HIV incidence among men who have sex with men and transgender women in four provinces in Thailand

Sustained high HIV incidence among men who have sex with men in Jiangsu province, China: based on the limiting-antigen avidity EIA method and six consecutive surveys, 2016-2021

Background

The epidemic of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) is a major public health concern in some parts of China, but data on trends in HIV incidence are limited. This study aimed to examine the trends in HIV incidence and factors associated with recent HIV infection among MSM in Jiangsu province, China, based on the limiting-antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay (LAg-Avidity-EIA) method.

Methods

Six consecutive surveys were implemented among MSM throughout Jiangsu province from 2016 to 2021. Participants were recruited in three ways. Socio-demographic and behavioral information were collected through face-to-face interviews. Venous blood samples were taken to test for HIV and syphilis. HIV incidence was estimated using the LAg-Avidity-EIA method. Chi-square trend tests were used to observe trends over the years. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with recent HIV infection.

Results

A total of 15,401 participants were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of HIV infection ranged from 8.0 to 9.8%, with no consistent rise or fall over the years (P = 0.189). HIV incidence ranged from 5.0 to 9.0%, and no uptrend or downtrend was shown (P = 0.418). MSM who lived locally for more than 2 years (aOR = 1.366, P = 0.019), had a lack of comprehensive HIV knowledge (aOR = 1.643, P = 0.031), had engaged in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the past 6 months (aOR = 7.373, P < 0.001), had been tested for HIV within 12 months (aOR = 1.292, P = 0.035), and tested positive for syphilis (aOR = 2.840, P < 0.001) were likely to be recently infected with HIV.

Conclusions

HIV incidence among MSM has remained at a high level in Jiangsu province. In China, health education, condom use, and HIV/syphilis testing should continue to be top priorities for HIV prevention among MSM to reduce HIV transmission.

Incidence of HIV and hepatitis C virus among people who inject drugs, and associations with age and sex or gender: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Measuring the incidence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) is key to track progress towards elimination. We aimed to summarise global data on HIV and primary HCV incidence among PWID and associations with age and sex or gender.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we updated an existing database of HIV and HCV incidence studies among PWID by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO, capturing studies published between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 12, 2022, with no language or study design restrictions. We contacted authors of identified studies for unpublished or updated data. We included studies that estimated incidence by longitudinally re-testing people at risk of infection or by using assays for recent infection. We pooled incidence and relative risk (RR; young [generally defined as ≤25 years] vs older PWID; women vs men) estimates using random-effects meta-analysis and assessed risk of bias with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020220884.

FINDINGS

Our updated search identified 9493 publications, of which 211 were eligible for full-text review. An additional 377 full-text records from our existing database and five records identified through cross-referencing were assessed. Including 28 unpublished records, 125 records met the inclusion criteria. We identified 64 estimates of HIV incidence (30 from high-income countries [HICs] and 34 from low-income or middle-income countries [LMICs]) and 66 estimates of HCV incidence (52 from HICs and 14 from LMICs). 41 (64%) of 64 HIV and 42 (64%) of 66 HCV estimates were from single cities rather than being multi-city or nationwide. Estimates were measured over 1987-2021 for HIV and 1992-2021 for HCV. Pooled HIV incidence was 1·7 per 100 person-years (95% CI 1·3-2·3; I2=98·4%) and pooled HCV incidence was 12·1 per 100 person-years (10·0-14·6; I2=97·2%). Young PWID had a greater risk of HIV (RR 1·5, 95% CI 1·2-1·8; I2=66·9%) and HCV (1·5, 1·3-1·8; I2=70·6%) acquisition than older PWID. Women had a greater risk of HIV (RR 1·4, 95% CI 1·1-1·6; I2=55·3%) and HCV (1·2, 1·1-1·3; I2=43·3%) acquisition than men. For both HIV and HCV, the median risk-of-bias score was 6 (IQR 6-7), indicating moderate risk.

INTERPRETATION

Although sparse, available HIV and HCV incidence estimates offer insights into global levels of HIV and HCV transmission among PWID. Intensified efforts are needed to keep track of the HIV and HCV epidemics among PWID and to expand access to age-appropriate and gender-appropriate prevention services that serve young PWID and women who inject drugs.

FUNDING

Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Fonds de recherche du Québec-Santé, Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, UK National Institute for Health and Care Research, and WHO.

Sexual uses of drug and alcohol among men who have sex with men in China: implications for HIV prevention

BACKGROUND

Sexual uses of alcohol and drugs are pervasive among men who have sex with men (MSM) and associated with increased risk of HIV infection. However, there are limited studies related to sexual uses of alcohol and drugs among MSM in China. This study aims to describe the pattern of alcohol use, drug use, and multi-drug use during sex among Chinese MSM and to examine the association between condomless anal intercourse, group sex, commercial sex and HIV infection.

METHODS

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey in China. Characteristics on social-demographic, sexual behaviors, and sexual uses of alcohol and drugs were collected. The associations with high-risk sexual behaviors and HIV infection were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 699 MSM were included in this study. About 39.5% (230/582) of men reported sexual alcohol use in the past three months and 50.8% (355/699) reported sexual drug use. Of those reporting sexual drug use, around 10.7% (38/355) reported having multi-drug use. Factors associated with both sexual uses of alcohol and drugs included: reporting more male sexual partners (alcohol: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.77; drug: aOR = 2.12), reporting condomless anal intercourse in the past three months (alcohol: aOR = 2.08; drug: aOR = 2.08), having ever engaged in group sex (alcohol: aOR = 2.04; drug: aOR = 5.22; multi-drug: aOR = 3.52) and commercial sex (alcohol: aOR = 4.43; drug: aOR = 4.22 multi-drug: aOR = 5.07). Sexual drug use was also correlated with reported HIV-positive status (drug: aOR = 2.53, 95% CI:1.31-4.90).

CONCLUSION

Sexual uses of alcohol and drugs are prevalent among Chinese MSM. Interventions to reduce the sexual use of alcohol and other drugs may be warranted among MSM in China.

HIV and syphilis prevalence among transgender women and men who have sex with men, Silom Community Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand, 2017-2019

We assessed HIV and syphilis infection among MSM and TGW attending Silom Community Clinic from 2017 to 2019. Walk-in and referral clients completed a registration application including a question on gender identity. We compared the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and HIV and syphilis coinfection among TGW and MSM. In a total of 1050 clients, 276 (26.3%) were TGW and 774 (74.7%) were MSM. Among TGW clients, HIV prevalence was 29.8%, syphilis prevalence was 38.4%, and coinfection prevalence was 18.5%. Comparing prevalence among TGW to MSM, the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) for HIV was 1.8 (95% CI:1.4-2.3), for syphilis was 1.2 (95% CI:1.0-1.4), and for HIV and syphilis coinfection was 2.1 (95% CI:1.4-2.9). The prevalence of syphilis was higher than HIV among TGW, with a PR of 1.3 (95% CI:1.1-1.6), and among MSM, with a PR of 1.4 (95% CI:1.2-1.7). TGW age 15-21 years had an HIV prevalence of 16.9% and syphilis prevalence of 30.8%. After adjusting for age, referral, and sexual behaviors, TGW remain significantly associated with HIV and syphilis prevalence. There is a substantial burden of HIV and HIV/syphilis co-infection among TGW. HIV/STI prevention are needed for TGW, including linkage to HIV care.

Characteristics of HIV/sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men and women in Bangkok, Thailand

BACKGROUND

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key HIV target population in Thailand. An important subgroup is men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) as they can sexually transmit infections between individuals with different gender identities. This study compared the sexually transmitted infection risk behavior of different types of men in Thailand.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 839 consecutive male patients who visited an STI clinic in Bangkok, Thailand, between 2014 and 2020.

RESULTS

Men who have sex with women only (MSWO) predominated (58.0%), followed by men who have sex with men only (MSMO, 32.2%) and MSMW (9.8%). MSMW and MSMO shared similar sexual risk behaviors, such as significantly higher median numbers of sex partners (10 and 8, respectively) than MSWO (5; Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001). MSMW had the highest prevalence of concurrent sexual partnerships (91.4%), significantly different from MSWO (61.2%) and MSMO (76.7%; chi-squared, p < 0.001). HIV and syphilis prevalence was significantly higher for MSMO (48.9% and 51.1%) and MSMW (42.7% and 48.8%) than MSWO (12.3% and 20.9%; chi-squared, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MSMW exhibited similar sexual risk behavior and high HIV/STI prevalence comparable to MSMO.

Factors Associated With Newly HIV Infection and Transmitted Drug Resistance Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Harbin, P.R. China

Background

This study aimed to evaluate HIV incidence, factors associated with HIV incidence and transmitted drug resistance (TDR) among newly infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in Harbin, P.R. China.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted among MSM in Harbin during 2013 and 2018, with a follow-up frequency of every 6 months. Blood samples from MSM were tested for HIV antibodies, RNA was extracted from plasma, and the pol gene was sequenced, and genotypic drug-resistance analyses were performed.

Results

From 2013 to 2018, the overall rate of HIV incidence was 3.55/100 PY. Syphilis infection, unprotected sex with men in the past 6 months, and unawareness of HIV/AIDS knowledge were risk factors for HIV seroconversion. The distribution of HIV genotypes was as follows: CRF01_AE, 57.1%; CRF07_BC, 28.5%; CRF55_01B, 2.0%; B, 8.2%. The prevalence of transmitted drug resistance was 4.08%.

Conclusion

HIV incidence in MSM in Harbin is moderately high, and transmitted drug resistance exists in the population.

HIV incidence and risk factors among transgender women and cisgender men who have sex with men in two cities of China: a prospective cohort study

Background

HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) remains a major public health concern in China. Despite a growing body of research on transgender women worldwide, little is known about Chinese transgender women within MSM. We sought to estimate HIV incidence and distinguish risk factors of HIV acquisition among them from that among cisgener (non-transgender) MSM (cis-MSM).

Methods

We conducted an open cohort study among Chinese MSM, including those who were identified as transgender in Shanghai and Tianjin. Participants were initially recruited by local community-based organizations from January to June, 2016, and were followed up approximately every 6 months until June 2018. At each visit, a structured questionnaire was used to gather information on demographics, sexual risk behaviors, and HIV status. HIV incidence was calculated as the number of seroconversions divided by total number of person-years of follow-up among HIV-negatives at baseline. Risk factors of HIV acquisition were assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression models with time-dependent variables.

Results

A total of 1056 participants contributed 1260.53 person-years (PYs) of follow-up, 33 HIV seroconversions occurred during the follow-up period, yielding an estimated HIV incidence of 2.62 (95% CI 1.80–3.68) per 100 PYs. HIV incidence among transgender women was 4.42 per 100 PYs, which was significantly higher than that of 1.35 per 100 PYs among cis-MSM, demonstrating a threefold higher odds of HIV infection than cis-MSM. For transgender women, those lived locally ≤ 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.76, 95% CI 1.13–2.76) and unprotected anal sex last time (aHR = 4.22, 95% CI 1.82–9.79) were more likely to acquire HIV. For cis-MSM, factors associated with HIV acquisition were frequency of anal sex ≥ 3 times in past one month (aHR = 4.19, 95% CI 1.06–16.47) and unprotected anal sex last time (aHR = 5.33, 95% CI 1.52–18.73).

Conclusions

Compared to cis-MSM, transgender women were at higher risk of HIV acquisition, highlighting an urgent need of tailored prevention. Future HIV program should consider to include them to ensure that this population in China are not left behind.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-00947-3.

HIV prevalence and incidence among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Bangkok, 2014-2018: Outcomes of a consensus development initiative

To reach its goal of ending AIDS by 2030, Thailand has adopted antiretroviral treatment as prevention and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) as its core HIV control strategy. However, in the absence of reliable epidemiologic indicators, the impact of these policies on the course of the HIV epidemic in these groups remains unknown. To help answer this question, we formulated an HIV epidemic consensus initiative for Bangkok, Thailand, to analyze epidemiologic and program data and reach agreement between experts and stakeholders on the evolving state of the HIV epidemic among MSM and TGW. A customized Delphi process was used to consult and consolidate viewpoints of experts and stakeholders. Experts presented and discussed HIV prevalence and incidence data from recent and ongoing studies among MSM and TGW in Bangkok (2014 to 2018) during a meeting with stakeholders representing government, donors, and civil society. Agreement about the course of the HIV epidemic among MSM and TGW was attained by voting consensus. Based on presented data, meeting participants agreed that HIV prevalence and incidence had decreased among Bangkok MSM from 2014 to 2018. Despite these declines, HIV prevalence and incidence were found to remain high. This was particularly the case among younger MSM. Participants agreed that there was no evidence for a decrease in HIV prevalence and incidence among Bangkok TGW. Introduction of antiretroviral treatment as prevention and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis may have contributed to these declines. However, HIV prevalence and incidence remained high, and no signs of a decrease were reported among Bangkok TGW. At the current rate of new HIV infections in MSM and TGW, Thailand will not reach its goal of ending AIDS by 2030. This HIV consensus initiative may serve as a model for building agreement and advocacy on epidemiologic and program data and their implications for a large metropolitan city.

Increased Work Experience Associated with Less Stigmatizing Attitudes towards People Living with HIV among Thai Healthcare Personnel

HIV-related stigma in health facilities has been suggested as a primary target for HIV-related stigma reduction. The objective of this study was to describe negative attitudes among Thai healthcare personnel (HCP) toward PLHIV. This nationwide probability sampled survey was conducted in 2019 in 12 provinces in Thailand and Bangkok, the capital. Participants were considered to have stigmatizing attitudes toward PLHIV if they had a stigmatizing view in response to at least one of the four questions. Eighty-two percent of the 3056 respondents had at least one stigmatizing attitude. Younger HCP, ages < 30 (AOR = 1.60; 95%CI: 1.18–2.18) and 30–39 (AOR = 1.60; 95%CI: 1.21–2.12) were more likely to have stigmatizing attitudes towards PLHIV compared to those aged 50 and older. Being support staff, support-clinical (AOR = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.44–2.49) and support-nonclinical (AOR = 1.71; 95%CI: 1.24–2.36) as opposed to professional staff also increased the likelihood of having stigmatizing attitudes. Stigma was also more likely to be present in HCPs who did not work at HIV-focused clinics (AOR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.57–2.48). HCP who had more work experience, especially related to PLHIV care, were less likely to have stigmatizing attitudes. These personnel could be good peer educators or role models for a stigma reduction campaign within their healthcare facilities.

Time trends in the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Chiang Mai, Thailand: an observational study

A cross-sectional study on men who have sex with men (MSM) for the HIV prevention project was conducted to assess the prevalence of HIV infection-related behaviors among 551 MSM recruited in 2008-2009 and 1910 MSM in 2014-2018 for voluntary counseling and testing at a HIV clinic in Chiang Mai. Overall, the study found that the prevalence of HIV infection was significantly decreased from 12.9% (71/551) in the earlier study (2008-2009) to 8.2% (157/1910) in the recent study (2014-2018) (p = 0.001). By comparison, in 2008-2009 and 2014-2018, there was no statistically significant difference in consistent condom use (39.0% [186/477] vs. 38.9% [591/1512], p = 0.969), while unprotected anal sex with casual partners significantly increased (44.5% [159/357] vs. 51.9% [645/1242], p = 0.014) and receptive anal sex significantly increased (37.7% [180/477] vs. 45.1% [860/1905], p = 0.004). However, previous HIV testing within 1 year increased significantly from 64.6% (197/305) to 74.7% (677/906, p = 0.001). In exploratory multivariate analysis, the factors associated with HIV infection included gay men, age below 20 years, being self-employed, being an employee, having only receptive anal sex, having both receptive/insertive anal sex, being a former substance user, using online dating, having a history of sexually transmitted infection symptoms, self-perception as being at high risk for HIV, last HIV testing >1 year, and never previously testing for HIV. The data represent the trend of health-seeking behavior improvements. The findings demonstrated the need for a novel sexual health service in an endemic setting and health promotion for online partner-seeking.