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Saliba B, Kang M, Wells N, Mao L, Prestage G, Hammoud MA. Hiding in plain sight: highlighting the research gap on access to HIV and other sexual health services for underrepresented gay men in developed Western countries - insights from a scoping review with a focus on Arab men. Sex Health 2024; 21:NULL. [PMID: 38164800 DOI: 10.1071/sh23131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strategies pertaining to HIV and sexual health for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) have shifted focus towards underrepresented subgroups within some developed Western countries. Although emerging research exists on some subgroups, limited attention has been given to the needs of Arab GBMSM in these contexts. Considering they are part of a large diaspora, understanding their access to services is crucial. This paper focuses on Arab GBMSM as a case study within a scoping review, highlighting their hidden status within the broader landscape of HIV and sexual health research for GBMSM in the West. METHODS A multi-method search strategy was employed, including searching four electronic databases using several terms within each of the following search topics: Arab, GBMSM, HIV and other sexual health services, and developed Western countries. RESULTS Of the 384 articles found, only one addressed the research question and met the inclusion criteria, revealing a stark scarcity of research on access to HIV and sexual health services for this population. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights a paucity of research on access to HIV and sexual health services for underrepresented GBMSM populations in developed Western countries. The literature indicates that, for Arab men, this may be due to a difficulty in participant recruitment and poor data collection efforts. By focusing on one hidden population, we aim to advocate for inclusive policies and interventions that promote equitable sexual health access for all. Addressing this research gap aligns with broader local and global HIV strategies to reduce disparities among underrepresented GBMSM populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Saliba
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia; and School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Kang
- Specialty of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Limin Mao
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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MacGibbon J, Cornelisse VJ, Smith AKJ, Broady TR, Hammoud MA, Bavinton BR, Heath-Paynter D, Vaughan M, Wright EJ, Holt M. Mpox (monkeypox) knowledge, concern, willingness to change behaviour, and seek vaccination: results of a national cross-sectional survey. Sex Health 2023; 20:403-410. [PMID: 37611539 DOI: 10.1071/sh23047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mid-2022, a global mpox (formerly 'monkeypox') outbreak affecting predominantly gay and bisexual men emerged in non-endemic countries. Australia had never previously recorded mpox cases and there was no prior research on knowledge or attitudes to mpox among gay and bisexual men across Australia. METHODS We conducted a national, online cross-sectional survey between August 2022 and September 2022. Participants were recruited through community organisation promotions, online advertising, and direct email invitations. Eligible participants were gay, bisexual or queer; identified as male (cisgender or transgender) or non-binary; aged 16years or older; and lived in Australia. The main outcome measures were: knowledge and concern about mpox; recognition of mpox symptoms and transmission routes; vaccination history; acceptability of behavioural changes to reduce mpox risk, and willingness to be vaccinated. RESULTS Of 2287 participants, most participants were male (2189/2287; 95.7%) and gay (1894/2287; 82.8%). Nearly all had heard about mpox (2255/2287; 98.6%), and the majority were concerned about acquiring it (1461/2287; 64.4%). Most of the 2268 participants not previously diagnosed with mpox correctly identified skin lesions (2087; 92%), rash (1977; 87.2%), and fever (1647; 72.6%) as potential symptoms, and prolonged and brief skin-to-skin contact as potential ways to acquire mpox (2124, 93.7%; and 1860, 82%, respectively). The most acceptable behavioural changes were reducing or avoiding attendance at sex parties (1494; 65.9%) and sex-on-premises venues (1503; 66.4%), and having fewer sexual partners (1466; 64.6%). Most unvaccinated and undiagnosed participants were willing to be vaccinated (1457/1733; 84.1%). CONCLUSIONS People at risk of mpox should be supported to adopt acceptable risk reduction strategies during outbreaks and to seek vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- James MacGibbon
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vincent J Cornelisse
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; and NSW Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony K J Smith
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy R Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Edwina J Wright
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and The Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Gahan L, Seed CR, Hammoud MA, Prestage G, Hoad VC, Kaldor JM. Perceived risk of HIV transmission by blood transfusion among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Australia. Transfusion 2023; 63:1528-1537. [PMID: 37300281 PMCID: PMC10953370 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Australia, men who have sex with men (MSM) are deferred from blood donation for 3 months from last sexual contact. Internationally, deferral policies for MSM are evolving in the direction of expanded inclusivity in response to community expectations. To inform future policy options, we assessed perceptions of the risk of HIV transmission from blood transfusion among Australian MSM. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Flux is an online prospective cohort of Australian gay and bisexual men (cis or trans, regardless of their sexual history) and other men who have had sex with men (gbMSM). We included questions on blood donation rules, window period (WP) duration, infectivity of blood from people with HIV on treatment and attitudes to more detailed questioning of sexual practices in the regular survey of Flux participants and conducted a descriptive analysis of responses. RESULTS Of 716 Flux participants in 2019, 703 responded to the blood donation questions. The mean age was 43.7 years (SD 13.6 years). Overall, 74% were willing to confidentially respond to specific sexual behavior questions, such as the last time they had sex and the type of sex they had, in order to be considered eligible to donate blood. The majority (92%) of participants correctly assessed the duration of the WP as less than 1 month. When asked whether transfusion of blood from a donor with HIV and an undetectable viral load could transmit HIV, just under half (48%) correctly said yes. CONCLUSION Our study suggests Australian gbMSM are generally comfortable with answering more detailed questions regarding sexual activity during the assessment to donate, indicating they would do so honestly. gbMSM are knowledgeable about the WP duration, important for their ability to correctly self-assess their HIV risk. However, half of participants incorrectly assessed the transmissibility by blood transfusion from an HIV positive person with an undetectable viral load, suggesting the need for a targeted education campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Gahan
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Clive R. Seed
- Australian Red Cross LifebloodMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Mohamed A. Hammoud
- Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Garrett Prestage
- Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - John M. Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Philpot SP, Prestage G, Holt M, Maher L, Haire B, Bourne A, Hammoud MA. Reasons for not Using HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia: Mixed-Methods Analyses from a National, Online, Observational Study. Behav Med 2023; 49:271-282. [PMID: 35176964 DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2022.2033159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Although approximately 31,000 Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) are eligible for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), only 18,500 people currently use it, indicating a need to investigate why GBM do not use it. This article uses data from a national, online, observational study. It adopts a mixed-methods analysis to responses to survey questions asking about reasons Australian GBM were not using PrEP in 2018, according to their level of HIV risk as delineated by the Australian PrEP prescribing guidelines at the time. Participants responded to check-box questions and had the option to respond to a qualitative free-text question. Results showed that just over one-fifth of men were at higher risk of HIV acquisition. Compared to lower-risk men, higher-risk men were more likely to indicate PrEP was too expensive and more likely to cite embarrassment asking for it. Reasons for not using PrEP included a lack of personal relevance, poor accessibility or knowledge, concerns about PrEP's inability to protect against STIs, potential side effects, and a preference for condoms. We conclude that health promotion more effectively targeting GBM who may benefit the most from PrEP may be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Philpot
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Garrett Prestage
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bridget Haire
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health, and Society La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohamed A Hammoud
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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Hammoud MA, Wells N, Holt M, Bavinton B, Jin F, Maher L, Philpot S, Haire B, Degenhardt L, Bourne A, Saxton P, Keen P, Storer D, Prestage G. COVID-19 Testing in a Weekly Cohort Study of Gay and Bisexual Men: The Impact of Health-Seeking Behaviors and Social Connection. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:948-956. [PMID: 36048292 PMCID: PMC9434557 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03831-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) have developed community norms for regular HIV/STI testing. We investigated factors associated with self-reported COVID-19 testing in response to reported COVID-19 cases and public health restrictions. Participants responded to weekly cohort surveys between 10th May 2021 and 27th September 2021. We used the Andersen-Gill extensions to the Cox proportional hazards model for multivariable survival data to predict factors influencing COVID-19 testing. Mean age of the 942 study participants was 45.6 years (SD: 13.9). In multivariable analysis, GBM were more likely to report testing during periods of high COVID-19 caseload in their state of residence; if they were younger; university educated; close contact of someone with COVID-19; or reported coping with COVID-19 poorly. COVID-19 testing was higher among men who: were more socially engaged with other GBM; had a higher proportion of friends willing to vaccinate against COVID-19; and were willing to contact sexual partners for contact tracing. Social connection with other gay men was associated with COVID-19 testing, similar to what has been observed throughout the HIV epidemic, making community networks a potential focus for the promotion of COVID-19 safe practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. Hammoud
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building UNSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
| | - Nathanael Wells
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building UNSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Benjamin Bavinton
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building UNSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building UNSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building UNSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
| | - Steven Philpot
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building UNSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
| | - Bridget Haire
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building UNSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Saxton
- grid.9654.e0000 0004 0372 3343Department of Social and Community Health, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Phillip Keen
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building UNSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel Storer
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building UNSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
| | - Garrett Prestage
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building UNSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
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Kong FYS, Unemo M, Lim SH, Latch N, Williamson DA, Roberts JA, Wallis SC, Parker SL, Landersdorfer CB, Yap T, Fairley CK, Chow EPF, Lewis DA, Hammoud MA, Hocking JS. Optimisation of treatments for oral Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection: Pharmacokinetics Study (STI-PK project) - study protocol for non-randomised clinical trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064782. [PMID: 36368750 PMCID: PMC9660608 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections are common and incidence increasing. Oropharyngeal infections are associated with greater treatment failure compared with other sites and drive transmission to anogenital sites through saliva. Gonococcal resistance is increasing and new treatments are scarce, therefore, clinicians must optimise currently available and emerging treatments in order to have efficacious therapeutic options. This requires pharmacokinetic data from the oral cavity/oropharynx, however, availability of such information is currently limited. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Healthy male volunteers (participants) recruited into the study will receive single doses of either ceftriaxone 1 g, cefixime 400 mg or ceftriaxone 500 mg plus 2 g azithromycin. Participants will provide samples at 6-8 time points (treatment regimen dependent) from four oral sites, two oral fluids, one anorectal swab and blood. Participants will complete online questionnaires about their medical history, sexual practices and any side effects experienced up to days 5-7. Saliva/oral mucosal pH and oral microbiome analysis will be undertaken. Bioanalysis will be conducted by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Drug concentrations over time will be used to develop mathematical models for optimisation of drug dosing regimens and to estimate pharmacodynamic targets of efficacy. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by Royal Melbourne Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (60370/MH-2021). The study results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and reported at conferences. Summary results will be sent to participants requesting them. All data relevant to the study will be included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12621000339853.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Y S Kong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for Sexually Transmitted Infections, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Shueh H Lim
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Crane General Practice, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ngaire Latch
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah A Williamson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason A Roberts
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Departments of Pharmacy and Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Herston Infectious Diseases Institute, Metro North Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Division of Anaesthesiology Critical Care Emergency and Pain Medicine, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
| | - Steven C Wallis
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Suzanne L Parker
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Tami Yap
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David A Lewis
- Westmead Clinical School and Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mohamed A Hammoud
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Storer D, Prestage G, McManus H, Maher L, Bavinton BR, Ellard J, Jin F, Philpot S, Holt M, Saxton P, Haire B, Murphy D, Hammoud MA. Relationship Between Sexual Behaviors with Non-committed Relationship Partners and COVID-19 Restrictions and Notification Rates: Results from a Longitudinal Study of Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia. Sex Res Social Policy 2022; 20:825-836. [PMID: 35669626 PMCID: PMC9142826 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-022-00733-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 related lockdowns have impacted the sexual activity of gay and bisexual men (GBM). We investigated trends in sexual behaviors and the COVID-19 context in which they occurred (COVID-notification rates and jurisdictional restrictions) to understand changes in the duration and severity of periods of lockdown on the sexual behavior of Australian GBM. Methods In an online, prospective observational study of 831 GBM from May 2020 to May 2021, we investigated associations between changes in sexual behavior among Australian GBM, lockdowns, and COVID-19 notification rates through weekly surveys from May 2020 to May 2021. Results The mean age was 45.71 years (SD: 13.93). Most identified as gay (89.0%) and 10.2% were living with HIV. There was an overall increase in the mean weekly number of non-committed relationship partners (0.53-0.90, p < 0.001). The state of Victoria experienced a significant extended COVID-19 outbreak, accompanied by severe lockdown restrictions. In response, Victorian men's partner numbers shifted three times, while elsewhere there was an overall gradually increasing trend. Conclusions Less severe outbreaks with shorter lockdown periods, involving fewer and geographically contained, COVID-19 notifications were accompanied by non-significant changes in sex with non-relationship partners than more severe outbreaks over extended periods and larger geographical areas. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13178-022-00733-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Storer
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Garrett Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Hamish McManus
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | | | - Jeanne Ellard
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Steven Philpot
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Saxton
- Department of Social and Community Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bridget Haire
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Mohamed A. Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
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Bavinton BR, Chan C, Hammoud MA, Maher L, Haire B, Degenhardt L, Holt M, Lea T, Bath N, Storer D, Jin F, Grulich AE, Bourne A, Saxton P, Prestage GP. Increase in Depression and Anxiety Among Australian Gay and Bisexual Men During COVID-19 Restrictions: Findings from a Prospective Online Cohort Study. Arch Sex Behav 2022; 51:355-364. [PMID: 35039984 PMCID: PMC8763302 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02276-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We examined depression and anxiety prior to and during COVID-19 restrictions in Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM). In an online cohort, a COVID-19-focused survey was conducted in April 2020. During 2019 and in April 2020, 664 GBM completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, measuring depression) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7, measuring anxiety). Increased depression and anxiety were defined as a ≥ 5 point increase on the respective scales. Mean PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores increased between 2019 and 2020 (PHQ-9: from 5.11 in 2019 to 6.55 in 2020; GAD-7: from 3.80 in 2019 to 4.95 in 2020). The proportion of participants with moderate-severe depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) increased from 18.8% (n = 125) to 25.5% (n = 169), while the proportion of participants with moderate-severe anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 10) increased from 12.7% (n = 84) to 17.3% (n = 115). Almost one-quarter of participants (n = 158, 23.8%) had increased depression; in these men, mean PHQ-9 increased from 2.49 in 2019 to 11.65 in 2020 (p < 0.001). One-in-five (20.6%) participants (n = 137) had increased anxiety; among these men, mean GAD-7 increased from 2.05 in 2019 to 10.22 in 2020 (p < 0.001). Increases were associated with concerns about job security, reduction in social and sexual connections and opportunities, and being personally concerned about COVID-19 itself. COVID-19 appeared to have a sudden and pronounced impact on depression and anxiety in Australian GBM, with a significant minority showing sharp increases. Ongoing monitoring is required to determine longer-term impacts and GBM need access to appropriate and sensitive supports both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Bavinton
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Curtis Chan
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Mohamed A Hammoud
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Bridget Haire
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicky Bath
- National LGBTI Health Alliance, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Storer
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Fenyi Jin
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew E Grulich
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Saxton
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Garrett P Prestage
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Philpot SP, Holt M, Murphy D, Haire B, Prestage G, Maher L, Bavinton BR, Hammoud MA, Jin F, Bourne A. Qualitative Findings on the Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Australian Gay and Bisexual Men: Community Belonging and Mental Well-being. Qual Health Res 2021; 31:2414-2425. [PMID: 34433350 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211039204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 may threaten the already poor mental health outcomes of Australian gay and bisexual men and cut ties to important social/sexual networks and community. Qualitative research into the experiences of gay and bisexual men during COVID-19 regulations is currently sparse. We report on 489 responses to a qualitative free-text question asking Australian gay and bisexual men about the impacts of COVID-19 during April 2020. Issues pertinent to gay and bisexual men include lost ties to gay and bisexual social/sexual communities, spaces, and activities, which can reduce a sense of belonging to important sexual identity spaces, as well as significant mental well-being vulnerabilities. Reminiscing the collective response to HIV/AIDS, findings reinforce the value of gay and bisexual community organizations, spaces, and networks as supports for gay and bisexual men and emphasize the need for delivering mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Holt
- UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | - Lisa Maher
- UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | - Fengyi Jin
- UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Bavinton BR, Hammoud MA, Holt M, Saxton P, Bourne A, MacGibbon J, Jin F, Maher L, Prestage GP. Changes in Sexual Behaviour Following PrEP Initiation Among Australian Gay and Bisexual Men in Relationships: Results from a Prospective Observational Study. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3704-3711. [PMID: 33782881 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03232-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined changes in sexual behaviour following HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in relationships. In a national, online, prospective study of GBM in Australia, we compared sexual behaviours prior to and after PrEP initiation among HIV-negative and unknown-HIV-status men (recruited 2014-2017) not taking PrEP at baseline and who completed at least one six-monthly follow-up by July 2018. Among men in relationships who did not initiate PrEP (n = 339), we compared their most recent survey to their prior one, while among men in relationships who initiated PrEP (n = 81), we compared follow-ups before and after PrEP initiation. Among the 81 PrEP-initiators who were in a relationship both before and after initiation, the proportion reporting their regular partner was on PrEP increased from 8.3 to 44.4% (p < 0.001) and the proportion reporting receptive CLAIC increased from 27.2 to 44.4% (p = 0.009). Overall, men who initiated PrEP were more likely to be in a relationship with a partner on PrEP, and it appeared they started PrEP around the same time. Receptive CLAIC also became more common.
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Grulich AE, Jin F, Bavinton BR, Yeung B, Hammoud MA, Amin J, Cabrera G, Clackett S, Ogilvie E, Vaccher S, Vickers T, McNulty A, Smith DJ, Dharan NJ, Selvey C, Power C, Price K, Zablotska I, Baker DA, Bloch M, Brown K, Carmody CJ, Carr A, Chanisheff D, Doong N, Finlayson R, Lewis DA, Lusk J, Martin S, Ooi C, Read P, Ryder N, Smith D, Tuck Meng Soo C, Templeton DJ, Vlahakis E, Guy R. Long-term protection from HIV infection with oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in gay and bisexual men: findings from the expanded and extended EPIC-NSW prospective implementation study. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e486-e494. [PMID: 34217426 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(21)00074-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV, but few long-term data are available on effectiveness and adherence in real-world settings. Here, we report trends in HIV incidence over 3 years in individuals at high risk who were prescribed PrEP in New South Wales (NSW), as well as adherence before the transition to subsidised PrEP. METHODS Expanded PrEP Implementation in Communities-New South Wales (EPIC-NSW) was a pragmatic, prospective, single-arm, implementation study of daily, oral PrEP in 31 sites (sexual health clinics, general practices, and a hospital) in NSW, Australia. Eligible participants were HIV-negative adults (aged ≥18 years) who were at high risk of HIV infection as defined in local PrEP guidelines. Participants were prescribed coformulated (once-daily, oral tablet) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (300 mg) and emtricitabine (200 mg) as HIV PrEP and were followed up with HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection testing, and PrEP dispensing. Originally planned for 3700 participants followed for 1 year, the study was expanded so that all eligible participants in the state could obtain PrEP and extended until publicly subsidised PrEP became available in Australia. The primary outcome was new HIV infection among all participants who were dispensed PrEP at least once and had at least one follow-up HIV test result. Adherence was estimated by medication possession ratio (MPR), defined as the proportion of PrEP pills dispensed in 90 days, assuming daily dosing. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02870790. FINDINGS Between March 1, 2016, and April 30, 2018, we enrolled 9709 participants. 9596 participants were dispensed PrEP, of whom 9448 (98·3%) were gay or bisexual men. Participants were followed up until March 31, 2019, with at least one follow-up HIV test available in 9520 (99·2%) participants. Mean MPR declined from 0·93 to 0·64 from the first to the ninth quarter. There were 30 HIV seroconversions over 18 628 person-years, an incidence of 1·61 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 1·13-2·30). Being younger, living in a postcode with fewer gay men, reporting more risk behaviours at baseline, and having an MPR of less than 0·6 were each univariately associated with increased HIV incidence. In the final year of follow-up, when PrEP was mostly purchased rather than provided free by the study, HIV incidence remained low at 2·24 per 1000 person-years (1·46-3·44). INTERPRETATION HIV incidence remained low over up to 3 years of follow-up, including during a transition from study-provided to publicly subsidised PrEP. In a setting of affordable PrEP and associated health-care services, very low HIV incidence of 1 to 2 per 1000 person-years can be maintained in gay and bisexual men who were previously at high risk. FUNDING New South Wales Ministry of Health, Australian Capital Territory Health Directorate, Gilead Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Barbara Yeung
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janaki Amin
- Department of Health Systems and Populations, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gesalit Cabrera
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shawn Clackett
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Erin Ogilvie
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stefanie Vaccher
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tobias Vickers
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Smith
- North Coast HIV/Sexual Health Services, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Nila J Dharan
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Cherie Power
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Iryna Zablotska
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre and Sydney Medical School Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Mark Bloch
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Holdsworth House Medical Practice, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Andrew Carr
- St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | - David A Lewis
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre and Sydney Medical School Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Biosecurity and Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Josephine Lusk
- Short Street Clinic, Kogorah, St George Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Martin
- Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Canberra Health Services, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Kings Cross, NSW, Australia
| | - Nathan Ryder
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Hunter-New England Sexual Health, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Don Smith
- The Albion Centre, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
| | - Clara Tuck Meng Soo
- Hobart Place General Practice and East Canberra General Practice, ACT, Australia
| | - David J Templeton
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Sexual Health Medicine and Sexual Assault Medical Service, Sydney Local Health District Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Hammoud MA, Grulich A, Holt M, Maher L, Murphy D, Jin F, Bavinton B, Haire B, Ellard J, Vaccher S, Saxton P, Bourne A, Degenhardt L, Storer D, Prestage G. Substantial Decline in Use of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Following Introduction of COVID-19 Physical Distancing Restrictions in Australia: Results From a Prospective Observational Study of Gay and Bisexual Men. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 86:22-30. [PMID: 33027151 PMCID: PMC7727320 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Australia introduced public health and physical distancing restrictions in late March 2020. We investigated the impact of these restrictions on HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM). METHODS Participants in an ongoing online cohort study previously reported PrEP use from 2014 to 2019. In April 2020, 847 HIV-negative and untested participants completed questionnaires assessing changes in PrEP use as a result of COVID-19 public health measures. Binary logistic multiple regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) to compare changes in PrEP use behaviors. RESULTS Among 847 men, mean age was 44.1 years (SD: 12.7). PrEP use rose from 4.9% in 2015 to 47.2% in 2020. Among those, 41.8% (n = 167) discontinued PrEP use during COVID-19 restrictions. Discontinuing PrEP during COVID-19 restrictions was independently associated with being less likely to have recently tested for HIV (aOR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.34; P < 0.001) and less likely to report sex with casual partners (aOR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.54; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS By April 2020, following the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions, GBM dramatically reduced PrEP use, coinciding with a reduction in sexual activity. Longer-term impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on sexual behaviors among GBM need to be monitored because they may foreshadow fluctuations in prevention coverage and risk of HIV infection. Our findings indicate a potential need for clear, targeted information about resumption of PrEP and on-demand optimal dosing regimens in response to ongoing changes in restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | | | | | - Jeanne Ellard
- Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO), Newtown, Australia
| | | | - Peter Saxton
- Department of Social and Community Health, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; and
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
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Philpot S, Prestage G, Holt M, Haire B, Maher L, Hammoud MA, Bourne A. Correction to: Gay and Bisexual Men's Perceptions of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in a Context of High Accessibility: An Australian Qualitative Study. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2381. [PMID: 32212067 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02836-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The original version of this article unfortunately contained an error. The authors would like to correct the error with this erratum.
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Kolstee J, Holt M, Jin J, Hammoud MA, Degenhardt L, Maher L, Lea T, Prestage G. Characteristics of gay and bisexual men who rarely use HIV risk reduction strategies during condomless anal intercourse: Results from the FLUX national online cohort study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233922. [PMID: 32479519 PMCID: PMC7263606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To understand the characteristics of a minority of Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) who, despite an increase in the number and availability of HIV risk reduction strategies, do not consistently use a strategy to protect themselves from HIV. Methods This analysis is based on data from 2,920 participants in a national, online, prospective observational cohort study. GBM who never or rarely used HIV risk reduction strategies (NRR) were compared with two groups using multivariate logistic regression: i) GBM using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and ii) GBM frequently using risk reduction strategies (FRR) other than PrEP. Results Compared to PrEP users, NRR men were younger (p<0.0001), less socially engaged with gay men (p<0.0001) and less likely to have completed a postgraduate (p<0.05) or undergraduate degree (p<0.05). They were also less likely to have recently used amyl nitrite (p<0.05), erectile dysfunction medication (p<0.05) and cocaine (p<0.05) in the previous 6 months. Compared with FRR men, NRR men were less likely to have completed a postgraduate (p<0.0001) or undergraduate degree (p<0.05), scored higher on the sexual sensation-seeking scale (p<0.0001) and were more likely to identify as versatile (p<0.05), a bottom (p<0.05) or very much a bottom (p<0.05) during anal sex. Conclusions NRR men were largely similar to other Australian GBM. However, our analysis suggests it may be appropriate to focus HIV prevention interventions on younger, less socially engaged and less educated GBM, as well as men who prefer receptive anal intercourse to promote the use of effective HIV risk reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Kolstee
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeff Jin
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- German Institute for Addiction and Prevention Research, Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany
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Clackett S, Seed CR, Prestage G, Hammoud MA, Hoad V, Saxton P, Haire B, Holt M, Jin F, Bourne A, Maher L, Kaldor J. Attitudes and willingness to donate blood among gay and bisexual men in Australia. Transfusion 2020; 60:965-973. [PMID: 32359217 DOI: 10.1111/trf.15768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men in Australia are currently ineligible to donate blood (are "deferred") for 12 months since last oral or anal sexual contact with another man. In Australia and overseas, there has been limited research on attitudes and perceptions related to blood donation in this population. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Questions on blood donation histories and attitudes toward the deferral policy were included in the questionnaire of an online prospective cohort of gay and bisexual men (GBM) living in Australia. RESULTS In 2018, 1595 GBM responded to the survey. In this sample, 28.7% reported previously donating blood. Among the remaining men who had never donated blood, 64.5% expressed an interest in doing so. Nearly all men indicated they were not willing to abstain from sex with another man for 12 months in order to donate, and the vast majority believed the rule was unfair, too strict, and homophobic. Three-quarters (77.7%) said that if the policy changed, they would likely donate blood. Age and openness about one's sexuality were independently associated with one's willingness to donate blood in the absence of the deferral. CONCLUSION There was a high level of willingness and desire to donate blood among GBM. However, rather than abstaining from sex in order to donate, many men comply with the deferral policy and do not donate. A less conservative deferral policy may increase donations from GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Clackett
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wale, Australia
| | - Clive R Seed
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Garrett Prestage
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wale, Australia
| | | | - Veronica Hoad
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Saxton
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bridget Haire
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wale, Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wale, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wale, Australia
| | - John Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wale, Australia
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Vaccher SJ, Hammoud MA, Bourne A, Lea T, Haire BG, Holt M, Saxton P, Mackie B, Badge J, Jin F, Maher L, Prestage G. Prevalence, frequency, and motivations for alkyl nitrite use among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Australia. Int J Drug Policy 2020; 76:102659. [PMID: 31927224 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) use alkyl nitrites ('poppers') at higher rates than other populations to functionally enhance sexual experiences. Their use has been associated with HIV sexual risk behaviours including receptive anal sex. We investigate the prevalence, frequency, and motivations for poppers use and their relationship with HIV risk. We also discuss the implications of the recent scheduling changes to poppers by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. METHODS Data were drawn from the Following Lives Undergoing Change (Flux) study, a prospective observational study of licit and illicit drug use among GBM. Between 2014 and 2018, 3273 GBM enrolled in the study. In 2018, 1745 GBM provided data relating to frequency of and motivations for poppers use and were included in this analysis. RESULTS Median age was 33 years (IQR 25-46) and 801 GBM (45.9%) had used poppers in the previous six months ('recent use'). Among these men, 195 (24.3%) had used them weekly or more frequently. Most recent users (77.4%) reported using poppers for a 'buzz' during sex or to facilitate receptive anal intercourse (60.8%). The majority (57.7%) of HIV-negative men reporting recent poppers use were concurrently taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Recent poppers use was independently associated with receptive anal intercourse with casual partners (aOR 1.71; 95%CI 1.35-2.16) and chemsex (aOR 4.32; 95%CI 3.15-5.94). Poppers use was not associated with anxiety, depression, or drug-related harms. Only 15.4% of current users indicated they would stop using poppers if they were criminalised; 65.0% said they would 'find other ways' to obtain them. CONCLUSIONS Poppers are commonly used by Australian GBM to functionally enhance sexual experiences, particularly to facilitate receptive anal intercourse. Few men experienced drug-related harms from poppers use. Regulatory changes must ensure potential harms from popper use are minimised without increasing barriers to access or perpetuating stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie J Vaccher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia.
| | - Toby Lea
- German Institute for Addiction and Prevention Research, Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 79-81, 50668 Cologne, Germany; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Bridget G Haire
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Peter Saxton
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Brent Mackie
- ACON, 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Joshua Badge
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Garrett Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Hammoud MA, Bourne A, Maher L, Jin F, Haire B, Lea T, Degenhardt L, Grierson J, Prestage G. Intensive sex partying with gamma-hydroxybutyrate: factors associated with using gamma-hydroxybutyrate for chemsex among Australian gay and bisexual men - results from the Flux Study. Sex Health 2019; 15:123-134. [PMID: 29268075 DOI: 10.1071/sh17146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use among gay and bisexual men (GBM) has increased in recent years. It is commonly cited as a sexual-enhancement drug. There is, however, little evidence for factors associated with GHB use or the consequences of its use among GBM. AIM Factors associated with GHB use, its relationship to sexual risk behaviour, and the contexts, consequences, and motivations for its use were examined. METHODS The Following Lives Undergoing Change (Flux) Study is an online prospective observational study of Australian GBM. At baseline, a total of 3190 GBM provided details about their use of GHB. Data on frequency, methods, pleasures and consequences of their drug use, alongside key demographic variables were collected. RESULTS Mean age was 35.0 years. One in five men (19.5%) had a history of GHB use and 5.4% reported use within the past 6 months, with 2.7% having used it monthly or more frequently. Overdose had been experienced by 14.7%, this was more common among men who used GHB at least monthly. Being HIV-positive, having more gay friends, greater social engagement with gay men who use drugs, a greater number of sexual partners, group sex, and condomless anal intercourse with casual partners were independently associated with GHB use in the past 6 months. Greater social engagement with gay men who use drugs and group sex were independently associated with at least monthly use. More frequent GHB use was independently associated with experiencing overdose among GHB users. CONCLUSION Most men used GHB infrequently and it was often used explicitly to enhance sexual experiences, often in the context of intensive sex partying. Men who used GHB frequently, were at greater risk of overdose and other negative health outcomes. GHB use should be considered alongside other drugs that have been implicated in sexual risk behaviour and HIV transmission. Harm-reduction interventions need to consider the particular impact of frequent GHB use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society, La Trobe University, 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Bridget Haire
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, 22-32 King St, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Grierson
- Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Campus. East Rd, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Garrett Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Jin F, Hammoud MA, Maher L, Degenhardt L, Bourne A, Lea T, Vaccher S, Grierson J, Haire B, Prestage GP. Age-related prevalence and twelve-month incidence of illicit drug use in a cohort of Australian gay and bisexual men: Results from the Flux Study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 188:175-179. [PMID: 29778770 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report prevalence and incidence of drug use initiation in Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) participating in an online cohort study. METHODS Between September 2014 and June 2015, 1,710 GBM were enrolled in the Following Lives Undergoing Change Study and followed-up six monthly. Participants were asked about measures of lifetime use at baseline and recent use (last six months) at all visits. Drug use initiation was defined as men who reported having never used a specific drug prior to baseline and reported recent use at follow-up. RESULTS Participants' median age was 31 years (range: 16-81). Prevalence of lifetime use was significantly associated with older age for all individual drugs (p trend<0.001), and 84.1% reported lifetime use of any drugs. Just above half (51.9%) reported recent use at baseline, with the majority reporting occasional use (once or twice in the previous six-months). Among men who reported no history of drug use at baseline, drug initiation was highest for amyl nitrite, with an incidence of 10.5 per 100 person-years (95% CI 7.9-13.9), followed by cannabis (7.3 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 5.0-10.6) and ecstasy (5.0 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 3.6-7.0). Younger age was significantly associated with higher incidence of initiation of amyl nitrite, ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine, GHB, and LSD (p trend <0.05 for all). CONCLUSION Prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use is lower in younger GBM than in their older counterparts. However, incidence of drug use initiation is high among younger men, providing an opportunity for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; German Institute on Addiction and Prevention Research, Catholic University of Applied Science, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Stefanie Vaccher
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Grierson
- Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bridget Haire
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Garrett P Prestage
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Hammoud MA, Vaccher S, Jin F, Bourne A, Haire B, Maher L, Lea T, Prestage G. The new MTV generation: Using methamphetamine, Truvada™, and Viagra™ to enhance sex and stay safe. International Journal of Drug Policy 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Hammoud MA, Jin F, Lea T, Maher L, Grierson J, Prestage G. Off-Label Use of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Erectile Dysfunction Medication to Enhance Sex Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia: Results From the FLUX Study. J Sex Med 2017; 14:774-784. [PMID: 28583339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.04.670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay and bisexual men (GBM) use oral erectile dysfunction medications (EDMs) often with little evidence of medical indication necessitating their use. AIM To investigate the prevalence, contexts, and motivations for oral EDM use and its relation to sexual risk behavior. METHODS A total of 2,250 Australian GBM completed an online survey of licit and illicit drug use and their associated behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with use of EDMs in the previous 6 months and, for those who had used EDMs, factors associated with use on a weekly basis. OUTCOMES Any EDM use and at least weekly use in the previous 6 months. RESULTS The median age of the sample was 33.0 years (range = 16-81). Two thirds (67.7%) reported no lifetime history of EDM use. Approximately 1 in 10 participants (11.1%) had last used an EDM more than 6 months previously. In the previous 6 months, 11.5% reported using EDMs less than monthly, 5.3% reported using EDMs approximately monthly, and 4.5% reported using EDMs at least weekly. Of men who had used EDMs in the previous 6 months, common reasons cited for its use were to maintain an erection for longer (73.3%), to make it easier to "get hard" (67.3%), and difficulty in attaining or maintain an erection (53.5%). Use of EDMs in the previous 6 months was associated with illicit drug use and higher rates of sexual risk behavior. Weekly users were more likely to have severe anxiety than less frequent users. CLINICAL TRANSLATION The use of EDMs in the context of intensive sex partying, with the associated potential for increased risk of HIV transmission and illicit drug use, indicates a need to consider the use of EDMs among GBM in HIV prevention and minimizing harm. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This large-scale study of drug use among GBMs includes comprehensive detailed data on their history of use and rationales for use. Our online methodology potentially decreases social desirability bias in reporting illegal or stigmatized behaviors. This volunteer online convenience sample might not be representative of all GBMs in Australia. CONCLUSION GBMs who used an oral EDM in the previous 6 months often used it for recreational purposes, but many of those who used it on a weekly basis also might have used it for therapeutic reasons. GBMs often use EDMs to enhance their sexual experiences often in the context of intensive sex partying (which can include risky sexual behavior). Hammoud MA, Jin F, Lea T, et al. Off-Label Use of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Erectile Dysfunction Medication to Enhance Sex Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia: Results From the FLUX Study. J Sex Med 2017;14:774-784.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Garrett Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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Hammoud MA, Jin F, Degenhardt L, Lea T, Maher L, Grierson J, Mackie B, Pastorelli M, Batrouney C, Bath N, Bradley J, Prestage GP. Following Lives Undergoing Change (Flux) study: Implementation and baseline prevalence of drug use in an online cohort study of gay and bisexual men in Australia. Int J Drug Policy 2017; 41:41-50. [PMID: 28081482 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug use among gay and bisexual men (GBM) is higher than most populations. The use of crystal methamphetamine, erectile dysfunction medication (EDM), and amyl nitrite have been associated with sexual risk behaviour and HIV infection among gay and bisexual men (GBM). OBJECTIVE This paper describes an online prospective observational study of licit and illicit drug use among GBM and explores baseline prevalence of drug use in this sample. Capturing these data poses challenges as participants are required to disclose potentially illegal behaviours in a geographically dispersed country. To address this issue, an entirely online and study specific methodology was chosen. METHODS Men living in Australia, aged 16.5 years of age or older, who identified as homosexual or bisexual or had sex with at least one man in the preceding 12 months were eligible to enrol. RESULTS Between September 2014 and July 2015, a total of 2250 participants completed the baseline questionnaire, of whom, 1710 (76.0%) consented to six-monthly follow-up. The majority (65.7%) were recruited through Facebook targeted advertising. At baseline, over half (50.5%) the men reported the use of any illicit drug in the previous six months, and 28.0% had used party drugs. In the six months prior to enrolment, 12.0% had used crystal methamphetamine, 21.8% had used EDM, and 32.1% had used amyl nitrite. Among the 1710 men enrolled into the cohort, 790 men had used none of these drugs. CONCLUSION Ease of entry and minimal research burden on participants helped ensure successful recruitment into this online cohort study. Study outcomes will include the initiation and cessation of drug use, associated risk behaviours, and health consequences, over time. Results will provide insights into the role gay community plays in patterns of drug use among GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Grierson
- Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Campus, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Brent Mackie
- ACON NSW, 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
| | | | - Colin Batrouney
- Victorian AIDS Council, 6 Claremont St, South Yarra, VIC 3141, Australia
| | - Nicky Bath
- NSW Users and AIDS Association, 5, 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Jack Bradley
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Garrett P Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
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Philpot SP, Ellard J, Duncan D, Dowsett GW, Bavinton BR, Down I, Keen P, Hammoud MA, Prestage G. Gay and bisexual men's interest in marriage: an Australian perspective. Cult Health Sex 2016; 18:1347-1362. [PMID: 27240739 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2016.1184314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Same-sex marriage is a widely debated issue, including in Australia. This study used an online anonymous survey, with free-text responses, to investigate romantic and sexual relationships among Australian gay and bisexual men. We sought to identify what proportion of such men intended to marry their primary regular partner if marriage was made legally available to same-sex couples in Australia, as well as factors associated with intention or non-intention to marry. Most men in the sample did not intend to marry their primary regular partner. Even among men who considered themselves to be in a 'relationship' with their primary regular partner, less than half intended to marry him. However, many men who would not marry their current primary regular partner agreed that same-sex marriage should be available for gay and bisexual men in Australia. Reasons for intention to marry included a desire for social and legal equality, and ideas about marriage as a rite of passage, an expression of love and the most valued form of relationship in Australia. Those who did not intend to marry their primary regular partner offered a number of reasons, including that the nature of their relationship was incompatible with marriage, and reported a critical position towards marriage as a heteronormative institution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeanne Ellard
- a Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia , Sydney , Australia
- b Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society , La Trobe University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Duane Duncan
- b Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society , La Trobe University , Melbourne , Australia
- c Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences , University of New England , Armidale , Australia
| | - Gary W Dowsett
- b Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society , La Trobe University , Melbourne , Australia
- d Centre for Social Research in Health , UNSW Australia , Sydney , Australia
| | | | - Ian Down
- a Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia , Sydney , Australia
| | - Phillip Keen
- a Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia , Sydney , Australia
| | | | - Garrett Prestage
- a Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia , Sydney , Australia
- b Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society , La Trobe University , Melbourne , Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain metastasis from colorectal cancer is rare. The present study reports the nature of this disease and analyzes factors correlated with survival in patients harboring such disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred patients diagnosed between 1980 and 1994 with metastatic brain tumors secondary to colorectal adenocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. Of these patients, 36 underwent surgery, 57 underwent radiotherapy alone, and the remaining seven received steroids. RESULTS The most common primary sites were the sigmoid colon and rectum (65%). Brain metastases with concomitant liver and/or lung metastases were seen more frequently than brain metastases alone. The median interval between the diagnosis of primary cancer and the diagnosis of brain metastasis was 26 months (95% confidence interval = 22-30). The median survival time after the diagnosis of brain metastasis was 1 month for patients who received only steroids, 3 months for those who received radiotherapy (p = 0.1), and 9 months for those who underwent surgery (p < 0.0001). The extent of noncerebral systemic disease was not correlated with survival (p > 0.05), but early onset of brain metastasis was significantly associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Surgical removal of colorectal metastatic brain lesions results in significantly increased survival time, regardless of the status of the noncerebral systemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hammoud
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA
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Hammoud MA, Ligon BL, elSouki R, Shi WM, Schomer DF, Sawaya R. Use of intraoperative ultrasound for localizing tumors and determining the extent of resection: a comparative study with magnetic resonance imaging. J Neurosurg 1996; 84:737-41. [PMID: 8622145 DOI: 10.3171/jns.1996.84.5.0737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A prospective study of 70 patients with intraparenchymal brain lesions (36 gliomas and 34 metastases) was performed to evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in localizing and defining the borders of tumors and in assessing the extent of their resection. Eighteen of the 36 glioma patients had no previous therapy. All of these 18 tumors were well localized by IOUS; margins were well defined in 15 and moderately defined in three. The extent of resection was well defined on IOUS in all 18 patients, as confirmed by measurements taken on postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) images (p = 0.90). The remaining 18 patients with gliomas had undergone previous surgery and/or radiation therapy; five had recurrent tumors and 13 had radiation-induced changes. The extent of resection of the recurrent tumors was well defined in all but one patient, as confirmed by postoperative MR imaging. The extent of resection was poorly defined in all 13 patients whose pathology showed radiation effects. All 34 metastatic lesions were well localized and had well-defined margins. In addition, IOUS accurately determined the extent of resection in all cases, the results were confirmed with postoperative MR imaging. In conclusion, IOUS is not only helpful in localizing and defining the margins of gliomas and metastatic brain lesions, it also accurately determines the extent of resection, as confirmed by postoperative MR imaging. This assessment does not apply, however when the lesion is due primarily to radiation effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hammoud
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Hammoud MA, Hassenbusch SJ, Fuller GN, Shi W, Leeds NE. Multiple brain metastases: a rare manifestation of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland. J Neurooncol 1996; 27:61-4. [PMID: 8699227 DOI: 10.1007/bf00146085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A rare case of multiple hematogenous brain metastases from adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland is reported. The patient had a parotid tumor that was treated ten years prior to the appearance of the brain metastases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological findings, as well as the radiation therapy response, of this tumor are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hammoud
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA
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Abstract
Tumor necrosis, enhancement, and associated edema in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represent biological variables that can be quantitated on preoperative MRI scans. We reviewed 48 highly selected patients, all of whom had supratentorial lesions, had undergone gross total tumor resection, and had received adjuvant treatments (radio- and chemotherapies). None of these patients had had surgery for recurrent tumor resection and none had harbored multifocal tumors. The median age was 50 years. The median Karnofsky performance score was 80. Multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model revealed that the strongest prognostic variable was the amount of tumor necrosis on preoperative scan (P < 0.001), with median survivals of 42, 24, 15, and 12 months for tumor necrosis grades of 0 (7 'pts'), I (11 'pts'), II (9 'pts'), and III (21 'pts'), respectively. The intensity of enhancement of the tumor nodule was another prognostic factor (P = 0.003), with median survivals of 35, 18, and 13.5 months for enhancement grades of 0 (2 'pts'), I (22 'pts'), and II (24 'pts'), respectively. The extent of peritumoral edema had a quadratic effect (P = 0.001), with grades I (19 'pts'), II (22 'pts'), and III (7 'pts') surviving for 24, 12, and 20 months respectively. Location and volume of tumors were not statistically significant predictors of survival (P < 0.05). In conclusion, in this highly selected group, GBM patients with little or no necrosis and with less tumor nodule enhancement on preoperative MRI survive longer than patients with greater amounts of necrosis and greater degrees of tumor enhancement. In addition, a moderate degree of peritumoral edema is associated with worse prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hammoud
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
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Sawaya R, Rambo WM, Hammoud MA, Ligon BL. Advances in surgery for brain tumors. Neurol Clin 1995; 13:757-71. [PMID: 8583995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Significant advances in the management of neurosurgical disorders during the past decade have enhanced the safety of intracranial surgery, resulting in the ability of most patients with brain tumors to undergo successful resection now. Among these advances are stereotactic surgical procedures and intraoperative monitoring devices; future directions in neurosurgery include the application of advances in robotics and virtual reality. The surgical considerations and complications that accompany these advances are factors that the neurosurgeon must evaluate along with the choice of management.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sawaya
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injuries due to penetrating wounds are not uncommon. The management of these injuries remains controversial especially with regard to the effect of laminectomy on the neurological outcome. METHODS Between 1980 and 1989, 64 patients injured by bullets and shell fragments to the spinal cord were reviewed. There were 58 males and 6 females: 24 injuries (37.5%) involved the cervical spine, 37 (57.8%) the dorsal spine, and 3 (4.7%) the lumbar spine. One group (group I) consisted of 47 patients (73.4%) who had immediate and complete sensorimotor loss of function. Another group (group II) contained 13 patients (20.3%) who presented with incomplete and non-progressive spinal cord deficit. One patient (1.6%) (group III) had progressive spinal cord deficit. Three patients (4.7%) (group IV) had injuries to the cauda equina. RESULTS The results were analyzed using a chi-squared test when possible. In group I, 20 patients (42.5%) underwent laminectomy with no recovery, and 27 (57.5%) were treated conservatively, with 1 patient (3.7%) achieving marked improvement (p > 0.05). In group II, 3 patients (23.1%) underwent laminectomy with the 3 (100%) improved, and 10 patients (76.9%) were treated conservatively, with 8 (80%) recovering (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data in groups I and II agree with previously published literature that shows no significant advantage of performing laminectomies following penetrating spinal cord injuries. Moreover, group I patients had a poor prognosis whether laminectomy was done or not, and group II patients had a good prognosis whether laminectomy was done or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hammoud
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA
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