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Alohan DI, Evans G, Sanchez T, Harrington KRV, Quamina A, Young HN, Crawford ND. Using the andersen healthcare utilization model to assess willingness to screen for prep in pharmacy-based settings among cisgender sexually minoritized men: results from the 2020 american men's internet survey. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2349. [PMID: 39210291 PMCID: PMC11360873 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19836-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV is severely underutilized among sexually minoritized men (SMM). Inequitable access to PrEP-prescribing facilities and providers is a critical barrier to PrEP uptake among SMM. Integrating HIV prevention services, such as PrEP screening, into pharmacy-based settings is a viable solution to addressing HIV inequities in the US. We aimed to examine willingness to obtain PrEP screening in a pharmacy and its associated correlates, leveraging Andersen's Healthcare Utilization Model (AHUM), among a national sample of SMM in the U.S. METHODS Data from the 2020 American Men's Internet Survey, an annual online survey among SMM, were analyzed. Drawing on AHUM-related constructs, we used a modified stepwise Poisson regression with robust variance estimates to examine differences in willingness to screen for PrEP in a pharmacy. Estimated prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI95%). RESULTS Out of 10,816 men, most (76%) were willing to screen for PrEP in a pharmacy. Participants were more willing to screen for PrEP in a pharmacy if they (1) had a general willingness to use PrEP (PR = 1.52; CI95% =1.45, 1.59); (2) felt comfortable speaking with pharmacy staff about PrEP (PR = 2.71; CI95% =2.47, 2.98); and (3) had HIV-related concerns (PR = 1.04; CI95% =1.02, 1.06). There were no observed differences in men's willingness to screen for PrEP in a pharmacy by race/ethnicity, education level, annual household income, nor insurance status. CONCLUSIONS Strategically offering PrEP screening in pharmacies could mitigate access-related barriers to HIV prevention services among SMM, particularly across various sociodemographic domains. Importantly, this approach has vitally important implications for addressing broader inequities in HIV prevention. Future studies should examine strategies to successfully integrate PrEP screenings in pharmacies among diverse populations, especially among those at elevated risk for HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel I Alohan
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, 30322, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | - Gabrielle Evans
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kristin R V Harrington
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Henry N Young
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Natalie D Crawford
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Atkins K, Wiginton JM, Carpino T, Sanchez TH, Murray SM, Baral SD. Transactional Sex, HIV, and Bacterial STIs Among U.S. Men Who have Sex with Men. Am J Prev Med 2024:S0749-3797(24)00231-9. [PMID: 39002886 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Men who have sex with men (MSM) and are engaged in transactional sex (MSM-TS) experience complex social and structural vulnerabilities that increase their HIV risk. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of TS and associations between TS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) outcomes among cisgender MSM in the U.S. METHODS Using 2017-2021 data from an online survey of U.S. MSM, characteristics of MSM-TS were summarized, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) calculated for the associations between past-year TS and bacterial STI diagnosis, HIV status, and either antiretroviral or pre-exposure prophylaxis use. Analyses were conducted in 2023. RESULTS TS prevalence was 3.7% (n=1,848/49,539). Compared to other MSM, MSM-TS more commonly reported homelessness, being uninsured, condomless anal sex with partners of any HIV status and condomless anal sex with serodifferent partners, and illicit drug use. TS was associated with increased HIV (aPR 1.44, 95% CI 1.25-1.66) and bacterial STI prevalence (aPR 2.40, 95% CI=2.09-2.52) and lower antiretroviral therapy use (among MSM living with HIV; PR 0.92, 95% CI=0.87-0.97). CONCLUSIONS Structural and behavioral risks converged among U.S. MSM engaging in TS leading to greater HIV and bacterial STI prevalence in this group. HIV interventions for U.S. MSM-TS should address individual as well as structural risks, including poverty and housing instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Atkins
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - John M Wiginton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California; San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Thomas Carpino
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Goodreau SM, Barry MP, Hamilton DT, Williams AM, Wang LY, Sanchez TH, Katz DA, Delaney KP. Behavior Change Among HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex with Men Not Using PrEP in the United States. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1766-1780. [PMID: 38411799 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04281-7] [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: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
This study measures changes in condomless anal sex (CAS) among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) who are not taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It considers the 2014-2019 cycles of the American Men's Internet Survey, a serial, cross-sectional web-based survey of US cisgender MSM aged ≥ 15 years, in which ~ 10% of each year's sample is drawn from the previous year. Among those surveyed for 2 years who remained HIV-negative and off PrEP, reports of having any CAS and of CAS partner number were compared across years. We disaggregated by partner HIV status, and considered demographic predictors. The overall population saw a significant 2.2 percentage-point (pp) increase in reports of any CAS year-over-year. Sub-populations with the largest year-on-year increases were 15-24-year-olds (5.0-pp) and Hispanic respondents (5.1-pp), with interaction (young Hispanic respondents = 12.8-pp). On the relative scale, these numbers correspond to 3.2%, 7.2%, 7.3% and 18.7%, respectively. Absolute increases were concentrated among partners reported as HIV-negative. Multivariable analyses for CAS initiation found effects concentrated among Hispanic and White youth and residents of fringe counties of large metropolitan areas. CAS partner number increases were similarly predicted by Hispanic identity and young age. Although condom use remains more common than PrEP use, increasing CAS among MSM not on PrEP suggests potential new HIV transmission pathways. Concentration of increases among 18-24-year-old MSM portends future increases in the proportion of newly diagnosed HIV that occur among youth. Concentration among young Hispanic MSM will likely expand existing disparities. Although reducing barriers to PrEP remains vital, condom promotion for MSM remains a key public health practice and appears to be missing key audiences. LGBTQ+-inclusive sex education is one avenue for enhancing these efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Goodreau
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Campus Box 353100, Seattle, WA, 98122, USA.
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Michael P Barry
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for AIDS & STD, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Deven T Hamilton
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Austin M Williams
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Li Yan Wang
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - David A Katz
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kevin P Delaney
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Dibble KE, Murray SM, Baral SD, Zlotorzynska M, Wiginton JM, Stephenson R, Edwards OW, Lyons C, Rainey JC, Xue QL, Sanchez TH. Predicting salivary cortisol and sexual behavior stigma among MSM in the American Men's Internet Survey 2019. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18082. [PMID: 37872353 PMCID: PMC10593931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44876-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological stress levels in response to sexual behavior stigma among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States (US) are understudied. The current study aims to explore the relationship between sexual behavior stigma and salivary cortisol both overall and stratified by race/ethnicity. If such an association exists, it may suggest that sexual behavior stigma can be physiologically measured or indicated by the presence of heightened salivary cortisol. A subsample of 667 MSM participants from the 2019 American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS; N = 10,129) submitted morning (AM) and evening (PM) saliva cortisol samples using at-home mail-in collection kits. Average daily cortisol and daily cortisol change were calculated; simple linear regressions estimated associations between cortisol measures and sexual behavior stigma characterized in four different ways (ever and recent experience of individual stigma items; average ever and recent experience of three stigma scales: stigma from family and friends, anticipated healthcare stigma, general social stigma). Participants reported a mean age of 36.0 years (SD = 14.9), with most being non-Hispanic white (n = 480, 72.0%), Hispanic (n = 164, 12.3%), or Black/African American (n = 146, 10.9%), and identified as homosexual/gay (n = 562, 84.3%). Reporting ever experiencing healthcare providers gossiping was significantly associated with higher PM cortisol (β = 0.12, p = 0.001) and higher average daily cortisol (β = 0.11, p = 0.004), while reporting ever experiencing police refusing to protect was associated with higher AM cortisol (β = 0.08, p = 0.03) and higher average daily cortisol (β = 0.09, p = 0.02). Recent experiences of stigma were not significant predictors of any measure of cortisol. Measures of salivary cortisol may be used to characterize sexual behavior stigma among MSM populations, however more insight is needed to determine its exact relationship and strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E Dibble
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6133, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6133, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - John Mark Wiginton
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership, School of Nursing, and The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - O Winslow Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Carrie Lyons
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jacob C Rainey
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Qian-Li Xue
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Sharpe JD, Siegler AJ, Sanchez TH, Guest JL, Sullivan PS. Effects of mode of transportation on PrEP persistence among urban men who have sex with men. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1411-1419. [PMID: 37232114 PMCID: PMC11167718 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2217375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the effect of travel-related factors, such as mode of transportation, on retention in PrEP care, or PrEP persistence. We used data from the 2020 American Men's Internet Survey and conducted multilevel logistic regression to estimate the association between mode of transportation used for healthcare access and PrEP persistence among urban gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the U.S. MSM using public transportation were less likely to report PrEP persistence (aOR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28-0.95) than MSM using private transportation. There were no significant associations between PrEP persistence and using active transportation (aOR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.35-1.29) or multimodal transportation (aOR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.51-1.43) compared to using private transportation. Transportation-related interventions and policies are needed to address structural barriers to accessing PrEP services and to improve PrEP persistence in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jodie L. Guest
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Gamarel KE, Darbes LA, Wall KM, Jones J, Washington C, Rosso M, Felder Claude K, Hightow-Weidman LB, Sullivan PS, Stephenson R. A Relationship-Focused HIV Prevention Intervention for Young Sexual Minority Men in the United States: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the We Prevent Intervention. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2703-2719. [PMID: 36781618 PMCID: PMC9924851 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03994-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
We Prevent is a virtual counseling intervention designed to improve communication as a mechanism for reducing HIV risk among young sexual minority men (SMM) in relationships. We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of We Prevent in comparison to standard Counseling, Testing, and Referral among a national sample of 318 SMM ages 15-24 in a pilot randomized control trial. We found significant differences in condomless sex with outside partners; however, there were no differences in other sexual behaviors, sexual agreements, intimate partner violence (IPV), or communication between the conditions across the 9-month follow-ups. Stratified analyses found non-significant trends suggestive that We Prevent may reduce condomless sex for those ages 15-17 and for relationships over 1-year and may reduce IPV in relationships over 1-year. Though study retention was adequate, session attendance was low. Exit interviews participants reported benefits of We Prevent and provided insights into how to increase uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA.
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeb Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Catherine Washington
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew Rosso
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Kristina Felder Claude
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Bollinger JM, Geller G, May E, Brewer J, Henry LM, Sugarman J. Brief Report: Challenges in Obtaining the Informed Perspectives of Stakeholders Regarding HIV Molecular Epidemiology. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:87-91. [PMID: 36805407 PMCID: PMC10293093 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV molecular epidemiology (HIV-ME) is now being used in a variety of ways, including molecular HIV surveillance to help identify and respond to emerging HIV transmission clusters as specified in the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative. However, HIV-ME in general, and its use for cluster detection and response, in particular, raises significant ethical and social concerns, which have spurred vigorous debates. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of information regarding how these potential benefits and concerns are perceived among people living with HIV and people without HIV at an increased risk. SETTING Virtual engagement with US participants. METHODS We rigorously developed a brief informational video about HIV-ME and conducted a series of in-depth interviews with people living with HIV and people without HIV at an increased risk. RESULTS Through extensive stakeholder engagement during the video development process and subsequent in-depth interviews (N = 24), several preliminary findings surfaced. In contrast to the high level of concern raised by some critics of HIV-ME, our data appear to show broad support for it. In addition, we observed conflation of perspectives about HIV-ME with concerns about HIV public health surveillance more generally. CONCLUSION Our experiences reveal substantial communication challenges related to the nature of HIV-ME that need to be overcome to ensure that it is properly understood, which is necessary for meaningfully engaging stakeholders in discussions about its use. Moreover, ongoing, responsive, engagement efforts are critical. Additional systematic data are needed to help inform policy making and practice regarding HIV-ME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juli M. Bollinger
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA
| | - Gail Geller
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Janesse Brewer
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland, USA
| | - Leslie Meltzer Henry
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA
- University of Maryland Carey School of Law, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeremy Sugarman
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA
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Rosenthal EM, Tesoriero JM, Flavin SM, Yuan Y, Sullivan TT, Johnson MC. Geospatial Prioritization to Reach Hispanic or Latino and Other Priority Populations Through HIV Home Testing Services. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:336-344. [PMID: 36693389 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001700] [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: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hispanic or Latino men who have sex with men (HLMSM) are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York State (NYS) and nationally. In 2019, HLMSM comprised 13% of all new diagnoses and 21% of new diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) in NYS excluding New York City. HIV home testing programs are effective methods for increasing HIV testing. OBJECTIVE This pilot sought to determine whether the NYS HIV Home Test Giveaway (HHTG) can effectively reach priority populations, specifically HLMSM/transgender/gender nonconforming persons who have sex with men, to increase uptake of HIV home testing services and identify new HIV infections. DESIGN/SETTING We recruited participants using media campaigns linked to a brief self-administered eligibility survey. Eligible participants provided their e-mail address to receive a code for a free HIV home test and were sent a self-administered follow-up survey 4 to 11 weeks after eligibility survey completion. PARTICIPANTS The 2018 and 2019 NYS HHTG reached 1214 and 1340 participants, respectively. A total of 606 participants in 2018 and 736 participants in 2019 were eligible to receive the HHTG home test kit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES HHTG utilization and test results. RESULTS Hispanic or Latino persons participated at higher rates (34.8% and 25.4% in 2018 and 2019, respectively) than the percentage of Hispanic men in prioritized zip codes (15.7% and 15.6% in 2018 and 2019, respectively). The majority of participants who received HHTG test kits used them to test themselves (87.5% in 2018 and 90.6% in 2019). Across both rounds, 4 participants reported new HIV-positive results, for a seropositivity rate of approximately 1%. CONCLUSION Geospatial prioritization was successful in reaching Hispanic or Latino priority populations for HIV testing. HIV self-testing programs such as the HHTG are beneficial methods to reach priority populations for state and national Ending the HIV Epidemic initiatives.
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Regan T, Gette J, McAfee N, Parker J. Substance use disparities by age, race, sex, and sexual orientation among persons living with HIV in the Southern U.S. Int J STD AIDS 2023:9564624231162150. [PMID: 36919911 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231162150] [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: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol and drug use is overrepresented among individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and is associated with poor health outcomes. Determining the extent to which substance use differs between demographic profiles of people living with HIV (PLWH) would determine at-risk groups that would benefit from intervention. METHODS Cross-sectional screening data (N = 1307, Mage = 42.7 years, 66% male, 86% African American, 39% sexual minority) was examined from an HIV clinic in the southern U.S. largely treating underserved and low-income patients. Age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and their interactions were entered as predictors of substance use and related impairment in a series of zero-inflated negative binomial regressions. RESULTS African Americans reported more drug use (p = 0.004) and drug-related negative consequences (p = 0.003). Notably, alcohol-related negative consequences of African American heterosexuals were much higher at younger ages, compared to sexual minorities (regardless of race) and White heterosexuals of all age groups (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Among PLWH in the U.S. South, African Americans may be uniquely at-risk with for problems related to drug-related functional impairment. Specifically, young heterosexual African Americans are at high risk for alcohol-related impairment. Implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Regan
- Department of Mental Health, RinggoldID:25802Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jordan Gette
- Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, RinggoldID:242612Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nicholas McAfee
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, RinggoldID:12276University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MI, USA
| | - Jefferson Parker
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, RinggoldID:12276University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MI, USA
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Alohan DI, Evans G, Sanchez T, Harrington KR, Quamina A, Young HN, Crawford ND. Examining pharmacies' ability to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis access for black men who have sex with men in the United States. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:547-554. [PMID: 36470733 PMCID: PMC10065894 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has not effectively reached black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Using innovative, nontraditional health care settings-such as community pharmacies-may improve PrEP uptake among BMSM. OBJECTIVE To examine correlates of patient willingness to be screened for PrEP (via human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] testing and risk assessment) in pharmacies among BMSM in the United States. METHODS Data from the 2020 American Men's Internet Survey were analyzed. Using a modified Poisson regression method with robust variance estimates, we examined differences in willingness to screen for PrEP in pharmacies among BMSM. A 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated for each estimated prevalence ratio (PR). RESULTS Of 826 respondents, 637 (77%) were willing to be screened for PrEP in pharmacies. Having a high school degree (PR 0.76 [95% CI 0.62-0.95]), willingness to use PrEP (1.70 [1.41-2.05]), and comfort speaking with pharmacy staff about PrEP (2.5 [1.86-3.51]) were significantly associated with willingness to screen for PrEP in a pharmacy setting. Importantly, there were no observed differences in willingness by age, employment status, annual household income, or insurance status. CONCLUSION Pharmacy-based PrEP access may be an effective strategy to end inequities in HIV, given that our results indicate that most BMSM are willing to be screened for PrEP in pharmacies. Future studies should examine whether willingness to use pharmacy-based HIV prevention services is associated with subsequent uptake of these services among BMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel I. Alohan
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Alvan Quamina
- National AIDS Education Services for Minorities, Inc., Atlanta, GA
| | - Henry N. Young
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Natalie D. Crawford
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Khosropour CM, Coomes DM, Barbee LA. Frequency and Combination of Sequential Sexual Acts That May Lead to Sexually Transmitted Infections at Different Anatomic Sites Within the Same Person. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:823-831. [PMID: 36459349 PMCID: PMC9717570 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02486-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Modeling studies suggest that transmission of gonorrhea and chlamydia to multiple anatomic sites within the same person is necessary to reproduce observed high rates of extragenital gonorrhea/chlamydia. Limited empiric behavioral data support this idea. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled individuals assigned male at birth who reported sex with men (MSM) and denied receptive anal sex (RAS) in the past 2 years. Participants enrolled in-person at the Sexual Health Clinic in Seattle, Washington (December 2019-September 2021) or online (July 2021-September 2021), and completed a sexual history questionnaire that asked about specific sexual acts and sequence of those acts during their last sexual encounter. We enrolled 210 MSM during the 16-month recruiting period. The median number of sex acts reported at last sexual encounter was 4 (interquartile range 3-5). The most commonly reported acts at last sex were: kissing (83%), receiving oral sex (82%), and insertive anal sex (65%). There was substantial variability in the sequence of acts reported; no unique sequence of sex acts was reported by more than 12% of the population. Ninety percent of participants reported sequences of behaviors that could lead to gonorrhea or chlamydia transmission within the same person (respondent or partner); the most common of these combinations was kissing followed by receiving oral sex (64% reporting). Engaging in multiple sex acts within a single sexual encounter is common and may lead to gonorrhea/chlamydia transmission within the same person. This complicates empiric measurements of transmission probabilities needed to estimate population-level transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Khosropour
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359777, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | - David M Coomes
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359777, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Lindley A Barbee
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health - Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
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12
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Leung T, Sullivan S, MacGowan RJ, Chavez PR, Wall KM, Sanchez TH, Stephenson R, Hightow-Weidman L, Johnson JA, Smith A, Sharma A, Jones J, Hannah M, Trigg M, Luo W, Caldwell J, Sullivan PS. Engaging Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men for HIV Testing and Prevention Services Through Technology: Protocol for the iSTAMP Comparative Effectiveness Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e43414. [PMID: 36607707 PMCID: PMC9862319 DOI: 10.2196/43414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly Black or African American MSM (BMSM) and Hispanic or Latino MSM (HLMSM), continue to be disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic in the United States. Previous HIV self-testing programs have yielded high testing rates, although these studies predominantly enrolled White, non-Hispanic MSM. Mobile health tools can support HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. This protocol details an implementation study of mailing free HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) nested within a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the benefit of a mobile phone app for increasing the uptake of HIV prevention and other social services. OBJECTIVE This study was a comparative effectiveness trial of innovative recruitment and testing promotion strategies intended to effectively reach cisgender BMSM and HLMSM. We evaluated the use of a mobile app for increasing access to care. METHODS Study development began with individual and group consultations that elicited feedback from 3 core groups: HIV care practitioners and researchers, HIV service organization leaders from study states, and BMSM and HLMSM living in the study states. Upon completion of the formative qualitative work, participants from 11 states, based on the observed areas of highest rate of new HIV diagnoses among Black and Hispanic MSM, were recruited through social networking websites and smartphone apps. After eligibility was verified, participants consented and were randomized to the intervention arm (access to the Know@Home mobile app) or the control arm (referral to web resources). We provided all participants with HIVSTs. The evaluation of the efficacy of a mobile phone app to support linkage to posttest prevention services that included sexually transmitted infection testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation, antiretroviral treatment, and acquisition of condoms and compatible lubricants has been planned. Data on these outcomes were obtained from several sources, including HIVST-reporting surveys, the 4-month follow-up survey, laboratory analyses of dried blood spot cards returned by the participant, and data obtained from the state health department surveillance systems. Where possible, relevant subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS During the formative development phase, 9 consultations were conducted: 6 in-depth individual discussions and 3 group consultations. From February 2020 through February 2021, we enrolled 2093 MSM in the randomized controlled trial from 11 states, 1149 BMSM and 944 HLMSM. CONCLUSIONS This study was designed and implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment strategies to reach BMSM and HMSM and of a mobile app with regard to linkage to HIV prevention or treatment services. Data were also obtained to allow for the analyses of cost and cost-effectiveness related to study enrollment, HIV testing uptake, identification of previously undiagnosed HIV, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, and linkage to HIV prevention or treatment services. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04219878); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04219878. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/43414.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Sullivan
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Robin J MacGowan
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Pollyanna R Chavez
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rob Stephenson
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Johnson
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Amanda Smith
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Akshay Sharma
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jeb Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Marissa Hannah
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Monica Trigg
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Wei Luo
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joanna Caldwell
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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13
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Delaney KP, Sanchez T, Hannah M, Edwards OW, Carpino T, Agnew-Brune C, Renfro K, Kachur R, Carnes N, DiNenno EA, Lansky A, Ethier K, Sullivan P, Baral S, Oster AM. Strategies Adopted by Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men to Prevent Monkeypox virus Transmission — United States, August 2022. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2022; 71. [PMID: 36048582 PMCID: PMC9472779 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7135e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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14
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de Wit JBF, Adam PCG, den Daas C, Jonas K. Sexually transmitted infection prevention behaviours: health impact, prevalence, correlates, and interventions. Psychol Health 2022; 38:675-700. [PMID: 35748408 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2022.2090560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health threat, disproportionately affecting young people, and men who have sex with men. In this narrative review of the current state of behavioural science research on STI prevention, we consider the definition, health impacts, correlates and determinants, and interventions to promote STI prevention behaviour. Research on STI prevention behaviour has extended from a focus on abstinence, partner reduction and condom use, to also include novel preventive behaviours, notably treatment-as-prevention, pre-exposure prophylaxis (i.e., the preventive use of medicines by uninfected people), and vaccination for some STIs. Social-cognitive factors specified by, for instance the theory of planned behaviour, are critical proximal determinants of STI prevention behaviours, and related interventions can effectively promote STI prevention behaviours. Social-ecological perspectives highlight that individual-level determinants are embedded in more distal environmental influences, with social stigma especially affecting STI prevention behaviours and requiring effective intervention. Further to providing a major domain of application, STI prevention also poses critical challenges and opportunities for health psychology theory and research. We identify a need for health behaviour theory that addresses the processes linking multiple levels of influence on behaviour and provides practical guidance for multi-level behaviour change interventions adapted to specific contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B. F. de Wit
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Philippe C. G. Adam
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Institute for Prevention and Social Research, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chantal den Daas
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Kai Jonas
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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15
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Hecht J, Zlotorzynska M, Sanchez TH, Wohlfeiler D. Gay Dating App Users Support and Utilize Sexual Health Features on Apps. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2081-2090. [PMID: 35018547 PMCID: PMC9046136 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03554-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) frequently meet sex partners through dating apps. Research has demonstrated an association between app use and greater number of sex partners and STIs, but dating apps also pose an opportunity for intervention. By advocating for sexual health features on dating apps, Building Healthy Online Communities (BHOC) aims to increase communication about sexual health among app users. In partnership with Emory University, BHOC added questions to an annual survey of MSM. The questions assessed awareness and uptake of profile fields and sexual health features on the dating apps. Among survey participants, 67% (6737/10,129) reported using dating apps to meet a partner in the past year. Among this group, 77% (4993/6525) reported awareness of sexual health features. 61% of app users (2866/4721) who were aware of them reported using one or more sexual health features. BHOC continues to advocate for increased uptake of these features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hecht
- Building Healthy Online Communities, Springboard HealthLab, 5601 Van Fleet Ave, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA.
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Dan Wohlfeiler
- Building Healthy Online Communities, Springboard HealthLab, 5601 Van Fleet Ave, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
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16
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Gamarel KE, Washington C, Rosso MT, Darbes LA, Claude KF, Hightow-Weidman L, Sullivan P, Stephenson R. Perceptions of Relationship Quality Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic Among Young Sexual Minority Men in Romantic Relationships. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2261-2268. [PMID: 35670886 PMCID: PMC9172607 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02254-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the well-being of people worldwide; however, there has been limited research examining ways in which the pandemic has created changes in relationship quality among young sexual minority men. We analyzed data from a sample of 150 young sexual minority men, aged 15-24 years. In total, 25% reported their relationship quality decreased during the pandemic, 47% reported no change, and 28% reported increased relationship quality due to COVID-19. In multinomial models, intimate partner violence, lower commitment, and spending less time with a partner due to COVID-19 were associated with decreased relationship quality during the pandemic compared to those who reported no change or increased relationship quality due to the pandemic. More efforts are needed to understand and address the impact of COVID-19 on the romantic relationships of young sexual minority men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- The Center of Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Catherine Washington
- The Center of Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew T Rosso
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- The Center of Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kristina Felder Claude
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Patrick Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- The Center of Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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