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Wells N, Richman B, Grace D, Riley B, Hui C, Vojnov L, Stackpool-Moore L, Ong JJ, Dowell-Day A, Allan B. 2023 Undetectable = Untransmittable global policy roundtable report: a multistakeholder perspective on Undetectable = Untransmittable research and policy priorities. Sex Health 2024; 21:SH24017. [PMID: 38801749 DOI: 10.1071/sh24017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Launched in 2016 by Prevention Access Campaign, the 'Undetectable=Untransmittable' (U=U) campaign empowers people living with HIV to live full social, sexual and reproductive lives, dismantle stigma, promote increased treatment access, and advocate for updated HIV guidelines. Methods Key priorities for promoting improvements to community-centred, evidence-informed U=U policy and research were the focus of a half-day global roundtable held in 2023 alongside the 12th International AIDS Society Conference in Brisbane, Australia. After a series of presentations, experts in U=U research, policymaking, advocacy and HIV clinical care participated in facilitated discussions, and detailed notes were taken on issues related to advancing U=U policy and research. Results Expert participants shared that knowledge and trust in U=U remains uneven, and is largely concentrated among people living with HIV, particularly those connected to gay and bisexual networks. It was agreed that there is a need to ensure all members of priority populations are explicitly included in U=U policies that promote U=U. Participants also identified a need for policymakers, healthcare professionals, advocates and researchers to work closely with community-based organisations to ensure the U=U message is relevant, useful, and utilised in the HIV response. Adopting language, such as 'zero risk', was identified as crucial when describing undetectable viral load as an effective HIV prevention strategy. Conclusion U=U can have significant benefits for the mental and physical wellbeing of people living with HIV. There is an urgent need to address the structural barriers to HIV care and treatment access to ensure the full benefits of U=U are realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Wells
- Kirby Institute, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - B Richman
- Prevention Access Campaign, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - B Riley
- ASHM Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C Hui
- School of Public Policy and Democratic Innovations, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada; and Ontario Positive Asians, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L Vojnov
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - J J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | | | - B Allan
- Qthink Consulting, Malmsbury, Vic., Australia
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Hart TA, Noor SW, Tavangar F, Zahran A, Skakoon-Sparling S, Tan DHS, Lambert G, Grace D, Lachowsky N, Sang JM, Palma PA, Zhang T, Dvorakova M, Cox J, Moore DM. Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment Attitudes and Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Gay and Bisexual Men. Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:178-185. [PMID: 38412464 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Positive attitudes toward human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment, such as reduced concern about HIV transmissibility, are associated with sexual behaviors that may increase the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM). We examined associations between HIV treatment attitudes and bacterial STI diagnoses among GBM in Canada's three largest cities. METHODS We fit a structural equation model between HIV treatment attitudes and bacterial STI diagnoses via sexual behaviors in the Engage study's baseline data. We estimated direct and indirect paths between scores on HIV treatment attitudes and STIs via number of male anal sex partners, condomless anal sex, and oral sex. We conducted sub-analyses with participants stratified by HIV serostatus. RESULTS Among 2449 GBM recruited in 2017 to 2019, there was a direct association between HIV treatment attitudes and current STI diagnoses (β = 0.13; 95% CI, 0.07-0.19; P < 0.001). The mediated model revealed a positive total indirect effect through 2 pathways: (1) engaging in condomless anal sex and (2) number of male anal sex partners and condomless anal sex. These 2 indirect pathways remained in the stratified mediation models for both HIV negative GBM and for GBM living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS The association between HIV treatment attitudes and diagnosed STIs is mediated through a higher number of male anal sex partners and condomless anal sex. The results highlight the importance of providers educating patients when providing effective STI counseling, testing, and prevention for GBM about how accurate HIV treatment attitudes may inadvertently be associated with the bacterial STI epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Adhm Zahran
- From the Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jordan M Sang
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paolo A Palma
- From the Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terri Zhang
- From the Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milada Dvorakova
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Calabrese SK, Kalwicz DA, Zaheer MA, Dovidio JF, Garner A, Zea MC, Treloar C, Holt M, Smith AKJ, MacGibbon J, Modrakovic DX, Rao S, Eaton LA. The Potential Role of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) in Reducing HIV Stigma among Sexual Minority Men in the US. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:741-757. [PMID: 38285293 PMCID: PMC11043859 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04263-1] [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] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) message and its scientific underpinnings have been widely suggested to reduce HIV stigma. However, misunderstanding and skepticism about U = U may prevent this destigmatizing potential from being fully realized. This cross-sectional study examined associations between U = U belief (belief that someone with a sustained undetectable viral load has zero risk of sexually transmitting HIV) and HIV stigma among US sexual minority men. Differences by serostatus and effects of brief informational messaging were also explored. The survey was completed online by 106 men living with HIV and 351 HIV-negative/status-unknown men (2019-2020). Participants were 18-83 years old (M[SD] = 41[13.0]). Most were non-Hispanic White (70.0%) and gay (82.9%). Although nearly all participants (95.6%) were aware of U = U, only 41.1% believed U = U. A greater percentage of participants living with HIV (66.0%) believed U = U compared with HIV-negative/status-unknown participants (33.6%). Among participants living with HIV, U = U belief was not significantly associated with perceived, internalized, or experienced HIV stigma or with viral load prejudice (prejudice against people who have a detectable HIV viral load). Among HIV-negative/status-unknown participants, U = U belief was associated with less frequently enacted HIV discrimination, more positive feelings toward people with an undetectable viral load, and lower personal endorsement of stigmatizing beliefs. Brief informational messaging about U = U did not affect most stigma dimensions and did not favorably affect any. Interventions are needed to correct commonly held, outdated misconceptions about HIV transmission risk. Such initiatives must not only engage people living with HIV but also engage HIV-negative/status-unknown people to maximize the destigmatizing potential of U = U.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Calabrese
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2013 H Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, USA.
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - David A Kalwicz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2013 H Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, USA
| | - Myra A Zaheer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2013 H Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, USA
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John F Dovidio
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alex Garner
- Hornet Gay Social Network, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- MPact Global Action for Gay Men's Health and Rights, West Hollywood, CA, USA
| | - Maria Cecilia Zea
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2013 H Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, USA
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony K J Smith
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - James MacGibbon
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Djordje X Modrakovic
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2013 H Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, USA
| | - Sharanya Rao
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2013 H Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Borsa A, Siegel K. Navigating the Viral Divide: Sexual and Gender Minority Community Perspectives on Treatment as Prevention. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:406-419. [PMID: 37843907 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.5.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Since it was established that HIV-positive individuals who maintain an undetectable viral load are unable to sexually transmit HIV (U=U), treatment as prevention (TasP) has become an important biomedical HIV prevention option. Many have remained optimistic that TasP, combined with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), will help close the "viral divide" between those living with and without HIV. This qualitative interview study of 62 sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals of mixed serostatuses explored community perspectives regarding TasP, including the meaning of undetectability and how U=U impacts understandings of serodifference. Five key themes emerged from interviews: (1) undetectable does not equal HIV-negative, (2) PrEP is more promoted than TasP, (3) TasP increases openness to serodifferent sex, (4) rejection of TasP absolutism, and (5) the importance of layering prevention strategies. These findings suggest that while TasP is helping to bridge the viral divide, serostatus distinctions remain prevalent and important to many SGM individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Borsa
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Karolynn Siegel
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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5
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Daroya E, Grey C, Lessard D, Klassen B, Skakoon-Sparling S, Gaspar M, Perez-Brumer A, Adam B, Lachowsky NJ, Moore D, Sang JM, Lambert G, Hart TA, Cox J, Jollimore J, Tan DHS, Grace D. 'I did not have sex outside of our bubble': changes in sexual practices and risk reduction strategies among sexual minority men in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:1147-1163. [PMID: 36336339 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2022.2139414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, jurisdictions across the globe, including Canada, enacted containment measures that affected intimacy and sexual relations. This article examines how public health measures during COVID-19 impacted the sexual practices of sexual minority men- gay, bisexual, queer and other men who have sex with men-and how they adopted and modified guidelines to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We conducted 93 semi-structured interviews with men (n = 93) in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, between November 2020 to February 2021 (n = 42) and June to October 2021 (n = 51). Across jurisdictions, participants reported changes to sexual practices in response to public health measures and shifting pandemic contexts. Many men indicated that they applied their HIV/STI risk mitigation experiences and adapted COVID-19 prevention strategies to continue engaging in casual sexual behaviours and ensure sexual safety. 'Social bubbles' were changed to 'sex bubbles'. Masks were turned into 'safer' sex tools. 'Outdoor gathering' and 'physical distancing' were transformed into 'outdoor sex' and 'voyeuristic masturbation'. These strategies are examined in connection to the notion of 'reflexive mediation' to illustrate how sexual minority men are simultaneously self-responsibilising and resistant, self-monitoring and creative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerich Daroya
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cornel Grey
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - David Lessard
- Centre for Health Outcome Research, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ben Klassen
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Mark Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amaya Perez-Brumer
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Barry Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - David Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence, HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jordan M Sang
- BC Centre for Excellence, HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Service Prévention et contrôle des maladies infectieuses, Direction régionale de santé publique, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Service Prévention et contrôle des maladies infectieuses, Direction régionale de santé publique, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Darrell H S Tan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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6
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Dubé K, Agarwal H, Stockman JK, Auerbach JD, Sauceda JA, Conroy AA, Johnson MO. "I Would Absolutely Need to Know That My Partner Is Still Going to be Protected": Perceptions of HIV Cure-Related Research Among Diverse HIV Serodifferent Couples in the United States. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2023; 39:400-413. [PMID: 35972752 PMCID: PMC10387158 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2022.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Most HIV cure studies remain in the early stage of investigation and may carry clinical risks to the participants and, in some cases, their partners. Surprisingly little sociobehavioral research has investigated the perceptions of couples-including HIV serodifferent couples-around HIV cure research, including factors that would influence recruitment and retention in trials. We conducted a qualitative study to explore perceptions of diverse HIV serodifferent partners in the United States. We recruited 10 diverse HIV serodifferent couples (20 participants). We found participants had learned to cope with the reality of HIV, including protections during sex, and ascribed both positive and negative meanings to an HIV cure. Partners expressed concern about each other's health and potentially caring for a sick partner and emphasized the importance of safety when participating in an HIV cure trial. They identified the need for partner protection measures during analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs) as an ethical imperative. Participants recounted experiences of HIV stigma due to being in HIV serodifferent relationships and viewed ATIs as leading to a detectable viral load, which could limit sexual expression, complicate disclosure decision making, and worsen HIV-related stigma. Our study's main contribution is to inform efforts to meaningfully engage diverse HIV serodifferent partners in HIV cure research in the United States. Our data suggest people with HIV make decisions to participate in research based on close ones in their life and underscore the critical importance of acknowledging relationship dynamics in decisions to participate in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Dubé
- Health Policy and Management, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina USA
| | - Harsh Agarwal
- Health Policy and Management, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina USA
| | - Jamila K. Stockman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California, USA
| | - Judith D. Auerbach
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John A. Sauceda
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amy A. Conroy
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mallory O. Johnson
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
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7
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Skakoon-Sparling S, Card KG, Novick JR, Berlin GW, Lachowsky NJ, Adam B, Brennan DJ, Sang JM, Noor SW, Cox J, Moore DM, Grace D, Grey C, Daroya E, Hart TA. The relevance of communal altruism for sexual minority men in contemporary contexts. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:1461-1478. [PMID: 35932490 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
There are many reasons why individuals engage in prosocial behavior; communal sexual altruism is based on the notion that some practice safer sex in the interest of promoting the well-being of their community/in-group. Given that definitions of what constitutes "safer sex" have changed with advances in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, we investigated the importance of communal sexual altruism (herein "altruism") among urban gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (GBM) in the contemporary context. Using a sample of 2449 GBM we examined the association of both safer-sex-related attitudes (e.g., HIV treatment optimism-skepticism) and behaviors (e.g., condomless anal sex [CAS]) with altruism scores. Higher altruism scores were associated with a lower likelihood of CAS and a greater frequency of discussing HIV status with new partners. These findings demonstrate that many GBM are motivated to engage in several kinds of behaviors that improve the well-being of their in-group (i.e., the GBM community).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayna Skakoon-Sparling
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jake R Novick
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graham W Berlin
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Barry Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan M Sang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Syed W Noor
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Science, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Joseph Cox
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cornel Grey
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emerich Daroya
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Roth GH, Walker ER, Talley CL, Hussen SA. 'It's a very grey, very messy area': a qualitative examination of factors influencing undetectable gay men's HIV status disclosure to sexual partners. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:664-679. [PMID: 35697340 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2022.2086708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
HIV disclosure to sexual partners remains a multifaceted yet stigmatised process. The 'undetectable equals untransmittable' (U = U) concept has raised ethical and moral concerns about the obligation and need to disclose, and using Internet applications to seek sex partners has modified disclosure practices. While previous qualitative literature has examined the HIV disclosure process, there is a dearth of information on this topic among gay men in the USA who have an undetectable viral load. Using thematic analysis of data collected during a period of expanded U = U knowledge, this study explores the cognitive, contextual, interpersonal and structural factors impacting undetectable gay men's HIV status disclosure decisions to sexual partners. In-depth interviews were conducted in August 2020 over Zoom with 20 gay men with undetectable viral loads. The main themes included 'sense of obligation,' 'situational disclosure' and 'partners' responsibility in the disclosure process.' Participants balanced the aforementioned factors to inform their disclosure decisions, and disclosure patterns varied across participants dependent upon thoughts regarding ethics and morality of (non-)disclosure. The findings provide new insights to how participants navigate disclosure while considering U = U, HIV criminalisation laws, and finding partners through Internet applications while providing direction for future studies and support for decriminalising HIV and expanding HIV education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant H Roth
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Reisinger Walker
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Colin L Talley
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sophia A Hussen
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Silva LAVD, Brasil SA, Duarte FM, Cunha LA, Castellanos MEP. Between risk and pleasure: reflections on HIV prevention and care in the current context of PrEP use by men who have sex with men. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2023; 39Suppl 1:e00139221. [PMID: 36995864 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xen139221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study offers a set of reflections on the relationship between risk and pleasure in the field of HIV prevention and care, as it mediates new biomedical prevention/care technologies, particularly pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), among men who have sex with men (MSM). We begin by investigating some studies about condomless sex between men, more specifically barebacking and PrEP use among young MSM. We base our analysis on the assumption that PrEP, as one of these new actants, has reconfigured the field of HIV prevention/care, especially in relation to the dimensions of risk and pleasure, with the potential to considerably reduce the chances of HIV infection while enabling maximum pleasure and a sense of greater safety and freedom. Despite this progress, we also problematize some of the ambivalences, tensions, and moral conflicts that still exist in the field of prevention, especially the potential for condomless sex. Finally, taking a praxiographic perspective on health care and foregrounding the situated practices of human and non-human actors/actants in interaction, we consider HIV/AIDS prevention as a more fluid, non-linear, erratic phenomenon that involves multiple types of knowledge, feelings, and participations, and is open to different kinds of experimentation. Besides a “logic of choice”, we hold that health care is a permeable, continuous process that is enacted in situated practices and may produce different effects in response to a heterogeneous network of interactions.
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10
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Challenges to communicating the Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U=U) HIV prevention message: Healthcare provider perspectives. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271607. [PMID: 35862361 PMCID: PMC9302742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
“Undetectable equals Untransmittable”, or U=U, is a public health message designed to reduce HIV stigma and help communicate the scientific consensus that HIV cannot be sexually transmitted when a person living with HIV has an undetectable viral load. Between October 2020-February 2021 we conducted 11 in-depth interviews and 3 focus groups with diverse HIV/STI service providers (nurses, public health workers, physicians, frontline providers, and sexual health educators) in Ontario, Canada (n = 18). Our objective was to understand how U=U was communicated to sexual health service users in healthcare interactions. Interview questions were embedded in a larger study focused on improving access to HIV/STI testing. Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analysed following grounded theory. Most providers emphasized the significance of U=U as a biomedical advancement in HIV prevention but had some challenges communicating U=U in everyday practice. We discovered four interrelated barriers when communicating the U=U message: (1) provider-perceived challenges with “zero risk” messaging (e.g., wanting to “leave a margin” of HIV risk); (2) service users not interested in receiving sexual health information (e.g., in order to provide “client centered care” some providers do not share U=U messages if service users are only interested in HIV/STI testing or if other discussions must be prioritized); (3) skepticism and HIV stigma from service users (e.g., providers explained how the hesitancy of some service users accepting the U=U message was shaped by a legacy of HIV prevention messages and persistent HIV stigma); and (4) need for more culturally appropriate resources (e.g., communities other than sexual and gender minority men; non-English speaking service users; that account for broader legal context). We discuss ways to overcome barriers to communicating the U=U message as well as the limitations and potential unintended consequences of U=U framings in the context of unequal access to HIV prevention and treatment.
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11
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Perceptions of HIV cure and willingness to participate in HIV cure-related trials among people enrolled in the Netherlands cohort study on acute HIV infection. J Virus Erad 2022; 8:100072. [PMID: 35769632 PMCID: PMC9234345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2022.100072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People who initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) during acute HIV infection are potential candidates for HIV cure-related clinical trials, as early ART reduces the size of the HIV reservoir. These trials, which may include ART interruption (ATI), might involve potential risks. We explored knowledge and perception of HIV cure and willingness to participate in cure-related trials among participants of the Netherlands Cohort Study on Acute HIV infection (NOVA study), who started antiretroviral therapy immediately after diagnosis of acute HIV infection. Methods We conducted 20 in-depth qualitative interviews with NOVA study participants between October-December 2018. Data were analyzed thematically, using inductive and iterative coding techniques. Findings Most participants had limited knowledge of HIV cure and understood HIV cure as complete eradication of HIV from their bodies. HIV cure was considered important to most participants, mostly due to the stigma surrounding HIV. More than half would consider undergoing brief ATI during trial participation, but only one person considered extended ATI. Viral rebound and increased infectiousness during ATI were perceived as large concerns. Participants remained hopeful of being cured during trial participation, even though they were informed that no personal medical benefit was to be expected. Interpretation Our results highlight the need for thorough informed consent procedures with assessment of comprehension and exploration of personal motives prior to enrollment in cure-related trials. Researchers might need to moderate their expectations about how many participants will enroll in a trial with extended ATI.
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12
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Gilbertson A, Tucker JD, Dubé K, Dijkstra M, Rennie S. Ethical considerations for HIV remission clinical research involving participants diagnosed during acute HIV infection. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:169. [PMID: 34961509 PMCID: PMC8714439 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00716-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV remission clinical researchers are increasingly seeking study participants who are diagnosed and treated during acute HIV infection—the brief period between infection and the point when the body creates detectable HIV antibodies. This earliest stage of infection is often marked by flu-like illness and may be an especially tumultuous period of confusion, guilt, anger, and uncertainty. Such experiences may present added ethical challenges for HIV research recruitment, participation, and retention. The purpose of this paper is to identify potential ethical challenges associated with involving acutely diagnosed people living with HIV in remission research and considerations for how to mitigate them. We identify three domains of potential ethical concern for clinicians, researchers, and ethics committee members to consider: 1) Recruitment and informed consent; (2) Transmission risks and partner protection; and (3) Ancillary and continuing care. We discuss each of these domains with the aim of inspiring further work to advance the ethical conduct of HIV remission research. For example, experiences of confusion and uncertainty regarding illness and diagnosis during acute HIV infection may complicate informed consent procedures in studies that seek to recruit directly after diagnosis. To address this, it may be appropriate to use staged re-consent procedures or comprehension assessment. Responsible conduct of research requires a broad understanding of acute HIV infection that encompasses its biomedical, psychological, social, and behavioral dimensions. We argue that the lived experience of acute HIV infection may introduce ethical concerns that researchers and reviewers should address during study design and ethical approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Gilbertson
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Chapel Hill Center, 101 Conner Drive, Suite 200, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514-7038, USA. .,UNC Center for Bioethics, Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WCE1, UK.,UNC Project-China, 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Karine Dubé
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Maartje Dijkstra
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stuart Rennie
- UNC Center for Bioethics, Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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13
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HIV diagnosis period influences ART initiation: findings from a prospective cohort study in China. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:59. [PMID: 34503542 PMCID: PMC8428057 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00379-3] [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: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We estimated the predictive effects of ART-related perceptions on the actual ART uptake behavior among ART naïve PLWH stratified by different time of HIV diagnosis under the new strategy. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted among ART naïve PLWH in Guangzhou, China from June 2016 to June 2017. Cox regression model was used to evaluate the predictive effects of ART-related perceptions on ART initiation among PLWH stratified by different timepoint of HIV diagnosis (i.e., before or after the update of the new treatment policy). Results Among 411 participants, 150 and 261 were diagnosed before (pre-scaleup group) and after (post-scaleup group) the implementation of the new strategy, respectively. The ART initiation rate in the post-scaleup group (88.9%) was higher than that in the pre-scaleup group (73.3%) (p < 0.001). A significant difference of mean score was detected in each HBM construct between pre- and post-scaleup groups (p < 0.05). After adjusting for significant background variables, among all participants, only the self-efficacy [adjusted HR (HRa) = 1.23, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.43, p = 0.006], has a predictive effect on ART initiation; in pre-scaleup group, all constructs of HBM-related ART perceptions were predictors of ART initiation (HRa = 0.71 to 1.83, p < 0.05), while in post-scaleup group, no significant difference was found in each construct (p > 0.05). Conclusions The ART initiation rate was high particularly among participants who diagnosed after the new treatment strategy. The important role of the time of HIV diagnosis on ART initiation identified in this study suggested that future implementation interventions may consider to modify the ART-related perceptions for HIV patients who diagnosed before the implementation of the new ART strategy, while expand the accessibility of ART service for those who diagnosed after the implementation of the new strategy.
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14
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Grace D, Nath R, Parry R, Connell J, Wong J, Grennan T. '… if U equals U what does the second U mean?': sexual minority men's accounts of HIV undetectability and untransmittable scepticism. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2021; 23:1270-1286. [PMID: 32701019 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1776397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The everyday meaning and use of HIV 'undetectability' raises significant questions about the social and sexual significance of this state of viral suppression. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 25 sexual minority men living in Vancouver, Canada, including men living with HIV. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using grounded theory. Most participants understood being undetectable to signify that someone living with HIV is at a 'low,' 'lower,' or 'slim to no' risk of sexually transmitting HIV, as opposed to meaning 'uninfectious' or 'untransmittable'. Men discussed how undetectability was communicated in-person and online, including via sexual networking apps, and revealed how it is sometimes confused or conflated with another biomedical advance in HIV-prevention, namely pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). HIV-negative men expressed significant scientific scepticism, a reluctance to incorporate a partner's low viral load or undetectable HIV status into their sexual decision-making, and an enduring fear associated with knowingly having sex with someone who is HIV-positive. We describe this as a form of untransmittable scepticism. While international campaigns have worked to communicate the scientific message that 'undetectable equals untransmittable' (U = U), the sexual stigma attached to HIV remains durable among some gay, bisexual, queer and other men who have sex with men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ronita Nath
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Robin Parry
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - James Connell
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jason Wong
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Troy Grennan
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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15
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Dubé K, Kanazawa J, Taylor J, Dee L, Jones N, Roebuck C, Sylla L, Louella M, Kosmyna J, Kelly D, Clanton O, Palm D, Campbell DM, Onaiwu MG, Patel H, Ndukwe S, Henley L, Johnson MO, Saberi P, Brown B, Sauceda JA, Sugarman J. Ethics of HIV cure research: an unfinished agenda. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:83. [PMID: 34193141 PMCID: PMC8243312 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pursuit of a cure for HIV is a high priority for researchers, funding agencies, governments and people living with HIV (PLWH). To date, over 250 biomedical studies worldwide are or have been related to discovering a safe, effective, and scalable HIV cure, most of which are early translational research and experimental medicine. As HIV cure research increases, it is critical to identify and address the ethical challenges posed by this research. Methods We conducted a scoping review of the growing HIV cure research ethics literature, focusing on articles published in English peer-reviewed journals from 2013 to 2021. We extracted and summarized key developments in the ethics of HIV cure research. Twelve community advocates actively engaged in HIV cure research provided input on this summary and suggested areas warranting further ethical inquiry and foresight via email exchange and video conferencing. Discussion Despite substantial scholarship related to the ethics of HIV cure research, additional attention should focus on emerging issues in six categories of ethical issues: (1) social value (ongoing and emerging biomedical research and scalability considerations); (2) scientific validity (study design issues, such as the use of analytical treatment interruptions and placebos); (3) fair selection of participants (equity and justice considerations); (4) favorable benefit/risk balance (early phase research, benefit-risk balance, risk perception, psychological risks, and pediatric research); (5) informed consent (attention to language, decision-making, informed consent processes and scientific uncertainty); and (6) respect for enrolled participants and community (perspectives of people living with HIV and affected communities and representation). Conclusion HIV cure research ethics has an unfinished agenda. Scientific research and bioethics should work in tandem to advance ethical HIV cure research. Because the science of HIV cure research will continue to rapidly advance, ethical considerations of the major themes we identified will need to be revisited and refined over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Dubé
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7469, USA.
| | - John Kanazawa
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7469, USA
| | - Jeff Taylor
- HIV + Aging Research Project - Palm Springs (HARP-PS), Palm Springs, CA, USA.,AntiViral Research Center (AVRC) Community Advisory Board (CAB), San Diego, CA, USA.,Collaboratory of AIDS Researchers for Eradication (CARE) CAB, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lynda Dee
- AIDS Action Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) Community Advisory Board (CAB), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nora Jones
- BEAT-HIV Collaboratory CAB, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jan Kosmyna
- AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Community Scientific Subcommittee (CSS) Ethics Working Group, Nationwide, USA
| | - David Kelly
- AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Community Scientific Subcommittee (CSS) Ethics Working Group, Nationwide, USA
| | - Orbit Clanton
- AIDS Clinical Trials Group Global CAB, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - David Palm
- Collaboratory of AIDS Researchers for Eradication (CARE) CAB, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases HIV Treatment and Prevention CAB, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Danielle M Campbell
- Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) Community Advisory Board (CAB), San Francisco, CA, USA.,Charles R. Drew College of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
- AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Community Scientific Subcommittee (CSS) Ethics Working Group, Nationwide, USA.,Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality (School of Humanities), Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hursch Patel
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7469, USA
| | - Samuel Ndukwe
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7469, USA
| | - Laney Henley
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7469, USA
| | - Mallory O Johnson
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), Division of Prevention Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Parya Saberi
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), Division of Prevention Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brandon Brown
- Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, Center for Healthy Communities, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - John A Sauceda
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), Division of Prevention Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Sugarman
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute for Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, USA
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16
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Rijneveld CJ. The Biomedical Closet? Undetectability among HIV-positive Gay Men in India. Med Anthropol 2021; 40:718-731. [PMID: 33956539 DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2021.1916741] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The discourse of Undetectability, referring to the effect of HIV viral suppression on forward sexual transmission, is at the heart of the current paradigm of Treatment-as-Prevention and is invested with hopes of eliminating stigma. But ethnographic examination of the way HIV-positive gay and bisexual men in four major Indian cities experience Undetectability reveals a more complicated picture. Rather than resolve the problem of HIV stigma, Undetectability enables new ways of managing it, including ethical non-disclosure in the face of social danger. This reveals three paradoxes inherent in the universalism of Treatment-as-Prevention and its reliance on biomedical solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelis J Rijneveld
- School of Oriental and African Studies London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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17
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Dubé K, Kanazawa J, Dee L, Taylor J, Campbell DM, Brown B, Johnson MO, Saberi P, Sauceda JA, Sugarman J, Peluso MJ. Ethical and practical considerations for mitigating risks to sexual partners during analytical treatment interruptions in HIV cure-related research. HIV Res Clin Pract 2021; 22:14-30. [PMID: 33757411 DOI: 10.1080/25787489.2021.1902116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Background: Analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs) in HIV cure-related research can result in trial participants becoming viremic with HIV, placing HIV-negative sexual partners at elevated risk of acquiring HIV. OBJECTIVE Objective:Our study aimed to generate ethical and practical considerations for designing and implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies to reduce unintended HIV transmission events during ATIs. METHODS Methods: We conducted 21 in-depth interviews with five types of informants: bioethicists, community members, biomedical HIV cure researchers, socio-behavioral scientists/epidemiologists, and HIV care providers. We used conventional content analysis to analyze the data and generate considerations. RESULTS Results: Key findings include: 1) Ethical permissibility of ATI trials depends on due diligence and informed consent to mitigate risks to participants and their sexual partners; 2) Participants should receive adequate support and/or counseling if they choose to disclose ATI participation to their partners; 3) Measures to protect sexual partners of trial participants from HIV transmission during ATIs should include referral to and/or provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis, as well as other available means of preventing HIV transmission; 4) There is uncertainty regarding the appropriate management of emerging sexually transmitted infections during ATI trials and possible protection measures for multiple and/or anonymous partners of ATI trial participants. CONCLUSION Conclusion: While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of HIV transmission to sexual partners during ATIs, HIV cure trialists and sponsors should consider the ethical concerns related to the sexual partners of ATI participants. Doing so is essential to ensuring the welfare of participants, their partners and the trustworthiness of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Dubé
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John Kanazawa
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lynda Dee
- AIDS Action Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) CAB, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Martin Delaney Collaboratory Community Advisory Board, Nationwide, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeff Taylor
- Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) CAB, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Martin Delaney Collaboratory Community Advisory Board, Nationwide, Baltimore, MD, USA.,HIV + Aging Research Project - Palm Springs (HARP-PS), Palm Springs, CA, USA.,AntiViral Research Center (AVRC) CAB, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Danielle M Campbell
- Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) CAB, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Martin Delaney Collaboratory Community Advisory Board, Nationwide, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brandon Brown
- Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, Center for Healthy Communities, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Mallory O Johnson
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), Division of Prevention Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Parya Saberi
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), Division of Prevention Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John A Sauceda
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), Division of Prevention Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Sugarman
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute for Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael J Peluso
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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18
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Card KG, St Denis F, Higgins R, Klassen B, Ablona A, Rutherford L, Jollimore J, Ibáñez-Carrasco F, Lachowsky NJ. Who knows about U = U? Social positionality and knowledge about the (un)transmissibility of HIV from people with undetectable viral loads. AIDS Care 2021; 34:753-761. [PMID: 33739198 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1902928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
"U = U" is the principle that HIV is untransmittable from people living with an undetectable HIV viral-load. Wide-spread knowledge about U = U is believed to produce public health benefit by reducing HIV-related stigma - promoting wellbeing for people living with HIV. Therefore, we examined the diffusion of U = U with respect to the social position of sexual and gender minority men (SGMM). Participants were SGMM recruited from 16 LGBTQ2S+ pride festivals across Canada. Social position was measured using an index assessing whether participants were (a) trans, (b) a person of colour, (c) Indigenous, (d) born abroad, (e) bisexual or straight, (f) not out, (g) struggling with money, (h) not college educated, (i) and not participating in LGBTQ2S+ Organizations, Queer Pop-ups, or HIV advocacy organizations. Multivariable logistic regression tested whether Index Scores were associated with knowledge about U = U. Among 2681 participants, 72.6% knew about U = U. For HIV-negative/unknown status SGMM, each 1-point increase in Social Positionality Index Scores was associated with a 21% reduction in the odds that they knew about U = U (aOR: 0.79 [0.73, 0.85], per 1-point increase). Results indicate that social marginalization harms the diffusion of HIV-related biomedical knowledge, independent of risk-taking behaviour and other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiffer G Card
- Community-based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Human and Social Development, School of Public Health and Social Policy, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Finn St Denis
- Community-based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rob Higgins
- Faculty of Human and Social Development, Social Dimensions of Health, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Aidan Ablona
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Leo Rutherford
- Faculty of Human and Social Development, Social Dimensions of Health, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Community-based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Human and Social Development, School of Public Health and Social Policy, Victoria, BC, Canada
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19
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Pralat R, Burns F, Anderson J, Barber TJ. Can HIV-positive gay men become parents? How men living with HIV and HIV clinicians talk about the possibility of having children. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2021; 43:281-298. [PMID: 33222191 PMCID: PMC8170559 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
It is now established that people living with HIV who have an undetectable viral load and adhere to antiretroviral treatment cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. Previous research has shown that 'being undetectable' changes how HIV-positive gay men experience their sex lives. But how does it affect gay men's reproductive behaviours? And what influence does it have on views about parenthood at a time when gay fatherhood has become more socially accepted and publicly visible? Drawing on qualitative interviews with patients and clinicians at four HIV clinics in London, we identify differences in how interviewees talked about the possibility of having children for HIV-positive men. Both groups, unprompted, frequently referred to sperm washing as a method enabling safe conception. However, whereas clinicians talked about sperm washing as an historical technique, which is no longer necessary, patients spoke of it as a current tool. The men rarely mentioned being undetectable as relevant to parenthood and, when prompted, some said that they did not fully understand the mechanics of HIV transmission. Our findings offer new insights into how biomedical knowledge is incorporated into people's understandings of living with HIV, raising important questions about how the meanings of being undetectable are communicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Pralat
- Department of SociologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Fiona Burns
- Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Jane Anderson
- Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
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20
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Gómez-Ramírez O, Thomson K, Salway T, Haag D, Falasinnu T, Grennan T, Grace D, Gilbert M. "Mini Dial-A-Nurses" and "Good Brands": What Are the Desirable Features of Online HIV/STI Risk Calculators? AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2020; 32:528-542. [PMID: 33779209 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2020.32.6.528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A wide variety of risk calculators estimate individuals' risk for HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) online. These tools can help target HIV/STI screening and optimize clinical decision-making. Yet, little evidence exists on suitable features for these tools to be acceptable to end-users. We investigated the desirable characteristics of risk calculators among STI clinic clients and testing service providers. Participants interacted with online HIV/STI risk calculators featuring varied target audiences, completion lengths, and message outputs. Thematic analysis of focus groups identified six qualities that would make risk calculators more appealing for online client use: providing personalized risk assessments based on users' specific sexual behaviors and HIV/STI-related concerns; incorporating nuanced risk assessment and tailored educational information; supplying quantifiable risk estimates; using non-stigmatizing and inclusive framing; including explanations and next steps; and developing effective and appropriate branding. Incorporating these features in the design of online HIV/STI risk calculators may improve their acceptability among end-users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oralia Gómez-Ramírez
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kim Thomson
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Devon Haag
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Troy Grennan
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Mark Gilbert
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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21
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Dubé K, Willenberg L, Dee L, Sylla L, Taylor J, Roebuck C, Palm D, Campbell D, Newton L, Patel H, Perry KE, Kanazawa J, Gerrard J, Brown B, Saberi P, Sauceda JA, Peluso MJ. Re-examining the HIV 'functional cure' oxymoron: Time for precise terminology? J Virus Erad 2020; 6:100017. [PMID: 33251025 PMCID: PMC7646673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2020.100017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For over a decade, the binary concepts of 'sterilizing' versus 'functional' cure have provided an organizing framework for the field of HIV cure-related research. In this article, we examine how the expression 'functional cure' is employed within the field, published literature, and community understanding of HIV cure research. In our synthesis of the different meanings attributed to 'functional cure' within contemporary biomedical discourse, we argue that employing the 'functional cure' terminology poses a series of problems. The expression itself is contradictory and inconsistently used across a wide array of HIV cure research initiatives. Further, the meaning and acceptability of 'functional cure' within communities of people living with and affected by HIV is highly variable. After drawing lessons from other fields, such as cancer and infectious hepatitis cure research, we summarize our considerations and propose alternative language that may more aptly describe the scientific objectives in question. We call for closer attention to language used to describe HIV cure-related research, and for continued, significant, and strategic engagement to ensure acceptable and more precise terminology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Dubé
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Lynda Dee
- AIDS Action Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
- amfAR Institute for HIV Cure Research Community Advisory Board (CAB), Palm Springs, CA, USA
- Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) CAB, Baltimore,MD and Los, Angeles, CA, USA
- Martin Delaney Collaboratory CAB, Baltimore, MD; Seattle, WA; Palm Springs, CA; Ithaca, NY, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laurie Sylla
- Martin Delaney Collaboratory CAB, Baltimore, MD; Seattle, WA; Palm Springs, CA; Ithaca, NY, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- DefeatHIV CAB, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeff Taylor
- amfAR Institute for HIV Cure Research Community Advisory Board (CAB), Palm Springs, CA, USA
- Martin Delaney Collaboratory CAB, Baltimore, MD; Seattle, WA; Palm Springs, CA; Ithaca, NY, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- HIV + Aging Research Project – Palm Springs (HARP-PS), Palm Springs, CA, USA
- University of California AntiViral Research Center CAB, San Diego, CA, USA
- Collaboratory of AIDS Researchers for Eradication (CARE) CAB, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Christopher Roebuck
- Martin Delaney Collaboratory CAB, Baltimore, MD; Seattle, WA; Palm Springs, CA; Ithaca, NY, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- BEAT-HIV CAB, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - David Palm
- Martin Delaney Collaboratory CAB, Baltimore, MD; Seattle, WA; Palm Springs, CA; Ithaca, NY, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Collaboratory of AIDS Researchers for Eradication (CARE) CAB, Chapel Hill, USA
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases (IGHID), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Danielle Campbell
- Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) CAB, Baltimore,MD and Los, Angeles, CA, USA
- Martin Delaney Collaboratory CAB, Baltimore, MD; Seattle, WA; Palm Springs, CA; Ithaca, NY, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Luke Newton
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hursch Patel
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kelly E. Perry
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John Kanazawa
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jo Gerrard
- University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Brandon Brown
- Center for Healthy Communities, Department of Social Medicine and Population Health, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Parya Saberi
- Division of Prevention Science, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John A. Sauceda
- Division of Prevention Science, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael J. Peluso
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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22
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Dubé K, Auerbach JD, Stirratt MJ, Gaist P. Applying the Behavioural and Social Sciences Research (BSSR) Functional Framework to HIV Cure Research. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 22:e25404. [PMID: 31665568 PMCID: PMC6820877 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The search for an HIV cure involves important behavioural and social processes that complement the domains of biomedicine. However, the field has yet to tap into the full potential of behavioural and social sciences research (BSSR). In this article, we apply Gaist and Stirratt’s BSSR Functional Framework to the field of HIV cure research. Discussion The BSSR Functional Framework describes four key research domains: (1) basic BSSR (understanding basic behavioural and social factors), (2) elemental BSSR (advancing behavioural and social interventions), (3) supportive BSSR (strengthening biomedically focused clinical trials), and (4) integrative BSSR (building multi‐disciplinary combination approaches for real‐world implementation). In revisiting and applying the BSSR Functional Framework, we clarify the importance of BSSR in HIV cure research by drawing attention to such things as: how language and communication affect the meaning of “cure” to people living with HIV (PLHIV) and broader communities; how cure affects the identity and social position of PLHIV; counselling and support interventions to address the psychosocial needs and concerns of study participants related to analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs); risk reduction in the course of ATI study participation; motivation, acceptability, and decision‐making processes of potential study participants related to different cure strategies; HIV care providers’ perceptions and attitudes about their patients’ participation in cure research; potential social harms or adverse social events associated with cure research participation; and the scalability of a proven cure strategy in the context of further advances in HIV prevention and treatment. We also discuss the BSSR Functional Framework in the context of ATIs, which involve processes at the confluence of the BSSR domains. Conclusions To move HIV cure regimens through the translational research pathway, attention will need to be paid to both biomedical and socio‐behavioural elements. BSSR can contribute an improved understanding of the human and social dimensions related to HIV cure research and the eventual application of HIV cure regimens. The BSSR Functional Framework provides a way to identify advances, gaps and opportunities to craft an integrated, multi‐disciplinary approach at all stages of cure research to ensure the real‐world applicability of any strategy that shows promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Dubé
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Judith D Auerbach
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Stirratt
- Division of AIDS Research (DAR), National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul Gaist
- Office of AIDS Research, Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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23
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Card KG, Fournier AB, Sorge JT, Morgan J, Grace D, Ham D, Lachowsky NJ, Trussler T. Substance use patterns and awareness of biomedical HIV prevention strategies among sexual and gender minority men in Canada. AIDS Care 2020; 32:1506-1514. [PMID: 31983233 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1719026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority men (SGMM) who use drugs are frequently cited as at-risk for HIV. Fortunately, biomedical prevention can greatly reduce transmission, provided individuals are aware of and interested in the uptake of these strategies. We examined associations between substance use patterns and biomedical prevention among SGMM in Canada. Latent class analysis identified patterns of substance use. Demographic-adjusted logistic regression models assessed the associations between latent classes and key biomedical prevention indicators. Among 669 participants living with HIV (PLWH) and 7,184 HIV-negative participants, six substance use classes characterized "limited" (46.0%; infrequent/low use of drugs), "common" (31.9%; alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco), "club" (5.2%; alcohol, cocaine, and psychedelics), "sex" (4.8%; alcohol, crystal methamphetamine, GHB, poppers, and erectile drugs), "prescription" (11.0%; alcohol and prescription drugs), and "polydrug" (1.1%; most drugs) use. HIV-negative men in the "prescription" and "sex" substance use classes were more likely to know about the preventive benefits of HIV treatment. All non-"limited use" HIV-negative men were more likely to report interest in taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). For PLWH, substance use patterns were not associated with detectable viral loads or treatment awareness. While PLWH exhibited high levels of undetectability and treatment awareness regardless of substance use class, a variety of substance use patterns were associated with increased awareness, interest, and uptake of risk management strategies among HIV-negative participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiffer G Card
- Community Based Research Centre for Gay Men's Health, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.,Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, Victoria, Canada.,Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Justin T Sorge
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.,Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, Victoria, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Morgan
- Community Based Research Centre for Gay Men's Health, Vancouver, Canada.,British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Community Based Research Centre for Gay Men's Health, Vancouver, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David Ham
- Community Based Research Centre for Gay Men's Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Community Based Research Centre for Gay Men's Health, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.,Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, Victoria, Canada
| | - Terry Trussler
- Community Based Research Centre for Gay Men's Health, Vancouver, Canada
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24
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Nath R, Grennan T, Parry R, Baharuddin F, Connell JP, Wong J, Grace D. Knowledge and attitudes of syphilis and syphilis pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men in Vancouver, Canada: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e031239. [PMID: 31753877 PMCID: PMC6886914 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In British Columbia, Canada, syphilis is at record-high rates, with over 80% of cases in 2017 seen in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). The syphilis epidemic is of particular concern for those living with HIV, since syphilis may lead to more serious complications in this population. We sought to explore syphilis-related knowledge and attitudes around biomedical prevention options for syphilis, with the goal of informing effective strategies to prevent syphilis. DESIGN We conducted a qualitative study consisting of in-depth, individual interviews from December 2016 to June 2017. Our interviews focused on participants' knowledge about syphilis and perceptions regarding syphilis pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Interviews were analysed using Grounded Theory. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-five GBM were interviewed (64% white; median age: 43 years), including men living with HIV and/or with a history of syphilis. SETTING Vancouver, British Columbia. RESULTS Five interrelated themes emerged. First, GBM were aware of the local syphilis epidemic. Second, syphilis-related knowledge differed according to syphilis and HIV serostatus. Third, competing ideas emerged regarding men's concerns about syphilis. While our participants expressed concern about getting syphilis, they also described the importance of sexual pleasure. Fourth, many participants said that syphilis was not perceived to be alarming; preventing HIV infection remained a primary concern for many. Finally, while syphilis PrEP was appealing to those living with HIV or a prior syphilis diagnosis, others were concerned about antibiotic resistance, cost and side effects. CONCLUSIONS Our participants organised their safer sex strategies around HIV, not syphilis. Although syphilis-related knowledge was relatively high among GBM living with HIV and those with a prior syphilis diagnosis, this knowledge did not appear to be related with safer sexual practices, such as increased condom use. This work highlights the importance of examining other potential prevention solutions, such as syphilis PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronita Nath
- Clinical Prevention Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Infectious diseases, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Troy Grennan
- Clinical Prevention Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Infectious diseases, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robin Parry
- Clinical Prevention Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fahmy Baharuddin
- Clinical Prevention Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James P Connell
- Clinical Prevention Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jason Wong
- Clinical Prevention Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Tan RKJ, Lim JM, Chan JKW. "Not a walking piece of meat with disease": meanings of becoming undetectable among HIV-positive gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the U = U era. AIDS Care 2019; 32:325-329. [PMID: 31530003 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1668534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) represent a key population disproportionately affected by HIV in various settings. While past studies have investigated how individuals negotiated their identities following their diagnoses of HIV, an emerging area of inquiry considers the implications of viral suppression, or becoming undetectable, on identity and well-being in an undetectable = untransmittable (U = U) era. We conducted 24 in-depth interviews with a purposively recruited sample of GBMSM living with HIV in Singapore. Interviews were analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. Participants viewed viral suppression as a clinical objective, and contrasted this with becoming undetectable as an identity and aspiration. Many participants saw becoming undetectable as a turning point for them post-diagnosis, and expressed a sense of achievement upon attaining the status. Participants shared that being undetectable was associated with several positive outcomes in coming to terms with their HIV-positive diagnoses that signified achievements in health, personal and social responsibilities, as well as equity in romantic and sexual relationships. The results of this study highlight the importance of becoming undetectable and its potential impact on the quality of life for GBMSM living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayner Kay Jin Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jane Mingjie Lim
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeremiah Kah Wai Chan
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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26
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Gaspar M, Marshall Z, Rodrigues R, Adam BD, Brennan DJ, Hart TA, Grace D. A tale of two epidemics: gay men's mental health and the biomedicalisation of HIV prevention and care in Toronto. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2019; 41:1056-1070. [PMID: 30838679 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
There is mounting urgency regarding the mental health of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). We examined how GBM are understanding the relationship between HIV and their mental health given the increasing biomedicalisation of HIV prevention and care. Our Grounded Theory analysis derived from qualitative interviews with 24 GBM living in Toronto, Canada, including both HIV-negative and HIV-positive men. Participants understood biomedical advances, such as undetectable viral load and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), as providing some relief from HIV-related distress. However, they offered ambivalent perspectives on the biomedicalisation of HIV. Some considered non-HIV-specific stressors (e.g. unemployment, racial discrimination) more significant than HIV-related concerns. These men expressed HIV-related distress as being under control due to biomedical advances or as always negligible when compared to non-HIV-specific stressors. Others emphasised the ongoing mental health implications of HIV (e.g. enduring risk and stigma). We describe a tension between optimistic responses to biomedicine's ability to ease the psychosocial burdens associated with HIV and the inability for biomedicine to address the social and economic determinants driving the dual epidemics of HIV and mental distress amongst GBM. We argue for more socio-material analysis over further sexual behavioural analysis of GBM mental health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Barry D Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor, Canada
- Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Canada
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
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27
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Grace D, Gaspar M, Lessard D, Klassen B, Brennan DJ, Adam BD, Jollimore J, Lachowsky NJ, Hart TA. Gay and bisexual men's views on reforming blood donation policy in Canada: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:772. [PMID: 31208391 PMCID: PMC6580549 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers and activists have long called for changes to blood donation policies to end what is frequently framed as unjustified bans or deferral periods for men who have sex with men (MSM). Since 2016, in Canada, a man had to be abstinent from all sexual contact (anal or oral sex) with other men for at least 12 months in order to be an eligible blood donor. As of June 3, 2019, this deferral period was reduced to 3 months. METHODS To better understand the acceptance of existing deferral policies and possible future policy, we conducted 47 in-depth interviews with a demographically diverse sample of gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in Canada's three largest cities: Vancouver, (n = 17), Toronto (n = 15), and Montreal (n = 15). Interviews were coded in NVivo 11 following an inductive thematic analysis. We focus on men's preferred policy directions and their opinions about a policy change proposed by Canada's blood operators: a 3-month deferral for all sexual activity between men. We interviewed GBM approximately one-year before this new deferral policy was approved by Health Canada. RESULTS Most participants were opposed to any deferral period in relation to MSM-specific sexual activity. A fair and safe policy was one that was the "same for everyone" and included screening for several risk factors during the blood donation process with no categorical exclusion of all sexually active MSM. Participants believed that multiple "gender blind" and HIV testing-related strategies could be integrated into the blood donation process. These preferences for a move away from MSM-specific exclusions aligned with their opinions concerning the possible change to a 3-month MSM deferral, for which participants shared three overarching perspectives: (1) step in the right direction; (2) ambivalence and uncertainty; and (3) not an improvement. CONCLUSION A predominant assertion was that a change from a 12-month to a 3-month deferral period would not resolve the fundamental issues of fairness and equity affecting blood screening practices for GBM in Canada. Many participants believed that blood donation policy should be based on more up-to-date scientific evidence concerning risk factor assessment and HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 5th Floor, Room 556, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada.
| | - Mark Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 5th Floor, Room 510, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - David Lessard
- Centre for Health Outcomes Research, McGill University Health Centre, 5252 de Maisonneuve West, Montréal, QC, H4A 3S5, Canada
| | - Benjamin Klassen
- Department of History, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Barry D Adam
- Ontario HIV Treatment Network, 1300 Yonge Street #600, Toronto, ON, M4T 1X3, Canada
| | - Jody Jollimore
- Community-Based Research Centre, 1007-808 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2H2, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, Faculty of Human & Social Development, University of Victoria, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar, P.O. Box 1700, STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- HIV Prevention Lab, Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
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28
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Girard G, Patten S, LeBlanc MA, Adam BD, Jackson E. Is HIV prevention creating new biosocialities among gay men? Treatment as prevention and pre-exposure prophylaxis in Canada. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2019; 41:484-501. [PMID: 30450606 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.12826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The advancements of "treatment as prevention" (TasP), "undetectable viral load" (UVL) and "pre-exposure prophylaxis" (PrEP) are redefining HIV prevention standards. Relying on the concept of biosociality, this article explores how gay men rally around, debate, and sometimes disagree about these emerging HIV prevention technologies. This article is based on data from the Resonance Project, a Canadian community-based research project. Twelve focus groups (totalling 86 gay and bisexual men) were held in three Canadian cities (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver) in 2013-2014. Respondents view UVL and PrEP through the prism of their generational experience of HIV prevention. In this respect, biosocialities highlight an experiential dimension that is tied to the context of the HIV epidemic. The biosocialities of HIV prevention are also built around serological identities. However, our study shows the diversity of these positions. Analysis grounded in biosocialities is useful for better understanding how scientific information circulates, is made sense of, and generates debate among gay men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Girard
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - San Patten
- San Patten and Associates, Inc., Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Barry D Adam
- Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
- CATIE, Toronto, ON, Canada
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29
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Young I, Davis M, Flowers P, McDaid LM. Navigating HIV citizenship: identities, risks and biological citizenship in the treatment as prevention era. HEALTH, RISK & SOCIETY 2019; 21:1-16. [PMID: 31105468 PMCID: PMC6494283 DOI: 10.1080/13698575.2019.1572869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of HIV Treatment as Prevention (TasP) has radically changed our understandings of HIV risk and revolutionised global HIV prevention policy to focus on the use of pharmaceuticals. Yet, there has been little engagement with the very people expected to comply with a daily pharmaceutical regime. We employ the concept of HIV citizenship to explore responses by people living with HIV in the UK to TasP. We consider how a treatment-based public health strategy has the potential to reshape identities, self-governance and forms of citizenship, domains which play a critical role not only in compliance with new TasP policies, but in how HIV prevention, serodiscordant relationships and (sexual) health are negotiated and enacted. Our findings disrupt the biomedical narrative which claims an end to HIV through scaling up access to treatment. Responses to TasP were framed through shifting negotiations of identity, linked to biomarkers, cure and managing treatment. Toxicity of drugs - and bodies - were seen as something to manage and linked to the shifting possibilities in serodiscordant environments. Finally, a sense of being healthy and responsible, including appropriate use of resources, meant conflicting relationships with if and when to start treatment. Our research highlights how HIV citizenship in the TasP era is negotiated and influenced by intersectional experiences of community, health systems, illness and treatment. Our findings show that the complexities of HIV citizenship and ongoing inequalities, and their biopolitical implications, will intimately shape the implementation and sustainability of TasP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Young
- Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark Davis
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne
| | - Paul Flowers
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lisa M. McDaid
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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30
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Grace D, Gaspar M, Paquette R, Rosenes R, Burchell AN, Grennan T, Salit IE. HIV-positive gay men's knowledge and perceptions of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccination: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207953. [PMID: 30496221 PMCID: PMC6264470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) living with HIV are disproportionately impacted by HPV-associated anal cancer, with rates about 100-fold that of the general population. Fortunately, HPV vaccination has proven efficacy in preventing both anogenital warts (condyloma) in males and anal pre-cancers (anal intraepithelial neoplasia; AIN) in GBM up to the age of 26. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 25 HIV-positive gay men in Toronto to gain an understanding of their knowledge and experiences related to HPV and the HPV vaccine. These participants were part of The HPV Screening and Vaccine Evaluation (HPV-SAVE) Study, and received invitations to have anal cancer screening from their primary care doctors. Interviews were analyzed following a Grounded Theory Approach. Most participants had not received the HPV vaccine. Men described a lack of prior knowledge of the health consequences of HPV for GBM living with HIV and financial barriers to vaccine access. Participants did not articulate concerns about vaccine safety. Men frequently reported initial beliefs that HPV was predominantly-or exclusively-a risk for females or young girls, and thus they had not considered the vaccine to be necessary. Some participants remained uncertain if the current availability of the vaccine, and their newly acquired knowledge of its importance, was "too little, too late" because of their age and/or HPV exposure. Improving access and uptake of HPV vaccination requires addressing both financial barriers to access as well as increasing HPV health literacy levels, particularly by reframing the long-standing gendered associations of HPV. Physicians should provide clear, tailored messages regarding HPV vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Ron Rosenes
- Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Troy Grennan
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
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31
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Hollingdrake O, Lui CW, Mutch A, Dean J, Howard C, Fitzgerald L. Factors affecting the decision to initiate antiretroviral therapy in the era of treatment-as-prevention: synthesis of evidence from qualitative research in high-income settings. AIDS Care 2018; 31:397-402. [PMID: 30311499 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1533235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of treatment-as-prevention has made early initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) a "universal" policy. This review synthesizes qualitative research findings on barriers and facilitators of ART initiation in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries published since 2010. Ten articles describing seven research studies were included in the review. Findings confirmed ART initiation as a complicated process involving careful deliberation of the personal risks and benefits of treatment within the broader contexts of everyday life for people living with HIV (PLHIV). They also highlight interpersonal dynamics and concern for the public as increasingly important factors in shaping the decision to initiate treatment. The review provides valuable information for understanding treatment behaviour and maximizing treatment options brought forth by new biomedical advances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chi-Wai Lui
- a School of Public Health , University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Allyson Mutch
- a School of Public Health , University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Judith Dean
- a School of Public Health , University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Chris Howard
- b Department of Life and Program , Queensland Positive People , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Lisa Fitzgerald
- a School of Public Health , University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia
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32
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Gaspar M, Grennan T, Salit I, Grace D. Confronting comorbidity risks within HIV biographies: gay men’s integration of HPV-associated anal cancer risk into their narratives of living with HIV. HEALTH RISK & SOCIETY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/13698575.2018.1519114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Troy Grennan
- Provincial HIV/STI Program, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Irving Salit
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Power J, Westle A, Dowsett GW, Lucke J, Tucker JD, Sugarman J, Lewin SR, Hill S, Brown G, Wallace J, Richmond J. Perceptions of HIV cure research among people living with HIV in Australia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202647. [PMID: 30142171 PMCID: PMC6108463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Participation in HIV cure-related clinical trials that involve antiretroviral treatment (ART) interruption may pose substantial individual risks for people living with HIV (PLHIV) without any therapeutic benefit. As such, it is important that the views of PLHIV are considered in the design of HIV cure research trials. Examining the lived experience of PLHIV provides unique and valuable perspectives on the risks and benefits of HIV cure research. In this study, we interviewed 20 PLHIV in Australia about their knowledge and attitudes toward clinical HIV cure research and explored their views regarding participation in HIV cure clinical trials, including those that involve ART interruption. Data were analysed thematically, using both inductive and deductive coding techniques, to identity themes related to perceptions of HIV cure research and PLHIV's assessment of the possible risks and benefits of trial participation. Study findings revealed interviewees were willing to consider participation in HIV cure research for social reasons, most notably the opportunity to help others. Concerns raised about ART interruption related to the social and emotional impact of viral rebound, including fear of onward HIV transmission and anxiety about losing control. These findings reveal the ways in which PLHIV perspectives deepen our understanding of HIV cure research, moving beyond a purely clinical assessment of risks and benefits in order to consider the social context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Power
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Westle
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gary W. Dowsett
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jayne Lucke
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Joseph D. Tucker
- UNC Project-China, University of North Carolina, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Sugarman
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sharon R. Lewin
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sophie Hill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Graham Brown
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jack Wallace
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacqui Richmond
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Gilbert M, Taylor D, Michelow W, Grace D, Balshaw R, Kwag M, Lim E, Fischer B, Patrick D, Ogilvie G, Coombs D, Steinberg M, Rekart M. Sustained Reduction in Sexual Behavior that May Pose a Risk of HIV Transmission Following Diagnosis During Early HIV Infection Among Gay Men in Vancouver, British Columbia. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2068-2078. [PMID: 28168375 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1702-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Increased viral load during early HIV infection (EHI) disproportionately contributes to HIV transmission among gay men. We examined changes in sexual behavior that may pose a risk of HIV transmission (condomless anal sex (AS) with a serodiscordant or unknown status partner, CAS-SDU) in a cohort of 25 gay men newly diagnosed during EHI who provided information on 241 sexual partners at six time points following diagnosis. Twenty-two (88%) participants reported ≥1 AS partner (median time to first AS 80 days) and 12 (55%) reported ≥1 partnership involving CAS-SDU (median 116 days). In hierarchical generalized linear mixed effects models, AS was significantly less likely in all time periods following diagnosis and more likely with serodiscordant partners. The likelihood of CAS-SDU decreased three months after diagnosis and was higher in recently versus acutely infected participants. Most men in our study abstained from sex immediately after diagnosis with sustained longer-term reduction in CAS-SDU, confirming the importance of timely diagnosis during EHI.
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Grace D, Jollimore J, MacPherson P, Strang MJ, Tan DH. The Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis-Stigma Paradox: Learning from Canada's First Wave of PrEP Users. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2018; 32:24-30. [PMID: 29185801 PMCID: PMC5756933 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2017.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
With the emergence of daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use in Canada, questions have emerged concerning the impacts of this HIV prevention tool on gay men's social and sexual lives. We conducted small focus groups and individual qualitative interviews with 16 gay men in Toronto who were part of the ‘first wave’ of Canadian PrEP users. Participants were on PrEP for at least one year as part of a demonstration project (November 2014–June 2016). These participants accessed PrEP before regulatory approval by Health Canada in February 2016. The mean age of participants was 37.6 years (SD 11.02); 94% completed secondary education, and 69% were white. Sex-stigma emerged as a complex theme in men's accounts of PrEP use across three overlapping domains: (1) PrEP-related stigma, including discussions of concealment and stigma from friends, family, and sexual partners, (2) PrEP as a perceived tool for combating HIV-related stigma, where some men said that they no longer discussed HIV status with sexual partners, and (3) PrEP as illuminating structural stigma, where it was attributed to unmasking stigma related to sex and sexuality. For some participants, PrEP has allowed for liberating sex and a self-described return to normalcy—normal, exciting, pleasurable sex that was no longer reliant on condom use. Paradoxically, some men said that PrEP use both led them to experience stigmatizing reactions within their social and sexual networks, while also helping to remove stigma, shame, and fear related to HIV, sexuality, and sex with gay men living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grace
- University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jody Jollimore
- Community-Based Research Centre for Gay Men's Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Pereira H, Caldeira D, Monteiro S. Perceptions of HIV-Related Stigma in Portugal Among MSM With HIV Infection and an Undetectable Viral Load. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2017; 29:439-453. [PMID: 29292083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jana.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We explored perceptions of HIV-related stigma using a qualitative approach based on the findings of in-depth e-mail asynchronous interviews with 37 self-identified Portuguese men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV infection and undetectable viral loads. Participants were asked to answer an online interview. Major findings concerned external perceptions of HIV-related stigma, HIV status disclosure, the impact of HIV on everyday life, the presence of double discrimination, and general perceptions of HIV-related stigma. Results revealed (a) stigmatizing and discriminatory behaviors and practices in psychosocial and inter-relational events, but not in accessing and receiving health care; (b) double exposure to stigma associated with being gay and having HIV; and (c) undetectability as an autonomous identity with important connections to social and interpersonal interactions. An important implication was related to multilevel risk perceptions and the psychosocial complexity and challenges of HIV infection. In Portugal, HIV is still a socially disabling disease.
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Sewell J, Daskalopoulou M, Nakagawa F, Lampe FC, Edwards S, Perry N, Wilkins E, O'Connell R, Jones M, Collins S, Speakman A, Phillips AN, Rodger AJ. Accuracy of self-report of HIV viral load among people with HIV on antiretroviral treatment. HIV Med 2017; 18:463-473. [PMID: 28004523 PMCID: PMC5516233 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess, among people living with HIV, knowledge of their latest HIV viral load (VL) and CD4 count. METHODS Agreement between self-report and clinic record was assessed among 2771 HIV-diagnosed individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in the UK Antiretrovirals, Sexual Transmission Risk and Attitudes Study (2011-2012). A confidential self-completed questionnaire collected information on demographic, socioeconomic, HIV-related and health-related factors. Participants were asked to self-report their latest VL [undetectable (≤ 50 copies/mL), detectable (> 50 copies/mL) or "don't know"] and CD4 count (< 200, 200-350, 351-500 or > 500 cells/μL, or "don't know"). Latest clinic-recorded VL and CD4 count were documented. RESULTS Of 2678 participants on ART, 434 (16.2%) did not accurately report whether their VL was undetectable. Of 2334 participants with clinic-recorded VL ≤ 50 copies/mL, 2061 (88.3%) correctly reported undetectable VL; 49 (2.1%) reported detectable VL; 224 (9.6%) did not know their VL. Of 344 participants with clinic-recorded VL > 50 copies/mL, 183 (53.2%) correctly reported detectable VL; 76 (22.1%) reported undetectable VL; 85 (24.7%) did not know their VL. Of 2137 participants who reported undetectable VL, clinic-recorded VL was ≤ 50 copies/mL for 2061 (96.4%) and <1000 copies/mL for 2122 (99.3%). In analyses adjusted for gender/sexual orientation, ethnicity, age and time since starting ART, factors strongly associated with inaccurate self-report of VL (including "don't know") included socioeconomic disadvantage [prevalence ratio (95% CI) for "not" vs. "always" having enough money for basic needs: 2.4 (1.9, 3.1)], poor English fluency [3.5 (2.4, 5.1) vs. UK born], nondisclosure of HIV status [1.7 (1.3, 2.1)], ART nonadherence [2.1 (1.7, 2.7) for three or more missed doses vs. none in the past 2 weeks] and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) [1.9 (1.6, 2.2)]. Overall, 612 (22.9%) of 2667 participants on ART did not accurately self-report whether or not their CD4 count was ≤ 350 cells/μL. CONCLUSIONS There is a high level of accuracy of a self-report of undetectable VL in people on ART in the UK. Overall, accurate knowledge of personal VL level varied according to demographic, socioeconomic, HIV-related and health-related factors. Active identification of people who may benefit from increased levels of support and engagement in care is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sewell
- Research Department of Infection & Population HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - M Daskalopoulou
- Research Department of Infection & Population HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - F Nakagawa
- Research Department of Infection & Population HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - FC Lampe
- Research Department of Infection & Population HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - S Edwards
- Mortimer Market CentreCentral and North West London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - N Perry
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS TrustBrightonUK
| | - E Wilkins
- Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS TrustManchesterUK
| | | | - M Jones
- East Sussex Healthcare NHS TrustEastbourneUK
| | | | - A Speakman
- Research Department of Infection & Population HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - AN Phillips
- Research Department of Infection & Population HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - AJ Rodger
- Research Department of Infection & Population HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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Persson A, Newman CE, Ellard J. Breaking Binaries? Biomedicine and Serostatus Borderlands among Couples with Mixed HIV Status. Med Anthropol 2017; 36:699-713. [PMID: 28323441 DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2017.1298594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
With recent breakthroughs in HIV treatment and prevention, the meanings of HIV-positivity and HIV-negativity are changing at biomedical and community levels. We explore how binary constructions of HIV serostatus identities are giving way to something more complex that brings both welcome possibilities and potential concerns. We draw on research with couples with mixed HIV status to argue that, in the context of lived experiences, serostatus identities have always been more ambiguous than allowed for in HIV discourse. However, their supposed dichotomous quality seems even more dubious now in view of contemporary biomedical technologies. Invoking the anthropological concept of "borderlands," we consider how biomedicine is generating more diverse serostatus identities, widening the options for how to live with HIV, and eroding the stigmatizing serostatus binary that has haunted the epidemic. But we also ask whether this emerging borderland, and its "normalizing" tendencies, is concomitantly giving rise to new and troubling binaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Persson
- a Centre for Social Research in Health , UNSW Australia , Kensington, Sydney , NSW , Australia
| | - Christy E Newman
- a Centre for Social Research in Health , UNSW Australia , Kensington, Sydney , NSW , Australia
| | - Jeanne Ellard
- b Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society , La Trobe University , Melbourne , Australia
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Girometti N, Nwokolo N, McOwan A, Whitlock G. Outcomes of acutely HIV-1-infected individuals following rapid antiretroviral therapy initiation. Antivir Ther 2016; 22:77-80. [PMID: 27585954 DOI: 10.3851/imp3080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data exist on the benefits and acceptability of rapid initiation of antiretroviral treatment in acute HIV infection (AHI). We analysed a large cohort of acutely infected HIV patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) to determine uptake, linkage into care and time to achieve viral suppression. METHODS Case notes of all individuals diagnosed with AHI between May 2014 and October 2015 at 56 Dean Street, a sexual health clinic in London, UK were reviewed. AHI was defined through documentation of plasma HIV RNA positivity only, plasma HIV RNA and p24 antigen positivity with a negative HIV enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test or HIV EIA test switching from negative to positive within 6 weeks. Between-group comparisons of time to viral suppression according to ART chosen were performed using the log-rank test. RESULTS We identified 113 individuals with AHI. Linkage to care was 95%. 77% of patients started ART at first medical appointment: all men who have sex with men, median age 35 years, median viral load (VL) log10 6.45, median CD4+ T-cell count 483 cells/mm3. Median time from diagnosis to ART initiation was 20 days. At 24 weeks, no patients had discontinued ART; 99% of patients achieved viral suppression by 24 weeks, with a median time to documented VL suppression of 74 days. Viral suppression was more rapid with integrase inhibitors compared with other regimens (median 41 versus 88.5 days, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In acute HIV infection, individuals demonstrated high ART uptake and rapid VL suppression suggesting that early treatment with antiretrovirals is acceptable and efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Girometti
- Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Medical Sciences and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nneka Nwokolo
- Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alan McOwan
- Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gary Whitlock
- Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Keogh P. Embodied, clinical and pharmaceutical uncertainty: people with HIV anticipate the feasibility of HIV treatment as prevention (TasP). CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2016.1187261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Grace D, Steinberg M, Chown SA, Jollimore J, Parry R, Gilbert M. " … it's almost therapeutic, right? Because it's almost like that session that I never had": gay men's accounts of being a participant in HIV research. AIDS Care 2016; 28:1306-11. [PMID: 27137510 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1178701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Limited research has explored how gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men describe the impact of their involvement in HIV and sexual health research. We enrolled 166 gay and bisexual men who tested HIV-negative at a community sexual health clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia, into a year-long mixed methods study. Thirty-three of these participants who reported recent condomless anal intercourse were purposively recruited into an embedded qualitative study. Analysis revealed rich accounts of the self-described, interrelated impacts of study participation: (1) pride in contribution and community involvement (e.g., as a rationale for enrolment and an outcome of participation); (2) how one thinks about sexual behaviours and partnerships (e.g., encouraging reflection on the types and amount of sex they have had; in some cases the methods of quantitative data collection were said to have produced feelings of guilt or shame); and (3) experiencing research as a form of counselling (e.g., qualitative interviews were experienced as having a major therapeutic component to them). Our analysis underscores the importance of researchers being reflexive regarding how study participation in HIV research may impact participants, including unintended emotional and behavioural impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grace
- a Dalla Lana School of Public Health , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Malcolm Steinberg
- b Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University , Burnaby , Canada
| | - Sarah A Chown
- c British Columbia Centre for Disease Control , Vancouver , Canada
| | | | - Robin Parry
- c British Columbia Centre for Disease Control , Vancouver , Canada
| | - Mark Gilbert
- c British Columbia Centre for Disease Control , Vancouver , Canada.,e Ontario HIV Treatment Network , Toronto , Canada
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