A systematic review of heterosexual anal intercourse and its role in the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in Papua New Guinea

High Prevalence of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea and the Need for Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Papua New Guinea

BACKGROUND

Papua New Guinea has among the highest prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in the world but no estimates of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or hepatitis B virus (HBV) are available among men who have sex with men (MSM) or transgender women (TGW).

METHODS

We conducted respondent-driven sampling surveys among MSM and TGW in Port Moresby, Lae, and Mt Hagen (2016-2017) to characterize the prevalence of these infections. Eligibility criteria were as follows: aged ≥12 years, born male, could speak English or Tok Pisin, and had oral or anal sex with another person born male in the past 6 months. Participants were surveyed face-to-face and offered testing for anorectal and genital chlamydia and gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and HBV. All results are respondent-driven sampling weighted.

RESULTS

We enrolled 400 participants in Port Moresby, 352 in Lae, and 111 in Mt Hagen. Chlamydia prevalence rates in the 3 cities regardless of anatomical site were 19.9%, 19.2%, and 24.3%, respectively. Gonorrhea prevalence rates regardless of anatomical site were 10.3%, 9.4%, and 9.6%, respectively. Hepatitis B virus prevalence rates were 11.7%, 13.8%, and 13.6%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, syphilis was associated with having either chlamydia or gonorrhea in Port Moresby (adjusted odds ratio, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-7.9) and Lae (adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.0).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a large unmet need among MSM and TGW in Papua New Guinea for chlamydia and gonorrhea detection and treatment. The high prevalence of HBV reinforces the importance of ensuring introduction and scale-up of HBV treatment and immunization. Urgent efforts are needed to introduce laboratory-based diagnosis for chlamydia and gonorrhea to ensure these populations have access to much needed treatment services.

Increases in HIV Incidence Following Receptive Anal Intercourse Among Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Receptive anal intercourse (RAI) carries a greater per-act risk of HIV acquisition than receptive vaginal intercourse (RVI) and may influence HIV epidemics driven by heterosexual sex. This systematic review explores the association between RAI and incident HIV among women, globally. We searched Embase and Medline through September 2018 for longitudinal studies reporting crude (cRR) or adjusted (aRR) relative risks of HIV acquisition by RAI practice among women. Of 27,563 articles identified, 17 eligible studies were included. We pooled independent study estimates using random-effects models. Women reporting RAI were more likely to acquire HIV than women not reporting RAI (pooled cRR = 1.56 95% CI 1.03–2.38, N = 18, I² = 72%; pooled aRR = 2.23, 1.01–4.92, N = 5, I² = 70%). In subgroup analyses the association was lower for women in Africa (pooled cRR = 1.16, N = 13, I² = 21%) than outside Africa (pooled cRR = 4.10, N = 5, I² = 79%) and for high-risk (pooled aRR = 1.69, N = 4, I² = 63%) than general-risk women (pooled aRR = 8.50, N = 1). Interview method slightly influenced cRR estimates (p value = 0.04). In leave-one-out sensitivity analyses pooled estimates were generally robust to removing individual study estimates. Main limitations included poor exposure definition, incomplete adjustment for confounders, particularly condom use, and use of non-confidential interview methods. More and better data are needed to explain differences in risk by world region and risk population. Women require better counselling and greater choice in prevention modalities that are effective during RVI and RAI.

Human Genetic Variation and HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea: Time to Connect the Dots

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Human genetic polymorphisms known to influence HIV acquisition and disease progression occur in Papua New Guinea (PNG). However, no genetic association study has been reported so far. In this article, we review research findings, with a view to stimulate genotype-to-phenotype research.

RECENT FINDINGS

PNG, a country in Oceania, has a high prevalence of HIV and many sexually transmitted infections. While limited data is available from this country regarding the distribution of human genetic polymorphisms known to influence clinical outcomes of HIV/AIDS, genetic association studies are lacking. Our studies, in the past decade, have revealed that polymorphisms in chemokine receptor-ligand (CCR2-CCR5, CXCL12), innate immune (Toll-like receptor, β-defensin), and antiretroviral drug-metabolism enzyme (CYP2B6, UGT2B7) genes are prevalent in PNG. Although our results need to be validated in further studies, it is urgent to pursue large-scale, comprehensive genetic association studies that include these as well as additional genetic polymorphisms.

Developing a culturally appropriate illustrated tool for the self-collection of anorectal specimens for the testing of sexually transmitted infections: lessons from Papua New Guinea

BACKGROUND

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There is increasing evidence that anorectal STIs are important in terms of the dual epidemics of HIV and STIs in this setting. At the time of this study, anorectal STI testing was not possible, and there was no mechanism for self-collection of anorectal specimen among at risk 'key populations'. This paper documents the development of a culturally appropriate tool that has been used to facilitate self-collection of anorectal specimens with key populations in PNG.

METHODS

This qualitative study involved four focus groups conducted with a purposive sample of 35 participants, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender women in Port Moresby and Goroka in 2015. During focus groups, participants reviewed and provided critical feedback for the adaption of a previously piloted and published pictorial anorectal specimen collection tool for use with key populations in PNG.

RESULTS

The final instruction tools are presented in English language and Tok Pisin. To develop these, participants feedback resulted in six key areas of the existing instruction document being modified to ensure it was appropriate for use in PNG. These included translating complex words for sexual health issues (i.e. 'STIs', 'anorectal STIs', 'anus', 'anal sex'), biomedical instruments (i.e. 'specimen bottle', 'specimen packet' and 'swab'), and aspects of the clinical procedure (i.e. inserting the swab 3-4 cm into the anus to collect a specimen). The visual identity of the graphics was redesigned to localise the images for use in PNG.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper describes the development of a culturally and linguistically appropriate tool for a biomedical and clinical intervention with key populations in PNG based around self-collection of anorectal specimens for molecular STI testing. The final tools have been used to facilitate the self-collection of anorectal specimens following a clear clinical protocol during a large bio-behavioural survey in PNG.

Acceptability of testing for anorectal sexually transmitted infections and self-collected anal swabs in female sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender women in Papua New Guinea

BACKGROUND

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has some of the highest prevalence of urogenital sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Pacific Asia, but to date, anorectal STI prevalence data do not exist, and diagnosis of anorectal STIs does not occur. The purpose of this study was to document the acceptability of anorectal STI testing and self-collection of anorectal swabs for testing among populations at risk of anorectal STIs, in advance of a large bio-behavioural survey during which this approach to specimen collection was planned among key populations in PNG.

METHODS

Four focus groups were conducted, collecting data from a purposive sample of 35 members of two civil society groups representing female sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender women in Port Moresby and Goroka.

RESULTS

All participants were in favour of anorectal STI testing in PNG. Reasons given for willingness to undertake anorectal STI testing included that anal sex is practised; that anorectal STIs are not perceived to exist; there are self-reported experiences of anorectal symptoms indicative of anorectal STIs; that anorectal STI testing will enhance personal health; and that anorectal STI testing is not currently available in PNG. All participants were confident they could obtain self-collected specimens, although several stated that support from trained health workers should be available for community members who may not feel comfortable with self-collection.

CONCLUSIONS

This qualitative research is the first study of acceptability of anorectal STI testing and specimen self-collection procedures in PNG, and Pacific Asia more broadly. Our qualitative findings show support for anorectal STI testing including the use of self-collected swabs among key populations in PNG. Study findings informed the inclusion of anorectal STI testing in a large bio-behavioural survey to be used to estimate anorectal STI prevalence among key populations in PNG for the first time.

Re-establishing safer medical-circumcision-integrated initiation ceremonies for HIV prevention in a rural setting in Papua New Guinea. A multi-method acceptability study

Background

Efforts to stem the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are hampered by multiple interrelated factors including limited health services, extreme diversities in culture and language and highly prevalent gender inequity, domestic violence and poverty. In the rural district of Yangoru-Saussia, a revival of previously ceased male initiation ceremonies (MICs) is being considered for a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention. In this study, we explore the local acceptability of this undertaking including replacing traditional penile cutting practices with medical male circumcision (MMC).

Methods

A multi-method study comprising three phases. Phase one, focus group discussions with male elders to explore locally appropriate approaches to HIV prevention; Phase two, interviews and a cross-sectional survey with community men and women to assess views on MICs that include MMC for HIV prevention; Phase three, interviews with cultural leaders and a cross sectional survey to assess the acceptability of replacing traditional penile bleeding with MMC.

Results

Cultural leaders expressed that re-establishing MICs was locally appropriate for HIV prevention given the focus on character building and cultural preservation. Most surveyed participants (81.5%) supported re-establishing MICs and 92.2% supported adapting MICs with MMC. Changes to penile bleeding emerged as a contentious and contested issue given its cultural significance in symbolizing initiates’ transition from childhood to adulthood. Participants were concerned about potential clash with modern education, introduced religious beliefs and limited government support in leadership and funding.

Conclusions

Most people in this study in Yangoru-Saussia support re-establishing MICs and replacing traditional penile bleeding with MMC. This culturally-sensitive alignment of MMC (and HIV prevention) with revived MICs responds to a national health priority in PNG and acts as an example of providing culturally-sensitive male circumcision for HIV prevention recommended by WHO/UNAIDS. However, the implementation of this undertaking will require considerable effort, especially when modern pursuits in education and religion must be factored and when there is expectation for local authorities to lead and provide funding.

Anal sexual experience and HIV risk awareness among female sex workers in Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia

Background

Female sex workers have been disproportionately affected with HIV and anal sexual experience elevate their vulnerability. Anal intercourse has more risk of HIV transmission than vaginal intercourse for receptors that coupled with low condom and proper lubricant use behavior during anal sex. Besides majority of them did not understand HIV transmission risk of anal intercourse. In Ethiopia, studies on anal sexual experience is almost none existent, so the purpose of this study is to explored anal sexual experience and HIV transmission risk awareness among female sex worker in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.

Method

Qualitative study with thematic analysis approach was conducted among 18 female sex workers and recruitment of study participants performed until saturation of information. The principal investigator conducted in-depth interviews using local language (Amharic) and it was recorded on audio recorder. Tape recorded data was transcribed and translated to English and entered into open code version 3.4 for coding and theme identification. Data collection conducted simultaneously with data analysis.

Result

Female sex workers practiced anal sex for different themes like financial influence, coercion, intentionally, peer pressure and as a sign of intimacy and love. Coercion, negative attitudes, poor awareness about HIV transmission risks of anal sex and protection capacity of condom and proper lubricants are the identified themes for not using condom and proper lubricants during anal sex by female sex workers. Inaccessibility and unavailability of health services for issues related to anal sex was the core reason for female sex workers’ misperception and risk anal sexual experience.

Conclusion

Female sex workers practiced anal sex without risk reduction approaches and they did not understand exacerbated risk of anal sex to HIV transmission. Stakeholders including ministry of health need to incorporate potential awareness raising tasks and programs about risk of anal sex and methods of risk reduction for female sex workers.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s41256-017-0047-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Condom use, number of partners and sexual debut in young people in penile-vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to analyse condom use, number of sexual partners and age of sexual debut in young people in penile-vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex, to establish a comparison between men and women (first part of the study), and to analyse the differences according to sexual behavior conducted in the three variables (second part of the study).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Ex post facto descriptive study by online survey. A total of 886 young heterosexual people (485 women and 401 men) participated for the first part of the study. For the second part of the study, youngsters who had carried out the three sexual behaviors under study were selected. The premises of two Spanish universities were used to distribute the survey by internet.

RESULTS

Women reported a more frequent use condom during oral sex, and men reported to have more sexual partners with whom they perform penile-vaginal intercourse (4.57 vs. 3.80) and oral sex (3.34 vs. 2.65). The average onset age for penile-vaginal intercourse and oral sex was close to 17 years and for anal sex close to 19 years. Frequency of condom use and number of sexual partners were higher in penile-vaginal intercourse and the age of sexual debut was higher in anal sex (men=19.20; women=19.38).

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the idea that young people use the condom more to prevent pregnancies than to prevent STD. Moreover, the sexual behaviors follow a pattern of progression in heterosexual young people (from penile-vaginal intercourse to anal sex).

Factors Influencing Antiretroviral Adherence and Virological Outcomes in People Living with HIV in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is paramount for virological suppression and positive treatment outcomes. ART has been rapidly scaled up in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in recent years, however clinical monitoring of HIV+ individuals on ART is limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted at two major sexual health clinics in high HIV prevalence provinces in the Highlands Region of PNG to assess ART adherence, factors affecting adherence and the relationship between ART adherence and virological outcomes. Ninety-five HIV+ individuals were recruited and administered a questionnaire to gather demographic and ART adherence information whilst clinical data and pill counts were extracted from patient charts and blood was collected for viral load testing. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of ART adherence. Fourteen percent (n = 12) of participants showed evidence of virological failure. Although the majority of participants self-reported excellent ART adherence in the last seven days (78.9%, 75/91), pill count measurements indicated only 40% (34/84) with >95% adherence in the last month. Taking other medications while on ART (p = 0.01) and taking ART for ≥1 year (p = 0.037) were positively associated with adherence by self-report and pill count, respectively. Participants who had never heard of drug resistance were more likely to show virological failure (p = 0.033). Misconception on routes of HIV transmission still persists in the studied population. These findings indicate that non-adherence to ART is high in this region of PNG and continued education and strategies to improve adherence are required to ensure the efficacy of ART and prevent HIV drug resistance.