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Yin Z, Du Y, Cheng W, Tang W. Digital Strategies Supporting Social Network Approaches to HIV Testing: A Scoping Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2024; 21:168-195. [PMID: 38733522 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-024-00699-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review captured how digital strategies support social network approaches to promote HIV testing. RECENT FINDING Overall, 29 studies were identified by searching PubMed and Embase for studies published up to June 2023. Existing studies revealed three types of digital strategies (social media (n = 28), online information channels (n = 4), and multifunctional digital platforms (n = 4)) split into four major modes of digital strategy-supported social-network-based HIV testing promotion: 1) Online outreach and recruiting, 2) gathering and identifying key populations for HIV testing, 3) communicating and disseminating online HIV testing health interventions, and 4) assisting and facilitating HIV testing uptake and distribution. Social network approaches supported by digital strategies yielded advantages in HIV testing education and distribution, which increases HIV testing coverage among key populations. Studies are needed on how to facilitate the use of digital strategies for social network-based HIV testing, as well as how to integrate them with existing HIV testing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoheng Yin
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yumeng Du
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Cheng
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, City University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
- University of North Carolina Project China, Guangzhou, China.
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Smith MK, Luo D, Meng S, Fei Y, Zhang W, Tucker J, Wei C, Tang W, Yang L, Joyner BL, Huang S, Wang C, Yang B, Sylvia SY. An Incognito Standardized Patient Approach for Measuring and Reducing Intersectional Healthcare Stigma. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.08.21.23294305. [PMID: 37662413 PMCID: PMC10473797 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.21.23294305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Consistent evidence highlights the role of stigma in impairing healthcare access in people living with HIV (PLWH), men who have sex with men (MSM), and people with both identities. We developed an incognito standardized patient (SP) approach to obtain observations of providers to inform a tailored, relevant, and culturally appropriate stigma reduction training. Our pilot cluster randomized control trial assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an intervention to reduce HIV stigma, anti-gay stigma, and intersectional stigma. Methods Design of the intervention was informed by the results of a baseline round of incognito visits in which SPs presented standardized cases to consenting doctors. The HIV status and sexual orientation of each case was randomly varied, and stigma was quantified as differences in care across scenarios. Care quality was measured in terms of diagnostic testing, diagnostic effort, and patient-centered care. Impact of the training, which consisted of didactic, experiential, and discussion-based modules, was assessed by analyzing results of a follow-up round of SP visits using linear fixed effects regression models. Results Feasibility and acceptability among the 55 provider participants was high. We had a 87.3% recruitment rate and 74.5% completion rate of planned visits (N=238) with no adverse events. Every participant found the training content "highly useful" or "useful." Preliminary effects suggest that, relative to the referent case (HIV negative straight man), the intervention positively impacted testing for HIV negative MSM (0.05 percentage points [PP], 95% CI,-0.24, 0.33) and diagnostic effort in HIV positive MSM (0.23 standard deviation [SD] improvement, 95% CI, -0.92, 1.37). Patient-centered care only improved for HIV positive straight cases post-training relative to the referent group (SD, 0.57; 95% CI, -0.39, 1.53). All estimates lacked statistical precision, an expected outcome of a pilot RCT. Conclusions Our pilot RCT demonstrated high feasibility, acceptability, and several areas of impact for an intervention to reduce enacted healthcare stigma in a low-/middle-income country setting. The relatively lower impact of our intervention on care outcomes for PLWH suggests that future trainings should include more clinical content to boost provider confidence in the safe and respectful management of patients with HIV.
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Carneiro AMF, Rodrigues YC, Dolabela MF, Lima LNGC, Guimarães RJDPS, Kendall C, Kerr LRFS, Lima KVB. Social Experiences, Discrimination, and Violence among Men Who Have Sex with Men in a Northern Brazilian Capital. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11070964. [PMID: 37046891 PMCID: PMC10094014 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11070964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men who suffer stigmatization and discrimination become more fragile in facing life’s problems, such as the search for treatment in health services. In the present study, the social aspects related to discrimination and violence among men who have sex with men in Belém, Pará, are evaluated. Data were obtained by applying the respondent-driven sampling method to recruit 349 participants aged 18 years or older and who reported having had at least one sexual relationship with a man in the last 12 months. Data were collected from June to December 2016 in a semi-structured interview. Five seeds were initially recruited who applied RDS. The vast majority were between 18 and 35 years old, had completed elementary school but not high school, and were of mixed race. Almost a third lived in peripheral neighborhoods and were employed/self-employed. Additionally, most participants reported having suffered aggression/discrimination, more often in religious contexts, with family or in health services. The findings reported here may contribute to the development of public policies aimed at this population and indicate the need for new strategies to combat sexually transmitted infections, stigma, and discrimination suffered by this population.
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Eysenbach G, Kennedy CE, Minamitani A, Baggaley R, Shah P, Verster A, Luhmann N, de Mello MB, Macdonald V. Web-Based Service Provision of HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention, Testing, Linkage, and Treatment for Key Populations: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e40150. [PMID: 36548036 PMCID: PMC9816952 DOI: 10.2196/40150] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growth of web-based interventions for HIV, viral hepatitis (VH), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for key populations, the evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions has not been reported. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to inform the World Health Organization guidelines for HIV, VH, and STI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services for key populations by systematically reviewing the effectiveness, values and preferences, and costs of web-based outreach, web-based case management, and targeted web-based health information for key populations (men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, trans and gender-diverse people, and people in prisons and other closed settings). METHODS We searched CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Embase in May 2021 for peer-reviewed studies; screened abstracts; and extracted data in duplicate. The effectiveness review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for RCTs and the Evidence Project and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tools for non-RCTs. Values and preferences and cost data were summarized descriptively. RESULTS Of 2711 records identified, we included 13 (0.48%) articles in the effectiveness review (3/13, 23% for web-based outreach; 7/13, 54% for web-based case management; and 3/13, 23% for targeted web-based health information), 15 (0.55%) articles in the values and preferences review, and 1 (0.04%) article in the costs review. Nearly all studies were conducted among men who have sex with men in the United States. These articles provided evidence that web-based approaches are as effective as face-to-face services in terms of reaching new people, use of HIV, VH, and STI prevention services, and linkage to and retention in HIV care. A meta-analysis of 2 RCTs among men who have sex with men in China found increased HIV testing after web-based outreach (relative risk 1.39, 95% CI 1.21-1.60). Among men who have sex with men in the United States, such interventions were considered feasible and acceptable. One cost study among Canadian men who have sex with men found that syphilis testing campaign advertisements had the lowest cost-per-click ratio on hookup platforms compared with more traditional social media platforms. CONCLUSIONS Web-based services for HIV, VH, and STIs may be a feasible and acceptable approach to expanding services to key populations with similar outcomes as standard of care, but more research is needed in low-resource settings, among key populations other than men who have sex with men, and for infections other than HIV (ie, VH and STIs).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin Elizabeth Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ayako Minamitani
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Purvi Shah
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,Regional Support Team Asia Pacific, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, New Delhi, India
| | - Annette Verster
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Niklas Luhmann
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maeve Brito de Mello
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginia Macdonald
- Testing, Prevention and Population Unit, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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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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Brennan DJ, Kesler M, Lachowsky NJ, Davies A, Georgievski G, Adam BD, Collict D, Hart TA, Salway T, Griffiths D. Sociodemographic and Psychological Predictors of Seeking Health Information Online among GB2M in Ontario: Findings from the #iCruise Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2021; 34:337-350. [PMID: 38596527 PMCID: PMC10903557 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.2000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives The current study examines the experiences of gay, bisexual, two-spirit and other men who have sex with men (GB2M) who use networking applications and their engagements with online sexual health outreach workers disseminating healthcare information through these digital spaces. Methods The iCruise study was a longitudinal mixed-methods study across Ontario, Canada which collected data on online sexual health information seeking behaviors. Results Results offer insight into differences in information seeking behaviors among diverse groups of queer men. Conclusions Implications for the dissemination of health information based on the results of information seeking patterns is discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maya Kesler
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Adam Davies
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Georgi Georgievski
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barry D. Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
| | - David Collict
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor A. Hart
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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Mi GD, Zhang BB, Yu F, Ren XL, Ong JJ, Fan YQ, Guo FH, Li CJ, Zhang MZ, Zhang MY. HIV incidence among men who have sex with men using geosocial networking smartphone application in Beijing, China: an open cohort study. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:27. [PMID: 33795011 PMCID: PMC8017803 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00814-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) is the dominant route of HIV transmission in China. Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone application (app) has dramatically changed the pattern of sexual behaviors and HIV risk among MSM, but data on HIV incidence and the changing risk behaviors of GSN app-using MSM are limited. We aims to assess the HIV incidence and its correlates among gay GSN app-using MSM in China. Methods We constructed an open cohort which was initiated and maintained using a GSN app to assess the HIV incidence among app-using MSM, recruited from June 2017 to December 2018. MSM completed an online questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, recreational drug use and sexually transmitted infections status. Then each man had an HIV test, and those tested negatives were enrolled into the cohort. Participants completed follow-ups with additional HIV tests though the app during the study period, and were censored at HIV seroconversion or study end date. HIV incidence was calculated by dividing the sum of observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-time. Univariate (Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test) and multivariate (proportional hazards regression) analyses were used to examine correlates of HIV incidence. Results A total of 6957 HIV negative MSM were enrolled in the open cohort, 37 seroconversions occurred among 1937 men contributing 1065 observed person-years: HIV incidence was 3.47 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37–4.57]. More than five sexual partners [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.04–6.67], and sex with HIV positive partners (HR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.16–12.64) in the preceding six months were positively associated with HIV seroconversion. Consistent condom use for anal sex (HR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.07–0.96), and reporting insertive anal sex only (HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08–0.62) in the preceding six months were protective factors for HIV seroconversion. Conclusions Tailored interventions targeting app-using MSM are urgently needed given their high risk of HIV. As a new tool for accessing MSM at higher HIV risk, GSN smartphone app could play an important role in HIV research among MSM. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Dong Mi
- Danlan Beijing Media Limited, Beijing, China
| | - Bin-Bin Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Danlan Beijing Media Limited, Beijing, China
| | - Xian-Long Ren
- Beijing Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jason J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ya-Qi Fan
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Feng-Hua Guo
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | | | - Mian-Zhi Zhang
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Min-Ying Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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Digital health for sexually transmitted infection and HIV services: a global scoping review. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2021; 33:44-50. [PMID: 31789695 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current study aimed to review how digital health has been used for sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS A scoping review was conducted by searching five databases for peer-reviewed literature published between March 2018 to August 2019. 23 out of 258 studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed. Six studies used digital platform to enhance STI/HIV prevention messaging; four studies found that digital health can provide vivid promotional information and has been instrumental in increasing the accessibility and acceptability of STI/HIV testing; three studies reported digital health provides a channel to understand and interpret the discourses on preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and increase PrEP uptake; three studies focused on refining big data algorithms for surveillance; four studies reported on how digital interventions could be used to optimize clinical interventions; and four studies found digital interventions can be used to assist mental health services. SUMMARY Digital health is a powerful and versatile tool that can be utilized in the production of high-quality, innovative strategies on STIs and HIV services. Future studies should consider focusing on strategies and implementations that leverage digital platforms for network-based interventions, in addition to recognizing the norms of individual digital intervention platforms.
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Rashidian M, Minichiello V, Knutsen S, Ghamsary M. Western, Asian, and Middle Eastern Societies’ Cultural Attitudes and Barriers Impacting the Management of Sexual Health Care. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-36222-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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Liu C, Zhang Y, Pan SW, Cao B, Ong JJ, Fu H, Wu D, Fu R, Wei C, Tucker JD, Tang W. Anticipated HIV stigma among HIV negative men who have sex with men in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:44. [PMID: 31941445 PMCID: PMC6961233 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticipated HIV stigma, i.e., the expectation of adverse experiences from one's seroconversion, is associated with both negative psychological and behavioral outcomes. We know little about anticipated HIV stigma's relationship with emerging technologies, such as HIV self-testing (HIVST) and online sex-seeking platforms, that have become popular among populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. This study examined correlates of anticipated HIV stigma among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS In July 2016, MSM, who were ≥ 16 years old and self-reported as HIV negative or unknown, were recruited from a gay mobile phone application in China. Information regarding socio-demographics, sexual behaviors, sexual health service utilization, and anticipated HIV stigma were collected. Anticipated HIV stigma (i.e., negative attitude toward future stigmatization of HIV seroconversion by others) was measured as the mean score from a 7-item Likert-scale ranging from 1 (low) to 4 (high). Generalized linear models were conducted to examine the factors associated with the anticipated HIV stigma scores. RESULTS Overall, 2006 men completed the survey. Most men completed high school (1308/2006, 65.2%) and had an annual personal income of ≤9200 USD (1431/2006, 71.3%). The mean anticipated HIV stigma score for the participants was 2.98 ± 0.64. Using social media to seek sexual partners was associated with higher anticipated HIV stigma (Adjusted β = 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05 to 0.17, p = 0.001). HIV self-testing (Adjusted β = - 0.07, 95%CI: - 0.13 to - 0.01, p = 0.02) and having disclosed one's sexual orientation to a healthcare provider (Adjusted β = - 0.16, 95%CI: - 0.22 to - 0.96, p < 0.001) were associated with lower anticipated HIV stigma. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that anticipated HIV stigma is still common among Chinese MSM not living with HIV. Tailored anti-HIV stigma campaigns on social media are especially needed, and the promotion of HIVST may be a promising approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuncheng Liu
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Kirby Institution, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen W. Pan
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bolin Cao
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jason J. Ong
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hongyun Fu
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA USA
| | - Dan Wu
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rong Fu
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou CDC, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chongyi Wei
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Rutgers – The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ USA
| | - Joseph D. Tucker
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University and the University of North Carolina Project-China, No.2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510095 China
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Weiming Tang
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University and the University of North Carolina Project-China, No.2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510095 China
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Institute of Global Health and STI Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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HIV-related posts from a Chinese internet discussion forum: An exploratory study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213066. [PMID: 30818379 PMCID: PMC6394980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In China, the introduction of antiretroviral treatment has increased the number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). New technologies, such as social media, might be useful for enhancing HIV surveillance, especially given the lack of Chinese research, which is related to stigma and discrimination. Thus, the relative anonymity of social media may make it useful for evaluating “hard to reach” PLWHA. Setting This study used social media data to assess whether it reflected the prevalence of HIV and to explore PLWHA’ needs and online habits. Methods In 2017, the Baidu Tieba platform was searched to obtain 2,500 HIV-related postings and 2,500 tuberculosis-related postings as a comparative sample. Word clouds and coding schemes were used to analyze the contents and review the users’ needs and online habits. Negative binomial regression was used to evaluate the relationships between word cloud geolocations and provincial numbers of men who have sex with men (MSM) PLWHA cases, after controlling for socioeconomic status. Results Word cloud geolocations were associated with reported MSM-PLWHA cases (p<0.001). Over one-third of the HIV-related posts were seeking advice, with 40.12% being related to medical topics, although these posts received the fewest replies. The number of HIV-related social support requests was approximately 3-fold higher than the number of posts providing social support, although relatively similar proportions of support requests and support provision were observed in the tuberculosis-related postings. Conclusion Social media may help enhance HIV surveillance. Our findings also indicate that the Chinese government, non-government organizations, and healthcare professionals should offer more online support to PLWHA.
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