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Simmons K, Llewellyn C, Bremner S, Gilleece Y, Norcross C, Iwuji C. The barriers and enablers to accessing sexual health and sexual well-being services for midlife women (aged 40-65 years) in high-income countries: A mixed-methods systematic review. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241277723. [PMID: 39305093 PMCID: PMC11418360 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241277723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Midlife, beginning at 40 years and extending to 65 years, a range that encompasses the late reproductive to late menopausal stages, is a unique time in women's lives, when hormonal and physical changes are often accompanied by psychological and social evolution. Access to sexual health and sexual well-being (SHSW) services, which include the prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, contraception and the support of sexual function, pleasure and safety, is important for the health of midlife women, their relationships and community cohesion. The objective was to use the socio-ecological model to synthesise the barriers and enablers to SHSW services for midlife women in high-income countries. A systematic review of the enablers and barriers to women (including trans-gender and non-binary people) aged 40-65 years accessing SHSW services in high-income countries was undertaken. Four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed publications. Findings were thematically extracted and reported in a narrative synthesis. Eighty-one studies were included; a minority specifically set out to study SHSW care for midlife women. The key barriers that emerged were the intersecting disadvantage of under-served groups, poor knowledge, about SHSW, and SHSW services, among women and their healthcare professionals (HCPs), and the over-arching effect of stigma, social connections and psychological factors on access to care. Enablers included intergenerational learning, interdisciplinary and one-stop women-only services, integration of SHSW into other services, peer support programmes, representation of minoritised midlife women working in SHSW, local and free facilities and financial incentives to access services for under-served groups. Efforts are needed to enhance education about SHSW and related services among midlife women and their healthcare providers. This increased education should be leveraged to improve research, public health messaging, interventions, policy development and access to comprehensive services, especially for midlife women from underserved groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiersten Simmons
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Carrie Llewellyn
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Stephen Bremner
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Yvonne Gilleece
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Collins Iwuji
- Global Health and Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
- Africa Health Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Gaither TW, Siapno AED, Kianian R, Vincent N, Williams KC, Piquerias E, Russell MM, Litwin MS. Relationship between pelvic sensations and lifetime exposure to receptive anal intercourse among people with prostates. J Sex Med 2023; 20:1195-1205. [PMID: 37548267 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad099] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the negative stigma on receptive anal intercourse (RAI), this behavior has a positive influence on individuals' sexual and relationship health. No large studies have previously looked at specific sensations experienced during RAI and how these sensations may change with experience. AIM In this study we aimed to quantify commonly reported pelvic sensations during RAI and determine whether their presentation changes with increasing experience of RAI. METHODS An internet survey was conducted on sensations felt during RAI among people with prostates from July 2022-January 2023. The survey content was developed based on a mixed-methods qualitative study and inquired about demographic and sexual histories as well as sensations (pleasure, pain, urinary, and bowel) experienced during RAI. We used descriptive statistics to describe demographic and sexual histories. All data were stratified by lifetime exposure to RAI. OUTCOMES The primary outcomes assessed included the quantification of both the primary sensations experienced during RAI and the associated bother. RESULTS In total, 975 participants completed the survey. The median age was 32 (range 18-78) years. The average age of first participation in RAI was 21 ± 6.6 years. Most respondents were having sex at least once a week (65%). Nine percent of respondents reported fewer than 10 experiences with RAI, 26% reported 11-50 RAI experiences, 32% reported 51-200 experiences, 16% reported 201-500 experiences, and 18% reported >500 experiences. As the number of experiences with RAI increased (from <10 to >500 exposures), the reported frequency of pleasurable sensation increased from 41% to 92% (P < .0001), whereas severe insertional pain and symptoms of bowel urgency decreased from 39% to 13% and from 21% to 6%, respectively (P < .0001). Urinary urgency sensation did not differ by lifetime RAI experience. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Lifetime RAI exposure can be readily assessed and correlates not only with pelvic sensation but also many other aspects of sexual health. These results imply that the etiology of dissatisfaction with pleasure or anodyspareunia during RAI may differ by lifetime RAI exposure. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This is the first study to our knowledge to assess pelvic sensations experienced during RAI among a large sample of individuals. This is a cross-sectional study, and we cannot conclude how pelvic sensations change over time among individuals. Internet-based participants may not be representative of clinical populations. CONCLUSION Lifetime exposure to RAI is positively associated with pleasure and is negatively associated with pain and bowel urgency. Pelvic sensations experienced during RAI appear to be dependent on lifetime RAI exposure history regardless of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Gaither
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Allen E D Siapno
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Reza Kianian
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | | | - Kristen C Williams
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Eduardo Piquerias
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Marcia M Russell
- Department of Surgery, Section of Colorectal Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- Surgical and Perioperative Careline, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, United States
| | - Mark S Litwin
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Cyrus E, Lama JR, Sanchez J, Sullivan DS, Leon S, Villaran MV, Vagenas P, Vu D, Coudray M, Altice FL. Substance use and other correlates of HIV infection among transwomen and men who have sex with men in Perú: Implications for targeted HIV prevention strategies for transwomen. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001464. [PMID: 36962933 PMCID: PMC10022005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of HIV risk factors among transwomen and men who have sex with men (MSM) should be assessed separately and independently. However, due to several constraints, these populations continue to be conflated in clinical research and data. There are limited datasets globally powered to make such comparisons. The study aimed to use one of the largest surveys of transwomen and MSM in Latin America to determine differences in HIV risk and related correlates between the two populations. Secondary data analysis was completed using a cross-sectional biobehavioral survey of 4413 MSM and 714 transwomen living in Perú. Chi Square analysis of selected HIV correlates was conducted to examine differences between transwomen and MSM. Additionally, stratified binary logistic regression was used to split data for further comparative analyses of correlates associated with transwomen and MSM separately. HIV prevalence among transwomen was two-fold greater than among MSM (14.9% vs. 7.0%, p<0.001). Transwomen had a higher prevalence of most HIV risk factors assessed, including presence of alcohol dependence (16.4% vs. 19.0%; p < .001) and drug use in the past 3 months (17.0% vs. 14.9%). MSM were more likely to use marijuana (68.0% vs. 50.0%, p < .001), and transwomen were more likely to engage in inhaled cocaine use (70.0% vs. 51.1%, p < .001). The regression exposed differences in correlates driving sub-epidemics in transwomen vs. MSM, with a trend of substance use increasing HIV risk for transwomen only. Transwomen were more likely to be HIV-infected and had different risk factors from MSM. Targeted prevention strategies are needed for transwomen that are at highest risk. Additionally, further research is needed to determine if these observations in Perú regarding substance use patterns and the role of substance use in HIV risk relate to other trans populations globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cyrus
- Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Javier R Lama
- Associación Civil Impacta Salud y Educación (IMPACTA), Lima, Perú
| | - Jorge Sanchez
- Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Biomédicas y Medioambientales, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Daniell S Sullivan
- College of Medicine, Univeristy of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | | | - Manuel V Villaran
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Panagiotis Vagenas
- Berkeley Research Development Office, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - David Vu
- College of Medicine, Univeristy of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | - Makella Coudray
- Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Department of Global Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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Jara H, Damena M, Urgessa K, Deressa A, Debella A, Mussa I, Mohammed A, Weldegebreal F. Consistent Condom Use and Associated Factors among sexually active Military Personnel in Eastern Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study Design. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2022; 15:2057-2070. [PMID: 36386556 PMCID: PMC9642798 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s375340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A condom is a latex-based device used to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite condom availability and promotion for use in STI prevention, consistent condom use remains too low in Ethiopia. A significant proportion of Ethiopian military personnel had multiple sexual partners, with lower rates of condom use with non-regular sexual partners. As a result, determining the pattern of condom use and the factors associated with it among military personnel is critical. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate consistent condom use and associated factors among sexually active military personnel in Eastern Ethiopia from February 1 to 28, 2020. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 327 sexually active military personnel. To select the study participants, a systematic sampling technique was used. The data were entered into EpiData and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 for analysis. To identify factors associated with condom use, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used, and the strength of the association was measured using odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI), with P-values less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results The overall prevalence of consistent condom uses over one year by the respondents was 59.9% (95% CI: 54, 65). Study participants with an age of 30–35 years old (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.43, 11.38), above 35 years old (AOR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.83, 9.30), college and above in educational status (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.20, 5.43), Officer in military rank (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.14, 10.15) and other military ranks (AOR = 3.08; 2.33, 8.52) were factors facilitate the use of condom consistently. Conclusion In this study, two in every five military personnel use condoms inconsistently. Designing appropriate intervention and behavioral change strategies, as well as increasing the accessibility and availability of condoms around military camps, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on consistent condom utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussen Jara
- Department of Public Health, Eastern Command, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Melake Damena
- Department of Public Health and Health Policy, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Kedir Urgessa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Deressa
- Department of Public Health and Health Policy, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Alemayehu Deressa, Public Health and Health Policy Department, Haramaya University, P. O. Box: 235, Harar, Ethiopia, Tel +251 917841709, Fax +251 256668081, Email
| | - Adera Debella
- Department of Midwifery, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Ibsa Mussa
- Department of Public Health and Health Policy, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmed Mohammed
- Department of Medicine, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Fitsum Weldegebreal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Liu S, Xia D, Wang Y, Xu H, Xu L, Yuan D, Liang A, Chang R, Wang R, Liu Y, Chen H, Hu F, Cai Y, Wang Y. Predicting the risk of HIV infection among internal migrant MSM in China: An optimal model based on three variable selection methods. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1015699. [PMID: 36388367 PMCID: PMC9641070 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1015699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Internal migrant Men who have sex with men (IMMSM), which has the dual identity of MSM and floating population, should be more concerned among the vulnerable groups for HIV in society. Establishing appropriate prediction models to assess the risk of HIV infection among IMMSM is of great significance to against HIV infection and transmission. Methods HIV and syphilis infection were detected using rapid test kits, and other 30 variables were collected among IMMSM through questionnaire. Taking HIV infection status as the dependent variable, three methods were used to screen predictors and three prediction models were developed respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was performed to verify the fit of the models, and the net classification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were used to compare these models to determine the optimal model. Based on the optimal model, a prediction nomogram was developed as an instrument to assess the risk of HIV infection among IMMSM. To quantify the predictive ability of the nomogram, the C-index measurement was performed, and internal validation was performed using bootstrap method. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot and dynamic component analysis (DCA) were respectively performed to assess the efficacy, accuracy and clinical utility of the prediction nomogram. Results In this study, 12.52% IMMSMs were tested HIV-positive and 8.0% IMMSMs were tested syphilis-positive. Model A, model B, and model C fitted well, and model B was the optimal model. A nomogram was developed based on the model B. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.757 (95% CI: 0.701-0.812), and the C-index of internal verification was 0.705. Conclusions The model established by stepwise selection methods incorporating 11 risk factors (age, education, marriage, monthly income, verbal violence, syphilis, score of CUSS, score of RSES, score of ULS, score of ES and score of DS) was the optimal model that achieved the best predictive power. The risk nomogram based on the optimal model had relatively good efficacy, accuracy and clinical utility in identifying internal migrant MSM at high-risk for HIV infection, which is helpful for developing targeted intervention for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangbin Liu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Danni Xia
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huifang Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Yuan
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Ajuan Liang
- Renji Hospital, Affiliated With the School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruijie Chang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongxi Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Hu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Fan Hu
| | - Yong Cai
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Yong Cai
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Ying Wang
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Long JE, Tordoff DM, Reisner SL, Dasgupta S, Mayer KH, Mullins JI, Lama JR, Herbeck JT, Duerr A. HIV transmission patterns among transgender women, their cisgender male partners, and cisgender MSM in Lima, Peru: A molecular epidemiologic and phylodynamic analysis. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 6:100121. [PMID: 35178526 PMCID: PMC8849555 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender women (TW) in Peru are disproportionately affected by HIV. The role that cisgender men who have sex with TW (MSTW) and their sexual networks play in TW's risk of acquiring HIV is not well understood. We used HIV sequences from TW, MSTW, and cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) to examine transmission dynamics between these groups. METHODS We used HIV-1 pol sequences and epidemiologic data collected through three Lima-based studies from 2013 to 2018 (n = 139 TW, n = 25 MSTW, n = 303 MSM). We identified molecular clusters based on pairwise genetic distance and used structured coalescent phylodynamic modeling to estimate transmission patterns between groups. FINDINGS Among 200 participants (43%) found in 62 clusters, the probability of clustering did not differ by group. Both MSM and TW were more likely to cluster with members of their own group than would be expected based on random mixing. Phylodynamic modeling estimated that there was frequent transmission from MSTW to TW (67·9% of transmission from MSTW; 95%CI = 52·8-83·2%) and from TW to MSTW (76·5% of transmissions from TW; 95%CI = 65·5-90·3%). HIV transmission between MSM and TW was estimated to comprise a small proportion of overall transmissions (4·9% of transmissions from MSM, and 11·8% of transmissions from TW), as were transmissions between MSM and MSTW (7·2% of transmissions from MSM, and 32·0% of transmissions from MSTW). INTERPRETATION These results provide quantitative evidence that MSTW play an important role in TW's HIV vulnerability and that MSTW have an HIV transmission network that is largely distinct from MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E. Long
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, UW Box #, 351619, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Diana M. Tordoff
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, UW Box #, 351619, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
- Department of Global Health, International Clinical Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sari L. Reisner
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sayan Dasgupta
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - James I. Mullins
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Joshua T. Herbeck
- Department of Global Health, International Clinical Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ann Duerr
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
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Stutterheim SE, van Dijk M, Wang H, Jonas KJ. The worldwide burden of HIV in transgender individuals: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260063. [PMID: 34851961 PMCID: PMC8635361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transgender individuals are at risk for HIV. HIV risks are dynamic and there have been substantial changes in HIV prevention (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]). It is thus time to revisit HIV prevalence and burden among transgender individuals. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was thus to examine worldwide prevalence and burden of HIV over the course of the epidemic among trans feminine and trans masculine individuals. Methods We conducted an updated systematic review by searching PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, for studies of any research design published in in a peer-reviewed journal in any language that reported HIV prevalence among transgender individuals published between January 2000 and January 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed methodological quality. We then conducted a meta-analysis, using random-effects modelling, to ascertain standardized prevalence and the relative burden of HIV carried by transgender individuals by country and year of data collection, and then by geographic region. We additionally explored the impact of sampling methods and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Results Based on 98 studies, overall standardized HIV prevalence over the course of the epidemic, based on weights from each country by year, was 19.9% (95% CI 14.7% - 25.1%) for trans feminine individuals (n = 48,604) and 2.56% (95% CI 0.0% - 5.9%) for trans masculine individuals (n = 6460). Overall OR for HIV infection, compared with individuals over age 15, was 66.0 (95% CI 51.4–84.8) for trans feminine individuals and 6.8 (95% CI 3.6–13.1) for trans masculine individuals. Prevalence varied by geographic region (13.5% - 29.9%) and sampling method (5.4% - 37.8%). Lastly, PrEP effects on prevalence could not be established. Conclusion Trans feminine and trans masculine individuals are disproportionately burdened by HIV. Their unique prevention and care needs should be comprehensively addressed. Future research should further investigate the impact of sampling methods on HIV prevalence, and monitor the potential impact of PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Stutterheim
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Mart van Dijk
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Haoyi Wang
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kai J. Jonas
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Montaño MA, Alfaro R, Ness T, Ganoza C, Gonzales P, Sanchez J, Lama JR, Duerr AC. Sexual Behavior and Sexually Transmitted Infection Outcomes Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women Participating in a Study of the Timing of Antiretroviral Therapy in Lima, Peru. Sex Transm Dis 2020; 47:825-831. [PMID: 33186338 PMCID: PMC7672715 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed sexual behavior and incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men and transgender women participating in Sabes, a study of an expanded treatment as prevention strategy focused on early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection in Lima, Peru (2013-2017). METHODS Sabes participants were tested monthly for HIV to identify acute or early infections, and HIV-positive participants were randomized to receive antiretroviral therapy immediately (immediate arm) or after 24 weeks (deferred arm) during a 48-week follow-up period. Sexual behavior was assessed at randomization (baseline) and every 12 weeks thereafter. Participants were tested for urethral and rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea and for syphilis at baseline, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. We describe patterns of sexual behavior during the 48-week follow-up period and compare sexual behavior and STI incidence between study arms. RESULTS After randomization, 207 HIV-positive participants completed questionnaires and STI testing at 2 or more visits. After HIV diagnosis, participants in both arms reported increases in condom use with main and casual partners and decreased drug and alcohol use before or during anal sex. We observed no between-arm differences in sexual behavior. Deferred arm participants had higher incidence of chlamydia (incidence rate ratio, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-4.77) but not gonorrhea or syphilis. CONCLUSIONS Despite reported increases in condom use, the overall high incidence of STIs reflects some ongoing condomless sex among HIV-positive men who have sex with men and transgender women, highlighting the importance of regular STI screening and counseling to support consistent condom use among HIV-positive individuals at risk for STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricardo Alfaro
- Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Biomédicas y Medioambientales, Lima, Perú
| | - Tara Ness
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Jorge Sanchez
- Asociación Civil Impacta Salud y Educación, Lima, Perú
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Javier R. Lama
- Asociación Civil Impacta Salud y Educación, Lima, Perú
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ann C. Duerr
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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