Association between rectal douching and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Anorectal Sexual Function Index: Development and Validation of a Health-related Quality of Life Measure

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reliability and validity of measuring receptive anal intercourse (RAI) sensation and associated satisfaction and bother.

METHODS

Between July 2022 and January 2023, we conducted a survey on sensations during RAI among people with prostates (ie, cisgender men and transgender women). The survey content was developed based on our previous qualitative study. We assessed internal reliability and consistency through time. Sensations experienced during RAI were correlated with health-related quality-of-life measures to ensure construct validity.

RESULTS

The final index contained four scales: pleasure (four items), pain (seven items), urinary (four items), and bowel (four items). Overall, 1084 individuals filled out the questionnaire. The internal consistency for all subscales was at or above 0.79. Scores tended to be stable across time with all test-retest coefficients at or above 0.72. Pleasure scores were inversely correlated with pain scores (r = -0.46). Pleasure was positively correlated with erections (r = 0.36) and orgasms (r = 0.44) during RAI, and sexual satisfaction (r = 0.39). Notable positive correlations for pain scores were with bowel scores (r = 0.49), internalized homophobia (r = 0.35), and prostatitis symptoms (r = 0.37). Urinary scores were moderately associated with IPSS scores (r = 0.22). Bowel scores were positively correlated with GI symptoms (r = 0.24), mental health symptoms (r = 0.28), and chronic prostatitis symptoms (r = 0.29).

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study provide evidence that the Anorectal Sexual Function Index is both reliable and valid. The Anorectal Sexual Function Index may be a particularly useful health-related quality-of-life measure to assess outcomes regarding a host of urologic issues that may affect RAI.

History of Rectal Product Use and Country of Residence Influence Preference for Rectal Microbicide Dosage Forms Among Young Sexual and Gender Minorities: A Multi-country Trial Comparing Placebo Douche, Suppository, and Insert Products

The DESIRE Study (MTN-035) explored product preference among three placebo rectal microbicide (RM) formulations, a rectal douche (RD), a suppository, and an insert, among 210 sexually active transgender people and men who have sex with men in five counties: the United States, Peru, Thailand, South Africa, and Malawi. Participants used each product prior to receptive anal sex (RAS) for 1 month, following a randomly assigned sequence, then selected their preferred product via computer assisted self-interview. In-depth interviews examined reasons for preference. We compared product preference and prior product use by country to explore whether geographic location and experience with the similar products impacted preference. A majority in the United States (56%) and Peru (58%) and nearly half in South Africa (48%) preferred the douche. Most in Malawi (59%) preferred the suppository, while half in Thailand (50%) and nearly half in South Africa (47%) preferred the insert. Participants who preferred the douche described it as quick and easy, already routinized, and serving a dual purpose of cleansing and protecting. Those who preferred the insert found it small, portable, discreet, with quick dissolution. Those who preferred the suppository found the size and shape acceptable and liked the added lubrication it provided. Experience with product use varied by country. Participants with RD experience were significantly more likely to prefer the douche (p = 0.03). Diversifying availability of multiple RM dosage forms can increase uptake and improve HIV prevention efforts globally.

Acute Infectious Proctitis in Adolescents

The diagnosis of acute proctitis requires understanding who is at risk, being aware of symptoms, and leveraging a thorough sexual history with appropriate risk stratification to make the diagnosis. Cases have been concentrated in adolescents (ages 15-19 years), young adults (ages 20-24 years), men and transgender women who have sex with men, and those with a history of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Black adolescents experience a disproportionately high number of cases of proctitis due to an intersection of concentrated cases in sexual networks and delayed screening/diagnosis due to health care access barriers. Signs and symptoms include purulent discharge, bleeding, pain, tenesmus, pruritus, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, or fever. Multisite sexually transmitted infection testing should be offered based on risk stratification (eg, history of condomless anal sex, oral intercourse, number of sex partners). Further management includes promotion of barrier protection and preexposure prophylaxis, routine surveillance, partner notification, and routine access to preventive immunizations.

Hepatitis C antibody prevalence and active hepatitis C infection in HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain (March 2018-March 2021)

OBJECTIVES

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been recognized as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), with an increased notification in HIV-negative MSM. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCV antibody and active HCV infection in HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and other MSM (GBMSM), and their characteristics, in Barcelona and Madrid, from March 2018 to March 2021.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study conducted on 3548 HIV-undiagnosed GBMSM, across four HIV/STI testing centers. Respondents submitted an online, self-administered questionnaire after consultation, which collected information on sociodemographics, sexual health history, HCV knowledge, and substance consumption. Prevalence of HCV antibodies was determined by a reactive result in a rapid anti-HCV test or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while active HCV infection was determined by participants who were also positive on an HCV-RNA test. Crude and adjusted Poisson analyses with robust variance are presented for both prevalence and active infection.

RESULTS

In total, 97.6% of participants (n = 3463) were HIV-negative. Of those, 18 were found to have HCV antibodies (0.52%), of which nine (0.26%) were also HCV-RNA positive. Those with HCV antibodies were associated to have lived with an HCV (+) person (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR]: 7.84, [95% confidence interval: 2.50-24.53]), using injectable drugs for sex (APR: 6.92, [1.20-39.79]) and testing positive for an STI in the previous year (APR: 4.06, [1.09-15.12]). Presenting an active infection was strongly associated with a previous HCV diagnosis (APR: 100.82 [22.16-458.76]), sexualized injectable drug use (APR: 17.53 [2.70-113.76]), and sharing douching material (APR: 7.45, [2.12-25.95]).

CONCLUSION

Sexual practices with a higher risk of bleeding and sexualized drug use, particularly sexualized injectable drug use, were associated with higher rates of HCV diagnosis in GBMSM. Identifying these practices during consultation, contact tracing new cases and regularly testing those with a previous history of HCV, will facilitate HCV eradication.

Spiraling Risk: Visualizing the multilevel factors that socially pattern HIV risk among gay, bisexual & other men who have sex with men using Complex Systems Theory

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Global disparities in HIV infection, particularly among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), indicate the importance of exploring the multi-level processes that shape HIV's spread. We used Complex Systems Theory and the PRISMA guidelines to conduct a systematic review of 63 global reviews to understand how HIV is socially patterned among GBMSM. The purpose was to conduct a thematic analysis of the reviews to (1) synthesize the multi-level risk factors of HIV risk, (2) categorize risk across the socioecological model, and (3) develop a conceptual model that visualizes the interrelated factors that shape GBMSMS's HIV "risk."

RECENT FINDINGS

We included 49 studies of high and moderate quality studies. Results indicated that GBMSM's HIV risk stems from the individual, interpersonal, and structural levels of the socioecological model. We identified a few themes that shape GBMSM's risk of HIV infection related to biomedical prevention methods; sexual and sex-seeking behaviors; behavioral prevention methods; individual-level characteristics and syndemic infections; lived experiences and interpersonal relationships; country-level income; country-level HIV prevalence; and structural stigma. The multi-level factors, in tandem, serve to perpetuate GBMSM's risk of HIV infection globally. The amalgamation of our thematic analyses from our systematic reviews of reviews suggests that the risk of HIV infection operates in an emergent, dynamic, and complex nature across multiple levels of the socioecological model. Applying complex systems theory indicates how multilevel factors create a dynamic and reinforcing system of HIV risk among GBMSM.

Risk factors for HCV transmission in HIV-positive men who have sex with men in México

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.

Rectal chlamydia infections: implications for reinfection risk, screening, and treatment guidelines

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Rectal chlamydia is a prevalent sexually transmissible infection in both men who have sex with men (MSM) and in women. Screening is recommended for MSM but remains controversial for women. The optimal treatment for rectal chlamydia is now conclusive but interpreting and managing positive results remains challenging. Infections among MSM are increasing and strategies are needed to reduce incident infections. This review summarizes recent developments for the screening and management of rectal chlamydia and its implications on reinfection.

RECENT FINDINGS

Reinfections in MSM may be occurring due to resumption of sex soon after treatment whereas repeat infections in women may occur due to autoinoculation in the absence of sex. Doxycycline is now first-line treatment but its role in chemoprophylaxis remains unclear. False positive results remain an issue, but the development of viability assays may prove useful in future to determine true infections.

SUMMARY

Doxycycline is the first-line treatment for rectal chlamydia and in women may prevent infections at the urogenital site. Viability assays can help to reduce antibiotic use once developed. The role of routine screening of rectal chlamydia in women remains unclear and this debate may soon include asymptomatic infections in MSM.

Rectal Douching and Anal Human Papillomavirus Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in China

BACKGROUND

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are particularly at increased risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and related malignancies. Rectal douching, commonly practiced among MSM, has been associated with HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and viral hepatitis in cross-sectional studies. We conducted this study to understand the association between self-reported rectal douching and anal HPV among YMSM in China.

METHODS

Between September 2018 and March 2019, MSM aged 15 to 24 years who ever engaged in receptive anal intercourse over the last 3 months were recruited via community-based organizations and centers for disease control located in 4 cities in China. Participants were asked to complete an online survey. We performed multivariate logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders to examine the association between self-reported rectal douching and anal HPV.

RESULTS

Among 273 MSM with a median age of 20 years (interquartile range, 19-21 years) included in this study, 130 (47.6%) practiced rectal douching during the preceding 3 months and 96 (36.2%) were infected with anal HPV. Self-reported rectal douching was found to be associated with increased odds of anal HPV infection (odds ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-3.82) among YMSM, after adjusting for age, sexual debut, sex with alcohol or drugs, and HIV testing history.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported rectal douching is associated with higher odds of anal HPV infection independent of sexual behaviors among YMSM. More prospective studies to ascertain this association are needed. Health education materials should inform men of the potential risk of rectal douching. Research on safer rectal douching procedures is warranted.

Lubrication Practices and Receptive Anal Sex: Implications for STI Transmission and Prevention

Introduction

Implications of lubricant use in men having sex with men (MSM) are poorly characterized, particularly associations with sexual behavior and rectal sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk.

Aim

We sought to clarify covariates associated with lubrication type including differing sexual preferences and rectal STI prevalence.

Methods

Primary English-speaking individuals ≥18 years old visiting San Francisco City Clinic (SFCC) between April and May of 2018 who endorsed lubricant use during receptive anal sex within the last 3 months were studied. Associations between lubrication type used and collected covariates were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance for continuous variables and Chi-squared test for categorical variables. We used logistic regression to examine the association between lubrication type and rectal STI test result.

Main Outcome Measures

Rectal STI test positivity.

Results

From all enrolled participants, 179 completed the survey and endorsed use of a lubricant during receptive anal sex within the last 3 months. Silicone lubricant users had the most sexual partners in the last 3 months (13 [mean] ± 30 [SD], P= .0003) and were most likely to have a history of gonorrhea. Oil-based lubricant users had the most partners with whom they had receptive anal sex in the last 3 months (7 ± 6, P= .03). Water-based lubricant users most commonly used a condom in their last sexual encounter and had the fewest sexual partners in the last 3 months (4 ± 4, P= .0003). Spit/saliva lubricant use was associated with positive rectal STI result.

Conclusion

Silicone and oil-based lubricant users were more likely to report condomless receptive anal sex and to have a history of gonorrhea while spit/saliva lubricant use associated with positive rectal STI acquisition. Lee A, Gaither TW, Langston ME, et al. Lubrication Practices and Receptive Anal Sex: Implications for STI Transmission and Prevention. Sex Med 2021;9:100341.

Association between rectal douching and HIV acquisition: the mediating role of condom use and rectal bleeding in a national online sample of Chinese men who have sex with men

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have demonstrated that rectal douching (RD) is associated with HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the precise mechanism underlying the association between RD and HIV remains unclear.

METHODS

We recruited participants over WeChat from October 2017 to October 2018. Respondents received mailed HIV self-testing kits, uploaded images of HIV self-test results and completed an online electronic questionnaire simultaneously. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, RD practices and sexual risk behaviours. HIV status was measured as the result of the HIV self-testing. The Baron and Kenny statistical method was used to assess the association between RD and HIV, controlling for condomless anal intercourse (CAI) and rectal bleeding.

RESULTS

Of 1365 participants, 39.93% (545/1365) reported RD in the past 6 months, 60.07% had multiple male sexual partners and 43.08% had CAI in the past 6 months. The prevalence of HIV, based on self-testing, was 3.37% (46/1365). Multivariable logistic analysis showed RD was significantly associated with bottom sexual role (adjusted OR (aOR) 14.0; 95% CI 9.8 to 20.2), having multiple male sexual partners (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.2), CAI (aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.6), rectal bleeding (aOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.6) and HIV infection (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.4). Baron and Kenny analysis found both CAI (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.2 to 4.1) and rectal bleeding (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.4) play a mediating role in the association between RD and HIV.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results confirmed the relationship between RD and HIV, and found CAI and rectal bleeding mediated HIV infection in Chinese MSM who douched. Strategies should be encouraged to strengthen health education and reduce high-risk sexual behaviour in order to reduce the risk of HIV in MSM who use enemas. Rectal microbicides may represent an efficient means of providing HIV prophylaxis among MSM.

The use of inappropriate anal douching tool associates with increased HIV infection among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study in Shenyang, China

Background

Rectal douching (RD) is widely practiced by men who have sex with men (MSM), and is associated with increased risk of HIV infection. However, the mechanism of how RD increases the risk of HIV infection is not well understood, and there is limited data on RD behavior in MSM practicing anal sex in China. We examine the purpose of RD, its timing in relation to anal sex, the types of RD products used, and risky sexual behaviors among MSM reporting anal sex.

Methods

Between August 2017 and December 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted among adult MSM in Shenyang, China. Data were collected on demographics, sexual behaviors, and RD for the most recent sexual intercourse by means of interviewer-administered face-to-face questionnaires. Blood samples were collected to test for antibodies to HIV and syphilis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the risk factors associated with HIV infection.

Results

A total of 515 eligible MSM participated in this survey (median age: 31 years). During the most recent anal intercourse, 28.3% (146/515) had condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI), 21.4% (110/515) practiced serosorting, and more than half (61.6%, 317/515) reported RD before or after anal sex. Of those practicing RD, 96.8% (307/317) conducted RD before sex, while 62.5% (198/317) conducted RD after sex. The douching devices used were primarily shower hoses (85.3%, 262/307), and relatively few MSM used commercial RD products (8.1%, 25/307) before sex. The prevalence of HIV-1 and syphilis was 11.7% and 13.2%, respectively. HIV infection was positively associated with RD, practicing RD before sex, the interaction between RD and CRAI using a shower hose for RD and other risk factors, practicing RD after sex, CRAI, using nitrite inhalants, main sexual role with males as bottom and syphilis infection.

Conclusions

RD is popular among Chinese MSM. Improper noncommercial RD tools use (such as shower hose), the interaction effect between RD and CRAI associated with HIV infection. Public health workers and the MSM community should publicize scientific knowledge and prevention approaches relating to RD and HIV transmission to MSM. We recommend that further studies should be conducted to understand the detailed mechanism between RD and increased HIV prevalence.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10276-z.

Rectal douching among men who have sex with men in six cities in China: a cross-sectional study

Background Rectal douching, which is a common practice among men who have sex men (MSM) as a preparation for anal sex, may potentially increase the risk of HIV infection. However, little is known about the practice of rectal douching among Chinese MSM. This study investigated the characteristics of rectal douching and factors associated with rectal douching.

METHODS

Between January and March 2019, MSM aged ≥18 years in six cities in China were recruited to the study. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered online questionnaire. Chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine factors associated with rectal douching by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Of 485 MSM in this study, 278 (57.3%) practiced rectal douching in the preceding 6 months. The most common reasons for douching before and after anal sex were hygiene/cleanliness (78.6% and 66.1% respectively) and HIV/STI prevention (8.5% and 17.4% respectively). The most used enemas and equipment before and after anal sex were tap water (73.5% and 70.2% respectively) and showerhead hoses (76.1% and 75.2% respectively). Men who engaged in both insertive and receptive anal sex (OR 8.84; 95% CI 4.52-17.30), exclusively receptive anal sex (OR 6.56; 95% CI 3.55-12.13), condom-less anal intercourse (OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.03-2.63) and anal sex after alcohol use (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.00-2.35) were more likely to perform douching.

CONCLUSION

Rectal douching is common in MSM, some of whom may not realise the potential risks associated with douching. The co-occurrence of douching and other high-risk behaviours would make MSM more vulnerable to HIV. Health education aimed at informing MSM of the potential risks and addressing the high prevalence of douching are urgently needed.

Lubricants and rectal douching: associations with rectal gonorrhea, chlamydia, and/or syphilis infection among men who have sex with men

Despite widespread prevalence of lubricant use and rectal douching for receptive anal intercourse (RAI) among men who have sex with men (MSM), research evaluating the association of these behaviors with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is limited. This is an observational analysis of a longitudinal cohort of predominantly Black/Latino MSM in Los Angeles. Every six months from August 2014 to January 2018, participants received STI screening and surveys evaluating lubricant use, douching, substance use, and sexual risk behaviors. General estimating equations evaluated the association between consistent lubricant use and douching for RAI with positive rectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and/or syphilis (positive STI). Among 313 participants across 552 study visits, 16.5% (91/552) had positive STI. Consistent lubricant use was reported in 52.7% (243/552) and rectal douching in 57.6% (318/552) of study visits. Consistent lubricant use was associated with STI diagnosis (adjusted OR [AOR] 1.81; 95% CI 1.11-2.96; p = 0.018). Each episode of rectal douching before RAI was associated with 2% increased odds of positive STI (AOR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.04; p = 0.041). Among this cohort of HIV-positive and high-risk HIV-negative MSM, lubricant use and douching was common and independently associated with an STI, suggesting the utility of prevention messaging around barrier methods/condoms for sexual encounters involving douching/lubricant use.

Prevalence and Phylogenetic Characterization of Hepatitis C Virus Among Indian Men Who Have Sex With Men: Limited Evidence for Sexual Transmission

BACKGROUND

Data from high-income countries suggest increasing hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence/incidence among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), but limited data derive from low-and-middle-income countries.

METHODS

We recruited 4994 MSM from 5 states across India using respondent-driven sampling. Logistic regression incorporating respondent-driven sampling weights and machine learning feature selection were used to identify correlates of prevalent HCV, and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis was used to examine genetic clustering.

RESULTS

The median age was 25 years, the HIV prevalence was 7.2%, and 49.3% of participants reported recent unprotected anal intercourse. The HCV prevalence was 1.3% (95% confidence interval, 1.0%-1.6%; site range, 0.2%-3.4%) and was 3.1% in HIV-positive versus 1.1% among HIV-negative men. HCV infection was significantly associated with injection drug use (odds ratio, 177.1; 95% confidence interval, 72.7-431.5) and HIV infection (4.34; 1.88-10.05). Machine learning did not uncover any additional epidemiologic signal. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 3 clusters suggestive of linked transmission; each contained ≥1 individual reporting injection drug use.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a low HCV prevalence in this large sample of MSM despite a high prevalence of known risk factors, reflecting either the need for a threshold of HCV for sexual transmission and/or variability in sexual practices across settings.

Can gut microbiota of men who have sex with men influence HIV transmission?

Gaining a complete understanding of transmission risk factors will assist in efforts to reduce new HIV infections, especially within the disproportionally affected population of men who have sex with men (MSM). We recently reported that the fecal microbiota of MSM elevates immune activation in gnotobiotic mice and enhances HIV infection in vitro over that of fecal microbiota from men who have sex with women. We also demonstrated elevation of the gut homing marker CD103 (integrin αE) on CD4⁺ T cells by MSM-microbiota. Here we provide additional evidence that the gut microbiota is a risk factor for HIV transmission in MSM by showing elevated frequencies of the HIV co-receptor CCR5 on CD4⁺ T cells in human rectosigmoid colon biopsies. We discuss our interest in specific MSM-associated bacteria and propose the influx of CD103⁺ and CCR5⁺ CD4⁺ T cells into the colon as a potential link between the MSM microbiota and HIV transmission.

Pay-it-forward gonorrhea and chlamydia testing among men who have sex with men in China: a study protocol for a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Gonorrhea and chlamydia testing rates are poor among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). A quasi-experimental study suggested that a pay-it-forward strategy increased dual gonorrhea/chlamydia testing among MSM. Pay-it-forward offers an individual a gift (e.g., a free test) and then asks the same person if they would like to give a gift to another person. This article reports the protocol of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate dual gonorrhea/chlamydia test uptake and other outcomes among MSM in three arms - a pay-it-forward arm, a pay-what-you-want arm, and a standard of care arm.

METHODS

Three hundred MSM will be recruited at three HIV testing sites in Guangzhou and Beijing. Testing sites include two hospital-based MSM sexually transmitted diseases clinics and one MSM community-based organization. Eligible participants will be born biologically male, aged 16 years or older, reporting previous anal sex with another man, having never participated in the pay-it-forward program, without previous gonorrhea and chlamydia testing in the past 12 months, and residing in China. Following a cluster randomized design, every cluster of ten participants will be randomly allocated into one of three arms: (1) a pay-it-forward arm in which men are offered free gonorrhea and chlamydia testing and then asked whether they would like to donate ("pay it forward") toward testing for future testers; (2) a pay-what-you-want arm in which men are offered free testing and told to decide how much to pay after receiving the test; (3) a standard of care arm in which men can pay the full price for dual gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing. The primary outcome is dual gonorrhoea/chlamydia testing as verified by administrative records. Secondary outcomes include incremental cost per test, incremental cost per diagnosis, community connectedness, and social cohesion. Primary outcome will be calculated for each arm using intention-to-treat and compared using one-sided 95% confidence intervals with a margin of 20% increase defined as superiority.

DISCUSSION

This study will examine the pay-it-forward strategy in comparison to the standard of care in improving test uptake for gonorrhea and chlamydia. We will leverage the cluster randomized controlled trial to provide scientific evidence on the potential effect of pay-it-forward. Findings from this study will shed light on novel intervention methods for increasing preventive health service utilization and innovate ways to finance it among communities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03741725 . Registered on 12 November 2018.

Low Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing Rates Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Guangdong and Shandong Provinces, China

BACKGROUND

Although periodic chlamydia and gonorrhea testing is recommended for men who have sex with men (MSM), little is known about testing rates in China. This study examines chlamydia and gonorrhea testing rates and testing correlates among Chinese MSM.

METHODS

An online survey of MSM was conducted in August 2017. Men 16 years or older who had ever had sex with a man were enrolled through a gay social networking mobile application. We asked men about their sexual behaviors, community engagement in sexual health, and previous testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the association of testing with community engagement and recent HIV testing.

RESULTS

Of 1031 men, 819 (79.5%) were younger than 30 years, and 263 (25.5%) reported condomless sex in the past 3 months. In total, 294 (28.5%) men tested for chlamydia, 315 (30.6%) men tested for gonorrhea, and 817 (79.2%) men tested for HIV. One hundred twenty-five (42.5%) men who received chlamydia testing and 134 (42.5%) men who received gonorrhea testing had substantial community engagement. Compared with men with no/minimal community engagement, men with substantial community engagement had greater odds of chlamydia testing (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-4.3) and gonorrhea testing (AOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.0-4.4). Men with recent HIV testing were more likely to have received chlamydia testing (AOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0) and gonorrhea testing (AOR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing levels are low among Chinese MSM. Integrating chlamydia and gonorrhea test promotion strategies into HIV prevention programs that engage MSM communities may help bridge the gap.