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Goodreau SM, Barry MP, Hamilton DT, Williams AM, Wang LY, Sanchez TH, Katz DA, Delaney KP. Behavior Change Among HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex with Men Not Using PrEP in the United States. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1766-1780. [PMID: 38411799 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04281-7] [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: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
This study measures changes in condomless anal sex (CAS) among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) who are not taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It considers the 2014-2019 cycles of the American Men's Internet Survey, a serial, cross-sectional web-based survey of US cisgender MSM aged ≥ 15 years, in which ~ 10% of each year's sample is drawn from the previous year. Among those surveyed for 2 years who remained HIV-negative and off PrEP, reports of having any CAS and of CAS partner number were compared across years. We disaggregated by partner HIV status, and considered demographic predictors. The overall population saw a significant 2.2 percentage-point (pp) increase in reports of any CAS year-over-year. Sub-populations with the largest year-on-year increases were 15-24-year-olds (5.0-pp) and Hispanic respondents (5.1-pp), with interaction (young Hispanic respondents = 12.8-pp). On the relative scale, these numbers correspond to 3.2%, 7.2%, 7.3% and 18.7%, respectively. Absolute increases were concentrated among partners reported as HIV-negative. Multivariable analyses for CAS initiation found effects concentrated among Hispanic and White youth and residents of fringe counties of large metropolitan areas. CAS partner number increases were similarly predicted by Hispanic identity and young age. Although condom use remains more common than PrEP use, increasing CAS among MSM not on PrEP suggests potential new HIV transmission pathways. Concentration of increases among 18-24-year-old MSM portends future increases in the proportion of newly diagnosed HIV that occur among youth. Concentration among young Hispanic MSM will likely expand existing disparities. Although reducing barriers to PrEP remains vital, condom promotion for MSM remains a key public health practice and appears to be missing key audiences. LGBTQ+-inclusive sex education is one avenue for enhancing these efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Goodreau
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Campus Box 353100, Seattle, WA, 98122, USA.
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Michael P Barry
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for AIDS & STD, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Deven T Hamilton
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Austin M Williams
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Li Yan Wang
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - David A Katz
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kevin P Delaney
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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2
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Greene E, Walcott M, Guerra L, Tieu HV, Nandi V, Soler J, Diaz J, Curriero F, Latkin C, Bosompem A, Frye V. Correlates of concordance between self-reported and lab-confirmed viral load among Black and Latine men who have sex with men (BLMSM) living with HIV in New York City. AIDS Care 2024; 36:661-671. [PMID: 37399515 PMCID: PMC10761596 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2229816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Sustained viral suppression is one of the four strategies in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) plan to end the HIV epidemic in the United States. Individuals living with HIV must understand their viral load accurately for this strategy to be effective. We conducted cross-sectional analyses using baseline data from the NNHIV longitudinal study among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV in New York City to identify factors associated with concordant knowledge between self-reported and lab-confirmed viral load. Of 164 Black and/or Latine participants, 67% (n = 110) reported that their viral load was undetectable, however lab tests showed only 44% (n = 72) had an undetectable viral load (<20 copies/ml). Overall, 62% of the sample (n = 102) had concordant HIV viral load knowledge (agreement of self-reported and lab viral load). In multivariable regression, those with unstable housing (PR = 0.52, 0.30-0.92) and those who had higher levels of beliefs of racism in medicine scale (PR = 0.76, 0.59-0.97) were less likely to have concordant knowledge. Our study underscores the need for implementing measures to improve viral load knowledge, U = U messaging, and strategies to achieve and maintain undetectable viral load status to reduce the burden of HIV at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melonie Walcott
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, NY, NY
| | - Lauren Guerra
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, NY, NY
| | - Hong-Van Tieu
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, NY, NY
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY, NY
| | - Vijay Nandi
- Laboratory of Data Analytic Services, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, NY, NY
| | - Jorge Soler
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, NY, NY
| | - Jose Diaz
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Frank Curriero
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Victoria Frye
- CUNY School of Medicine, NY, NY
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, NY, NY
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Thanh Nguyen HT, Nguyen LT, Thanh Hoang HT, Bui DH, Thu Phan HT, Van Khuu N, Hong Ngo HT, Dang DA, Mirzazadeh A, McFarland W, Pham TH. Increase in human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis prevalence and incidence among men who have sex with men, vietnam 2015 - 2020. Int J STD AIDS 2024; 35:197-205. [PMID: 37967472 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231214583] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We assessed trends in HIV and syphilis prevalence, HIV incidence, related risk factors, and preventive behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam from 2015 to 2020. METHODS Data originated from the HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus system, which sampled MSM at venues and hotspots in seven of Vietnam's 63 provinces in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2020 (N = 1100-1445 per year; ∼150-300 per province per year). RESULTS HIV prevalence estimates increased from 6.6% (95% CI 4.5-9.6) in 2015 to 13.8% (95% CI 10.5-18.2, p = .001 for trend) in 2020 overall, and separately in An Giang, Can Tho, Hai Phong, and Khanh Hoa provinces but not in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Kien Giang. Syphilis prevalence increased from 2.7% (95% CI 1.4-5.1) in 2015 to 12.6% (95% CI 8.7-18.0) in 2020 overall (p < .001 for trend), and separately in An Giang, Can Tho, and Hai Phong provinces but not in Ho Chi Minh City or Kien Giang. We calculated time-at-risk from first anal sex to first HIV-positive or last HIV-negative test to estimate HIV incidence. Estimated HIV incidence suggested increasing rates of seroconversion from 1.36 per 100 person-years experienced by participants in 2015 to 2.61 per 100 person-years among participants in 2020 (hazard ratio per year 1.13, 95% CI 1.08-1.18, p < .001). There was a statistically significant increase in HIV testing, STI testing, and receipt of free condoms over the period (p < .05 for trend), and a statistically significant decrease in amphetamine use (p = .043 for trend). CONCLUSIONS Despite prevention efforts and improvements in some risk indicators, consecutive cross-sectional sampling results provide evidence of increasing incidence of HIV and syphilis among MSM in Vietnam, especially outside the major cities. Aggressive HIV prevention and treatment services can be expanded while conducting deeper investigations into the causes of these increases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ly Thuy Nguyen
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Duc Hoang Bui
- Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Heath, Vietnam
| | | | | | | | - Duc Anh Dang
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Willi McFarland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Thang Hong Pham
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Dorshimer M, Hirshfield S, Mayer J, Aidala AA. Examining Concordance Between Self-Report and Biomedical HIV Viral Load Data: A Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:93-104. [PMID: 37493931 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04136-7] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of HIV viral load based on laboratory results is the gold standard in HIV care and research. However, blood assay or accessing medical records is not always possible due to research or service contexts and constraints. Self-report of viral load test results expands data resources, is a convenient method of collecting data in both research and service settings, and is useful for HIV surveillance. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify existing literature on the validity of self-reported viral load data compared to blood assay or medical record review. We found that the existing literature is limited, with varied data collection methods, self-report measures, and study designs, as well as predictors of accuracy. Concordance between self-reported viral load and biomedical data varied across studies but appeared to be more consistent among samples recruited from clinical populations that reported engagement in HIV care. While it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the validity of self-reported viral load across existing studies, there is a need for a standardized measure and method of collection that can be utilized across diverse populations living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Dorshimer
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- Department of Medicine, STAR Program, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 1240, Brooklyn, NY, 11203-2012, USA.
| | - Joseph Mayer
- College of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, United States, 11203, New York
| | - Angela A Aidala
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Dhir AM. Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in the United States: An Overview and Update. Am J Nurs 2023; 123:54-62. [PMID: 37988020 DOI: 10.1097/01.naj.0000997216.21988.19] [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: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT There were 36,136 new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas in 2021, despite a 12% reduction in estimated HIV incidence from 2017 to 2021. The burden of HIV remains disproportionately high among certain populations, including gay and bisexual men, Black/African American individuals, and Hispanic/Latino individuals, and racial and ethnic health care disparities persist. The Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative aims to significantly reduce new infections, with a focus on HIV prevention, particularly the use of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, challenges remain in achieving equitable PrEP distribution. As frontline health care providers, nurses play a pivotal role in this battle against HIV. This article provides an update on PrEP screening recommendations, the types of PrEP available, dosing, adverse effects, and the role of nurses in patient support and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Mickey Dhir
- Amit "Mickey" Dhir is a PhD student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Baltimore, MD, and an infectious disease NP at Chase Brexton Health Care, also in Baltimore. Contact author: . The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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Chadwick SB, Antebi-Gruszka N, Siegel K, Schrimshaw EW. "I Assumed that He Knows Because He's Seen My Profile": HIV Status Disclosure and Condom Use Decisions Among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) Using Hookup Apps and Websites. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3992-4009. [PMID: 37392269 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04114-z] [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: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we sought to better understand how MSM make decisions about HIV disclosure when using hook-up apps/websites and how these decisions relate to condom use during app/website-facilitated sexual encounters. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 MSM (30% living with HIV) who had used hook-up apps and websites to meet sexual partners within the past three months. Results demonstrated a variety of approaches to HIV status disclosure. Some men reported usually discussing HIV status, but others discussed HIV status selectively (e.g., only when asked, when a relationship became more serious). Some men reported that listing one's status in a profile precluded the need to discuss it further. Others noted that leaving an HIV status blank "hinted" at their own or others' HIV positive or negative status. These approaches were closely linked to decisions about condom use. Many men reported serosorting based on inferences or assumptions about partners' HIV status. Together, results highlighted potential gaps in communication that can lead to faulty assumptions about HIV status and subsequent serodiscordant condomless sex and suggest that interventions that promote HIV status disclosure address these potential faulty assumptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Chadwick
- Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
- Departments of Psychology & Gender and Women's Studies, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Gender & Women's Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 3381 Sterling Hall, 475 N. Charter Street, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | | | - Karolynn Siegel
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric W Schrimshaw
- Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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Folayan MO, Zuñiga RAA, Virtanen JI, Aly NM, Ezechi OC, Lusher J, El Tantawi M, Nguyen AL. Risk indicators for oral ulcers among people living with HIV during the first wave of the pandemic: a cross sectional study. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:600. [PMID: 37635219 PMCID: PMC10463981 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is currently known about HIV-related parameters that may increase the risk for oral ulcers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to overcome this gap in research by assessing the associations between HIV viral load, antiretroviral adherence profile, co-morbidity status, SARS-CoV-2 infection and oral ulcers among people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS This was a secondary analysis of data generated from 21,206 to 18 years and above, recruited from 152 countries through an online survey between July and December 2020. Data were extracted for 874 people who reported living with HIV. The dependent variable was reporting having oral ulcer. The independent variables were the viral load, adherence to antiretroviral treatment and a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The confounding variables were age at last birthday and sex at birth. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the associations between the dependent and independent variables after adjusting for the confounding variables. RESULTS Of the 874 participants, 99 (11.3%) reported having oral ulcers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The odds of PLHIV having oral ulcers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly higher for people who did not know their viral load than those who had undetectable viral load (AOR: 2.036; 95% CI: 1.204-3.443; p = 0.008); and people who did not adhere to the use of antiretroviral treatment than those who adhered (AOR: 4.113; 95% CI: 2.567-6.589; p < 0.001). Also, PLHIV who had SARS-CoV-2 infection had significantly higher odds of having oral ulcers than those who did not have the infection (AOR: 14.556; 95% CI: 4.500-47.078; p < 0.001). PLHIV who had co-morbidities had non-significantly higher odds of having oral ulcers than those without co-morbidities (AOR: 1.170; 95% CI: 0.656-2.085; p = 0.595). CONCLUSION Oral ulcers may be an indicator of poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy and unsuppressed viral load among PLHIV. It may also be an indicator of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a signal to take prompt and critical care of affected individuals because of the risk for severe COVID-19 for these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan
- MEHEWE Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
- Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
| | - Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuñiga
- MEHEWE Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Postgraduate Department, University of Sierra Sur., Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Jorma I Virtanen
- MEHEWE Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nourhan M Aly
- MEHEWE Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Oliver C Ezechi
- MEHEWE Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Joanne Lusher
- MEHEWE Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Provost's Group, Regent's University London, London, UK
| | - Maha El Tantawi
- MEHEWE Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Annie L Nguyen
- MEHEWE Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Daniels J, Peters RPH, Medina-Marino A, Bongo C, Stephenson R. A skills-based sero-status HIV disclosure intervention for sexual minority men in South Africa: A protocol for intervention adaptation and pilot randomized controlled trial (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e36845. [PMID: 35576574 PMCID: PMC9152729 DOI: 10.2196/36845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) living with HIV have low antiretroviral treatment adherence in South Africa due to limited skills in managing disclosure and prevention behaviors with sexual and romantic partners. As a result, there is a high HIV transmission risk within HIV-discordant partnerships, but an existing intervention may address these outcomes, if adapted effectively. Healthy Relationships (HR) is a behavioral intervention that was originally delivered in groups and in person over 5 sessions to develop coping skills for managing HIV-related stress and sexually risky situations, enhance decision-making skills for HIV disclosure to partners, and establish and maintain safer sex practices with partners. HR effectively improves prevention behaviors but has yet to be tailored to a non-US context. Objective We aim to adapt HR into a new culturally grounded intervention entitled Speaking Out & Allying Relationships for GBMSM and then assess its feasibility in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods The study will have 2 aims. For aim 1—adaptation—we will use a human-centered design approach. Initial intervention tailoring will involve integrating Undetectable=Untransmittable and pre-exposure prophylaxis education, developing intervention content for a videoconference format, and designing role-plays and movies for skill building based on preliminary data. Afterward, interviews and surveys will be administered to GBMSM to assess intervention preferences, and a focus group will be conducted with health care providers and information technology experts to assess the intervention’s design. Finally, a usability test will be performed to determine functionality and content understanding. Participants will be GBMSM living with HIV (n=15) who are in a relationship and health care providers and information technology (n=7) experts working in HIV care and programming with this population. For aim 2, we will examine the feasibility of the adapted intervention by using a pilot randomized control design. There will be 60 individuals per arm. Feasibility surveys and interviews will be conducted with the intervention arm, and behavioral and biomedical assessments for relationship and treatment adherence outcomes will be collected for both arms. All participants will be GBMSM living with HIV who are in a relationship with an HIV-negative or unknown status partner. Results Intervention adaptation began in August 2021. Initial tailoring and the refining of GBMSM intervention preferences were completed in December 2021. Usability and feasibility assessments are due to be completed by March 2022 and February 2024, respectively. Conclusions GBMSM need efficacious interventions that tackle partnership dynamics, HIV prevention, and treatment outcomes for antiretroviral treatment adherence and viral suppression in South Africa. Harnessing everyday technology use for social networking (eg, videoconferences), Undetectable=Untransmittable education, and pre-exposure prophylaxis to update an existing intervention for South African GBMSM has the potential to strengthen relationship communication about HIV treatment and prevention and, in turn, improve outcomes. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/36845
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Daniels
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Medina-Marino
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, East London, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cikizwa Bongo
- Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Bor J, Fischer C, Modi M, Richman B, Kinker C, King R, Calabrese SK, Mokhele I, Sineke T, Zuma T, Rosen S, Bärnighausen T, Mayer KH, Onoya D. Changing Knowledge and Attitudes Towards HIV Treatment-as-Prevention and "Undetectable = Untransmittable": A Systematic Review. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:4209-4224. [PMID: 34036459 PMCID: PMC8147591 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03296-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
People on HIV treatment with undetectable virus cannot transmit HIV sexually (Undetectable = Untransmittable, U = U). However, the science of treatment-as-prevention (TasP) may not be widely understood by people with and without HIV who could benefit from this information. We systematically reviewed the global literature on knowledge and attitudes related to TasP and interventions providing TasP or U = U information. We included studies of providers, patients, and communities from all regions of the world, published 2008–2020. We screened 885 papers and abstracts and identified 72 for inclusion. Studies in high-income settings reported high awareness of TasP but gaps in knowledge about the likelihood of transmission with undetectable HIV. Greater knowledge was associated with more positive attitudes towards TasP. Extant literature shows low awareness of TasP in Africa where 2 in 3 people with HIV live. The emerging evidence on interventions delivering information on TasP suggests beneficial impacts on knowledge, stigma, HIV testing, and viral suppression. Review was pre-registered at PROSPERO: CRD42020153725
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Bor
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02119, USA.
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, GP, South Africa.
| | - Charlie Fischer
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02119, USA
| | - Mirva Modi
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02119, USA
| | | | | | - Rachel King
- UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | | | - Idah Mokhele
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, GP, South Africa
| | - Tembeka Sineke
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, GP, South Africa
| | - Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02119, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, GP, South Africa
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Fenway Health Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dorina Onoya
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, GP, South Africa
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Goodreau SM, Maloney KM, Sanchez TH, Morris M, Janulis P, Jenness SM. A Behavioral Cascade of HIV Seroadaptation Among US Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Era of PrEP and U = U. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3933-3943. [PMID: 33884510 PMCID: PMC8528882 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03266-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Seroadaptive behaviors help reduce HIV risk for some men who have sex with men (MSM), and have been well documented across MSM populations. Advancements in biomedical prevention have changed the contexts in which seroadaptive behaviors occur. We thus sought to estimate and compare the prevalence of four stages of the "seroadaptive cascade" by PrEP use in the recent era: knowledge of own serostatus, knowledge of partner serostatus; serosorting (matching by status), and condomless anal intercourse. Serosorting overall appeared to remain common, especially with casual and one-time partners. Although PrEP use did not impact status discussion, it did impact serosorting and the likelihood of having condomless anal intercourse. For respondents not diagnosed with HIV and not on PrEP, condomless anal intercourse occurred in just over half of relationships with HIV-positive partners who were not on treatment. Biomedical prevention has intertwined with rather than supplanted seroadaptive behaviors, while contexts involving neither persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Goodreau
- Department of Anthropology and Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Campus Box 353100, Seattle, WA, 91895, USA.
| | - Kevin M Maloney
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Martina Morris
- Departments of Statistics and Sociology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Patrick Janulis
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Samuel M Jenness
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Kalichman SC, Kalichman MO, Eaton LA. Undisclosed HIV Status to Sex Partners and Its Unintended Consequences in the Era of Undetectable = Untransmittable. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:149-156. [PMID: 34267054 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002762] [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] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and sustained HIV suppression virtually eliminate HIV transmission, eg, having an undetectable viral load renders HIV untransmittable (U=U). Owing to the greatly reduced likelihood of HIV transmission when viral load is undetectable, we studied one behavioral ramification of adopting a U=U prevention strategy-not disclosing HIV status to sex partners. SETTING Cisgender men recruited through community outreach in the state of Georgia, USA. METHODS We examined HIV status disclosure to sex partners among 345 young (median age = 29 years) men receiving ART. Data were collected using computerized interviews, daily sexual behavior surveys over 28 days, unannounced pill counts for ART adherence, urine tests for drug use and urogenital health, and blood samples for HIV viral load. RESULTS One in 3 participants (34%) engaged in condomless anal/vaginal intercourse with an HIV-negative/unknown HIV status partner over 28 days. Average ART adherence was 76%, and one in 5 men had detectable HIV viral loads. Men who engaged in condomless sex with undisclosed partners demonstrated significantly less HIV disclosure to family and friends and had fewer enacted stigma experiences. Hierarchical regression models showed that endorsing U=U as a personal HIV prevention strategy predicted undisclosed condomless sex over and above substance use, HIV stigma experiences, disclosure to family and friends, ART adherence, and HIV viral load. CONCLUSIONS Interventions are needed to improve ART adherence and assist men living with HIV in their decisions to disclose HIV status to sex partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth C Kalichman
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
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Min S, Gillani FS, Aung S, Garland JM, Beckwith CG. Evaluating HIV Viral Rebound Among Persons on Suppressive Antiretroviral Treatment in the Era of "Undetectable Equals Untransmittable (U = U)". Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa529. [PMID: 33335935 PMCID: PMC7731526 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have demonstrated that persons with HIV (PWH) maintaining viral suppression do not transmit HIV to HIV-negative partners through condomless sex, leading to the “Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U)” prevention campaign. However, few studies have examined the durability of suppression in the era of U = U. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Providence, Rhode Island. PWH aged ≥18 years with documented viral suppression (defined as at least 1 viral load [VL] <200 copies/mL and no VL ≥200 copies/mL) in 2015 were included in the baseline cohort. Primary outcomes were viral suppression, viral rebound (at least 1 VL ≥200 copies/mL), or gap in VL monitoring assessed annually from 2016 to 2019. Those with viral rebound were assessed for resuppression within 6 months. Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with viral rebound or gaps in VL monitoring were investigated by bivariate analysis and logistic regression. Results A total of 1242 patients with viral suppression were included in the baseline cohort. In each follow-up year, 85%–90% maintained viral suppression, 2%–5% experienced viral rebound, and 8%–10% had a gap in VL monitoring. Among those with viral rebound, approximately one-half were suppressed again within 6 months. In the logistic regression models, retention in care was significantly associated with viral suppression, while younger age, black race, high school or equivalent education, non–men who have sex with men, and history of incarceration were significantly associated with viral rebound. Conclusions In the U = U era, most patients with viral suppression who are retained in care are likely to maintain viral suppression over time. Some patients require additional support for regular VL monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugi Min
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Fizza S Gillani
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Su Aung
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Joseph M Garland
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Curt G Beckwith
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Yoo-Jeong M, Schnall R. Accuracy of Self-Reports of HIV Viral Load Status and Risk Factors for Inaccurate Reporting of Viral Suppression Among Racial/Ethnic Minority Persons Living with HIV. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2020; 34:369-372. [PMID: 32822244 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2020.0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Moka Yoo-Jeong
- Northeastern University, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- Northeastern University, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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