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Liu Y, Cheng Z, Xian Y, Liu X, Wei S, Ma J, Chen J, Chen Z, Liu F, Yang J, Yu M, Li C, Cui Z. Cascade analysis of awareness, willingness, uptake and adherence with regard to PrEP among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in China: A comparison between students and non-students. HIV Med 2024; 25:840-851. [PMID: 38533603 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In China, young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are one of the groups most at risk of HIV/AIDS. The uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among YMSM has not been well documented. A cascade analysis of awareness, willingness, use and adherence with regard to PrEP was conducted separately among YMSM students and non-students. METHODS From 20 October to 30 December 2021, all adolescents aged 16-24 years were selected for the study from among MSM recruited from 31 provincial administrative regions in mainland China. Participants were included in a cross-sectional study of awareness, willingness, use and adherence with regard to PrEP among YMSM. Logistic regression modelling was used to identify factors associated with the four outcomes. RESULTS Among 1014 student and 866 non-student YMSMs, respectively, 88.07% and 81.64% had heard of PrEP; 58.16% and 50.35% were willing to use PrEP; 7.59% and 7.62% had used PrEP; and 3.16% and 3.58% had adhered to PrEP. Among students, those living in high-risk areas and pilot cities and those who had engaged in commercial sex and group sex had a positive effect on PrEP use, and the same trends were found among non-students living in high-risk areas and pilot cities and those who had engaged in group sex. 'Daily oral' and 'flexible' PrEP use positively influenced adherence among both groups. CONCLUSIONS A differentiation strategy of PrEP promotion should be implemented among YMSM. Material support for students, such as financial resources, should increase, while non-students should increase their level of perception of HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaoyu Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yidan Xian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Siyue Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ju Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiageng Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongdan Chen
- HIV/Hepatitis/STI/TB, World Health Organization Representative Office in China, Beijing, China
| | - Fengli Liu
- Shenlan Public Health Counseling Service Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Shenlan Public Health Counseling Service Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Maohe Yu
- STD & AIDS Control and Prevention Section, Tianjin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology of Infectious Disease, Tianjin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Changping Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuang Cui
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Yu YJ, Schieber E, Janamnuaysook R, Wang B, Gunasekar A, MacDonell K, Getwongsa P, Kim D, Wongharn P, Phanuphak N. Barriers and facilitators to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand: a qualitative study. AIDS Care 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38574278 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2332443] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Young MSM (YMSM), aged 15-24, account for nearly half of new HIV infections in Thailand. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention medicine for populations at substantial HIV risk, yet YMSM frequently have suboptimal uptake of and adherence to PrEP. We conducted 35 in-depth interviews with YMSM to explore barriers and facilitators of both PrEP initiation and adherence. Interviews also elicited the perceptions and experiences of healthcare providers (HCPs) working with YMSM at three clinics in Bangkok. Primary barriers to PrEP initiation were limited accessibility, insufficient knowledge, and efficacy concerns; HCPs identified no-to-low self-perception of HIV risk, pre-existing health problems, fears of side effects, and living in distant provinces as barriers to PrEP initiation. YMSM primarily reported PrEP information and self-perceptions of elevated HIV risk as facilitators to PrEP initiation. Additionally, forgetfulness and low HIV risk awareness were common barriers to PrEP adherence. Reminders were a prominent facilitator of PrEP adherence alongside disclosure to close relationships, the routinization of regimens, and convenient facilities. HCPs regarded counseling as the leading facilitator of PrEP adherence. By understanding the barriers/facilitators of PrEP use, the current study seeks to help develop evidence-informed PrEP intervention programs among YMSM while considering cultural sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Jung Yu
- Department of Anthropology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Schieber
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Rena Janamnuaysook
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Abhinaya Gunasekar
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Karen MacDonell
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | | | - Deogwoon Kim
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Prissana Wongharn
- Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nittaya Phanuphak
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Aidoo-Frimpong G, Abu-Ba’are GR, Apreku A, Amoh-Otu RP, Zigah E, Amu-Adu P, Amuah S, Nyblade L, Torpey K, Nelson LE. "We have our reasons": Exploring the acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Ghana. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.05.23299515. [PMID: 38105990 PMCID: PMC10723517 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.05.23299515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Ghanaian men who have sex with men (MSM) face significant HIV disparities. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective tool for HIV prevention. Previous studies on the perspectives of PrEP use among Ghanaian MSM identified high interest in PrEP among this population. However, the knowledge from the previous research, which was the best available evidence at the time, was primarily hypothetical because those data were collected before any real-world implementation of PrEP in Ghana. The purpose of the analysis is to identify and understand the factors currently influencing PrEP acceptance. We conducted a secondary analysis of focus group (n=8) data with Ghanaian MSM. Audio transcripts were subjected to descriptive thematic analysis. There was an almost universal awareness of PrEP, but inaccuracies about PrEP were common. PrEP acceptability was influenced by a mix of individual and intrapersonal factors. To bridge the gap between awareness, knowledge, and acceptability, HIV prevention programs should address access barriers and incorporate community-derived strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Aidoo-Frimpong
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Amos Apreku
- Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Edem Zigah
- Priorities on Rights and Sexual Health, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Samuel Amuah
- Youth Alliance for Health and Human Rights, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Kwasi Torpey
- Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - LaRon E. Nelson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven CT, USA
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Division, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven CT, USA
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Sethi AK, Haldar P, Rai SK, Kant S, Rajan S, Kumar P, Mishra JK, Singh B. Low awareness but high acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV among men who have sex with men and transgender persons in Delhi, India. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:763-776. [PMID: 37269245 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231174936] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is part of India's HIV prevention policy. We aimed to determine awareness of and willingness-to-use PrEP among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender-persons (TG) in Delhi, India.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at five purposively selected targeted-intervention projects in Delhi. Participants included self-identified MSM/TG aged ≥18 years, with negative/unknown HIV serostatus. A structured interview schedule, developed using formative research, was used. Primary outcomes were awareness of, and willingness-to-use PrEP. Socio-demographic and behaviour variables included age, living situation, education, anal-sex, condom-use and experiences of physical-violence. Determinants of outcome were identified in univariable logistic regression; variables associated at p < .25 were included in multivariable regression models.Results: Of 400 (224 MSM, 176 TG), mean ± SD age 25.7 ± 7.2 years, 14.5% (95% CI 11.0, 18.0) were aware of PrEP, while 63.3% (95% CI: 58.6, 68.1) reported willingness-to-use PrEP. PrEP-awareness was independently associated with formal-education (adjusted odds ratio; AOR = 1.20), professional occupation (AOR = 5.45) and condom-use (AOR = 3.07). Willingness-to-use PrEP was higher if participants had recent anal-sex (AOR = 2.29), had used condoms during anal-sex (AOR = 2.09), or recently experienced physical-violence (AOR = 3.65).Conclusions: PrEP awareness was low, but most were willing to use PrEP, implying that communication is key to PrEP awareness and uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adhish Kumar Sethi
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Partha Haldar
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Rai
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashi Kant
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shobini Rajan
- National AIDS Control Organization, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Bhawani Singh
- National AIDS Control Organization, New Delhi, India
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Restar AJ, Quilantang MI, Wickersham J, Adia A, Guigayoma J, Bermudez AN, Galárraga O, Flores DD, Cu‐Uvin S, Nazareno J, Operario D, Sison O. Predictors of PrEP awareness, PrEP discussion and interest in long-acting injectable PrEP among Filipina transfeminine adults. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26080. [PMID: 37306123 PMCID: PMC10258862 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transfeminine adults are impacted by the HIV epidemic in the Philippines, and newly approved modalities of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), including long-acting injectable (LAI-PrEP), could be beneficial for this group. To inform implementation, we analysed PrEP awareness, discussion and interest in taking LAI-PrEP among Filipina transfeminine adults. METHODS We utilized secondary data from the #ParaSaAtin survey that sampled Filipina transfeminine adults (n = 139) and conducted a series of multivariable logistic regressions with lasso selection to explore factors independently associated with PrEP outcomes, including awareness, discussion with trans friends and interest in LAI-PrEP. RESULTS Overall, 53% of Filipina transfeminine respondents were aware of PrEP, 39% had discussed PrEP with their trans friends and 73% were interested in LAI-PrEP. PrEP awareness was associated with being non-Catholic (p = 0.017), having previously been HIV tested (p = 0.023), discussing HIV services with a provider (p<0.001) and having high HIV knowledge (p = 0.021). Discussing PrEP with friends was associated with older age (p = 0.040), having experienced healthcare discrimination due to transgender identity (p = 0.044), having HIV tested (p = 0.001) and having discussed HIV services with a provider (p < 0.001). Very interested in LAI-PrEP was associated with living in Central Visayas (p = 0.045), having discussed HIV services with a provider (p = 0.001) and having discussed HIV services with a sexual partner (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Implementing LAI-PrEP in the Philippines requires addressing systemic improvements across personal, interpersonal, social and structural levels in healthcare access, including efforts to create healthcare settings and environments with providers who are trained and competent in transgender health and can address the social and structural drivers of trans health inequities, including HIV and barriers to LAI-PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjee Javellana Restar
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Research Education Institute for Diverse Scholars (REIDS)Yale University School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST)Brown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Ma Irene Quilantang
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST)Brown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of Behavioral and Social SciencesBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Philippines‐ManilaManilaPhilippines
| | - Jeffrey Wickersham
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Research Education Institute for Diverse Scholars (REIDS)Yale University School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Alex Adia
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST)Brown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of California – Berkeley School of Public HealthBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - John Guigayoma
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST)Brown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of Behavioral and Social SciencesBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Amiel Nazer Bermudez
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST)Brown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of Philippines‐ManilaManilaPhilippines
| | - Omar Galárraga
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and PracticeBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Dalmacio Dennis Flores
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Research Education Institute for Diverse Scholars (REIDS)Yale University School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of Family and Community HealthUniversity of Pennsylvania School of NursingPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Susan Cu‐Uvin
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST)Brown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of Behavioral and Social SciencesBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Jennifer Nazareno
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST)Brown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of Behavioral and Social SciencesBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Don Operario
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST)Brown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education SciencesEmory University Rollins School of Public HealthAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Olivia Sison
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST)Brown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of HealthUniversity of Philippines‐ManilaManilaPhilippines
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L C, M C, P N, T D, K T, P T, P S, P P, V P, J S, L D, N T, J N, M M. Providing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis to men who have sex with men and transgender women in hospitals and community-led clinics in Thailand: acceptance, patterns of use, trends in risk behaviors, and HIV incidence. AIDS Care 2023; 35:524-537. [PMID: 36726288 PMCID: PMC10121879 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2159312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
From May 2015 to June 2018, we conducted a PrEP demonstration project at two hospitals and four community-led clinics in Bangkok and Pattaya. HIV-negative, MSM and TGW aged ≥18 years old, reporting sex without a condom, were offered daily PrEP. Participants received HIV testing and completed a computer-based questionnaire at enrollment, 6 and 12 months. We collected self-reported PrEP adherence at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12. We used logistic regression to determine factors associated with the decision to take PrEP and calculated HIV incidence among baseline HIV-negative participants. Of 803 participants enrolled, 349 (43.5%) started PrEP. Participants were more likely to start PrEP if they were sex workers, had moderate or high self-perceived risk of HIV, or a high PrEP-knowledge score. Participants used PrEP for a median of 6.1 months. Reported condom use increased and the number of sex partners decreased during follow-up regardless of PrEP use. Six participants not-taking PrEP acquired HIV (HIV incidence 2.2 per 100 person-years), and five taking PrEP acquired HIV (HIV incidence 2.1 per 100 person-years). All five reported taking <4 pills the weeks before study visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheewanan L
- Division of AIDS and STIs, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chomnad M
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Nittaya P
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Deondara T
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thana K
- Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Tharee P
- Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Lerdsin hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supabhorn P
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patcharaporn P
- Division of AIDS and STIs, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prin V
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Surang J
- Service Workers in Group Foundation (SWING), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Danai L
- Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Nuchapong J
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Michael M
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Teng F, Sha Y, Fletcher LM, Welsch M, Burns P, Tang W. Barriers to uptake of PrEP across the continuum among transgender women: A global scoping review. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:299-314. [PMID: 36793197 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231152781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated high efficacy for HIV prevention, rates of PrEP uptake remain low among the transgender population, especially in transgender women (TGW). We conducted this scoping review to assess and characterize barriers to PrEP use along the PrEP care continuum among TGW. METHODS We conducted this scoping review by searching studies in Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included: reporting a PrEP related quantitative result among TGW; peer-reviewed and published in English between 2010-2021. RESULTS Globally, high willingness (80%) to use PrEP was found, yet uptake and adherence (35.4%) were low. TGW experiencing hardship, including poverty, incarceration, and substance use, were associated with higher odds of PrEP awareness but lower odds of PrEP use. Structural and social barriers such as stigma, medical mistrust, and perceived racism can be important barriers for PrEP continuation. High social cohesion and hormone replacement therapy were associated with greater odds of awareness. In addition, our study confirmed prior research showing that PrEP does not lower feminizing hormone levels in TGW. CONCLUSIONS Significant demographic factors among TGW that are associated with PrEP engagement. It is imperative to focus on TGW as a population with independent needs, requiring specific PrEP care guidelines and tailored resource allocation, that fully considers individual-, provider-, and community/structural-level barriers and facilitators. The present review also indicates that combining PrEP care with GAHT or broader gender-affirmation care may facilitate PrEP use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Teng
- Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Yongjie Sha
- 568921University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lauren M Fletcher
- Department of Academic Affairs, Rowland Medical Library, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Michael Welsch
- Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Paul Burns
- Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Weiming Tang
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, 568921University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
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Application of Bayesian networks to identify factors influencing acceptability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Guilin, China. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20542. [PMID: 36446859 PMCID: PMC9707149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24965-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective strategy to prevent uninfected individuals from contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), however it must be acceptable to stakeholders in order to be effective. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of PrEP and related influencing factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among female sex workers (FSW), people who inject drugs (PWID), and men who have sex with men (MSM) using respondent driven sampling. Factors influencing PrEP acceptability were estimated using ordinal logistic regression and Bayesian networks. The survey included 765 eligible participants. The mean score of the perceived acceptability index was 3.9 (SD = 1.97). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a higher acceptance of PrEP was associated with elder age, having other medical insurance, higher perceived utility of PrEP in facilitating prevention of HIV, higher perceived ease of use, higher perceived risk of increased risk behavior, higher perceived privacy problem in using PrEP, higher perceived comparative advantage over condom use, higher perceived comparative advantage of having sex when the urge arises, and higher perceived image of PrEP user as having sexual risky behavior, as public-minded and as health-conscious. The Bayesian network model showed perceived ease of use, perceived image of user as health-conscious, and perceived comparative advantage of having sex when the urge arises were directly associated with acceptability of PrEP. If these three factors were at a high level, 74.6% of the participants would have a high level of acceptability of PrEP. Effective education strategies to promote the acceptance of PrEP are needed. Implementation strategies should incorporate more inclusive messaging and build positive publicity for PrEP to reduce the stigma that PrEP use indicates risky behavior.
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A focused multi-state model to estimate the pediatric and adolescent HIV epidemic in Thailand, 2005–2025. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276330. [PMCID: PMC9671429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We estimated the magnitude of the HIV epidemic among children and youth living with HIV (CYHIV) aged 0–25 years in Thailand, projecting forward from 2005 to 2025, and identified underreported input parameters that influence epidemic projections, in order to inform future public health and research priorities. Methods We developed a focused multi-state transition model incorporating perinatally-acquired HIV and non-perinatally-acquired HIV, stratified by population, including men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), people who inject drugs (PWID), and the remainder of the population (“other”). We populated the model with published and programmatic data from the Thai national AIDS program when available. We projected the period from 2005–2025 and compared model results to programmatic data and projections from other models. In a scenario analysis, we projected the potential impact of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for MSM from 2018–2025. Results The initial 2005 cohort was comprised of 66,900 CYHIV; 8% CYHIV were <5 years, 21% were 5–14 years, and 71% were 15–25 years of age. By 2020, 94% were projected to be >15 years and infections among MSM constituted 83% of all new HIV infections. The numbers of CYHIV decreased over time, projected to reach 30,760 by 2020 (-54%) and 22,640 by 2025 (-66%). The proportion of all CYHIV aged 0–25 who were diagnosed and on ART increased from 37 to 60% over the 2005–2025 period. Projections were sensitive to variations in assumptions about initial HIV prevalence and incidence among MSM, PWID, and “other” youth. Conclusions More data on incidence rates among sexual and gender minority youth and PWID are needed to characterize the role of specific exposures and key populations in the adolescent HIV epidemic. More accurate estimates will project shifts in population and inform more targeted interventions to prevent and care for Thai CYHIV.
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Zhou L, Assanangkornchai S, Shi Z, Jiang F, Yang D, Shi W. Acceptability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Non-Occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Guilin, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063579. [PMID: 35329266 PMCID: PMC8951311 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) are both effective strategies for preventing HIV. There is limited information about the acceptability of these prevention measures in undeveloped areas of China. We aimed to examine the acceptability of PrEP and nPEP and their determinants among men who have sex with men (MSM). 219 MSM were recruited in Guilin, China. In total, 28.6% (95% CI: 20.0–41.0) and 35.9% (95% CI: 27.3–49.5) of the participants had heard of PrEP and nPEP, respectively, while 57.0% (95% CI: 43.1–68.2) and 58.6 (95% CI:44.8–68.8) reported they would be willing to use PrEP and nPEP after the methods were explained. A higher acceptability of PrEP was seen among participants who were previously married (aOR = 3.30; 95% CI: 1.22–9.19), working as a laborer (aOR = 5.13; 95% CI: 1.64–17.59), migrant workers/farmers (aOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.15–5.79), government employees (aOR = 4.76; 95%CI: 1.80–13.02), had higher social support (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03–1.08), and had been previously tested for HIV (aOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.36–5.94). A higher acceptability of nPEP was associated with those having higher social support (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.04–1.09), not knowing their sexual partner’s HIV status (aOR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.23–6.12), and having a prior HIV test (aOR = 5.53; 95% CI: 2.58–12.51). PrEP and nPEP are acceptable, especially among MSM with higher social support and had received a previous HIV test. Effective education and different dissemination strategies to promote the acceptance of PrEP and nPEP among MSM are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingmi Zhou
- Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand;
- Department of AIDS Control and Prevention, Guilin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guilin 541000, China; (Z.S.); (F.J.); (D.Y.)
| | - Sawitri Assanangkornchai
- Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand;
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (W.S.)
| | - Zhaohui Shi
- Department of AIDS Control and Prevention, Guilin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guilin 541000, China; (Z.S.); (F.J.); (D.Y.)
| | - Fusheng Jiang
- Department of AIDS Control and Prevention, Guilin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guilin 541000, China; (Z.S.); (F.J.); (D.Y.)
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of AIDS Control and Prevention, Guilin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guilin 541000, China; (Z.S.); (F.J.); (D.Y.)
| | - Wuxiang Shi
- Health Management Unit, Faculty of Humanities and Management, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (W.S.)
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Sun Z, Gu Q, Dai Y, Zou H, Agins B, Chen Q, Li P, Shen J, Yang Y, Jiang H. Increasing awareness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and willingness to use HIV PrEP among men who have sex with men: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global data. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25883. [PMID: 35255193 PMCID: PMC8901150 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Integrated knowledge regarding pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and willingness to use PrEP can be useful for HIV prevention in high incidence groups. This review summarizes the awareness of PrEP and willingness to use PrEP among men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods Online electronic databases were searched before 31 August 2021. A meta‐analysis was conducted to pool studies analysing PrEP awareness and willingness to use PrEP. LOESS regression and linear regression were applied to fit the trends over time for the proportion of MSM aware of PrEP and willing to use PrEP. Dose–response meta‐analysis (DRMA) was conducted by a restricted cubic spline model to explore the relationship between willingness to use PrEP and selected factors. Results and Discussion A total of 156 articles involving 228,403 MSM were included. The pooled proportions of MSM aware of PrEP and willing to use PrEP were 50.0 (95% CI: 44.8–55.2) and 58.6% (95% CI: 54.8–62.4), respectively. PrEP awareness varied among countries with different economic status and different WHO regions, among different publication and research years, PrEP types and support policies. PrEP willingness differed among countries with different economic status and groups with different risks of HIV. The awareness of PrEP increased from 2007 to 2019 with a slope of 0.040260 (p<0.0001), while the proportion of MSM willing to use PrEP decreased from 2007 to 2014 (slope = –0.03647, p = 0.00390) but increased after 2014 (slope = 0.04187, p = 0.03895). The main facilitators of willingness to use PrEP were PrEP awareness, condomless sexual behaviours, high perceived risk of HIV infection and influence of social network. The main barriers were doubts about the efficacy and side effects of PrEP. DRMA results indicated that MSM with more sexual partners and lower level of education were more willing to use PrEP. No publication bias was observed. Conclusions The proportions of PrEP awareness and willingness to use PrEP among MSM have increased since 2014, although the awareness was low and the willingness was moderate. Improving awareness of PrEP through increasing access to PrEP‐related health education and enhancing risk perceptions of HIV infection could have positive effects on the willingness to use PrEP among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishan Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Qianfei Gu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yifan Dai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, PR China.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Bruce Agins
- HEALTHQUAL, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Qiaosen Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Peiyang Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Junchun Shen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Hongbo Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Public Health Detection and Assessment, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, PR China
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12
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Chakrapani V, Shaikh S, Arumugam V, Chawla U, Mehta S. Factors Influencing Willingness to Use Human Immunodeficiency Virus Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Transgender Women in India. Transgend Health 2021; 6:64-73. [PMID: 34414264 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2019.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: High levels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence and inconsistent condom use among transgender women in India highlight the need for additional effective HIV prevention methods like preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We examined the extent of and factors influencing willingness to use PrEP among trans women in India. Methods: Between June and August 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 360 trans women recruited through community-based organizations in six cities. We assessed PrEP knowledge, condom use, attitudes toward PrEP (after providing information on PrEP), preferences in PrEP pricing and access venues, discrimination experiences, and the likelihood of using PrEP. Logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Participants' median age was 26 years; 50.7% had not completed high school, and 24.8% engaged in sex work. Only 17.1% reported having heard of PrEP before the survey, and 80.6% reported that they would definitely use PrEP. Trans women in sex work had 28 times higher odds of reporting willingness to use PrEP than those not in sex work (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=28.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]=8.79-95.16, p<0.001). When compared with trans women who did not experience discrimination, the odds of reporting willingness to use PrEP was lower among trans women who had experienced discrimination from health care providers (aOR=0.25, 95% CI=0.06-0.97, p=0.04) and family members (aOR=0.08, 95% CI=0.05-0.14, p<0.001). Conclusion: Willingness to use PrEP was high among trans women, especially those in sex work, despite identified barriers (e.g., discrimination experiences). To promote PrEP uptake among at-risk trans women, the steps needed are as follows: increasing awareness about PrEP; providing easy-to-understand information on PrEP's effectiveness, side effects and interactions between PrEP and hormones; training health care providers on PrEP and cultural competency; and reducing stigmas related to PrEP use and HIV. PrEP implementation research projects to identify effective PrEP delivery strategies are urgently needed to reduce the disproportionate HIV burden among trans women in India.
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13
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Yan L, Yan Z, Wilson E, Arayasirikul S, Lin J, Yan H, McFarland W. Awareness and Willingness to use HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Trans Women in China: A Community-Based Survey. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:866-874. [PMID: 32989576 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03050-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
China's national guidelines call for increasing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use to reverse the epidemic in populations at highest risk. However, few data exist on PrEP awareness and willingness among trans women in China. Our research aim was to fill this data gap through a cross-sectional survey among trans women in Nanjing and Suzhou cities of Jiangsu province. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit participants to gauge their awareness of and willingness to use PrEP. Logistic regression analysis was used to characterize associations with awareness of PrEP and willingness to use PrEP. Of 222 HIV-negative/unknown serostatus trans women, 33.3% were aware of PrEP and 49.1% were willing to use PrEP. PrEP awareness was associated with a university degree or above (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.77, 95% CI 1.31-5.89) and not using alcohol with sex (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.00-4.09). Willingness to use PrEP was higher among trans women with one (AOR 3.56, 95% CI 1.68-7.54) or multiple sexual partners (AOR 2.53, 95% CI 1.24-5.15) compared to those with no partners. This study witnessed low awareness of PrEP, yet substantial willingness to use PrEP. Implementation research to identify ways to promote, scale up access, and assess effectiveness of PrEP for trans women is urgently needed in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zihan Yan
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Erin Wilson
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 710, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Sean Arayasirikul
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 710, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Jessica Lin
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 710, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Hongjing Yan
- Section of AIDS Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Willi McFarland
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 710, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.
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Belludi A, McFall AM, Solomon SS, Celentano DD, Mehta SH, Srikrishnan AK, Kumar MS, Solomon S, Lucas GM. Awareness of and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men in India: Results from a multi-city cross-sectional survey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247352. [PMID: 33630909 PMCID: PMC7906475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in reducing HIV transmission among key populations. In India, where PrEP is not currently part of the national HIV program, little is known about PrEP awareness, willingness to use PrEP, and barriers to uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods We used respondent-driven sampling to accrue PWID and MSM in 22 sites from August 2016 to May 2017. Participants were asked about awareness of PrEP, willingness to use PrEP (following a brief description) and reasons why they might not be willing to use PrEP. Participants were also queried on preferences for PrEP delivery modality (oral vs. injectable). Multi-level logistic regression models were used to determine participant correlates of willingness to use PrEP. Estimates were weighted for the sampling method. Results A total of 10,538 PWID and 8,621 MSM who self-reported being HIV-negative were included in the analysis. Only 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.9, 6.3) of PWID and 8.0% of MSM (95% CI: 7.7, 8.4) were aware of PrEP. However, willingness to use PrEP was substantially higher in both groups: 52.4% of PWID and 67.6% of MSM. Participants commonly cited a perceived low risk for acquiring HIV infection, being perceived by others as being HIV-positive, and side effects as reasons why they would be unwilling to use PrEP. Among PWID, sharing needles and hazardous alcohol use were associated with increased willingness to use PrEP. Among MSM, having a main male partner and injection drug use were associated with increased willingness to use PrEP. Preference for daily oral or monthly injectable PrEP was similar among MSM (39.6%% vs. 41.7%,), while PWID were more likely to prefer oral to injectable administration routes (56.3% vs. 31.1%). Conclusions As India plans to roll-out of PrEP in the public sector, our multi-city survey of PWID and MSM highlights the need for key population-focused education campaigns about PrEP and self-assessment of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Belludi
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Allison M. McFall
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sunil Suhas Solomon
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Y.R. Gaitonde Center for AIDS Research and Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - David D. Celentano
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Shruti H. Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - A. K. Srikrishnan
- Y.R. Gaitonde Center for AIDS Research and Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M. Suresh Kumar
- Y.R. Gaitonde Center for AIDS Research and Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Suniti Solomon
- Y.R. Gaitonde Center for AIDS Research and Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gregory M. Lucas
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Allan-Blitz LT, Mena LA, Mayer KH. The ongoing HIV epidemic in American youth: challenges and opportunities. Mhealth 2021; 7:33. [PMID: 33898602 PMCID: PMC8063015 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-20-42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been decreasing in the United States overall, except among youth, and in particular among Black and Latinx young men who have sex with men (MSM). In this review we summarize key drivers of the HIV epidemic among youth, as well as novel interventions geared specifically towards combating the epidemic among high-risk populations. Many factors driving the HIV epidemic among youth are related to systemic inequities, including lack of access to healthcare, inadequate education, and internalized and experience homophobia and racism. Developmentally, youth may feel that they are invulnerable and be willing to engage in risks. Moreover, HIV is often invisible for youth given advances in treatment and community stigma, limiting open discussion of risk and new preventive modalities. Outcomes from the HIV treatment cascade suggest that youth are less likely to be aware of their HIV infection status, less likely to link to and be engaged in care, and less likely to be virologically suppressed than older MSM and other populations of people living with HIV. Importantly, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been shown to be an effective tool for prevention of HIV infection that also appears to have disproportionately poor uptake among youth. Barriers to PrEP utilization appear to be quite heterogeneous, and include patient-, provider-, and structural-level barriers. Interventions important in improving HIV prevention will thus have to be multipronged and developed for culturally diverse populations. Cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions are promising strategies as they are able to address a diverse array of barriers. New formulations of PrEP will also likely be instrumental in improving adherence. Since youth spend considerable amounts of time accessing digital media, the deployment of apps and other mobile phone-based interfaces offer unique opportunities to increase education and to facilitate HIV prevention for at risk youth. Multiple studies are underway to better inform the optimal delivery of treatment and prevention services for this complex and diverse population, and include novel sociobiological interventions and new modes of medication delivery that may lend themselves to overcoming obstacles specific to youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leandro A. Mena
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Galka JM, Wang M, Azwa I, Gibson B, Lim SH, Shrestha R, Wickersham JA. Willingness to Use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention and PrEP Implementation Preferences Among Transgender Women in Malaysia. Transgend Health 2020; 5:258-266. [PMID: 33644315 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Transgender women (TW) face one of the highest HIV burdens worldwide. In Malaysia, 12.4% of TW are HIV infected, ∼30-fold higher than in the Malaysian adult population. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention strategy, however, little is known about TW's willingness to use PrEP or their preferences for receiving PrEP. This study examined the correlates of Malaysian TW's willingness to use PrEP and their attitudes and preferences related to delivery of PrEP and PrEP-related care. Methods: Between June and August 2017, 361 TW in Malaysia completed an online survey about their knowledge of and willingness to use PrEP for HIV prevention. Results: Only 20.2% of participants had ever previously heard of PrEP and none were currently taking PrEP. The majority (82.5%) expressed high willingness to take PrEP and most participants met the World Health Organization (WHO) indication for PrEP (82.3%). In the multivariate model, lifetime hormone use, prior postexposure prophylaxis use, and having completed a high school education were associated with higher willingness to use PrEP, while injection drug use, older age, and Chinese ethnicity were associated with lower PrEP willingness. Conclusion: TW in Malaysia are highly willing to use PrEP for HIV prevention. Differences in willingness to use PrEP identified by education, ethnicity, substance abuse, and age suggest different strategies may be needed to scale-up PrEP for this diverse community of TW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Galka
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of History of Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melinda Wang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Britton Gibson
- Quinnipiac University School of Medicine, Hamden, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sin How Lim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Roman Shrestha
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Auemaneekul N, Lertpruek S, Satitvipawee P, Tuah NAA. Pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake for HIV infection prevention among young men who have sex with men and transgender women in Bangkok, Thailand. JOURNAL OF HEALTH RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/jhr-10-2019-0242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study aimed to assess factors associated with the intention to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Thai young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Bangkok.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveyed 350 sexually active Thai YMSM and TGW aged between 18 and 24 years registered with a nongovernmental organization (NGO) working with the MSM community. Data were collected using snowball sampling from four venues. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with the intention to take PrEP daily.FindingsThe results showed that of all those surveyed, n = 310 (88%) participated. The median age was 21 years. In all, 18% of participants had heard about PrEP, and 36% correctly identified that PrEP is used for prevention. After receiving information, 31% intended to take daily PrEP and the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) rate was 35.5%. Factors significantly associated with intention to take daily PrEP were history of HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.3, 95% CI, 1.3–4.1), and high perceived behavioral control of PrEP adherence scores (AOR 3.0, 95% CI, 1.8–5.2).Originality/valueThis study showed that intention to take and knowledge of daily PrEP among YMSM and TGW was low. Promoting health education to YMSM and TGW about PrEP and MSM-friendly VCT services are needed to effectively implement PrEP in HIV prevention programs.
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Ahouada C, Diabaté S, Mondor M, Hessou S, Guédou FA, Béhanzin L, Batona G, Gning NN, Zannou DM, Alary M. Acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention: facilitators, barriers and impact on sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in Benin. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1267. [PMID: 32819335 PMCID: PMC7441559 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09363-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Benin, men who have sex with men (MSM) do not always use condoms during anal sex. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) using Truvada® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate / emtricitabine) may be a complementary HIV prevention measure for MSM. This study aimed at identifying the potential facilitators and barriers to the use of PrEP. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2018 among male-born MSM aged 18 years or older who reported being HIV-negative or unaware of their HIV status. The participants were recruited by the RDS technique (respondent driven sampling) in six cities of Benin. Logistic regression analyses, adapted to RDS statistical requirements, were performed to identify the factors associated with PrEP acceptability. RESULTS Mean age of the 400 MSM recruited was 26.2 ± 5.0 years. PrEP was known by 50.7% of respondents. The intention to use PrEP was expressed by 90% of MSM. If PrEP effectiveness were 90% or more, 87.8% of the respondents thought they would decrease condom use. In multivariate analysis, the facilitators associated with PrEP acceptability were: not having to pay for PrEP (odds ratio (OR) = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.50-4.46) and its accessibility within MSM networks (OR = 9.82, 95% CI: 3.50-27.52). Only one barrier was significant: the concern that taking PrEP be perceived as marker of adopting HIV risky behaviors (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04-0.30). CONCLUSION In Benin, not all MSM know about PrEP. But once well informed, the majority seems willing to use it if made available. The free availability of the drug and its accessibility in the MSM networks are important facilitators. The possibility of decrease in condom use should not be a barrier to the prescription of PrEP if made available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carin Ahouada
- Hopital de Zone Allada, Allada, Benin.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada.,Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Souleymane Diabaté
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada.,Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada.,Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Myrto Mondor
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Septime Hessou
- Centre Interfacultaire de Formation et de Recherche en Environnement pour le Développement Durable (CIFRED/UAC), Abomey-Calavi, Bénin
| | | | - Luc Béhanzin
- Dispensaire des IST, Centre de Santé Cotonou I, Cotonou, Bénin.,École Nationale de Formation des Techniciens Supérieurs en Santé Publique et en Surveillance Épidémiologique, Université de Parakou, Parakou, Bénin
| | - Georges Batona
- Dispensaire des IST, Centre de Santé Cotonou I, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Ndeye Ndiagna Gning
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada.,Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - D Marcel Zannou
- Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga de Cotonou, Cotonou, Benin.,Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Michel Alary
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada. .,Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada. .,Institut national de santé publique, Québec, Québec, Canada. .,Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement 1050 chemin Ste-Foy Québec, Québec, QC, G1S 4L8, Canada.
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van Dijk M, Duken SB, Delabre RM, Stranz R, Schlegel V, Rojas Castro D, Bernier A, Zantkuijl P, Ruiter RAC, de Wit JBF, Jonas KJ. PrEP Interest Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Netherlands: Covariates and Differences Across Samples. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:2155-2164. [PMID: 32124118 PMCID: PMC7316842 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01620-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite increased availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), PrEP uptake has remained low. To promote uptake, factors related to PrEP interest among relevant target populations warrant investigation. The aim of this study was to provide an analysis of PrEP interest among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Netherlands, while taking study recruitment strategies into account. We recruited 154 MSM from an LGBT research panel (AmsterdamPinkPanel) and 272 MSM from convenience sampling. Both samples were part of the Flash! PrEP in Europe Survey and were compared on their PrEP interest, usage intentions, and sexual behavior. We conducted logistic regression analyses to discover variables associated with PrEP interest and intentions. Participants from the AmsterdamPinkPanel were less likely to use PrEP, had less knowledge of PrEP, and were less interested in PrEP than participants from convenience sampling. Significant covariates of PrEP interest were being single, more prior PrEP knowledge, sexual risk behaviors, such as not having used a condom during last sex and having ever used drugs in a sexual context, and not participating in the AmsterdamPinkPanel. Adding the recruitment strategy to the regression increased explained variance on top of predictors already described in the literature. Increased sexual risk behavior is related to increased PrEP interest and it helps to identify PrEP target groups. Recruitment strategies have a substantial impact on findings regarding PrEP interest and usage intentions. This study emphasizes the importance of using multiple strategies for recruiting participants to obtain a more comprehensive view of MSM's attitudes toward PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mart van Dijk
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Sascha B Duken
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Daniela Rojas Castro
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
- INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- GRePS (Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale) (EA4163), Université de Lyon 2, Lyon, France
| | - Adeline Bernier
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | | | - Robert A C Ruiter
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - John B F de Wit
- Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kai J Jonas
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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20
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Diabaté S, Kra O, Biékoua YJ, Pelletier SJ, Osso DG, Diané B, N'Dhatz-Ebagnitchié M, Ahouada C, Kobena AK, Alary M. Pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in Côte d'Ivoire: a quantitative study of acceptability. AIDS Care 2020; 33:1228-1236. [PMID: 32603610 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1785997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This cross sectional study was conducted in 2018 in Côte d'Ivoire to assess PrEP acceptability among men who have sex with men (MSM). Two hundred and one men were asked on their intention to use PrEP if made available. Logistic regression accounting for the sampling design was used to analyze associations between high PrEP acceptability and different independent variables including barriers and facilitators. Participants were mostly young (mean age = 25 years), educated (82% with secondary/postsecondary education) and single (95.5%). On average, 3.4 episodes of anal sex were reported monthly and 37.8% of men did not use a condom at last sex. Most MSM (72.6%) had heard of PrEP before enrollment. Overall, 35.3% reported that they would use PrEP very probably if made available. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with high PrEP acceptability were condom use at last sexual intercourse (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.51; 95%Confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.45-4.33); insertive sex as compared to versatile sex (OR = 2.56; 95%CI = 1.14-5.67); free PrEP delivery (OR = 2.45; 95%CI = 1.07-5.59), concerns about side effects (OR = 0.66; 95%CI = 0.48-0.90), and being preoccupied by the fact that post-PrEP antiretroviral therapy could be inefficient (OR = 0.25; 95%CI = 0.14-0.44). PrEP implementation among MSM in Côte d'Ivoire should be accompanied by awareness raising campaigns explaining its utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Diabaté
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - O Kra
- Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Y J Biékoua
- Renaissance Santé Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - S J Pelletier
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - D G Osso
- Renaissance Santé Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - B Diané
- Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | | | - A K Kobena
- Renaissance Santé Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - M Alary
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
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21
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Restar AJ, Adia A, Cu-Uvin S, Operario D. Characterizing PrEP Awareness and Interest Among Filipina Transgender Women. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2020; 32:212-228. [PMID: 32749880 PMCID: PMC10442845 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2020.32.3.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can efficaciously avert HIV acquisition for individuals at risk, including transgender individuals (trans) in the Philippines. We conducted multivariate logistic regression procedures in an online sample of Filipina trans women (n = 139) to examine associations of PrEP awareness. In this sample, 53% of Filipina trans women were unaware of PrEP, but almost all (93%) expressed interest in taking PrEP once learning about it. Greater odds of PrEP awareness was associated with discussion of HIV services with their health care providers, higher HIV knowledge, and discussion of PrEP among trans friends. Lower odds of PrEP awareness was associated with reporting being currently unemployed. The findings underscore a subset of trans women who might be early adopters of PrEP, and highlight PrEP inequities among trans women most marginalized, including those who are unemployed and have engaged in sex work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjee J Restar
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
- Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, Rhode Island
- amfAR, The Foundation of AIDS Research, Washington, DC
| | - Alexander Adia
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
- Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Susan Cu-Uvin
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
- Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, Rhode Island
- Providence-Boston Center for AIDS Research and Miriam Hospital, Department of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Don Operario
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
- Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, Rhode Island
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22
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Brady M, Rodger A, Asboe D, Cambiano V, Clutterbuck D, Desai M, Field N, Harbottle J, Jamal Z, McCormack S, Palfreeman A, Portman M, Quinn K, Tenant-Flowers M, Wilkins E, Young I. BHIVA/BASHH guidelines on the use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) 2018. HIV Med 2020; 20 Suppl 2:s2-s80. [PMID: 30869189 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brady
- Consultant in Sexual Health and HIV, King's College Hospital, London
| | - Alison Rodger
- Reader and Honorary Consultant Infectious Diseases and HIV, University College London
| | - David Asboe
- Consultant HIV and Sexual Health, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
| | - Valentina Cambiano
- Lecturer in Infectious Disease Modelling and Biostatistics, University College London
| | | | - Monica Desai
- Consultant Epidemiologist, Public Health England
| | - Nigel Field
- Senior Lecturer, Consultant Clinical Epidemiologist, University College London
| | | | | | - Sheena McCormack
- Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London
| | - Adrian Palfreeman
- Consultant HIV and Sexual Health, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
| | - Mags Portman
- Consultant HIV and Sexual Health, Mortimer Market Centre, London
| | - Killian Quinn
- Consultant HIV and Sexual Health, King's College Hospital, London
| | | | - Ed Wilkins
- Consultant in Infectious Diseases, North Manchester General Hospital
| | - Ingrid Young
- Chancellor's Fellow, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh
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23
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Radix AE, Harris AB, Goldstein ZG. How can we improve uptake of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for transgender individuals? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:835-838. [PMID: 32316773 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1759418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Asa E Radix
- Department of Medicine, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center , New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander B Harris
- Department of Research and Education, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center , New York, NY, USA
| | - Zil G Goldstein
- Department of Medicine, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center , New York, NY, USA
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24
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Chakrapani V, Shunmugam M, Rawat S, Baruah D, Nelson R, Newman PA. Acceptability of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Transgender Women in India: A Qualitative Investigation. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2020; 34:92-98. [PMID: 31951490 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2019.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite high HIV prevalence among transgender women (TGW) in India, there is limited exploration of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) acceptability. With PrEP licensure pending, we conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) with diverse TGW (n = 36), and eight key informant interviews with community leaders and physicians, in Mumbai and Chennai. Data were explored using framework analysis guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. FGD participants' mean age was 26.1 years (SD = 4.8); two-thirds engaged in sex work. TGW reported low PrEP awareness, with moderate acceptability once PrEP was explained. Population-specific facilitators of PrEP acceptability included its perceived effectiveness in the context of challenges to condom use in serodiscordant relationships and forced sex encounters. PrEP was considered especially appropriate for TGW sex workers; however, barriers were anticipated in the context of hierarchical hijra (indigenous trans identity) kinship networks and gurus' (masters) potential negative reactions to PrEP use by their chelas (disciples). Positive attitudes toward high efficacy and potential covert use were tempered by TGW's concerns about high costs and adherence challenges living with parents or primary partners, and TGW sex workers' unpredictable schedules. Anticipated interactions with feminizing hormones, visible side effects, and PrEP-related stigma within TGW communities emerged as opportunity costs. PrEP implementation for TGW in India should promote comprehensive information on side effects and potential interactions with feminizing hormones, provide free or subsidized PrEP, and highlight the advantages of added protection in sex work and forced sexual encounters. Meaningful engagement with TGW kinship networks can encourage positive transgender community norms on PrEP use and mitigate multifaceted stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesan Chakrapani
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
- The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, India
| | - Murali Shunmugam
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
| | | | | | - Ruban Nelson
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
| | - Peter A. Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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25
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Wirtz AL, Weir BW, Mon SHH, Sirivongrangson P, Chemnasiri T, Dunne EF, Varangrat A, Hickey AC, Decker MR, Baral S, Okanurak K, Sullivan P, Valencia R, Thigpen MC, Holtz TH, Mock PA, Cadwell B, Adeyeye A, Rooney JF, Beyrer C. Testing the Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of a Combination HIV Prevention Intervention Among Young Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women Who Sell or Exchange Sex in Thailand: Protocol for the Combination Prevention Effectiveness Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e15354. [PMID: 32012113 PMCID: PMC7011123 DOI: 10.2196/15354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in the prevention of HIV acquisition, particularly for men who have sex with men (MSM). Questions remain on the benefits of PrEP and implementation strategies for those at occupational risk of HIV acquisition in sex work, as well as on methods to support adherence among young people who initiate PrEP. Objective The Combination Prevention Effectiveness study for young cisgender MSM and transgender women (TGW) aims to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a combination intervention among HIV-uninfected young MSM and TGW engaged in sex work in Thailand. Methods This open-label, nonrandomized assessment compares the relative effectiveness of a combination prevention intervention with and without daily oral emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) PrEP with SMS-based adherence support. HIV-uninfected young MSM and TGW aged 18 to 26 years in Bangkok and Pattaya who self-report selling/exchanging sex at least once in the previous 12 months are recruited by convenience sampling and peer referral and are eligible regardless of their intent to initiate PrEP. At baseline, participants complete a standard assessment for PrEP eligibility and may initiate PrEP then or at any time during study participation. All participants complete a survey and HIV testing at baseline and every 3 months. Participants who initiate PrEP complete monthly pill pickups and may opt-in to SMS reminders. All participants are sent brief weekly SMS surveys to assess behavior with additional adherence questions for those who initiated PrEP. Adherence is defined as use of 4 or more pills within the last 7 days. The analytic plan uses a person-time approach to assess HIV incidence, comparing participant time on oral PrEP to participant time off oral PrEP for 12 to 24 months of follow-up, using a propensity score to control for confounders. Enrollment is based on the goal of observing 620 person-years (PY) on PrEP and 620 PY off PrEP. Results As of February 2019, 445 participants (417 MSM and 28 TGW) have contributed approximately 168 PY with 95% (73/77) retention at 12 months. 74.2% (330/445) of enrolled participants initiated PrEP at baseline, contributing to 134 PY of PrEP adherence, 1 PY nonadherence, and 33 PY PrEP nonuse/noninitiation. Some social harms, predominantly related to unintentional participant disclosure of PrEP use and peer stigmatization of PrEP and HIV, have been identified. Conclusions The majority of cisgender MSM and TGW who exchange sex and participate in this study are interested in PrEP, report taking sufficient PrEP, and stay on PrEP, though additional efforts are needed to address community misinformation and stigma. This novel multilevel, open-label study design and person-time approach will allow evaluation of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of combination prevention intervention in the contexts of both organized sex work and exchanged sex. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/15354
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Wirtz
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Brian Wilson Weir
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sandra Hsu Hnin Mon
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Tareerat Chemnasiri
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand MOPH-US CDC Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Eileen F Dunne
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand MOPH-US CDC Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.,Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Anchalee Varangrat
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand MOPH-US CDC Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Andrew C Hickey
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand MOPH-US CDC Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.,Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michele R Decker
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Stefan Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Patrick Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rachel Valencia
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael C Thigpen
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand MOPH-US CDC Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.,Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Timothy H Holtz
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand MOPH-US CDC Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.,Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Philip A Mock
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand MOPH-US CDC Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Betsy Cadwell
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Adeola Adeyeye
- Prevention Science Program, Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - James F Rooney
- Medical Affairs, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | -
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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26
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Awareness, Willingness, and PrEP Eligibility Among Transgender Women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 79:445-452. [PMID: 30142140 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV epidemics disproportionately affect transwomen worldwide. Trans-specific guidance, outreach, and interventions to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among transwomen are scarce. SETTING Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS We measured awareness and willingness to use PrEP and examined factors associated with those outcomes among transwomen in Rio de Janeiro and estimated how many transwomen would be eligible for PrEP. Data originate from Transcender study, a respondent-driven sampling survey conducted from August 2015 to January 2016. We performed regression models for PrEP awareness and willingness. RESULTS One hundred thirty-one (38.0%) of 345 participants had heard of PrEP. Among transwomen who self-reported as HIV-negative, 162 (76.4%, N = 212 with available data) reported willingness to use it and 163 (66.8%, N = 244) met PrEP behavioral eligibility criteria. Transwomen with health access in the previous 6 months who reported HIV-infected sexual partner and with 8+ years of schooling had increased odds of PrEP awareness. Lower PrEP awareness was associated with condomless anal intercourse and newly diagnosed HIV infection. Younger age and perceiving themselves at risk of HIV infection increased the odds of PrEP willingness. Lower odds of PrEP willingness were associated with concerns about long-term effects of PrEP and with difficulties in getting access to health care due to transphobia. CONCLUSION Combination of low awareness, high willingness, and substantial PrEP eligibility corroborates transwomen as a key population for HIV prevention. PrEP is a promising and empowering strategy for HIV prevention among transwomen, but trans-specific recommendations are needed to effectively implement PrEP in this population.
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27
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Hiransuthikul A, Janamnuaysook R, Himmad K, Kerr SJ, Thammajaruk N, Pankam T, Phanjaroen K, Mills S, Vannakit R, Phanuphak P, Phanuphak N. Drug-drug interactions between feminizing hormone therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis among transgender women: the iFACT study. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25338. [PMID: 31298497 PMCID: PMC6625338 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Concerns over potential drug-drug interactions (DDI) between feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have hampered uptake and adherence of PrEP among transgender women (TGW). To determine DDI between FHT and PrEP, we measured the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of blood plasma estradiol (E2) and tenofovir (TFV) in Thai TGW. METHODS Twenty TGW who never underwent orchiectomy and had not received injectable FHT within six months were enrolled between January and March 2018. FHT (E2 valerate and cyproterone acetate) were prescribed to participants at baseline until week 5, and then from week 8 until the end of study. Daily PrEP (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine) was initiated at week 3 and continued without interruption. Intensive E2 PK parameters and testosterone concentration at 24 hours (C24 ) were measured at weeks 3 (without PrEP) and 5 (with PrEP), and intensive TFV PK parameters were measured at weeks 5 (with FHT) and 8 (without FHT). RESULTS Median (interquartile range) age, body mass index, and creatinine clearance were 21.5 (21-26) years, 20.6 (19.0-22.4) kg/m2 , and 116 (101-126.5) mL/min, respectively. The geometric mean (%CV) of area under curve from time zero to 24 hours (AUC0-24 ), maximum concentration (Cmax ), and C24 of E2 at weeks 3 and 5 were 775.13 (26.2) pg h/mL, 51.47 (26.9) pg/mL, and 15.15 (42.0) pg/mL; and 782.84 (39.6), 55.76 (32.9), and 14.32 (67.4), respectively. The geometric mean (%CV) of TFV AUC0-24 , Cmax , and C24 at weeks 5 and 8 were 2242.1 (26.5) ng h/mL, 353.9 (34.0) ng/mL, and 40.9 (31.4) ng/mL; and 2530.2 (31.3), 311.4 (30.0), and 49.8 (29.6), respectively. The geometric mean of TFV AUC0-24 and C24 at week 5 were significantly less than that at week 8 by 12% (p = 0.03) and 18% (p < 0.001), respectively. There were no significant changes in E2 PK parameters and median C24 of bioavailable testosterone between week 3 and week 5. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated lower blood plasma TFV exposure in the presence of FHT, suggesting that FHT may potentially affect PrEP efficacy among TGW; but E2 exposure was not affected by PrEP. Further studies are warranted to determine whether these reductions in TFV are clinically significant. Clinical Trial Number: NCT03620734.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kanittha Himmad
- PREVENTIONThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
| | - Stephen J Kerr
- HIV‐NATThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
- Faculty of MedicineChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
| | | | - Tippawan Pankam
- PREVENTIONThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
| | | | | | - Ravipa Vannakit
- Office of Public HealthUnited States Agency for International DevelopmentBangkokThailand
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28
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Ahouada C, Diabaté S, Gning NN, Hessou S, Batona G, Guédou FA, Béhanzin L, Zannou MD, Alary M. Acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Benin: a qualitative study. AIDS Care 2019; 32:242-248. [PMID: 31129988 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1622643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In Benin, consistent condom use among men who have sex with men (MSM) is relatively low and providing them with Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could be of great relevance. We aimed to describe PrEP knowledge and intention to use it; identify key facilitators and barriers to PrEP; and describe the perceived impact of PrEP on unsafe sexual behavior. MSM, 18 years or older, HIV-negative or of unknown status, were enrolled in five cities of Benin. Intention to use PrEP was assessed through five focus groups (FG). Data were analyzed using manual thematic sorting. Thirty MSM (six per city) participated in the FG. Mean age (standard deviation) was 27.1 (5.0) years. All participants expressed the intention to use PrEP if made available. Facilitators of PrEP use were: availability of medication, safety, absence of constraints as well as freedom to have multiple sex partners and sex with HIV-positive friends. Barriers were: complex procedures for obtaining medication, size and taste of medication, cost of medication, poor PrEP awareness.. Eighteen men admitted that PrEP could lead to decrease in or even abandonment of condom use. In conclusion, MSM showed openness to use PrEP if available, although they recognized that it could lead to risk compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carin Ahouada
- Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga de Cotonou, Cotonou, Bénin.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Souleymane Diabaté
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Département de médecine et spécialités médicales, Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire.,Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Georges Batona
- Dispensaire des IST, Centre de Santé Cotonou I, Cotonou, Bénin
| | | | - Luc Béhanzin
- Dispensaire des IST, Centre de Santé Cotonou I, Cotonou, Bénin.,École Nationale de Formation des Techniciens Supérieurs en Santé Publique et en Surveillance Épidémiologique, Université de Parakou, Parakou, Bénin
| | - Marcel D Zannou
- Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga de Cotonou, Cotonou, Bénin.,Faculté des Sciences de Santé, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Michel Alary
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Institut national de santé publique, Québec, Canada
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Pacífico de Carvalho N, Mendicino CCP, Cândido RCF, Alecrim DJD, Menezes de Pádua CA. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and acceptability among trans women: a review. AIDS Care 2019; 31:1234-1240. [PMID: 31043069 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1612014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Transgender (trans) women are disproportionally burdened by the HIV epidemic due to complex structural, psychosocial and biological factors. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a biomedical prevention approach for people at substantial risk of acquiring HIV. This literature review assessed awareness, willingness to use, and barriers and facilitators for PrEP acceptability among trans women. A search was conducted through five databases and included studies with primary data and disaggregate results for trans women. Of 255 retrieved citations, 17 met the inclusion criteria and were included. Low to moderate knowledge about PrEP was observed among studies. However, willingness to use PrEP was predominantly high. Frequent barriers to PrEP acceptability included concerns about side effects, cost, hormone therapy, adherence, PrEP-related stigma and interaction with healthcare workers. Facilitators included perceived reduction of HIV risk, fear of HIV/AIDS and reduced dependence on partners. Findings suggest elevated interest in PrEP and highlight important barriers and facilitators that should be specifically addressed to optimize PrEP uptake and use among this highly vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathália Pacífico de Carvalho
- a Departamento de Farmácia Social, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
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Chuang DM, Newman PA. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Acceptability Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Taiwan. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2018; 30:490-501. [PMID: 30966765 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2018.30.6.490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the vast majority of new HIV infections in Taiwan, yet utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains low. We examined correlates of PrEP awareness and acceptability among MSM in Taiwan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 176 MSM (mean age = 27.4 years) recruited through community-based organizations in two cities. Less than half of participants (47.2%) were aware of PrEP; however, when it was described to them, the majority (72.2%) indicated PrEP acceptability. In multivariable analyses, condomless anal sex was negatively associated with PrEP awareness, and higher levels of vicarious stigma and anticipated PrEP disclosure to sexual partners were positively associated with PrEP acceptability. Our findings indicate the need for targeted interventions to increase PrEP awareness among MSM engaged in high-risk behaviors and implementation strategies that address sociocultural factors to accelerate PrEP utilization among MSM in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter A Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Restar AJ, Kuhns L, Reisner SL, Ogunbajo A, Garofalo R, Mimiaga MJ. Acceptability of Antiretroviral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis from a Cohort of Sexually Experienced Young Transgender Women in Two U.S. Cities. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:3649-3657. [PMID: 29713838 PMCID: PMC6204093 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent HIV infection among at-risk individuals, including young transgender women (YTW). We used baseline data from 230 HIV-uninfected YTW (ages 16-29 years) who were enrolled in Project LifeSkills during 2012-2015. We examined factors associated with perceived acceptability of PrEP use (mean score = 23.4, range 10.0-30.0). Participants were largely transgender women of color (67%) and had a mean age of 23 years (SD = 3.5). In an adjusted multiple linear regression model, PrEP interest (β = 3.7, 95% CI 2.2-5.2) and having a medical provider who meets their health needs (β = 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-4.4) was associated with higher PrEP acceptability scores, whereas younger age (21-25 vs 26-29 years) (β = -2.0, 95% CI - 3.6 to - 0.4) and reporting transactional sex in the past 4 months (β = - 1.5, 95% CI - 3.0 to - 0.1) was associated with lower PrEP acceptability scores (all p values < 0.05). Enhancing PrEP-related interventions by addressing the unique barriers to uptake among YTW of younger age or those with history of transactional sex could bolster PrEP acceptability for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjee J Restar
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lisa Kuhns
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sari L Reisner
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adedotun Ogunbajo
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Health Sciences and Epidemiology, Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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Weiss KM, Jonas KJ, Guadamuz TE. Playing and Never Testing: Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Among App-Using MSM in Southeast Asia. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:406-411. [PMID: 28608790 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about mobile application (app)-based behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand. A cross-sectional online assessment of app users in Bangkok found that more than a quarter have never tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 1 in 3 never tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI). STI testing patterns and HIV testing frequency were highly associated with each other in multinomial logistic regression. In the midst of an escalating epidemic where HIV incidence among MSM is highest in Asia, apps can serve to engage those least likely to be reached by traditional methods of recruitment and outreach in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Weiss
- From the *Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, †Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; ‡Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and §Department of Society and Health and the Center for Health Policy Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Song TZ, Zhang MX, Zhang HD, Xiao Y, Pang W, Zheng YT. Comparison of HIV Status Between Transgender Women and Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Meta-Analysis. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2018; 29:681-697. [PMID: 29716789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jana.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
As key population groups in HIV infection, transgender women (TGW) share the same oral and anal sexual practices with men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the differences in HIV rates between the two groups are still unclear. In our study, relevant publications were electronically searched in three databases. After excluding irrelevant studies based on review of the title, abstract, and full text, a total of 24 studies, including 37,521 cases, were identified. There were no significant differences between TGW and MSM regarding HIV status and condom use. However, TGW had a higher proportion of high-risk behaviors, including exchanges of sex, forced sex, receptive intercourse, and sex work experience. Moreover, most curable sexually transmitted diseases were more prevalent in the TGW group compared to MSM. Although TGW showed a higher proportion of high-risk behavior and sexually transmitted disease incidence, their HIV incidence was the same as that for MSM.
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Peng P, Su S, Fairley CK, Chu M, Jiang S, Zhuang X, Zhang L. A Global Estimate of the Acceptability of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Among Men Who have Sex with Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:1063-1074. [PMID: 28176168 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1675-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new biomedical intervention for HIV prevention. This study systematically reviews the acceptability of PrEP among men who have sex with men (MSM) worldwide. We searched major English databases to identify English-language articles published between July 2007 and July 2016, which reported the acceptability of PrEP and associated population characteristics. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate a pooled acceptability, and meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to analyse heterogeneities. The estimated acceptance from included sixty-eight articles was 57.8% (95% confidence internal 52.4-63.1%). MSM who were younger (4/5 studies, range of adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.39-3.47), better educated (aOR = 1.49-7.70), wealthier (aOR = 1.31-13.03) and previously aware of PrEP (aOR = 1.33-3.30) showed significantly higher acceptance. Male sex workers (84.0% [26.3-98.7%] were more likely to accept PrEP than general MSM. Self-perceived low efficacy, concern about side effects, adherence, affordability, and stigma were main barriers. This review identifies a moderate acceptability of PrEP in MSM. Efficacy, perception of HIV risk and experienced stigma determine its acceptance.
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Parental acceptability of HPV vaccination for boys and girls aged 9-13 years in China - A population-based study. Vaccine 2018; 36:2657-2665. [PMID: 29606519 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was to investigate parental acceptability of HPV vaccination for their sons and daughters aged 9-13 years under different cost scenarios, and factors associated with parental acceptability at market price. METHODS Participants were: (1) Chinese speaking parents aged 18-60 years with a Hong Kong ID card; (2) had a son or a daughter aged 9-13 years at the date of the survey; (3) the child had the right to abode in Hong Kong. Random telephone numbers were selected from up-to-date telephone directories of Hong Kong. A total of 300 eligible parents (boys' parents: 162; girls' parents: 138, response rate: 68.9% & 69%) provided verbal informed consent and completed the anonymous telephone interview during March to October 2016. Using parental acceptability of HPV vaccination at market price as the dependent variable, univariate and multiple logistic regression models were fitted. RESULTS The prevalence of HPV vaccination was very low among boys and girls (0.6% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.242). Among those whose children had not taken up HPV vaccination, the prevalence of parental acceptability of HPV vaccination for the index son and daughter were: 14.9% and 27.4% (market price), and 51.6% and 63.0% (free vaccination). Adjusted for sociodemographic variables, attitudinal variables based on the Health Belief Model were associated with parental acceptability of HPV vaccination for their sons (perception that it was not worthy, perceived cue to action from mass media and perceived self-efficacy) and for their daughters (perceived susceptibility and perceived severity of HPV infection among females, perceived benefit of HPV vaccination and perceived self-efficacy). CONCLUSION Coverage of HPV vaccination among children aged 9-13 years was very low. Instead of waiting for the free universal vaccination to become available, promotion of self-paid HPV vaccination targeting parents is urgently needed. Different strategies should be applied to boys' and girls' parents.
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Wang Z, Lau JTF, Yang X, Cai Y, Gross DL, Ma T, Liu Y. Acceptability of Daily Use of Free Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Transgender Women Sex Workers in Shenyang, China. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:3287-3298. [PMID: 28752354 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1869-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the acceptability of daily use of free oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and associated factors among transgender women sex workers in Shenyang, China, following a briefing on PrEP. A total of 183 HIV negative or sero-status unknown participants completed the cross-sectional survey. The prevalence of acceptability of daily use of free oral PrEP was 61.2%. Adjusting for education level and monthly income, variables on negative attitudes toward PrEP (i.e., having concerns about the side-effects of PrEP) [Adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 0.26], perceived subjective norms (i.e., perceiving support from male partners to take PrEP) (AOR: 2.08), and perceived behavioral control (e.g., perceiving complete control over using PrEP) (AOR: 2.10-16.72) were significantly associated with acceptability of daily use of free oral PrEP. In addition, experiencing violence during sex work, perceived risk of contracting HIV from clients and probable anxiety were also significant. Future PrEP promotion campaigns should consider these factors.
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Nideröst S, Gredig D, Hassler B, Uggowitzer F, Weber P. The intention to use HIV-pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men in Switzerland: testing an extended explanatory model drawing on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH-HEIDELBERG 2017; 26:247-259. [PMID: 29780687 PMCID: PMC5948261 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-017-0869-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aim The aim of this study was to determine the intention to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) when available and to identify predictors of the intention to use PrEP among men who have sex with men (MSM) living in Switzerland. The theoretical model drew on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and considered additional variables related specifically to PrEP, HIV protection and the resources of MSM. Subject and methods For data collection, we used an anonymous, standardized self-administered online questionnaire. In 2015, we gathered a convenience sample of 556 HIV-negative MSM living in Switzerland. We analyzed the data using descriptive and bivariate statistics and used structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized model. Results Predictors of respondents’ moderate intention to use PrEP were performance expectancy, effort expectancy, perceived social influence, concerns about using PrEP, attitudes toward condom use, negative experiences of condom use and age. These variables were predicted by HIV protection-related aspects and resources. Conclusion The findings provide insights into the complex dynamic underlying the intention to use PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Nideröst
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Social Work, Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Gredig
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Social Work, Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten, Switzerland
| | - Benedikt Hassler
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Social Work, Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Uggowitzer
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Social Work, Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Weber
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Social Work, Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten, Switzerland
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Awareness and willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21580. [PMID: 28691439 PMCID: PMC5515024 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.1.21580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: To facilitate provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), a better understanding of potential demand and user preferences is required. This review assessed awareness and willingness to use oral PrEP among men who have sex with men (MSM) in LMIC. Methods: Electronic literature search of Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed, PsychINFO, CINHAL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted between July and September 2016. Reference lists of relevant studies were searched, and three authors contacted for additional data. Non-peer reviewed publications were excluded. Studies were screened for inclusion, and relevant data abstracted, assessed for bias, and synthesized. Results: In total, 2186 records were identified, of which 23 studies involving 14,040 MSM from LMIC were included. The proportion of MSM who were aware of PrEP was low at 29.7% (95% CI: 16.9–44.3). However, the proportion willing to use PrEP was higher, at 64.4% (95% CI: 53.3–74.8). Proportions of MSM aware of PrEP was <50% in 11 studies and 50–70% in 3 studies, while willingness to use PrEP was <50% in 6 studies, 50–70% in 9 studies, and over 80% in 5 studies. Several factors affected willingness to use PrEP. At the individual domain, poor knowledge of PrEP, doubts about its effectiveness, fear of side effects, low perception of HIV risk, and the need to adhere or take medicines frequently reduced willingness to use PrEP, while PrEP education and motivation to maintain good health were facilitators of potential use. Demographic factors (education, age, and migration) influenced both awareness and willingness to use PrEP, but their effects were not consistent across studies. At the social domain, anticipated stigma from peers, partners, and family members related to sexual orientation, PrEP, or HIV status were barriers to potential use of PrEP, while partner, peer, and family support were facilitators of potential use. At the structural domain, concerns regarding attitudes of healthcare providers, quality assurance, data protection, and cost were determinants of potential use. Conclusions: This review found that despite low levels of awareness of PrEP, MSM in LMIC are willing to use it if they are supported appropriately to deal with a range of individual, social, and structural barriers.
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Lim SH, Mburu G, Bourne A, Pang J, Wickersham JA, Wei CKT, Yee IA, Wang B, Cassolato M, Azwa I. Willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men in Malaysia: Findings from an online survey. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182838. [PMID: 28902857 PMCID: PMC5597127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We examined willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia. Methods An online survey of 990 MSM was conducted between March and April 2016. Eligibility criteria included being biological male, Malaysian citizen, 18 years of age or above, identifying as MSM, and being HIV negative or unknown status. Participants’ demographics, sexual and drug use behaviors, attitudes towards PrEP, and preferences regarding future access to PrEP were collected. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were performed to determine factors associated with willingness to use PrEP. Results Fewer than half of participants (44%) knew about PrEP before completing the survey. Overall, 39% of the sample were willing to take PrEP. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that Malay men (AOR: 1.73, 95% CI:1.12, 2.70), having 2 or more male anal sex partners in the past 6 months (AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.05), previous knowledge of PrEP (AOR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.86), lack of confidence in practising safer sex (AOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.81), and having ever paid for sex with a male partner (AOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.91) were independently associated with greater willingness to use PrEP, while men who identified as heterosexual were less willing to use PrEP (AOR, 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.97). Majority of participants preferred to access PrEP at affordable cost below 100 Malaysian Ringgit (USD25) per month from community based organisations followed by private or government hospitals. Conclusions Overall, MSM in Malaysia reported a relatively low level of willingness to use PrEP, although willingness was higher among those previously aware of PrEP. There is a need to provide PrEP at affordable cost, increase demand and awareness of PrEP, and to provide access to this preventative medication via diverse, integrated and tailored sexual health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin How Lim
- Center of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gitau Mburu
- Division of Health Research, University of Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,Sigma Research, Department of Social & Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joselyn Pang
- International Programs, Australian Federation of AIDS Organizations, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Center of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | | | | | - Bangyuan Wang
- Division of Health Research, University of Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Cassolato
- Division of Health Research, University of Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Draper BL, Oo ZM, Thein ZW, Aung PP, Veronese V, Ryan C, Thant M, Hughes C, Stoové M. Willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among gay men, other men who have sex with men and transgender women in Myanmar. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21885. [PMID: 28741332 PMCID: PMC5577714 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.1.21885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as a key component of contemporary HIV combination prevention strategies. To explore the local suitability of PrEP, country-specific acceptability studies are needed to inform potential PrEP implementation. In the context of Myanmar, in addition to resource constraints, HIV service access by gay men, other men who have sex with men, and transgender women (GMT) continues to be constrained by legislative and community stigma and marginalization. We aimed to determine PrEP acceptability among GMT in Myanmar and explore the factors associated with willingness to use PrEP. METHODS GMT were recruited in Yangon and Mandalay through local HIV prevention outreach programmes in November and December 2014. Quantitative surveys were administered by trained peer educators and collected data on demographics, sexual risk, testing history and PrEP acceptability. A modified six-item PrEP acceptability scale classified self-reported HIV undiagnosed GMT as willing to use PrEP. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with willingness to use PrEP. RESULTS Among 434 HIV undiagnosed GMT, PrEP awareness was low (5%). PrEP acceptability was high, with 270 (62%) GMT classified as willing to use PrEP. GMT recruited in Mandalay (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.79; 95%CI = 1.05-3.03), who perceived themselves as likely to become HIV positive (aOR = 1.82; 95%CI = 1.10-3.02), who had more than one recent regular partner (aOR = 2.94; 95%CI = 1.41-6.14), no regular partners (aOR = 2.05; 95%CI = 1.10-3.67), more than five casual partners (aOR = 2.05; 95%CI = 1.06-3.99) or no casual partners (aOR = 2.25; 95%CI = 1.23-4.11) were more likely to be willing to use PrEP. The association between never or only occasionally using condoms with casual partners and willingness to use PrEP was marginally significant (aOR = 2.02; 95%CI = 1.00-4.10). GMT who reported concern about side effects and long-term use of PrEP were less likely (aOR = 0.35; 95%CI = 0.21-0.59) to be willing to use PrEP. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to assess PrEP acceptability in Myanmar. Findings suggest PrEP is an acceptable prevention option among GMT in Myanmar, providing they are not required to pay for it. Implementation/demonstration projects are needed to explore the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of PrEP as a prevention option for GMT in Myanmar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget L. Draper
- Department of Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zaw Min Oo
- Department of International Development, Burnet Institute, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Zaw Win Thein
- Department of International Development, Burnet Institute, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Poe Poe Aung
- Department of International Development, Burnet Institute, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Vanessa Veronese
- Department of Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Claire Ryan
- Department of International Development, Burnet Institute, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Myo Thant
- Yangon Regional Public Health Department, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Chad Hughes
- Department of Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Department of Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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Koechlin FM, Fonner VA, Dalglish SL, O'Reilly KR, Baggaley R, Grant RM, Rodolph M, Hodges-Mameletzis I, Kennedy CE. Values and Preferences on the Use of Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention Among Multiple Populations: A Systematic Review of the Literature. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1325-1335. [PMID: 27900502 PMCID: PMC5378753 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of antiretroviral drugs by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection. WHO released new guidelines in 2015 recommending PrEP for all populations at substantial risk of HIV infection. To prepare these guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of values and preferences among populations that might benefit from PrEP, women, heterosexual men, young women and adolescent girls, female sex workers, serodiscordant couples, transgender people and people who inject drugs, and among healthcare providers who may prescribe PrEP. A comprehensive search strategy reviewed three electronic databases of articles and HIV-related conference abstracts (January 1990-April 2015). Data abstraction used standardised forms to categorise by population groups and relevant themes. Of 3068 citations screened, 76 peer-reviewed articles and 28 conference abstracts were included. Geographic coverage was global. Most studies (N = 78) evaluated hypothetical use of PrEP, while 26 studies included individuals who actually took PrEP or placebo. Awareness of PrEP was low, but once participants were presented with information about PrEP, the majority said they would consider using it. Concerns about safety, side effects, cost and effectiveness were the most frequently cited barriers to use. There was little indication of risk compensation. Healthcare providers would consider prescribing PrEP, but need more information before doing so. Findings from a rapidly expanding evidence base suggest that the majority of populations most likely to benefit from PrEP feel positively towards it. These same populations would benefit from overcoming current implementation challenges with the shortest possible delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence M Koechlin
- Key Populations & Innovative Prevention (KPP), Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, 20, Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Virginia A Fonner
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Global and Community Health, Medical University of South Carolina, 176 Croghan Spur Rd Suite 104, Charleston, SC, 29407, USA
| | - Sarah L Dalglish
- International Health and the Program is Social and Behavioral Interventions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kevin R O'Reilly
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Global and Community Health, Medical University of South Carolina, 176 Croghan Spur Rd Suite 104, Charleston, SC, 29407, USA
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Key Populations & Innovative Prevention (KPP), Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, 20, Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robert M Grant
- Key Populations & Innovative Prevention (KPP), Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, 20, Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Rodolph
- Key Populations & Innovative Prevention (KPP), Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, 20, Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis Hodges-Mameletzis
- Key Populations & Innovative Prevention (KPP), Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, 20, Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Caitlin E Kennedy
- International Health and the Program is Social and Behavioral Interventions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Hoagland B, De Boni RB, Moreira RI, Madruga JV, Kallas EG, Goulart SP, Cerqueira N, Torres TS, Luz PM, Fernandes NM, Liu AY, Grinsztejn B, Veloso VG. Awareness and Willingness to Use Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Brazil. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1278-1287. [PMID: 27531461 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1516-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended to prevent HIV infection among high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) though not available in Brazil where the HIV epidemic persists unabated in this group. This cross-sectional study describes PrEP awareness and willingness and associated factors among MSM and transvestite/transgender women (trans women) pre-screened for the PrEP Brasil study. Awareness was reported by 61.3 % of the participants and was associated with age, education, site, study period and prior HIV testing. Most participants (82.1 %) were willing to use PrEP, which was associated with site, study period, number of male condomless anal sexual partners and anal sex with HIV positive/unknown partners. PrEP information is need among young and less educated individuals. Willingness to use PrEP was high and future studies should be conducted to confirm PrEP acceptability and the characteristics of the population who chose to adopt this intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI/FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Raquel B De Boni
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI/FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo I Moreira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI/FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI/FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Paula M Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI/FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Nilo Martinez Fernandes
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI/FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Albert Y Liu
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI/FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI/FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
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Awareness and Acceptability of Pre-exposure HIV Prophylaxis Among Men Who have Sex with Men in Baltimore. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1268-1277. [PMID: 27873081 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1619-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This paper assessed characteristics associated with awareness of and willingness to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Baltimore men who have sex with men (MSM). We used data from BESURE-MSM3, a venue-based cross-sectional HIV surveillance study conducted among MSM in 2011. Multivariate regression was used to identify characteristics associated with PrEP knowledge and acceptability among 399 participants. Eleven percent had heard of PrEP, 48% would be willing to use PrEP, and none had previously used it. In multivariable analysis, black race and perceived discrimination against those with HIV were significantly associated with decreased awareness, and those who perceived higher HIV discrimination reported higher acceptability of PrEP. Our findings indicate a need for further education about the potential utility of PrEP in addition to other prevention methods among MSM. HIV prevention efforts should address the link between discrimination and potential PrEP use, especially among men of color.
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Zalazar V, Arístegui I, Kerr T, Marshall BD, Romero M, Sued O, Socías ME. High Willingness to Use HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Transgender Women in Argentina. Transgend Health 2016; 1:266-273. [PMID: 28861540 PMCID: PMC5367484 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2016.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: In Argentina, transgender women face a disproportionately high prevalence of HIV infection (34%). Although not currently approved in Argentina, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may offer a potential effective HIV prevention tool for this population. In this study, we assessed the willingness to use PrEP among transgender women in Argentina. Methods: Data were drawn from a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted among transgender women in 2013. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed the prevalence of and factors associated with willingness to use PrEP among transgender women with negative or unknown HIV status. Results: This study included 337 transgender women (278 HIV negative and 59 with unknown HIV status), most of whom had a history of sex work involvement (81.8%). Overall, 301 (89.3%) expressed willingness to use PrEP. In a multivariable analysis, having casual sexual partners was positively associated with willingness to use PrEP (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=4.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73-10.51), while discrimination by healthcare workers was negatively associated (AOR=0.33, 95% CI 0.12-0.88). Conclusion: We found high levels of willingness to use PrEP among transgender women in Argentina, suggesting that there is high perception of HIV risk in this population. However, discrimination by healthcare workers was a strong negative correlate of willingness to use PrEP, suggesting that multilevel interventions that address gender-based stigma in healthcare settings will be critical for the success of PrEP as an HIV prevention strategy in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inés Arístegui
- Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Thomas Kerr
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brandon D.L. Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Marcela Romero
- Asociación de Travestis, Transexuales y Transgéneros de Argentina (A.T.T.T.A.), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Omar Sued
- Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. Eugenia Socías
- Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Newman PA, Cameron MP, Roungprakhon S, Tepjan S, Scarpa R. Acceptability and Preferences for Hypothetical Rectal Microbicides among a Community Sample of Young Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Thailand: A Discrete Choice Experiment. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:2588-2601. [PMID: 26696260 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Rectal microbicides (RMs) may offer substantial benefits in expanding HIV prevention options for key populations. From April to August 2013, we conducted Tablet-Assisted Survey Interviewing, including a discrete choice experiment, with participants recruited from gay entertainment venues and community-based organizations in Chiang Mai and Pattaya, Thailand. Among 408 participants, 74.5 % were young men who have sex with men, 25.5 % transgender women, with mean age = 24.3 years. One-third (35.5 %) had ≤9th grade education; 63.4 % engaged in sex work. Overall, 83.4 % reported they would definitely use a RM, with more than 2-fold higher odds of choice of a RM with 99 versus 50 % efficacy, and significantly higher odds of choosing gel versus suppository, intermittent versus daily dosing, and prescription versus over-the-counter. Sex workers were significantly more likely to use a RM immediately upon availability, with greater tolerance for moderate efficacy and daily dosing. Engaging key populations in assessing RM preferences may support biomedical research and evidence-informed interventions to optimize the effectiveness of RMs in HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada.
| | - Michael P Cameron
- Department of Economics, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Surachet Roungprakhon
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suchon Tepjan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Riccardo Scarpa
- Department of Economics, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Global implementation of PrEP as part of combination HIV prevention - Unsolved challenges. J Int AIDS Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.7.21479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Zablotska I, Grulich AE, Phanuphak N, Anand T, Janyam S, Poonkasetwattana M, Baggaley R, van Griensven F, Lo YR. PrEP implementation in the Asia-Pacific region: opportunities, implementation and barriers. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:21119. [PMID: 27760688 PMCID: PMC5071746 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.7.21119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region are concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM) and other key populations. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention intervention and could be a potential game changer in the region. We discuss the progress towards PrEP implementation in the Asia-Pacific region, including opportunities and barriers. DISCUSSION Awareness about PrEP in the Asia-Pacific is still low and so are its levels of use. A high proportion of MSM who are aware of PrEP are willing to use it. Key PrEP implementation barriers include poor knowledge about PrEP, limited access to PrEP, weak or non-existent HIV prevention programmes for MSM and other key populations, high cost of PrEP, stigma and discrimination against key populations and restrictive laws in some countries. Only several clinical trials, demonstration projects and a few larger-scale implementation studies have been implemented so far in Thailand and Australia. However, novel approaches to PrEP implementation have emerged: researcher-, facility- and community-led models of care, with PrEP services for fee and for free. The WHO consolidated guidelines on HIV testing, treatment and prevention call for an expanded access to PrEP worldwide and have provided guidance on PrEP implementation in the region. Some countries like Australia have released national PrEP guidelines. There are growing community leadership and consultation processes to initiate PrEP implementation in Asia and the Pacific. CONCLUSIONS Countries of the Asia-Pacific region will benefit from adding PrEP to their HIV prevention packages, but for many this is a critical step that requires resourcing. Having an impact on the HIV epidemic requires investment. The next years should see the region transitioning from limited PrEP implementation projects to growing access to PrEP and expansion of HIV prevention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tarandeep Anand
- The Thai Red Cross AIDS and Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Surang Janyam
- Service Workers In Group Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Rachel Baggaley
- HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frits van Griensven
- HIV Netherlands, Australia, Thailand Research Collaboration (HIV-NAT), Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Center, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ying-Ru Lo
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
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Sevelius JM, Deutsch MB, Grant R. The future of PrEP among transgender women: the critical role of gender affirmation in research and clinical practices. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:21105. [PMID: 27760683 PMCID: PMC5071750 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.7.21105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, transgender ("trans") women are one of the key populations most disproportionately impacted by HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the newest and most promising biomedical HIV prevention intervention to date. This paper reviews relevant literature to describe the current state of the science and describes the potential role of PrEP among trans women, including a discussion of unique considerations for maximizing the impact of PrEP for this vulnerable population. METHODS Available information, including but not limited to existing scientific literature, about trans women and PrEP was reviewed and critiqued based on author expertise, including PrEP clinical trials and rollout. RESULTS To date, PrEP demonstration projects and clinical trials have largely excluded trans women, or have not included them in a meaningful way. Data collection strategies that fail to identify trans women in clinical trials and research further limit the ability to draw conclusions about trans women's unique needs and devise strategies to meet them. Gender-affirming providers and clinic environments are essential components of any sexual health programme that aims to serve trans women, as they will largely avoid settings that may result in stigmatizing encounters and threats to their identities. While there is currently no evidence to suggest drug-drug interactions between PrEP and commonly used feminizing hormone regimens, community concerns about potential interactions may limit interest in and uptake of PrEP among trans women. CONCLUSIONS In scaling up PrEP for trans women, it is essential to engage trans communities, utilize trans-inclusive research and marketing strategies and identify and/or train healthcare providers to provide gender-affirming healthcare to trans women, including transition-related care such as hormone provision. PrEP implementation guidelines must consider and address trans women's unique barriers and facilitators to uptake and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae M Sevelius
- Center of Excellence for Transgender Health, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA;
| | - Madeline B Deutsch
- Center of Excellence for Transgender Health, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robert Grant
- Gladstone Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco AIDS Foundation, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Oldenburg CE, Le B, Huyen HT, Thien DD, Quan NH, Biello KB, Nunn A, Chan PA, Mayer KH, Mimiaga MJ, Colby D. Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis preferences among men who have sex with men in Vietnam: results from a nationwide cross-sectional survey. Sex Health 2016; 13:SH15144. [PMID: 27444753 PMCID: PMC5253341 DOI: 10.1071/sh15144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Vietnam is concentrated in subgroups of the population, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a viable strategy for HIV prevention, but knowledge about and preferences for PrEP delivery among Vietnamese MSM are not well understood. Methods: In 2015, an online survey was conducted with recruitment via social networking websites for MSM and peer recruitment. A description of daily oral, long-acting injectable, and rectal microbicide formulations of PrEP was provided to participants. Participants were asked about their prior awareness of and interest in PrEP, and ranked their most preferred PrEP modality. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with having heard of PrEP and preference for each PrEP modality. Results: Of 548 participants who answered demographic and PrEP-related questions, 26.8% had previously heard of PrEP and most (65.7%) endorsed rectal microbicides as their most preferred PrEP delivery modality. Commonly-cited perceived barriers to uptake of PrEP included concern about side-effects, perception about being HIV positive, and family or friends finding out about their sexual behaviour. In multivariable models, older participants less often endorsed rectal microbicides (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.95 per year, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91-0.99) and more often endorsed long-acting injectables (AOR 1.08 per year, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.14) as their preferred PrEP modality. Participants who were willing to pay more for PrEP less often endorsed rectal microbicides (AOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72-0.92) and more often endorsed long-acting injectables (AOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.35) and daily oral pills (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00-1.35) as their preferred form of PrEP. Conclusions: A variety of PrEP modalities were acceptable to MSM in Vietnam, but low knowledge of PrEP may be a barrier to implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E. Oldenburg
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Bao Le
- Center for Applied Research on Men and Health, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Thi Huyen
- Center for Applied Research on Men and Health, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Dinh Duc Thien
- Center for Applied Research on Men and Health, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Hoang Quan
- Center for Applied Research on Men and Health, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Katie B. Biello
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Amy Nunn
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Philip A. Chan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Matthew J. Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Donn Colby
- Center for Applied Research on Men and Health, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- SEARCH, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
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Thienkrua W, Todd CS, Chonwattana W, Wimonsate W, Chaikummao S, Varangrat A, Chitwarakorn A, van Griensven F, Holtz TH. Incidence of and temporal relationships between HIV, herpes simplex II virus, and syphilis among men who have sex with men in Bangkok, Thailand: an observational cohort. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:340. [PMID: 27449012 PMCID: PMC4957431 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1667-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High HIV incidence has been detected among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand, but the relationship and timing of HIV, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), and syphilis is unknown. This analysis measures incidence, temporal relationships, and risk factors for HIV, HSV-2, and syphilis among at-risk MSM in the Bangkok MSM Cohort Study. Methods Between April 2006 and December 2010, 960 men negative for HIV, HSV-2, and syphilis at entry enrolled and contributed 12–60 months of follow-up data. Behavioral questionnaires were administered at each visit; testing for HIV antibody was performed at each visit, while testing for syphilis and HSV-2 were performed at 12 month intervals. We calculated HIV, HSV-2, and syphilis incidence, assessed risk factors with complementary log-log regression, and among co-infected men, measured temporal relationships between infections with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and paired t-test. Results The total number of infections and incidence density for HIV, HSV-2, and syphilis were 159 infections and 4.7 cases/100 PY (95 % Confidence Interval (CI): 4.0–5.4), 128 infections and 4.5/100 PY (95 % CI: 3.9–5.5), and 65 infections and 1.9/100 PY (95 % CI: 1.5–2.5), respectively. Among men acquiring >1 infection during the cohort period, mean time to HIV and HSV-2 infection was similar (2.5 vs. 2.9 years; p = 0.24), while syphilis occurred significantly later following HIV (4.0 vs. 2.8 years, p < 0.01) or HSV-2 (3.8 vs. 2.8 years, p = 0.04) infection. The strongest independent predictor of any single infection in adjusted analysis was acquisition of another infection; risk of syphilis (Adjusted Hazards Ratio (AHR) = 3.49, 95 % CI: 1.89–6.42) or HIV (AHR = 2.26, 95 % CI: 1.47–3.48) acquisition during the cohort was significantly higher among men with incident HSV-2 infection. No single independent behavioral factor was common to HIV, HSV-2, and syphilis acquisition. Conclusion HIV and HSV-2 incidence was high among this Thai MSM cohort. However, acquisition of HIV and co-infection with either HSV-2 or syphilis was low during the time frame men were in the cohort. Evaluation of behavioral risk factors for these infections suggests different risks and possible different networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warunee Thienkrua
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, DDC 7 Building, 4th floor, Ministry of Public Health, Soi 4, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Catherine S Todd
- FHI 360 Asia-Pacific Regional Office, 9th Floor, Tower 3, Sindhorn Building, 130-132 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Phatumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Wannee Chonwattana
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, DDC 7 Building, 4th floor, Ministry of Public Health, Soi 4, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Wipas Wimonsate
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, DDC 7 Building, 4th floor, Ministry of Public Health, Soi 4, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Chaikummao
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, DDC 7 Building, 4th floor, Ministry of Public Health, Soi 4, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Varangrat
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, DDC 7 Building, 4th floor, Ministry of Public Health, Soi 4, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Anupong Chitwarakorn
- Department of Disease Control, DDC 7 Building, 1st Floor Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Frits van Griensven
- Thai Red Cross HIV Research Center, 104 Rajdamri Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.,Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, 50 Beale Street, Ste 1200, San Francisco, 94105, CA, USA
| | - Timothy H Holtz
- HIV/STD Research Program, Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, DDC 7 Building, 4th floor, Ministry of Public Health, Soi 4, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand.,Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, 30329, GA, USA
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