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He L, Jiang T, Chen W, Jiang S, Zheng J, Chen W, Wang H, Ma Q, Chai C. Examining HIV Testing Coverage and Factors Influencing First-Time Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Zhejiang Province, China: Cross-Sectional Study Based on a Large Internet Survey. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e56906. [PMID: 38875001 PMCID: PMC11214029 DOI: 10.2196/56906] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) constitute a significant population of patients infected with HIV. In recent years, several efforts have been made to promote HIV testing among MSM in China. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess HIV testing coverage and factors associated with first-time HIV testing among MSM to provide a scientific basis for achieving the goal of diagnosing 95% of patients infected with HIV by 2030. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2023 and December 2023. MSM were recruited from the "Sunshine Test," an internet platform that uses location-based services to offer free HIV testing services to MSM by visiting the WeChat official account in Zhejiang Province, China. Participants were required to complete a questionnaire on their demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, substance use, and HIV testing history. A logistic regression model was used to analyze first-time HIV testing and its associated factors. RESULTS A total of 7629 MSM participated in the study, with 87.1% (6647) having undergone HIV testing before and 12.9% (982) undergoing HIV testing for the first time. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that first-time HIV testing was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.55, 95% CI 1.91-3.42), lower education (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.88), student status (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.04-1.75), low income (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.16-2.08), insertive anal sex role (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05-1.56), bisexuality (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.40-2.03), fewer sex partners (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.13-1.83), use of rush poppers (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.70-2.49), unknown HIV status of sex partners (aOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.17-1.69), lack of awareness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.88), and offline HIV testing uptake (aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.80-2.41). CONCLUSIONS A notable 12.9% (982/7629) of MSM had never undergone HIV testing before this large internet survey. We recommend enhancing HIV intervention and testing through internet-based platforms and gay apps to promote testing among MSM and achieve the target of diagnosing 95% of patients infected with HIV by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin He
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wanjun Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Jinlei Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiyong Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoqin Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengliang Chai
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
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Zheng L, Lin S. Motivation, Appearance Focus, and Exclusion on Gay Dating App "Blued" in China: Content and Network Analysis of Textual Self-Presentation. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37267123 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2218345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Blued is the most popular gay dating app among Chinese sexual minority men. This study explored the textual self-presentation of the profiles on Blued in terms of motivation, appearance focus, and exclusion. A total of 10,000 profiles were randomly selected from a dataset of 197,516 profiles using an interval sampling method. A total of 230 features were developed, and six themes were extracted from 4,881 profiles based on content analysis. The themes were motivation, personal information, partner preference, partner non-preference, sexual preference, and communication preference. Body and age were the most commonly mentioned self-presentations, followed by attractiveness and masculinity. Self-presentations largely focused on the users' photos are prominent on Blued. Exclusion against those who were "overweight," "elderly," "unattractive," and "effeminate" was common. Network analysis was used to analyze and visualize the co-occurrence of these features. Appearance focus and exclusion features were linked with both "hookup" and "no hookup" motivations. Photo-focused communication was linked to the exclusion of others. "No hookup" motivation was associated with more social motivation (e.g., making friends and chatting) and trait-focused communication (e.g., being polite and permanent). "Hookup" motivation was associated with genital presentations (i.e., "big penis" and "like big penis"). Most self-presentation features of sexual preference were sexual role-specific. The results indicate a widespread focus on appearance and exclusion on Blued, which may negatively affect the mental health of Chinese sexual minority men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University
| | - Sen Lin
- School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University
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Guo Z, Feng A, Zhou Y, Gao Y, Sun Y, Chen Y, Zhou X, Zou H. Geosocial networking mobile applications use and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men in Southern China: A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1063993. [PMID: 36844866 PMCID: PMC9944389 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1063993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Men who have sex with men (MSM) are increasingly using geosocial networking (GSN) mobile applications (apps) to socialize in the community. Our study aimed to compare sexual behaviors between app-using MSM (app users) and non-app-using MSM (non-app users), and evaluate the association between app use and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Methods Eligible MSM were recruited from January to August 2017 in three metropolitan cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Wuxi. A self-completed tablet-based questionnaire was collected about socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors and app use. Blood samples were collected to test for HIV and syphilis. Rectal swabs taken by nurses and urine samples taken by participants themselves were collected to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Anogenital warts were checked by a clinician. Chi square tests and logistic regression were used to compare the prevalence of STIs and the characteristics between app users and non-app users. Results A total of 572 MSM were included in our analysis, 59.9, 25.7, and 23.4% MSM were recruited from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Wuxi, respectively. The majority of participants were 20-29 years old (61.7%). 89.0% of MSM had ever used at least one GSN app, and 63.8% MSM had anal intercourse (AI) partners found via apps. Among app users, 62.7% spent <30 min on apps per day on average in the past 6 months. Compared with non-app users, app users were more likely to have an education level of college and above [adjusted OR (AOR) 3.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.65-7.03], have regular sex partners (2.40, 1.16-5.19), have two or more casual sex partners (2-5: 2.90, 1.21-6.90; ≥6: 13.91, 3.13-82.90), have condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with casual sex partners in the past 6 months (2.50, 1.28-5.04), do not know their last sex partners' HIV status (2.16, 1.13-4.21), have tested for HIV in the past year (2.09, 1.07-4.09) and be circumcised (4.07, 1.29-18.42). Prevalence of HIV (8.3 vs. 7.9%, P = 0.93), syphilis (6.9 vs. 11.1%, P = 0.34), gonorrhea (5.1 vs. 6.3%, P = 0.90), chlamydia (18.5 vs. 12.7%, P = 0.36), and anogenital warts (4.9 vs. 4.8%, P = 1.00) were similar between app users and non-app users. Conclusions GSN app users were more likely to have high-risk sexual behaviors, but the prevalence of HIV and other STIs were similar to non-app users. Longitudinal studies comparing the incidence of HIV/STIs between long-term app users and non-app users may be necessary to clarify the impact of app use on HIV/STIs risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Guo
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Anping Feng
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiguo Zhou
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanxiao Gao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinghui Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanyi Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Magno L, Medeiros DSD, Soares F, Grangeiro A, Caires P, Fonseca T, Westin MR, Dourado I. Factors associated to HIV prevalence among adolescent men who have sex with men in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil: baseline data from the PrEP1519 cohort. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2023; 39Suppl 1:e00154021. [PMID: 36995866 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xen154021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) are at a heightened vulnerability for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HIV and associated individual, social, and programmatic factors among AMSM in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study which analyzed baseline data from the PrEP1519 cohort in Salvador. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted using the dimensions of vulnerability to HIV as hierarchical levels of analysis. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) of the association between predictor variables and HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV infection among the 288 AMSM recruited to the project was 5.9% (95%CI: 3.7-9.3). Adjusted analysis showed a statistically significant association between self-identifying as a sex worker (OR = 3.74, 95%CI: 1.03-13.60) and HIV infection. Other associations with borderline statistical significance were the use of application programs to find sexual partners (OR = 3.30, 95%CI: 0.98-11.04), low schooling level (OR = 3.59, 95%CI: 0.96-13.41), failing to be hired or being dismissed from a job because of sexual orientation (OR = 2.88, 95%CI: 0.89-9.28), and not using health services as a usual source of care (OR = 3.14, 95%CI: 0.97-10.17). We found a high HIV prevalence among AMSM in Salvador. Furthermore, our study found that individual, social, and programmatic factors were associated with HIV infection among these AMSM. We recommend intensifying HIV combined-prevention activities for AMSM.
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Li M, Wu H, Yan H, Zunong J, Hui H, Li H, Yang Z, Vermund SH, Hu Y. HIV-Positive Men Are More Likely to Be Hyper Linked Within College Student Social Network - Northeast China, 2017-2018. China CDC Wkly 2022; 4:951-955. [PMID: 36483793 PMCID: PMC9713575 DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2022.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
What is already known about this topic? Men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and young MSM demonstrate parallel internet-driven HIV incident infection and dynamic social network. What is added by this report? The HIV positive prevalence and incidence among college MSM were 3.8% and 2.9 per 100 person-years, respectively, while these rates were 13.9% and 10.5 per 100 person-years, respectively, among their social contacts. The overall HIV positive prevalence was 7.2% in Northeast China. HIV-positive MSM have comparatively more social contacts than HIV-seronegative MSM. What are the implications for public health practice? Hyper-linkages found in app-based social networks play an important role in HIV transmission via risky sexual behavior and suggest options for online intervention to promote HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglong Li
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huichao Wu
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- General Management Office, Xidan Campus, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Yan
- Department of HIV/STD Prevention and Control, Heilongjiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jiawulan Zunong
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtao Hui
- Heilongjiang Kangtong Community, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Hailong Li
- Heilongjiang Kangtong Community, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhenhua Yang
- School of Computer and Information Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- Dean of the office, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yifei Hu
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Yifei Hu,
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Liu S, Xia D, Wang Y, Xu H, Xu L, Yuan D, Liang A, Chang R, Wang R, Liu Y, Chen H, Hu F, Cai Y, Wang Y. Predicting the risk of HIV infection among internal migrant MSM in China: An optimal model based on three variable selection methods. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1015699. [PMID: 36388367 PMCID: PMC9641070 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1015699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Internal migrant Men who have sex with men (IMMSM), which has the dual identity of MSM and floating population, should be more concerned among the vulnerable groups for HIV in society. Establishing appropriate prediction models to assess the risk of HIV infection among IMMSM is of great significance to against HIV infection and transmission. Methods HIV and syphilis infection were detected using rapid test kits, and other 30 variables were collected among IMMSM through questionnaire. Taking HIV infection status as the dependent variable, three methods were used to screen predictors and three prediction models were developed respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was performed to verify the fit of the models, and the net classification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were used to compare these models to determine the optimal model. Based on the optimal model, a prediction nomogram was developed as an instrument to assess the risk of HIV infection among IMMSM. To quantify the predictive ability of the nomogram, the C-index measurement was performed, and internal validation was performed using bootstrap method. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot and dynamic component analysis (DCA) were respectively performed to assess the efficacy, accuracy and clinical utility of the prediction nomogram. Results In this study, 12.52% IMMSMs were tested HIV-positive and 8.0% IMMSMs were tested syphilis-positive. Model A, model B, and model C fitted well, and model B was the optimal model. A nomogram was developed based on the model B. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.757 (95% CI: 0.701-0.812), and the C-index of internal verification was 0.705. Conclusions The model established by stepwise selection methods incorporating 11 risk factors (age, education, marriage, monthly income, verbal violence, syphilis, score of CUSS, score of RSES, score of ULS, score of ES and score of DS) was the optimal model that achieved the best predictive power. The risk nomogram based on the optimal model had relatively good efficacy, accuracy and clinical utility in identifying internal migrant MSM at high-risk for HIV infection, which is helpful for developing targeted intervention for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangbin Liu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Danni Xia
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huifang Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Yuan
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Ajuan Liang
- Renji Hospital, Affiliated With the School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruijie Chang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongxi Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Hu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Fan Hu
| | - Yong Cai
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Yong Cai
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Ying Wang
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Yang Z, Wei L, Xie W, Chen L, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Liu S, Tan W, Zheng C, Gan Y, Li D, Zou H, Chen W, Ma L, Ju N, Sun Y, Lv F, Zhao J. Estimating Changes in Population Size and Behavioral Characteristics in Men Who Have Sex With Men Between 2014 and 2019: Longitudinal Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e34150. [PMID: 35972779 PMCID: PMC9428784 DOI: 10.2196/34150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for HIV infection. Accurate estimation of the population size and monitoring the risk sexual behavioral change of MSM is of great importance to develop targeted HIV prevention and interventions. Objective The goal of the research was accurate estimation of the population size and monitoring the risk sexual behavioral change of MSM. Methods Street interception investigation methods were conducted among males aged 16 years and older in selected sites in Shenzhen in 2014 and 2019. A population survey was used to estimate the population size of MSM. Logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate the difference in behavioral characteristics in MSM from 2014 to 2019. Results In this study, we surveyed 10,170 participants in 2014, of whom 448 (4.41%, 95% CI 4.01%-4.80%) participants were men who have ever had sex with another man (MSMe) and 229 (2.25%, 95% CI 1.96%-2.54%) were men who had sex with another man in the previous 6 months (MSMa). A total of 10,226 participants were surveyed in 2019, of which 500 (4.90%, 95% CI 4.47%-5.31%) and 208 (2.03%, 95% CI 1.76%-2.31%) participants were MSMe and MSMa, respectively. The results showed that the population size of MSM who are active (MSMa) in Shenzhen was 155,469 (2.29%, 95% CI 2.28%-2.30%) in 2014 and 167,337 (2.05%, 95% CI 2.04%-2.06%) in 2019. It was estimated that there were about 12,005,445 (2.04%, 95% CI 2.04%-2.04%) MSMa in China in 2019. Compared with 2014, the MSMa in 2019 were more likely to seek sex partners through mobile phone apps and less likely to have male and female sex partners in addition to having inconsistent condom use and more than 6 sex partners in the previous 6 months. Conclusions In Shenzhen, the proportion of MSMa among the general male population was lower in 2019 than in 2014, and the prevalence of HIV risk behavior was reduced in 2019. Although the preferred platform to find male sex partners among MSM has changed, intervention with high–HIV risk MSM could still help to reduce HIV risk behaviors among the whole MSM group. Because MSM prefer to seek sex partners through mobile phone apps, further study is needed to strengthen internet interventions with high–HIV risk MSM to curb the spread of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijie Yang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China.,School of Public Health, Peking Unversity, Beijing, China.,School of Public Health, Shantou Unversity, Shantou, China
| | - Lan Wei
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhengrong Yang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaochu Liu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenli Zheng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongxia Gan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dongmin Li
- National Center for AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wanying Chen
- National Center for AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Binhu District Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, China
| | - Niu Ju
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinghui Sun
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Lv
- National Center for AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China.,School of Public Health, Shantou Unversity, Shantou, China
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Li M, Wu H, Shu W, Li Z, Yan H, Hui H, Li H, Yang Z, Vermund SH, Hu Y. Factors that Affect the Frequency of HIV Testing in College Men Who Have Sex with Men - Northeast China, 2017-2018. China CDC Wkly 2022; 4:549-553. [PMID: 35813888 PMCID: PMC9260086 DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2022.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
What is already known about this topic? Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is a critical tool in reducing HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM); young MSM frequently use mobile phone applications and participate in social hook-ups. What is added by this report? The prevalence of HIV testing-frequency (≥2) over the whole study period (15 months) was 38.6% among college MSM in Northeast China. MSM with more social contacts, recreational drug use, and prior HIV self-test experience (reported via mobile phone geo-social apps) were more likely to have higher offline HIV testing frequency. What are the implications for public health practice? A gay-oriented app provides opportunities for online interventions to promote HIV testing services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglong Li
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huichao Wu
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- General Management Office, Xidan Campus, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Shu
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziang Li
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Yan
- Department of HIV/STD Prevention and Control, Heilongjiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Hongtao Hui
- Heilongjiang Kangtong Community, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Hailong Li
- Heilongjiang Kangtong Community, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhenhua Yang
- School of Computer and Information Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yifei Hu
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Yifei Hu,
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Galvan FH, Liu H, Brooks RA, Chen YT, Mendoza Lepe R. Using social and sexual networking mobile applications to promote HIV testing, medical care and prevention services among Latino men who have sex with men in Los Angeles County, California, USA. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268406. [PMID: 35560041 PMCID: PMC9106153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV disproportionately affects Latinos versus Whites, with Latinos having higher rates of HIV. Additionally, many HIV-positive Latinos are unaware of their infection. Proyecto Protégete, an HIV prevention intervention developed for Latino men who have sex with men (MSM), used social and sexual networking mobile applications (apps) to recruit individuals for HIV testing and linkage to medical care and prevention services. This study occurred in Los Angeles County, California, USA from December 18, 2015 to April 22, 2017. The study’s primary aim was to assess Proyecto Protégete‘s ability to successfully recruit Latino MSM involved in high-risk sexual activities. A secondary aim was to evaluate its capacity to promote HIV testing and linkage to HIV medical care and prevention services among this population by comparing it to two programs with similar samples. Comparisons using Fisher’s Exact Test were conducted between Proyecto Protégete and the HIV testing program of the agency in which Proyecto Protégete was located and the County-funded HIV testing programs to compare the samples’ rates of HIV-positive Latino MSM identified through HIV testing and linked to HIV medical care and prevention services. Participants were recruited through seven apps. In Proyecto Protégete, 9,573 individuals completed the screener, 4,657 were eligible, and 359 (7.7% of those eligible) enrolled. Among those enrolled, 79% reported anal sex without a condom in the previous twelve months; 51% reported anal sex under the influence of alcohol. The HIV positivity rates were as follows: Proyecto Protégete, 1.71%; the agency, 1.25% (p = .293, compared to Proyecto Protégete); and the County, 1.09% (p = .172, compared to Proyecto Protégete). The rates of those confirmed as new HIV-positives and linked to medical care within 30 days were as follows: Proyecto Protégete, 71.4%; the agency, 81.5% (p = .450, compared to Proyecto Protégete); and the County, 77.3% (p = .503, compared to Proyecto Protégete). Proyecto Protégete had a higher rate of linked referrals to prevention services than the agency’s testing program (19.5% versus 8.3%, p < .001). Proyecto Protégete experienced successes in some areas but not in others. Future research should build on Proyecto Protégete’s experiences to promote HIV-related services among Latino MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank H. Galvan
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Bienestar Human Services, Inc., Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Honghu Liu
- Division of Public Health & Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ronald A. Brooks
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Bienestar Human Services, Inc., Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ying-Tung Chen
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Bienestar Human Services, Inc., Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ricardo Mendoza Lepe
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Bienestar Human Services, Inc., Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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10
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Xu Y, Wu S, Fu X, Ding J, Xu W, Li X, Shi H, Qiao M, Zhu Z. Trends in HIV Prevalence and HIV-Related Risk Behaviors Among Male Students Who Have Sex With Men From 2016 to 2020 in Nanjing, China: Consecutive Cross-Sectional Surveys. Front Public Health 2022; 10:806600. [PMID: 35570976 PMCID: PMC9091556 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.806600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The growing HIV epidemic among student men who have sex with men (MSM) necessitates immediate attention from public health. In China, male students who have sex with men (SMSM) were also at an increasing risk of HIV transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate the trends in HIV prevalence, HIV-related risk behaviors, and HIV testing, as well as analyze the factors associated with HIV infection among SMSM in Nanjing. Methods Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaire interviews and laboratory testing in Nanjing. The participants were recruited among SMSM by snowball sampling and internet-recruited convenience sampling annually from 2016 to 2020. The self-report data primarily included demographics, HIV knowledge, HIV-related behaviors, and HIV testing, while the laboratory test results of HIV and syphilis were collected. Linear-by-linear chi-square test was used to analyze the trends of HIV/syphilis prevalence and its risk behaviors. The binary logistic regression model was used to explore the factors associated with HIV infection. Results During the 5 years from 2016 to 2020, a total of 775 SMSM were recruited in our survey (220, 112, 171, 142, and 120, respectively). The HIV prevalence was 5.2, 6.3, 5.3, 7.0, and 8.3%, without a significant increasing trend (P = 0.277). Syphilis prevalence fluctuated from 5.7% in 2016 to 4.2% in 2020, without a significant decreasing trend (P = 0.318). The proportion of consistent condom use in anal intercourse (48.5 to 56.2%, P < 0.05), and HIV testing in the past 12 months (51.0 to 59.2%, P < 0.05) were increasing. A remarkable growing trend has been reported in the percentage of MSM with more than one male sex partner (46.2 to 59.2%, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that HIV testing in the past 12 months was a protective factor against HIV infection. MSM who had unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the past 6 months, recreational drug use, and currently syphilis infection were risk factors for HIV infection. Conclusions We observed stable HIV/ syphilis prevalence, increasing consistent condom use, increasing HIV testing rate, and increasing multiple male sex partners dramatically among SMSM in China. The original comprehensive intervention measures should be continuously strengthened for the subgroup. To satisfy the current HIV prevention requirements, new biological interventions should be introduced and carried out as major components of combination prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Xu
- Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Sushu Wu
- Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuezhen Fu
- International Department of Nanjing No.13 Middle School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Office, Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjiong Xu
- Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongjie Shi
- Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengkai Qiao
- Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengping Zhu
- Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
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11
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Fan S, Li P, Hu Y, Gong H, Yu M, Ding Y, Luo Z, Wu G, Ouyang L, Zou H. Geosocial Networking Smartphone App Use and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Attending University in China: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e31033. [PMID: 35343911 PMCID: PMC9002592 DOI: 10.2196/31033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay apps are smartphone-based geosocial networking apps where many men who have sex with men (MSM) socialize and seek sex partners. Existing studies showed that gay app use is associated with greater odds of high-risk sexual behaviors and potentially more HIV infections. However, little is known about this behavior among young MSM. OBJECTIVE We conducted this study to understand gay app use and its influencing factors among MSM attending university in China. METHODS From January to March 2019, participants were recruited from 4 regions with large populations of college students in China: Chongqing, Guangdong, Shandong, and Tianjin. The eligibility criteria were MSM aged 16 years or older, self-identified as a university student, and being HIV negative. A self-administered online structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic information, sexual behaviors, gay app use, substance use, and HIV testing history. We performed multivariable log-binomial regression to assess correlates of seeking sex partners via gay apps. RESULTS A total of 447 MSM attending university with an average age of 20.4 (SD 1.5) years were recruited. Almost all participants (439/447, 98.2%) reported gay app use at some point in their life, and 240/439 (53.7%) reported ever seeking sex partners via gay apps. Blued (428/439, 97.5%) was the most popular gay app. Higher proportions of sexual risk behaviors (including seeking sex partners via apps [P<.001], engaging in group sex [P<.001], having multiple sex partners [P<.001], unawareness of sex partners' HIV status [P<.001], and using recreational drugs during sex [P<.02]) were positively associated with the increase in the frequency of gay app use. In multivariable analysis, participants who used gay apps to seek sex partners might be more likely to have multiple sex partners in the past 3 months (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] 1.53, 95% CI 1.33-1.76; P<.001), engage in group sex in the past 3 months (APR 1.55, 95% CI 1.35-1.78; P<.001), and have sex partners with unknown or positive HIV status (APR 1.72, 95% CI 1.46-2.01; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Seeking sex partners via gay apps may associate with the increased high-risk sexual behaviors among MSM attending university. The causality between seeking sex partners via gay apps and increased high-risk sexual behaviors should be further investigated so as to inform potential policies for HIV prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900020645; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=34741.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Fan
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiyang Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Hu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Gong
- Tianjin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Maohe Yu
- Tianjin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhenzhou Luo
- Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guohui Wu
- Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Ouyang
- Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Hermosa-Bosano C, Hidalgo-Andrade P, Paz C. Geosocial Networking Apps Use Among Sexual Minority Men in Ecuador: An Exploratory Study. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2995-3009. [PMID: 34117560 PMCID: PMC8563596 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01921-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Geosocial networking applications (GSN apps) have become important socialization contexts for sexual minority men (SMM). Despite their popularity, there is limited research carried out in Latin American countries and no single previous study done in Ecuador. To fill this gap, this exploratory study described and analyzed the relationships between the sociodemographic characteristics of SMM using GSN apps, their sought and fulfilled expectations, profile shared and sought characteristics, and the evaluation of their experiences as users including their perceptions of support, and discrimination. We used an online recruited sample of 303 participants enrolled between November 2019 and January 2020. Most respondents used Grindr and reported spending up to 3 h per day using apps. Most common sought expectations were getting distracted, meeting new friends, and meeting people for sexual encounters. The least met expectation was meeting someone to build a romantic relationship with. When asked about their profiles, participants reported sharing mainly their age, photographs, and sexual role. Participants also prioritized these characteristics when looking at others' profiles. When asked about their experiences, most reported having been discriminated against, weight being the main reason for it. Some participants also indicated having received emotional support from other users. Correlation analyses indicated significant but weak relationships among the variables. Results indicated a positive correlation between time as an active GSN app user and higher experiences of discrimination. Likewise, higher number of used apps related positively with levels of received support. These results provide information that could inform future research in the country and the region regarding GSN apps use among SMM, socialization practices, and modern dating tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Hermosa-Bosano
- School of Psychology, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Redondel del Ciclista, Antigua Vía a Nayón, Campus UDLAPark, 170124, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Paula Hidalgo-Andrade
- School of Psychology, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Redondel del Ciclista, Antigua Vía a Nayón, Campus UDLAPark, 170124, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Clara Paz
- School of Psychology, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Redondel del Ciclista, Antigua Vía a Nayón, Campus UDLAPark, 170124, Quito, Ecuador
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13
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Chen Y, Shen Z, Feng Y, Ruan Y, Li J, Tang S, Tang K, Liang S, Pang X, McNeil EB, Xing H, Chongsuvivatwong V, Lin M, Lan G. HIV-1 subtype diversity and transmission strain source among men who have sex with men in Guangxi, China. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8319. [PMID: 33859273 PMCID: PMC8050077 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87745-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid increase in HIV prevalence of men who have sex with men (MSM) in recent years and common human migration and travelling across different provinces in China, MSM are now finding it easier to meet each other, which might contribute to local HIV epidemics as well as fueling cross-province transmission. We performed a cross-sectional survey in 2018-2019 to investigate the current HIV subtype diversity and inferred HIV strain transmission origin among MSM in Guangxi province, China based on a phylogenetic analysis. Based on 238 samples, we found that the HIV-1 subtype diversity was more complicated than before, except for three major HIV subtypes/circulating recombinant forms (CRFs): CRF07_BC, CRF01_AE, CRF55_01B, five other subtypes/CRFs (CRF59_01B, B, CRF08_BC, CRF67_01B, CRF68_01B) and five unique recombinant forms (URFs) were detected. In total, 76.8% (169/220) of samples were infected with HIV from local circulating strains, while others originated from other provinces, predominantly Guangdong and Shanghai. The high diversity of HIV recombinants and complicated HIV transmission sources in Guangxi MSM indicates that there has been an active sexual network between HIV positive MSM both within and outside Guangxi without any effective prevention. Inter-province collaboration must be enforced to provide tailored HIV prevention and control services to MSM in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yuhua Ruan
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Shuai Tang
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Kailing Tang
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Shujia Liang
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Xianwu Pang
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Edward B McNeil
- Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Thailand
| | - Hui Xing
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 102206, China
| | | | - Mei Lin
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China.
| | - Guanghua Lan
- Institute of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China.
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14
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Chen J, Fan H, Chen H, Yao F. Correlates of group sex participation among men who have sex with men in Chongqing, Southwestern China. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:561. [PMID: 33752635 PMCID: PMC7983368 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10607-0] [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: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Findings from specific countries indicated group sex was common among men who have sex with men (MSM), and men who reported group sex participation were at increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The purpose of the current analysis was to describe the prevalence and correlates of group sex participation among a community-based sample of MSM in Chongqing, southwestern China. METHODS Convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants and data were collected through an anonymous questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify correlates of group sex participation. RESULTS Overall, 1151 eligible participants were enrolled in the study. 14.7% of MSM reported participating in group sex in their lifetime, and 5.8% reported group sex participation in the prior 6 months. Factors positively associated with group sex participation in both the prior 6 months and the lifetime included: monthly income ≥3000 Yuan (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 3.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-10.75; aOR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.21-4.35), initiating anal sex before 18 years old (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.03-3.34; aOR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.31-3.05), using gay apps to seek sex partners (aOR = 7.41, 95% CI 2.57-21.33; aOR = 9.75, 95% CI 4.92-19.33), recreational drug use (aOR = 10.10, 95% CI 5.52-18.49; aOR = 4.75, 95% CI 3.20-7.05) and having condomless internal ejaculation (CIE) (aOR = 3.66, 95% CI 2.01-6.68; aOR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.11-2.35). Factors only associated with group sex participation in the lifetime were older age (age between 26 and 35 years old: aOR = 2.06, 95% CI 1.30-3.26; age > 35 years old: aOR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.10-3.46) and history of STIs (aOR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.37-4.62). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggested that group sex participation was a potentially risky context for acquisition and transmission of HIV/STIs. Close attention should be given to MSM who participated in group sex, and appropriate risk reduction interventions should be developed specific to this subgroup of MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Department of Medical Records and Statistics, the People's Hospital of Tongliang District, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Fan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Huailiang Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases Prevention and Healthcare, the People's Hospital of Sichuan Tianfu New Area, Chengdu, China.
| | - Feifei Yao
- Department of STD/HIV Control and Prevention, Sichuan Tianfu New Area Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
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15
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Yan X, Li Y, Su H, Xing Y, Zhang B, Lu Z, Jia Z. Protect MSM from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases by providing mobile health services of partner notification: protocol for a pragmatic stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1107. [PMID: 32664934 PMCID: PMC7362655 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, more and more men who have sex with men (MSM) look for casual partners through online dating platforms in China. However, most are unable to know their partners’ HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) statuses, leading to the rapid increase in HIV infection among Chinese MSM. Effective partner notification is urgently needed to increase the risk awareness of MSM and prevent HIV and other STDs transmission. However, the traditional intervention mainly targets to the HIV-positive MSM and the effect is not promising. Our study aims to provide Internet-based partner notification, along with a series of health services for HIV-negative MSM to protect them from HIV and other STDs. Methods A pragmatic stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial design is used to evaluate the effectiveness of a new intervention paradigm, which aims to reduce HIV and other STDs incidences among MSM in China. Through integrating a mobile health (mHealth) service application (app) to the current HIV and other STDs prevention and control methods, the new paradigm provides partner notification of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C statuses. A total of 6172 MSM in 16 districts of Beijing, China will be recruited and randomized to sequentially receive partner notification intervention through the app at 6-month intervals. The primary outcomes are HIV incidence and the additional cost of the intervention. The secondary outcomes include incidences of syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, disease transmission social networks, testing adherence, knowledge of HIV and STDs control, health self-responsibility awareness, changes of high risk behaviors and other related outcomes. The generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) will be used to analyze the differences of outcomes in the control period and in the intervention period. Discussion We expect that the HIV incidence will be significantly lower and the secondary outcomes will also be improved with providing health service of partner notification through mhealth intervention. The feasible and affordable public health intervention paradigm will have implications for HIV and STDs prevention and control among MSM and other key populations. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04349748. Registered on 16 April 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yongjie Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hexuan Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Medical Informatics Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Xing
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zuhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongwei Jia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China. .,National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Center for Drug Abuse Control and Prevention, National Institute of Health Data Science, Peking University, Beijing, China. .,Center for Technology and Policy Research on Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Global Health Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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16
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Huang G, Cai M, Lu X. Inferring Opinions and Behavioral Characteristics of Gay Men with Large Scale Multilingual Text from Blued. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193597. [PMID: 31561423 PMCID: PMC6801609 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Gay men in many countries are increasingly using geosocial networking applications (GSN apps), thus offering new opportunities for understanding them. This paper provides a comprehensive content analysis of posts and opinions on Blued, the world's largest gay social networking dating app, to infer and compare opinions and behavioral characteristics of gay men in different countries. Machine learning and linguistic programming approaches were used to extract themes and analyze sentiments of posts. The results show that the majority of posts are related to daily life activities, and less are related to sensitive topics. While most posts are positive or neutral, negative emotions, including anxiety, anger, and sadness, are mainly distributed in posts related to self-identification and sexual behaviors in China and to relationships in other countries. Voting items indicate that only 50.52% of the participants will take regular HIV tests while 50.2% would have casual sex when they are single. Additionally, 35.8% of the participants may try drugs when invited by friends. Our findings suggest an opportunity and necessity for researchers and public health practitioners to use open source data on GSN apps and other social medias to inform HIV interventions and to promote social inclusion for sexual minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Huang
- College of Systems Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China.
| | - Mengsi Cai
- College of Systems Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China.
| | - Xin Lu
- College of Systems Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China.
- School of Software Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen 518172, China.
- School of Business, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
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