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Singkun A, Kallawicha K, Yamarat K. Risk of HIV/STIs among Muslim army conscripts in the three deep southern provinces of Thailand. Health Promot Perspect 2022; 11:444-451. [PMID: 35079589 PMCID: PMC8767073 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2021.56] [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: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases is an important public health problem, especially in people who are sexually active, such as the army conscript group. However, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices may be influenced by certain cultures and beliefs. This study explored the factors associated with the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the Muslim army conscript in three deep southern provinces of Thailand. Methods: The cross-sectional study design was conducted among 360 Muslim army conscripts. A researcher made questionnaire on knowledge of HIV/STI transmission, attitude toward condom use, and sexual behavior was distributed to the participants in a camp base. The association between the potential predictor variables and the risk of HIV/STI was analyzed using the multiple logistic regression. Statistically significant of the association considered a P value ≤ 0.05. Results: The results suggest that most Muslim army conscripts had a poor knowledge level of HIV/STI transmission (78.7%) and that their attitude toward condom use was at a moderate level (60.0%). The predicted factors were marital status [aOR=0.078, 95% CI=0.035-0.172], substance use before having sex [aOR=8.044, 95% CI=1.288-50.230], stimulant use before having sex [aOR=3.632, 95% CI=1.080-12.211], vaginal sexual intercourse [aOR=26.228, 95% CI=8.370-82.189], and oral sexual intercourse [aOR=2.256, 95% CI=1.106-4.601]. Conclusion: A proper sexual health education program should be developed and delivered to enhance knowledge on HIV/STI transmission among Muslim army conscripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awirut Singkun
- College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kraiwuth Kallawicha
- College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Khemika Yamarat
- College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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2
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Meesaeng M, Sakboonyarat B, Thaiwat S. Incidence and risk factors of gonococcal urethritis reinfection among Thai male patients in a multicenter, retrospective cohort study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22992. [PMID: 34837031 PMCID: PMC8626475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02398-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonococcal urethritis (GU) is the second most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Epidemiologic studies of the situation of GU reinfection and its related risk factors among patients with a history of GU in Thailand remain somewhat limited. A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020 to determine the incidence and risk factors of GU reinfection among male patients visiting in Royal Thai Army (RTA) Hospitals. A total of 2,465 male patients presenting a history of GU was included in this study. In all, 147 (6.0%; 95% CI 5.1–6.9) male patients presented GU reinfection, representing an incidence rate of 1.3 (95% CI 1.1–1.5) per 100 person-years. The independent risk factors for GU reinfection were age < 30 years (AHR 1.7; 95% CI 1.0–2.8), number of sexual partners equal to 2 (AHR 3.4; 95% CI 1.0–11.2), \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\ge$$\end{document}≥ 3 (AHR 5.6; 95% CI 2.7–11.6), and participants residing in the north (AHR 4.1; 95% CI 2.3–7.5) and northeast regions (AHR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1–3.9). Incidence of GU reinfection among male patients visiting RTA Hospitals was significantly high among younger aged patients, especially in the north and northeast regions. Multiple sex partners played a major role in GU reinfection. Effective STI prevention programs should be provided to alleviate reinfection and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monai Meesaeng
- Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Boonsub Sakboonyarat
- Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Supitchaya Thaiwat
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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3
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Khanijou P, Tabprasit S, Chuenchitra T, Ruamsap N, Islam D, Gonwong S, Kana K, Swierczewski BE, Demons ST, Waters NC, Bodhidatta L. Human papillomavirus seroprevalence in young Thai men. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2021; 43:222-229. [PMID: 34697984 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2021.1985515] [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: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in men and women. Most HPV studies have focused on vaccination toward women to prevent consequences of developing cervical cancer. However, persistent infections can cause penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers in men. Therefore, recent public health recommendations toward vaccination in men have been raised. There is limited HPV prevalence data among men in many countries, including Thailand. We conducted HPV sera IgG ELISA testing on a repository sera of Thai men (average age 21 years old) entering the Royal Thai Army as recruits in 2013 (n = 1000). HPV IgG antibodies against virus-like particles of HPV- type 6, 11, 16e, and 18 were evaluated using a commercial ELISA kit. Overall, the anti-HPV IgG was 47% (95% CI: 44%-50%). HPV seroprevalence was significantly associated with residence regions with the highest prevalence in South (64%), but not associated with educational level, marital status, or type of residence. This data suggested that almost half of the Thai men in this cohort were exposed to HPV by the age of 21. Thus, HPV vaccination provided to male adolescents should be considered for disease prevention and minimizing transmission to sexual partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patchariya Khanijou
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sutchana Tabprasit
- Division of Research, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thippawan Chuenchitra
- Division of Research, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattaya Ruamsap
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Dilara Islam
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Siriphan Gonwong
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Khunakorn Kana
- Division of Research, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brett E Swierczewski
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Maryland, USA
| | - Samandra T Demons
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Norman C Waters
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ladaporn Bodhidatta
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
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4
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Rising prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk factors among young Thai Men in 2018. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7796. [PMID: 33833348 PMCID: PMC8032696 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87474-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of HIV among young Thai men stabilized at 0.5% from 2005 to 2011. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the male army conscripts in 2018 at 36 military training units nationwide. All new conscripts in each selected unit were invited to participate in the study. Questionnaires were used to determine risk factors to HIV infection that had been developed from related risk factors studies among young Thai men. Among 4629 participants, 44 (1.0%) HIV positive individuals were identified. The proportion subject reporting a history of sex with another man was 10.1%. The prevalence of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) was 4.0%. The proportion of consistent condom use with a male partner was 39.7%. The risk factors of HIV infection included having sex with another man, history of sexually transmitted infection and history of sex in exchange for gifts/money. Only 1.4% of MSM used pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). HIV prevention programs including PrEP in Thailand should be emphasized among MSM in both rural and urban settings.
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5
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Jose JEDC, Sakboonyarat B, Kana K, Chuenchitra T, Sunantarod A, Meesiri S, Mungthin M, Nelson KE, Rangsin R. Prevalence of HIV infection and related risk factors among young Thai men between 2010 and 2011. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237649. [PMID: 32797118 PMCID: PMC7428352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Understanding the current epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Thailand will facilitate more effective national HIV prevention programs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for HIV infection among young Thai men. Methods A total survey was conducted of Royal Thai Army new conscripts, participating in the national HIV surveillance in November 2010 and May 2011. Behavioral risk factors for HIV infection were determined using a standardized survey questionnaire in the total study population and men who have sex with men (MSM) subgroup. Results A total of 301 (0.5%) HIV infected young Thai men were identified from the total study population (63,667). Independent risk factors associated with HIV infection among the total study population included being single (adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.6, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.1–2.2), having no formal education (AOR 6.5, 95% CI 2.3–18.4) or a bachelor’s degree (AOR 1. 8, 95% CI 1.0–3.0), engaging in bisexual (AOR 3.7, 95% CI 2.4–5. 6) or exclusively homosexual activity (AOR 14.4, 95% CI 10.4–19.8), having a history of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6–3.3) and having sex in exchange for gifts/money (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1. 5–2.8). A total of 4,594 (7.9%) MSM were identified, of which 121 (2.6%) were HIV infected. The prevalence of HIV infection among MSM in urban (2.8%) and rural (2.4%) areas were relatively comparable (p-value = 0.44). Of the identified MSM, 82.5% reported having sexual desire with females only. Risk factors associated with HIV infection in the MSM subgroup included living in the western region (AOR 3.5, 95% CI 1.2–10.4), having a bachelor’s degree (AOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2–5.7), having a history of exclusive receptive (AOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6–7.7) or versatile anal sex (AOR 4.7, 95% CI 3.0–7.5) and history of having sex in exchange for gifts/money (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.5–3.5). Conclusion The prevalence of HIV infection among young Thai men has continued to be below 0.5% in 2010 and 2011. High risk sexual activity, including MSM, played a major role in the HIV epidemic among this population. Effective HIV prevention programs should cover MSM who have heterosexual desire as well as having sex in exchange for gifts/money and be implemented in both urban and rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Eleazar dC. Jose
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines
| | - Boonsub Sakboonyarat
- Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Khunakorn Kana
- Armed Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Supanee Meesiri
- Armed Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mathirut Mungthin
- Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kenrad E. Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ram Rangsin
- Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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Teeraananchai S, Puthanakit T, Kerr SJ, Chaivooth S, Kiertiburanakul S, Chokephaibulkit K, Bhakeecheep S, Teeraratkul A, Law M, Ruxrungtham K. Attrition and treatment outcomes among adolescents and youths living with HIV in the Thai National AIDS Program. J Virus Erad 2019; 5:33-40. [PMID: 30800424 PMCID: PMC6362904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited data describing the care outcome of youth living with HIV in Asia. We assessed attrition and treatment outcomes among youths with behaviourly acquired HIV (BIY) and adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV (PIY) who initiated antiretroviral treatment (ART) through the National AIDS Program (NAP) in Thailand. METHODS People living with HIV aged 10-24 years who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 2008 to 2013 through the Thai NAP and who were followed up until 2014 were included in the analysis. We assessed youths initiating ART: BIY aged 15-19 years (BIY1) and BIY aged 20-24 (BIY2) compared against PIY aged 10-14 years. Attrition rates (mortality and loss to follow-up [LTFU]) were calculated and potential associations were assessed using Cox regression. Logistic regression was used to assess associations with treatment failure. RESULTS Of 11,954 individuals, 9909 (83%) were BIY with a median follow-up of 2.1 years and 17% were PIY with 4.2 years of follow-up. The median baseline CD4 cell count in BIY was higher (190 vs 154 cells/mm3) compared to PIY. Mortality rates were not significantly different among PIY (2.5 per 100 person years [PY], BIY1 3.1/100 PY and BIY2 2.9/100 PY, P=0.46). Compared to PIY with a crude LTFU rate of 2.9/100 PY, LTFU was higher in BIY1 (13.9/100 PY) and BIY2 (9.5/100 PY), P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively. At 1 year after initiating ART, 16% experienced virological failure (viral load above 1000 copies/mL). Combined treatment failure and LTFU rates at 1 year after ART were higher among BIY1 (45.0%) and BIY2 (34.4%) compared to PIY (29.9%), P<0.001 and 0.001, respectively. CONCLUSION Youth with behaviourally acquired HIV aged 15-19 years had poorer retention rates than older BIY and PIY. Targeted interventions for youth are urgently needed to improve overall treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirinya Teeraananchai
- HIV-NAT,
Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre,
Bangkok,
Thailand,Kirby Institute,
University of New South Wales,
Sydney,
Australia
| | - Thanyawee Puthanakit
- HIV-NAT,
Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre,
Bangkok,
Thailand,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine,
Chulalongkorn University,
Bangkok,
Thailand,Center of Excellence in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines,
Chulalongkorn University,
Bangkok,
Thailand
| | - Stephen J Kerr
- HIV-NAT,
Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre,
Bangkok,
Thailand,Kirby Institute,
University of New South Wales,
Sydney,
Australia,Faculty of Medicine,
Chulalongkorn University,
Bangkok,
Thailand
| | - Suchada Chaivooth
- HIV/AIDS,
Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases Program,
National Health Security Office (NHSO),
Thailand
| | | | | | - Sorakij Bhakeecheep
- HIV/AIDS,
Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases Program,
National Health Security Office (NHSO),
Thailand
| | | | - Matthew Law
- Kirby Institute,
University of New South Wales,
Sydney,
Australia
| | - Kiat Ruxrungtham
- HIV-NAT,
Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre,
Bangkok,
Thailand,Faculty of Medicine,
Chulalongkorn University,
Bangkok,
Thailand
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7
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Teeraananchai S, Puthanakit T, Kerr SJ, Chaivooth S, Kiertiburanakul S, Chokephaibulkit K, Bhakeecheep S, Teeraratkul A, Law M, Ruxrungtham K. Attrition and treatment outcomes among adolescents and youths living with HIV in the Thai National AIDS Program. J Virus Erad 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30276-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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8
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Tangmunkongvorakul A, Musumari PM, Srithanaviboonchai K, Manoyos V, Techasrivichien T, Suguimoto SP, Ono-Kihara M, Kihara M, Chariyalertsak S. "When I first saw a condom, I was frightened": A qualitative study of sexual behavior, love and life of young cross-border migrants in urban Chiang Mai, Thailand. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183255. [PMID: 28809948 PMCID: PMC5557483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many young migrant workers move across the border to Chiang Mai, a major city in Northern Thailand, in search of work opportunities. This study describes their sexual behavior, lifestyles, relationships and experiences with youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. METHODS This is the qualitative arm of a mixed methods study using focus group discussions (FGDs) among young MWs aged 15-24 years in urban Chiang Mai. We conducted 6 FGDs with 84 participants (43 males, 41 females) organized in groups of 10-15 people, including 3 groups of males, 2 groups of females, and 1 group of both males and females. RESULTS We found that the lack of parental control, pressure to assimilate into Thai society, access to social media and modern communication technologies, and limited knowledge and access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services interplayed to shape lifestyle and sexual behaviors, including low condom use among young migrants. CONCLUSION The present study helped discern the vulnerability of young migrants to adverse SRH outcomes. This particular group of youth needs urgent intervention to improve their knowledge on SRH and access to a youth-friendly clinic to help them personalize risk of HIV and other adverse SRH outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patou Masika Musumari
- Department of Global Health and Socio-epidemiology, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
- Japan Foundation for AIDS Prevention, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Veruree Manoyos
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Teeranee Techasrivichien
- Department of Global Health and Socio-epidemiology, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - S. Pilar Suguimoto
- Department of Global Health and Socio-epidemiology, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
- Center of Medical Education, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masako Ono-Kihara
- Department of Global Health and Socio-epidemiology, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kihara
- Department of Global Health and Socio-epidemiology, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Suwat Chariyalertsak
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Wasitthankasem R, Vichaiwattana P, Siripon N, Posuwan N, Auphimai C, Klinfueng S, Thaneskongtong N, Vuthitanachot V, Saiyatha S, Thongmai C, Suwanpatoomlerd S, Sochoo S, Pongsuwan N, Poovorawan K, Tangkijvanich P, Vongpunsawad S, Poovorawan Y. Assessment of hepatitis C virus infection in two adjacent Thai provinces with drastically different seroprevalence. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177022. [PMID: 28475637 PMCID: PMC5419576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Improved awareness of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission has contributed to the overall decline in the HCV infection rate in some developing countries including Thailand. Chronic HCV infection in some rural Thai communities, however, presents a challenge in the efforts to treat and manage HCV-related diseases. Published and unpublished studies have suggested an unusually high incidence of HCV infection in a Thai province of Phetchabun compared to elsewhere in Thailand. To determine the magnitude of HCV infection and identify potential factors contributing to the higher rate of HCV infection in this province, we performed a population-based study in Phetchabun (n = 1667) and the neighboring Khon Kaen province (n = 1410) where HCV prevalence is much lower. Individuals between 30 and 64 years old completed detailed questionnaires designed to identify HCV risk factors and provided blood samples for anti-HCV antibody screening. The anti-HCV seropositive rates were 15.5% (259/1667) in Phetchabun and 3.6% (51/1410) in Khon Kaen. Positive samples were subsequently genotyped for HCV core gene sequence and assessed for the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and human immunodeficiency virus antigen/antibody (HIV Ag/Ab). More individuals in Phetchabun possessed the combined presence of HBsAg (5.0%) and HIV Ag/Ab (0.4%) than those in Khon Kaen (3.9% HBsAg and 0.0% HIV Ag/Ab). While male gender, intravenous drug use (IVDU) and tattoos were significant HCV risk factors in both provinces (p <0.05), education less than high school and agriculture-related occupation were additionally associated with HCV in Phetchabun. HCV genotypes 6, 3, and 1 were identified in similar frequency in both provinces. We estimated that prevalence of HCV seropositivity and viremic carriers were higher in Phetchabun (143 and 111 per 1000) than in Khon Kaen (34 and 22 per 1000). Finally, we derived a simple risk factor-based scoring system as a useful preclinical tool to screen individuals at risk of chronic HCV infection prior to intervention. Knowledge gained from this study will assist in HCV screening and promote access to anti-viral treatment in high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujipat Wasitthankasem
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Preeyaporn Vichaiwattana
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nipaporn Siripon
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nawarat Posuwan
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chompoonut Auphimai
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirapa Klinfueng
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Supapith Saiyatha
- Phetchabun Provincial Public Health Office, Mueang Phetchabun, Phetchabun, Thailand
| | - Chaiwat Thongmai
- Phetchabun Provincial Public Health Office, Mueang Phetchabun, Phetchabun, Thailand
| | | | - Saowakon Sochoo
- Lomkao Crown Prince Hospital, Na-saeng, Lom Kao, Phetchabun, Thailand
| | - Natnada Pongsuwan
- Lomkao Crown Prince Hospital, Na-saeng, Lom Kao, Phetchabun, Thailand
| | - Kittiyod Poovorawan
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Research Unit of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sompong Vongpunsawad
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yong Poovorawan
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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10
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HIV Infection Rates and Risk Behavior among Young Men undergoing community-based Testing in San Diego. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25927. [PMID: 27181715 PMCID: PMC4867437 DOI: 10.1038/srep25927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 80% of new HIV infections in the United States occur in men. Four out of five men diagnosed with HIV infection are men who have sex with men (MSM), with an increasing proportion of young MSM (i.e. ≤24 years of age). We performed a retrospective analysis 11,873 cisgender men participating in a community based HIV screening program in San Diego between 2008 and 2014 to characterize the HIV prevalence and sexual risk behaviors among young men. In young heterosexual men HIV prevalence was lower compared to heterosexual men between 25 and 49 years of age (0.3% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.043). Among young MSM, HIV prevalence was 5.5%, per test positivity rate 3.6%, and HIV incidence 3.4 per 100 person years (95% CI 2.2–5.4). Per test positivity rate (p = 0.008) and incidence (p < 0.001) were significantly higher among young MSM than among MSM above 24-years of age. Young MSM diagnosed with HIV infection reported significantly more serodiscordant condomless anal intercourse, bacterial sexually transmitted infections, and higher rates of methamphetamine and gamma hydroxybutyrate use when compared to young MSM who tested negative. In conclusion, young MSM are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and may represent ideal candidates for targeted prevention interventions that increase testing uptake and/or decrease the risk of acquiring HIV infection.
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