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Alibudbud R. Navigating the intersection: minority stress, mental health, and HIV care in the Philippines. AIDS 2024; 38:1097-1099. [PMID: 38691055 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rowalt Alibudbud
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
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2
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Regner RS, Eustaquio PC. Community-led digital health and HIV in the Philippines. Int J STD AIDS 2024; 35:574-575. [PMID: 38318865 DOI: 10.1177/09564624241232448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael S Regner
- LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong, Philippines
- University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Quezon, Philippines
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Lasco G, Yu VG. Taking Flight: Narratives, Logistics, and Risks of Chemsex Scenes in the Philippines. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:799-810. [PMID: 37042837 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2197426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Chemsex - the use of specific, illicit substances to facilitate and enhance sexual encounters - has been documented extensively across the Global North using qualitative methodologies. Elsewhere, however, little is known about the phenomenon. Our article addresses this gap in the scholarly literature by exploring how chemsex encounters transpire in the Philippines. Through semi-structured interviews, we demonstrate the spatiotemporal nature of chemsex scenes, showing how people move between physical and virtual domains across time as they find sexual partners, procure drugs, and organize and attend the actual encounter. Consequently, the risks faced by chemsex practitioners - to health and to security - are also spatiotemporally plotted within intersecting physical and virtual risk environments, and best mitigated by a form of experiential expertise that is likewise temporally determined. Ultimately, chemsex scenes in the Philippines are distinguished from the rest of the world by the state-led "war on drugs." We consider our findings in the context of this war, showing how its very real and often fatal threats have shaped the way people navigate chemsex scenes and mitigate the risks through "counterpublic health" measures, and how its prominent ideologies and discourses are reflected in the ways by which people make sense of their drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Lasco
- Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University
- Department of Anthropology, University of the Philippines Diliman
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Zinck MJ, Minichiello SN, Fick CA, Sawry S, Fonner VA. Virtual case management: a differentiated approach to HIV prevention, treatment, and care. AIDS 2024; 38:145-151. [PMID: 37861692 PMCID: PMC10734782 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
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Abesamis LEA. Contending with precarity: Digital pathways to sexual and reproductive healthcare among transgender Filipinos during the COVID-19 pandemic. Soc Sci Med 2023; 336:116284. [PMID: 37820496 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116284] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Stringent lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic and the cisnormative framing of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in the Philippines cultivated precarious access to SRH systems among transgender (trans) communities during the public health crisis. With the shift toward digital health initiatives, this study aimed to explore the experiences of the local trans community in using digital health initiatives (DHIs) to access SRH care and gender-affirming services, information, and providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online interviews with 13 self-identified trans Filipinos living in the Philippines during the pandemic were conducted and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. First, the narratives of trans Filipinos illustrate how DHIs can address discontinuities of care that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, because of long-standing geographic, economic, and social barriers to trans-responsive healthcare in the Philippines, local trans communities navigate alternative pathways to care established within digital spaces (e.g., social media) by trans individuals and groups. These online communities of care not only connect trans Filipinos to culturally competent and affordable care but also foster a sense of belongingness and support. Taken together, this study underscores the need to go beyond technical access to care to ensure that trans-inclusive and trans-responsive sources and providers of care are made available throughout the healthcare system. As the narratives of trans Filipinos illustrate, the narratives, experiences, and practices within their online communities of care may be the key to actualizing such a healthcare system not only in the Philippines but all over the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Emmanuel A Abesamis
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University Manila, Manila, Philippines; Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.
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Agustí C, Martínez Riveros H, García-Pérez J, Descalzo V, Fernandez G, Ramírez-Marinero A, Gonzalez MV, Díaz Y, Montoro-Fernandez M, Romano-deGea P, Araujo SG, Muntada E, Casabona J. Feasibility and impact of online HIV/STI screening addressed to men who have sex with men and transgender women users of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Spain (TESTATE PrEP): a study protocol for a non-blinded randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073459. [PMID: 37844988 PMCID: PMC10582878 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objectives of the study are: to design and implement a pilot intervention to offer self-sampling kits to detect HIV, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Treponema pallidum (TP) among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and transgender women users of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as part of PrEP follow-up. To evaluate if the pilot intervention causes a reduction of the retention to PrEP follow-up among the target population. To analyse the capacity of the intervention to reduce the healthcare burden on the PrEP service. To evaluate the acceptability of the intervention among PrEP users and PrEP service healthcare workers and; to validate dried blood samples for treponemal and non-treponemal antibody detection using the Dual Path Platform syphilis screening and confirmatory assay compared with blood drawn by venous puncture. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will perform a non-blinded randomised controlled non-inferiority trial among PrEP users on follow-up. Participants on the control arm will follow the usual follow-up protocol with quarterly face-to-face visits where they will be tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Participants in the experimental arm will alternate face-to-face meetings with online screening of HIV and STIs. The website https://testate.org/ will include a module for online follow-up visits of participants. Participants of the experimental arm will order self-sampling kits for HIV, CT, NG and TP through the website, will send the samples to the laboratory and check their results online. We will compare the retention to follow up and the healthcare burden in both arms. The acceptability of the intervention among participants and healthcare workers will be assessed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The project has been approved by the CEIC-HUGTIP (Reference: PI-22-051). Subjects will be included after giving their informed consent. Final conclusions and recommendations will be shared with stakeholders. Two publications in peer-reviewed journals are expected. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05752643.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Agustí
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), The Ministry of Health, Government of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
| | - Héctor Martínez Riveros
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), The Ministry of Health, Government of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
- PhD in Methodology of Biomedical Research and Public Health, Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine, Univ Autonoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Jorge García-Pérez
- Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes STI and HIV Unit, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Descalzo
- Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes STI and HIV Unit, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gema Fernandez
- Microbiology Department, Clinical Laboratory North Metropolitan Area, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital. Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Univ Autonoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Aida Ramírez-Marinero
- Microbiology Department, Clinical Laboratory North Metropolitan Area, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital. Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Univ Autonoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Maria Victoria Gonzalez
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), The Ministry of Health, Government of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Clinical Laboratory North Metropolitan Area, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital. Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Univ Autonoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Yesika Díaz
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), The Ministry of Health, Government of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Montoro-Fernandez
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), The Ministry of Health, Government of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
| | - Pol Romano-deGea
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), The Ministry of Health, Government of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
| | - Silvia G Araujo
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), The Ministry of Health, Government of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
| | - Esteve Muntada
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), The Ministry of Health, Government of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), The Ministry of Health, Government of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine, Univ Autonoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
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Gangcuangco LMA, Eustaquio PC. The State of the HIV Epidemic in the Philippines: Progress and Challenges in 2023. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8050258. [PMID: 37235306 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, the Philippines has gained notoriety as the country with the fastest-growing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in the Western Pacific region. While the overall trends of HIV incidence and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths are declining globally, an increase in new cases was reported to the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines. From 2012 to 2023, there was a 411% increase in daily incidence. Late presentation in care remains a concern, with 29% of new confirmed HIV cases in January 2023 having clinical manifestations of advanced HIV disease at the time of diagnosis. Men having sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected. Various steps have been taken to address the HIV epidemic in the country. The Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018 (Republic Act 11166) expanded access to HIV testing and treatment. HIV testing now allows for the screening of minors 15-17 years old without parental consent. Community-based organizations have been instrumental in expanding HIV screening to include self-testing and community-based screening. The Philippines moved from centralized HIV diagnosis confirmation by Western blot to a decentralized rapid HIV diagnostic algorithm (rHIVda). Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy is now the first line. Pre-exposure prophylaxis in the form of emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has been rolled out. The number of treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities continues to increase. Despite these efforts, barriers to ending the HIV epidemic remain, including continued stigma, limited harm reduction services for people who inject drugs, sociocultural factors, and political deterrents. HIV RNA quantification and drug resistance testing are not routinely performed due to associated costs. The high burden of tuberculosis and hepatitis B virus co-infection complicate HIV management. CRF_01AE is now the predominant subtype, which has been associated with poorer clinical outcomes and faster CD4 T-cell decline. The HIV epidemic in the Philippines requires a multisectoral approach and calls for sustained political commitment, community involvement, and continued collaboration among various stakeholders. In this article, we outline the current progress and challenges in curbing the HIV epidemic in the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louie Mar A Gangcuangco
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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Sison OT, Baja ES, Bermudez ANC, Quilantang MIN, Dalmacion GV, Guevara EG, Garces-Bacsal RM, Hemingway C, Taegtmeyer M, Operario D, Biello KB. Association of anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust on preference for HIV self-testing among cisgender men who have sex with men in the Philippines. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2362. [PMID: 36527003 PMCID: PMC9756449 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14834-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New HIV infections in the Philippines are increasing at an alarming rate. However, over three quarters of men who have sex with men (MSM) have never been tested for HIV. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may increase overall testing rates by removing barriers, particularly fear of stigmatization and mistrust of providers. This study aimed to determine if these factors are associated with preference for HIVST among Filipino cisgender MSM (cis-MSM), and whether there is an interaction between anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust on preference for HIVST. METHODS We conducted secondary analysis of a one-time survey of 803 cis-MSM who were recruited using purposive sampling from online MSM dating sites and MSM-themed bar locations in Metro Manila, Philippines. Summary statistics were computed to describe participant characteristics. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analyses were conducted to determine if anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust were associated with preference for HIVST among cis-MSM. Other variables such as age, education, monthly income, relationship status, HIV serostatus, and knowing where to get HIV testing were the minimal sufficient adjustment set in the analyses. RESULTS Average age of participants was 28.6 years (SD = 8.0); most had received college degrees (73%) and were employed (80%). Most respondents (81%) preferred facility-based testing, while 19% preferred HIVST. A high percentage of participants reported anticipated HIV testing stigma (66%) and provider mistrust (44%). Anticipated HIV testing stigma (aPR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.01-2.25, p = 0.046) and provider mistrust (aPR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.07-2.09, p = 0.020) were independently associated with a preference for HIVST. There was a positive, additive interaction between provider mistrust and anticipated HIV testing stigma on preference for HIVST (RERI = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.20-2.06; p = 0.017), indicating that the association between anticipated HIV testing stigma and preference for HIVST is greater among those with provider mistrust compared to those without provider mistrust. CONCLUSIONS HIVST should be offered as a supplement to traditional facility-based HIV testing services in the Philippines to expand testing and reach individuals who may not undergo testing due to anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia T. Sison
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094The Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, RI USA ,grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines ,grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Emmanuel S. Baja
- grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines ,grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Amiel Nazer C. Bermudez
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094The Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, RI USA ,grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Ma. Irene N. Quilantang
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094The Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, RI USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA ,grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Godofreda V. Dalmacion
- grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Ernest Genesis Guevara
- grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Rhoda Myra Garces-Bacsal
- grid.43519.3a0000 0001 2193 6666Department of Special Education, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Charlotte Hemingway
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Palace Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK
| | - Miriam Taegtmeyer
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Palace Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK ,grid.415970.e0000 0004 0417 2395Tropical Infectious Disease Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool, L7 8XP UK
| | - Don Operario
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094The Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, RI USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Katie B. Biello
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
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Characterizing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on HIV PrEP care: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:2089-2102. [DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03941-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe global COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures have caused disruptions to sexual health services and created additional barriers to the continuity of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among key populations. This review provides an examination of the influences of the pandemic on engagement in the PrEP care continuum. Using the PRISMA guideline, 46 studies were included in this review and the synthesis. Most of the studies were conducted in high-income settings through quantitative analysis. A majority of studies examining the changes in PrEP use suggested a decline or discontinuation in PrEP uptake during the pandemic. The most common reasons for stopping using PrEP were perceived barriers to PrEP-related care, having reduced sexual behaviors and fewer sexual partners, and reduced perceived risk of HIV infection. Limited studies documenting an increase in PrEP uptake were all in specific PrEP optimizing programs. During the pandemic, there is also an emerging trend of switching to on-demand PrEP from daily oral PrEP. Future studies should understand the mechanism of strategies that facilitated the improvements during the pandemic. PrEP implementation programs should consider alternative PrEP modalities and provide consistent and comprehensive knowledge about correct information.
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Budzyńska J, Patryn R, Kozioł I, Leśniewska M, Kopystecka A, Skubel T. Self-Testing as a Hope to Reduce HIV in Transgender Women—Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159331. [PMID: 35954695 PMCID: PMC9368376 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
So far, the rate of HIV-positive people who do not know their sero-status is about 14% and the percentage is higher among transgender women (TGW). They represent one of the most vulnerable groups to infection. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may be a way to reduce transmission of the virus. The aim of this analysis and in-depth review was to collect available data on factors that may influence the use and dissemination of HIVST among TGW. This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. All data from 48 papers were used. From the available literature, HIVST is a convenient and preferred method of testing due to its high confidentiality and possibility of being performed at home. However, there are barriers that limit its use, including marginalization of transgender people, stigma by medical personnel, lack of acceptance of sexual partners, and even cultural standards. Therefore, there is a need for activities that promote and inform on the possibility of using HIVST as well as enable easier access to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Budzyńska
- Students’ Scientific Group on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (I.K.); (M.L.); (A.K.); (T.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rafał Patryn
- Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Ilona Kozioł
- Students’ Scientific Group on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (I.K.); (M.L.); (A.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Magdalena Leśniewska
- Students’ Scientific Group on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (I.K.); (M.L.); (A.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Agnieszka Kopystecka
- Students’ Scientific Group on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (I.K.); (M.L.); (A.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Tomasz Skubel
- Students’ Scientific Group on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (I.K.); (M.L.); (A.K.); (T.S.)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes technology-based interventions for HIV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We highlight potential benefits and challenges to using telehealth in LMICs and propose areas for future study. RECENT FINDINGS We identified several models for using telehealth to expand HIV health care access in LMICs, including telemedicine visits for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) services, telementoring programs for providers, and virtual peer-support groups. Emerging data support the acceptability and feasibility of these strategies. However, further investigations are needed to determine whether these models are scalable and sustainable in the face of barriers related to cost, infrastructure, and regulatory approval. HIV telehealth interventions may be a valuable approach to addressing gaps along the HIV care cascade in LMICs. Future studies should focus on strategies for expanding existing programs to scale and for assessing long-term clinical outcomes.
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