PrEP and antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake and adherence. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and then analyzed using inductive and deductive coding. Coded transcripts were organized into individual, interpersonal, community, and structural categories, by PrEP use and HIV status. Among participants, nine reported having been prescribed PrEP, with five actively or recently taking PrEP, whereas only one participant diagnosed with HIV had been prescribed PrEP. Major themes related to barriers emerged across the individual, family, community, and structural level. Limited barriers related to partners, instead partners with HIV encouraged PrEP use. Participants commonly reported low perceived HIV risk, fear of disclosure, barriers relating to insurance/cost, and medication use as reasons for nonuse of PrEP. For youth to remain on a healthy life course, HIV preventative measures will need to be adopted early in adolescence for those at risk of HIV acquisition. Interventions need to simultaneously address multilevel barriers that contribute to nonuse in adolescents. Clinical trials registry site and number: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03194477.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Shorrock
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aubrey Alvarenga
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kimberly Hailey-Fair
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wil Vickroy
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Travis Cos
- Public Health Management Corporation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jennafer Kwait
- Whitman Walker Health, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Andrea L Wirtz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Noya Galai
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David Celentano
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Renata Arrington-Sanders
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Liu Y, Fu G, Chen Y, Wu L, Pan M, Yang Y, Chen Z, Cao Y, Li Y, Wang H, Wang B, Lv C, Du R, Xiong Y, Liu W, Xu N, Xia X, Li Q, Ruan F, Wang J. Discordance between perceived risk and actual risky sexual behaviors among undergraduate university students in mainland China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:729. [PMID: 35413860 PMCID: PMC9006618 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13132-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care services might be hampered by inaccurate risk assessment. This study aimed to investigate the extent of and factors associated with the discordance between perceived risk and actual risky sexual behaviors among undergraduates in mainland China, guided by the Anderson's behavioral model. METHODS This study involved a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected during the fall semester of 2018-2019 academic year. The present analysis was restricted to 8808 undergraduates with low risk perception. Those who had low perceived risk but actually engaged in risky sexual behaviors were categorized as risk discordance (RD). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with RD. RESULTS Overall, the discordance rate between perceived and actual risk was 8.5% (95% CI: 7.9%-9.1%). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that non-heterosexual women (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI:0.27-0.60), heterosexual men (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI:0.33-0.61) and women (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI:0.19-0.35) were less likely to exhibit RD, when compared with non- heterosexual men. Furthermore, non-freshmen (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI:1.30-1.90), early initiators of sexual intercourse (AOR = 5.82, 95% CI:4.10-8.26), and those who had lower levels of HIV knowledge (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI:1.08-1.51), displayed higher levels of stigma against PLHIV (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI:1.26-1.77) and had ever been tested for HIV (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI:1.04-1.77) were more prone to reporting RD. Those with more enabling resources [i.e., displaying high levels of condom use self-efficacy (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI:0.59-0.84) and being knowledge of local testing center (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI:0.60-0.83)] were less likely to report RD. However, spending more than 2000 Yuan a month on basic needs (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI:2.07-3.14), residing in urban areas (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI:1.15-1.59) and being knowledgeable of the national AIDS policy (AOR = 1.40,95% CI:1.18-1.66) increased the chance of exhibiting RD. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive interventions, including targeting students with high-risk characteristics, improving the acceptability of PrEP and PEP, conducting health education, enhancing self-efficacy for using condoms and making opt-out HIV testing routine in college campus, should be taken to reduce the discordance between perceived and actual HIV risk and finally to reach the goal of Zero AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusi Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Guochen Fu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental General Medicine Education of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning City, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Mingliang Pan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Yuli Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Bixiang Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Chengcheng Lv
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Ruyi Du
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Yanting Xiong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Nuo Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Xiaobao Xia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Fang Ruan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China
| | - Junfang Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, No.88 Xianning Avenue, Xianning City, Hubei Province, 437100, China.
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21
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Vanbaelen T, Rotsaert A, Jacobs BK, Florence E, Kenyon C, Vuylsteke B, Laga M, Thijs R. Why Do HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Users Discontinue Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Care? A Mixed Methods Survey in a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Clinic in Belgium. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:159-167. [PMID: 35438524 PMCID: PMC9057878 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2021.0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
It remains unclear why patients discontinue HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care and to what extent they remain at risk for HIV when they do. We reviewed routinely collected medical records and patient questionnaires and performed an e-mail/telephone survey to assess reasons for discontinuing PrEP care, ongoing risks for HIV infection, and associated factors. Patients with more than two registered PrEP visits from a PrEP clinic in Antwerp, Belgium between June 2017 and February 2020 were included in this study. Patients who did not return for a visit after October 30, 2019 and who were not transferred out were considered as having discontinued PrEP care. A total of 143/1073 patients were considered as having discontinued PrEP care. Patients who discontinued PrEP care were more likely to be younger than those who remained in care (35 vs. 38 years old, p < 0.01). The most common reasons for discontinuation were having stopped using PrEP (62/101, 61.4%) and "COVID-19" (n = 35, 34.7%). The most common reasons for stopping PrEP use was a decreased sexual activity due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; 21/62, 33.9%) or not COVID-19 related (10/62, 16.1%), a monogamous relationship (20/62, 32.3%) and consistent condom use (7/62, 11.3%). Among respondents who reported about current HIV risk the majority reported being at low risk either by still taking PrEP (32/91, 35.2%), consistently using condoms, or limiting number of sex acts or partners (58/91, 52.7%). No HIV seroconversion was reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Vanbaelen
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anke Rotsaert
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bart K.M. Jacobs
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eric Florence
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Chris Kenyon
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marie Laga
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Reyniers Thijs
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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22
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Gebru NM, Benvenuti MC, Rowland BHP, Kalkat M, Chauca PG, Leeman RF. Relationships among Substance Use, Sociodemographics, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Related Attitudes among Young Adult Men Who Have Sex with Men. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:786-798. [PMID: 35188880 PMCID: PMC9082761 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2040030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for two-thirds of new HIV diagnoses. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly efficacious HIV preventive medication, is underutilized. Identifying correlates of PrEP awareness and attitudes may help increase PrEP use. Thus, we evaluated (1) PrEP awareness; (2) differences in awareness related to substance use and sociodemographics; (3) initial PrEP information sources; and (4) possible associations between information sources and PrEP-related attitudes. Young adult (ages 18-30) HIV-negative MSM from Southern U.S. undertook a web survey including questions about substance use, sexual behaviors, perceived HIV risk, and PrEP. Participants were recruited using in-person and online approaches between January 2018-January 2020. Of 506 participants, 89% were aware of PrEP. Participants with high alcohol consumption and greater perceived HIV risk had higher odds of PrEP unawareness with a trend for minority race/ethnicity. PrEP-aware participants reported high overall perceived safety, confidence in PrEP's efficacy, and low perceived difficulties with adherence though those with higher perceived HIV risk and individuals who used tobacco had less favorable attitudes. Most participants first heard about PrEP from the internet. There were no statistically significant differences in PrEP-related attitudes across initial information sources. Associations between substance use and racial/ethnic minority status and lack of PrEP awareness suggest priority subgroups for educational campaigns. Future campaigns may tailor outreach materials to the respective audience (e.g., Spanish materials for Hispanic people) and disseminate where individuals who use substances may be more likely to see them (e.g., liquor and convenience stores). Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2022.2040030 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Nioud Mulugeta Gebru
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maria Costanza Benvenuti
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bonnie H. P. Rowland
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher Kalkat
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Patricia G. Chauca
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Robert F. Leeman
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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23
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Risk-Based Screening Tools to Optimise HIV Testing Services: a Systematic Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:154-165. [PMID: 35147855 PMCID: PMC8832417 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00601-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review Effective ways to diagnose the remaining people living with HIV who do not know their status are a global priority. We reviewed the use of risk-based tools, a set of criteria to identify individuals who would not otherwise be tested (screen in) or excluded people from testing (screen out). Recent findings Recent studies suggest that there may be value in risk-based tools to improve testing efficiency (i.e. identifying those who need to be tested). However, there has not been any systematic reviews to synthesize these studies. Summary We identified 18,238 citations, and 71 were included. The risk-based tools identified were most commonly from high-income (51%) and low HIV (<5%) prevalence countries (73%). The majority were for “screening in” (70%), with the highest performance tools related to identifying MSM with acute HIV. Screening in tools may be helpful in settings where it is not feasible or recommended to offer testing routinely. Caution is needed for screening out tools, where there is a trade-off between reducing costs of testing with missing cases of people living with HIV. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11904-022-00601-5.
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24
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Resnick D, Schapira MM, Andrews ME, Essoka-Lasenberry A, Davis-Voge A, Bauermeister JA, Wood SM. "I Think That I Have a Good Understanding of How to Protect Myself": A Qualitative Study About HIV Risk Perceptions Among Men and Gender Diverse Individuals Who Have Sex With Men. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2022; 34:82-S5. [PMID: 35192391 PMCID: PMC8992390 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.1.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to determine how men and gender diverse individuals who have sex with men describe their perceived risk of HIV and what factors influence this risk assessment. We conducted in-depth, virtual interviews with 18 HIV-negative individuals from Philadelphia, eligible for or taking PrEP. The interviews assessed the participants' understanding of their HIV risk, using thematic analysis to deductively code and extract themes. Three themes emerged: (1) participants expressed both deliberative and affective risk perception before and after sexual encounters; (2) participants linked HIV knowledge to risk perception and stigma; (3) participants connected intrinsic and extrinsic factors to risk perception differently. Participants endorsed low overall risk perception, while also describing moments of high affective risk perception after sexual encounters in which they were not able to implement their preferred prevention strategies. Future research should explore helping individuals transform affective risk perception into empowerment around sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Resnick
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta GA
| | - Marilyn M Schapira
- The Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia PA
| | - Mary E. Andrews
- Annenberg School of Communication, the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
| | - Amadi Essoka-Lasenberry
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
| | - Annet Davis-Voge
- HIV Research Prevention Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - José A. Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia PA
| | - Sarah M Wood
- Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA
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25
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Wray TB, Chan PA, Guigayoma JP, Kahler CW. Game Plan-a Brief Web-Based Intervention to Improve Uptake and Use of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Reduce Alcohol Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men: Content Analysis. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e30408. [PMID: 34989679 PMCID: PMC8771347 DOI: 10.2196/30408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has considerable potential for reducing incidence among high-risk groups, such as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM). However, PrEP’s effectiveness is closely linked with consistent use, and a variety of individual-level barriers, including alcohol use, could impede optimal uptake and use. Web-based interventions can encourage medication adherence, HIV prevention behaviors, and responsible drinking and may help support PrEP care, particularly in resource-limited settings. Objective We previously developed a web application called Game Plan that was designed to encourage heavy drinking GBM to use HIV prevention methods and reduce their alcohol use and was inspired by brief motivational interventions. This paper aims to describe the web-based content we designed for integration into Game Plan to help encourage PrEP uptake and consistent use among GBM. In this paper, we also aim to describe this content and its rationale. Methods Similar to the original site, these components were developed iteratively, guided by a thorough user-centered design process involving consultation with subject-matter experts, usability interviews and surveys, and user experience surveys. Results In addition to Game Plan’s pre-existing content, the additional PrEP components provide specific, personal, and digestible feedback to users about their level of risk for HIV without PrEP and illustrate how much consistent PrEP use could reduce it; personal feedback about their risk for common sexually transmitted infections to address low-risk perceptions; content challenging common beliefs and misconceptions about PrEP to reduce stigma; content confronting familiar PrEP and alcohol beliefs; and a change planning module that allows users to select specific goals for starting and strategies for consistent PrEP use. Users can opt into a weekly 2-way SMS text messaging program that provides similar feedback over a 12-week period after using Game Plan and follows up on the goals they set. Conclusions Research preliminarily testing the efficacy of these components in improving PrEP outcomes, including uptake, adherence, sexually transmitted infection rates, and alcohol use, is currently ongoing. If supported, these components could provide a scalable tool that can be used in resource-limited settings in which face-to-face intervention is difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B Wray
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Philip A Chan
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - John P Guigayoma
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Christopher W Kahler
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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26
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Broholm C, Yingling C, Vail R. Preventing HIV With Pre-exposure Prophylaxis: Current and Emerging Modalities. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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27
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Gaskins M, Sammons MK, Kutscha F, Nast A, Werner RN. Factors that motivate men who have sex with men in Berlin, Germany, to use or consider using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis-A multi-methods analysis of data from a multicentre survey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260168. [PMID: 34793575 PMCID: PMC8601504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While our knowledge of what motivates men who have sex with men (MSM) to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has grown in recent years, quantitative survey-based studies have not asked MSM explicitly to name their motivations. We did so using a qualitative open-ended question and aimed to categorise the responses and explore whether these were related to where MSM were located along a conceptual continuum of PrEP care. METHODS In a multicentre survey examining knowledge and use of PrEP among MSM in Berlin, Germany, we additionally asked an open-ended question about motivations for using or considering PrEP. Data were collected from 10/2017-04/2018. One researcher developed a thematic framework deductively from the literature and another did so inductively from the free-text data, and a merged framework was used to code responses independently. We used Fisher's exact test to assess whether the frequency of motivations differed significantly between respondents using or considering PrEP. RESULTS Of 875 questionnaires, 473 were returned and 228 contained a free-text response. Motivations in the following categories were reported: (1) Safety/protection against HIV (80.2% of participants, including general safety; additional protection to condoms), (2) Mental well-being and quality of life (23.5%, including reduced anxiety; better quality of life), (3) Condom attitudes (18.9% intent not to use condoms), (4) Expectations about sexuality (14.4%, including worry-free sex or more pleasurable sex, with explicit mention of sex or sexuality), (5) Norms/social perspectives (0.8%). The difference in frequencies of motivations between those using or considering PrEP was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Safety and protection against HIV, particularly having additional protection if condoms fail, were the most common motivations for using or considering PrEP, followed by mental well-being and quality of life. Many respondents reported several motivations, and responses overall were heterogeneous. This suggests that approaches to increase PrEP uptake that focus exclusively on its effectiveness in preventing HIV are unlikely to be as successful as a holistic approach that emphasises multiple motivations and how these fit into the broader sexual and psychological health of MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Gaskins
- Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mary Katherine Sammons
- Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Kutscha
- Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Nast
- Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ricardo Niklas Werner
- Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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28
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Wray TB, Chan PA, Kahler CW. Game Plan, a Web-Based Intervention to Improve Adherence and Persistence to HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Reduce Heavy Drinking in Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Usability and User Experience Testing. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e31843. [PMID: 34783662 PMCID: PMC8663613 DOI: 10.2196/31843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Encouraging consistent use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is essential for reducing HIV incidence, particularly among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM), and especially those who engage in heavy drinking. Although practice guidelines recommend providing adherence counseling to PrEP patients, clinics and providers may not have the resources or expertise to provide it. Internet-facilitated interventions have been shown to improve HIV prevention outcomes, including medication and care adherence. Game Plan is a website we created to help users make a tangible plan for reducing their HIV risk. We designed additional components of Game Plan to address key individual level barriers to PrEP use. Objective The aim of this mixed methods research is to test the usability and user experience of these components with intended users: GBM who drink heavily and are on PrEP. Methods In study 1 (usability), we completed a detailed individual interview in which participants (n=10) walked through a prototype of the website, thinking aloud as they did, and completed a follow-up interview and web-based survey afterward. Study 2 (user experience) involved providing participants (n=40) with a link to the prototype website to explore on their own and asking them to complete the same follow-up survey afterward. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. Results Users in both studies gave the website excellent ratings for usability, overall satisfaction, and quality, and most often described the site as informative, helpful, and supportive. Users also rated the site’s content and feel as respectful of them and their autonomy, empathetic, and they stated that it conveyed confidence in their ability to change. The study 1 interviews highlighted the importance of the website’s esthetics to the participants’ engagement with it and its credibility in prompting genuine reflection. Conclusions GBM who reported heavy drinking and used PrEP generally found a website focused on helping them to create a plan to use PrEP consistently to be helpful. Adopting user-centered design methods and attending to the esthetics of mobile health interventions are important steps toward encouraging engagement and reducing at-risk behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B Wray
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Philip A Chan
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Christopher W Kahler
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
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29
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Jijón S, Molina JM, Costagliola D, Supervie V, Breban R. Can HIV epidemics among MSM be eliminated through participation in preexposure prophylaxis rollouts? AIDS 2021; 35:2347-2354. [PMID: 34224442 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the conditions under which preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) coverage can eliminate HIV among MSM in the Paris region. DESIGN Mathematical modeling. METHODS We propose an innovative approach, combining a transmission model with a game-theoretic model, for decision-making about PrEP use. Individuals at high risk of HIV infection decide to use PrEP, depending on their perceived risk of infection and the relative cost of using PrEP versus antiretroviral treatment (ART), which includes monetary and/or nonmonetary aspects, such as price and access model of PrEP, consequences of being infected and lifelong ART. RESULTS If individuals assessed correctly their infection risk, and the cost of using PrEP were sufficiently low, then the PrEP rollout could lead to elimination. Specifically, assuming 86% PrEP effectiveness, as observed in two clinical trials, a minimum PrEP coverage of 55% [95% confidence interval (CI) 43-64%] among high-risk MSM would achieve elimination in the Paris region. A complete condom drop by MSM using PrEP slightly increases the minimum PrEP coverage required for elimination, by ∼1%, whereas underestimation of their own HIV infection risk would require PrEP programs reduce the cost of using PrEP by a factor ∼2 to achieve elimination. CONCLUSION Elimination conditions are not yet met in the Paris region, where at most 47% of high-risk MSM were using PrEP as of mid-2019. Further lowering the cost of PrEP and promoting a fair perception of HIV risk are required and should be maintained in the long-run, to maintain elimination status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Jijón
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP)
| | - Jean-Michel Molina
- University of Paris, Department of Infectious Diseases, St-Louis and Lariboisiére Hospitals, APHP, Inserm U944
| | - Dominique Costagliola
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP)
| | - Virginie Supervie
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP)
| | - Romulus Breban
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Épidémiologie des Maladies Émergentes, Paris, France
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Alcantar Heredia JL, Goldklank S. The relevance of pre-exposure prophylaxis in gay men's lives and their motivations to use it: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1829. [PMID: 34627221 PMCID: PMC8502319 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11863-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV has affected gay men disproportionately in the U.S. for four decades. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was developed as a prevention strategy for individuals at high risk of HIV infection. Although highly effective, many gay and other men who have sex with men continue not to take PrEP. Researchers have focused on sexual risk behaviors as the primary determinant of who should be on PrEP and identified various objective systemic and societal barriers to PrEP access. Public health measures have promoted PrEP based on these objective criteria. Researchers have recently begun to inquire into subjective and relational motivators for PrEP usage beyond self-perceived risk. Methods Participants were recruited through snowball sampling. Data were collected between August and November 2018 from PrEP users (n = 7) and PrEP non-users (n = 6). Data were analyzed in a modified grounded theory qualitative analysis. Results The thirteen participants’ narratives contained three superordinate categories: (1) what it’s like to be someone on PrEP, (2) an environment of changing sexual norms, and (3) the continued importance of education. These categories comprised ten themes, each of which had various repeating ideas. The ten themes were the following: (1) PrEP’s social acceptability, (2) PrEP and HIV stigma, (3) PrEP and sexual relationships, (4) dissatisfaction with condoms, (5) negotiating risk, (6) peace of mind, (7) developing a relationship with PrEP, (8) putting yourself first, (9) PrEP awareness, and (10) PrEP logistics. Conclusions The gay men in our study took into consideration their social roles and relationships, their personal beliefs, and emotional histories as well as risk as prominent motivators for PrEP use. They stated that PrEP use is associated with their sense of belonging, trust, and security about their sexuality. They also identified the most relevant aspects of the medication (e.g., side effects, adherence, and awareness) to their lives. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11863-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Alcantar Heredia
- Adult Clinical PsyD Program, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, 1165 Morris Park Ave., The Bronx, NY, 10003, New York, USA.
| | - Shelly Goldklank
- Adult Clinical PsyD Program, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, 1165 Morris Park Ave., The Bronx, NY, 10003, New York, USA
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van Dijk M, de Wit JBF, Guadamuz TE, Martinez JE, Jonas KJ. Slow Uptake of PrEP: Behavioral Predictors and the Influence of Price on PrEP Uptake Among MSM with a High Interest in PrEP. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2382-2390. [PMID: 33611697 PMCID: PMC8222036 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Despite the improved availability and affordability of PrEP in the Netherlands, PrEP uptake is low among men who have sex with men (MSM). To optimize uptake, it is important to identify facilitators and barriers of PrEP use. During our study period, the price of PrEP dropped significantly after generic PrEP was introduced. We investigated whether the price drop predicts PrEP uptake, alongside behavioral and demographic characteristics. Participants (N = 349) were recruited online and completed three questionnaires over a period of 6 months, between February 2017 and March 2019. After 6 months, 159 (45.6%) participants were using PrEP. PrEP uptake was greater among MSM who ever had postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, among MSM with a better perceived financial situation, and when the price of PrEP dropped. MSM in a tighter perceived financial situation may use PrEP more when it would be free or fully reimbursed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mart van Dijk
- Department of Work & Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - John B F de Wit
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas E Guadamuz
- Department of Society and Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joel E Martinez
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Kai J Jonas
- Department of Work & Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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The Potential Impact of One-Time Routine HIV Screening on Prevention and Clinical Outcomes in the United States: A Model-Based Analysis. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 47:306-313. [PMID: 32044862 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND US guidelines recommend routine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening of all adults and adolescents at least once. The population-level impact of this strategy is unclear and will vary across the country. METHODS We constructed a static linear model to estimate the optimal ages and incremental impact of adding 1-time routine HIV screening to risk-based, prenatal, symptom-based, and partner notification testing. Using surveillance data and published studies, we parameterized the model at the national level and for 2 settings representing subnational variability in the rates and distribution of infection: King County, WA and Philadelphia County, PA. Screening strategies were evaluated in terms of the percent of tests that result in new diagnoses (test positivity), cumulative person-years of undiagnosed infection, and the number of symptomatic HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome cases. RESULTS Depending on the frequency of risk-based screening, routine screening test positivity was maximized at ages 30 to 34 years in the national model. The optimal age for routine screening was higher in a setting with a lower proportion of cases among men who have sex with men. Across settings, routine screening resulted in incremental reductions of 3% to 8% in years of undiagnosed infection and 3% to 11% in symptomatic cases, compared with reductions of 36% to 69% and 41% to 76% attributable to risk-based screening. CONCLUSIONS Although routine HIV screening may contribute meaningfully to increased case detection in persons not captured by targeted testing programs in some settings, this strategy will have a limited impact on population-level outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of a multipronged testing strategy with continued investment in risk-based screening programs.
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Farley JE, Dangerfield DT, LaRicci J, Sacamano P, Heidari O, Lowensen K, Jennings JM, Tobin KE. Community engagement and linkage to care efforts by peer community-health workers to increase PrEP uptake among sexual minority men. Public Health Nurs 2021; 38:818-824. [PMID: 33749022 PMCID: PMC8451756 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV yet uptake remains suboptimal across the United States. This paper evaluates the impact of outreach activities led by nurse supervised community healthcare workers (CHWs) on the PrEP care cascade. Methods This is an observational programmatic evaluation of LGBTQ + community outreach between March 1, 2016, to March 31, 2020, as part of a public health initiative. Descriptive statistics are used to characterize the data by outreach type. Results 2,465 participants were reached. Overall, a PrEP appointment was scheduled for 94 (3.8%) with 70 (2.8%) confirmed to have completed a PrEP visit. Success for each type of community outreach activity was evaluated with virtual models outperforming face‐to‐face. Face‐to‐face outreach identified nine persons among 2,188 contacts (0.41%) completing an initial PrEP visit. The website prepmaryland.org identified 4 among 24 contacts (16.7%) and the PrEP telephone/text warm‐line identified 18 among 60 contacts (30%). The PrEPme smartphone application identified 39 among 168 contacts (23.2%). Conclusions Face‐to‐face community outreach efforts reached a large number of participants, yet had a lower yield in follow‐up and confirmed PrEP visits. All virtual platforms reached lower total numbers, but had greater success in attendance at PrEP visits, suggesting enhanced linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Farley
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek T Dangerfield
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica LaRicci
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul Sacamano
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Omeid Heidari
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kelly Lowensen
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacky M Jennings
- Center for Child and Community Health Research, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Karin E Tobin
- Department of Health Behavior, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Luz PM, Torres TS, Almeida-Brasil CC, Marins LMS, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Cox J, Moodie EEM. High-Risk Sexual Behavior, Binge Drinking and Use of Stimulants are Key Experiences on the Pathway to High Perceived HIV Risk Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Brazil. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:748-757. [PMID: 32940826 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In Brazil, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is currently available for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. As PrEP use depends on an individual's perceived risk, we explored pathways by which potentially modifiable behaviors lead to high perceived HIV risk. Using online surveys (N = 16,667), we conducted a path analysis on the basis of ordered sequences of multivariate logistic regressions. High perceived HIV risk was low (26.3%) compared to condomless receptive anal sex (41.4%). While younger age increased the odds of binge drinking and of condomless receptive anal sex, it was associated with decreased odds of high perceived HIV risk. In contrast, use of stimulants increased the odds of condomless receptive anal sex and of high perceived HIV risk. Our results suggest that binge drinking and use of stimulants are key points in different pathways to high-risk sexual behavior and may lead to different perceptions of HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil.
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Luana M S Marins
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Joseph Cox
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Erica E M Moodie
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Resnick D, Morales K, Gross R, Petsis D, Fiore D, Davis-Vogel A, Metzger D, Frank I, Wood S. Prior Sexually Transmitted Infection and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Risk Perception in a Diverse At-Risk Population of Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Individuals. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2021; 35:15-22. [PMID: 33400589 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2020.0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with higher rates of subsequent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, but the influence of prior STIs on perceived vulnerability to HIV remains unclear. We aimed to assess this relationship, hypothesizing that a prior STI diagnosis is associated with higher self-assessed vulnerability to HIV. We performed a cross-sectional study of men and transgender individuals who have sex with men screening for HIV prevention trials in Philadelphia. An unadjusted regression analysis found no significant association between prior STI and HIV risk perception (p = 0.71) or HIV anxiety (p = 0.32). Multivariate logistic regression models that controlled for predetermined potential cofounders known to impact HIV risk-such as condom use, preexposure prophylaxis use, and demographics-also failed to show statistically significant associations between prior STI and HIV risk perception (p = 0.87) or HIV anxiety (p = 0.10). Furthermore, there was no effect modification by HIV preventive behaviors on the relationship between prior STI and HIV vulnerability. These data suggest that a gap exists between how clinicians may attribute individual HIV risk and how individuals view their own vulnerability at a given moment in time. Future research should focus on the dynamic relationship between perceived HIV vulnerability, STI diagnosis, and adoption of preventive behavior to determine better, individualized targets for HIV prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Resnick
- HIV Research Prevention Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Knashawn Morales
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Gross
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Danielle Petsis
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Danielle Fiore
- HIV Research Prevention Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Annet Davis-Vogel
- HIV Research Prevention Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David Metzger
- HIV Research Prevention Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ian Frank
- HIV Research Prevention Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah Wood
- HIV Research Prevention Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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36
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John SA, Quinn KG, Pleuhs B, Walsh JL, Petroll AE. HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Awareness and Non-Occupational PEP (nPEP) Prescribing History Among U.S. Healthcare Providers. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:3124-3131. [PMID: 32300991 PMCID: PMC7508835 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02866-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) has been clinically recommended since 2005. HIV providers and non-HIV providers (n = 480) practicing within above-average HIV prevalence ZIP codes of the 10 U.S. cities with greatest overall HIV prevalence participated in a cross-sectional survey between July 2014 and May 2015. Providers were asked about their awareness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and nPEP prescribing experience for patients with potential sexual exposures to HIV, which we coded into a PEP prescribing cascade with three categories: (1) PEP unaware, (2) PEP aware, no nPEP prescribing experience, and (3) nPEP prescribing experience. Overall, 12.5% were unaware of PEP, 43.5% were aware but hadn't prescribed nPEP, and 44.0% had prescribed nPEP for potential sexual exposures to HIV. Fewer providers practicing in the U.S. South had ever prescribed nPEP compared to providers in other regions (χ2= 39.91, p < 0.001). HIV providers, compared to non-HIV providers, were more likely to be classified in the nPEP prescription group compared to the PEP aware without nPEP prescription group (RRR = 2.96, p < 0.001). PrEP prescribers, compared to those PrEP unaware, were more likely to be classified in the nPEP prescription group compared to PEP aware without nPEP prescription group (RRR = 12.49, p < 0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A John
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA.
| | - Katherine G Quinn
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA
| | - Benedikt Pleuhs
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA
| | - Jennifer L Walsh
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA
| | - Andrew E Petroll
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA
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Discordance in Objective and Self-perceived HIV Risk: A Potential Barrier to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in Young Gay and Bisexual Men. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2020; 31:103-109. [PMID: 31613824 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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38
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Calabrese SK. Understanding, Contextualizing, and Addressing PrEP Stigma to Enhance PrEP Implementation. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 17:579-588. [PMID: 32965576 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00533-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe and effective preventive intervention that could play a central role in ending the HIV epidemic. However, low uptake in general, and among certain social groups in particular, underscores the need to identify and address barriers to PrEP use. PrEP stigma has emerged as a key factor interfering with PrEP interest, uptake, and continuation. The purpose of this article is to describe and contextualize PrEP stigma and to offer recommendations on how to address it in future PrEP implementation initiatives. RECENT FINDINGS PrEP users are commonly stereotyped as sexually irresponsible, promiscuous, and immoral. These stereotypes and associated prejudice manifest at multiple levels and discourage PrEP interest and uptake, disrupt PrEP adherence, and motivate PrEP discontinuation. Intersecting forms of stigma may influence the nature, magnitude, and impact of PrEP stigma across social groups and otherwise hinder PrEP use. Current PrEP implementation strategies that narrowly focus on risk and target stigmatized groups with disproportionately high HIV incidence have yielded limited success and are counterproductive to the extent that they perpetuate stigma. Implementation strategies involving more inclusive messaging and further integration of PrEP within healthcare may help to reduce PrEP stigma and mitigate its impact, ultimately increasing PrEP use. PrEP stigma is a barrier to PrEP interest, uptake, and continuation that manifests at multiple levels. Understanding and addressing PrEP stigma requires consideration of its origins and intersections. Targeted, risk-focused implementation strategies perpetuate stigma and undermine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Calabrese
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, 2125 G Street NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA. .,Department of Prevention and Community Health, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
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van Dijk M, Duken SB, Delabre RM, Stranz R, Schlegel V, Rojas Castro D, Bernier A, Zantkuijl P, Ruiter RAC, de Wit JBF, Jonas KJ. PrEP Interest Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Netherlands: Covariates and Differences Across Samples. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:2155-2164. [PMID: 32124118 PMCID: PMC7316842 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01620-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite increased availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), PrEP uptake has remained low. To promote uptake, factors related to PrEP interest among relevant target populations warrant investigation. The aim of this study was to provide an analysis of PrEP interest among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Netherlands, while taking study recruitment strategies into account. We recruited 154 MSM from an LGBT research panel (AmsterdamPinkPanel) and 272 MSM from convenience sampling. Both samples were part of the Flash! PrEP in Europe Survey and were compared on their PrEP interest, usage intentions, and sexual behavior. We conducted logistic regression analyses to discover variables associated with PrEP interest and intentions. Participants from the AmsterdamPinkPanel were less likely to use PrEP, had less knowledge of PrEP, and were less interested in PrEP than participants from convenience sampling. Significant covariates of PrEP interest were being single, more prior PrEP knowledge, sexual risk behaviors, such as not having used a condom during last sex and having ever used drugs in a sexual context, and not participating in the AmsterdamPinkPanel. Adding the recruitment strategy to the regression increased explained variance on top of predictors already described in the literature. Increased sexual risk behavior is related to increased PrEP interest and it helps to identify PrEP target groups. Recruitment strategies have a substantial impact on findings regarding PrEP interest and usage intentions. This study emphasizes the importance of using multiple strategies for recruiting participants to obtain a more comprehensive view of MSM's attitudes toward PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mart van Dijk
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Sascha B Duken
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Daniela Rojas Castro
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
- INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- GRePS (Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale) (EA4163), Université de Lyon 2, Lyon, France
| | - Adeline Bernier
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | | | - Robert A C Ruiter
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - John B F de Wit
- Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kai J Jonas
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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HIV-Related Implementation Research for Key Populations: Designing for Individuals, Evaluating Across Populations, and Integrating Context. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 82 Suppl 3:S206-S216. [PMID: 31764256 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Key populations, including men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, people who inject drugs, and incarcerated populations, experience high burdens of HIV and urgently need effective interventions. Yet the evidence base for implementation research (IR) with key populations remains weak and poses specific challenges to epidemiologic inference. We apply the Consolidated Framework for IR to consider specific challenges and recommendations for IR with key populations. DISCUSSION Individuals within key populations exist within inner and outer settings-including organizational structures, legal (eg, criminalization), and funding environments-which influence the design, adoption and fidelity of interventions, and the potential sustainability of intervention scale-up. Underlying vulnerabilities and external stressors experienced at the individual level (eg, homelessness, violence) further impact participation and retention in IR. Thus, researchers should account for representation in the research process, beginning with community engagement in IR design and consideration of enumeration/sampling methods for key populations who lack probabilistic sampling frames. Interventions for key populations require substantial adaptation and complexity (eg, individually tailored, multicomponent) to ensure appropriateness; however, there is tension between the need for complexity and challenges to internal validity (fidelity) and external validity (generalizable scale-up). Finally, integrating contextual, sampling, and implementation elements into analytic approaches is critical for effectiveness evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Translation of efficacious findings at the individual level to effectiveness at the population level requires recognition of risk heterogeneity. Recognizing the nuances of working with key populations is essential to ensure that individuals are represented by design and therefore gains in population health can be achieved.
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Wray TB, Monti PM. Characteristics of Sex Events, Partners, and Motivations and Their Associations with HIV-Risk Behavior in a Daily Diary Study of High-Risk Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM). AIDS Behav 2020; 24:1851-1864. [PMID: 31832855 PMCID: PMC7228849 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02760-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be at high-risk for HIV and other STIs, and condoms represent the most popular, affordable, and accessible method of prevention. Although a vast body of research has explored various factors associated with condom use in MSM, fewer studies have explored situation-level characteristics that affect their decisions about sex partners and condom use. Daily diary studies are well-suited to help improve our understanding of these event-level factors in detail, including the sex events themselves, partner characteristics, and motivations. As part of a larger study using ecological momentary assessment methods, high-risk MSM completed daily diary surveys about their sexual behavior on their smartphones each day for 30 days. This study explored detailed descriptive characteristics of sex events, partner characteristics, and motivations for sex and condom use, and examined whether specific aspects of these characteristics were associated with having condomless anal sex (CAS) with high-risk partners. High-risk CAS was common among MSM, with the majority of participants having met their partners online and many reporting sex the same day they met. Results showed that the odds of CAS were not higher with partners met online versus those met in other ways, but MSM were more likely to have asked online partners about their HIV status and testing history before sex. The odds of engaging in high-risk CAS was higher when MSM reported intimacy or self-assurance motives. Not having condoms readily available was a CAS motivation reported more commonly when MSM had sex with high-risk partners. Findings suggest that interventions should incorporate strategies that help MSM be safer specifically when meeting partners online and when having sex for intimacy or re-assurance. Interventions that remind MSM to carry condoms at opportune moments may also help reduce some HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B Wray
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, 02906, USA.
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Peter M Monti
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, 02906, USA
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Mayer KH, Agwu A, Malebranche D. Barriers to the Wider Use of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the United States: A Narrative Review. Adv Ther 2020; 37:1778-1811. [PMID: 32232664 PMCID: PMC7467490 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01295-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV transmission was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2012. Despite correlations of decreases in new HIV infections being greatest where PrEP has been deployed, the uptake of PrEP is lagging, particularly among populations with disproportionate HIV burden. This narrative review seeks to identify individual and systemic barriers to PrEP usage in the USA. A comprehensive search of recent literature uncovered a complex array of structural, social, clinical, and behavioral barriers, including knowledge/awareness of PrEP, perception of HIV risk, stigma from healthcare providers or family/partners/friends, distrust of healthcare providers/systems, access to PrEP, costs of PrEP, and concerns around PrEP side effects/medication interactions. Importantly, these barriers may have different effects on specific populations at risk. The full potential of PrEP for HIV prevention will not be realized until these issues are addressed. Strategies to achieve this goal should include educational interventions, innovative approaches to delivery of HIV care, financial support, and destigmatization of PrEP and PrEP users. Until then, PrEP uptake will continue to be suboptimal, particularly among those who need it most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Allison Agwu
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Jones JT, Smith DK, Thorne SL, Wiener J, Michaels S, Gasparac J. Community Members' Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Awareness, Attitudes, and Trusted Sources for PrEP Information and Provision, Context Matters Survey, 2015-2016. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2020; 32:102-S6. [PMID: 32539481 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2020.32.2.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Men and women of color have had low pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake. How one's preferred source of health information shapes attitudes toward PrEP is unclear. We conducted cross-sectional surveys to assess changes in PrEP awareness, knowledge, and attitudes, trusted sources for PrEP information, and associations between trusted source of information and PrEP knowledge and attitudes. Participants were recruited from six areas served by community health centers in Chicago, IL (two health centers); Jackson, MS; Newark, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; and Washington, D.C. during June-September 2015 (n = 160) and June-September 2016 (n = 200). Participants were Black (74%), heterosexual (81%), and largely unaware of PrEP (72%). Participants who trusted health experts and community organizations for PrEP information had lower percentages of agreeing with statements indicative of negative PrEP attitudes. Interventions that increase PrEP awareness as well as knowledge and favorable attitudes might help increase PrEP use in communities with high HIV prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal T Jones
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP), National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dawn K Smith
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP), National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stacy L Thorne
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP), National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jeffrey Wiener
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP), National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
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Rosengren AL, Davy-Mendez T, Hightow-Weidman LB. Online sex partner seeking and HIV testing frequency among young Black sexual minority men. JOURNAL OF HIV/AIDS & SOCIAL SERVICES 2020; 19:42-54. [PMID: 32372886 PMCID: PMC7199779 DOI: 10.1080/15381501.2019.1692749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dating apps are a novel means of delivering HIV prevention messages. Young black sexual minority men (YBSMM) app users are at high risk for HIV and could benefit from frequent testing. Understanding testing behaviors among YBSMM is critical to inform tailored prevention interventions. We analyzed testing behaviors of 273 YBSMM, comparing typical testing frequency between app users and non-users using odds ratios. Overall, testing rates were high. App users were more likely than non-users to test at least every 12 months. App-using YBSMM exhibit high compliance with testing guidelines, which may indicate future successful uptake of biomedical preventions, such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lina Rosengren
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thibaut Davy-Mendez
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Behavioural Prevention Strategies for STI Control. Sex Transm Infect 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-02200-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Torres TS, Marins LMS, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Luz PM. How heterogeneous are MSM from Brazilian cities? An analysis of sexual behavior and perceived risk and a description of trends in awareness and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:1067. [PMID: 31856746 PMCID: PMC6923868 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4704-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brazil has the largest population of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Latin America, with a disproportional prevalence of infection among gays, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Of relevance to prevention and treatment efforts, Brazilian MSM from different regions may differ in behaviors and risk perception related to HIV. Methods We report on MSM living in 29 different cities: 26 Brazilian state capitals, the Federal District and two large cities in São Paulo state assessed in three web-based surveys (2016–2018) advertised on Grindr, Hornet and Facebook. Using logistic regression models, we assessed the association of risk behavior with HIV perceived risk as well as factors associated with high-risk behavior. Results A total of 16,667 MSM completed the survey. Overall, MSM from the North and Northeast were younger, more black/mixed-black, of lower income and lower education compared to MSM from the South, Southeast and Central-west. Though 17% had never tested for HIV (with higher percentages in the North and Northeast), condomless receptive anal sex (previous 6 months) and high-risk behavior as per HIV Incidence Risk scale for MSM were observed for 41 and 64%, respectively. Sexual behavior and HIV perceived risk had low variability by city and high-risk behavior was strongly associated with high HIV perceived risk. Younger age, being gay/homosexual, having a steady partner, binge drinking, report of sexually transmitted infection (STI) and ever testing for HIV were associated with increased odds of high-risk behavior. Awareness and willingness to use PrEP increased from 2016 to 2018 in most cities. Conclusions Overall, MSM socio-demographic characteristics were heterogeneous among Brazilian cities, but similarities were noted among the cities from the same administrative region with a marked exception of the Federal District not following the patterns for the Central-West. Combination HIV prevention is most needed among young men who self-identify as gay/homosexual, report binge drinking or prior STI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago S Torres
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil.
| | - Luana M S Marins
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Paula M Luz
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
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Yankellow I, Yingling CT. Nonoccupational Postexposure Prophylaxis: An Essential Tool for HIV Prevention. J Nurse Pract 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Xie L, Wu Y, Meng S, Hou J, Fu R, Zheng H, He N, Wang M, Meyers K. Risk Behavior Not Associated with Self-Perception of PrEP Candidacy: Implications for Designing PrEP Services. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:2784-2794. [PMID: 31280397 PMCID: PMC7232689 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In a study of sexually-active HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, we compared behavioral indication for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) based on risk criteria to self-perception of PrEP candidacy (SPC) and explored factors associated with SPC. Of 708 MSM surveyed, 323 (45.6%) were behaviorally-indicated for PrEP, among whom 42.1% self-perceived as appropriate PrEP candidates. In a multivariable model we found no association between sexual behavior nor HIV risk perception and SPC but found that higher perceived benefits of PrEP, increased frequency of HIV testing, and low condom use self-efficacy were positively-associated with SPC. In a sub-analysis restricted to MSM behaviorally-indicated for PrEP, relationship-factors were also significant. Our findings suggest that PrEP implementers should look beyond risk criteria to consider shared decision-making tools that support individuals to assess whether they are appropriate PrEP candidates based on their existing HIV prevention strategies, sexual health goals, and relationship dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xie
- Institute of HIV/AIDS, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yumeng Wu
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, The Rockefeller University, 455 First Avenue, Floor 7, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Siyan Meng
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Hou
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Na He
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Wang
- Institute of HIV/AIDS, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kathrine Meyers
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, The Rockefeller University, 455 First Avenue, Floor 7, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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Wu Y, Xie L, Meng S, Hou J, Fu R, Zheng H, He N, Meyers K. Mapping Potential Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Users onto a Motivational Cascade: Identifying Targets to Prepare for Implementation in China. LGBT Health 2019; 6:250-260. [PMID: 31170020 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2018.0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: China recently commenced several pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) projects, but little work has characterized potential users. This study describes awareness of, intention to use, and uptake of PrEP in a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM), a key population experiencing high rates of HIV in China. Methods: Through a cross-sectional survey administered to 708 MSM in four cities, we mapped respondents onto a Motivational PrEP Cascade. We conducted bivariable and multivariable analysis to examine factors associated with progression through the Cascade. Results: Among 45.6% of MSM who were PrEP eligible, 36% were in Contemplation, 9% were in PrEParation, 2% were in PrEP Action and Initiation, and none reached Maintenance and Adherence. We found no association between individual risk factors and progression through the Cascade. In multivariable analysis, friends' positive attitudes toward PrEP, more frequent sexually transmitted infection testing, and higher scores on the perceived PrEP benefits scale were positively associated with entering PrEP Contemplation. Having higher condom use self-efficacy was associated with decreased odds of entering PrEP Contemplation. Having sex with men and women in the past 6 months, having heard of PrEP from medical providers, and knowing a PrEP user were positively associated with entering PrEParation. Conclusion: We found a high proportion of MSM who were PrEP eligible and identified several intervention targets to prepare for PrEP introduction in China: community education to increase accurate knowledge, gain-framed messaging for PrEP and sexual health, and provider trainings to build MSM-competent services that can support shared decision-making for PrEP initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Wu
- 1 Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Lu Xie
- 2 Institute of HIV/AIDS, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, China
| | - Siyan Meng
- 3 School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Hou
- 4 Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Fu
- 5 Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huang Zheng
- 6 Shanghai CSW & MSM Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Na He
- 3 School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kathrine Meyers
- 1 Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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Hoenigl M, Hassan A, Moore DJ, Anderson PL, Corado K, Dubé MP, Ellorin EE, Blumenthal J, Morris SR. Predictors of Long-Term HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence After Study Participation in Men Who Have Sex With Men. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 81:166-174. [PMID: 30865175 PMCID: PMC6522282 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficacy of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men is well documented in randomized trials. After trial completion, participants are challenged with acquiring PrEP on their own and remaining adherent. METHODS This was a follow-up study of the TAPIR randomized controlled multicenter PrEP trial. Participants were contacted after their last TAPIR visit (ie, after study-provided PrEP was discontinued) to attend observational posttrial visits 24 and 48 weeks later. Adherence during TAPIR and posttrial visits was estimated by dried blood spot intracellular tenofovir diphosphate levels (adequate adherence defined as tenofovir diphosphate levels >719 fmol/punch). Binary logistic regression analysis assessed predictors of completing posttrial visits and PrEP adherence among participants completing ≥1 visit. RESULTS Of 395 TAPIR participants who were on PrEP as part of the TAPIR trial for a median of 597 days (range 3-757 days), 122 (31%) completed ≥1 posttrial visit (57% of University of California San Diego participants completed posttrial visits, whereas this was 13% or lower for other study sites). Among participants who completed ≥1 posttrial visit, 57% had adequate adherence posttrial. Significant predictors of adequate adherence posttrial were less problematic substance use, higher risk behavior, and adequate adherence in year 1 of TAPIR. CONCLUSION More than half of PrEP users followed after trial completion had successfully acquired PrEP and showed adequate adherence. Additional adherence monitoring and intervention measures may be needed for those with low PrEP adherence and problematic substance use during the first year of trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hoenigl
- University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California, United States
| | - Adiba Hassan
- University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California, United States
| | - David J. Moore
- University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California, United States
| | - Peter L. Anderson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Katya Corado
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Michael P. Dubé
- Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Eric E. Ellorin
- University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California, United States
| | - Jill Blumenthal
- University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California, United States
| | - Sheldon R. Morris
- University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California, United States
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