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Mi GD, Zhang BB, Yu F, Ren XL, Ong JJ, Fan YQ, Guo FH, Li CJ, Zhang MZ, Zhang MY. HIV incidence among men who have sex with men using geosocial networking smartphone application in Beijing, China: an open cohort study. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:27. [PMID: 33795011 PMCID: PMC8017803 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00814-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) is the dominant route of HIV transmission in China. Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone application (app) has dramatically changed the pattern of sexual behaviors and HIV risk among MSM, but data on HIV incidence and the changing risk behaviors of GSN app-using MSM are limited. We aims to assess the HIV incidence and its correlates among gay GSN app-using MSM in China. Methods We constructed an open cohort which was initiated and maintained using a GSN app to assess the HIV incidence among app-using MSM, recruited from June 2017 to December 2018. MSM completed an online questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, recreational drug use and sexually transmitted infections status. Then each man had an HIV test, and those tested negatives were enrolled into the cohort. Participants completed follow-ups with additional HIV tests though the app during the study period, and were censored at HIV seroconversion or study end date. HIV incidence was calculated by dividing the sum of observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-time. Univariate (Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test) and multivariate (proportional hazards regression) analyses were used to examine correlates of HIV incidence. Results A total of 6957 HIV negative MSM were enrolled in the open cohort, 37 seroconversions occurred among 1937 men contributing 1065 observed person-years: HIV incidence was 3.47 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37–4.57]. More than five sexual partners [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.04–6.67], and sex with HIV positive partners (HR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.16–12.64) in the preceding six months were positively associated with HIV seroconversion. Consistent condom use for anal sex (HR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.07–0.96), and reporting insertive anal sex only (HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08–0.62) in the preceding six months were protective factors for HIV seroconversion. Conclusions Tailored interventions targeting app-using MSM are urgently needed given their high risk of HIV. As a new tool for accessing MSM at higher HIV risk, GSN smartphone app could play an important role in HIV research among MSM. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Dong Mi
- Danlan Beijing Media Limited, Beijing, China
| | - Bin-Bin Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Danlan Beijing Media Limited, Beijing, China
| | - Xian-Long Ren
- Beijing Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jason J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ya-Qi Fan
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Feng-Hua Guo
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | | | - Mian-Zhi Zhang
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Min-Ying Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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Abstract
In recent years, men who have sex with men (MSM) constitute a major group of HIV transmission in China. High primary drug-resistance (PDR) rate in MSM also represents a serious challenge for the Chinese antiretroviral therapy (ART) program. To assess the efficiency of ART in controlling HIV/AIDS infection among MSM, we developed a compartmental model for the annually reported HIV/AIDS MSM from 2007 to 2019 in the Zhejiang Province of China. R0 was 2.3946 (95% CI (2.2961–2.4881)). We predict that 90% of diagnosed HIV/AIDS individuals will have received treatment till 2020, while the proportion of the diagnosed remains as low as 40%. Even when the proportion of the diagnosed reaches 90%, R0 is still larger than the level of AIDS epidemic elimination. ART can effectively control the spread of HIV, even in the presence of drug resistance. The 90-90-90 strategy alone may not eliminate the HIV epidemic in Chinese MSM. Behavioural and biologic interventions are the most effective interventions to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic among MSM.
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Ong JJ, Wu D, Huang W, Fu H, Desmond N, Ma W, Kang D, Liao M, Marley G, Wei C, Tang W, Liu C, Zhang Y, Pan SW, Yang B, Yang L, Huang S, Tucker JD. Pressured HIV testing "in the name of love": a mixed methods analysis of pressured HIV testing among men who have sex with men in China. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 21:e25098. [PMID: 29577598 PMCID: PMC5867275 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV testing has rapidly expanded into diverse, decentralized settings. While increasing accessibility to HIV testing is beneficial, it may lead to unintended consequences such as being pressured to test. We examined the frequency, correlates and contexts of pressured HIV testing among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) using mixed methods. METHODS We conducted an online survey of MSM (N = 1044) in May 2017. Pressured HIV testing was defined as being forced to test for HIV. We conducted logistic regression analysis to determine the associations between pressured HIV testing and socio-demographic and sexual behavioural factors. Follow-up interviews (n = 17) were conducted with men who reported pressured testing and we analysed qualitative data using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Ninety-six men (9.2%) reported experiencing pressure to test for HIV. Regular male sex partners were the most common source of pressure (61%, 59/96), and the most common form of pressure was a threat to end a relationship with the one who was being pressured (39%, 37/96). We found a higher risk of pressured testing in men who had only used HIV self-testing compared to men who had never self-tested (AOR 2.39 (95%CI: 1.38 to 4.14)). However, this relationship was only significant among men with low education (AOR 5.88 (95% CI: 1.92 to 17.99)) and not among men with high education (AOR 1.62 (95% CI: 0.85 to 3.10)). After pressured testing, about half of men subsequently tested for HIV (55%, 53/96) without pressure - none reported being diagnosed with HIV. Consistent with this finding, qualitative data suggest that perceptions of pressure existed on a continuum and depended on the relationship status of the one who pressured them. Although being pressured to test was accompanied by negative feelings, men who were pressured into testing often changed their attitude towards HIV testing, testing behaviours, sexual behaviours and relationship with the one who pressured them to test. CONCLUSION Pressured HIV testing was reported among Chinese MSM, especially from men with low education levels and men who received HIV self-testing. However, in some circumstances, pressure to test helped MSM in several ways, challenging our understanding of the role of agency in the setting of HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Ong
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH) Global, Guangzhou, China.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dan Wu
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH) Global, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Huang
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH) Global, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyun Fu
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH) Global, Guangzhou, China.,Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Nicola Desmond
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Ma
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dianmin Kang
- Shandong Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Meizhen Liao
- Shandong Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Gifty Marley
- Shandong Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Chongyi Wei
- Rutgers School of Public Health, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Weiming Tang
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH) Global, Guangzhou, China.,University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, NC, USA.,Southern Medical University Dermatology Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuncheng Liu
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH) Global, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH) Global, Guangzhou, China
| | - Stephen W Pan
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH) Global, Guangzhou, China.,University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, NC, USA
| | - Bin Yang
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH) Global, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Medical University Dermatology Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ligang Yang
- Southern Medical University Dermatology Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shujie Huang
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH) Global, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Medical University Dermatology Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH) Global, Guangzhou, China.,University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, NC, USA.,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Nishiura H. Estimating the incidence and diagnosed proportion of HIV infections in Japan: a statistical modeling study. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6275. [PMID: 30671310 PMCID: PMC6338104 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemiological surveillance of HIV infection in Japan involves two technical problems for directly applying a classical backcalculation method, i.e., (i) all AIDS cases are not counted over time and (ii) people diagnosed with HIV have received antiretroviral therapy, extending the incubation period. The present study aimed to address these issues and estimate the HIV incidence and the proportion of diagnosed HIV infections, using a simple statistical model. Methods From among Japanese nationals, yearly incidence data of HIV diagnoses and patients with AIDS who had not previously been diagnosed as HIV positive, from 1985 to 2017, were analyzed. Using the McKendrick partial differential equation, general convolution-like equations were derived, allowing estimation of the HIV incidence and the time-dependent rate of diagnosis. A likelihood-based approach was used to obtain parameter estimates. Results Assuming that the median incubation period was 10.0 years, the cumulative number of HIV infections was estimated to be 29,613 (95% confidence interval (CI): 29,059, 30,167) by the end of 2017, and the proportion of diagnosed HIV infections was estimated at 80.3% (95% CI [78.7%–82.0%]). Allowing the median incubation period to range from 7.5 to 12.3 years, the estimate of the proportion diagnosed can vary from 77% to 84%. Discussion The proportion of diagnosed HIV infections appears to have not yet reached 90% among Japanese nationals. Compared with the peak incidence from 2005–2008, new HIV infections have clearly been in a declining trend; however, there are still more than 1,000 new HIV infections per year in Japan. To increase the diagnosed proportion of HIV infections, it is critical to identify people who have difficulty accessing consultation, testing, and care, and to explore heterogeneous patterns of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nishiura
- Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, Japan
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Li J, Peng L, Gilmour S, Gu J, Ruan Y, Zou H, Hao C, Hao Y, Lau JTF. A mathematical model of biomedical interventions for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men in China. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:600. [PMID: 30486800 PMCID: PMC6263536 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3516-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The new HIV treatment guidelines in China recommend antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all people living with HIV, but significant gaps in implementation still exist. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study assessed the epidemiological impact and cost effectiveness of PrEP, enhanced biomedical interventions and their combination among MSM in China. Methods A deterministic mathematical model was developed and projected over 20 years to assess the impact of the PrEP, biomedical interventions and their combinations. Incidence and prevalence of HIV were measured, and cost-effectiveness was assessed using incremental cost (international dollars, Int.$) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Results A total of 0.78 million new HIV infections were estimated to occur over the next 20 years if no additional interventions are implemented among MSM. The PrEP-only strategy covering 25–75% of HIV-negative high-risk MSM can prevent 0.09–0.20 million (12.1–25.7%) new infections, at a cost of 17,277–18,452 Int.$/QALY. The optimal cost-effectiveness path is from test-and-treat to the combination strategy of test-and-treat and PrEP. Some strategies could almost eliminate new HIV infections over the next 20 years. Conclusions PrEP, test-and-treat, and their combinations among MSM are effective and cost-effective relative to current policy. PrEP is an important and cost-effective addition to current policy in China. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3516-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Li
- Department of Health Policy and Management & Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, School of Public Health and Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Peng
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Stuart Gilmour
- Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Jing Gu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology & Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, School of Public Health and Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhua Ruan
- Division of Virology and Immunology, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chun Hao
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology & Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, School of Public Health and Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuantao Hao
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology & Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, School of Public Health and Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joseph Tak-Fai Lau
- The School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Zhao Y, Zhang L, Zhang H, Xia D, Pan SW, Yue H, Lu H, Xing H, He X, Shao Y, Ruan Y. HIV testing and preventive services accessibility among men who have sex with men at high risk of HIV infection in Beijing, China. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e534. [PMID: 25674755 PMCID: PMC4602732 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been increasing at an alarming rate in most areas of China in recent years. Many Chinese MSM still lack sufficient access to HIV prevention services, despite ongoing scale-up of comprehensive HIV testing and intervention services. The purpose of this study was to investigate utilization of HIV testing and prevention services, and related factors that influence the MSM people to access HIV test or other services to prevent HIV among MSM in Beijing, China.Three successive cross-sectional surveys of MSM were conducted in Beijing from September 2009 to January 2010, September 2010 to January 2011, and September 2011 to January 2012. Demographic and behavioral data were collected and analyzed. Blood samples were tested for HIV and syphilis. Three models were established to analyze factors associated with HIV testing and preventive services.Of the 1312 participants, prevalence of HIV and syphilis was 7.9% and 15.4%, respectively. Sixty-nine percent ever had an HIV test, 56.2%, 78.7%, and 46.1% received HIV test, free condom/lubricants, and sexually transmitted infection services in the past 12 months (P12M), respectively. MSM with larger social networks and who knew someone infected with HIV were more likely to receive HIV testing and preventive services; lower degrees of stigma and discriminatory attitudes toward HIV/AIDS were positively associated with having an HIV test, whereas unprotected anal intercourse in the past 6 months (P6M) was associated with less preventive services participation. The most reported barriers to HIV testing were fear of testing HIV positive (79.3%) and perceiving no risk for HIV (75.4%). Almost all participants felt that ensuring confidentiality would encourage more MSM to have an HIV test. The two main reasons for not seeking HIV test was not knowing where to go for a test (63.2%) and perceiving low risk of HIV infection (55.1%).Given a high prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and risky behaviors and a relatively low HIV testing rate among MSM in Beijing, more efforts are urgently needed to address barriers to HIV testing and improve accessibility of prevention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejuan Zhao
- From the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention (YZ, LZ, DX, HY, HL, XH); State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China (HZ, HX, YS, YR); The School of Population and Public Health University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (SWP)
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HIV prevalence trends, risky behaviours, and governmental and community responses to the epidemic among men who have sex with men in China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:607261. [PMID: 24822214 PMCID: PMC4005141 DOI: 10.1155/2014/607261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review. Numerous studies reported the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. This paper aims to investigate the overall epidemic trend and associated high-risk behaviours among Chinese MSM and to explore the governmental and community responses to the epidemic. Recent Findings. HIV prevalence among Chinese MSM increased rapidly in all Chinese regions in the past decade and disproportionally affected the Southwest China. In addition to the high-risk homosexual behaviours, overlapping bisexual, commercial, and drug use behaviours are commonly observed among Chinese MSM. The Chinese government has significantly expanded the surveillance efforts among MSM over the past decade. Community responses against HIV have been substantially strengthened with the support of international aid. However, lack of enabling legal and financial environment undermines the role of community-based organisations (CBOs) in HIV surveillance and prevention. Conclusion. HIV continues to spread rapidly among MSM in China. The hidden nature of MSM and the overlapping homosexual, bisexual, and commercial behaviours remain a challenge for HIV prevention among MSM. Strong collaboration between the government and CBOs and innovative intervention approaches are essential for effective HIV surveillance and prevention among MSM in China.
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