Exploring HIV risks, testing and prevention among sub-Saharan African community members in Australia

Developing critical HIV health literacy: insights from interviews with priority migrant communities in Queensland, Australia

In Australia, surveillance data establish that there are higher rates of late HIV diagnoses among heterosexual migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa and new HIV diagnoses among gay and bisexual men (GBM) from Southeast and Northeast Asia and Latin America. Together, these groups are identified as priority migrant communities in current efforts to eliminate HIV transmissions. HIV health literacy is recognised as a key means of improving access to services and health outcomes. This qualitative paper explores critical HIV health literacy among priority migrant communities in Queensland, Australia. To foreground community voices, peer researchers from priority migrant communities participated in the project design, data collection and analysis, with 20 interviews completed. The findings demonstrate how participants' engagement with HIV health information and services is highly relational and situated within the framework of sexual health and wellbeing. Participants strategically selected where to seek information and who they trusted to help them appraise this information. They further demonstrated reflective capacities in identifying the contextual barriers that inhibit the development of their HIV health literacy. The findings highlight the need for HIV health promotion strategies that embrace a sex positive approach, promote cultural change, and involve collaboration with general practitioners (GPs).

Integrating sexual and reproductive health into pre-travel consultations

BACKGROUND

Casual sex during travel is a major preventable factor in the global transmission of sexually transmissible infections (STI). Pre-travel consults present an excellent opportunity for practitioners to educate travellers about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and safety. This scoping review aims to explore and understand the extent to which SRH is included in pre-travel consultations.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Medline and Web of Science were systematically searched for primary research articles exploring whether health care practitioners (HCP) included SRH in pre-travel consultations. Extracted findings were synthesized and presented in narrative form.

RESULTS

Findings across 13 articles suggest HCPs infrequently broached SRH in pre-travel consultations with HCP discomfort, and lack of time and resources presented as key barriers. Urban practice settings, HCP experience, training in travel medicine and traveller characteristics such as sexual orientation were positively associated with discussions about SRH. SRH advice reported was general in nature, primarily focusing on safer sex, condoms or unspecified STI advice. Risk assessments based solely on age or stereotypes around sexual preferences led to key aspects of SRH care being missed for some (e.g. SRH was less likely to be discussed with older travellers).

CONCLUSIONS

HCPs frequently miss opportunities to integrate SRH into pre-travel consultations. Strategies to promote HCP confidence and awareness present a promising means to boost the frequency and quality of SRH advice disseminated. Integrating culturally safe and responsive SRH history-taking and advice into pre-travel consultations may contribute to global reductions in STI transmission and promote traveller SRH well-being.

Sexual and reproductive health literacy of culturally and linguistically diverse young people in Australia: a systematic review

Young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds experience barriers accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and care. This systematic review, utilising a pre-determined protocol, performed according to PRISMA guidelines, explored SRH knowledge, attitudes and information sources for young (16-24 years) culturally and linguistically diverse background people living in Australia, to gain understanding of their sexual health literacy. CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed and Scopus were systematically searched with inclusion criteria applied to 216 articles. After title and abstract screening, backward/forward searching, and full-text review of 58 articles, 13 articles from eight studies were identified. Thematic analysis, guided by core constructs from cultural care theory, identified three themes: (1) SRH knowledge varied by topic but was generally low; (2) young people's attitudes and beliefs were influenced by family and culture; however, 'silence' was the main barrier to sexual health literacy; and (3) Access to SRH information was limited. To attain sexual health literacy and equitable access to culturally-congruent and responsive SRH information and care, there is a need for theory-informed strategies and policies that address the diverse social, cultural and structural factors affecting young culturally and linguistically diverse background people, especially the 'silence' or lack of open SRH communication they experience.

Ending HIV Transmission in Australia: Expanding PrEP to Cisgender Women: A Scoping Review

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) availability through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme provides real potential for the elimination of HIV transmission in Australia, as evidenced by a rapid decline in HIV incidence among gay and bisexual men (GBM). However, HIV elimination will not be possible without also extending PrEP to other populations, including cisgender women. We conducted a scoping review to examine the extent to which PrEP access for cisgender women has been considered in Australia. A comprehensive search across five databases, grey literature, and hand search of references was conducted. A single reviewer conducted title and abstract screening and two reviewers completed full-text screening and data extraction. Nineteen documents were included in the final review and included both peer-reviewed journal articles and guidelines and strategies. Focused discussion of cisgender women's use of PrEP was largely missing from the literature and, although their use of PrEP is supported in some relevant guidelines, little has been done to actively develop strategies to inform cisgender women about PrEP as a precursor to prescribing for HIV prevention. Healthcare providers' narrow view of PrEP as being the domain of GBM further limits cisgender women's potential access. If HIV elimination in Australia is to be a reality, we need to develop mechanisms to specifically engage with cisgender women about PrEP.

A cross-sectional investigation of the factors associated with awareness of PEP and PrEP among Queensland university students

OBJECTIVE

University creates unique social environments for many young people that can result in behaviour changes that can impact sexual health-related risks and facilitate transmission of HIV. Little is known about HIV knowledge, risk, and awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis/post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) among Australian university students.

METHODS

A 2019 online survey distributed through Queensland universities, using active recruitment/snowball sampling. Descriptive and logistical regression analysis investigated HIV knowledge/risk and PrEP/PEP awareness.

RESULTS

Of the 4,291 responses, 60.4% were 20-29 years old, 57.0% identified as heterosexual, and 31.8% were born-overseas. Mean HIV knowledge score was 9.8/12. HIV risk scores were higher among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) (mean=5.2/40) compared to all other sexual behaviours (mean=3.1/40). Logistic regression indicated PrEP and PEP awareness was associated with older age (p<0.05), being non-binary/gender-diverse (p<0.05), and MSM (p<0.05). Lower odds of PrEP awareness were associated with international student status (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the need for future health promotion targeting younger Australians at risk of HIV to increase uptake of PrEP/PEP, particularly among overseas-born young people and those ineligible for appropriate health care in Australia.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Addressing these gaps will improve sexual health outcomes for young Australians at risk of HIV and work towards virtual elimination of HIV transmission in Australia.

Lightweight federated learning for STIs/HIV prediction

This paper presents a solution that prioritises high privacy protection and improves communication throughput for predicting the risk of sexually transmissible infections/human immunodeficiency virus (STIs/HIV). The approach utilised Federated Learning (FL) to construct a model from multiple clinics and key stakeholders. FL ensured that only models were shared between clinics, minimising the risk of personal information leakage. Additionally, an algorithm was explored on the FL manager side to construct a global model that aligns with the communication status of the system. Our proposed method introduced Random Forest Federated Learning for assessing the risk of STIs/HIV, incorporating a flexible aggregation process that can be adjusted to accommodate the capacious communication system. Experimental results demonstrated the significant potential of a solution for estimating STIs/HIV risk. In comparison with recent studies, our approach yielded superior results in terms of AUC (0.97) and accuracy ( 93 % ). Despite these promising findings, a limitation of the study lies in the experiment for man's data, due to the self-reported nature of the data and sensitive content. which may be subject to participant bias. Future research could check the performance of the proposed framework in partnership with high-risk populations (e.g., men who have sex with men) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the proposed framework's impact and ultimately aim to improve health outcomes/health service optimisation.

PrEP Among Sub-Saharan African Diaspora Communities in Belgium - a Participatory Action Research Study

In Belgium, migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounted for 45% of new heterosexual HIV infections in 2021, while only 1.5% of PrEP starters were of SSA descent. We explored the acceptance of PrEP and barriers towards PrEP uptake and use among SSA migrant and diaspora communities in Belgium using a participatory action research approach. Trained community researchers (CRs), involved in all phases of the study, co-designed and moderated group discussions (GDs) while simultaneously providing information on HIV and PrEP during workshops. Extensive summaries and field notes were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. CRs were involved in data analysis, interpretation and reporting. We conducted seven GDs with 51 participants. We identified five major themes: (1) Participants had limited PrEP knowledge, which created feelings of surprise and annoyance about not being informed. This was partly explained by (2) the taboo and stigma that surrounds sexuality and HIV, which could shape PrEP acceptance. (3) Participants shared feelings of otherness due to experiences of racism and discrimination, also in relationship to HIV prevention. (4) PrEP was considered a high-threshold prevention tool, because of its perceived side-effects and its specialized service delivery. (5) Despite nuanced opinions about PrEP, all participants agreed that PrEP promotion should be mainstreamed, so everyone can make an informed decision. In conclusion, PrEP seemed acceptable among our participants. Our qualitative study provides insights into the intersecting barriers to accessing HIV services, showing that SSA diaspora communities are 'hardly reached' rather than 'hard to reach' by PrEP promotion messages.

The provision of sexual and reproductive health information and services to travellers: an exploratory survey of Australian travel medicine clinicians

BACKGROUND

International travel can increase the risk of exposure to infectious diseases including sexually transmissible infections (STI). Pre-travel medical consultation provides an opportunity for travel-related health risk assessments and advice. This study explored how travel medicine clinicians integrate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services into clinical practice.

METHODS

A convenience sample of travel medicine clinicians completed a cross-sectional survey online or via hard-copy disseminated at an annual national Australian travel medicine conference.

RESULTS

Of the 67 respondents, most (n , 51; 76.1%) had a postgraduate qualification relevant to travel medicine and 55.2% (n , 37) had worked in travel medicine for over 10years. Only 22.4% (n , 15) reported conducting a SRH history/STI risk assessment for all travel patients. STI testing pre-departure was conducted on patient request (48, 71.6%), if symptomatic (32, 47.8%) or based on risk history (28, 41.8%). SRH information pre-departure was most frequently provided if prompted by patient questions (n , 42; 62.7%), or based on the patient's history (n , 37; 55.2%). Over half the sample (n , 40; 59.7%) expressed interest in further training in SRH.

CONCLUSION

Providing and engaging with additional training may assist travel medicine clinicians to take a more proactive approach to SRH consultations and STI testing. Additional research is needed to explore models of care that will allow comprehensive SRH and STI services to be integrated into standard pre- and post-travel care.

Bon Sante (Good Health): Factors Influencing PrEP Use Among Haitians/Haitian Americans

BACKGROUND

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has disproportionately affected Black individuals in the USA, and this health disparity has increased over time. Despite the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a prevention tool for HIV, there are disparities in its use, and uptake of this intervention remains low among racial and ethnic minorities, including Haitians/Haitian Americans. In this study, factors influencing PrEP use among Haitians/Haitian Americans in Miami, FL, are explored to provide necessary data to address disparities.

METHODS

The research team collaborated with local organizations to recruit 30 individuals (Haitians/Haitian Americans) between February 4 and October 1, 2021, and conducted semi-structured interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and NVivo® was used to analyze the transcripts for emergent themes.

RESULTS

The study sample comprised 30 adults of Haitian descent in Miami, FL (50% female, approximately 67% with a high school education or more, mean age = 43.7 ± 13 years, and 74.2% born in Haiti). Four primary themes emerged from the analysis: (1) limited PrEP awareness, (2) underutilization of PrEP, (3) inadequate discussion of HIV prevention strategies, and (4) PrEP delivery encompassing barriers and facilitators for PrEP delivery and promotion strategies.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that there is a critical need to increase Haitians/Haitian Americans' knowledge regarding PrEP. Health communication interventions tailored specifically for Haitians/Haitian Americans that target stigma, attitudes toward HIV, and risk perception may be significant in increasing PrEP in this population.

STI and HIV testing: examining factors that influence uptake among domestic Australian-born, domestic overseas-born and international tertiary students studying in Australia

OBJECTIVES

Sexual health knowledge among international students in Australia is lower than domestic students, however, little is known about what factors affect the uptake of STI testing, nor if there are differences for overseas-born domestic students.

METHODS

We included sexually active respondents from a survey of university students in Australia (N = 3,075). Multivariate regression and mediation analyses investigated associations of STI and HIV testing with STI and HIV knowledge respectively, sexual risk behaviour and demographics, including comparisons among: domestic Australian-born, domestic overseas-born, and international students.

RESULTS

STI and HIV knowledge was positively associated with STI and HIV testing respectively (STI OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.16; HIV OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.48). STI knowledge was significantly lower for international than domestic Australian-born students (10.8 vs. 12.2 out of 16), as was STI testing (32% vs. 38%); the difference in knowledge accounted for half the difference in STI testing rates between these two groups. International students from Southern Asia, and Eastern Asia reported the lowest STI testing rates. HIV testing was highest amongst international students from Africa and North America. Higher sexual risk behaviour, younger age, and identifying as gay or bisexual were positively associated with higher STI and HIV testing rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports greater investment and commitment by universities for the provision of sexual health education that can promote access to testing to improve the health of their students.

HIV-Related Knowledge and Practices among Asian and African Migrants Living in Australia: Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey and Qualitative Study

Australian HIV notification rates are higher for people born in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa compared to Australian-born people. The Migrant Blood-Borne Virus and Sexual Health Survey represents the first attempt to build the national evidence base regarding HIV knowledge, risk behaviors and testing among migrants in Australia. To inform survey development, preliminary qualitative research was conducted with a convenience sample of n = 23 migrants. A survey was developed with reference to the qualitative data and existing survey instruments. Non-probability sampling of adults born in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa was undertaken (n = 1489), and descriptive and bivariate analyses of data were conducted. Knowledge of pre-exposure prophylaxis was low (15.59%), and condom use at last sexual encounter was reported by 56.63% of respondents engaging in casual sex, and 51.80% of respondents reported multiple sexual partners. Less than one-third (31.33%) of respondents reported testing for any sexually transmitted infection or blood-borne virus in the previous two years and, of these, less than half (45.95%) tested for HIV. Confusion surrounding HIV testing practices was reported. These findings identify policy interventions and service improvements critically needed to reduce widening disparities regarding HIV in Australia.

"It was protected, except, it wasn't [with] a condom": a mixed-methods study of BBVs/STIs protective practices among International University Students in Sydney, Australia

BACKGROUND

A number of previous sex-related studies among international students in Australia and other Western societies may be limited by conflating students from conservative and non-conservative sexual backgrounds. Such conflation leads to situations where nuances and complexities around sex-related experiences are lost or, at most, tangentially investigated. To address this research problem, this study used a mixed-methods design to examine protective practices against blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections (BBVs/STIs) among Sydney-based East Asian and sub-Saharan African international students.

METHODS

This mixed-methods study generated quantitative data using anonymous online survey (n = 149), and qualitative data through in-depth interviews (n = 20). The main recruitment strategy involved advertising the study through paper and electronic flyers. Quantitative data were analysed using logistic regression, while interviews data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Self-reported BBVs/STIs protective practices in the last 12 months include abstinence (28.7%), consistent condom use (19.9%), occasional condom use (18.7%), single partner fidelity (25.1%), other strategies (1.8%), and nothing (5.8%). Further, findings from the bivariate analysis showed higher BBVs/STIs prevention knowledge, lower acculturation into Australian sexual culture, greater access to sexual health information, less conservative sexual norms, greater emotional social support and older age were significantly associated with increased protective practices. Variables significant at bivariate level were entered into a logistic regression. The model was statistically significant, (X²(6) = 31.33, p < 0.01) and explained 33.1% of the variance in BBVs/STIs protective practices. However, only acculturation to sexual norms in Australia (OR = 0.883, 95% CI = 0.820-0.952) was found to be independent predictor of BBVs/STIs protective practices. The results of the study based on the quantitative data, indicated condom use (consistent and occasional) was the most reported BBVs/STIs protective behaviour among sexually active participants. Therefore, interviews data was used to explore condom-use motives and practices. The interviews results showed participants primary concern as regards condom use was around pregnancy and not BBVs/STIs. Thus, some participants described safe sex largely as contraception, with BBVs/STIs constituting a secondary concern or no concern at all.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this study, tailored sexual health interventions for international students; which incorporate strategies for modifying perceived sexual norms in Australia, are advocated. In addition, this study recommends sexual health interventions that promote dual protection of condoms for both contraception and BBVs/STIs.

Stigma Affects the Health-Related Quality of Life of People Living with HIV by Activating Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

Stigma is a strong concern in the effort to manage the impact of many chronic diseases on patients and affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients, but little is understood regarding how this happens. We explored the perspective that stigma reduces health-related QoL (HRQoL) by evoking the traumatic experiences associated with HIV diagnosis. Outpatients (n = 250) receiving HIV-related care were recruited from 2 hospitals in the southeastern region of Nigeria. Participants completed measures of stigma, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and HRQoL. Mediation analyses were conducted using Hayes PROCESS Macro for SPSS. Result showed that stigma was negatively associated with HRQoL; patients who reported more traumatic symptoms also reported poorer HRQoL. Traumatic stress symptoms mediated the path between stigma and all the dimensions of HRQoL. Findings suggest that recognizing and addressing trauma symptoms are important in the management of PLWH. Perhaps addressing trauma would reduce the impact of stigma on HRQoL.

Experiences of recently HIV-diagnosed gay and bisexual migrants in Australia: Implications for sexual health programmes and health promotion

Gay and bisexual migrants from low- and middle-income countries living in high-income countries are disproportionately diagnosed with HIV. Most research focuses on preventing HIV acquisition among HIV-negative migrant gay and bisexual men (GBM). This study is uniquely positioned to report on migrant GBM's experiences and needs at and after an HIV diagnosis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 migrant GBM diagnosed at sexual health clinics in Australia from 2017 onwards. Interviews were analysed using a codebook thematic analysis. Due to the stigma of HIV and homosexuality in their countries of origin, about half of participants had poor HIV knowledge prior to diagnosis. Absorbing diagnosis information was consequently difficult, and feelings of shame, hopelessness, lost sexual opportunities and infectiousness were common. However, many were thankful for the comprehensive clinical support they received and believed that over time life would 'normalise' with sustained undetectable viral load. None reported that their clinician stigmatised them, but the anticipation of stigma nonetheless infused their experiences after diagnosis. Many were selective about HIV disclosure, and some mentioned that clinic systems posed a risk to confidentiality. Non-permanent residents were concerned about the impacts of HIV status on future visa applications. We recommend that newly HIV-diagnosed migrant GBM receive referral to legal and culturally appropriate migration services to help absorb what a diagnosis might mean for their health and visa status. We also recommend sexual health clinics continue to assess confidentiality in their systems. Health promotion initiatives should highlight to migrant GBM that high-HIV caseload sexual health clinicians provide confidential and comprehensive care.

"How PrEPared are you?": Knowledge of and attitudes toward PrEP among overseas-born and newly arrived gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Australia

Introduction

Overseas-born and newly arrived gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are at higher risk of acquiring HIV in comparison to Australian-born GBMSM. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is subsidized by the Australian government under Medicare, Australia's universal health insurance scheme, however many members of this population are Medicare-ineligible, which could prevent them from accessing PrEP. We wanted to explore participants' knowledge of and attitudes toward PrEP and their opinions of new PrEP modalities, namely injectable PrEP and PrEP implants.

Methods

We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews between February 2021 to September 2021 with 22 overseas-born, newly arrived (<5 years in Australia) GBMSM of varying PrEP use. We asked their opinions of PrEP and their preferences of new PrEP modalities. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis to interpret the data.

Results

Participants' views reflect the intersections between systemic factors, such as Medicare ineligibility and the high cost of PrEP, with socio-cultural factors, such as lack of knowledge about PrEP, internalized stigma stemming from homo- and sex-negativity, and stigmatizing attitudes toward PrEP and PrEP users. For participants who were on PrEP, being community connected, having a positive relationship with doctors and nurses, and being informed of the option to purchase PrEP from overseas pharmacies at a low cost helped them to overcome some of these barriers. Additionally, there was a strong preference for injectable PrEP but not PrEP implants. Participants stressed the importance of providing a comprehensive information about PrEP specific to this population and to make PrEP free for all.

Conclusions

We concluded that resources about PrEP specific to this population that address both systemic and socio-cultural factors are needed, and for these resources to be available in languages other than English. This is to coincide with on-going advocacy to increase the capacity of publicly funded sexual health clinics to provide multilingual PrEP services for people without Medicare, and to make PrEP free for all. These combined strategies have the potential to increase PrEP knowledge and uptake among this population.

Preferences for HIV Testing Services and HIV Self-Testing Distribution Among Migrant Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Australia

Background

In Australia, undiagnosed HIV rates are much higher among migrant gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) than Australian-born GBMSM. HIV self-testing is a promising tool to overcome barriers to HIV testing and improve HIV testing uptake among migrant GBMSM. We compared the preferences for HIV testing services, including HIV self-testing, among migrant and Australian-born GBMSM.

Methods

Preferences were assessed via two discrete choice experiments (DCEs). Participants were recruited between December 2017 and January 2018 using online and offline advertising and randomly assigned to complete one of two online DCE surveys. Migrant GBMSM were classified as being born in a country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement (RHCA) with Australia (providing free or subsided health care) or not. Latent class analysis and mixed logit models were used to explore heterogeneity in preferences.

Findings

We recruited 1,606 GBMSM, including 583 migrant men of whom 419 (72%) were born in non-RHCA countries. Most participants preferred a free or cheap oral test with higher accuracy and a shorter window period to facilitate early detection of infections. Cost was more important for men born in non-RHCA countries than for men from RHCA countries or Australia. All groups preferred accessing kits through online distributers or off the shelf purchasing from pharmacies. Men born in RHCA countries least preferred accessing HIV self-testing kits from a medical clinic, while more than half of men from non-RHCA countries most preferred sourcing kits from a clinic. Sex-on-premises venues were the least preferred location to access test kits among all groups. In addition, two latent class analyses explored heterogeneity in preferences among men from non-RHCA countries and we found four latent classes for HIV testing services and two latent classes for HIVST distribution.

Interpretation

Our findings emphasise the need for high-performing and low-cost HIV self-testing kits that are accessible from a variety of distribution points as a component of Australia's HIV response, especially for those who do not have access to free or subsidised health care in Australia.

Effect of perceived HIV risk on initiation of antiretroviral therapy during the universal test and treat era in South Africa

BACKGROUND

South Africa has not achieved the 90-90-90 goals, in part due to low rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among those aware of their HIV status. Perceived risk of HIV at the time of testing may affect likelihood of rapid ART initiation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with perceived risk of HIV and the relationship between perceived HIV risk and rapid ART initiation during the universal test and treat era which was adapted in October 2016.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study of adults undergoing HIV testing from October 2016-February 2019 at Ithembalabantu Clinic in Durban. Eligible participants reported not previously being diagnosed with HIV. Before HIV testing, participants were asked to assess their perceived HIV risk on a four-level scale. We categorized "definitely not" and "probably not going to acquire HIV" as a low perceived risk, and "probably will" and "definitely will become HIV-infected" as a high perceived risk of HIV infection. Participants were followed for up to 14 months following HIV testing to assess ART initiation.

RESULTS

Among 1519 people newly diagnosed with HIV, 55% were female and mean age was 33 years. Among those, 1382 (90.9%) had a high HIV risk perception and 137 (9.1%) reported low HIV risk perception. In the low risk group individuals were more likely to be female (58% vs 55%), unemployed (62% vs 59%), have a partner with unknown HIV status (61% vs 55%) compared to the high risk group. 83.2% of those with low HIV risk perception reported previously HIV testing compared 91.5% of those with high HIV risk perception. In the multivariate model, males were associated with a higher chances of initiating ART compared to females (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.187, CI 1.187 (1.060-1.329) and being unemployed (aHR 0.767 CI (0.650-0.905). Those with a low HIV risk perception were less likely to initiate ART 125 (91%) vs 1310 (95%) p = 0.022), and took longer to initiate on ART after HIV diagnosis (11 days' vs 4 days, p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

Factors associated with high HIV risk perception included being unemployed, single, and having a partner of unknown HIV status. People living with HIV (PLHIV) in South Africa who had a low self-perceived risk to HIV infection were less likely to initiate ART. Assessing self-perceived risk of HIV infection may help direct counselling and improve ART initiation to achieve universal 90-90-90 goal.

HIV knowledge, attitudes and practices amongst patients with severe mental illnesses and chronic medical illnesses in Durban, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Studies exploring HIV knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) have suggested their poorer knowledge about HIV. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa (SA), the epicentre of the country's HIV epidemic, improving KAP is essential for reduce its incidence amongst individuals with SMI. Comparing the KAP related to HIV between those with SMI and chronic medical illnesses (CMI) such as hypertension and diabetes may expose gaps in KAP related to HIV in the mentally ill who are more vulnerable to HIV.

AIM

This study aimed to compare the KAP related to HIV between people living with SMI and CMI.

SETTING

Outpatient clinics in Durban, SA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional structured questionnaire survey was conducted amongst 214 adult outpatients with SMI and CMI attending two general public sector hospitals in Durban, KZN. The KAP questionnaire consisted of three sections: general information, prevention and transmission of HIV.

RESULTS

Interviews were conducted with 124 patients with SMI and 90 with CMI. Most were female (69.5%), single (57.5%) and unemployed (59.4%). The diagnosis of SMI was associated with poorer general information of HIV (p = 0.02), but not with its prevention and transmission compared with those with CMI. Educational level was associated with poorer performance in all three domains: general information of HIV (p = 0.01), prevention (p = 0.01) and transmission (p = 0.02) amongst all the participants.

CONCLUSION

Gaps in the KAP of HIV amongst individuals with SMI compared with those with CMI suggested a need to provide focused health promotion regarding sexual health and HIV to the mentally ill at psychiatric facilities.

"It is not an acceptable disease": A qualitative study of HIV-related stigma and discrimination and impacts on health and wellbeing for people from ethnically diverse backgrounds in Australia

BACKGROUND

People from ethnically diverse backgrounds living with HIV are susceptible to adverse health and wellbeing outcomes, particularly as a consequence of HIV-related stigma and discrimination (HSD), though relatively little is known about experiences in Australia.

METHODS

This paper reports on HSD in ethnically diverse communities in South Australia and impacts on health and wellbeing. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 10 individuals living with HIV from ethnically diverse backgrounds, 14 ethnically diverse community leaders, and 50 service providers. Data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that HIV is a highly stigmatised condition in ethnically diverse communities due to fear of moral judgment and social isolation, and was experienced at the intersections of gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture, and immigration status. Experiences of HSD were damaging to health and wellbeing through non-disclosure, reduced social support, delayed testing, service access barriers, impacts on treatment adherence, and directly to mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

Actions addressing the impacts of HSD on people from ethnically diverse backgrounds are crucial.

How perceived Australian sexual norms shape sexual practices of East Asian and sub-Saharan African international students in Sydney

INTRODUCTION

Sexual norms, real or perceived, shape young people's sexual behaviour and may constitute one of the greatest challenges in HIV/STIs prevention among this population. This study used sexual script theory to explore how international students in Sydney, Australia - from traditional cultures of East Asian and sub-Saharan African countries - construct home backgrounds and Australian sexual norms and how this may shape their sexual practices during their studies in Australia.

METHODS

The study involved face-to-face and telephone semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were provided by 20 international students who are enrolled in various universities in Sydney. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded into NVivo and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Identified patterns in the data showed three themes through which participants perceive sexual norms in Australia as distinctly different from their home country norms. First, participants stated that unlike their home country norms, sexual norms in Australia are permissive. Second, participants hold the view that compared to their home country norms, sex in Australia is largely casual as it is not always attached to love. Some participants revealed that this could shape their own sexual practices during their studies in Australia. Finally, participants noted that compared to their home countries' norm of sex talk taboo, Australia has an open sexual communication norm; which they believe, enables young people in western societies to easily acquire sexual health information.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings provide evidence to support a need for contextualized and effective sexual health services for international students that take account of perceptions around sexual norms and how they can be modified to ensure that sexual practices which these students may engage in, will be managed in a safe and responsible manner.

Treatment adherence mediates the relationship between HIV-related stigma and health-related quality of life

There is a strong association between HIV-related stigma (HS) and health-related quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS, yet few studies, to date, have examined mediators of this link. This study examined the mediating role of antiretroviral medication adherence (MA) on association between HS and HRQoL. Respondents were 969 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) (628 males and 341 females, Mean age = 35.55, years), conveniently drawn from four hospital facilities in Enugu and Ebonyi States of Nigeria. Data were collected using HIV Stigma Scale, Morisky Medical Adherence Scale, and Patient Reported Outcome Quality of Life-HIV. Data were analysed using the Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS which uses a regression-based, path-analytical framework. Results showed that HS across dimensions (personalised stigma, disclosure concern, concern about people's attitude and negative self-image) were negatively associated with MA (r = -.16; p < .001, r = -.13; p < .00, r = -.22; p < .001 and r = -.21; p < .001, respectively) HRQoL. MA was positively associated with HRQoL (r = . 24; p < .001). MA mediated HS-HRQoL association. These findings suggest that stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is associated with poor adherence to active antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment regimen, which can result in poor health and treatment outcome among PLWH. The findings may be helpful in improving HRQoL among PLWH.

Sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of Chinese international students studying abroad (in Australia, the UK and the US): a scoping review

International students within Australia are disproportionately affected by adverse sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. Chinese international students represent the majority of international students in Australia, and a large proportion of students in other high-income countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, making them an important priority group. However, the SRH issues of this priority group have received little attention from international researchers. This review provides an overview of global studies surrounding the SRH knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of Chinese international students studying abroad. Ten articles were deemed relevant and findings from both the qualitative and quantitative data synthesis were categorised into six codes: (1) knowledge; (2) sources of information; (3) attitudes; (4) behaviours; (5) barriers; and (6) recommendations. The findings provide valuable understanding to inform the development of targeted, culturally sensitive and inclusive health promotion initiatives and policies. It is recommended that further research is conducted in this field to reduce evident health disparities.

Tools to measure HIV knowledge, attitudes & practices (KAPs) in healthcare providers: a systematic review

Healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) related to HIV are important determinants of quality of care provided to HIV/AIDS patients. Most studies have focussed on low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) with far fewer conducted within high-income countries, where the epidemiology of HIV is typically distinct from low- and middle-income countries. As part of a larger study, we wanted to measure HIV-KAPs in healthcare providers in Australia. A systematic search was conducted to identify and evaluate existing tools designed to measure HIV-related KAPs among healthcare providers in higher-income countries. In total, eight instruments were identified. The instruments drew upon adapted forms of existing HIV-related KAPs and stigma theories and were developed based on a range of methodological designs and for different cadre of healthcare workers. The extent to which psychometric properties for each tool were evaluated varied widely. Further research with more robust methodological and psychometric rigour is required for adequate measurement of KAP among health professionals specific to HIV, so associated training needs, patient experiences and health outcomes can potentially be enhanced.

Trends in late and advanced HIV diagnoses among migrants in Australia; implications for progress on Fast-Track targets: A retrospective observational study

Achieving the Joint United Nations Program on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS Fast-Track targets requires additional strategies for mobile populations. We examined trends and socio-demographics of migrants (overseas-born) and Australian-born individuals presenting with late and advanced HIV diagnoses between 2008 and 2017 to help inform public health approaches for HIV testing coverage and linkage to care and treatment.We conducted a retrospective population-level observational study of individuals diagnosed with HIV in Australia and reported to the National HIV Registry. Annual proportional trends in late (CD4+ T-cell count <350 cells/μL) and advanced (CD4+ T-cell count <200 cells/μL). HIV diagnoses were determined using Poisson regression.Of 9926 new HIV diagnoses from 2008 to 2017, 84% (n = 8340) were included in analysis. Overall, 39% (n = 3267) of diagnoses were classified as late; 52% (n = 1688) of late diagnoses were advanced. Of 3317 diagnoses among migrants, 47% were late, versus 34% of Australian-born diagnoses (P < .001).The annual proportions of late (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99-1.01) and advanced HIV diagnoses (IRR 1.01; 95% CI 0.99-1.02) remained constant. Among migrants with late HIV diagnosis, the proportion reporting male-to-male sex exposure (IRR 1.05; 95% CI 1.03-1.08), non-English speaking (IRR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.05), and individuals born in countries in low HIV-prevalence (IRR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.04) increased. However, declines were noted among some migrants' categories such as females, heterosexual exposure, English speaking, and those born in high HIV-prevalence countries.Late HIV diagnosis remains a significant public health concern in Australia. Small declines in late diagnosis among some migrant categories are offset by increases among male-to-male exposures. Reaching the Fast-Track targets in Australia will require targeted testing and linkage to care strategies for all migrant populations, especially men who have sex with men.

Co-Designing an Intervention to Increase HIV Testing Uptake with Women from Indonesia At-Risk of HIV: Protocol for a Participatory Action Research Study

Early diagnosis is a critical component of the global response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In Australia, more than two-thirds of women from Southeast Asia are diagnosed late with HIV. There is limited evidence regarding the barriers to HIV testing and which interventions work to increase an uptake among migrants living in high-income countries. This participatory action research (PAR) project will work with women from Indonesia to co-design an intervention to increase HIV testing uptake in Western Australia. The project will involve trained community researchers, representatives from relevant organizations, and community women born in Indonesia. We will conduct three PAR cycles. Phase one will use focus groups to understand enablers for HIV testing among community members. In phase two, data will be presented back to members of the participating communities who will be invited to co-design an intervention to increase HIV testing. The final cycle will focus on implementing and evaluating the resulting intervention. This project will add to the small body of literature on pathways and enablers to HIV testing, and to new insights regarding interventions that work for women from migrant communities and why.

Why I Can't, Won't or Don't Test for HIV: Insights from Australian Migrants Born in Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia

People born in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia are overrepresented in HIV notifications in Australia. Just under half of all notifications among people from sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia are diagnosed late. Increased HIV testing among these communities is necessary to ensure early diagnosis, better care and reduce likelihood of HIV onward transmission. Recently, Australia has made new HIV testing methods available: rapid HIV testing and self-testing kits. We conducted 11 focus groups with 77 participants with people from sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia in four jurisdictions in Australia. Focus groups discussed barriers to HIV testing and the acceptability of new testing methods. Barriers to HIV testing included: cost and eligibility of health services, low visibility of HIV in Australia, HIV-related stigma, and missed opportunities by general practitioners (GPs) for early diagnosis of HIV and linkage into care. Participants had low levels of knowledge on where to test for HIV and the different methods available. Diverse opportunities for testing were considered important. Interventions to increase HIV testing rates among sub-Saharan African, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asian migrants in Australia need to be multi-strategic and aimed at individual, community and policy levels. New methods of HIV testing, including rapid HIV testing and self-testing, present an opportunity to engage with migrants outside of traditional health care settings.