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Aidoo-Frimpong G, Tong G, Akyirem S, Abwoye DN, Nwanaji-Enwerem U, López DJ, Wilton L, Nelson LE. Sociodemographic correlates of late HIV diagnosis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana. AIDS Care 2024; 36:807-815. [PMID: 38460152 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2325071] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Timely HIV diagnosis and medical engagement are crucial for effective viral load suppression and treatment as prevention. However, significant delays persist, particularly in Africa, including Ghana. This study focused on Ghanaian men whose route of exposure to HIV was through same-gender sexual contact (MSM), a group disproportionately impacted by HIV. Using structured surveys, we investigated the sociodemographic factors associated with late HIV diagnosis, a topic with limited existing research. Results indicate that older age groups were associated with an increased risk of late diagnosis compared to the 18-24 age group. Among the demographic variables studied, only age showed a consistent association with late HIV diagnosis. This study underscores the importance of targeted interventions to address HIV diagnosis disparities among MSM in Ghana, particularly for older age groups. The findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions addressing age-related disparities in timely diagnosis and engagement with medical services among this population. Such interventions can play a crucial role in reducing the burden of HIV within this community and fostering improved public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Aidoo-Frimpong
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Guangyu Tong
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Samuel Akyirem
- Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel Jacobson López
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leo Wilton
- Department of Human Development, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, USA
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - LaRon E Nelson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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2
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Conner LR, Ruppel M, Oser CB. A scoping review: Forced/coerced sterilization as a socio-cultural risk factor for sexually transmitted HIV for older Black women. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241240922. [PMID: 38654481 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241240922] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding socio-cultural factors that influence older (age 50 and up) Black women's risk for sexually transmitted HIV has often been absent from policies and programs. This scoping review asked: What does academic literature reveal about forced/coerced sterilization as a risk factor for older Black women who are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted HIV? Using the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review methodology, the authors identified academic and gray literature published between 2000 and 2023. Of the 407 sources identified and screened, three articles met the criteria for inclusion. One study focused on birth control conspiracy beliefs, another focused on racial differences in Norplant use, and the third focused on the intergenerational transmission of mistrust of medical care that influences HIV prevention among Black Americans. The study findings suggest that because the link has not been made between socio-cultural factors that impact older Black women's reproductive health practices, further investigation is warranted.
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Hatch MA, Laschober TC, Paschen-Wolff M, Ertl MM, Nelson CM, Wright L, Lancaster C, Feaster DJ, Forrest D, Hankey C, Monger M, Fegley JP, Irving R, Young C, Rose J, Spector A, Dresser L, Moran L, Jelstrom E, Tross S. PrEP for people who use opioids: A NIDA clinical trials network survey study in Southern U.S. cities where HIV incidence is high. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 257:111133. [PMID: 38447393 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111133] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who use opioids (PWUO) are at increased risk for HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective but underutilized as HIV prevention among PWUO. This study examined predictors of willingness to take daily oral PrEP and long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP among PWUO across eight Southern urban cities with high HIV incidence. METHODS HIV-negative PWUO (N = 308) seeking services in community-based programs participated in this cross-sectional survey study. Measures included demographics, sexual risk behavior, substance use frequency, and awareness of and willingness to take oral and injectable PrEP. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models. RESULTS Willingness to take daily oral and LAI PrEP was moderately high (69.16% and 62.02%, respectively). Half had heard of PrEP, but only 4% had ever taken it. Only education and condomless vaginal sex predicted willingness to take oral PrEP. Only education predicted willingness to take LAI PrEP. Polysubstance use was prevalent, with substantial proportions of PWUO reporting frequent use of injection drugs (opioids or stimulants, 79.5%), non-injection opioids (73.3%), non-injection stimulants (71.1%), cannabis (62.6%), and hazardous drinking (29.6%). About 20% reported past-year condomless anal sex, and one-third reported past-year condomless vaginal sex. CONCLUSIONS PWUO in this study were amenable to PrEP, particularly in light of education and condomless vaginal sex. Careful consideration for matching PrEP messaging to the PWUO audience is needed. PrEP promotion should expand beyond men who have sex with men to include groups such as these predominantly heterosexual, polysubstance-using PWUO with HIV risk who were open to both formulations of PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Hatch
- University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA 98185, USA.
| | - Tanja C Laschober
- University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA 98185, USA
| | - Margaret Paschen-Wolff
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center at New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Melissa M Ertl
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Department of Psychology, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - C Mindy Nelson
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Lynette Wright
- University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA 98185, USA
| | - Chloe Lancaster
- University of South Florida, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Lifelong Learning, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - David Forrest
- University of Miami, Department of Anthropology, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Colby Hankey
- Aspire Health Partners, HIV Services, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
| | - Mauda Monger
- My Brother's Keeper, 710 Avignon Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157, USA
| | - Joshua P Fegley
- CrescentCare, 330 Tulane Ave, 1st Floor, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
| | - Rhonda Irving
- Capitol Area Reentry Program, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, USA
| | - Cynthia Young
- Capitol Area Reentry Program, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, USA
| | - Juliana Rose
- Gateway Community Services, Research Department, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Anya Spector
- Stella and Charles Guttman Community College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Landhing Moran
- Center for the Clinical Trials Network, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Susan Tross
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Nijhawan AE, Pulitzer Z, Torres B, Noreen N, Schultheis A, Frank C, Colon R, Brooks R, Proffitt R, Pankow J, Bennett A, Salyards M, Kuo I, Knight K, Springer SA. HIV Risk and Interest in Preexposure Prophylaxis in Justice-Involved Persons. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:S68-S74. [PMID: 38561803 PMCID: PMC10986824 DOI: 10.3201/eid3013.230739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is underused in persons who use drugs and justice-involved persons. In an ongoing randomized controlled trial in 4 US locations comparing patient navigation versus mobile health unit on time to initiation of HIV medication or PrEP for justice-involved persons who use stimulants or opioids and who are at risk for or living with HIV, we assessed HIV risk factors, perceived HIV risk, and interest in PrEP. Participants without HIV (n = 195) were 77% men, 65% White, 23% Black, and 26% Hispanic; 73% reported a recent history of condomless sex, mainly with partners of unknown HIV status. Of 34% (67/195) reporting injection drug use, 43% reported sharing equipment. Despite risk factors, many persons reported their risk for acquiring HIV as low (47%) or no (43%) risk, although 51/93 (55%) with PrEP indications reported interest in PrEP. Justice-involved persons who use drugs underestimated their HIV risk and might benefit from increased PrEP education efforts.
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Santos GM, Hernandez C, Lam E, Hern J, Rowe C. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Club Drug Use, Situational Club Drug Use during Sex, and Sexual Risk Behaviors among Alcohol-Using Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in San Francisco. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:895-901. [PMID: 38307836 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2310480] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Club drug use-including 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ketamine, crack/cocaine, hallucinogens, gamma hydroxybutyrate, volatile nitrites, and methamphetamine-has been linked to sexual risk behaviors among MSM. Few studies examine how the use of club drugs and the association between club drug use during sex and sexual risk may differ by race/ethnicity. METHODS Using data from a cross-sectional study among alcohol-using MSM in San Francisco (n = 252), we examined the associations between the interaction of race/ethnicity and club drug use during sex, and the following behavioral outcomes: any condomless anal intercourse (CAI), insertive CAI, receptive CAI, and any serodiscordant sex in the past six months. All models controlled for income, HIV status, relationship status, age, and current use of a biomedical HIV prevention tool (i.e., Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis [PrEP] or antiretroviral therapy). RESULTS There were significant racial differences in club drug use (p < 0.001) and club drug use during sex (p = 0.01). Asian/Pacific Islander (API) and Latino participants reported using club drugs the most at 78.8% and 79%, respectively. Among users of club drugs, club drug use during sex was most common among Black (100%), and Latino MSM (93%). Significant interactions between race/ethnicity and club drug use during sex were observed for CAI (p = 0.02), insertive CAI (p = 0.01), and receptive CAI (p = 0.01). API participants who used club drug during sex had higher odds of reporting CAI (aOR = 15.27, CI = 1.50-155.34), insertive CAI (aOR = 21.11, CI = 2.04-218.10), and receptive CAI (aOR = 21.11, CI = 2.04-218.10). CONCLUSIONS Given the differing rates of club drug use during sex by race/ethnicity and the role race/ethnicity plays in modifying the relationships between club drug use during sex and sexual risk behaviors, culturally-tailored interventions may be needed to address the needs of ethnically-diverse, club drug-using MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eric Lam
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaclyn Hern
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Rowe
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
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6
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Nydegger LA, Benton EN, Hemingway B, Fung S, Yuan M, Phung C, Claborn KR. Housing Insecurity and Other Syndemic Factors Experienced by Black and Latina Cisgender Women in Austin, Texas: A Qualitative Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:7177. [PMID: 38131728 PMCID: PMC10742514 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247177] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Austin, Texas emerged as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. over the past decade. Urban transformation has exacerbated inequities and reduced ethnic/racial diversity among communities. This qualitative study focused on housing insecurity and other syndemic factors among Black and Latina cisgender women (BLCW). Data collection from 18 BLCW using in-depth interviews guided by syndemic theory was conducted three times over three months between 2018 and 2019. Four housing insecurity categories emerged: (a) very unstable, (b) unstable, (c) stable substandard, and (d) stable costly. Participants who experienced more stable housing, particularly more stable housing across interviews, reported fewer instances of intimate partner violence (IPV), less substance use, and a reduced risk of acquiring HIV. Results identified the importance of exploring housing insecurity with other syndemic factors among BLCW along with determining structural- and multi-level interventions to improve housing circumstances and other syndemic factors. Future research should explore these factors in other geographic locations, among other intersectional communities, and among larger sample sizes and consider using a mixed methods approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesl A. Nydegger
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Erin N. Benton
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
| | - Bree Hemingway
- School of Community & Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA 91711, USA;
| | - Sarah Fung
- Moody School of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
| | - Mandy Yuan
- School of Human Ecology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
| | - Chau Phung
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
| | - Kasey R. Claborn
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
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Singer SE, Wechsberg WM, Kline T, Browne FA, Howard BN, Carney T, Myers B, Bonner CP, Chin-Quee D. Binge drinking and condom negotiation behaviours among adolescent girls and young women living in Cape Town, South Africa: sexual control and perceived personal power. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2282. [PMID: 37980472 PMCID: PMC10657119 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17188-0] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Condom use among young people in South Africa has declined in recent years and adolescent girls and young women continue to bear the highest incidence of HIV in the country. Young women who have dropped out of school may be more at risk because of traditional gender norms that create substantial power imbalances and a lack of power to negotiate condom use with their male partners, especially when using alcohol and other drugs. METHODS This study presents an analysis of baseline data provided by 500 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) from Cape Town communities between November 2016 and November 2018 who were reached for a cluster-randomised trial conducted to assess the efficacy of an evidence-based, young woman-focused intervention seeking to reduce HIV risk and substance use behaviours. The analysis focuses on associations between binge drinking, condom use, and sexual negotiation, including impaired sex (any substance use at last sex). RESULTS AGYW who reported frequent condom negotiation with their partners were 8.92 times (95% CI: [4.36, 18.24]) as likely to use a condom when alcohol or other drugs were not used at last sex and 5.50 times (95% CI: [2.06, 14.72]) as likely when alcohol or other drugs were used at last sex (p < 0.05). AGYW who reported frequent binge drinking in the past month (n = 177) had significantly reduced odds of condom use at last sex, irrespective of whether the sex was impaired (OR 0.60, 95% CI: [0.49, 0.73]) or not impaired (OR 0.69, 95% CI: [0.60, 0.81]). DISCUSSION The findings highlight the need for interventions that reach AGYW in South Africa by specifically aiming to educate AGYW about the effect of binge drinking on negotiating power in their relationships, thus providing them with the knowledge and skills to increase agency regarding condom use. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02974998 (recruitment completed). 29/11/2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne E Singer
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Wendee M Wechsberg
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Tracy Kline
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Felicia A Browne
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Tara Carney
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Courtney Peasant Bonner
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dawn Chin-Quee
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Jenkins WD, Phillips G, Rodriguez CA, White M, Agosto S, Luckey GS. Behaviors associated with HIV transmission risk among rural sexual and gender minority and majority residents. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1452-1464. [PMID: 36803272 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2179592] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Multiple rural states and communities experience elevated rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), often associated with diminished healthcare access and increased drug use. Though a substantial proportion of rural populations are sexual and gender minorities (SGM), little is known of this group regarding substance use, healthcare utilization, and HIV transmission behaviors. During May-July 2021, we surveyed 398 individuals across 22 rural Illinois counties. Participants included cisgender heterosexual males (CHm) and females (CHf) (n = 110); cisgender non-heterosexual males and females (C-MSM and C-WSW; n = 264); and transgender individuals (TG; n = 24). C-MSM participants were more likely to report daily-to-weekly alcohol and illicit drug use prescription medication misuse (versus CHf; aOR = 5.64 [2.37-13.41], 4.42 [1.56-12.53], and 29.13 [3.80-223.20], respectively), and C-MSM participants more frequently reported traveling to meet with romantic/sex partners. Further, more C-MSM and TG than C-WSW reported healthcare avoidance and denial due to their orientation/identity (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively); 47.6% of C-MSM and 58.3% of TG had not informed their provider about their orientation/identity; and only 8.6% of C-MSM reported ever receiving a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommendation. More work is needed to explore the substance use and sexual behaviors of rural SGM, as well as their healthcare interactions, to better target health and PrEP engagement campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiley D Jenkins
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Gregory Phillips
- Department of Medical Social Services and Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christofer A Rodriguez
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Stempel College, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Megan White
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Stacy Agosto
- Behavioral Health, Shawnee Health Service, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Georgia S Luckey
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, USA
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Lechuga J, Ramos R, Dickson-Gomez J, Beachy S, Perez G, Nevola O, Varela A, Ramos ME, Sauceda J, Ludwig-Barrron N, Salazar J. Institutional violence from police militarization and drug cartel wars as a 'Big Event' and its influence on drug use harms and HIV risk in people who inject drugs on the U.S.-Mexico border. Int J Drug Policy 2023; 119:104125. [PMID: 37499305 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104125] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, the US-Mexico Border is one of the largest drug trafficking regions, with Ciudad Juarez (CJ) and El Paso (EP) making up the second-largest border crossing in the world. Border communities are places where the risk of drug use harm and infectious diseases such as HIV are augmented due to the confluence of factors operating across the physical, social, economic and policy environment. Although the two cities are economically, culturally, and socially intertwined, each has distinct criminal justice systems and policy practices aimed at curtailing substance use. Between 2008 and 2011, the CJ/EP region experienced an unprecedented level of violence that stemmed from the intersection of police militarization and drug cartel wars, which profoundly shaped every aspect of life. Little research has documented the impact of drug cartel wars on the drug use and health harms of people who inject drugs (PWID) living in CJ and EP. The purpose of the study is to understand the effect that the drug cartel war had on the drug use harms and HIV risk of PWID. METHODS We conducted 40 in-depth interviews with people who inject drugs who resided in CJ or EP and had used heroin or crack cocaine in the last 30 days, and asked how police militarization and drug cartel war affected their daily lives. The risk environment framework informed the analysis and interpretation of findings. RESULTS Findings indicated that the risk environment was profoundly altered as PWID residing in CJ experienced profound changes in their daily lives that promoted engagement in behaviors that increased drug use and health harms including HIV risk, exacerbated trauma, and prevented use of substance use treatment and harm reduction services. The risk environment was also altered in EP, where PWID experienced drug supply shortages, violent policing practices, and reduced availability of harm reduction services. Findings underscore the permeability of risk environments across geographical borders. CONCLUSION The intersection of law enforcement militarization and drug cartel wars can be conceptualized as a 'big event' because it disrupts the drug market economy, leads to drug shortages, promotes entrance into the drug market economy by people who use drugs, reshapes drug use sites, and constrains the provision of harm reduction services. The stability of the harm reduction system in CJ was negatively impacted and limited the ability of individuals to reduce harm. Our findings show that drug cartel wars render the CJ/EP region extremely susceptible to drug use and health harms, while also creating vulnerability by severely restricting its ability to respond. Traditional recommendations to intervene to limit the impact of risk environments on the drug use harms of PWID need to be reconsidered in the context of drug cartel wars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lechuga
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States.
| | - Rebeca Ramos
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | | | - Sara Beachy
- Lehigh University, Bethlehem PA, United States
| | - Gilberto Perez
- Texas State Health Department, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Alan Varela
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | | | - John Sauceda
- The University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Jorge Salazar
- The University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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10
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Edward VA, Chuturgoon AA, Lalla-Edward ST. Editorial: Contemporary strategies: advancing healthcare for HIV, STIs, and beyond. Front Reprod Health 2023; 5:1259732. [PMID: 37609520 PMCID: PMC10441768 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1259732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- V. A. Edward
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - A. A. Chuturgoon
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - S. T. Lalla-Edward
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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11
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Lauckner C, Haney K, Sesenu F, Kershaw T. Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Use and HIV Risk among Sexual and Gender Minority Populations: a Systematic Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2023; 20:231-250. [PMID: 37225923 PMCID: PMC10436179 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-023-00660-2] [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] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals are diagnosed with HIV at disproportionate rates, and hazardous alcohol use can increase their HIV risk. This review assessed the state of the literature examining interventions for addressing alcohol use and sexual HIV risk behaviors among SGM individuals. RECENT FINDINGS Fourteen manuscripts from 2012 to 2022 tested interventions that address both alcohol use and HIV risk behaviors among SGM populations, with only 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Virtually all the interventions targeted men who have sex with men, with none focused on transgender populations or cisgender women. While they demonstrated some evidence of effectiveness in reducing alcohol use and/or sexual risk, the outcomes varied widely between studies. More research is needed that tests interventions in this area, particularly for transgender individuals. The use of larger-scale RCTs with diverse populations and standardized outcome measures are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Lauckner
- Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, 465 Healthy Kentucky Research Bldg, 760 Press Ave., Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Kimberly Haney
- Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, 465 Healthy Kentucky Research Bldg, 760 Press Ave., Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Fidelis Sesenu
- Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, 465 Healthy Kentucky Research Bldg, 760 Press Ave., Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Trace Kershaw
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Russ S, Zhang C, Przybyla S, Liu Y. Racial Differences of Psychosocial Characteristics, HIV Risk-Taking and HIV Prevention Uptake between Men Who Have Sex with Men Only and Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women: A Community-Based Study in Two US Cities. J Homosex 2023; 70:1959-1977. [PMID: 35271427 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2048160] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Bisexual behavior preference plays an important role in shaping HIV risks among men who have sex with men (MSM), yet few studies have examined the racial differences in the patterns of sexual risk and HIV prevention uptake between men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) and men who have sex with men only (MSMO). We conducted a community-based study to identify and compare psychosocial characteristics, sexual risks, HIV testing frequency, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement between Black and White MSMW and MSMO in two US cities. Findings indicate that White MSMW were most likely to engage in HIV risk-taking behaviors (e.g., alcohol/drug use before sex, condomless/group sex), while Black MSMW were least likely to recently test for HIV or report awareness (aPR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17-0.61), willingness (aPR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.30-0.98), and use (aPR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.31-0.93) of PrEP. Findings from our study supplement salient information for designing culturally tailored HIV prevention interventions for specific MSM subgroups in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savanah Russ
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Chen Zhang
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sarahmona Przybyla
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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Santis JP, Provencio-Vasquez E, Radusky PD, Cianelli R, Rodriguez NV, Peragallo-Montano N. Living in Stealth: A Grounded Theory Study of Transgender Women's Barriers to HIV-Prevention Services and Interventions. Res Theory Nurs Pract 2023; 37:17-39. [PMID: 36792318 DOI: 10.1891/RTNP-2022-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Purpose: HIV infection is a health disparity among transgender women. Despite availability of HIV-prevention interventions and services, many transgender women do not access these interventions and services. The purpose of this study was to identify the process by which barriers may prevent transgender women from receiving HIV-prevention interventions and services and to have participants propose ideas on how to overcome these barriers. Methods: Utilizing a grounded theory approach, 25 in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with transgender women aged 20-69 years. After providing written informed consent, participants completed an in-depth individual interview. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Categories and subcategories were identified from the data using open, axial, and selective coding. Results: A theory grounded in the data named Living in Stealth emerged that described this central phenomenon that underpinned the other main categories of Encountering Social Barriers and Encountering Structural Barriers. Generating Ideas for Restructuring HIV-Prevention for Transgender Women was the final category in which participants provided ideas to overcome HIV-prevention barriers. Implications: Clinicians and researchers providing HIV-prevention services and interventions for transgender women need awareness of the complex nature of HIV prevention for this subpopulation of women. More research is needed to incorporate findings from this study into HIV-prevention interventions for transgender women.
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Stoebenau K, Dunkle K, Willan S, Shai N, Gibbs A. Assessing risk factors and health impacts across different forms of exchange sex among young women in informal settlements in South Africa: A cross-sectional study. Soc Sci Med 2023; 318:115637. [PMID: 36628880 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115637] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
For women in South Africa, engaging in exchange sex, including transactional sex (TS), or sex work (SW), is associated with several shared poor health outcomes; yet the practices themselves differ in meaningful ways. SW is a form of commodity exchange, while TS is grounded in gendered relationship expectations of male provision and aspects of emotional intimacy. Additionally, exchange sex types could be imagined on a "continuum of instrumentality" from relationships that do not include material support; to those characterized, but not driven by support; to those primarily motivated by material support. We use cross-sectional data from 644 women ages 18-30 enrolled in a trial addressing intimate partner violence in urban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to assess whether these conceptualizations may also map onto different types or levels of risk. Using self-reports, we developed four exchange sex relationship categories corresponding to a continuum of instrumentality: no exchange-based relationship; TS with a main partner only; TS with a casual partner; and SW. Using tests of association and adjusted logistic regression models, we compared socio-economic and behavioural risk factors, and health outcomes across reported forms of exchange sex. We find little difference between women who report no exchange sex and those who report TS only with a main partner. By contrast, as compared to women not in exchange sex, women in casual TS and SW were poorer, and significantly more likely to report problematic alcohol use, past drug use, prior non-partner sexual violence, and PTSD; with aOR higher for women in SW for many outcomes. When comparing casual TS to SW, we find women in SW held more gender equitable attitudes and were more likely to report modern contraceptive use. We discuss the implications for distinguishing between TS and SW, and use of the continuum of instrumentality conceptualization for research and programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Stoebenau
- University of Maryland School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Kristin Dunkle
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Samantha Willan
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nwabisa Shai
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andrew Gibbs
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Rushmore J, Buchacz K, Broz D, Agnew-Brune CB, Jones MLJ, Cha S. Factors Associated with Exchange Sex Among Cisgender Persons Who Inject Drugs: Women and MSM-23 U.S. Cities, 2018. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:51-64. [PMID: 35750928 PMCID: PMC10208374 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03743-0] [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] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Persons who inject drugs (PWID) and exchange sex face disproportionate HIV rates. We assessed prevalence of exchange sex (receiving money/drugs for sex from ≥ 1 male partner(s) during the past year) among cisgender PWID, separately for women and men with a history of sex with men (MSM). We examined factors associated with exchange sex, including sociodemographic characteristics, sexual and drug use behaviors, and healthcare access/utilization. Over one-third of the 4657 participants reported exchange sex (women: 36.2%; MSM: 34.8%). Women who exchanged sex (WES) were significantly more likely to test HIV-positive than other women. Men who exchanged sex with men (MESM) showed a similar trend. WES and MESM shared many characteristics, including being uninsured, experiencing recent homelessness, condomless sex, polydrug use, and receptive/distributive needle sharing. These findings highlight a need to strengthen prevention interventions and address structural determinants of HIV for WES and MESM, particularly PWID who exchange sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Rushmore
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Kate Buchacz
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dita Broz
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christine B Agnew-Brune
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michelle L Johnson Jones
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Susan Cha
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Hascher K, Jaiswal J, Lorenzo J, LoSchiavo C, Burton W, Cox A, Dunlap K, Grin B, Griffin M, Halkitis PN. 'Why aren't you on PrEP? You're a gay man': reification of HIV 'risk' influences perception and behaviour of young sexual minority men and medical providers. Cult Health Sex 2023; 25:63-77. [PMID: 34965849 PMCID: PMC9243195 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.2018501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Public health models and medical interventions have often failed to consider the impact of reductionist HIV 'risk' discourse on how sexual minority men interpret, enact and embody biomedical knowledge in the context of sexual encounters. The aim of this study was to use an anthropological lens to examine sexual minority men's perception of HIV risk and experience within the medical system in order to examine the influence of risk discourse on their health, behaviour and social norms. In-depth interviews (n = 43) were conducted with a racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of young sexual minority men and explored HIV-related beliefs and experiences, as well as their interactions with healthcare providers. Findings suggest that the stigmatisation of behaviours associated with HIV appears to be shaped by three key forces: healthcare provider perceptions of sexual minority men as inherently 'risky', community slut-shaming, and perceptions of risk related to anal sex positioning. Stigmatising notions of risk appear to be embodied through sexual health practices and identities vis-à-vis preferred anal sex positions and appear to influence condom use and PrEP initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Hascher
- Department of Biology and Anthropology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Jessica Jaiswal
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Julianna Lorenzo
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Caleb LoSchiavo
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Newark, NJ, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Wanda Burton
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Amanda Cox
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Kandyce Dunlap
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Benjamin Grin
- Department of Primary Care, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Marybec Griffin
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Perry N. Halkitis
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Newark, NJ, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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17
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Nakamanya S, Okello ES, Kwena ZA, Nanyonjo G, Bahemuka UM, Kibengo FM, Ssetaala A, Bukusi EA, Kapiga S, Fast PE, Seeley J. Social networks, mobility, and HIV risk among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:555. [PMID: 36578062 PMCID: PMC9798550 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02144-8] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population mobility is a demonstrated barrier to reducing HIV incidence. A clear understanding of social networks and their influence on mobility among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria may contribute to tailoring effective interventions that suit the needs of these mobile women. METHODS A cross-sectional qualitative methods study was conducted to understand mobility patterns among women resident and or working in fishing communities of Lake Victoria in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The study was conducted in six fishing communities from March 2018 to June 2019. The communities were purposively selected, based on population size (1000 people or more) and HIV prevalence of > 15% among women aged 18 years or older who had lived in the fishing community for at least six months. In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 key informants and 72 women from the sites in the three countries. Questions focused on women's social networks and other factors that fuelled or facilitated women's mobility as well as challenges they faced due to mobility. Data analysis followed a thematic framework approach. RESULTS Different social groupings/networks existed among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria. These included female sex workers, women fish processors/traders, women bar workers/owners, restaurant workers, and family networks. Networks encouraged mobility, supporting finding work opportunities, but also increased sexual risks through partner changes. The benefits of networks included information sharing, financial support, and group protection, especially against violence. CONCLUSION Social networks and groupings among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria could be useful in tailoring HIV prevention and HIV care interventions to suit the needs of these highly mobile populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nakamanya
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Elialilia S Okello
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU), National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Zachary A Kwena
- Research Care and Training Program (RCTP), Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ubaldo M Bahemuka
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Freddie M Kibengo
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Research Care and Training Program (RCTP), Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Saidi Kapiga
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU), National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Patricia E Fast
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), New York, USA
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Janet Seeley
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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18
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Khezri M, Tavakoli F, Karamouzian M, Sharifi H, Ghalehkhani N, Mousavian G, Mehmandoost S, Bazargani M, Hosseinpour AM, Mahboubi M, Baral S, Shokoohi M. Public injecting and its association with mental health and other drug-related outcomes among people who inject drugs in Iran. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 143:108868. [PMID: 36137306 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108868] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injecting in public places may increase the risk of drug and health-related harms among people who inject drugs (PWID). We examined the prevalence of public injecting and associations with non-fatal overdose, needle/syringe sharing, sexual health, and mental health among PWID in Iran. METHODS Using respondent-driven sampling, we recruited 2684 PWID from 11 major cities between July 2019 and March 2020. We defined public injecting as injecting primarily in public places, such as streets, parks, or abandoned buildings. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed public injecting and its associated factors, as well as the association of public injecting with certain health outcomes. RESULTS Of 2388 respondents, 69.6 % reported public injecting in the previous year. Self-identifying as men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.21; 95 % confidence intervals [95 % CI]: 2.31, 7.65), homelessness (aOR = 6.81; 95 % CI: 5.10, 9.10), high injection frequency (aOR = 1.58; 95 % CI: 1.03, 2.44), and free needle/syringe uptake (aOR = 1.47; 95 % CI: 1.04, 2.07) were significantly associated with public injecting. Compared to PWID who primarily inject in non-public places, PWID who mostly used public places had significantly greater odds of reporting non-fatal overdose (aOR = 2.02; 95 % CI: 1.01, 4.02), needle/syringe sharing (aOR = 1.77; 95 % CI: 1.08, 2.90), unsafe sexual practices with casual sexual partners (aOR = 2.16; 95 % CI: 1.03, 4.55), suicidal ideation (aOR = 1.50; 95 % CI: 1.02, 2.21), and self-harm (aOR = 1.78; 95 % CI: 1.24, 2.54) in the last three months. CONCLUSION These results suggest the potential utility of a safer injecting environment to mitigate the multiple harms associated with public injecting in Iran. Optimizing health and well-being of PWID necessitates integrating supervised injection facilities into the current harm reduction programs and services in Iran. Future studies should also consider the experiences of additional mental health harms associated with public injecting when exploring adverse health outcomes among PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Khezri
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Tavakoli
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karamouzian
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Saint Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hamid Sharifi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Nima Ghalehkhani
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ghazal Mousavian
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Soheil Mehmandoost
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Matin Bazargani
- Center for HIV/STI Control and Prevention, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Hosseinpour
- Center for HIV/STI Control and Prevention, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Marzieh Mahboubi
- Center for Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mostafa Shokoohi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Ranganathan M, Quinones S, Palermo T, Gilbert U, Kajula L, Quinones S, Kajula L, de Hoop J, Prencipe L, Groppo V, Tirivayi N, Waidler J, Nkolo JC, Mitti R, Mallet M, Munanka B, Luchemba P, Lukongo TM, Mulokozi A, Gilbert U, van Ufford PQ, Le Kirkegaard R, Eetaama F, Matafu J, Angemi D, Natali L. Transactional sex among adolescent girls and young women enrolled in a cash plus intervention in rural Tanzania: a mixed-methods study. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26038. [PMID: 36451279 PMCID: PMC9712808 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transactional sex or material exchange for sex is associated with HIV infection among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa. The motivations for engaging in transactional sex vary from the fulfilment of basic needs, to enhancing social status or for romantic reasons with the expectation that men should provide. Transactional sex is also associated with HIV risk behaviours, such as multiple sexual partners and other determinants of HIV risk, including partner violence and abuse, alcohol consumption and inconsistent condom use. METHODS We use data from a mixed-method, cluster randomised controlled trial of the Ujana Salama cash "plus" intervention in rural Tanzania. The data are from the first and third rounds of data collection (2017-2019). The impact evaluation consisted of a parallel mixed-methods design where the quantitative and qualitative data collection occurred simultaneously, and integration of the findings was done during the discussion. We first examine contextual factors associated with transactional sex using multivariable logistic regression models and then estimate whether the "plus" intervention reduced transactional sex among adolescent girls and young women using analysis of covariance. We used thematic content analysis for analysing qualitative transcripts. RESULTS The prevalence of transactional sex among unmarried adolescent girls and young women at round 3 was 26%. Findings show that increasing age is a risk factor for transactional sex (OR = 1.80; 95% CI: [1.50, 2.17]), staying in school was negatively associated with engagement in transactional sex (OR = 0.24; 95% CI: [0.14, 0.40]). The cash plus intervention showed no impacts on reducing transactional sex (β = 0.003, p = 0.905). CONCLUSIONS The mechanisms of impact for a cash plus intervention on transactional sex are complex; economic insecurity is an important driver of transactional sex and HIV infection, but psychosocial factors and gendered social norms need consideration in intervention development. Our findings suggest that combination prevention interventions to address the structural drivers of HIV infection should focus on efforts to increase school enrolment and completion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Quinones
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental HealthUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew YorkUSA
| | - Tia Palermo
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental HealthUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Lusajo Kajula
- UNICEF Office of Research—InnocentiDar es SalaamTanzania
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Giang HT, Duc NQ, Khue PM, Quillet C, Oanh KTH, Thanh NTT, Vallo R, Feelemyer J, Vinh VH, Rapoud D, Michel L, Laureillard D, Moles JP, Jarlais DD, Nagot N, Huong DT. Gender Differences in HIV, HCV risk and Prevention Needs Among People who Inject drug in Vietnam. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:1989-1997. [PMID: 36441408 PMCID: PMC10149475 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03932-x] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We examined gender differences among people who inject drug (PWID) in Hai Phong, Vietnam in term of blood-borne infections, risk behaviors, and access to care. Using respondent-driven-sampling surveys, we recruited 3146 PWID from 2016 to 2018. Inclusion criteria included a positive urine test for heroin and recent injection marks. There were 155 female PWID (4,9%), including 82 at RDS-2016, 32 at RDS-2017 and 38 at RDS-2018. The age mean was 36.3 ± 7.2 years. The majority of female PWID had less than high school education (90.9%) and were unemployed (51.3%). There was no difference in the proportion of HIV and HCV positive by gender. However, women had several significant differences in risk behaviors than men in multivariable logistic regression. Being a woman was independently associated with being unemployed, being a sex worker, having unstable housing, having uses drugs for less than 5 years, more use of methamphetamine, having a partner who ever injected drugs, and less access to methadone treatment. Interventions targeting female PWID are needed, possibly through community organizations and peer educators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Thi Giang
- Faculty of Public Health, Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 72A, Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ngo Quyen district, Haiphong city, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Quang Duc
- Faculty of Public Health, Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 72A, Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ngo Quyen district, Haiphong city, Vietnam
| | - Pham Minh Khue
- Faculty of Public Health, Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 72A, Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ngo Quyen district, Haiphong city, Vietnam
| | - Catherine Quillet
- Pathogenesis and control of chronic & emerging infections, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Roselyne Vallo
- Pathogenesis and control of chronic & emerging infections, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Vu Hai Vinh
- Dept of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Viet Tiep Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Delphine Rapoud
- Pathogenesis and control of chronic & emerging infections, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Michel
- Pierre Nicole Center, CESP/Inserm 1018, French Red Cross, Paris, France
| | - Didier Laureillard
- Pathogenesis and control of chronic & emerging infections, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
- Infectious Diseases Department, Caremeau University Hospital, Nîmes, France
| | - Jean Pierre Moles
- Pathogenesis and control of chronic & emerging infections, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenesis and control of chronic & emerging infections, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Duong Thi Huong
- Faculty of Public Health, Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 72A, Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ngo Quyen district, Haiphong city, Vietnam
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Kanny D, Broz D, Finlayson T, Lee K, Sionean C, Wejnert C. A Key Comprehensive System for Biobehavioral Surveillance of Populations Disproportionately Affected by HIV (National HIV Behavioral Surveillance): Cross-sectional Survey Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e39053. [PMID: 36378503 PMCID: PMC9709677 DOI: 10.2196/39053] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) is a comprehensive system for biobehavioral surveillance conducted since 2003 in 3 populations disproportionately affected by HIV: gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM); people who inject drugs; and heterosexually active persons at increased risk for HIV infection (HET). This ongoing and systematic collection and analysis of data is needed to identify baseline prevalence of behavioral risk factors and prevention service use, as well as to measure progress toward meeting HIV prevention goals among key populations disproportionately affected by HIV. OBJECTIVE This manuscript provides an overview of NHBS from 2003 to 2019. METHODS NHBS is conducted in rotating, annual cycles; these 3 annual cycles are considered a round. Venue-based, time-space sampling is used for the MSM population. Respondent-driven sampling is used for people who inject drugs and HET populations. A standardized, anonymous questionnaire collects information on HIV-related behavioral risk factors, HIV testing, and use of prevention services. In each cycle, approximately 500 eligible persons from each participating area are interviewed and offered anonymous HIV testing. RESULTS From 2003 to 2019, 168,600 persons were interviewed and 143,570 agreed to HIV testing across 17 to 25 cities in the United States. In the fifth round (2017 to 2019), over 10,000 (10,760-12,284) persons were interviewed each of the 3 population cycles in 23 cities. Of those, most (92%-99%) agreed to HIV testing. Several cities also conducted sexually transmitted infection or hepatitis C testing. CONCLUSIONS NHBS is critical for monitoring the impact of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States initiative. Data collected from NHBS are key to describe trends in key populations and tailor new prevention activities to ensure high prevention impact. NHBS data provide valuable information for monitoring and evaluating national HIV prevention goals and guiding national and local HIV prevention efforts. Furthermore, NHBS data can be used by public health officials and researchers to identify HIV prevention needs, allocate prevention resources, and develop and improve prevention programs directed to the populations of interest and their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafna Kanny
- Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dita Broz
- Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Teresa Finlayson
- Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kathryn Lee
- Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Catlainn Sionean
- Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Cyprian Wejnert
- Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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22
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Davis DA, Duarte G, Villatoro D, Letona P, Barrington C, Wheeler J. Interpersonal violence victimisation, HIV-related behaviours and STIs among adult, urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Guatemala. Cult Health Sex 2022; 24:1531-1547. [PMID: 34506249 PMCID: PMC8907936 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.1974948] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are disproportionately affected by HIV in Guatemala; interpersonal violence may increase behaviours that augment the risk of HIV in this group. Although 44% of Guatemalans identify as Indigenous, little information exists on the experiences of Indigenous sexual minority individuals. In this study, we sought to compare different forms of violence and HIV-related behaviours by Indigenous identity among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men; and determine if associations between violence and HIV-related behaviours differed by Indigenous identity. We used cross-sectional survey data from 716 Spanish-speaking, adult men recruited from urban centres to examine the prevalence of and relationship between different forms of interpersonal violence and HIV-related behaviours using logistic regression analyses, including the moderating effect of Indigenous identity. In general, fewer Indigenous participants reported interpersonal violence victimisation and HIV-related behaviours compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. In weighted multivariable analyses, non-Indigenous participants who reported physical and/or sexual violence were over five times as likely to report transactional sex (OR = 5.17, 95% CI 2.11-12.68, p < 0.001), but the relationship was not significant for Indigenous participants. Findings suggest that Indigenous sexual minority men have unique contexts and that additional strengths-based research is needed to ensure that actions and efforts to promote violence and HIV prevention meet their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk A. Davis
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Paola Letona
- Population Services International (PSI) Guatemala,
Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Clare Barrington
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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23
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Radix AE, Larson EL, Harris AB, Chiasson MA. HIV prevalence among transmasculine individuals at a New York City Community Health Centre: a cross-sectional study. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 5:e25981. [PMID: 36225145 PMCID: PMC9557011 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25981] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple studies have demonstrated elevated incidence and prevalence of HIV among transgender women; however, few studies have been conducted among transmasculine individuals. HIV prevalence among transgender men in the United States is estimated to be 0-4%; however, there have not been any US studies examining HIV prevalence that stratify by the gender of sexual partners. The aim of this research was to examine HIV prevalence and its association with socio-demographic and other factors, including the gender of sexual partners and receipt of gender-affirming care (hormones/surgery), among transmasculine individuals at the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in New York City. METHODS The Transgender Data Project was an Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective chart review of all transgender and gender diverse clients at the clinic, ages 18+, between 1 January 2009 and 12 December 2010. Charts were reviewed manually. Data included birth sex, gender, race/ethnicity, education, employment, housing, insurance status, gender of sexual partners, HIV screening and status, and receipt of gender-affirming care. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between HIV status and other variables. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Five hundred and seventy-seven transmasculine individuals, mean age 32.1 years (18.3-70.5), were included in this analysis. A small majority were White (55% White, 13.9% Black and 11.7% Hispanic). The majority, 78.9%, had received hormones (testosterone) and 41.6% had received at least one gender-affirming surgery. The HIV screening rate was 43.4%. HIV prevalence was 2.8%, (95% CI: 1.13%, 5.68%) among those screened, notably higher than the US population prevalence. HIV prevalence was highest among transmasculine individuals who had sex exclusively with cisgender men (11.1%). In the multivariable model (age, education and gender of sexual partners), the adjusted odds ratio of HIV for those who had sex exclusively with cisgender male partners compared to no cisgender male partners was 10.58 (95% CI: 1.33, 84.17). CONCLUSIONS Although HIV prevalence has been estimated to be low among transgender men, the analysis found heterogeneous results when stratified by gender of sexual partners. The results underscore the need to understand sexual risk among transmasculine individuals and to disaggregate HIV data for those having sex with cisgender men, thus also allowing for better inclusion in HIV prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa E. Radix
- Department of MedicineCallen‐Lorde Community Health CenterNew York CityNew YorkUSA,Department of EpidemiologyColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Elaine L. Larson
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Alexander B. Harris
- Department of MedicineCallen‐Lorde Community Health CenterNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Mary Ann Chiasson
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew York CityNew YorkUSA,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of MedicineColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew York CityNew YorkUSA
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24
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Kislovskiy Y, Erpenbeck S, Martina J, Judkins C, Miller E, Chang JC. HIV awareness, pre-exposure prophylaxis perceptions and experiences among people who exchange sex: qualitative and community based participatory study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1844. [PMID: 36183063 PMCID: PMC9526910 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14235-0] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People who exchange sex for money, favors, goods or services, combat higher risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Understanding barriers to STD and HIV related healthcare from the perspective of this stigmatized and marginalized community may improve access to sexual health services including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Methods We used community-partnered participatory and qualitative methods to conduct anonymous one-on-one interviews with people who exchange sex to understand their perspectives and experiences related to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV acquisition. We conducted twenty-two interviews and coded them to perform thematic analysis. Results We identified five themes: (1) Appreciation of HIV risk and prevention strategies grew from information accumulated over time. (2) PrEP information came from a variety of sources with mixed messages and uncertain credibility. (3) Decision-making about use of PrEP was relative to other behavioral decisions regarding exchange sex. (4) The multi-step process of obtaining PrEP presented multiple potential barriers. (5) Healthcare providers were seen as powerful facilitators to PrEP utilization. Conclusions Our findings suggest that PrEP education and care needs to be made more relevant and accessible to individuals who exchange sex. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14235-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaswi Kislovskiy
- Department of OB/GYN and Women's Institute, Drexel University College of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, 4800 Friendship Ave, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, PA, USA. .,Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI), Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Sarah Erpenbeck
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jamie Martina
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Courtney Judkins
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Judy C Chang
- Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI), Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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25
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Bunjun R, Ramla TF, Jaumdally SZ, Noël-Romas L, Ayele H, Brown BP, Gamieldien H, Harryparsad R, Dabee S, Nair G, Onono M, Palanee-Phillips T, Scoville CW, Heller KB, Baeten JM, Bosinger SE, Burgener A, Passmore JAS, Jaspan H, Heffron R. Initiating Intramuscular Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Increases Frequencies of Th17-like Human Immunodeficiency Virus Target Cells in the Genital Tract of Women in South Africa: A Randomized Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:2000-2011. [PMID: 35941737 PMCID: PMC9710690 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac284] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervicovaginal CD4+ T cells are preferential targets for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and have consequently been used as a proxy measure for HIV susceptibility. The ECHO randomized trial offered a unique opportunity to consider the association between contraceptives and Th17-like cells within a trial designed to evaluate HIV risk. In a mucosal substudy of the ECHO trial, we compared the impact of initiating intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), copper-IUD, and the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant on cervical T cells. METHODS Cervical cytobrushes from 58 women enrolled in the ECHO trial were collected at baseline and 1 month after contraceptive initiation. We phenotyped cervical T cells using multiparameter flow cytometry, characterized the vaginal microbiome using 16s sequencing, and determined proteomic signatures associated with Th17-like cells using mass spectrometry. RESULTS Unlike the LNG implant or copper-IUD, DMPA-IM was associated with higher frequencies of cervical Th17-like cells within 1 month of initiation (P = .012), including a highly susceptible, activated population co-expressing CD38, CCR5, and α4β7 (P = .003). After 1 month, women using DMPA-IM also had more Th17-like cells than women using the Cu-IUD (P = .0002) or LNG implant (P = .04). Importantly, in women using DMPA-IM, proteomic signatures signifying enhanced mucosal barrier function were associated with the increased abundance of Th17-like cells. We also found that a non-Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome at baseline was associated with more Th17-like cells post-DMPA-IM (P = .03), although this did not influence barrier function. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that DMPA-IM-driven accumulation of HIV-susceptible Th17-like cells might be counteracted by their role in maintaining mucosal barrier integrity. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT02550067.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubina Bunjun
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tanko F Ramla
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Shameem Z Jaumdally
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Laura Noël-Romas
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Hossaena Ayele
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bryan P Brown
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hoyam Gamieldien
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rushil Harryparsad
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Smritee Dabee
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WHRI), Johannesburg, South Africa,University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | - Steven E Bosinger
- Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adam Burgener
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada,Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Correspondence: J.-A. S. Passmore, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa ()
| | - Heather Jaspan
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA,University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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26
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Khoshnood K, Smoyer AB, Maviglia F, Kara J, Khouri D, Fouad FM, Heimer R. Stress, Marginalization, and Disruption: A Qualitative Rapid Situational Assessment of Substance Users and HIV Risk in Lebanon. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19159242. [PMID: 35954600 PMCID: PMC9368310 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159242] [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] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lebanon is a diverse and dynamic nation of six million people that has experienced considerable disruption for the last two decades. The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, resulted in the displacement of 1.1 million Syrians to Lebanon. Today, Lebanon is the country with the largest per capita number of refugees in the world. In addition, the country experienced a social, economic, and political crisis in 2019 that destabilized the entire society-circumstances that were further complicated by COVID-19 pandemic. With all of the competing calamities in Lebanon, there has been limited scientific investigation into substance use and the risk of HIV infection among the country's population. To address this gap in knowledge, a qualitative rapid situational assessment (RSA) of substance use and risk of HIV infection in and around Beirut, the nation's capital, was conducted. The goal of this analysis is to describe the demographics and drug use patterns of this population, explore their HIV knowledge and risks, and build knowledge about their perceptions of and access to substance use treatment and other social services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Khoshnood
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS at Yale, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (F.M.); (J.K.); (R.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Amy B. Smoyer
- Department of Social Work, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
| | - Francesca Maviglia
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS at Yale, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (F.M.); (J.K.); (R.H.)
| | - Janine Kara
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS at Yale, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (F.M.); (J.K.); (R.H.)
| | | | - Fouad M. Fouad
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1100, Lebanon;
| | - Robert Heimer
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS at Yale, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (F.M.); (J.K.); (R.H.)
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27
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Li X, Sullivan P, Broz D, Handanagic S. Association Between Dual Partnership and Sexual and Injecting Behaviors Among Persons Who Inject Drugs in 23 US Cities, 2018. Arch Sex Behav 2022; 51:2667-2678. [PMID: 35704143 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02323-6] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Persons who inject drugs (PWID) engaging in receptive syringe sharing with their sex partner (dual partnership) may have different behavior patterns than people who have only sex or syringe sharing partnerships. PWID from 23 US cities were recruited for the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance in 2018 using respondent-driven sampling, interviewed, and tested for HIV. Log-linked Poisson regression was conducted to examine the associations between injecting and sexual behaviors and dual partnership. A total of 3435 PWID reported receptive syringe sharing and 42% engaged in dual partnership with their last sharing injecting partner. PWID who reported condomless vaginal or anal sex at last sex were more likely to engage in dual partnership (aPR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.65-2.08). PWID who reported having two or more sex partners (aPR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.62-0.72) or two or more sharing injecting partners (aPR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.50-0.59) were less likely to engage in dual partnership. Findings suggest opportunities for tailored prevention intervention, including couple-based HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and access to syringe services programs coupled with safer injection education to help reduce HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Li
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, MS US8-4, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA.
| | - Patrick Sullivan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dita Broz
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, MS US8-4, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Senad Handanagic
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, MS US8-4, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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28
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Nwogwugwu C, Hossain M, Ajayi AI, Temple S, Alonge K. Intimate Partner Violence, Partner Risk, and Depression as a Predictor for PrEP Uptake Among African-American Women in the United States. J Natl Black Nurses Assoc 2022; 33:14-21. [PMID: 38564487] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
African-Americans bear a disproportionate burden of HIV infections in the United States and African-American women make up 64% of new HIV infections. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the predictors of those who are more likely to use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among women reporting IPV, depression, and partner risk. This study used secondary data analysis to explore IPV, depression, and increased partner risk as predictors of PrEP use among 768 women (506 African-American women and 262 White women in the United States) who responded to survey questions regarding potential PrEP use and barriers to uptake. The parent data had been collected at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. Results of the data analysis of the sample (N = 768) indicated that women who reported high levels of partner risk (p < 0.05), depression (p < 0.01), and/or experienced IPV (p < 0.01), were more likely to use PrEP. In addition, younger women aged 20-35 were more likely to use PrEP, compared to women older than 36 years. Furthermore, college educated African-American women were more likely to use PrEP than White women. Despite limitations, findings indicated that IPV, depression, and partner risk are predictors of PrEP use. There is need for a multi-modal approach in addressing these predictors of PrEP use among African-American women in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Nwogwugwu
- University of Maryland, School of Nursing, 655 W. Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Mian Hossain
- Morgan State University School of Community Health and Policy, Baltimore, MD
| | | | | | - Kunle Alonge
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD
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29
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Groves AK, Reyes HLM, Gebrekristos LT, Moodley D, Maman S. Examining Why Age-Disparate Relationships Influence Unsafe Sex Postpartum Among South African Women: Relationship Control and Physical Partner Violence as Explanatory Mechanisms. J Interpers Violence 2022; 37:NP2944-NP2960. [PMID: 32748693 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520944531] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
HIV incidence rates in South Africa are extremely high, particularly postpartum. However, there is limited knowledge of women's HIV risk behavior postpartum. Women in age-disparate relationships may be less able to negotiate safe sex postpartum than women whose partners are similar ages because they have less relationship power. The study's purpose is to test whether being in an age-disparate relationship predicts postpartum unsafe sex and to explore relationship control and intimate partner violence (IPV) as explanatory mechanisms. Data are obtained from 516 HIV-negative participants who completed a survey during pregnancy and at 14 weeks postpartum as part of a longitudinal study in Durban. Age variables, relationship control, and IPV during pregnancy were included in a multivariate model predicting unsafe sex postpartum. We also assessed whether the hypothesized mediators explained the association between being in an age-disparate relationship and unsafe sex postpartum by using indirect effect analysis with bootstrapping. Women's mean age was 24.34 years (range = 18.03-45.36); the mean difference in ages in relationships was 3.19 years (range = -6.1 to 30.1). More than a quarter reported unsafe sex postpartum (27%). Age-disparate relationship, lower relationship control, and higher IPV were each longitudinally associated with unsafe sex. Relationship control, but not IPV, mediated the association between age-disparate relationship and unsafe sex (indirect effect [B] = 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.0002, 0.0283]). Age disparity, relationship control, and IPV all contributed to unsafe sex postpartum. Interventions that reduce the formation of age-disparate relationships and increase women's relationship power in pregnancy are needed to reduce women's HIV risk in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Suzanne Maman
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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30
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Saloner R, Morgan EE, Hussain MA, Moore DJ, Heaton RK, Cherner M, Grant I, Iudicello JE; TMARC Group. Relationship of the balloon analog risk task to neurocognitive impairment differs by HIV serostatus and history of major depressive disorder. J Neurovirol 2022. [PMID: 34981438 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-021-01046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
HIV and major depressive disorder (MDD) commonly co-occur and are both linked to greater risk-taking behavior, possibly due to neurocognitive impairment (NCI). The present study examined the concordance of the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART), a gold standard measure of risk-taking propensity, with NCI and real-world sexual risk behaviors in PWH with comorbid MDD. Participants included 259 adults, stratified by HIV serostatus (HIV + /HIV −) and lifetime MDD (MDD + /MDD −), who completed neuropsychological testing, the BART, and sexual risk behavior questionnaires. Logistic regression, stratified by HIV serostatus, examined joint effects of MDD and BART (linear and quadratic) on NCI. Follow-up linear regressions examined sexual risk behavior and neurocognitive domain T-scores as correlates of the BART. NCI prevalence was lowest in HIV − /MDD − , but BART scores did not differ by HIV/MDD status. In the HIV + group, BART performance predicted NCI such that high and low BART scores related to greater odds of NCI, but only in dual-risk HIV + /MDD + individuals. HIV + /MDD + individuals with both low and high BART scores exhibited poorer learning and recall, whereas processing speed and executive function were only poor in low BART risk-taking HIV + /MDD + . Higher BART scores linearly related to higher sexual risk behaviors only in MDD + individuals, independent of HIV serostatus. Low and high risk-taking on the BART may reflect discrete neurocognitive profiles in HIV + /MDD + individuals, with differential implications for real-world sexual risk behavior. HIV and comorbid MDD may disturb corticostriatal circuits responsible for integrating affective and neurocognitive components of decision-making, thereby contributing to risk-averse and risk-taking phenotypes.
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31
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Bragard E, Macapagal K, Mustanski B, Fisher CB. Association of CAI Vulnerability and Sexual Minority Victimization Distress Among Adolescent Men Who Have Sex With Men. Psychol Sex Orientat Gend Divers 2021; 8:496-505. [PMID: 34957315 DOI: 10.1037/sgd0000436] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) are at high HIV risk. Condomless anal intercourse (CAI) increases HIV risk and has been associated with interpersonal power imbalances, such as asymmetries in decision-making authority, social status, and emotional dependence, between male sexual partners. AMSM experience high levels of psychological and physical victimization due to their sexual minority status. Sexual minority victimization (SMV) is similarly associated with low interpersonal power and may relate to the extent to which AMSM are vulnerable to partner influences to engage in CAI. This online survey study of AMSM 14-17 years (N = 143) tested the hypothesis that experiences and attitudes reflecting vulnerability to partner CAI influence (CAI Vulnerability) and distress in response to experienced sexual minority victimization (SMV Distress) would be positively associated with participant and partner condom non-use during anal sex (CAI frequency). Approximately 35% reported they or their partner(s) had never or rarely used a condom. Positive correlations were found among partners' CAI frequency during sex with the participant, CAI Vulnerability, and SMV Distress. Multiple regression indicated CAI Vulnerability significantly accounted for the relation between SMV Distress and partner's CAI frequency. Findings suggest that distress in response to SMV may be associated with a diminished sense of interpersonal control resulting in CAI Vulnerability and subsequent more frequent instances of partner CAI. HIV prevention strategies designed to increase condom use among AMSM have the potential to benefit from procedures aimed at increasing interpersonal sexual assertiveness and decreasing distress associated with sexual minority victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn Macapagal
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, and Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, and Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University
| | - Celia B Fisher
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University.,Center for Ethics Education, Fordham University
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Dabee S, Tanko RF, Brown BP, Bunjun R, Balle C, Feng C, Konstantinus IN, Jaumdally SZ, Onono M, Nair G, Palanee-Phillips T, Gill K, Baeten JM, Bekker LG, Passmore JAS, Heffron R, Jaspan HB, Happel AU. Comparison of Female Genital Tract Cytokine and Microbiota Signatures Induced by Initiation of Intramuscular DMPA and NET-EN Hormonal Contraceptives - a Prospective Cohort Analysis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:760504. [PMID: 34956191 PMCID: PMC8696178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.760504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cervicovaginal inflammation, bacterial microbiota and hormonal contraceptives all influence sexual and reproductive health. To date, the effects of intramuscular depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) versus injectable norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) on vaginal microbiota or cytokines have not been compared back-to-back, although in-vitro data suggest that DMPA-IM and NET-EN have different pharmacokinetic and biologic activities. This study aimed at comparing the effects of DMPA-IM versus NET-EN initiation on cervicovaginal cytokines and microbiota in women at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) assigned to the respective contraceptives. Methods We collected socio-demographic characteristics and vaginal samples from women initiating DMPA-IM (ECHO Trial; n = 53) and NET-EN (UChoose Trial; n = 44) at baseline and after two consecutive injections to assess cytokine concentrations by Luminex, vaginal microbiota by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, STIs, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis. Results Cytokine concentrations did not change significantly after initiating DMPA-IM or NET-EN, although NET-EN versus DMPA-IM-associated profiles were distinct. While the abundance of bacterial taxa associated with optimal and non-optimal microbiota fluctuated with DMPA-IM use, overall community composition did not significantly change with either contraceptive. HSV-2 serology, chlamydial infection, gonorrhoea and candidiasis did not influence the associations between contraceptive type and cervicovaginal cytokines or microbiota. Conclusions Both DMPA-IM and NET-EN use did not lead to broad inflammatory or microbiota changes in the female genital tract of sub-Saharan African women. This suggests that NET-EN is likely a viable option for contraception in African women at high risk of BV and STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smritee Dabee
- Center for Global Infectious Disease, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ramla F. Tanko
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Bryan P. Brown
- Center for Global Infectious Disease, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rubina Bunjun
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christina Balle
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Colin Feng
- Center for Global Infectious Disease, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Shameem Z. Jaumdally
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, United States
| | | | - Jo-Ann S. Passmore
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Heather B. Jaspan
- Center for Global Infectious Disease, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,*Correspondence: Heather B. Jaspan,
| | - Anna-Ursula Happel
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Lajoie J, Kowatsch MM, Mwangi LW, Boily-Larouche G, Oyugi J, Chen Y, Kimani M, Ho EA, Kimani J, Fowke KR. Low-Dose Acetylsalicylic Acid Reduces T Cell Immune Activation: Potential Implications for HIV Prevention. Front Immunol 2021; 12:778455. [PMID: 34868050 PMCID: PMC8637415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.778455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a well-known and safe anti-inflammatory. At low-dose, it is prescribed to prevent secondary cardiovascular events in those with pre-existing conditions and to prevent preeclampsia. Little is known about how low-dose ASA affects the immune response. In this study, we followed women to assess how ASA use modifies T cells immune phenotypes in the blood and at the genital tract. Methods HIV uninfected women from Kenya were enrolled in this study and followed for one month to assess baseline responses including systemic/mucosal baseline immune activation. Participants then received 81mg of ASA daily for 6 weeks to assess changes to T cell immune activation (systemic and mucosal) relative to baseline levels. Results The concentration of ASA measured in the blood was 58% higher than the level measured at the female genital tract. In the blood, the level of ASA was inversely correlated with the following: the proportion of Th17 expressing HLA-DR (p=0.04), the proportion of effector CD4+ T cells expressing CCR5 (p=0.03) and the proportion of CD8+Tc17 expressing CCR5 (p=0.04). At the genital tract, ASA use correlated with a decreased of activated CD4+T cells [CD4+CCR5+CD161+ (p=0.02) and CD4+CCR5+CD95+ (p=0.001)]. Conclusion This study shows that ASA use impacts the immune response in both the systemic and genital tract compartments. This could have major implications for the prevention of infectious diseases such as HIV, in which the virus targets activated T cells to establish an infection. This could inform guidelines on ASA use in women. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02079077.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lajoie
- Laboratory of Viral Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Monika M Kowatsch
- Laboratory of Viral Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Lucy W Mwangi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Geneviève Boily-Larouche
- Laboratory of Viral Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Julius Oyugi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,University of Nairobi Institute for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Yufei Chen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Makobu Kimani
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emmanuel A Ho
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Laboratory of Viral Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,University of Nairobi Institute for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Keith R Fowke
- Laboratory of Viral Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Community Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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George WH, Blayney JA, Stappenbeck CA, Davis KC. The Role of Alcohol-Related Behavioral Risk in the Design of HIV Prevention Interventions in the Era of Antiretrovirals: Alcohol Challenge Studies and Research Agenda. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:347-364. [PMID: 34244871 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03351-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS remains a significant health threat and alcohol is a robust contributing factor. After 25 years of alcohol challenge studies investigating alcohol-related behavioral risk (ARBR), much has been learned delineating how drinking influences sexual transmission. We examine this research and consider its relevance for interventions in the era of antiretrovirals. We consider prototypic alcohol challenge methods, illustrative findings, and prevention/intervention implications, noting three perspectives: (a) scale up/extend existing interventions, including identifying under-targeted risk groups and intersecting with PrEP/PEP interventions; (b) modify existing interventions by cultivating psychoeducational content related to alcohol expectancies, alcohol myopia, sexual arousal, risk perception, sexual abdication, and condom use resistance; and (c) innovate new interventions through Science of Behavior Change approaches and repurposing ARBR paradigms. Finally, we suggest research directions concluding that until HIV incidence diminishes significantly, psychosocial interventions addressing the nexus of alcohol use, sexual transmission, and adherence to biomedical protocols will be an important priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H George
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Box 351525, Seattle, WA, 98195-1525, USA.
| | - Jessica A Blayney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cynthia A Stappenbeck
- Department of Psychology, Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kelly Cue Davis
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Jewanraj J, Ngcapu S, Liebenberg LJP. Semen: A modulator of female genital tract inflammation and a vector for HIV-1 transmission. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13478. [PMID: 34077596 PMCID: PMC9286343 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to establish productive infection in women, HIV must transverse the vaginal epithelium and gain access to local target cells. Genital inflammation contributes to the availability of HIV susceptible cells at the female genital mucosa and is associated with higher HIV transmission rates in women. Factors that contribute to genital inflammation may subsequently increase the risk of HIV infection in women. Semen is a highly immunomodulatory fluid containing several bioactive molecules with the potential to influence inflammation and immune activation at the female genital tract. In addition to its role as a vector for HIV transmission, semen induces profound mucosal changes to prime the female reproductive tract for conception. Still, most studies of mucosal immunity are conducted in the absence of semen or without considering its immune impact on the female genital tract. This review discusses the various mechanisms by which semen exposure may influence female genital inflammation and highlights the importance of routine screening for semen biomarkers in vaginal specimens to account for its impact on genital inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Jewanraj
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
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36
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Haukoos JS, White DAE, Rowan SE, Lyle C, Gravitz S, Basham K, Godoy A, Kamis K, Hopkins E, Anderson E. Development of a 2-step algorithm to identify emergency department patients for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 51:6-12. [PMID: 34649008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.09.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expanded access to HIV PrEP is a central pillar of the "Ending the HIV Epidemic" initiative. Identification of PrEP eligible individuals in EDs remains understudied. Our goal was to estimate the accuracy of the Denver HIV Risk Score (DHRS), a quantitative HIV risk tool, for determining PrEP eligibility, and to incorporate it into a novel screening algorithm to optimize sensitivity and specificity. METHODS We performed a prospective cross-sectional study in two urban EDs. Patients were eligible if ≥18 years of age and without HIV. Research staff collected individual HIV risk, components of the DHRS, and PrEP eligibility per 2017 CDC guidelines. Accuracy estimates were calculated for the DHRS alone and the DHRS plus additional PrEP-specific questions. RESULTS 1002 patients were enrolled with a median age of 39 years; 54.8% were male, 29.5% Black/non-Hispanic, and 22.5% Hispanic. Overall, 119 (11.9%, 95% CI: 9.9%-14.0%) were PrEP eligible; 5% endorsed history of sex with a partner at higher risk for HIV or condomless sex with multiple partners, 4% an STI, and 2% sharing IDU equipment. A DHRS ≥25 had a sensitivity of 92.4% (95% CI: 86.1%-96.5%) and a specificity of 17.2% (95% CI: 14.8%-19.9%) for PrEP eligibility. A 2-step algorithm, "DHRS-PrEP", beginning with a DHRS ≥25, followed by a step with questions specific to IDU, STI, and sexual partners improved the specificity to 100% (95% CI: 99.6%-100%). CONCLUSIONS Among a heterogeneous ED sample, a substantial proportion was identified as PrEP eligible, and a 2-step algorithm had high sensitivity and specificity for identifying PrEP-eligible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S Haukoos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States of America; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States of America.
| | - Douglas A E White
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital, Alameda Health System, Oakland, CA, United States of America
| | - Sarah E Rowan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Denver Health Medical Center and University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America; Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Carolynn Lyle
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Gravitz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Kellie Basham
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital, Alameda Health System, Oakland, CA, United States of America
| | - Ashley Godoy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital, Alameda Health System, Oakland, CA, United States of America
| | - Kevin Kamis
- Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Emily Hopkins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States of America; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Erik Anderson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital, Alameda Health System, Oakland, CA, United States of America
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Grov C, Westmoreland D, Carneiro PB, Bauermeister JA, Carrico AW. Getting Clear About Rectal Douching Among Men Who Have Sex With Men. Arch Sex Behav 2021; 50:2911-2920. [PMID: 34590220 PMCID: PMC9753552 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01933-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Receptive anal sex is the primary means through which HIV is transmitted among men who have sex with men (MSM). Recently, researchers have begun investigating the role that rectal douching may play in amplifying risk for transmission. Yet, there is limited research on the frequency with which MSM douche, the products they use, and how this may vary across sociodemographic characteristics. A U.S. national sample of 4745 MSM completed an online survey that assessed their douching behavior, demographic characteristics, sexual behavior, and their anal sexual positioning (i.e., top, bottom, versatile). Nearly two-thirds (65.8%) had engaged in rectal douching in the last three months. Among those who douched, water was commonly reported (84.2%) and 20.1% reported using commercial enemas (e.g., Fleet), as well as water and soap (15.0%)-numbers exceed 100% as some participants reported more than one. Men who douched reported significantly more receptive and insertive condomless anal sex acts in the prior 3 months. One-in-ten men reported rectal bleeding after douching. Compared to HIV-negative participants who had not taken PrEP, participants had higher odds of reporting douching in the past 3 months if they were HIV-negative and currently on PrEP (AOR = 1.82), HIV-negative and previously used PrEP (AOR = 1.58), and HIV-positive (AOR = 1.83). Douching was common in this sample. Given that douching could amplify risk for HIV transmission, healthcare providers should discuss douching safety with their patients, with a focus on harm reduction (e.g., reduce risk of bleeding, as opposed to abstinence from douching).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Grov
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 W. 125th St., 7th Floor mailroom, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Drew Westmoreland
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pedro B Carneiro
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 W. 125th St., 7th Floor mailroom, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Jose A Bauermeister
- Department of Family & Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Theuring S, Rubagumya K, Schumann H, Harms G, Rubaihayo J, Wanyenze R. Sexual Risk Behavior in HIV-Uninfected Pregnant Women in Western Uganda. Arch Sex Behav 2021; 50:3277-3286. [PMID: 34647234 PMCID: PMC8563618 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Our aim was to identify sexual risk behavior among HIV-negative pregnant women in Kabarole District, Uganda, by conducting a cross-sectional study among 1610 women within three healthcare settings. One in six women engaged in HIV-specific risk behaviors including multiple sexual partners or alcohol abuse; 80% of the pregnant women reported to generally abstain from using condoms. In multivariate analysis, predictors of sexual risk behavior included being a client of the public health facilities as compared to the private facility (AOR 3.6 and 4.8, p < 0.001), being single, widowed or divorced or not cohabiting with the partner (AOR 4.7 and 2.3, p < 0.001), as well as higher household wealth (AOR 1.8, p < 0.001) and lack of partner status knowledge (AOR 1.6, p = 0.008). Self-estimated risk perception was linked with engagement in HIV-related risk behaviors except for alcohol abuse. Our findings indicate that reducing risky behaviors in pregnancy in order to prevent HIV should be a high-priority public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Theuring
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Kenyonyozi Rubagumya
- School of Health Sciences, Mountains of the Moon University, Fort Portal, Uganda
| | - Hannah Schumann
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gundel Harms
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - John Rubaihayo
- School of Health Sciences, Mountains of the Moon University, Fort Portal, Uganda
| | - Rhoda Wanyenze
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Ogunbajo A, Lodge W, Restar AJ, Oginni OA, Iwuagwu S, Williams R, Biello K, Mimiaga MJ. Correlates of Geosocial Networking Applications (GSN Apps) Usage among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nigeria, Africa. Arch Sex Behav 2021; 50:2981-2993. [PMID: 33844118 PMCID: PMC8040750 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01889-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Geosocial networking applications (GSN apps) are widely utilized by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) to meet potential sexual/romantic partners, foster friendships, and build community. However, GSN apps usage has been linked to elevated levels of HIV sexual risk behavior among GBMSM. Little is known about how GSN apps can facilitate HIV sexual risk behaviors, especially among GBMSM in Africa. To fill this gap in research, the present study aimed to characterize the frequency of GSN apps usage and its association with sociodemographic characteristics, sexual health, healthcare access, psychosocial problems, and substance use in a large multicity sample of community-recruited GBMSM in Nigeria (N = 406). Bivariate and multivariable ordinal logistic regression procedures were used to examine factors associated with GSN apps usage. We found that 52.6% of participants reported recent (≤ 3 months) GSN apps use to meet sexual partners. Factors associated with increased odds of GSN apps usage included: being single, having a university degree or higher, reporting higher recent receptive anal sexual acts, being aware of PrEP, having a primary care provider, and reporting higher levels of identity concealment. HIV-related intervention delivered through GSN apps may help curb the spread of HIV among Nigerian GBMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adedotun Ogunbajo
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S Main Street, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - William Lodge
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S Main Street, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Arjee J Restar
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S Main Street, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Olakunle A Oginni
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria
| | | | - Rashidi Williams
- Equality Triangle for Health and Peoples Development Initiative, Warri, Delta, Nigeria
| | - Katie Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S Main Street, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S Main Street, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
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Rosen JG, Kayeyi N, Chibuye M, Phiri L, Namukonda ES, Mbizvo MT. Sexual debut and risk behaviors among orphaned and vulnerable children in Zambia: which protective deficits shape HIV risk? Vulnerable Child Youth Stud 2021; 17:130-146. [PMID: 36159210 PMCID: PMC9496638 DOI: 10.1080/17450128.2021.1975858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) are not only affected by, but also rendered at-risk of, HIV due to overlapping deficits in protective assets, from school to household financial security. Drawing from a protective deficit framework, this study examines correlates of sexual risk - including multiple sexual partnerships, unprotected sex, and age at sexual debut - among OVC aged 13-17 years in Zambia. In May-October 2016, a two-stage stratified random sampling design was used to recruit OVC and their adult caregivers (N = 2,034) in four provinces. OVC-caregiver dyads completed a structured interview addressing household characteristics, protective assets (i.e. finances, schooling, and nutrition), and general health and wellbeing. Associations of factors derived from the multi-component protective deficits framework were examined using multivariable ordered logistic regression, comparing sexually inexperienced OVC to those with a sexual debut and reporting ≥1 sexual behavior(s). A sub-analysis of older (ages 15-17) OVC identified correlates of early (before age 15) and later (at or after age 15) sexual debut using multinomial logistic regression. Among 735 OVC aged 13-17, 14% reported a sexual debut, among whom 14% and 22% reported 2+ past-year partners and non-condom last sex, respectively. Older age (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 2.08, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.32-3.27), male sex (aOR = 1.90, CI 1.22-2.96), not having a birth certificate (aOR = 2.05, CI 1.03-4.09), out-of-school status (aOR = 2.63, CI 1.66-4.16), and non-household labor (aOR = 1.84, CI 1.01-3.38) were significantly associated with higher sexual risk. Male sex was the only factor significantly associated with early sexual debut in multivariable analysis. Sexual risk-reduction strategies require age- and sex-specific differentiation and should be prioritized for OVC in financially distressed households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Rosen
- Reproductive Health Programme, Population Council, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nkomba Kayeyi
- Reproductive Health Programme, Population Council, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mwelwa Chibuye
- Reproductive Health Programme, Population Council, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lyson Phiri
- Reproductive Health Programme, Population Council, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Michael T Mbizvo
- Reproductive Health Programme, Population Council, Lusaka, Zambia
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Morris E, Balaji AB, Trujillo L, Rasberry CN, Mustanski B, Newcomb ME, Brady KA, Prachand NG. Family Factors and HIV-Related Risk Behaviors Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males in Three United States Cities, 2015. LGBT Health 2021; 7:367-374. [PMID: 33048009 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2019.0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We examined the relationship between family factors and HIV-related sexual risk behaviors among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) who are affected disproportionately by HIV. Methods: We analyzed results from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men. Adolescent males ages 13-18 who identified as gay or bisexual, or who reported attraction to or sex with males were interviewed in 2015 in Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia. Separate log-linked Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations between family factors and sexual risk behaviors. Results: Of the 569 ASMM, 41% had condomless anal intercourse in the past 12 months, 38% had ≥4 male sex partners in the past 12 months, and 23% had vaginal or anal sex before age 13. ASMM who had ever been kicked out of their house or run away, those who were out to their mother, and those who were out to their father, were more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors. ASMM who were currently living with parents or guardians and those who received a positive reaction to their outness by their mother were less likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the important role of family factors in HIV risk reduction among ASMM. A better understanding of the complex dynamics of these families will help in developing family-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elana Morris
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alexandra B Balaji
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lindsay Trujillo
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Catherine N Rasberry
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael E Newcomb
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kathleen A Brady
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Wall KM, Karita E, Nyombayire J, Ingabire R, Mukamuyango J, Parker R, Brill I, Price M, Haddad LB, Tichacek A, Hunter E, Allen S. Genital Abnormalities, Hormonal Contraception, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission Risk in Rwandan Serodifferent Couples. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:81-91. [PMID: 33560366 PMCID: PMC8253127 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explored the role of genital abnormalities and hormonal contraception in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission among heterosexual serodifferent couples in Rwanda. METHODS From 2002 to 2011, HIV-serodifferent couples who were not using antiretroviral treatment were followed up, and sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, family planning provided, and HIV-negative partners retested. Couples were assessed for genital ulcers; nonulcerative genital sexually transmitted infection (STIs), including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis; and non-STI vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis and candida. Multivariable models evaluated associations between covariates and HIV transmission genetically linked to the index partner. RESULTS Among 877 couples in which the man was HIV positive, 37 linked transmissions occurred. Factors associated with women's HIV acquisition included genital ulceration in the female partner (adjusted hazard ratio, 14.1) and nonulcerative STI in the male partner (8.6). Among 955 couples in which the woman was HIV positive, 46 linked transmissions occurred. Factors associated with HIV acquisition in men included nonulcerative STI in the female partner (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.4), non-STI vaginal dysbiosis (7.1), and genital ulceration in the male partner (2.6). Hormonal contraception use was not associated with HIV transmission or acquisition. CONCLUSIONS Our findings underscore the need for integrating HIV services with care for genital abnormalities. Barriers (eg, cost of training, demand creation, advocacy, and client education; provider time; and clinic space) to joint HIV/STI testing need to be considered and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Wall
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Etienne Karita
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Julien Nyombayire
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Rosine Ingabire
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jeannine Mukamuyango
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Rachel Parker
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ilene Brill
- Department of Epidemiology, Ryals School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Matt Price
- IAVI, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lisa B Haddad
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Sinha S, Prasad I. Examining hopes, aspirations, and future plans of women in non-brothel-based sex work in Kolkata, India. Cult Health Sex 2021; 23:913-926. [PMID: 32452748 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1740793] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sex work can offer a quick way of making money and is the only profession in which women may earn more in fewer hours when compared to other available jobs. However, most studies with sex workers in India are based on socially biased assumptions about sex work; that is, women are either coerced or trafficked into sex work. Limited attention has been paid to the voices of non-brothel-based sex workers in India. Drawing data from a larger ethnographic study conducted between December 2009 and July 2010, this paper analyses how women sex workers operating from non-brothel-based sex work settings in Kolkata, India, foresee their future. Unlike the popular 'victim imagery' of women sex workers in the Global South, this study found that women are not passive recipients of the trade; instead, they employ agency - sometimes transgressing the normative boundaries and at times reinscribing these boundaries to secure a future for themselves and their families. Therefore, to promote HIV preventive behaviour programmes reaching out to sex workers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must proactively inquire about women's future plans and assist them in materialising their future goals, which are mostly concerned with their children's future, a life free of stigma/shame, and financial security in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Sinha
- School of Social Work, Maywood University, Scranton, PA, USA
| | - Indulata Prasad
- School of Social Transformation, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Lee JO, Yoon Y, Idrisov B, Kiriazova T, Makarenko O, Sereda Y, Bendiks S, Cody K, Schoenberger SF, Nurius PS, Halim N, Flanigan T, Samet JH, Liebschutz J, Lunze K. Violence, HIV Risks, and Polysubstance Use Among HIV-Positive People Who Inject Drugs in Ukraine. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2120-2130. [PMID: 33385280 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03142-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Violence experience has been consistently associated with HIV risks and substance use behaviors. Although many studies have focused on intimate partner violence (IPV), the role of violence at a structural level (i.e., police abuse) remains relevant for people who inject drugs. This study evaluated the association of IPV and police-perpetrated violence experiences with HIV risk behaviors and substance use in a cohort of HIV-positive people who inject drugs in Ukraine. We also evaluated possible moderation effects of gender and socioeconomic status in the links between violence exposure and HIV risk and polysubstance use behaviors. Data came from the Providence/Boston-CFAR-Ukraine Study involving 191 HIV-positive people who inject drugs conducted at seven addiction treatment facilities in Ukraine. Results from logistic regressions suggest that people who inject drugs and experienced IPV had higher odds of polysubstance use than those who did not experience IPV. Verbal violence and sexual violence perpetrated by police were associated with increased odds of inconsistent condom use. The odds of engaging in polysubstance use were lower for women in relation to police physical abuse. We found no evidence supporting socioeconomic status moderations. Violence experiences were associated with substance use and sexual HIV risk behaviors in this cohort of HIV-positive people who inject drugs in Ukraine. Trauma-informed prevention approaches that consider both individual and structural violence could improve this population's HIV risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungeun Olivia Lee
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 West 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Yoewon Yoon
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 West 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Bulat Idrisov
- Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russia
- Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Sally Bendiks
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kate Cody
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 West 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | | | - Paula S Nurius
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nafisa Halim
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy Flanigan
- Division of Infectious Disease, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, The Miriam and Rhode Island Hospitals, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Samet
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jane Liebschutz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Center for Research on Health Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Karsten Lunze
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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45
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Chetty-Makkan CM, Grund JM, Muchiri E, Price MA, Latka MH, Charalambous S. High risk sexual behaviours associated with traditional beliefs about gender roles among men interested in medical male circumcision in South Africa. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:33. [PMID: 34158082 PMCID: PMC8220767 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00359-7] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beliefs about gender roles and high-risk sexual behaviours underlie the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in South Africa. Yet, there is limited information on the relationships between beliefs about gender roles and risky sexual behaviours. Few studies have explored the association between beliefs about gender roles, high risk sexual behaviour, and health-seeking behaviour among men. METHODS We investigated associations between gender beliefs (dichotomised as traditional or progressive) and high-risk sexual behaviour among South African men presenting for medical male circumcision (Apr 2014 to Nov 2015). RESULTS Of 2792 enrolled men, 47.4% reported traditional gender beliefs. Participant ages ranged between 18-46 years (median age 26 years; interquartile range, 21-31 years). Most participants had at least one sex partner over the last 12 months (68.2%). Younger men (18-24 years old vs. 25-46 years old) (odds ratio [OR], 1.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-2.0]), those with multiple partners ([OR], 1.5 (CI) 1.3-1.8]) and participants unsure of their last partner's HIV status (OR, 1.4 [95% CI 1.1-1.7]) were more likely to have traditional beliefs on gender roles. CONCLUSION Young men with traditional beliefs on gender roles may be more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviour and could be good candidates for HIV prevention programmes. N = 206 (max 350) Trial registration Name of registry: Clinicaltrials.gov; Trial registration number: NCT02352961; Date of registration: 30 January 2015 "Retrospectively registered"; URL of trial registry record: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice M. Chetty-Makkan
- The Aurum Institute, Aurum House, The Ridge, 29 Queens Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jonathan M. Grund
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Evans Muchiri
- The Aurum Institute, Aurum House, The Ridge, 29 Queens Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Matt A. Price
- IAVI, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Mary H. Latka
- The Aurum Institute, Aurum House, The Ridge, 29 Queens Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Salome Charalambous
- The Aurum Institute, Aurum House, The Ridge, 29 Queens Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Haukoos JS, White DA, Rowan SE, Lyle C, Gravitz S, Basham K, Godoy A, Kamis K, Hopkins E, Anderson E. HIV Risk and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Eligibility Among Emergency Department Patients. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2021; 35:211-219. [PMID: 34097464 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2021.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) eligibility, characterize self-perceived and quantified human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk, and assess PrEP knowledge and receptiveness of initiating PrEP among emergency department (ED) patients. We performed an IRB-approved cross-sectional study from two urban EDs. Patients were eligible if ≥18 years of age and not known to have HIV. Research staff obtained verbal consent and used a structured 29-item instrument to assess HIV risk, PrEP eligibility based on 2017 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and general PrEP knowledge among unselected and enriched patient samples, the latter informed by the Denver HIV Risk Score (DHRS). We enrolled 1002 patients with a median age of 39 years; 54.8% were male, 30.9% White/non-Hispanic, 29.5% Black/non-Hispanic, and 22.5% Hispanic. In the full cohort, 119 [11.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9-14.0%] were PrEP eligible, and among the unselected cohort, 36 (7.1%, 95% CI: 5.1-9.8%) were PrEP eligible. Using the DHRS, 100 patients were considered "high risk" with 32 (32.0%) reporting zero perceived risk. Correlation between the DHRS and self-perceived HIV risk was low (r = 0.13). Of the full cohort, 203 (20.3%) had heard of PrEP, and of these, 33 (16.3%) were PrEP eligible with 25 (75.8%) willing to start PrEP immediately. Yet, of the 119 patients who were PrEP eligible, only 34 (28.6%) had heard of PrEP. In summary, among a heterogeneous ED population, there was discordance in self-perceived and quantified HIV risk. HIV PrEP eligibility was ∼7% with the highest eligibility among those identified as DHRS "high risk." A significant opportunity exists to identify and initiate PrEP among ED patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S. Haukoos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Douglas A.E. White
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital, Alameda Health System, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Sarah E. Rowan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Denver Public Health, Denver Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Carolynn Lyle
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Stephanie Gravitz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Kellie Basham
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital, Alameda Health System, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Ashley Godoy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital, Alameda Health System, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Kevin Kamis
- Denver Public Health, Denver Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Emily Hopkins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Erik Anderson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital, Alameda Health System, Oakland, California, USA
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Abstract
Justice-involved youth have a number of risk factors for HIV infection, including high rates of substance use, psychiatric comorbidities, and risky sexual behaviors. Although detained youth are likely to receive health care-which may include HIV testing-court-involved, non-incarcerated (CINI) youth may be unlikely to receive HIV testing services either before or during their justice involvement. However, the relationship between risk factors and HIV testing among CINI youth is largely unknown. We explored the association between HIV testing and factors commonly associated with both HIV testing and HIV risk among 173 CINI youth with identified behaviors that put them at risk for HIV acquisition. Only 15.6% of participants reported a lifetime history of HIV testing, despite high rates of sexual and substance use risk behaviors. Age (older), gender (female), sexual orientation (non-heterosexual), recent marijuana use, lifetime use of other drugs, history of a sexually transmitted infection, pap smear in the past year and history of mental health/substance use treatment were all significantly associated with lifetime HIV testing. The extremely low testing rates in this sample emphasize that the juvenile justice system outside of detention is not adequately addressing youths' needs related to HIV testing or ensuring access to testing services for youth at risk of contracting HIV. Results suggest that additional efforts are needed to connect justice-involved youth to healthcare more broadly and HIV testing in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Haney-Caron
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, 524 West 59th Street, New York, NY, 10019, USA.
| | - Larry K Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Marina Tolou-Shams
- UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
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48
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Knittel AK, Shook-Sa BE, Rudolph JE, Edmonds A, Ramirez C, Cohen MH, Adedimeji A, Taylor TN, Michel KG, Milam J, Cohen J, Donohue JD, Foster A, Fischl M, Konkle-Parker D, Adimora AA. Incidence and Prevalence of Incarceration in a Longitudinal Cohort of Women at Risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the United States, 2007-2017. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021; 30:694-704. [PMID: 33544023 PMCID: PMC8112715 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To estimate the incidence, prevalence, frequency, and duration of incarceration and to identify risk factors for incarceration among women at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States. Methods: During semiannual study visits in a multicenter cohort study, 970 HIV sero-negative participants at risk for HIV were asked about their own incarceration (10/2007-09/2017) and incarceration of sexual partners (10/2013-09/2017). We used descriptive statistics and multivariable log-binomial regression to identify baseline predictors of incident incarceration. Results: Median follow-up time across the 970 participants was 5.5 years (IQR 3.5-9.5). Nearly half (n = 453, 46.7%) of participants were incarcerated during or before the study, and the incarceration rate was 5.5 per 100 person-years. In multivariable models, incident incarceration was associated with prior incarceration (RR 5.20, 95% CI: 3.23-8.41) and noninjection drug use (RR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.10-2.25). Conclusions: Incarceration is common for women at risk for HIV. Prevention interventions that address the complex interplay of drug use, sex exchange, and housing instability for women who have experienced incarceration have the potential to reach an important group of U.S. women at risk of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K. Knittel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bonnie E. Shook-Sa
- Department of Biostatistics and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jacqueline E. Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew Edmonds
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Catalina Ramirez
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Adebola Adedimeji
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Tonya N. Taylor
- Division of Infectious Disease, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, College of Medicine, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Katherine G. Michel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Joel Milam
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Cohen
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jessica D. Donohue
- WIHS Data Management and Analysis Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Antonina Foster
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Margaret Fischl
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Deborah Konkle-Parker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Adaora A. Adimora
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Manda WC, Pilgrim N, Kamndaya M, Mathur S, Sikweyiya Y. Girl-only clubs' influence on SRH knowledge, HIV risk reduction, and negative SRH outcomes among very young adolescent girls in rural Malawi. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:806. [PMID: 33906614 PMCID: PMC8077750 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early adolescence is an important period to lay the foundation for positive sexual health development that can overcome sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges faced by very young adolescents (VYAs) as they reach puberty and sexual debut. In this study, we explored the following questions: first, what are the experiences of VYA girls on DREAMS' Go Girl club participation? Second, how does club participation influence the VYAs SRH knowledge to reduce their risk for HIV and negative sexual health outcomes? METHODS This was a qualitative study in which twenty-three in-depth interviews were conducted with VYA girls aged 12-14 years. These girls were enrolled in girl-only clubs in two rural southern districts in Malawi. The clubs were a part of larger comprehensive HIV prevention project called DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) which provided an evidence-based core package of interventions to VYAs to prevent HIV. Interventions included improved access to key health services, education support, social skills, asset building, and economic strengthening. Narrative inquiry was used to generate first-hand accounts of the girls' experiences with club participation. Thematic analysis was used to generate themes from the transcribed stories. RESULTS Six main themes were generated: 1) reasons for joining the clubs with desire to learn about SRH as a motivation for joining the clubs.; 2) influence on gender norms and roles whereby participants described a change of gender roles and norms at home; 3) influence on child abuse practices whereby participants reported a decline in child abusive practices at home;4) influence on life skills and social networks whereby participants described learning about networking; 5) support to go back to school whereby out-of-school girls described how economic empowerment of their guardians facilitated their return to school; and 6) influence of clubs on SRH knowledge acquisition and behaviours whereby participants described acquiring knowledge on sexual health issues. CONCLUSION Girls-only HIV and SRH programs coupled with economic empowerment for their families can be effective in keeping VYA girls in school and improving SRH knowledge and health seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanangwa Chimwaza Manda
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Centre for Reproductive Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | | | - Mphatso Kamndaya
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Malawi-The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Yandisa Sikweyiya
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
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Walsh AR, Stephenson R. Assessing the Reliability of Self-Reported Sexual Behavior Among Male Couples. Arch Sex Behav 2021; 50:1067-1086. [PMID: 33564980 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01857-x] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coupled gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are at particularly high risk for HIV, and a clear understanding of behavioral risk is key to effective interventions. Accurate behavioral self-reports are a crucial component of valid sexual health research, yet reliability of these data remains understudied. This study aimed to quantify and identify predictors of dyadic discordance in reported 3-month anal intercourse (AI) occurrence and frequency. Using cross-sectional data from 407 male couples in the U.S. (2016-2017), we calculated proportional dyadic concordance and used dyad-level logistic and linear regression to identify demographic, behavioral, and relationship traits associated with the odds of discordant frequency reports and the relative difference between discordant partner reports. Couples had high levels of concordant reports of 3-month anal AI occurrence (97%) but low interpartner agreement in reported frequency (37%). After adjustment, the odds of discordance were significantly associated with dyadic employment and differences on the Communal Coping to Reduce HIV Threat Scale (CCS) (p < .05). Among frequency-discordant couples, the mean relative difference between partner reports was 52.80% ± 35.91% (M ± SD). After adjustment, relative differences between partners' reported AI frequencies were positively associated with interpartner differences in CCS (p < .05). These results indicate that among GBMSM couples in committed partnerships, self-reported sexual behavior data may be impacted by granularity, recall, and relationship characteristics. Further research in this area is warranted to better understand measurement error in self-reported sexual activity data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison R Walsh
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, 400 N Ingalls St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, 400 N Ingalls St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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