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Blanc JV, Burdairon JD, Malandain L, Ferreri F, Mouchabac S, Adrien V. Attachment and Mental Health of Men Having Sex with Men Engaging in Chemsex: Is Substance Abuse Only the Tip of the Iceberg? JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024; 71:2875-2894. [PMID: 37815854 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2023.2266086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) with problematic chemsex (a specific sexualized drug use pattern) face several health issues. The aim of this monocentric observational study was to assess the mental health history and attachment style (AS) within 71 GBMSM seeking care for problematic chemsex. Attachment style (AS) was evaluated using the Relationship Scales Questionnaire. 82% of the cohort (58) had at least one mental health disorder (among depression, anxiety, alcohol use disorder or hypersexuality). 9.9% were admitted to intensive care due to chemsex use. Traumas were frequent, with 31% reporting childhood sex abuse and 24% declaring having attempted suicide. 62 (87%) had insecure AS: 38% preoccupied, 23% fearful and 24% dismissing. Users with a positive self model (N = 24) had fewer comorbidities (63% vs 92%, p = .003) and practiced more chemsex alone (75% vs 33%, p < .001) than users with negative self model (N = 47). Users with a positive other model (N = 35) practiced more slamsex (injections of substance in a sexual context) (80% vs 50%, p = .008) and had fewer comorbidities (71% vs 92%, p = .027) than users with a negative other model (N = 36). Attachment theory is a way to provide holistic and tailored and harm reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Victor Blanc
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Del Burdairon
- Department of Psychiatry, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire Psychiatrie Paris 15e, GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Paris, France
| | - Léo Malandain
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictive Disorders, University Hospital Cochin, University Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Florian Ferreri
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Infrastructure for Clinical Research in Neurosciences (iCRIN) Psychiatry, Paris Brain Institute, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Mouchabac
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Infrastructure for Clinical Research in Neurosciences (iCRIN) Psychiatry, Paris Brain Institute, Paris, France
| | - Vladimir Adrien
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Infrastructure for Clinical Research in Neurosciences (iCRIN) Psychiatry, Paris Brain Institute, Paris, France
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Hsu JH, Huang P, Li CW, Bourne A, Strong C, Ku SWW. Experiences of harm and mental ill-health among gay, bisexual and other men-who-have-sex-with-men who use methamphetamine or GHB/GBL in different combinations: findings from the COMeT study in Taiwan. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:181. [PMID: 39375670 PMCID: PMC11457556 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-01094-8] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polydrug use in the context of chemsex is commonplace among gay, bisexual, and other men-who-have-sex-with-men (GBMSM). This study aimed to examine the differences in experiences of physical, social, and psychological harms, as well as mental ill-health among GBMSM who use different combinations of methamphetamine and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid/gamma-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL) during chemsex. METHOD Adult GBMSM participants who had experience of chemsex in the past 12 months participated in a cross-sectional online survey in Taiwan and self-reported their sociodemographic background, sexual behaviours, mental health, and experiences of harm following a chemsex session. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess the different experiences of harm and mental ill-health among GBMSM who engaged in chemsex without using methamphetamine, used methamphetamine but not GHB/GBL, and who used both drugs. RESULTS Out of 510 participants who completed all items included in the analysis, 24.1% engaged in chemsex without using methamphetamine, 36.9% used methamphetamine but not GHB/GBL, and 39.0% used both drugs. Eighty five percent of men who used both methamphetamine and GHB/GBL reported at least one kind of social harm after a chemsex session, such as missing dates or appointments, or appearing "high" at work, followed by used methamphetamine but not GHB/GBL (69.7%) and those without using methamphetamine (37.4%). After controlling for polydrug and frequency of drug use in the multivariable logistic regression, those who used methamphetamine but not GHB/GBL and those who used both drugs were more likely to report experiencing physical and psychological harms compared to those who did not use methamphetamine (p < 0.003). CONCLUSION GBMSM who used both methamphetamine and GHB/GBL in a chemsex context were more likely to report experience of harms than those who only used a single chemsex drug or engaged in chemsex without methamphetamine or GHB/GBL. Harm reduction should focus on both preventing HIV and STI transmission and on minimising psychosocial harm to GBMSM, with varying impacts depending on drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Hao Hsu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, 8F-8068, No. 138, ShengLi Rd., North Dist., Tainan City, 704, Taiwan
| | - Poyao Huang
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Master of Public Health Degree Program, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wen Li
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carol Strong
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, 8F-8068, No. 138, ShengLi Rd., North Dist., Tainan City, 704, Taiwan.
| | - Stephane Wen-Wei Ku
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Taipei City Hospital Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
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Shahrvini T, Gaither TW, Vincent NW, Williams KC, Piqueiras E, Siapno AE, Russell MM, Litwin MS. The Impact of Pleasure and Pain on Frequent Substance Use During Receptive Anal Intercourse. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-7. [PMID: 39373647 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2408648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Sexualized drug use (SDU) describes use of any psychoactive substance before or during planned sexual activity to facilitate, intensify, or prolong intercourse. The impact of pain, pleasure, and other mediators on SDU is not well characterized. This study aimed to distinguish the motivations behind different classes and frequencies of substance use during receptive anal intercourse (RAI). Data were from an internet-based survey conducted between July 2022-January 2023. We measured the frequency of SDU for five substances: poppers, alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, and nicotine. Satisfaction with pleasurable sensations during RAI and any type of pain bother during RAI were assessed on a 5-point scale. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for 1,119 respondents. Our results showed a strong association between bothersome pain during RAI and frequent alcohol (aOR 2.1), marijuana (aOR 2.4), nicotine (aOR 3.1), and meth (aOR 5.9) use. None of the five substance classes studied was correlated with dissatisfaction with pleasure during RAI. Frequent popper use was associated with increasing lifetime RAI experience and number of sexual partners. The mechanism behind SDU during RAI is substance-specific and multifactorial. Bothersome pain during RAI is highly associated with frequent SDU. Inquiring about pain during RAI may offer avenues for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Shahrvini
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Thomas W Gaither
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
| | | | - Kristen C Williams
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Eduardo Piqueiras
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Allen E Siapno
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Marcia M Russell
- Department of Surgery, Section of Colorectal Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
- Surgical and Perioperative Careline, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
| | - Mark S Litwin
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles
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Pozo-Herce PD, Martínez-Sabater A, Sanchez-Palomares P, Garcia-Boaventura PC, Chover-Sierra E, Martínez-Pascual R, Gea-Caballero V, Saus-Ortega C, Ballestar-Tarín ML, Karniej P, Baca-García E, Juárez-Vela R. Effectiveness of Harm Reduction Interventions in Chemsex: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1411. [PMID: 39057554 PMCID: PMC11275498 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12141411] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of chemsex has emerged as an essential public health issue in recent years. This systematic review aimed to investigate currently available harm reduction strategies and to evaluate the efficacy of the corresponding interventions. METHODS A systematic review of the scientific literature related to harm and risk reduction strategies and the effectiveness of chemsex interventions. Between January 2024 and May 2024, the articles were retrieved from the electronic databases Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycInfo, Cochrane, Dialnet, CUIDEN, and SciELO. The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number CRD42024508953). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (I) original studies published in peer-reviewed journals, (II) studies exploring harm reduction interventions for chemsex, and (III) studies reflecting the efficacy of harm reduction interventions for chemsex. Two reviewers independently selected articles by title, abstract, and full paper review and extracted data. Two authors described the selected studies and assessed their methodological quality. RESULTS The systematic review comprised six scientific papers that met the selection criteria and were obtained from five countries. Although a limited number of studies were included, it was observed that they presented a medium-high methodological quality. Programs evaluated interventions to reduce harm from chemsex, such as a web-based intervention that improved self-efficacy to refuse risky behaviors and accept HIV testing. The studies suggested that peer-led programs can be effective, especially with facilitators who have experienced chemsex dependence. CONCLUSION Harm reduction strategies in chemsex are effective and should be promoted by health professionals. Interventions should be accessible, personalized, and non-judgmental to provide appropriate care and support, ensuring a comprehensive and effective public health response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Del Pozo-Herce
- Department of Psychiatry, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (P.D.P.-H.); (E.B.-G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- School of Nursing, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid Autonomous University, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Antonio Martínez-Sabater
- Nursing Care and Education Research Group (GRIECE), GIUV2019-456, Nursing Department, Facultat d’Infermeria i Podologia, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.-S.); (R.M.-P.); (M.L.B.-T.)
- Care Research Group (INCLIVA), Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Elena Chover-Sierra
- Nursing Care and Education Research Group (GRIECE), GIUV2019-456, Nursing Department, Facultat d’Infermeria i Podologia, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.-S.); (R.M.-P.); (M.L.B.-T.)
- Internal Medicine, Consorci Hospital Universitari de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Raquel Martínez-Pascual
- Nursing Care and Education Research Group (GRIECE), GIUV2019-456, Nursing Department, Facultat d’Infermeria i Podologia, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.-S.); (R.M.-P.); (M.L.B.-T.)
- Care Research Group (INCLIVA), Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Gea-Caballero
- Research Group Community Health and Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, International University of Valencia, 46002 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Carles Saus-Ortega
- Nursing Care and Education Research Group (GRIECE), GIUV2019-456, Nursing Department, Facultat d’Infermeria i Podologia, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.-S.); (R.M.-P.); (M.L.B.-T.)
- Nursing School La Fe, Adscript Centre, University of Valencia, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Research Group GREIACC, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46016 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Luisa Ballestar-Tarín
- Nursing Care and Education Research Group (GRIECE), GIUV2019-456, Nursing Department, Facultat d’Infermeria i Podologia, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.-S.); (R.M.-P.); (M.L.B.-T.)
- Nursing Department, Jaume I University, 12006 Castellón, Spain;
| | - Piotr Karniej
- Faculty of Finance and Management, WSB MERITO University in Wroclaw, 53-609 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Enrique Baca-García
- Department of Psychiatry, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (P.D.P.-H.); (E.B.-G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Juárez-Vela
- Research Group in Care, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain;
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Schwarz J, Gertzen M, Rabenstein A, Straßburger M, Horstmann A, Pogarell O, Rüther T, Karch S. What Chemsex does to the brain - neural correlates (ERP) regarding decision making, impulsivity and hypersexuality. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01856-2. [PMID: 38969754 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01856-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Chemsex describes the use of specific substances (methamphetamine, GHB/GBL, mephedrone, ketamine) which initiate or enhance sexual experiences and is mainly prevalent among men who have sex with men. Many Chemsex users experience somatic complications (for example sexually transmitted diseases) and sometimes adverse sociological, psychological, and neurological symptoms, such as depression, impulse control disorders or hypersexuality. Changes in impulsivity and deficits in executive functions have demonstrated to be associated with addiction and impulse control disorders as well as frontal brain dysfunction and behavioral control deficits. This study aims to explore the effects of neurophysiological correlates of inhibition and decision making in Chemsex users with an EEG paradigm using event-related potentials (N2, P3). 15 Chemsex users and 14 matched control subjects, all of them men who have sex with man, participated in an auditory Go/NoGo/Voluntary Selection EEG paradigm. In addition, clinical data (e.g. regarding depression), demographic information as well as measures of well-being and sexual behavior were collected. The results demonstrated that clinical symptoms, hypersexuality, and sexual risk behavior were more pronounced in Chemsex users compared to non-users. P3 amplitudes did not differ significantly between groups. However, the Chemsex users showed decreased electrophysiological N2 responses in fronto-central brain regions during decision-making, indicating compromised executive function and inhibitory control. The observed impairments may lead to increased risk behavior regarding drug abuse and hypersexuality. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms can contribute to targeted interventions in order to mitigate the negative consequences of engaging in Chemsex and improve general well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Schwarz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Marcus Gertzen
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Rabenstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz Straßburger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Alana Horstmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Pogarell
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Rüther
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Karch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
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Huang HY, Huang JR, Chan PC, Lee CC. In the fight against HIV/AIDS: the arduous implementation of government-funded pre-exposure prophylaxis programme in Taiwan. Sex Transm Infect 2024; 100:216-221. [PMID: 38575314 PMCID: PMC11187399 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-055917] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The government-funded pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme was targeted to those aged under 30 years or serodiscordant couples and implemented in September 2018-October 2020 in Taiwan. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the programme and the relationship between sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV seroconversion. METHODS This study was a retrospective cohort analysis with questionnaires designed for participants who joined the aforementioned programme in the PrEP-designated hospitals. The questionnaires included sociodemographic factors, sexual risk behaviours, number and types of sexual partners, and usage of narcotics filled in at the beginning of the programme and every 3 months. The McNemar test was used for the paired questionnaire analysis. The HIV seroconversion status among STD-notified patients nationwide was confirmed by using the data linkage method, followed up until October 2021 with stratification of PrEP programme participation or not. RESULTS The programme recruited 2155 people. 11 participants (0.5%) had seroconversion within the programme, while 26 (1.2%) had seroconversion after withdrawing from the programme. Overall, 1892 subjects with repeated questionnaires were included in the analysis for behaviour changes with median follow-up of 289 days. After joining the programme, 94.7% of them claimed that they had sexual behaviours: the rate of those who had condomless sex rose to 5.5% (p<0.001) and the rate of those who used narcotics decreased to 2% (p<0.001), compared with their response in the pre-questionnaire. Notably, the frequency of non-use of narcotics in recent 3 months increased from 16.9% to 38.4% in the pre-questionnaire and post-questionnaire responses, among the 177 who had claimed narcotics usage in recent 12 months (p=0.003). More HIV seroconversion was found among patients with STD who did not join the programme than those who joined the programme (8.7% vs 4.9%, p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS The government-funded programme showed HIV case reduction and positive changes in health behaviours except for condomless sex which had increased prevalence. The reduction of HIV cases was also observed among people with STD. More resources should be allocated to the PrEP programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsun Yin Huang
- Division of Chronic Infectious Diseases, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jyun Rong Huang
- Division of Chronic Infectious Diseases, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei Chun Chan
- Division of Chronic Infectious Diseases, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia Chi Lee
- Division of Chronic Infectious Diseases, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan
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Künzler-Heule P, Schmidt AJ, Fierz K, Battegay M, Engberg S, Kouyos RD, Nöstlinger C, Stöckle M, Béguelin C, Delaloye J, Schmid P, Rougemont M, Braun DL, Fehr JS, Nicca D. Exploring group differences in the response to a sexual risk reduction intervention to prevent hepatitis C virus reinfection in HIV-infected MSM: a mixed-methods study. AIDS Care 2024; 36:442-451. [PMID: 37182220 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2208318] [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: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
To prevent hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection, within the Swiss HCVree Trial, a preventive risk reduction intervention was implemented alongside curative treatment. Formative qualitative research identified three response patterns to the intervention. This mixed-methods study's aim was to cross-validate group differences in (a) the content of sexual risk reduction goals set during intervention and (b) the extent of their behavioural change in condomless anal intercourse with non-steady partners (nsCAI), sexualised and intravenous drug use at start and six-month post-intervention. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to summarise goal setting domains. Quantitative descriptive analysis was used to evaluate group differences based on assumptions of the group descriptions. Results largely confirmed assumptions on inter-group response differences in goal setting and behaviour: as expected group 1 Avoid risks showed the lowest HCV risk profile with changes in nsCAI. Group 2 Minimize-risks and Group 3 Accept-risks showed unchanged nsCAI. Group 3 had the highest HCV risk profile. Differences in their goal preferences (1: condom use; 2 reduction blood exposure; 3 safer dating) highlight diversity in attitudes to behavioural change. Our results improve understanding of variability in intervention responses such as changes in attitudes and behaviour. This provides evidence for intervention tailoring and outcome measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Künzler-Heule
- Nursing Science, Department Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Department of Nursing Development, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Axel J Schmidt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Sigma Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katharina Fierz
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZUAS), Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Engberg
- Nursing Science, Department Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Roger D Kouyos
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marcel Stöckle
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charles Béguelin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julie Delaloye
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Schmid
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Rougemont
- Primary Care Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dominique L Braun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan S Fehr
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Public & Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dunja Nicca
- Nursing Science, Department Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Public & Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Rodríguez-Expósito B, Rieker JA, Uceda S, Beltrán-Velasco AI, Echeverry-Alzate V, Gómez-Ortega M, Positivo A, Reiriz M. Psychological characteristics associated with chemsex among men who have sex with men: Internalized homophobia, conscientiousness and serostatus as predictive factors. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100465. [PMID: 38737628 PMCID: PMC11088328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although significant progress has been made in the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, even today this population still faces stigma and discrimination that impacts their mental health. In the case of men who have sex with men, it has been demonstrated that the use of drugs in a sexual context (chemsex) is one of the coping mechanisms and means of escape to deal with these situations. Method We assessed 284 native Spanish speakers' participants, 45,4 % were not engaged in sexualised drug use (n = 129) while 54,6 % were chemsex users (n = 155) using 18,7 % of them the injected via. The participants completed six questionnaires about life and sexual satisfaction, depression, anxiety, internalised homophobia and personality. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the associations between sexual behaviour-related and psychological variables. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to analysed the impact on mental health of the administration via. Results Aged, unprotected sexual relationships, positive serostatus, homonegativity and conscientiousness predicted the chemsex engagement. Furthermore, we found differences regarding the administration via. Conclusions We conclude that mental health significantly correlates with the practice of chemsex, highlighting the importance of integrating mental health considerations into the prevention of risky sexual behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín Rodríguez-Expósito
- Nebrija University, Facultad de Lenguas y Educación, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, Madrid 28240, Spain
- Departament of Psychology, UNED, Seville, Spain
| | - Jennifer A. Rieker
- NBC Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Uceda
- NBC Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Echeverry-Alzate
- NBC Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Manuel Reiriz
- NBC Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, Madrid, Spain
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Takeuchi J, Chan C, MacGibbon J, Broady TR, Lea T, Mao L, Bavinton BR, Holt M. Trends in illicit drug use and their association with HIV transmission risks from behavioural surveillance of Australian gay and bisexual men. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:539-550. [PMID: 38010830 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13781] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Investigating drug trends among Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) is crucial for understanding levels of use and the potential for harm, including HIV transmission risk. METHOD Using repeated, national, cross-sectional survey data collected between 2012 and 2021 (69,567 surveys), trends of recent (previous 6 months) and frequent (weekly) drug use were analysed, using logistic regression models. The last round of data from each jurisdiction (6709 surveys) was used to compare GBM who reported no use, infrequent (less than weekly) use and frequent (at least weekly) use of party drugs to investigate the association between party drug use and HIV transmission risk, using multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS There was a significant upward trend in any recent drug use (from 58.4% in 2012 to 64.1% in 2021; p < 0.001). Frequent party drug use remained a minority practice over the period (consistently less than 3%). In cross-sectional analysis, frequent party drug users were more likely to report behaviours with HIV transmission risks, such as condomless anal intercourse without biomedical prevention strategies (30.0% vs. 13.1%; adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR], 2.08; 95% CI, 1.24-3.47), weekly group sex (16.3% vs. 0.6%; aRRR, 12.36; 95% CI, 5.75-26.56) and more than 20 recent sexual partners (42.5% vs. 5.0%; aRRR, 21.44; 95% CI, 5.82-78.89), compared with GBM who did not use party drugs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the frequent use of party drugs remains a marker of HIV transmission risk among Australian GBM, despite the increased adoption of biomedical HIV prevention strategies over the past few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Takeuchi
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Curtis Chan
- The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - James MacGibbon
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Timothy R Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Limin Mao
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Lisboa C, Stuardo V, Folch C. Sexualized drug use among gay men and other men who have sex with men in Latin America: A description of the phenomenon based on the results of LAMIS-2018. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287683. [PMID: 37856552 PMCID: PMC10586662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexualized drug use (SDU) to enhance and extend sexual relations may involve risks of substances abuse (intoxication, interactions and overdose) and higher exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. There are inconsistencies in the methodology and findings of previous research on SDU in Latin America (LA), and more studies are required. The purpose of this research was to characterize SDU in gay men and other men who have sex with men from 18 LA countries, and describe the aspects by comparing people who practice and do not practice SDU, at the general and country levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cross-sectional study based on the data collected by LAMIS-2018. Dependent variable was SDU (last 12 months), and the independent variables were: drug use (in any context/in sexual context), sociodemographic, socioepidemiological, and psychosocial aspects. A descriptive analysis was carried out, comparing those who practiced and did not practice SDU. RESULTS LAMIS-2018 included 64,655 participants, averaging 30 years of age. 13.6% declared having practiced SDU (6.6% with multiple partners). In the last sexual encounter the most commonly used drugs were cannabis (9.3%), poppers (6%), and Viagra (5.4%), and in the last encounter with multiple partners, poppers (19.7%), cannabis (17%), and Viagra (13.2%). HIV diagnosis was reported by 27% of people practicing SDU, vs. 14.3% in the other group. Severe anxiety-depression symptoms were more common among people practicing SDU (9.2% vs. 7%), as were the episodes of homophobic intimidation (52.6% vs. 48.2%), insults (34.4% vs. 28.6%), and aggression (4.1% vs. 3.0%). CONCLUSIONS SDU was reported by a high percentage of people, with a predominance of the use of drugs related to sexual practice, and others for recreational use. Aspects described as the higher proportion of self-reported HIV diagnosis and severe symptoms of anxiety-depression among those who practiced SDU, show that is necessary to implement preventive strategies to reduce the harmful impacts that can sometimes result from this practice, including harm reduction policies, promote access to mental health services and support in situations of homophobia and stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Lisboa
- Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Valeria Stuardo
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cinta Folch
- Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos sobre las Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual y SIDA de Cataluña (CEEISCAT), Cataluña, España
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, España
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11
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Reis RK, Antonini M, Milanês Sousa LR, Rocha KADA, Naiff Ferreira GRO, Vettore MV, Gir E. Amplified HIV Transmission Risk Among People Living With HIV in Southeast Brazil. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2023; 34:469-480. [PMID: 37565984 PMCID: PMC10470434 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000421] [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: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study investigated the factors associated with amplified HIV transmission risk among people living with HIV from a city in southeast Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 397 people living with HIV recruited in infectious diseases clinics. Data on risk of HIV transmission, sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, professional counseling, serological HIV status, HIV-related clinical data, and beliefs about risk of HIV transmission were collected through interviews and medical records. Hierarchical ordered multinomial regression analyses were performed. Amplified HIV risk transmission was associated with lower age, alcohol consumption before having sex, illicit drug use before sexual intercourse, and not receiving professional counseling about HIV transmission. The belief that HIV can be transmitted to a partner not living with HIV was associated with lower likelihood of amplified risk for HIV transmission. Our findings suggest the importance of minimizing substance use before having sex, professional counseling, and beliefs about HIV transmission on amplified HIV risk transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Karina Reis
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcela Antonini
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Laelson Rochelle Milanês Sousa
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mario Vianna Vettore
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Elucir Gir
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Daly FP, O'Donnell K, Davoren MP, Noone C, Weatherburn P, Quinlan M, Foley B, Lyons F, Igoe D, Barrett P. Recreational and sexualised drug use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Ireland-Findings from the European MSM internet survey (EMIS) 2017. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288171. [PMID: 37506129 PMCID: PMC10381075 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) report a higher prevalence of drug use in comparison to the general male population. However, in Ireland, there is a paucity of literature regarding the prevalence of drug use and its determinants among gbMSM. AIMS/OBJECTIVES To quantify the prevalence of (i) recreational drug use (RDU) and (ii) sexualised drug use (SDU) among gbMSM in Ireland, and to identify the factors associated with these drug use practices. METHODS The European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS) 2017 was an online, anonymous, internationally-promoted questionnaire. Two binary outcomes were included in our analyses: (1) RDU and (2) SDU in the previous year. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression explored factors associated with these outcomes, and all independent covariates were adjusted for one another. RESULTS Among gbMSM without HIV (n = 1,898), 40.9% and 13.1% engaged in RDU and SDU in the previous year, respectively. Among diagnosed-positive gbMSM (n = 141), the past-year respective prevalence estimates were 51.8% and 26.2%. Increased odds of RDU were observed among gbMSM who were younger (vs. 40+ years) (18-24 years; AOR 2.96, 95% CI 2.05-4.28, 25-39 years; AOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.27-2.16), lived in Dublin (vs. elsewhere) (AOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.17-1.83), and engaged in condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in the previous year (vs. none) (1-2 partners; AOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.34-2.38, 6+ partners; AOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.18-2.71). Greater odds of SDU were identified among those who lived in Dublin (vs. elsewhere) (AOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.07-2.10), and engaged in CAI (vs. none) (1-2 partners; AOR 3.16, 95% CI 2.05-4.88, 3-5 partners; AOR 2.50, 95% CI 1.47-4.26, and 6+ partners; AOR 3.79, 95% CI 2.23-6.43). CONCLUSION GbMSM report a high prevalence of drug use in Ireland. Targeted interventions, including harm reduction campaigns, may be needed to support healthier drug use choices among this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fionn P Daly
- School of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kate O'Donnell
- HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin P Davoren
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Sexual Health Centre, Cork, Ireland
| | - Chris Noone
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Sigma Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Fiona Lyons
- St. James's Hospital, James St, Saint James' (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 8, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Derval Igoe
- HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Barrett
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Public Health HSE-South, St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, Ireland
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Íncera-Fernández D, Román FJ, Moreno-Guillén S, Gámez-Guadix M. Understanding Sexualized Drug Use: Substances, Reasons, Consequences, and Self-Perceptions among Men Who Have Sex with Other Men in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2751. [PMID: 36768116 PMCID: PMC9916109 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032751] [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: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sexualized drug use (SDU) has been identified as a health risk factor among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This study aimed to analyze the associations between SDU frequency and a broad set of substances, motives, consequences, and self-perceptions. Sampling was conducted through an online survey. The final sample consisted of 185 GBMSM aged between 18 and 78 years old (mean age = 38.38, SD = 11.52) who engaged in SDU. We analyzed the frequency of SDU in terms of practicing it "once," "moderately" ("once a month or less" or "a few times a month"), or "frequently" (from "once a week" to "daily") during the previous 18 months. A questionnaire was administered through which sociodemographic variables, substances, reasons, consequences, and self-perceptions of SDU practice were analyzed. Participants who did so frequently were significantly more likely to use mephedrone, methamphetamine, and GHB/GBL than those who performed SDU less often (large effect sizes). In addition, habitual SDU was associated with motivations to achieve pleasurable emotions and sensations and manage negative feelings. Health implications, such as blackout moments, were also significantly related to frequent SDUs. Finally, those who practiced frequent SDU perceived it as a severe problem and wanted to control it. These data indicate the importance of raising awareness of chemsex as a public health problem among GBMSM. Specific identification, education, and prevention programs need to be strengthened to reduce the incidence of the most undesirable implications of SDU among GBMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Íncera-Fernández
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Román
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Moreno-Guillén
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Manuel Gámez-Guadix
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Goldshear JL, Westmoreland DA, Carrico AW, Grov C. Drug use typology, demographic covariates, and associations with condomless anal sex: A latent class analysis among a U.S. national cohort of men who have sex with men. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 112:103949. [PMID: 36587507 PMCID: PMC9975079 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103949] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior research has shown that men who have sex with men (MSM) who use drugs are at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Often, MSM who use drugs use multiple substances at once and research has indicated that certain substances are used in combination more frequently. As a vulnerable population, it is important to understand the various ways in which this population uses drugs in order to structure prevention, harm reduction, and treatment programs to their needs. METHODS Data for this analysis were taken from a cohort of geographically diverse U.S. national sample of cisgender men who have sex with men (n = 6111). After assessing prevalence of drug use in the sample, we used iterative latent class analysis to determine substance use classes for 10 substances. After a model was selected, class assignments were examined for association with mean number of insertive and receptive condomless anal sex (CAS) partners in the past three months. RESULTS The final model indicated six latent classes: class 1 = "cannabis use" (n = 1,996), class 2 = "diverse use" (n = 299), class 3 = "cocaine and inhalant use" (n = 421), class 4 = "methamphetamine, GHB, and inhalant use" (n = 345), class 5 = "no use" (n = 2431), class 6 = "sedative use" (n = 619). Age, race, annual income, residence in EHE jurisdictions, past history of houselessness, and past history of incarceration was significantly associated with membership in some classes. In outcome modeling, participants best assigned to Class 4 had the highest mean number of insertive (Mean = 9.70, 95% CI: 5.92 - 13.47) and receptive (Mean = 8.71, 95% CI: 6.75 - 10.66) condomless anal sex (CAS) partners in the prior three months. CONCLUSION The six heterogenous classes may indicate discrete typologies of use behavior corresponding to different settings or activities, which may themselves differ by regional HIV incidence trends and participant demographics. Programs seeking to address substance use among MSM may be well served to tailor toward these divergent clusters of substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse L Goldshear
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of California Keck Medicine, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Drew A Westmoreland
- City University of New York (CUNY) Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, 55 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami. 1120 NW 14th St #905, 33136, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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Herrijgers C, Platteau T, Vandebosch H, Poels K, Florence E. Using Intervention Mapping to Develop an mHealth Intervention to Support Men Who Have Sex With Men Engaging in Chemsex (Budd): Development and Usability Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e39678. [PMID: 36542451 DOI: 10.2196/39678] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemsex refers to the intentional use of drugs before or during sex among men who have sex with men (MSM). Engaging in chemsex has been linked to significant negative impacts on physical, psychological, and social well-being. However, no evidence-based support tools have addressed either these harms or the care needs of MSM who engage in chemsex. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper was to describe the development of a mobile health intervention (named Budd) using the intervention mapping protocol (IMP). Budd aims to support and inform MSM who participate in chemsex, reduce the negative impacts associated with chemsex, and encourage more reasoned participation. METHODS The IMP consists of 6 steps to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based health interventions. A needs assessment was carried out between September 2, 2019, and March 31, 2020, by conducting a literature study and in-depth interviews. Change objectives were selected based on these findings, after which theory-based intervention methods were selected. The first version of the intervention was developed in December 2020 and pilot-tested between February 1, 2021, and April 30, 2021. Adjustments were made based on the findings from this study. A separate article will be dedicated to the effectiveness study, conducted between October 15, 2021, and February 24, 2022, and implementation of the intervention. The Budd app went live in April 2022. RESULTS Budd aims to address individual factors and support chemsex participants in applying harm reduction measures when taking drugs (drug information, drug combination tool, and notebook), preparing for participation in a chemsex session (articles on chemsex, preparation tool, and event-specific checklist), planning sufficient time after a chemsex session to recover (planning tool), seeking support for their chemsex participation (overview of existing local health care and peer support services, reflection, personal statistics, and user testimonials), taking HIV medication or pre-exposure prophylaxis in a timely manner during a chemsex session (preparation tool), and contacting emergency services in case of an emergency and giving first aid to others (emergency information and personal buddy). CONCLUSIONS The IMP proved to be a valuable tool in the planning and development of the Budd app. This study provides researchers and practitioners with valuable information that may help them to set up their own health interventions. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/39678.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Herrijgers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Tom Platteau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Heidi Vandebosch
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Karolien Poels
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Eric Florence
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
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Chammartin F, Darling K, Abela IA, Battegay M, Furrer H, Calmy A, Bernasconi E, Schmid P, Hoffmann M, Bucher HC. CD4:CD8 Ratio and CD8 Cell Count and Their Prognostic Relevance for Coronary Heart Disease Events and Stroke in Antiretroviral Treated Individuals: The Swiss HIV Cohort Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 91:508-515. [PMID: 36150371 PMCID: PMC7613804 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV infection leads to a persistent expansion of terminally CD8 T cells and CD8 T suppressor cells, a marker of chronic immune activation leading to a low CD4:CD8 ratio that may persist in the presence of potent antiretroviral therapy and regained CD4 helper cells. It remains unclear whether a low CD4:CD8 ratio is associated with cardiovascular diseases. METHODS We conducted an observational cohort study to investigate the association of immune depression and activation as characterized by the proxy of the CD4:CD8 ratio on the hazard of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke among treated individuals living with HIV, while accounting for viral load and known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and exposure to abacavir or protease inhibitors. We used Cox proportional hazard models with time-dependent cumulative and lagged exposures to account for time-evolving risk factors and avoid reverse causality. RESULTS CD4, CD8, and CD4:CD8 immunological markers were not associated with an increased hazard for CHD. CD8 cell count lagged at 12 months above 1000 cells per μL increased the hazard of stroke, after adjusting for sociodemographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and exposure to specific types of antiretroviral drugs. CONCLUSIONS This analysis of treated HIV-positive individuals within a large cohort with long-term follow-up does not provide evidence for a prognostic role of immune dysregulation regarding CHD. However, increased CD8 cell count may be a moderate risk factor for stroke. Early detection and treatment of HIV-positive individuals are crucial for an optimal immune restoration and a limited CD8 cells expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédérique Chammartin
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CEB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharine Darling
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Irene A. Abela
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hansjakob Furrer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- Division of Infectious Diseases University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Enos Bernasconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases Ospedale Regionale Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Schmid
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland; and
| | - Matthias Hoffmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland; and
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital Olten, Switzerland
| | - Heiner C. Bucher
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CEB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Bosetti D, Mugglin C, Calmy A, Cavassini M, Stöckle M, Braun D, Notter J, Haerry D, Hampel B, Kovari H, Bernasconi E, Wandeler G, Rauch A, Aebi-Popp K, Anagnostopoulos A, Battegay M, Bernasconi E, Braun DL, Bucher HC, Calmy A, Cavassini M, Ciuffi A, Dollenmaier G, Egger M, Elzi L, Fehr J, Fellay J, Furrer H, Fux CA, Günthard HF, Hachfeld A, Haerry D, Hasse B, Hirsch HH, Hoffmann M, Hösli I, Huber M, Kahlert CR, Kaiser L, Keiser O, Klimkait T, Kouyos RD, Kovari H, Kusejko K, Martinetti G, Martinez de Tejada B, Marzolini C, Metzner KJ, Müller N, Nemeth J, Nicca D, Paioni P, Pantaleo G, Perreau M, Rauch A, Schmid P, Speck R, Stöckle M, Tarr P, Trkola A, Wandeler G, Yerly S. Risk Factors and Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac592. [PMID: 36504700 PMCID: PMC9728517 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac592] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), but there are limited data about risk factors and incidence of STIs in large, representative cohort studies. Methods We assessed incidence and risk factors of STIs reported by treating physicians within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). Sexually transmitted infections and demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics were prospectively collected at 6-month follow-up visits between October 2017 and November 2019. We used multilevel Poisson regression to assess incidence rate ratios of different STIs. Results Among 10 140 study participants, a total of 1634 STIs in 1029 SHCS participants were reported over 17 766 person-years of follow up (PYFUP). The overall incidence of any reported STI was 91.9 per 1000 PYFU (95% confidence interval [CI], 85.8 -98.5). Among the 1634 STI episodes, there were 573 (35.1%) incident cases of syphilis, 497 gonorrhea (30.4%), and 418 chlamydia (25.6%). Men who have sex with men (MSM) younger than 50 years represented 21% of the study population, but accounted for 61% of reported STIs. Male sex (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 2.03; 95% CI, 1.36-3.02), MSM (aIRR, 3.62; 95% CI, 2.88-4.55), age group 18-34 years (aIRR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.51-2.10), history of sexual relationships with occasional partners (aIRR, 6.87; 95% CI, 5.40-8.73), and reporting injecting drug use (aIRR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.91-3.23) were associated with a higher risk of incident STIs. Conclusions Sexually transmitted infections were frequent among PWH and varied considerably between age and risk groups. Screening programs and recommendations for STI testing need to be adapted according to risk factors and demographic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catrina Mugglin
- Correspondence: Catrina Mugglin, MSc, MD, PhD, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland ()
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- HIV/AIDS Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Cavassini
- University Hospital of Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Stöckle
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Braun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia Notter
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Benjamin Hampel
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Checkpoint Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Helen Kovari
- Zentrum für Infektionskrankheiten, Klinik im Park, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Enos Bernasconi
- Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, University of Geneva, and University of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Bolmont M, Tshikung ON, Trellu LT. Chemsex, a Contemporary Challenge for Public Health. J Sex Med 2022; 19:1210-1213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Risk factors for HCV transmission in HIV-positive men who have sex with men in México. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269977. [PMID: 35839163 PMCID: PMC9286238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
In the last two decades transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HIV positive men who have sex with men (MSM) has been reported globally. Chemsex and specific sexual practices have been identified as risk factors. Our study aimed to identify risk factors for HCV transmission in MSM living with HIV attending in Mexico.
Methods
We conducted a case-control study from April to December 2019 at the Hospital de Infectología “La Raza” National Medical Center, in Mexico City. A case was defined as an HIV-infected MSM with positive HCV-antibody test. For each case, 3 controls were included, defined as HIV infected MSM with negative HCV-antibody test. A self-questionnaire covering sexual practices and other risk factors for HCV transmission was applied. Bivariate analysis was performed to obtain odds ratio (OR) using Chi-square test. Independent risk factors were identified in a subsequent analysis performing a logistic regression model.
Results
A total of 324 patients participated in the study, 81 cases and 243 controls. Median age was 30.5 years (IQR: 18–52) and 28.8 years (IQR: 21–45) in the case and control group, respectively. Most prevalent HCV genotype was 1a (79%). In the logistic regression model, sharing straw during cocaine inhalation (OR: 9.03; 95% CI; 1.35–13.52; P = 0.003), sharing sex toys (OR: 17.53, 95% CI; 6.85–44.86; P = 0.002), and ethyl chloride use for chemsex (OR: 2.26; 95% CI; 1.29–5.56; P = 0.037) were significant risk factors for HCV infection.
Conclusion
This study identifies risk factors for HCV transmission in Mexico in HIV positive MSM in congruence with the findings of many studies performed worldwide. This is the first study that indicates a possible association between ethyl chloride use in chemsex and HCV infection. Assessment of local populations for risk factors for HCV transmission may help to develop specifically targeted behavioral interventions to reduce HCV transmission.
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20
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Uholyeva X, Pitoňák M. Chemsex users in Czechia: EMIS survey. Cent Eur J Public Health 2022; 30:86-92. [PMID: 35876596 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a6923] [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: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chemsex is a phenomenon highly relevant to public health concerns. Our primary aim is to describe the Czech chemsex scene regarding substances used, sexual behaviour, mental health, sexual life satisfaction, internalization of homonegative attitudes, and prevalent chemsex patterns. METHODS The data from the European Men Who Have Sex With Men Internet Survey (EMIS) 2017 were used. The mental health of chemsex users was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ4), internalized homonegativity was measured using the Short Internalized Homonegativity Scale. A sample of 87 men who have sex with men (MSM) chemsex users and a comparison group of 261 MSM were selected from the total sample of 1,688 respondents. Mann-Whitney and χ2 tests were used to compare groups. RESULTS Active chemsex users made up 5% of the sample (87 of 1,688), with an average age of 37 years. Chemsex users were more likely to engage in condomless sex with non-steady partners (χ2 = 46.8, p < 0.001), and had dramatically more STIs, such as HIV (χ2 = 52.9, p < 0.001), HCV (χ2 = 25.9, p < 0.001), and syphilis (χ2 = 41.5, p < 0.001). Chemsex users frequently injected drugs (n = 19, 20%). More than half (n = 48; 55%) of chemsex users had sober sex in the last 4 weeks. Chemsex culture was associated with riskier substance use, both in terms of mode and frequency. The mental health of chemsex users in our sample did not differ significantly from the comparison group (χ2 = 0.2, p < 0.7). Chemsex users did not conceal their sexual identity more often than the comparison group, on the contrary, 69% (n = 59) of them were out to most significant others, compared to 53% (n = 134) in the comparison group (χ2 = 8.8, p < 0.05). In addition, we did not find differences in the degree of internalized homonegativity (χ2 = 0.9, p < 0.4). Chemsex users were clearly and significantly more satisfied with their sex life than the comparison group (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In our sample, chemsex use was not associated with a negative impact on health or wellbeing. Our results suggest that chemsex is not a homogeneous phenomenon. Many different patterns and subcultures exist, some of them are riskier, some safer than others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michal Pitoňák
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
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21
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Changes in substance use among HIV-negative MSM: A longitudinal analysis, 1995-2019. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 106:103748. [PMID: 35649313 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103748] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests shifting patterns of recreational drug consumption among MSM in recent decades. The present study evaluates population-level mean trajectories of substance use among HIV-negative MSM from 1995 to 2019. METHODS Using open cohort study data following MSM in the Netherlands (n=1495) since 1995, we applied generalized estimating equations to examine population-averaged estimates of five substances - alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, and poppers - from 1995 to 2019, as well as their use during sexual encounters. RESULTS Recent alcohol use decreased; predicted probabilities declined from 1995 to 2019 (.96 to .87). During the same period, cocaine and poppers use increased - (.10 to .23 and .37 to .47, respectively) and use during sex also increased (.05 to .16, and .32 to .41, respectively). Ecstasy use increased over time (.23 to .38), although not during sex. No significant changes in cannabis use occurred. CONCLUSIONS While changes in use of various substances were mixed, increases in cocaine and poppers use during sexual encounters occurred among HIV-negative MSM over time. Efforts to intervene on substance use in connection with sex remain critical for health promotion.
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22
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Risky Sexual Practices, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Motivations, and Mental Health among Heterosexual Women and Men Who Practice Sexualized Drug Use in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116387. [PMID: 35681972 PMCID: PMC9180103 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Sexualized drug use (SDU) has been poorly studied among heterosexuals. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of and gender differences in types of substances, risky sexual practices, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), motivations, and psychological adjustment among heterosexual women and men who engage in SDU. The study sample consisted of 1181 heterosexuals (795 women) between 18 and 78 years old (mean age = 24.4, SD = 7.4). Approximately 12% of the participants had engaged in SDU. No differences were found in the prevalence of SDU between men and women. Alcohol, cannabis, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) were the substances most frequently used for sexual purposes. Men were significantly more likely to use MDMA, ecstasy, cocaine, and erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs, and they tended to have more sexual partners than women. Likewise, SDU was related to have more sexual partners, penetrative sex without a condom, practice a fetish, be diagnosed with syphilis, chlamydia, and others STIs, and present more depression symptoms (but not with more anxiety). In conclusion, SDU was associated with poorer physical and mental health. It is, therefore, necessary to design programs aimed at reducing the incidence of the consequences of SDU on the physical and mental health of both men and women. Moreover, programs that seek to understand why these individuals engage in SDU should be undertaken.
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23
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Ring A, Balakrishna S, Imkamp F, Burkard S, Triet F, Brunschweiler F, Grube C, Bodmer R, Kouyos RD, Günthard HF, Braun DL. High rates of asymptomatic Mycoplasma genitalium infections with high proportion of genotypic resistance to first-line macrolide treatment among men enrolled in the Zurich primary HIV infection study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac217. [PMID: 35783686 PMCID: PMC9246285 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen among men who have sex with men (MSM). Resistance to recommended antimicrobial agents are of public health concern. Few data exist on Mg infections in MSM diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during primary HIV infection. Methods Participants of the Zurich Primary HIV Study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT 00537966) were systematically offered screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between April 2019 and September 2020. Screening was performed using an in-house polymerase chain reaction panel comprising Mg including genotypic resistance testing for macrolides and quinolones, Chlamydia trachomatis including serovars L1-L3, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and Hemophilus ducreyi. Results We screened 148 of 266 (55.6%) participants, with an overall total of 415 follow-up visits. Ninety-one percent were MSM. The incidence rate for all STIs was 47.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.2–68.6) per 100 person-years. Mycoplasma genitalium was the most frequently detected pathogen: 30 participants (20%) presented with at least 1 Mg infection, corresponding to a period prevalence of 20.3% and incidence rate of 19.5 Mg infections (95% CI, 11.8–32.4). Most Mg infections (93%) were asymptomatic, and 9 (30%) participants showed spontaneous clearance. We detected high rates of antibiotic resistance: 73.3% to macrolides, 3.3% to quinolones, and 13.3% resistance to both antibiotics. Conclusions The high prevalence of mostly asymptomatic Mg infections and high rate of spontaneous clearance support cautious initiation for treatment. The high proportion of macrolide-resistant strains suggests that a genotypic determination of resistance should be standard of care. Moxifloxacin should be the preferred treatment option for symptomatic Mg infections among MSM if resistance testing is unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ring
- Division of Infectious Disease and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suraj Balakrishna
- Division of Infectious Disease and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Imkamp
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sara Burkard
- Division of Infectious Disease and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flurina Triet
- Division of Infectious Disease and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flurina Brunschweiler
- Division of Infectious Disease and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina Grube
- Division of Infectious Disease and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Bodmer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger D. Kouyos
- Division of Infectious Disease and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Huldrych F. Günthard
- Division of Infectious Disease and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique L. Braun
- Division of Infectious Disease and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kusejko K, Salazar-Vizcaya L, Shah C, Stöckle M, Béguelin C, Schmid P, Ongaro M, Darling K, Bernasconi E, Rauch A, Kouyos RD, Günthard HF, Böni J, Fehr JS, Braun DL. Sustained effect on hepatitis C elimination among men who have sex with men in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study: A systematic re-screening for hepatitis C RNA two years following a nation-wide elimination program. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1723-1731. [PMID: 35404384 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Swiss HCVree Trial (NCT02785666) was conducted in 2015-2017 with the goal of implementing a population-based systematic hepatitis C (HCV) micro-elimination program among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). The trial led to a 91% and 77% decline of HCV prevalence and incidence, respectively. The long-term effect of this HCV micro-elimination program is yet to be explored. METHODS All MSM enrolled in the SHCS were screened for HCV RNA using stored plasma samples obtained in 2019, termed "Swiss HCVree Post" screen. The incidence of HCV infection over time was assessed using additional information on HCV testing routinely collected in the SHCS. Characteristics of participants with replicating HCV infection were analyzed. RESULTS The point-prevalence of "Swiss HCVree Post" (N = 4641) was 0.6%, reflecting a decline of 48% compared to the end of the Swiss HCVree Trial where the prevalence was 1.2%. Further, the incidence of HCV among MSM in the SHCS declined from 0.31/100 person-years (py) (95%-confidence interval (CI) = [0.17,0.55]) in 2017 to 0.19/100 py (95%-CI = [0.09,0.39]) in 2019. CONCLUSION A systematic HCV RNA-based screening among MSM living with HIV conducted two years after the Swiss HCVree Trial revealed a sustained effect and further decline of the prevalence and incidence of replicating HCV infection. This indicates that the Swiss HCVree Trial was successful in curbing the HCV epidemic among MSM living with HIV in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Kusejko
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luisa Salazar-Vizcaya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Shah
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Stöckle
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charles Béguelin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Schmid
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marie Ongaro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Katherine Darling
- Service of Infectious Diseases, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Enos Bernasconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital Lugano, Lugano, University of Geneva, Geneva, and University of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roger D Kouyos
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Huldrych F Günthard
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Böni
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan S Fehr
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique L Braun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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25
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Salazar-Vizcaya L, Kusejko K, Günthard HF, Böni J, Metzner KJ, Braun DL, Nicca D, Bernasconi E, Calmy A, Darling KEA, Wandeler G, Kouyos RD, Rauch A. An Approach to Quantifying the Interaction between Behavioral and Transmission Clusters. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040784. [PMID: 35458514 PMCID: PMC9032082 DOI: 10.3390/v14040784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We hypothesize that patterns of sexual behavior play a role in the conformation of transmission networks, i.e., the way you behave might influence whom you have sex with. If that was the case, behavioral grouping might in turn correlate with, and potentially predict transmission networking, e.g., proximity in a viral phylogeny. We rigorously present an intuitive approach to address this hypothesis by quantifying mapped interactions between groups defined by similarities in sexual behavior along a virus phylogeny while discussing power and sample size considerations. Data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study on condom use and hepatitis C virus (HCV) sequences served as proof-of-concept. In this case, a strict inclusion criteria contrasting with low HCV prevalence hindered our possibilities to identify significant relationships. This manuscript serves as guide for studies aimed at characterizing interactions between behavioral patterns and transmission networks. Large transmission networks such as those of HIV or COVID-19 are prime candidates for applying this methodological approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Salazar-Vizcaya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (G.W.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Katharina Kusejko
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.K.); (H.F.G.); (K.J.M.); (D.L.B.); (R.D.K.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Huldrych F. Günthard
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.K.); (H.F.G.); (K.J.M.); (D.L.B.); (R.D.K.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Jürg Böni
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Karin J. Metzner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.K.); (H.F.G.); (K.J.M.); (D.L.B.); (R.D.K.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Dominique L. Braun
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.K.); (H.F.G.); (K.J.M.); (D.L.B.); (R.D.K.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Dunja Nicca
- Institute of Nursing Science, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland;
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health Institute, University of Zurich, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Enos Bernasconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland;
- University of Southern Switzerland, 6928 Manno, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Katharine E. A. Darling
- Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (G.W.); (A.R.)
| | - Roger D. Kouyos
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.K.); (H.F.G.); (K.J.M.); (D.L.B.); (R.D.K.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (G.W.); (A.R.)
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Poulios A, Apostolidou A, Triantafyllidou S, Protopapas K, Tapeinos A, Papadopetrakis G, Papadopoulou M, Antoniadou A, Psichogiou M, Canellopoulos L. Sexualized Drug Use and Chemsex: Their Association with Sexual Health Among Men who have Sex with Men Living in Greece. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2022; 34:450-461. [PMID: 38596273 PMCID: PMC10903580 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2022.2045417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: The study aims to investigate rates of sexualized drug use (SDU) and chemsex, a type of SDU involving specifically the use of crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone, or GHB/GBL and their association with the rates of negative sexual health outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Greece. Methods: Survey of 485 MSM in internal disease departments and community testing centers. Results: Twenty-eight percent of participants were involved in SDU and 20.4% in chemsex. HIV positive status and recent STI diagnoses were associated with SDU involvement. Conclusion: SDU and chemsex rates and their impact on health reveal the need for informed community-based services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Poulios
- Laboratory of Clinical Research “Subjectivity and Social Bond”, Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Greek Association of People Living with HIV – Positive Voice, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Apostolidou
- Laboratory of Clinical Research “Subjectivity and Social Bond”, Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Greek Association of People Living with HIV – Positive Voice, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Athanasios Tapeinos
- Greek Association of People Living with HIV – Positive Voice, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Martha Papadopoulou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, “Laiko” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Antoniadou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, “Attikon” University Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Mina Psichogiou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, “Laiko” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Lissy Canellopoulos
- Laboratory of Clinical Research “Subjectivity and Social Bond”, Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Coyer L, Boyd A, Davidovich U, van Bilsen WPH, Prins M, Matser A. Increase in recreational drug use between 2008 and 2018: results from a prospective cohort study among HIV-negative men who have sex with men. Addiction 2022; 117:656-665. [PMID: 34402120 PMCID: PMC9292014 DOI: 10.1111/add.15666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To test whether recreational drug use (RDU) and sexualized drug use (SDU) changed in the Amsterdam area between 2008 and 2018 and quantify associations of SDU with condomless anal sex (CAS), recent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infections (STI) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative men who have sex with men (MSM). DESIGN Open prospective cohort study. SETTING Public Health Service of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS A total of 976 HIV-negative MSM, aged ≥ 18 years. MEASUREMENTS Self-reported RDU and sexual behaviour in the past 6 months. Laboratory-confirmed HIV and STI (chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis). We studied: any RDU; any SDU (i.e. any RDU during sex); specific SDU (i.e. use of mephedrone, methamphetamine, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid/gamma-butyrolactone, ketamine, amphetamine, cocaine and/or ecstasy during sex); use of individual drugs; and use of individual drugs during sex. We evaluated changes over calendar years in the proportion of individuals with these end-points [using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE)] and number of drugs (using negative binomial regression with GEE), adjusted for current age, country of birth and education level. FINDINGS Median age of participants in 2008 was 33.2 years (interquartile range = 27.8-40.1); 83.1% were born in the Netherlands. The proportion of any RDU increased from 67.2% in 2008 to 69.5% in 2018 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-1.51]. Any SDU increased from 53.8% in 2008 to 59.8% in 2013 (aOR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.07-1.42) and remained stable afterwards. Specific SDU increased from 25.0% in 2008 to 36.1% in 2018 (aOR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.71-2.58). The average number of drugs used increased for those reporting any RDU, any SDU and specific SDU (all P < 0.05. Among those engaging in sex, any SDU was associated with CAS (aOR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.19-1.55), HIV (aOR = 5.86; 95% CI = 2.39-14.4) and STI (aOR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.95-2.73). Specific SDU was associated with CAS (aOR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.37-1.81), HIV (aOR = 6.30; 95% CI = 3.28-12.1) and STI (aOR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.81-2.55). CONCLUSIONS Among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative men who have sex with men in Amsterdam, recreational drug use, including sexualized drug use, increased between 2008 and 2018. Sexualized drug use was strongly associated with condomless anal sex, HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Coyer
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Anders Boyd
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands,Stichting HIV MonitoringAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Udi Davidovich
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands,Department of Social PsychologyUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Ward P. H. van Bilsen
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity (AII), Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Amy Matser
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
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Increasing emergency department admissions for chemsex-related intoxications in Barcelona, Spain, among people living with HIV: an observational study from 2018 to 2020. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:346. [PMID: 35180855 PMCID: PMC8855565 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12763-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemsex is a novel phenomenon referring to the use of drugs, including crystal methamphetamine, gammahydroxybutyric acid (GHB)/gamma-butyrolactone (GABA) and mephedrone, to facilitate, enhance, and prolong the sexual experience in men who have sex with men in large cities internationally. There is a growing concern about chemsex and fatal cases among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of chemsex-related intoxications. Material and methods An observational study was conducted in people living with HIV who were admitted for chemsex-related intoxications in an emergency department of a teaching hospital in Barcelona, Spain, from 2018 to 2020. Severe acute intoxications were defined according to the Poisoning Severity Score. Results One hundred and fifteen male patients with a median age of 35.6±7 years were included in the study:15 (13.1%) in 2018, 32 (27.8%) in 2019 and 68 (59.1%) in 2020. All patients had stable housing, 107(93.0%) were Spanish citizen and 32 (27.8%) had mental health disorders. Median CD4 lymphocyte count was 624 (500–765) cells/mm3 and 99 (86.1%) had HIV-1 RNA suppression. Poly-drug use was observed in 51(44.3%) cases and methamphetamine in 75(65,2%) and gammahydroxibutiric acid in 68 (59.1%) were the main drugs used. Potential drug interactions due to the inhibition of cytochrome P450 by antiviral therapy was determined in 36 (31.3%) patients. Severe intoxications cases affecting neurologic and respiratory systems were diagnosed in 12 (10.4%) patients and no patient died. CD4 cell counts ≤500 cells (O.R.:4.2; C.I.95%:1.2–14.6) and mental health disorders (O.R.: 2.9; C. I 95%: 0.8–9.9) were associated with severe acute drug intoxications in the bivariate analyses. Conclusions Chemsex-related intoxications are an increasing clinical problem in people living with HIV. Chemsex should be routinely screened and addressed in clinical practice, particularly for people with mental illness and low CD4 cell counts, who are at higher risk for severe intoxications.
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Zeggagh J, Bauer R, Delaugerre C, Carette D, Fressard L, Charreau I, Chidiac C, Pialoux G, Tremblay C, Cua E, Robineau O, Raffi F, Capitant C, Spire B, Meyer L, Molina JM. Incidence and risk factors for recurrent sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. AIDS 2022; 36:1129-1134. [PMID: 35142708 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been reported among PrEP users. We wished to assess the incidence and risk factors for recurrent STIs. DESIGN The ANRS IPERGAY trial was a prospective study investigating PrEP among MSM and transgender women in outpatient clinics in France and Canada. In all, 429 participants were enrolled, offered up to four years of PrEP and screened for bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea) at baseline and every 6 months. METHODS STIs incidence was calculated yearly. Cox proportional hazards model regression was used to explore associations between participants characteristics at baseline and recurrent STI during follow-up. RESULTS Over a median follow-up of 23 months, bacterial STI incidence was 75, 33, 13, 32 and 30 per 100 person-years (PY) for all STIs, rectal STIs, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia, respectively. STI incidence significantly increased from the first year to the fourth year of the study (55 vs. 90 per 100 PY, p < 0.001). During the study period, 167 participants (39%) presented with more than one bacterial STIs which accounted for 86% of all STIs. Baseline risk factors associated with recurrent STIs in a multivariate analysis were an STI at baseline (HR: 1.48 (95% CI: 1.06-2.07, p = 0.02), more than 8 sexual partners in prior 2 months (HR: 1.72 (95% CI: 1.21-2.43, p = 0.002), and the use of GHB (HR: 1.66 (95% CI: 1.16-2.38, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS STI incidence was high and increased over time. Most STIs were concentrated in a high-risk group that should be targeted for future interventions.
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Bihl F, Bruggmann P, Castro Batänjer E, Dufour J, Lavanchy D, Müllhaupt B, Negro F, Razavi H, Scheidegger C, Semela D, Semmo N, Blach S. HCV disease burden and population segments in Switzerland. Liver Int 2022; 42:330-339. [PMID: 34839578 PMCID: PMC9299769 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Switzerland has made strides towards hepatitis C virus elimination, but as of 2019, elimination was not guaranteed. However, political interest in viral hepatitis has been increasing. We sought to develop a better understanding of Switzerland's progress towards HCV elimination and the profile of remaining HCV-RNA-positive patients. METHODS A previously described Markov model was updated with recent diagnosis and treatment data and run to generate new forecasts for HCV disease burden. Two scenarios were developed to evaluate HCV morbidity and mortality under the status quo and a scenario that achieves the Swiss Hepatitis Strategy Elimination targets. Next, an analysis was conducted to identify population segments bearing a high burden of disease, where future elimination efforts could be directed. RESULTS At the beginning of 2020, an estimated 32 100 viremic infections remained in Switzerland (0.37% viremic prevalence). Adult (≥18 years of age) permanent residents born abroad represented the largest subpopulation, accounting for 56% of HCV infections. Thirteen countries accounted for ≥60% of viremic infections amongst permanent residents born abroad, with most people currently residing in Zurich, Vaud, Geneva, Bern, Aargau and Ticino. Amongst Swiss-born HCV-RNA-positive persons, two-thirds had a history of IDU, corresponding to 33% of total infections. CONCLUSIONS In Switzerland, extra efforts for diagnosis and linkage to care are warranted in foreign-born populations and people with a history of drug use. Population-level measures (eg increasing the number of providers, increase screening) can identify patients who may have otherwise fallen through the gaps or avoided care because of stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Bihl
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology DepartmentEnte Ospedaliero CantonaleBellinzonaSwitzerland,Divisions of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity HospitalGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Jean‐Francois Dufour
- University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and MedicineInselspitalUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | | | - Beat Müllhaupt
- Swiss HPB (Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary) Center and Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity Hospital ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Francesco Negro
- Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and of Clinical PathologyUniversity HospitalGenèveSwitzerland
| | | | | | - David Semela
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyCantonal HospitalSt. GallenSwitzerland
| | - Nasser Semmo
- Department for BioMedical Research, HepatologyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
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Íncera-Fernández D, Gámez-Guadix M, Moreno-Guillén S. Mental Health Symptoms Associated with Sexualized Drug Use (Chemsex) among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413299. [PMID: 34948907 PMCID: PMC8701799 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: Sexualized drug use (SDU), also known as chemsex, refers to the use of psychoactive substances for sexual purposes among men who have sex with men (MSM), which has been associated with mental health symptoms. The objective of this review is to systematically review the available evidence on mental health outcomes in MSM who use sexualized drugs. Methods: To prepare this systematic review, search strategies were developed and applied to the Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus databases. A total of 117 articles were found, of which 12 were selected for the final review. Results: Those MSM who practiced SDU were more likely to experience from depression, anxiety, or a substance dependence, although these results were not found in all the studies analyzed. Among those who practiced the administration of intravenous drugs (referred to as slamsex), the mental health symptoms were more severe. Conclusions: This systematic review contributes to a fuller understanding of the mental health symptoms present in MSM who consume drugs for sexual purposes. Greater uniformity in data collection instruments is required, as well as the need to conduct a more in-depth assessment of the psychosocial adjustment of people who practice chemsex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Íncera-Fernández
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-686-454-251
| | - Manuel Gámez-Guadix
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Santiago Moreno-Guillén
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Alcalá University, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Spain;
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Comparison of Polydrug Use Prevalences and Typologies between Men Who Have Sex with Men and General Population Men, in Madrid and Barcelona. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111609. [PMID: 34770122 PMCID: PMC8583212 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study compares the prevalence of drug use and the typologies of polydrug use (PDU) in men who have sex with men (MSM) and general population men (GPM). Participants were men aged 16–64, living in the provinces of Madrid and Barcelona: 1720 were recruited in a GPM survey, and 2658 were HIV-negative MSM from HIV/STIs diagnosis services. Lifetime and last-year prevalence of drug use and prevalence ratios (PRs) of MSM to GPM for the different drugs were calculated using Poisson regression. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to identify typologies of PDU. Lifetime use of the drugs considered was higher in MSM, and even higher for drug use in the last-year: PRs for cannabis, hallucinogens and cocaine ranged from 2–5; for amphetamine, ecstasy and methamphetamine 12–16; and above 60 for ketamine, GHB/GBL, inhalants and mephedrone. In the LCA for lifetime PDU four classes arose from the GPM (No-PDU (79.6%); Conventional PDU (13.8%); Intensive conventional PDU (4.9%); Heavy PDU (1.8%)) and four among MSM (No-PDU (57.7%); Conventional PDU plus poppers (18.8%); PDU preferring chemsex drugs (6.4%); Heavy PDU (17.2%)). For PDU during the last-year, three classes arose in the GPM: No-PDU (94.7%); Conventional PDU (4.3%); Heavy PDU (0.9%). For MSM, we identified four classes: No-PDU (64.7%); Conventional PDU plus poppers (15.6%); PDU preferring chemsex drugs (6.2%); Heavy PDU (13.5%). MSM should be considered a priority group for the prevention of the use of all drugs but the heterogeneity of PDU typologies regarding users’ preference towards conventional and/or sexualised drugs needs to be taken into account.
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Antonini M, Pontes PS, Melo ES, de Souza Alves R, Gir E, Sorensen W, Reis RK. Serodiscordance predictors among couples in the HIV context: implications for health care. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1849. [PMID: 34645401 PMCID: PMC8513240 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background After HIV diagnosis, people maintain, reestablish their sexual lives, or build new relationships, often with HIV seronegative partners. Therefore, understanding the factors concerning couple-vulnerability is essential in order to design effective HIV preventive strategies. We examined HIV serodiscordant couples prevalence and their associated factors from a Brazilian city. Methods This is a cross-sectional analytical study carried out with people living with HIV (PLHIV) who had an active sex life and were engagement in HIV health care follow-up. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire during individual interviews. We analyzed data using bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results There was 72.0% of HIV serodiscordant partnerships. Those who inconsistently used condoms (aOR: 0.3[0.13–0.7]) and/or had HIV detectable viral load (aOR: 0.29 [0.12–0.7]) were less likely to have an HIV serodiscordant sexual partner. On other hand, the lack of HIV transmission counseling by the health service (aOR: 5.08 [2.02–12.76]), or those who had a casual partner (aOR: 8.12 [1.7–38.8]) or a steady and casual one concomitantly (aOR: 24.82 [1.46–420.83]), were more likely to indicate an HIV serodiscordant partnership. Conclusion The findings showed a high prevalence of serodiscordant partnerships in PLHIV. Greater visibility among couples in the health services is needed as well as a reassessment in order to provide PLHIV and their sexual partners with care strategies, by the health professionals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11835-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Antonini
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Bandeirantes Ave, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre SP, CEP, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, Brazil.
| | - Priscila Silva Pontes
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Bandeirantes Ave, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre SP, CEP, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Elizabete Santos Melo
- Paulista University at São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Regina de Souza Alves
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Bandeirantes Ave, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre SP, CEP, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Elucir Gir
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Bandeirantes Ave, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre SP, CEP, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, Brazil
| | - William Sorensen
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Renata Karina Reis
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Bandeirantes Ave, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre SP, CEP, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, Brazil
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Hovaguimian F, Martin E, Reinacher M, Rasi M, Schmidt AJ, Bernasconi E, El Amari EB, Braun DL, Calmy A, Darling K, Christinet V, Depmeier C, Hauser C, Läuchli S, Notter J, Stoeckle M, Surial B, Vernazza P, Bruggmann P, Tarr P, Haerry D, Bize R, Low N, Lehner A, Böni J, Kouyos RD, Fehr JS, Hampel B. Participation, retention and uptake in a multicentre pre-exposure prophylaxis cohort using online, smartphone-compatible data collection. HIV Med 2021; 23:146-158. [PMID: 34605153 PMCID: PMC9292805 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of a national pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme using smartphone‐compatible data collection. Methods This was a multicentre cohort study (NCT03893188) enrolling individuals interested in PrEP in Switzerland. All centres participate in the SwissPrEPared programme, which uses smartphone‐compatible data collection. Feasibility was assessed after centres had enrolled at least one participant. Participants were HIV‐negative individuals presenting for PrEP counselling. Outcomes were participation (number enrolled/number eligible), enrolment rates (number enrolled per month), retention at first follow‐up (number with first follow‐up/number enrolled), and uptake (proportion attending first visit as scheduled). Participant characteristics were compared between those retained after baseline assessment and those who dropped out. Results Between April 2019 and January 2020, 987 individuals were assessed for eligibility, of whom 969 were enrolled (participation: 98.2%). The median enrolment rate was 86 per month [interquartile range (IQR) 52–137]. Retention at first follow‐up and uptake were both 80.7% (782/969 and 532/659, respectively). At enrolment, the median age was 40 (IQR 33–47) years, 95% were men who have sex with men, 47% had a university degree, and 75.5% were already taking PrEP. Most reported multiple casual partners (89.2%), previous sexually transmitted infections (74%) and sexualized drug use (73.1%). At baseline, 25.5% tested positive for either syphilis, gonorrhoea or chlamydia. Participants who dropped out were at lower risk of HIV infection than those retained after baseline assessment. Conclusions In a national PrEP programme using smartphone‐compatible data collection, participation, retention and uptake were high. Participants retained after baseline assessment were at considerable risk of HIV infection. Younger, less educated individuals were underrepresented in the SwissPrEPared cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Hovaguimian
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - E Martin
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Reinacher
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Rasi
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A J Schmidt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Sigma Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - E Bernasconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - E B El Amari
- Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine Private Practice, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D L Braun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A Calmy
- Laboratory of Virology and Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - K Darling
- Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - C Depmeier
- Private practice Kalkbreite, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Hauser
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - S Läuchli
- Dermatologic Centre Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Notter
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - M Stoeckle
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - B Surial
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - P Vernazza
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - P Bruggmann
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - P Tarr
- Kantonsspital Baselland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - D Haerry
- Positive Council, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Bize
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - N Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Lehner
- Swiss AIDS Federation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Böni
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R D Kouyos
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J S Fehr
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B Hampel
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Checkpoint Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Scherrer AU, Traytel A, Braun DL, Calmy A, Battegay M, Cavassini M, Furrer H, Schmid P, Bernasconi E, Stoeckle M, Kahlert C, Trkola A, Kouyos RD, Tarr P, Marzolini C, Wandeler G, Fellay J, Bucher H, Yerly S, Suter F, Hirsch H, Huber M, Dollenmaier G, Perreau M, Martinetti G, Rauch A, Günthard HF. Cohort Profile Update: The Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). Int J Epidemiol 2021; 51:33-34j. [PMID: 34363666 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra U Scherrer
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Traytel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique L Braun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Cavassini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hansjakob Furrer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Schmid
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Enos Bernasconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Stoeckle
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Kahlert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Trkola
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger D Kouyos
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philip Tarr
- University Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital Bruderholz, University of Basel, Bruderholz, Switzerland
| | - Catia Marzolini
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jacques Fellay
- Precision Medicine Unit, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Heiner Bucher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Yerly
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Laboratory of Virology, University Hospital Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Suter
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hans Hirsch
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Huber
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Matthieu Perreau
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gladys Martinetti
- Department of Microbiology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Huldrych F Günthard
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Guerras JM, García de Olalla P, Belza MJ, de la Fuente L, Palma D, Del Romero J, García-Pérez JN, Hoyos J. Sexualized drug injection among men who have sex with men in Madrid and Barcelona as the first episode of drug injecting. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:86. [PMID: 34362402 PMCID: PMC8344139 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00531-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We estimate the prevalence of drug injection, the variables associated with having ever injected and the proportion of ever injectors whose first drug injection was for having sex; we describe the first drug injection episode, analyze the drugs most frequently injected and estimate the prevalence of risky injecting behaviors. METHODS The participants were 3387 MSM without a previous HIV diagnosis attending four HIV/STI diagnosis services in Madrid and Barcelona. Lifetime prevalence and prevalence ratios (PRs) by different factors were calculated using Poisson regression models with robust variance. We compared the characteristics of first drug injection episode, lifetime injection and risky injecting behaviors of those whose first injection was for sex (FIS) with those whose was not (non-FIS). RESULTS Lifetime prevalence of injection was 2.1% (CI 1.7-2.7). In the multivariate analysis, it was strongly associated with having been penetrated by more than five men in the last 12 months (aPR = 10.4; CI 2.5-43.4) and having met most of their partners at private parties (aPR = 7.5; CI 4.5-12.3), and less strongly with other factors. Of those who had ever injected drugs, 81.9% injected for sex the first time they injected drugs (FIS). At first injection, FIS participants had a mean age of 31 years, 62.7% used mephedrone and 32.2% methamphetamine on that occasion. Of this FIS group 39.0% had ever shared drugs or equipment and 82.6% had always shared for sex. Some 30.8% of non-FIS reported having also injected drugs for sex later on. CONCLUSIONS Only two out of a hundred had ever injected, most to have sex and with frequent drug or injecting equipment sharing. Injecting for sex is the most common first episode of drug injection and is the most efficient risky behavior for the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B or C and other blood-borne infections. MSM participating in private parties should be considered a priority group for prevention policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Miguel Guerras
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia Y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia García de Olalla
- CIBER Epidemiologia Y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Epidemiología, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María José Belza
- CIBER Epidemiologia Y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
- Escuela Nacional de Sanidad, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis de la Fuente
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia Y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Palma
- CIBER Epidemiologia Y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Epidemiología, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Del Romero
- Centro Sanitario Sandoval, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan Hoyos
- Departamento de Salud Pública Y Materno-Infantil, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Howarth AR, Apea V, Michie S, Morris S, Sachikonye M, Mercer CH, Evans A, Delpech VC, Sabin C, Burns FM. The association between use of chemsex drugs and HIV clinic attendance among gay and bisexual men living with HIV in London. HIV Med 2021; 22:641-649. [PMID: 33949070 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13103] [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] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between chemsex drug use and HIV clinic attendance among gay and bisexual men in London. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of adults (> 18 years) diagnosed with HIV for > 4 months, attending seven London HIV clinics (May 2014 to August 2015). Participants self-completed an anonymous questionnaire linked to clinical data. Sub-optimal clinic attenders had missed one or more HIV clinic appointments in the past year, or had a history of non-attendance for > 1 year. RESULTS Over half (56%) of the 570 men who identified as gay or bisexual reported taking recreational drugs in the past 5 years and 71.5% of these men had used chemsex drugs in the past year. Among men reporting chemsex drug use (past year), 32.1% had injected any drugs in the past year. Sub-optimal clinic attenders were more likely than regular attenders to report chemsex drug use (past year; 46.9% vs. 33.2%, P = 0.001), injecting any drugs (past year; 17.1% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.011) and recreational drug use (past 5 years; 65.5% vs. 48.8%, P < 0.001). One in five sub-optimal attenders had missed an HIV clinic appointment because of taking recreational drugs (17.4% vs. 1.8%, P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression, chemsex drug use was significantly associated with sub-optimal clinic attendance (adjusted odds ratio = 1.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.65, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of systematic assessment of drug use and development of tools to aid routine assessment. We suggest that chemsex drug use should be addressed when developing interventions to improve engagement in HIV care among gay and bisexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Howarth
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - V Apea
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - S Michie
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - S Morris
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - C H Mercer
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Evans
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - C Sabin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - F M Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.,Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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38
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Wiegand J, Berg T. Hepatitis C-committing the world to an eradication of the infection. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2021; 10:96-99. [PMID: 33575293 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2020.03.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Wiegand
- Klinik für Onkologie, Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Pneumologie und Infektiologie, Bereich Hepatologie, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Berg
- Klinik für Onkologie, Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Pneumologie und Infektiologie, Bereich Hepatologie, Leipzig, Germany
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Miltz AR, Rodger AJ, Sewell J, Gilson R, Allan S, Scott C, Sadiq T, Farazmand P, McDonnell J, Speakman A, Sherr L, Phillips AN, Johnson AM, Collins S, Lampe FC. Recreational drug use and use of drugs associated with chemsex among HIV-negative and HIV-positive heterosexual men and women attending sexual health and HIV clinics in England. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 91:103101. [PMID: 33494013 PMCID: PMC8188422 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background There is little information on the prevalence of recreational drug use among UK heterosexual men and women, in particular on use of drugs associated with ‘chemsex’ within gay communities. The aim of this study was to examine among HIV-negative and HIV-positive heterosexual men and women in England: (i) the prevalence of recreational drug use (including use of drugs associated with chemsex), (ii) socio-economic/lifestyle correlates of drug use, and (iii) the association of drug use with sexual behavior measures and mental health symptoms. Methods Data are from the AURAH study of HIV-negative individuals attending sexual health clinics across England (2013–2014) and the ASTRA study of HIV-positive individuals attending HIV outpatient clinics in England (2011–2012). Prevalence of recreational drug use (past three months) and associations are presented separately among the four sample groups: HIV-negative (N = 470) and HIV-positive (N = 373) heterosexual men and HIV-negative (N = 676) and HIV-positive (N = 637) women. Results The age standardized prevalence of any drug use was 22.9%, 17.1%, 15.3%, and 7.1% in the four sample groups respectively. In all groups, cannabis was the drug most commonly used (range from 4.7% to 17.9%) followed by cocaine (1.6% to 8.5%). The prevalence of use of drugs associated with chemsex was very low among HIV-negative participants (1.0% heterosexual men, 0.2% women) and zero among HIV-positive men and women. In age-adjusted analysis, factors linked to drug use overall and/or to cannabis and cocaine use specifically in the four sample groups included Black/mixed Caribbean and white (vs. Black/mixed African) ethnicity, lower level of education , cigarette smoking, and higher risk alcohol consumption. Associations of recreational drug use with measures of condomless sex, depression, and anxiety were observed in the four groups, but were particularly strong/apparent among women. Conclusion Providers need to be aware of cannabis and cocaine use and its potential link with sexual risk behavior and symptoms of depression and anxiety among heterosexual men and women attending sexual health and HIV clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada R Miltz
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Alison J Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Janey Sewell
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Gilson
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sris Allan
- City of Coventry Healthcare Centre, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Tariq Sadiq
- Courtyard Clinic, St George's Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Jeffrey McDonnell
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Speakman
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Anne M Johnson
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Fiona C Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Smit C, Boyd A, Rijnders BJA, van de Laar TJW, Leyten EM, Bierman WF, Brinkman K, Claassen MAA, den Hollander J, Boerekamps A, Newsum AM, Schinkel J, Prins M, Arends JE, Op de Coul ELM, van der Valk M, Reiss P. HCV micro-elimination in individuals with HIV in the Netherlands 4 years after universal access to direct-acting antivirals: a retrospective cohort study. Lancet HIV 2020; 8:e96-e105. [PMID: 33357835 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Netherlands, access to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been unrestricted for chronic infection since 2015. We evaluated whether the nationwide incidence of HCV infections in individuals with HIV has changed since 2015. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, data from the ATHENA cohort of people with HIV aged 18 years or older attending any of the 24 HIV treatment centres in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2019 were assessed. We used parametric proportional hazards models with a piecewise exponential survival function to model HCV primary infection and reinfection incidence per 1000 person-years. FINDINGS Of the 23 590 individuals without previous HCV infection, 1269 cases of HCV primary infection were documented (incidence 5·2 per 1000 person-years [95% CI 5·0-5·5]). The highest incidence was observed in men who have sex with men (MSM; 7·7 per 1000 person-years [7·3-8·2]) and was lower in people who inject drugs (PWID; 1·7 per 1000 person-years [0·7-4·1]) and other key populations (1·0 per 1000 person-years [0·8-1·2]). In MSM, incidence increased in 2007 to 14·3 per 1000 person-years and fluctuated between 8·7 and 13·0 per 1000 person-years from 2008 to 2015. In 2016, incidence declined to 6·1 cases per 1000 person-years and remained steady between 4·1 and 4·9 per 1000 person-years from 2017 to 2019. Of the 1866 individuals with a previous HCV infection, 274 reinfections were documented (incidence 26·9 per 1000 person-years [95% CI 23·9-30·3]). The highest incidence rate was observed in MSM (38·5 per 1000 person-years [33·9-43·7]) and was lower in PWID (10·9 per 1000 person-years [3·5-33·8]) and other key populations (8·9 per 1000 person-years [6·3-12·5]). In MSM, reinfection incidence fluctuated between 38·0 and 88·9 per 1000 person-years from 2006 to 2015, reaching 55·6 per 1000 person-years in 2015. In 2016, reinfection incidence declined to 41·4 per 1000 person-years, followed by further decreases to 24·4 per 1000 person-years in 2017 and 11·4 per 1000 person-years in 2019. INTERPRETATION The sharp decline in HCV incidence in MSM with HIV shortly after restrictions on DAAs were lifted suggests a treatment-as-prevention effect. HCV incidence was already low in PWID and other groups before unrestricted access. Ongoing HCV transmission is occurring in MSM, as illustrated by a declining but high rate of reinfection, stressing the need for additional preventive measures. FUNDING Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Smit
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anders Boyd
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Bart J A Rijnders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thijs J W van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Laboratory of Blood-borne Infections, Sanquin Research and Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eliane M Leyten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Medical Centre Haaglanden, Den Haag, Netherlands
| | - Wouter F Bierman
- University of Groningen, Department of Internal Medicine, Section Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Kees Brinkman
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mark A A Claassen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Rijnstate Ziekenhuis, Arnhem, Netherlands
| | - Jan den Hollander
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Maasstad Ziekenhuis, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anne Boerekamps
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Astrid M Newsum
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Janke Schinkel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Section of Clinical Virology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joop E Arends
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Eline L M Op de Coul
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Marc van der Valk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter Reiss
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Berg RC, Amundsen E, Haugstvedt Å. Links between chemsex and reduced mental health among Norwegian MSM and other men: results from a cross-sectional clinic survey. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1785. [PMID: 33238948 PMCID: PMC7690186 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09916-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of specific drugs to facilitate, enhance or prolong sexual sessions is referred to as 'chemsex'. The popularity of the behavior seems to be growing, but there is a paucity of information on the mental health aspects associated with chemsex and no data on chemsex from Nordic countries. We investigated the link between chemsex and mental health among men who have sex with men (MSM) and other men in Norway. METHODS We recruited participants from a walk-in sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic. Participants completed a piloted, anonymous self-administered survey. It consisted of questions about men's sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, sexual behaviors, substance use, and chemsex. The outcome we investigated was reduced mental health, measured with the validated Hopkins Symptom Check List. We obtained descriptive statistics and performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS 1013 (96%) of the surveys were complete and could be analysed. The mean age of the sample was 33, 51% were MSM, and 21.7% had reduced mental health. More MSM than other men engaged in chemsex in the past year (17% vs 12%). The most frequently reported chemsex drugs were cocaine and gamma hydroxybutyrate/gamma butyrolactone (GHB/GBL). Men engaged in chemsex primarily to enhance sexual pleasure and excitement, and about half reported almost never or never using condoms for chemsex. In univariate analyses, significant predictors of reduced mental health was chemsex (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.82), being unemployed (OR = 3.54), and having sex with only women (OR = 0.58). In multivariate analyses, two variables remained significantly associated with reduced mental health: chemsex (adjusted OR = 2.18, 95%CI = 1.25-3.78) and being unemployed (adjusted OR = 4.10, 95%CI = 2.13-7.87). CONCLUSIONS In our sample of men from an STI clinic in Norway, about 14% self-reported engaging in chemsex in the past year and about a fifth of the men had reduced mental health. Men who engaged in chemsex, which more MSM engaged in than other men, had two times greater odds of reduced mental health. These findings suggest that mental health assistance should be among the interventions offered to men engaging in chemsex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigmor C Berg
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postboks 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway. .,University of Tromsø, Hansine Hansens veg 18, N-9019, Tromso, Norway.
| | - Eirik Amundsen
- University of Tromsø, Hansine Hansens veg 18, N-9019, Tromso, Norway
| | - Åse Haugstvedt
- Oslo University Hospital, Nasjonal kompetansetjeneste for seksuelt overførbare infeksjoner, Postboks 4763, 0506, Oslo, Norway
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42
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Desai N, Burns L, Gong Y, Zhi K, Kumar A, Summers N, Kumar S, Cory TJ. An update on drug-drug interactions between antiretroviral therapies and drugs of abuse in HIV systems. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:1005-1018. [PMID: 32842791 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1814737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While considerable progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to date there has not been a cure, and millions of people around the world are currently living with HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV/AIDS have substance abuse disorders at higher rates than non-infected individuals, which puts them at an increased risk of drug-drug interactions. AREAS COVERED Potential drug-drug interactions are reviewed for a variety of potential drugs of abuse, both licit and illicit. These drugs include alcohol, cigarettes or other nicotine delivery systems, methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids, and marijuana. Potential interactions include decreased adherence, modulation of drug transporters, or modulation of metabolic enzymes. We also review the relative incidence of the use of these drugs of abuse in People living with HIV/AIDS. EXPERT OPINION Despite considerable improvements in outcomes, disparities in outcomes between PLWHA who use drugs of abuse, vs those who do not still exist. It is of critical necessity to improve outcomes in these patients and to work with them to stop abusing drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuti Desai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy , Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Leah Burns
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy , Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yuqing Gong
- Department of Pharmacy Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy , Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kaining Zhi
- Plough Center for Sterile Drug Delivery Solutions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Asit Kumar
- Department of Pharmacy Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy , Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nathan Summers
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine , Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacy Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy , Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Theodore J Cory
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy , Memphis, TN, USA
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Chen GL, Lin SY, Lo HY, Wu HC, Lin YM, Chen TC, Sandy Chu CY, Lee WC, Chen YH, Lu PL. Clinical impact of recreational drug use among people living with HIV in southern Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2020; 54:952-962. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Kusejko K, Marzel A, Nguyen H, Chaudron SE, Bachmann N, Weber R, Bruggmann P, Roth JA, Bernasconi E, Calmy A, Cavassini M, Bregenzer A, Böni J, Yerly S, Klimkait T, Perreau M, Walti LN, Günthard HF, Kouyos RD. Differences in social and mental well-being of long-term survivors among people who inject drugs and other participants in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study: 1980-2018. Antivir Ther 2020; 25:43-54. [PMID: 32235037 DOI: 10.3851/imp3347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV who were diagnosed before highly active antiretroviral therapy became available in 1996 and who survived at least 15 years after HIV diagnosis, termed long-term survivors (LTS), form a particularly vulnerable population. We study social, clinical and mental factors of LTS in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, with a particular focus on people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS We quantified differences between PWID LTS, and men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexual (HET) LTS. Using phylogenetic methods, we distinguished between heterosexual LTS who most likely shared a social network with PWID at the time of infection, termed clusteredHET, and those who did not, termed HET not clustered (HETnc). The analysis was performed using data collected at least 15 years post diagnosis. RESULTS Overall, 1,663 of 5,686 (29.2%) PWID were LTS. We found significant differences between PWID LTS and MSM/HETnc LTS regarding self-reported depression (59.4% versus 43.3%; odds ratio [OR]=1.8; P<0.001), incarceration (30.6% versus 7.0%; OR=6.9; P<0.001) and full work ability (25.4% versus 59.0%; OR=0.27; P<0.001). ClusteredHET were less vulnerable with respect to these variables than PWID LTS but more at risk compared with MSM/HETnc LTS, indicating that clusteredHET are closer to PWID with regard to social and mental aspects compared with all MSM/HETnc. CONCLUSIONS Even more than 15 years post HIV diagnosis, special care for HIV-positive PWID is needed, with emphasis on mental health and social integration of PWID LTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Kusejko
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alex Marzel
- Department of Teaching, Research and Development, Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Huyen Nguyen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandra E Chaudron
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Bachmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Weber
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Jan A Roth
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Enos Bernasconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- Laboratory of Virology and Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospital, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Cavassini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Bregenzer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Böni
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Yerly
- Laboratory of Virology and Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospital, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine-Petersplatz, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthieu Perreau
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura N Walti
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Huldrych F Günthard
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger D Kouyos
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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