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Gautam K, Paudel K, Ahmed A, Dhakal M, Wickersham JA, Poudel KC, Pagoto S, Acharya B, Deuba K, Valente PK, Shrestha R. High Interest in the Use of mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nepal. J Community Health 2024:10.1007/s10900-024-01324-x. [PMID: 38281283 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-024-01324-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Mobile technology growth in Nepal offers promising opportunities for using mobile health (mHealth) interventions to facilitate HIV prevention efforts. However, little is known about access and utilization of communication technology and their willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention services in Nepal. We conducted a cross-sectional respondent-driven sampling survey of 250 MSM in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal from October to December 2022. We collected information on participant characteristics, HIV risk-related behaviors, ownership, or access to and frequency of use of communication technology (phones, tablets, laptops, and computers), and willingness to use mHealth to access HIV prevention services. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. Almost all participants had smartphones with the internet (231/250, 92.4%) and accessed the internet daily (219/250, 87.6%) on the smartphone (236/250, 94.4%). The median score for willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention was 10 (IQR: 3 to 17). Willingness to use mHealth was higher among those participants with a high school or above education (β = 0.223, p = < 0.001), had experienced violence (β = 0.231, p = 0.006), and had moderate to severe depressive symptoms (β = 0.223, p = < 0.001). However, monthly income above NPR 20,000 (USD 150) (β= -0.153, p = 0.008), disclosure of their sexual orientation to anyone (β= -0.159, p = < 0.007), and worry about being negatively judged by health care workers (β= -0.136, p = 0.023) were less willing to use mHealth strategies. The findings from this study suggest that there is a high willingness for utilizing mHealth interventions for HIV prevention in MSM population who are at higher risk of HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Gautam
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Kiran Paudel
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Nepal Health Frontiers, Tokha-5, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Ali Ahmed
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Manisha Dhakal
- Blue Diamond Society, Dhumbarahi Marg, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Krishna C Poudel
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- Institute for Global Health, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Sherry Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Bibhav Acharya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, School of Medicine, 675 18th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
- Possible, a non-profit organization, Bhim Plaza, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Keshab Deuba
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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Lee P, Docrat A. Prevalence and shared risk factors of HIV in three key populations in Vietnam: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e138. [PMID: 37525376 PMCID: PMC10540180 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823001243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to estimate the prevalence of HIV among each of the three key populations in Vietnam: people who inject drugs (PWID), female sex workers (FSW), and men who have sex with men (MSM) and quantify their shared risk factors for HIV infection through a systematic review and meta-analysis of recent literature (published in 2001-2017) in the relevant topics. A total of 17 studies consisting of 16,304 participants were selected in this review. The meta-analysis results revealed that the pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) among PWID, FSW, and MSM were: 0.293 (0.164, 0.421), 0.075 (0.060, 0.089), and 0.085 (0.044, 0.126), respectively. The findings also indicated that injecting drug use (OR: 9.88, 95%CI: 4.47-15.28), multiperson use of injecting equipment (OR: 2.91, 95%CI: 1.69, 4.17), and inconsistent condom use (OR: 2.11, 95%CI: 1.33, 2.90) were the shared risk factors for HIV infection among these population groups. The findings highlighted the importance of HIV prevention approaches to addressing the shared sexual and drug-related practices among the key populations in consideration of their overlapping social networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Lee
- School of Medicine & Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Ashraf Docrat
- School of Medicine & Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Liu S, Xia D, Wang Y, Xu H, Xu L, Yuan D, Liang A, Chang R, Wang R, Liu Y, Chen H, Hu F, Cai Y, Wang Y. Predicting the risk of HIV infection among internal migrant MSM in China: An optimal model based on three variable selection methods. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1015699. [PMID: 36388367 PMCID: PMC9641070 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1015699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Internal migrant Men who have sex with men (IMMSM), which has the dual identity of MSM and floating population, should be more concerned among the vulnerable groups for HIV in society. Establishing appropriate prediction models to assess the risk of HIV infection among IMMSM is of great significance to against HIV infection and transmission. Methods HIV and syphilis infection were detected using rapid test kits, and other 30 variables were collected among IMMSM through questionnaire. Taking HIV infection status as the dependent variable, three methods were used to screen predictors and three prediction models were developed respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was performed to verify the fit of the models, and the net classification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were used to compare these models to determine the optimal model. Based on the optimal model, a prediction nomogram was developed as an instrument to assess the risk of HIV infection among IMMSM. To quantify the predictive ability of the nomogram, the C-index measurement was performed, and internal validation was performed using bootstrap method. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot and dynamic component analysis (DCA) were respectively performed to assess the efficacy, accuracy and clinical utility of the prediction nomogram. Results In this study, 12.52% IMMSMs were tested HIV-positive and 8.0% IMMSMs were tested syphilis-positive. Model A, model B, and model C fitted well, and model B was the optimal model. A nomogram was developed based on the model B. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.757 (95% CI: 0.701-0.812), and the C-index of internal verification was 0.705. Conclusions The model established by stepwise selection methods incorporating 11 risk factors (age, education, marriage, monthly income, verbal violence, syphilis, score of CUSS, score of RSES, score of ULS, score of ES and score of DS) was the optimal model that achieved the best predictive power. The risk nomogram based on the optimal model had relatively good efficacy, accuracy and clinical utility in identifying internal migrant MSM at high-risk for HIV infection, which is helpful for developing targeted intervention for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangbin Liu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Danni Xia
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huifang Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Yuan
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Ajuan Liang
- Renji Hospital, Affiliated With the School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruijie Chang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongxi Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Hu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Fan Hu
| | - Yong Cai
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Yong Cai
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Ying Wang
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Chen JS, Levintow SN, Tran HV, Sripaipan T, Nguyen MX, Nguyen SM, Miller WC, Go VF, Giang LM. HIV and STI prevalence and testing history among men who have sex with men in Hanoi, Vietnam. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 33:193-201. [PMID: 34852691 DOI: 10.1177/09564624211060185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have disproportionately affected communities of men who have sex with men (MSM). We describe HIV and STI prevalence and testing patterns among urban Vietnamese MSM. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional community-based study of MSM in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2016. Participants self-reported experiences of social stigma in healthcare settings and previous HIV and STI testing. STI testing included HIV, herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. RESULTS 205 MSM participated in the study. STI prevalence was HIV (10%), HSV-2 (4%), syphilis (13%), gonorrhea (34%), and chlamydia (19%). More than half (55%) of participants tested positive for at least one STI. Most participants had been previously tested for HIV or another STI (72%), with 24% previously receiving a positive result. Perceived and enacted social stigma in healthcare contexts was negatively associated with previous HIV or STI testing (adjusted prevalence odds ratio (aPOR): 0.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10-0.48). DISCUSSION High prevalence of STIs was observed among Vietnamese MSM, and perceived and enacted stigma was related to HIV and STI testing. Our findings reaffirm the importance of regular STI screening among this population as well as additional outreach to promote safe HIV and STI healthcare engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane S Chen
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sara N Levintow
- Department of Epidemiology, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ha V Tran
- Department of Health Behavior, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Teerada Sripaipan
- Department of Health Behavior, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Minh X Nguyen
- Department of Health Behavior, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sang M Nguyen
- Division of Epidemiology, 12327Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - William C Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, 51113College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vivian F Go
- Department of Health Behavior, 41474University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Le Minh Giang
- Center for Research and Training on HIV/AIDS, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Septarini NW, Hendriks J, Maycock B, Burns S. Methodologies of Stigma-Related Research Amongst Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) and Transgender People in Asia and the Pacific Low/Middle Income Countries (LMICs): A Scoping Review. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:688568. [PMID: 36304052 PMCID: PMC9580832 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.688568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Much stigma-related research focuses on marginalized populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people. The importance of research in this area is widely recognized, however methodologies and measures vary between studies. This scoping review will collate existing information about how stigma-related research has been conducted in low/middle income countries (LMICs) within the Asia Pacific region, and will compare research designs, sampling frameworks, and measures. Strengths and limitations of these studies will inform recommendations for future stigma-related health research. A methodological framework for scoping studies was applied. Searches of Psych INFO, Scopus, ProQuest, Global Health and PubMed were used to identify articles. Stigma-related research amongst MSM and transgender communities, published between 2010 and 2019 in LMICs within the Asia Pacific region were included. A total of 129 articles based on 123 different studies were included. Of the 129 articles 51.19% (n = 66) were quantitative; 44.96% (n = 57) were qualitative and 3.88% (n = 5) were mixed methods studies. The majority of studies (n = 57; 86.36%) implemented a cross sectional survey. In-depth interviews (n = 20, 34.48%) were also common. Only 3.88% of studies utilized mixed-methods design. Non-probabilistic and probabilistic sampling methods were employed in 99.22 and 0.78% of studies respectively. The most common measures used in quantitative studies were the Center for Epidemiological Study on Depression (CES-D) (n = 18) and the Self Stigma Scale (SSS) (n = 6). Strengths and limitations proposed by researchers included in this review are summarized as lesson learnt and best practices in stigma-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Wayan Septarini
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
- *Correspondence: Ni Wayan Septarini ;
| | - Jacqueline Hendriks
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Bruce Maycock
- European Center for Environmental and Human Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sharyn Burns
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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van Griensven F, de Lind van Wijngaarden JW, Eustaquio PC, Wignall S, Azwa I, Veronese V, Ferradini L, Phanuphak N, Mills S. The continuing HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men and transgender women in the ASEAN region: implications for HIV policy and service programming. Sex Health 2021; 18:21-30. [PMID: 33632379 DOI: 10.1071/sh20134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Western urban areas have seen substantive decreases in new diagnoses of HIV infection. This paper explores whether such declines are present among MSM and transgender women (TGW) in Southeast Asia and discusses implications for HIV policies and programming. A scoping review was conducted of scientific publications and selected documents regarding the spread of HIV infection among MSM and TGW in major urban centres of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Continued high HIV prevalence and incidence among MSM are found in integrated behavioural and biological surveillance (IBBS) and research studies. HIV prevalence among MSM under IBBS decreased only in Bangkok from 28.6% in 2014 to 10.3% in 2018, whereas it was increasing in Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane, and Phnom Penh. HIV/AIDS case reports regarding new HIV infection diagnoses among MSM have started to decrease in Singapore since 2011 and have been plateauing in Metropolitan Manila since 2017. Where data were available, it was found that HIV prevalence among TGW was high and if IBBS was conducted, it was increasing. HIV prevalence among TGW under IBBS in Jakarta had risen to 34.0% (2015) and 14.0% (2019) in Phnom Penh. These findings suggest that most ASEAN member states have so far failed to effectively implement and scale-up scientifically proven biomedical HIV prevention measures and counter stigma and discrimination that impedes access to appropriate HIV prevention and treatment services for MSM and TGW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frits van Griensven
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, 319 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; and Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama IV Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California at San Francisco, Mission Hall, Box 1224, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; and Corresponding author.
| | | | | | - Stephen Wignall
- FHI 360 Cambodia, Phnom Penh Center, Building F, Samdach Sothearos Boulevard (3), Phnom Penh HW3M+9H, Cambodia
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Vanessa Veronese
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Laurent Ferradini
- FHI 360 Asia-Pacific Regional Office, 9 Witthayu Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nittaya Phanuphak
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, 319 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; and Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama IV Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Stephen Mills
- FHI 360 Asia-Pacific Regional Office, 9 Witthayu Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Ly AT, Wilson PA, Parker CM, Giang LM, Hirsch JS, Pham T, Parker RG. Categorical dilemmas: challenges for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Vietnam. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2020; 22:1161-1176. [PMID: 31496368 PMCID: PMC7061063 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1662089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In Vietnam, HIV continues disproportionately to affect men who have sex with men and transgender women, and the increase in HIV prevalence in these populations may be related to a lack of tailoring of current prevention approaches, which often fail to address social diversity within these populations. To effectively respond to HIV in Vietnam, it is imperative to identify sub-populations within the broad category of 'men who have sex with men' (MSM), a term which in Vietnam as in many other sites frequently subsumes transgender women. In this paper, we document the different categories used to describe people who engage in same-sex sexual practices and/or non-normative gender performances drawing on data collected via in-depth interviews and focus groups with a total of 79 participants in Hanoi. We identified over 40 different categories used to describe men who have sex with men and/or transgender women. These categories could be described as behaviourally-based, identity-based, or emic, and each carried different meanings, uses (based on age and geography) and levels of stigma. The categories shine light on the complexity of identities among men who have sex with men and transgender women and have utility for future research and programming to more comprehensively address HIV in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Thanh Ly
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Patrick A. Wilson
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline M. Parker
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Social Anthropology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Le M. Giang
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer S. Hirsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy Pham
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard G. Parker
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for the Study of Collective Health, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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HIV Seroconversion and Types of Relationships Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Cohort Study in China. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 83:365-372. [PMID: 31913999 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of partner types in modifying HIV seroconversion risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) is complex. We sought to understand the role of regular sexual partners and risky sexual behavior in contributing to incident HIV infection among MSM. METHODS From July 2011 to August 2017, we recruited HIV-negative men who reported having anal or oral homosexual encounters in the past 6 months and they were followed up every 3 months for 2 visits. We collected sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics by a self-administrated questionnaire. HIV status was confirmed by a sequential rapid test and confirmatory test. We used multivariable Cox regression to identify risk factors and interaction models to evaluate the relative excess risk between relevant variables. RESULTS Among 1218 participants, the HIV seroconversion rate was 3.66/100 person-years. HIV seroconversion was associated with lower educational attainment [adjusted hazards ratio (aHR)] = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.81), having had penetrative sex with male before age of 18 years (aHR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.20 to 4.99), not using condoms in the last sexual encounter (aHR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.29 to 3.71), and having regular but not committed partners (aHR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.77 to 6.93). Among 890 (73%) of men reported having regular partners, HIV seroconversion was more frequent in men whose stable partners were not committed as boyfriends (aHR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.73 to 6.36) and in men having unprotected anal sex (aHR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.42 to 4.80). Interaction between these 2 factors was observed (relative excess risk of interaction = 4.53). CONCLUSIONS Incidence among MSM in China was high; unprotected sex with steady but not committed partners was associated with increased seroconversion risk. It is imperative to expand safer sex education and training for MSM to reduce unsafe sexual behaviors, including awareness that casual partners are not the only source of infection.
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Seekaew P, Pengnonyang S, Jantarapakde J, Meksena R, Sungsing T, Lujintanon S, Mingkwanrungruangkit P, Sirisakyot W, Tongmuang S, Panpet P, Sumalu S, Potasin P, Kantasaw S, Patpeerapong P, Mills S, Avery M, Chareonying S, Phanuphak P, Vannaki R, Phanuphak N. Discordance between self-perceived and actual risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Thailand: a cross-sectional assessment. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25430. [PMID: 31855324 PMCID: PMC6922021 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low uptake of HIV testing and services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), in Thai men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) may be due to the inaccuracy in self-risk assessment. This study investigated the discordance between self-perceived HIV risk and actual risk. METHODS Data were obtained between May 2015 and October 2016 from MSM and TGW enrolled in key population-led Test and Treat study in six community health centres in Thailand. Eligible participants were at least 18 years old, Thai national, had sex with men, had unprotected sex with a man in the past six months or had at least three male sex partners in the past six months, and were not known to be HIV positive. Baseline demographic behavioural characteristics questionnaires, including self-perceived HIV risk, were self-administered. Participants received HIV/STI (syphilis/gonorrhoea/chlamydia) testing at baseline. Participants who self-perceived to have low risk, but engaged in HIV-susceptible practices were categorized as having risk discordance (RD). Regression was conducted to assess factors associated with RD among MSM and TGW separately. RESULTS Of the 882 MSM and 406 TGW participants who perceived themselves as having low HIV risk, over 80% reported at least one of the following: tested HIV positive, engaged in condomless sex, tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection sexually transmitted infection (STI; or used amphetamine-type stimulants. Logistic regression found that living with a male partner (p = 0.005), having never tested for HIV (p = 0.045), and living in Bangkok (p = 0.01) and Chiang Mai (p < 0.001) were associated with increased risk discordance among MSM. Living with a male partner (p = 0.002), being less than 17 years old at sexual debut (p = 0.001), and having a low knowledge score about HIV transmission (p < 0.001) were associated with increased risk discordance among TGW. However, for TGW, being a sex worker decreased the chance of risk discordance (p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS Future HIV prevention messages need to fill in the gap between self-perceived risk and actual risk in order to help HIV-vulnerable populations understand their risk better and proactively seek HIV prevention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pich Seekaew
- PREVENTIONThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
- Department of EpidemiologyMailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sita Lujintanon
- PREVENTIONThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
| | | | | | | | | | - Saman Sumalu
- The Service Workers in Group FoundationBangkokThailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ravipa Vannaki
- Office of Public HealthU.S. Agency for International Development Regional Development Mission AsiaBangkokThailand
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Adolescents and young people who fit within key populations face some of the greatest barriers to HIV care, but are frequently overlooked. We review the recent literature on these young, vulnerable populations including HIV risk factors, barriers to care, and strategies for engagement. RECENT FINDINGS Common risk factors include age, risky sexual practices, poor education, and high levels of alcohol and drug abuse. Barriers to care include limited data, criminalization, and high levels of stigma. Strategies to increase engagement include incorporating adolescents into biological and behavioral surveys and the use of social media. Digital innovations for HIV prevention and testing show promise, and pre-exposure prophylaxis may be acceptable. At a policy level, decriminalizing same-sex activity and commercial sex work are priorities. Differentiated models of care including HIV self-testing, after-hour services, community-based delivery, and multimonth dispensing of antiretroviral therapy, should be combined into holistic care. SUMMARY There has been limited success in reaching these key adolescent populations largely because of criminalization and stigma. Accurate, generalizable data are needed to inform the development of innovative strategies for holistic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, United States of America
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Duan C, Wei L, Cai Y, Chen L, Yang Z, Tan W, Gan Y, Au WW, Zhao J. Recreational drug use and risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study in Shenzhen, China. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 181:30-36. [PMID: 29031090 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recreational drug use has increased in recent years, especially among MSM, and has been found to be associated with higher risk of HIV infection. However, there is limited information about current recreational drug use among MSM in Shenzhen which is an international gateway city to China with a rapidly expanding MSM population. METHODS A cross-sectional survey among MSM in Shenzhen was conducted and was used to collected information on demographics, sexual behavior and drug use via questionnaires. Serologic results on HIV and syphilis were obtained from laboratory assays. We performed logistic regression analysis to evaluate correlates with drug use. RESULTS Among the 1935 MSM surveyed, 12.7% reported use of recreational drugs in the past six months. Rush poppers had become the most frequently used drug (10.6%). Risk factors associated with the use of recreational drugs included being unmarried, non-Han ethnicity, having high education level, seeking male sex partners via the internet, having multiple male sex partners, performing receptive role during anal sex, and having unprotected anal intercourse. Recreational drug use was significantly associated with higher risk of both HIV and syphilis infections (aOR:1.89, 95% CI:1.28-2.79; aOR:1.79, 95% CI:1.25-2.60, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Recreational drug use is associated with increased risk of HIV and syphilis infections among MSM in Shenzhen. Rush poppers were the most popular recreational drug. This finding suggests the need for targeted prevention and behavioral intervention programs to control the recreational drug use, and to reduce HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases among MSM in Shenzhen and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlin Duan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and MPH Education Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lan Wei
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, China
| | - Yitian Cai
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengrong Yang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongxia Gan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, China
| | - William W Au
- Department of Preventive Medicine and MPH Education Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China; University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tirgu Mures, Romania
| | - Jin Zhao
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, China
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12
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de León SM, Sánchez-Díaz CT, Machin-Rivera M, Valencia-Torres IM, Rolón Y, Colón-López V. Original title: HIV infection and unawareness among men who have sex with men in Puerto Rico: data from The National HIV behavioral surveillance system 2011-2014. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2017; 24:211-223. [PMID: 28393613 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2017.1315371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unawareness of HIV infection is a public health challenge that needs to be addressed, particularly in the case of men who have sex with men (MSM), since recent data are reporting increasing rates of HIV in this population in Puerto Rico. OBJECTIVES We examined differences in the prevalence of HIV infection and unawareness among MSM in 2011 and 2014 using data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System, 2011 and 2014. METHODS Bivariate analyses was used to compare demographical and behavioral characteristics in both cycles (2011 and 2014). Prevalence ratio (PR) was assessed with Poisson regression models to determine changes in HIV prevalence and unawareness across cycles, using the 2011 NHBS-MSM cycle as reference group. RESULTS A stable rate in HIV prevalence was observed in 2011 and 2014. There was a higher prevalence in 2014 than in 2011 in multiple behavioral characteristics such as age at sexual initiation, the number of sexual partners in the 12 months prior to being interviewed, HIV testing in the year prior to being interview, and the disclosure of sexual orientation to a healthcare provider. A significant decrease in HIV unawareness was reported (76.67%, 2011; 46.51%, 2014). Age-adjusted regression models showed a marginal reduction of 55% in HIV unawareness for men who disclosed their sexual orientation to their healthcare providers. CONCLUSION Behavioral surveillance systems in groups such as MSM in on the island will aid to monitor prospectively the effectiveness of HIV testing outreach and engagement, as well as capacity capacity-building strategies targeted towards health care providers, aimed to increase HIV testing and awareness among this group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carola T Sánchez-Díaz
- b Population Sciences and Cancer Control Division , Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus , San Juan , Puerto Rico
| | - Mark Machin-Rivera
- b Population Sciences and Cancer Control Division , Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus , San Juan , Puerto Rico
| | - Ileska M Valencia-Torres
- b Population Sciences and Cancer Control Division , Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus , San Juan , Puerto Rico
| | - Yadira Rolón
- a Puerto Rico HIV Surveillance System , Department of Health , San Juan , Puerto Rico
| | - Vivian Colón-López
- b Population Sciences and Cancer Control Division , Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus , San Juan , Puerto Rico
- c Department of Health Services Administration , University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health , San Juan , Puerto Rico
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13
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Vu NTT, Holt M, Phan HTT, La LT, Tran GM, Doan TT, de Wit J. The Prevalence and Correlates of HIV and Undiagnosed Infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hanoi, Vietnam: Findings from a Cross-sectional, Biobehavioral Study. Front Public Health 2016; 4:275. [PMID: 28066754 PMCID: PMC5165257 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2016.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key population for HIV infection in Vietnam, and the use of amphetamine type substances (ATS) is prevalent and possibly increasing in this population. The reported analysis examines the association between ATS use before or during sex and HIV infection among MSM in Hanoi, Vietnam. METHODS This cross-sectional study of 210 MSM was conducted in Hanoi, Vietnam, in late 2014. Men tested for HIV and answered questions about demographic characteristics, sexual sensation seeking, depression, belief in HIV prevention strategies, homosexuality-related stigma and discrimination, recent accessing of HIV prevention services, sexual behaviors and ATS, and other drug use behaviors. We performed logistic regression to assess correlates of HIV infection. RESULTS HIV prevalence was 6.7% (14/210), and 85.7% (12/14) of HIV-positive men were not aware of their HIV status. Of the 210 participants, 10.5, 2.9, and 3.8% of men had used methamphetamine, amphetamine, and ecstasy before or during sex in the last 3 months. In multivariable analysis, HIV infection was associated with recent sex-related methamphetamine use [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35-18.68], engaging in recent sex work (AOR: 3.55, 95% CI: 1.07-11.75), and homosexuality-related perceived stigma (AOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 0.98-5.47). CONCLUSION Findings underscore the importance of integrating methamphetamine use interventions into HIV prevention services and scaling-up of gay-friendly, non-stigmatizing HIV testing services for MSM in Hanoi. We recommend the routine assessment of ATS use and undiagnosed infection in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nga Thi Thu Vu
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Huong Thi Thu Phan
- Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health , Hanoi , Vietnam
| | - Lan Thi La
- Hanoi Centre of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control , Hanoi , Vietnam
| | | | | | - John de Wit
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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