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Cardona-Arias JA, Vidales-Silva M, Ocampo-Ramírez A, Higuita-Gutiérrez LF, Cataño-Correa JC. Prevalence of HIV, Treponema pallidum and Their Coinfection in Men Who Have Sex with Men, Medellín-Colombia. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2024; 16:141-151. [PMID: 38650744 PMCID: PMC11034557 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s452144] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In Colombia, HIV and gestational syphilis are notifiable events; however, they are poorly investigated infections in men who have sex with men (MSM). Objective To determine the prevalence of HIV, Treponema pallidum, and their co-infection in MSM treated at a Health Services Provider Institution (HSPI) specialized in infectious diseases from Medellín. Methods Cross-sectional study with 3454 MSM. Prevalence was determined with its 95% confidence interval; associated factors were identified using Fisher's Exact test, Pearson's Chi-square, and trend Chi-square. Multivariate adjustment was performed using logistic regression. Analyses were performed using SPSS 29.0. Results The prevalence of HIV was 5.7%, T. pallidum 0.7%, and co-infection 0.6%. The prevalence of HIV was higher in MSM aged between 24-40 years (7.5%), with technical or university studies (10.0%), without health insurance affiliation (12.4%), and those who have had a sexual partner with HIV (36.2%). T. pallidum was higher in MSM without health insurance affiliation (3.4%), who had sexual relations with people diagnosed with an STI (5.9%), and a sexual partner with HIV (12.1%). Co-infection was higher in MSM without health insurance affiliation (2.7%), and those who had a partner with HIV (11.2%). Conclusion Compared with the general Colombian population, MSM have a higher risk of HIV, but are similar to T. pallidum. The identification of the main associated factors in each infection demonstrates the need to prioritize subgroups of MSM that show greater vulnerability to these events. This research demonstrates the urgency of implementing health education strategies in MSM who have a sexual partner with HIV or other STIs. Large gaps were also evident in the magnitude of the three events according to the health insurance affiliation regime, which demonstrates problems of social and health injustice, especially with MSM without health insurance affiliation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luis Felipe Higuita-Gutiérrez
- Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Cataño-Correa
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Fundación Antioqueña de Infectología, Medellín, Colombia
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Segala FV, Novara R, Panico G, Laforgia R, Raho L, Schiavone M, Civile G, Laforgia N, Di Gregorio S, Guido G, Cormio M, Dargenio A, Papagni R, L’Erario A, L’Erario L, Totaro V, Spada V, Valentini L, Frallonardo L, Lattanzio R, Falanga C, Putoto G, Saracino A, Di Gennaro F. Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Predictors for Loss to Follow Up among Marginalized Homeless and Migrant Communities: a Cross-Sectional Study. Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:25. [PMID: 38618272 PMCID: PMC11012089 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4388] [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: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Europe and Italy, marginalized communities have a higher risk for both contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI) and progressing towards adverse outcomes. Objectives This study focuses on the screening of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis among homeless individuals and agricultural migrant workers living in Apulia, Italy. It aims to assess STI prevalence and investigate factors that might hinder return to collect test results. In addition, it explores STI knowledge, attitudes, and practices among these vulnerable populations. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. Participants were recruited from community health centers and migrant camps. Blood tests for HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis were performed, and Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) survey were conducted via face-to-face interviews. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors influencing the return for test results. Results A total of 149 persons were recruited, including 64 agricultural migrant workers and 85 homeless people. Overall, 24.8% (n = 37) tested positive for at least one infection, and only 50.3% (n = 75) of the screened participants returned to collect their test results. Significant disparities in STI knowledge and healthcare access were observed between the two populations, with only 14.1% (n = 9) of migrants having access to primary healthcare. At multivariable analysis, the strongest predictor for not returning for test results was being positive for HCV. Conclusions Among homeless people and agricultural migrant workers, STI prevalence was high, and only half of the population returned to collect test results. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy reevaluation to address healthcare disparities in marginalized communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Vladimiro Segala
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Novara
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Panico
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Raho
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM, 70123 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Civile
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Di Gregorio
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giacomo Guido
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Cormio
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Dargenio
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Papagni
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo L’Erario
- Diagnostic Laboratory: Laboratorio analisi Dott.ssa Dell’Olio Nunzia, Trani, Italy
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca L’Erario
- Diagnostic Laboratory: Laboratorio analisi Dott.ssa Dell’Olio Nunzia, Trani, Italy
| | - Valentina Totaro
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Spada
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Lauriana Valentini
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Frallonardo
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Rossana Lattanzio
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Annalisa Saracino
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Gennaro
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Drew RJ, Eogan M. Treatment of Mycoplasma genitalium infection in pregnancy: A systematic review of international guidelines. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024. [PMID: 38491782 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15469] [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] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging pathogen, which has been linked to cervicitis, urethritis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). With the advent of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels for sexually transmitted infections, it is increasingly being identified in pregnant women. OBJECTIVES The aim was to review international guidelines, which had explicit recommendations for treatment of M. genitalium infection in pregnancy and breastfeeding. SEARCH STRATEGY PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were reviewed with no age, species, language or date restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies were included if they had an explicit recommendation for treatment of M. genitalium in pregnancy. Studies were excluded if there was no recommendation in pregnancy, if they referred to other international guideline recommendations or were historical versions of guidelines. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS References were manually reviewed and 50 papers were selected for review. Only four guidelines were included in the final analysis and they were from Europe, UK, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. MAIN RESULTS All studies recommended azithromycin as first-line treatment, and advised against moxifloxacin use. The dosing schedule of azithromycin, varied between guidelines, as did the utility/safety of pristinamycin for macrolide resistant infections. Safety data was generally reassuring for azithromycin but inconsistent for pristinamycin. CONCLUSIONS Azithromycin is the first-line treatment for macrolide susceptible or unknown resistance infections, but there is a lack of consistency regarding dosing of azithromycin or the utility/safety of pristinamycin for macrolide resistant infections in pregnancy/lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Drew
- Clinical Innovation Unit, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maeve Eogan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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4
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Gilmore JP, Noone C, Sibandze BT, Field DJ. What nurses can learn from the Mpox public health emergency of international concern. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38476097 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16157] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- John P Gilmore
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chris Noone
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Bongani T Sibandze
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J Field
- Gay Men's Health Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Applied Health Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Eltobgy A, Aljabali A, Farag A, Elshorbgy M, Hamed M, Hamouda E, Hamouda H, Refaey N, Kabeel M, Amro S, Abouheseba T, Tarek M. Effects of pubic hair grooming on women's sexual health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:171. [PMID: 38468306 PMCID: PMC10926629 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02951-1] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pubic hair grooming involves the partial or complete removal of pubic hair, and it is a common practice among men and women. Grooming is more prevalent in women, who employ various methods such as shaving, waxing and laser removal. However, it is associated with variable rates of post-grooming adverse outcomes including lacerations and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis comparing women's sexual health outcomes between those who groom and those who don't. METHODS We followed the MOOSE guidelines and conducted a computerized-based search using (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid Medline), till June 20th, 2022, for eligible studies using the relevant keywords; (pubic hair grooming) OR (pubic hair removal OR Genital hairless OR Bikini hair removal OR pubic hair depilation). Cross-sectional studies included which compared grooming practices among women in terms of motivation and health outcomes. Women's satisfaction and incidence of STIs were pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR) respectively. RESULTS Twenty-Two cross-sectional studies were included in our review with 73,091 participant.The odds of having gram-negative gonorrheal and chlamydial infection in Pubic hair groomers were found to be statistically significant (OR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.31, 1.84], P < 0.001) (OR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.32, 1.85], P < 0.001] respectively. There was no difference between groomer and non-groomer women regarding viral infections such as genital herpes (OR = 1.40, 95% CI [0.56, 3.50], P = 0.47) and Condyloma acuminata (OR = 1.75, 95% CI [0.51, 6.01], P = 0.37). The most common grooming side effect is genital itching (prevalence = 26.9%, P < 0.001). Non-electrical razor (prevalence = 69.3%, P < 0.001) is the most common grooming method. White women (prevalence = 80.2%, P < 0.001) remove pubic hair more frequently compared to black women (prevalence = 12.2%, P < 0.001). Women practice complete grooming (50.3%, P < 0.001) of the pubic hair more frequently than partial grooming (33.1%, P < 0.001). There are no differences in women's satisfaction between the two groups (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI [-0.16, 0.40], P = 0.39). CONCLUSION This review aligns with previous observational studies regarding sexual health outcomes of pubic hair grooming. There is a need to raise awareness among women regarding the safe practice of pubic hair grooming, emphasizing the clarification of hazards and benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Eltobgy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine For Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Aljabali
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Farag
- Faculty of Medicine, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Elshorbgy
- Faculty of Medicine, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Hamed
- Faculty of Medicine, Gharyan University, Gharyan, Libya
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Esraa Hamouda
- Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Hamouda
- Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Neveen Refaey
- Department of Physical Therapy for Women's Health, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Kabeel
- Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Cairo, Egypt
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sarah Amro
- Faculty of Medicine, Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Toka Abouheseba
- Faculty of Medicine, Asyut University, Asyut, Egypt
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Tarek
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 3050, Cairo, Egypt
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Boatman D, Starkey A, Acciavatti L, Jarrett Z, Allen A, Kennedy-Rea S. Using Social Listening for Digital Public Health Surveillance of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Misinformation Online: Exploratory Study. JMIR Infodemiology 2024; 4:e54000. [PMID: 38457224 PMCID: PMC10960215 DOI: 10.2196/54000] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite challenges related to the data quality, representativeness, and accuracy of artificial intelligence-driven tools, commercially available social listening platforms have many of the attributes needed to be used for digital public health surveillance of human papillomavirus vaccination misinformation in the online ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dannell Boatman
- Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Abby Starkey
- Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Lori Acciavatti
- Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Zachary Jarrett
- Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Amy Allen
- Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Stephenie Kennedy-Rea
- Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, United States
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Nerlander L, Champezou L, Gomes Dias J, Aspelund G, Berlot L, Constantinou E, Díaz A, Epštein J, Fogarassy E, Hernando V, Hoffmann P, Igoe D, Klavs I, Pinto Leite P, Liitsola K, McIntyre A, Molnár Z, Olsen AO, Pires-Afonso Y, Putniņa R, Rudaitis K, Siakallis G, de Stoppelaar S, Suligoi B, Hannila-Handelberg T, Velicko I, Cabral Veríssimo V, Visser M, Wessman M, Mårdh O. Sharp increase in gonorrhoea notifications among young people, EU/EEA, July 2022 to June 2023. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2400113. [PMID: 38456219 PMCID: PMC10986672 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.10.2400113] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhoea cases increased steeply in women aged 20 to 24 years across 15 EU/EEA countries in July to December 2022 and January to June 2023 with, respectively, 73% and 89% more cases reported than expected, based on historical data from 2015 to 2019. Smaller increases among men due to heterosexual transmission were observed in nine EU/EEA countries. Interventions to raise awareness among young people about sexually transmitted infection risks are needed, emphasising the benefit of safe sexual practices and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Nerlander
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lydia Champezou
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joana Gomes Dias
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gudrun Aspelund
- Centre for Health Security and Communicable Disease Control, Directorate of Health, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Lina Berlot
- Communicable Diseases Centre, National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Asunción Díaz
- National Centre of Epidemiology, CIBER in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jevgenia Epštein
- Department of Communicable Diseases Epidemiology Health Board, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Erika Fogarassy
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Victoria Hernando
- National Centre of Epidemiology, CIBER in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick Hoffmann
- Health Directorate Luxembourg, Division de l'inspection sanitaire, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Derval Igoe
- HSE Public Health: National Health Protection Office, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Irena Klavs
- Communicable Diseases Centre, National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Pedro Pinto Leite
- Directorate of Information and Analysis, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Kirsi Liitsola
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Angeline McIntyre
- HSE Public Health: National Health Protection Office, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zsuzsanna Molnár
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anne Olaug Olsen
- Department of Infection Control and Vaccine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yolanda Pires-Afonso
- Health Directorate Luxembourg, Division de l'inspection sanitaire, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Renāte Putniņa
- The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Riga, Latvia
| | | | | | | | - Barbara Suligoi
- National AIDS Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Inga Velicko
- Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vítor Cabral Veríssimo
- Public Health Unit Cascais, Western Lisbon Local Health Unit, Lisbon, Portugal
- Directorate of Information and Analysis, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maartje Visser
- Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Wessman
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Otilia Mårdh
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ramírez-Olivencia G, Velasco Arribas M, Vera García MM, Casabona J, Martínez MJ, Membrillo De Novales FJ. Clinical and Epidemiological Characteri stics of the 2022 Mpox Outbreak in Spain (CEME-22 Study). Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae105. [PMID: 38524223 PMCID: PMC10960598 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae105] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background We conducted a multicentric national study (SEIMC-CEME-22), to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of the mpox outbreak in Spain, including the management of the disease. Methods This was a retrospective national observational study conducted by Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC) and Foundation SEIMC-GESIDA. We included patients with a confirmed mpox diagnosis before 13 July 2022, and attended at the Spanish health network (the early phase of the outbreak). Epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data were collected. Results Of a total of 1472 patients from 52 centers included, 99% of them were cisgender men, mostly middle-aged, and 98.6% were residents in Spain. The main suspected route of transmission was sexual exposure, primarily among MSM. Occupational exposure was reported in 6 patients. Immunosuppression was present in 40% of patients, mainly due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Only 6.5% of patients had been vaccinated against orthopoxvirus. Virus sequencing was performed in 147 patients (all B.1 lineage). Rash was the most frequent symptom (95.7%), followed by fever (48.2%), adenopathies (44.4%) myalgias (20.7%), proctitis (17%), and headache (14.7%). Simultaneously diagnosed sexually transmitted infections included syphilis (n = 129), gonococcal infection (n = 91), HIV (n = 67), chlamydia (n = 56), hepatitis B (n = 14), and hepatitis C (n = 11). No therapy was used in 479 patients (33%). Symptomatic therapies and antibiotics were used in 50% of cases. The most used therapy regimens were systemic corticoids (90 patients), tecovirimat (6 patients), and cidofovir (13 patients). Smallpox immunoglobulins were used in 1 patient. Fifty-eight patients were hospitalized, and 1 patient died. Conclusions Mpox outbreak in Spain affected primarily middle-aged men who were sexually active and showed a high rate of HIV infection. A range of heterogeneous therapeutics options was performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ramírez-Olivencia
- Hospital Central de la Defensa "Gómez Ulla." Infectious Diseases Unit, Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Estudio de Patología Importada, Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Velasco Arribas
- Grupo de Estudio de Patología Importada, Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC), Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Fundación Alcorcón, Department of Internal Medicine-Infectious Department, Research Department, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - M M Vera García
- Centro Sanitario Sandoval, HIV/STI Unit, Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Estudio de ITS, Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC), Madrid, Spain
| | - J Casabona
- Grupo de Estudio de ITS, Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, Badalona, Spain
| | - M J Martínez
- Hospital Clinic, Microbiology Department, Barcelona, Spain
- Grupo de Estudio de Patología Importada, Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC), Madrid, Spain
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Spencer MK. Safer sex? The effect of AIDS risk on birth rates. J Health Econ 2024; 95:102867. [PMID: 38461677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2024.102867] [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] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Behavioral adjustments to mitigate increasing risk of STIs can increase or decrease the likelihood of pregnancy. This paper measures the effects of the arrival and spread of AIDS across U.S. cities in the 1980s and 1990s on births and abortions. I show that the AIDS epidemic increased the birth rate by 0.55 percent and the abortion rate by 1.77 percent. I find support for two underlying mechanisms to explain the increase in pregnancies. Some women opted into monogamous partnerships in response to the AIDS epidemic, with a corresponding increase in the marriage rate and improvement in infant health. Others switched from prescription contraceptive methods to condoms. These behavioral changes lowered the incidence of other sexually transmitted infections, but increased both planned and unplanned pregnancies.
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10
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Kamadjou A, Decock A, Huleux T, Depreux A, Aissi E, Landre L, Baclet V, Viget N, Valette M, Robineau O, Meybeck A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual behaviour and welfare of HIV preexposure prophylaxis users: a mixed-method study. AIDS Care 2024; 36:343-350. [PMID: 37128640 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2206100] [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: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic can affect people using HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). To assess its consequences on PrEP users' sexual behaviour and welfare, we conducted a mixed-method study. A self-administered questionnaire was given to PrEP users during scheduled consultation in Tourcoing Hospital from February to May 2021. In addition, a qualitative study included 14 participants who took part in semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs). Ninety-four PrEP users completed the questionnaire. During lockdown, 62% of participants continued PrEP. After lockdown release, the average number of sexual intercourses and partners increased from 6 ± 12 to 13 ± 17 intercourses/month (p < 0.001) and from 3 ± 11 to 11 ± 34 partners/month (p < 0.001). Similarly, the proportion of PrEP users who engaged in group sex, sex with alcohol or chemsex increased respectively from 28% to 55% (p < 0.001), 28% to 45% (p < 0.001) and 28% to 38% (p < 0.001). Analysis of IDIs revealed emotional deprivation and sexual frustration during the lockdown. After its release, frequent clandestine chemsex parties and curfew forcing overnight stay increased fears of intimate violence and overdoses. In conclusion, PrEP users reduced their sexual activity during the lockdown. Its release led to an increase in sexual risk-taking. Social distancing measures could favour medical and social harm of sexual risk-taking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Kamadjou
- Infectious Diseases Department, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Anna Decock
- Infectious Diseases Department, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
- Sexual Health Clinic, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Thomas Huleux
- Infectious Diseases Department, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
- Sexual Health Clinic, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Alma Depreux
- Sexual Health Clinic, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Emmanuelle Aissi
- Infectious Diseases Department, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
- Sexual Health Clinic, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Laura Landre
- Sexual Health Clinic, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Véronique Baclet
- Infectious Diseases Department, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
- Sexual Health Clinic, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Nathalie Viget
- Infectious Diseases Department, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
- Sexual Health Clinic, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Michel Valette
- Infectious Diseases Department, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
- Sexual Health Clinic, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Olivier Robineau
- Infectious Diseases Department, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Agnès Meybeck
- Infectious Diseases Department, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing, France
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11
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Klaper K, Tlapák H, Selb R, Jansen K, Heuer D. Integrated molecular, phenotypic and epidemiological surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Germany. Int J Med Microbiol 2024; 314:151611. [PMID: 38309143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2024.151611] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Numbers of infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae are among the top three sexually transmitted infections (STI) worldwide. In addition, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae pose an important public-health issue. The integration of genomic, phenotypic and epidemiological data to monitor Neisseria gonorrhoeae fosters our understanding of the emergence and spread of AMR in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and helps to inform therapy guidelines and intervention strategies. Thus, the Gonococcal resistance surveillance (Go-Surv-AMR) was implemented at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany in 2021 to obtain molecular, phenotypic and epidemiological data on Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated in Germany. Here, we describe the structure and aims of Go-Surv-AMR. Furthermore, we point out future directions of Go-Surv-AMR to improve the integrated genomic surveillance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In this context we discuss current and prospective sequencing approaches and the information derived from their application. Moreover, we highlight the importance of combining phenotypic and WGS data to monitor the evolution of AMR in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Germany. The implementation and constant development of techniques and tools to improve the genomic surveillance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae will be important in coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Klaper
- Department Infectious Diseases, Unit 18 `Sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens and HIV´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hana Tlapák
- Department Infectious Diseases, Unit 18 `Sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens and HIV´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regina Selb
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 34 `'HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Jansen
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 34 `'HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dagmar Heuer
- Department Infectious Diseases, Unit 18 `Sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens and HIV´, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
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12
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Lightfoot M, Campbell C, Maragh-Bass AC, Jackson-Morgan J, Taylor K. What Adolescents Say in Text Messages to Motivate Peer Networks to Access Health Care and Sexually Transmitted Infection Te sting: Qualitative Thematic Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e44861. [PMID: 38416541 PMCID: PMC10938228 DOI: 10.2196/44861] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are extremely high among adolescents and young adults in the United States, rates of HIV and STI testing remain low. Given the ubiquity of mobile phones and the saliency of peers for youths, text messaging strategies may successfully promote HIV or STI testing among youths. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand the types of messages youths believe were motivating and persuasive when asked to text friends to encourage them to seek HIV or STI testing services at a neighborhood clinic. METHODS We implemented an adolescent peer-based text messaging intervention to encourage clinic attendance and increase STI and HIV testing among youths (n=100) at an adolescent clinic in San Francisco, California. Participants were asked to send a text message to 5 friends they believed were sexually active to encourage their friends to visit the clinic and receive STI or HIV screening. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the content of the text messages sent and received during the clinic visit. Member checking and consensus coding were used to ensure interrater reliability and significance of themes. RESULTS We identified four themes in the messages sent by participants: (1) calls to action to encourage peers to get tested, (2) personalized messages with sender-specific information, (3) clinic information such as location and hours, and (4) self-disclosure of personal clinic experience. We found that nearly all text messages included some combination of 2 or more of these broad themes. We also found that youths were inclined to send messages they created themselves, as opposed to sending the same message to each peer, which they tailored to each individual to whom they were sent. Many (40/100, 40%) received an immediate response to their message, and most participants reported receiving at least 1 positive response, while a few reported that they had received at least 1 negative response. There were some differences in responses depending on the type of message sent. CONCLUSIONS Given the high rates of STI and HIV and low rates of testing among adolescents, peer-driven text messaging interventions to encourage accessing care may be successful at reaching this population. This study suggests that youths are willing to text message their friends, and there are clear types of messages they develop and use. Future research should use these methods with a large, more diverse sample of youths and young adults for long-term evaluation of care seeking and care retention outcomes to make progress in reducing HIV and STI among adolescents and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerita Lightfoot
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University - Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Chadwick Campbell
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Allysha C Maragh-Bass
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences Division, FHI 360, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Kelly Taylor
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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13
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Hahn A, Frickmann H, Loderstädt U. Modelling of doxycycline-based prevention of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in comparison to condom-based and test-based prevention. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2024; 14:50-58. [PMID: 38289395 PMCID: PMC10895362 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2023.00059] [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] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Doxycycline-based prevention of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been assessed in various studies and has been recommended by the European AIDS Clinical Society to be proposed to persons with repeated STIs on a case-by-case basis. However, while good preventive effects could be shown for Chlamydia trachomatis and Treponema pallidum in Europe, no reliable prevention against doxycycline resistance-affected bacterial causes of STIs like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium was confirmed. Methods In a modelling-approach, we assessed potential beneficial effects even against the latter microorganisms in case of optimized adherence with doxycycline prevention. These effects were modelled for Germany in comparison to traditional prevention schemes like condom-based STI-prevention and testing-as-prevention. Results With estimated risk reduction in the ranges of 86% for N. gonorrhoeae and of 82% for Mycoplasma genitalium, expectable preventive efficacy similar to alternative preventive approaches could be calculated in case of optimized adherence with doxycycline prevention. In case of repeated risk exposure, the preventive potential of condom-based prevention was decreased compared to both optimized doxycycline prevention and testing-as-prevention. Conclusions As suggested by the applied modelling, the preventive effect of optimized doxycycline prevention against bacterial STIs is in a similar range, like other common prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hahn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Loderstädt
- Institute for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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14
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Thompson HM, Rusie LK, Schneider JA, Mehta SD. Bacterial vaginosis te sting gaps for transmasculine patients may exacerbate health disparities. Front Reprod Health 2024; 6:1344111. [PMID: 38449898 PMCID: PMC10916334 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1344111] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with non-optimal changes in the vaginal microbiome and increased susceptibility to STIs and HIV in cisgender women. Much less is known about the sexual health of transmasculine people and susceptibility to BV, STIs, and HIV. This study's objective was to assess BV testing and outcomes of transmasculine and cisgender women patient populations at a large, LGBTQ + federally qualified health center. Methods Retrospective electronic health record data were extracted for eligible patients having at least one primary care visit between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Transmasculine patients were limited to those with a testosterone prescription in 2021. We conducted log binomial regression analysis to determine the probability of receiving a BV test based on gender identity, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Results During 2021, 4,903 cisgender women patients and 1,867 transmasculine patients had at least one primary care visit. Compared to cisgender women, transmasculine patients were disproportionately young, White, queer, privately insured, living outside Chicago, and had a lower rate of BV testing (1.9% v. 17.3%, p < 0.001). Controlling for sociodemographics, transmasculine patients were less likely to receive a BV test [Prevalence Ratio = 0.19 (95% CI 0.13-0.27)]. Discussion The low rate of BV testing among transmasculine patients may contribute to disparities in reproductive health outcomes. Prospective community- and provider-engaged research is needed to better understand the multifactorial determinants for sexual healthcare and gender-affirming care for transmasculine patients. In particular, the impact of exogenous testosterone on the vaginal microbiome should also be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hale M. Thompson
- Center for Education, Research & Advocacy, Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Laura K. Rusie
- Center for Education, Research & Advocacy, Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL, United States
- Division of Infectious Disease Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John A. Schneider
- Center for Education, Research & Advocacy, Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL, United States
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Department of Infectious Disease, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Supriya D. Mehta
- Division of Infectious Disease Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
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15
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Cordova D, Bauermeister JA, Warner S, Wells P, MacLeod J, Neilands TB, Mendoza Lua F, Delva J, Fessler KB, Smith V, Khreizat S, Boyer C. Efficacy of a Digital Health Preventive Intervention for Adolescents With HIV or Sexually Transmitted Infections and Substance Use Disorder: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e47216. [PMID: 38373025 PMCID: PMC10912993 DOI: 10.2196/47216] [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] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV or sexually transmitted infections remain a significant public health concern in the United States, with adolescents affected disproportionately. Adolescents engage in HIV/STI risk behaviors, including drug use and condomless sex, which increase the risk for HIV/STIs. At-risk adolescents, many of whom are racial minorities, experience HIV/STI disparities. Although at-risk adolescents are disproportionately affected by HIV/STI risk behaviors and infections and although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine HIV/STI testing for adolescents, relatively few adolescents report having ever been tested for HIV/STI. With expected increases in health clinic visits as a result of the Affordable Care Act combined with technological advances, health clinics and mobile health (mHealth), including apps, provide innovative contexts and tools to engage at-risk adolescents in HIV/STI prevention programs. Yet, there is a dearth of efficacious mHealth interventions in health clinics to prevent and reduce both condomless sex and drug use and increase HIV/STI testing for at-risk adolescents. OBJECTIVE To address this gap in knowledge, we developed a theory-driven, culturally congruent mHealth intervention (hereon referred to as S4E [Storytelling 4 Empowerment]) that has demonstrated feasibility and acceptability in a clinical setting. The next step is to examine the preliminary efficacy of S4E on adolescent HIV/STI testing and risk behaviors. This goal will be accomplished by 2 aims: the first aim is to develop a cross-platform and universal version of S4E. The cross-platform and universal version of S4E will be compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems and multiple mobile devices, aimed at providing adolescents with ongoing access to the intervention once they leave the clinic, and the second aim is to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of S4E, relative to usual care control condition, in preventing or reducing drug use and condomless sex and increasing HIV/STI testing in a clinical sample of at-risk adolescents aged 14-21 years living in Southeast Michigan. METHODS In this study, 100 adolescents recruited from a youth-centered community health clinic will be randomized via blocked randomization with random sequences of block sizes to one of the 2 conditions: S4E mHealth intervention or usual care. Theory-driven and culturally congruent, S4E is an mHealth adaptation of face-to-face storytelling for empowerment, which is registered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. RESULTS This paper describes the protocol of our study. The recruitment began on May 1, 2018. This study was registered on December 11, 2017, in ClinicalTrials.gov. All participants have been recruited. Data analysis will be complete by the end of March 2024, with study findings available by December 2024. CONCLUSIONS This study has the potential to improve public health by preventing HIV/STI and substance use disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03368456; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03368456. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/47216.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cordova
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - José A Bauermeister
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sydni Warner
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Jennifer MacLeod
- Livingston Physician Organization, Livingston, MI, United States
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Frania Mendoza Lua
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jorge Delva
- School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Sarah Khreizat
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Cherrie Boyer
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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16
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Colpani A, De Vito A, Zauli B, Menzaghi B, Calcagno A, Celesia BM, Ceccarelli M, Nunnari G, De Socio GV, Di Biagio A, Leoni N, Angioni G, Giambenedetto SD, D'Ettorre G, Babudieri S, Madeddu G. Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV among People Living with HIV: Should We Be Concerned? Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:417. [PMID: 38391793 PMCID: PMC10888293 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040417] [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] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Poor knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV among people with HIV (PLHIV) could worsen life quality. We aimed to investigate their STI and HIV knowledge, disclosure and undetectable = untransmittable (U=U). We proposed an anonymous questionnaire regarding STI and HIV to PLHIV attending ten Italian outpatient infectious diseases clinics. Moreover, disclosure and U=U were investigated. The calculated sample size was 178 people. Considering a missing response of 10%, the final sample size was 196. We enrolled 200 PLHIV (73.5% males), with a median age of 52.5 (IQR 41-59) years. The mean score was 7.61 ± 1.22 with no difference by gender, education, and employment. Significant statistical difference was observed by sexual orientation; bisexuals and those who preferred not to answer had a lower score than heterosexuals and MSM (p = 0.0032). PLHIV showed poor knowledge about HIV transmission (25% appropriately answered). Nearly 30% responded that virologically suppressed PLHIV could transmit the infection. Finally, 137 (68.5%) and 158 (79.0%) disclosed to the general practitioner and family and friends, respectively. Nearly 52.0% knew the meaning of U=U, and 83.6% highlighted its positive rebound. In conclusion, important knowledge gaps are present among PLHIV regarding U=U, and its implications are little-known. Improving PLHIVs' awareness will undermine self-stigma and enhance life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Colpani
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea De Vito
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Zauli
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Barbara Menzaghi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, "Ospedale di Circolo", 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Andrea Calcagno
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10123 Torino, Italy
| | - Benedetto Maurizio Celesia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Manuela Ceccarelli
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Di Biagio
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino Hospital, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicola Leoni
- Unit of Infectious Disease, SS Trinità Hospital, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Goffredo Angioni
- Unit of Infectious Disease, SS Trinità Hospital, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Di Giambenedetto
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Babudieri
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giordano Madeddu
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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17
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Ibáñez-Escribano A, Nogal-Ruiz JJ. The Past, Present, and Future in the Diagnosis of a Neglected Sexually Transmitted Infection: Trichomoniasis. Pathogens 2024; 13:126. [PMID: 38392864 PMCID: PMC10891855 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020126] [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] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
More than one million curable sexually transmitted infections occur every day. Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the main infections responsible for these epidemiological data; however, the diagnosis of this protozoan is still mainly based on microscopic and culture identification. The commercialization of immunological tests and the development of molecular techniques have improved the sensitivity of classical methods. Nevertheless, the fact that trichomoniasis is a neglected parasitic infection hinders the development of novel techniques and their implementation in routine diagnosis. This review article shows the different methods developed to identify T. vaginalis in population and the difficulties in diagnosing male and asymptomatic patients. The importance of including this parasite in routine gynecological screening, especially in pregnant women, and the importance of considering T. vaginalis as an indicator of high-risk sexual behavior are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Ibáñez-Escribano
- Research Group Antiparasitic Epidemiology, Diagnostics and Therapy, PARADET, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José Nogal-Ruiz
- Research Group Antiparasitic Epidemiology, Diagnostics and Therapy, PARADET, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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18
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Schnoor K, Versluis A, Chavannes NH, Talboom-Kamp EPWA. Digital Triage Tools for Sexually Transmitted Infection Te sting Compared With General Practitioners' Advice: Vignette-Based Qualitative Study With Interviews Among General Practitioners. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e49221. [PMID: 38252474 PMCID: PMC10845018 DOI: 10.2196/49221] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital triage tools for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing can potentially be used as a substitute for the triage that general practitioners (GPs) perform to lower their work pressure. The studied tool is based on medical guidelines. The same guidelines support GPs' decision-making process. However, research has shown that GPs make decisions from a holistic perspective and, therefore, do not always adhere to those guidelines. To have a high-quality digital triage tool that results in an efficient care process, it is important to learn more about GPs' decision-making process. OBJECTIVE The first objective was to identify whether the advice of the studied digital triage tool aligned with GPs' daily medical practice. The second objective was to learn which factors influence GPs' decisions regarding referral for diagnostic testing. In addition, this study provides insights into GPs' decision-making process. METHODS A qualitative vignette-based study using semistructured interviews was conducted. In total, 6 vignettes representing patient cases were discussed with the participants (GPs). The participants needed to think aloud whether they would advise an STI test for the patient and why. A thematic analysis was conducted on the transcripts of the interviews. The vignette patient cases were also passed through the digital triage tool, resulting in advice to test or not for an STI. A comparison was made between the advice of the tool and that of the participants. RESULTS In total, 10 interviews were conducted. Participants (GPs) had a mean age of 48.30 (SD 11.88) years. For 3 vignettes, the advice of the digital triage tool and of all participants was the same. In those vignettes, the patients' risk factors were sufficiently clear for the participants to advise the same as the digital tool. For 3 vignettes, the advice of the digital tool differed from that of the participants. Patient-related factors that influenced the participants' decision-making process were the patient's anxiety, young age, and willingness to be tested. Participants would test at a lower threshold than the triage tool because of those factors. Sometimes, participants wanted more information than was provided in the vignette or would like to conduct a physical examination. These elements were not part of the digital triage tool. CONCLUSIONS The advice to conduct a diagnostic STI test differed between a digital triage tool and GPs. The digital triage tool considered only medical guidelines, whereas GPs were open to discussion reasoning from a holistic perspective. The GPs' decision-making process was influenced by patients' anxiety, willingness to be tested, and age. On the basis of these results, we believe that the digital triage tool for STI testing could support GPs and even replace consultations in the future. Further research must substantiate how this can be done safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyma Schnoor
- Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anke Versluis
- Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Niels H Chavannes
- Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Esther P W A Talboom-Kamp
- Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Zuyderland, Sittard-Geleen, Netherlands
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Garg A, Nyitray AG, Roberts JR, Shungu N, Ruggiero KJ, Chandler J, Damgacioglu H, Zhu Y, Brownstein NC, Sterba KR, Deshmukh AA, Sonawane K. Consumption of Health-Related Videos and Human Papillomavirus Awareness: Cross-Sectional Analyses of a US National Survey and YouTube From the Urban-Rural Context. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e49749. [PMID: 38224476 PMCID: PMC10825763 DOI: 10.2196/49749] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly 70% of Americans use the internet as their first source of information for health-related questions. Contemporary data on the consumption of web-based videos containing health information among American adults by urbanity or rurality is currently unavailable, and its link with health topic awareness, particularly for human papillomavirus (HPV), is not known. OBJECTIVE We aim to describe trends and patterns in the consumption of health-related videos on social media from an urban-rural context, examine the association between exposure to health-related videos on social media and awareness of health topics (ie, HPV and HPV vaccine), and understand public interest in HPV-related video content through search terms and engagement analytics. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the US Health Information National Trends Survey 6, a nationally representative survey that collects data from civilian, noninstitutionalized adults aged 18 years or older residing in the United States. Bivariable analyses were used to estimate the prevalence of consumption of health-related videos on social media among US adults overall and by urbanity or rurality. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between the consumption of health-related videos and HPV awareness among urban and rural adults. To provide additional context on the public's interest in HPV-specific video content, we examined search volumes (quantitative) and related query searches (qualitative) for the terms "HPV" and "HPV vaccine" on YouTube. RESULTS In 2022, 59.6% of US adults (152.3 million) consumed health-related videos on social media, an increase of nearly 100% from 2017 to 2022. Prevalence increased among adults living in both urban (from 31.4% in 2017 to 59.8% in 2022; P<.001) and rural (from 22.4% in 2017 to 58% in 2022; P<.001) regions. Within the urban and rural groups, consumption of health-related videos on social media was most prevalent among adults aged between 18 and 40 years and college graduates or higher-educated adults. Among both urban and rural groups, adults who consumed health-related videos had a significantly higher probability of being aware of HPV and the HPV vaccine compared with those who did not watch health videos on the internet. The term "HPV" was more frequently searched on YouTube compared with "HPV vaccine." Individuals were most commonly searching for videos that covered content about the HPV vaccine, HPV in males, and side effects of the HPV vaccine. CONCLUSIONS The consumption of health-related videos on social media in the United States increased dramatically between 2017 and 2022. The rise was prominent among both urban and rural adults. Watching a health-related video on social media was associated with a greater probability of being aware of HPV and the HPV vaccine. Additional research on designing and developing social media strategies is needed to increase public awareness of health topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashvita Garg
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Alan G Nyitray
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, IL, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, Milwaukee, IL, United States
| | - James R Roberts
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Nicholas Shungu
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | | | - Jessica Chandler
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Applications Center for Healthful Lifestyles, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Haluk Damgacioglu
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Yenan Zhu
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | | | - Katherine R Sterba
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Ashish A Deshmukh
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Kalyani Sonawane
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC, United States
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20
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Xavier Hall CD, Ryan D, Hayford C, Morgan E, Tabidze I, D’Aquila R, Mustanski B. Syphilis Prevalence, Incidence, and Demographic Differences in a Longitudinal Study of Young Sexual and Gender Minority Adults Assigned Male at Birth. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:232-236. [PMID: 37816091 PMCID: PMC10786243 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad256] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis rates in the United States have increased. Few studies have examined syphilis incidence and prevalence prospectively among young sexual and gender minorities (YSGM). METHODS This study of YSGM assigned male at birth comes from a Chicago-based prospective cohort at 2 visits 6 months apart (N = 882). Syphilis cases were identified through serologic test results and self-reported history. RESULTS In this sample, 25.1% had a lifetime prevalence, and 3.3% were incident cases with a crude incidence rate of 6.76 per 100 person-years. CONCLUSIONS Lifetime syphilis and incidence are high in this sample of YSGM relative to general population samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey D Xavier Hall
- Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Daniel Ryan
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing
| | - Christina Hayford
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing
- Third Coast Center for AIDS Research, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ethan Morgan
- College of Nursing, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Irina Tabidze
- Chicago Department of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Richard D’Aquila
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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21
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Dohadwala S, Geib MT, Politch JA, Anderson DJ. Innovations in monoclonal antibody-based multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. Front Reprod Health 2024; 5:1337479. [PMID: 38264184 PMCID: PMC10803587 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1337479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are currently being produced for a number of clinical applications including contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Combinations of contraceptive and anti-STI mAbs, including antibodies against HIV-1 and HSV-2, provide a powerful and flexible approach for highly potent and specific multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) products with desirable efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic profiles. MAbs can be administered systemically by injection, or mucosally via topical products (e.g., films, gels, rings) which can be tailored for vaginal, penile or rectal administration to address the needs of different populations. The MPT field has faced challenges with safety, efficacy, production and cost. Here, we review the state-of-the-art of mAb MPTs that tackle these challenges with innovative strategies in mAb engineering, manufacturing, and delivery that could usher in a new generation of safe, efficacious, cost-effective, and scalable mAb MPTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dohadwala
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew T. Geib
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Joseph A. Politch
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Deborah J. Anderson
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Rizzo A, Moschese D, Salari F, Giacomelli A, Morelli L, Cossu MV, Fusetti C, Petri F, Casalini G, Poloni A, Lazzarin S, Gori A, Antinori S, Gismondo MR, Lombardi A, Rizzardini G. High prevalence of high-risk HPV genotypes in individuals attending an infectious diseases clinic from 2018 to 2022 in Milan, Italy. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29370. [PMID: 38197518 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29370] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, linked to several types of lesions. HPV, specifically HPV 16, accounts for most of anal cancer cases. In this study, we evaluated the proportion of samples tested positive for HPV and characterized genotypes distribution in anal specimens collected from individuals at risk of anal HPV infection attending from 2018 to 2022 a large Infectious Diseases Department in Italy. The presence of HPV DNA was investigated through a commercial kit detecting 12 HR-HPV, 8 probable/possible HR-HPV, and 8 LR-HPV genotypes. Among 1514 samples, 84% (1266/1514) resulted positive for any type of HPV. The prevalence of high-risk HPV types remained high during all the years of the study period, from 2018 to 2022, ranging from 65% to 73%. Most of HR-HPV, LR-HPV and HPV 16 positive samples were collected from men >45 years. HPV 16 was also the most frequent type in men and women. We did not observe significant variations between years in detection of HR-HPV, instead of LR-HPV, that significantly decreased. In conclusion, the high prevalence of oncogenic HPV genotypes underlines the necessity of clear anal HPV screening guidelines and, along with frequent HR-HPV coinfections, reinforces the urge to intensify the anti-HPV vaccination campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rizzo
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies-"Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Moschese
- I Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Salari
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies-"Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Giacomelli
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Loriana Morelli
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies-"Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Cossu
- I Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Fusetti
- II Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Petri
- II Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Casalini
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Poloni
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Samuel Lazzarin
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- II Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche Luigi Sacco, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Spinello Antinori
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche Luigi Sacco, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Gismondo
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies-"Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche Luigi Sacco, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lombardi
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies-"Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliano Rizzardini
- I Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
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23
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CAUMES É. [Tropical sexually transmitted infections Summary of the SFMTSI Scientific Day of November 9, 2023]. Med Trop Sante Int 2023; 3:mtsi.v3i4.2023.447. [PMID: 38390016 PMCID: PMC10879884 DOI: 10.48327/mtsi.v3i4.2023.447] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) deserve more attention today than ever in the tropics. Indeed, the emergence of monkeypox in 2022 in Western countries reminds the risk of exporting STIs from the tropics as it was already known for decades with the worldwide spread of HIV/AIDS infection from tropical Africa. Some hazards are already well identified. According to WHO 2023 report STIs are increasing in the world. Antibiotic resistance is increasing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and already well established for Mycoplasma genitalium, whereas Treponema pallidum has become resistant to macrolides within the last twenty years. Some neglected tropical diseases (Zika, Ebola, monkeypox) can also be sexually transmitted, sometimes months after cure (Ebola). In this setting, the use of PrEP in migrants, and in Africa, is worth to be discussed beyond traditional circles.
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24
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Ciepłucha HD, Bożejko M, Piesiak P, Serafińska S, Szetela B. Bacterial Pneumonia and Cryptogenic Pleuritis after Probable Monkeypox Virus Infection: A Case Report. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:795-805. [PMID: 38131884 PMCID: PMC10742663 DOI: 10.3390/idr15060071] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A large number of monkeypox (MPOX) cases have been reported in Europe and North America in 2022, and a new outbreak of this disease was declared. We describe a case of a patient with probable monkeypox during the height of this epidemic in Poland. The patient's symptoms resolved within two weeks, but over the next two months, he developed community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalization and, subsequently, non-specific pleuritis. The simultaneous occurrence of such severe infections in a previously healthy young man is not typical and suggests a potential underlying cause. We believe the potential association of these diseases with probable monkeypox virus infection is very likely. Cases of monkeypox pneumonia, both viral and secondary bacterial, have already been reported in the literature. Cases of viral pleuritis in the course of MPOX in animals have also been described; however, to our knowledge, no similar cases have been described in humans to date. Our case indicates that it is important to monitor patients after MPOX in order to respond promptly to potentially life-threatening but, as of yet, not fully understood complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Dawid Ciepłucha
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Bożejko
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Piesiak
- Lower Silesian Oncology, Pulmonology and Hematology Center, 53-439 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Sylwia Serafińska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Szetela
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
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25
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Galván-Casas C, Ortiz-Álvarez J, Martínez-García E, Corbacho-Monné M. Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) expert recommendations for the management of sexual transmitted parasitosis. Scabies, and pediculosis pubis. Actas Dermosifiliogr 2023:S0001-7310(23)00945-6. [PMID: 38061452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2023.11.007] [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] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections are communicable diseases where the pathogen is transmitted through sexual contact. The Sexually Transmitted Infections Working Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) is engaged in the drafting of documents to guide dermatologists and health care personnel who treat Spanish patients with these infections. This document analyzes the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and control characteristics of 2 sexually transmitted parasitosis: scabies due to Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, and pubic pediculosis due to Phthirus pubis. Both parasitoses share a sort of mixed spread through sexual and community transmission regardless of the route through which the infection was initially acquired. This specific feature creates particularities in the management and control of the infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Galván-Casas
- Unidad Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections; Fundación Lucha contra las Infecciones, Badalona, Barcelona, España; Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de Móstoles, Móstoles, Madrid, España.
| | - J Ortiz-Álvarez
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, España
| | - E Martínez-García
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, España
| | - M Corbacho-Monné
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Barcelona, España
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26
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Dassaye R, Wand H, Reddy T, Tanser F, Sartorius B, Morris N, Ramjee G. Spatial variations in STIs among women enrolled in HIV prevention clinical trials in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. SAHARA J 2023; 20:2193238. [PMID: 36995287 PMCID: PMC10064823 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2023.2193238] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
South Africa is faced with a high HIV and STI prevalence and incidence, respectively, with pockets of high burden areas driving these diseases. Localised monitoring of the HIV epidemic and STI endemic would enable more effective targeted prevention strategies. We assessed spatial variations in curable STI incidence among a cohort of women enrolled in HIV prevention clinical trials between 2002 and 2012. STI incidence rates from 7557 South African women enrolled in five HIV prevention trials were geo-mapped using participant household GPS coordinates. Age and period standardised incidence rates were calculated for 43 recruitment areas and Bayesian conditional autoregressive areal spatial regression (CAR) was used to identify significant patterns and spatial patterns of STI infections in recruitment communities. Overall age and period standardised STI incidence rate were estimated as 15 per 100 PY and ranged from 6 to 24 per 100 PY. We identified five significant STI high risk areas with higher-than-expected incidence of STIs located centrally (three-locations) and southern neighbouring areas of Durban (two-locations). Younger age (<25), not married/cohabitating, parity <3 and poor education were all significant correlates of high STI communities. Findings demonstrate sustained STI incidence rates across the greater Durban area. The role of STI incidence in HIV acquisition in high HIV endemic areas need to be revisited as current highly effective PrEP interventions do not protect from STI acquisition. In these settings there is an urgent need for integrative HIV and STI prevention and treatment services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshmi Dassaye
- HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Handan Wand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Frank Tanser
- University of Lincoln, Lincoln Institute for Health, Lincoln, UK
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (ITD), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Natashia Morris
- Biostatistics Unit: GIS, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gita Ramjee
- HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London, UK
- School of Medicine, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
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27
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Doyle MA. Seasonal patterns in newborns' health: Quantifying the roles of climate, communicable disease, economic and social factors. Econ Hum Biol 2023; 51:101287. [PMID: 37549490 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2023.101287] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Poor health at birth can have long-term consequences for children's development. This paper analyses an important factor associated with health at birth: the time of year that the baby is born, and hence seasonal risks they were exposed to in utero. There are multiple potential explanations for seasonality in newborns' health. Most previous research has examined these in isolation. We therefore do not know which explanations are most important - and hence which policy interventions would most effectively reduce the resulting early-life inequalities. In this paper, I use administrative data to estimate and compare the magnitudes of several seasonal risks, seeking to identify the most important drivers of seasonality in the Northern Territory of Australia, a large territory spanning tropical and arid climates and where newborn health varies dramatically with the seasons. I find that the most important explanations are heat exposure and disease prevalence. Seasonality in food prices and road accessibility have smaller effects on some outcomes. Seasonal fertility patterns, rainfall and humidity do not have statistically significant effects. I conclude that interventions that protect pregnant women from seasonal disease and heat exposure would likely improve newborn health in the Northern Territory, with potential long-term benefits for child development. It is likely that similar impacts would apply in other locations with tropical and arid climates, and that, without action, climate change will accentuate these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Alice Doyle
- Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics, Houghton Street, WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom.
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Sucaldito AD, Tanner AE, Mann-Jackson L, Alonzo J, Garcia M, Chaffin JW, Faller R, McGuire T, Jibriel M, Mertus S, Kline DM, Russell L, Stafford J, Aviles LR, Weil PH, Wilkin AM, Rhodes SD. Exploring Individual and Contextual Factors Associated With Sexual Risk and Substance Use Among Underserved GBQMSM and Transgender and Nonbinary Persons in South Central Appalachia. AIDS Educ Prev 2023; 35:495-506. [PMID: 38096454 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.6.495] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men (GBQMSM) and transgender and nonbinary persons are at elevated risk for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and hepatitis C (HCV); in Appalachia, these communities experience more disease burden. However, little is known about the factors influencing risk. Sixteen semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted examining factors influencing prevention and care. Data were analyzed using constant comparison methodology. Fifteen themes emerged within four domains: social environment (e.g., microaggressions across gender, sexual orientation, and racial identities), substance use (e.g., high prevalence, use as coping mechanism), sexual health (e.g., misinformation and denial of risk for HIV and STIs), and access to health care (e.g., cost and transportation barriers, lack of local respectful care). Findings highlighted salient barriers and assets influencing prevention and care and suggest that multilevel interventions are needed to improve access to and use of HIV, STI, and HCV prevention and care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana D Sucaldito
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Amanda E Tanner
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Lilli Mann-Jackson
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jorge Alonzo
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Manuel Garcia
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - John W Chaffin
- Western North Carolina AIDS Project, Asheville, North Carolina
| | - Rachel Faller
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Tucker McGuire
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Mohammed Jibriel
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Sulianie Mertus
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - David M Kline
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Laurie Russell
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jeanette Stafford
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Lucero Refugio Aviles
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Peggy H Weil
- Western North Carolina AIDS Project, Asheville, North Carolina
| | - Aimee M Wilkin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Scott D Rhodes
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Luigi R, Stefania S, Francesca I, Federica R, Fiore BD, Annalisa S, Francesco DG, Eugenio M, Mandorino M, Adriana M, Eleonora S, Carmela DC, Lucia N, Enrica R, Michele M, Maria Teresa M, Raffaele DP. HPV and Covid-19 Era: effects of nonpharmaceutical interventions on HPV transmission. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:735-743. [PMID: 37533358 PMCID: PMC10614711 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2239052] [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] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the commonest viral cause of sexually transmitted infections. The impact of social distance measures due to Covid-19 pandemic on HPV spread is unknown. Therefore, this study has analyzed the seven-year trend of HPV prevalence in all patients tested for HPV DNA at the Microbiology and Virology Unit at Bari Policlinico. Moreover, the HPV prevalence in 2020 has been compared with the previous year ones in order to evaluate the consequences of lockdown and social distancing measures on transmission risks. From 2013 to 2020, we retrospectively analyzed 64 anal swabs, 418 biopsies, 5925 cervical-vaginal swabs, 512 cervical swabs, 104 gland swabs, 154 oral swabs, 21 seminal fluids and 503 urethral swabs. HPV DNA detection was initially performed using nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently multiplex real-time PCR assay. All statistical tests were carried out by the open-source environment R 4.0.3 (R Core Team). The data were analyzed according to yearly positivity rates, temporal trend and prevalence of HPV genotypes (HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, HPV-18, high risk and low risk) by age category and sex. The number of patients increased steadily from 2016 to 2019 and then decreased in 2020. There were significant differences in prevalence between females and males for HPV-6 (6.16% in females Vs 30.80% in males), HPV-11 (0.82% Vs 7.16%) and HPV-16 (7.77% Vs 5.01%). The prevalence of HPV-6 and HPV-11 significantly increased in 2020 compared to 2013-2019 (15.72% Vs 8.52 and 3.18% Vs 1.44%). On the contrary, the overall prevalence of HPV DNA remained constant in 2020 (52.84% Vs 48.44%). Over time, the prevalence of HPV DNA (Coefficient=-0.020, p-value = 0.036) and particularly high-risk genotypes (Coefficient=-0.030, p-value = 0.005) decreased in females, while low-risk genotypes (Coefficient = 0.141, p-value= < 0.001) and the prevalence of HPV DNA increased in males (Coefficient = 0.068, p-value = 0.008). During the pandemic, the number of screened patients declined, although HPV prevalence compared to 2013-2019 remained constant or increased as in the case of low-risk genotypes. It can be assumed that the reduction of the screening coverage favored the emerging of the more symptomatic low-risk infections. In conclusion, nonpharmaceutical interventions due to Covid-19 pandemic did not reduce the risk of HPV infection but it likely caused a decrease in access to health services resulting in an increased risk of undiagnosed HPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronga Luigi
- Microbiology and Virology, UOC, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Stolfa Stefania
- Microbiology Section, Medicine Interdisciplinary Department, Medicine School, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Indraccolo Francesca
- Microbiology Section, Medicine Interdisciplinary Department, Medicine School, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Romanelli Federica
- Microbiology Section, Medicine Interdisciplinary Department, Medicine School, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Bavaro Davide Fiore
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Saracino Annalisa
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Di Gennaro Francesco
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Milano Eugenio
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Manuela Mandorino
- Microbiology Section, Medicine Interdisciplinary Department, Medicine School, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Mosca Adriana
- Microbiology Section, Medicine Interdisciplinary Department, Medicine School, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Sparapano Eleonora
- Microbiology and Virology, UOC, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - De Carlo Carmela
- Microbiology and Virology, UOC, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Nisi Lucia
- Microbiology and Virology, UOC, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Ranieri Enrica
- Microbiology Section, Medicine Interdisciplinary Department, Medicine School, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Mastria Michele
- Microbiology Section, Medicine Interdisciplinary Department, Medicine School, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Montagna Maria Teresa
- Hygiene Section, Medicine Interdisciplinary Department, Medicine School, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Del Prete Raffaele
- Microbiology Section, Medicine Interdisciplinary Department, Medicine School, Bari “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
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Meurer P, Heintze C, Schuster A. Women's sexually transmitted infections in primary care: General practitioners' challenges and strategies - A qualitative study in Germany. Eur J Gen Pract 2023; 29:2190094. [PMID: 37009841 PMCID: PMC10071968 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2023.2190094] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) is rising. Amongst women, STIs are often asymptomatic and thus likely underreported. STI care in Germany is fragmented. General Practitioners (GPs) could offer accessible care; however, to which extent GPs provide STI care and which challenges they face remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To increase understanding of how GPs provide STI care for women in German high-incidence settings and to identify challenges and opportunities for improved care. METHODS Between 10/20 and 09/21, we contacted 75 practices using snowball and theoretical sampling. We conducted qualitative guide-assisted interviews with 19 GPs in their practices in Berlin, Germany. Data were analysed using thematic analysis with grounded theory components. RESULTS Responsibilities and financing of STI care services were unclear. Most GPs perceived specialised doctors to be responsible for STI care in women; however, many non-STI specialised doctors were the first point of contact for patients and felt responsible to help. (LBTQI) Women were perceived to have less access to care. Stigmatising perceptions of women with STI-related needs were common. Doctors immediately referred patients to other providers, offered STI care for selected cases, or routinely offered primary STI care. GPs' referral strategies were often unsystematic. Those who offered primary STI care perceived patients' need for STI care, showed open attitudes to sexual health, and had undergone further training on STI care. CONCLUSION Training regarding STI care, remuneration, and referral pathways should be provided for GPs. Comprehensive STI care could be offered through the cooperation of GPs and specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Meurer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Institute of General Practice, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Heintze
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Institute of General Practice, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Schuster
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Institute of General Practice, Berlin, Germany
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Shields-Haas V, Bray C. Improving Effective Chlamydia Screening for Women at Risk at a Rural Family Planning Clinic. J Dr Nurs Pract 2023; 16:205-212. [PMID: 38049181 DOI: 10.1891/jdnp-2023-0010] [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] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States, with an incidence of 1.7 million infections annually. It results in an estimated $691 million in lifetime medical costs. Objective: The objective of the project was to improve effective care for women at risk of chlamydia infection in a rural family planning clinic to 80% in 90 days. Methods: The Plan-Do-Study-Act process of quality improvement (QI) was implemented over four 2-week cycles. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed iteratively and informed tests of change for each cycle. Results: Results indicated an improvement in effective care from a baseline of 42%-81%. Patient visit time decreased from 38 minutes at baseline to 23 minutes. Compared with pre-implementation, the number of positive chlamydia test results went from three to six, doubling the positivity rate, while the number of chlamydia tests billed increased by 32%. Conclusions: This project was successful in improving effective care. Implementing a standardized risk assessment decreased patient visit time. Implications for nursing: QI projects directed at meeting national standards for STI screening can be implemented in rural health clinics at low cost and with high impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla Bray
- Frontier Nursing University, Versailles, KY, USA
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Giacalone S, Barberi F, Ramoni S, Casazza G, Cusini M, Marzano AV. Sexualised drug use and chemsex in Italy: A que stionnaire study based on a cohort of clients attending a STI outpatient service in Milan. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:1034-1041. [PMID: 37608639 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231193055] [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] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemsex is a heterogeneous phenomenon with differences in distribution, setting, motivations and type of substances consumed between countries. The lack of data at national level of the Italian situation creates a perception of reduced need for intervention. METHODS Anonymous paper questionnaires were distributed to patients who had registered themselves at the STI Department IRCCS Ca' Granda Policlinico in Milan. RESULTS A significant association was demonstrated between use of sexualised drugs, chemsex and the following variables: (1). Number of partners: in the group of clients with more than five partners, sexualised drug users were more than twice compared with those in the group with less than five partners (35.2% vs 16.2%) p<0.0001. (2). Use of dating apps: more than one out of two persons who used drugs during sex affirmed looking for partners on internet, p = 0.0059. (3). Low condom uses with occasional partners: percentage of individuals who declared not to use condoms or devices during their sexual encounters with occasional partners is more than twice as high in the sexualised drug users group with respect to controls (44.6% vs 21.4%); p = 0.0006). (4). Use of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP): among the PEP users, more than half participants belonged to the sexualised drug users' group; p = 0.0021. CONCLUSIONS Sexualised drug use and chemsex are frequently practiced in Milan. This survey identified a specific population with higher-risk sexual behaviours and increased incidence of acute bacterial STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Giacalone
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Barberi
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ramoni
- UOC Dermatologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e di Comunità, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cusini
- UOC Dermatologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Valerio Marzano
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- UOC Dermatologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Mullick S, Cox LA, Martin CE, Fipaza Z, Ncube S. Comparing the Integration of Syndromic versus Etiological Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections Into HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Services for Adolescent Girls and Young Women, in South Africa. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S67-S72. [PMID: 37953011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
South Africa has a high incidence of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly among adolescent girls and young women. National and global guidelines recommend varied strategies for integrating STI and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services. PURPOSE This paper describes the implementation of a syndromic compared to an etiological approach to STI integration within PrEP services in South Africa. METHODS We analysed program data from eight fixed and four mobile clinics to describe a cascade of STI care and integration of syndromic management among clients accessing PrEP services. Diagnostic testing was conducted in a subset of clients to determine the prevalence of STIs and estimate the burden of disease missed using a syndromic approach. RESULTS Between December 2018 and December 2021, 22,505 clients sought services and a high proportion (92.9%) was screened for STI symptoms. Of these, 9% of females and 3% of males had symptoms and 89.5% had recorded treatment. In a subset of PrEP clients (406 females, 70 males) screened through laboratory testing, chlamydia was identified in 25.7% of female and 20.0% of male samples, gonorrhea in 14.1% of female and 18.6% of male samples, and syphilis in 2.3% of female and 1.4% of male samples. Highest prevalence was found among females aged 18-20 years. DISCUSSION Syndromic STI screening and management can be integrated into routine PrEP service delivery and can identify symptomatic STIs, but misses asymptomatic infections. PrEP clients have a high prevalence of treatable STIs. Etiologic approaches can identify more infections than syndromic screening, but cheap point-of-care tests are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | | | | | - Zukiswa Fipaza
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sydney Ncube
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Hornuss D, Mathé P, Usadel S, Zimmermann S, Müller M, Rieg S. Already current practice? A snapshot survey on doxycycline use for prevention of sexually transmitted infections in parts of the German MSM community. Infection 2023; 51:1831-1834. [PMID: 37608042 PMCID: PMC10665247 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02086-9] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies point toward a potential benefit of doxycycline use for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although prescribing doxycycline in a prophylactic intention is not generally recommended yet, we noticed an increasing number of inquiries from individuals within the LGBTQ community for doxycycline prescriptions. METHODS We conducted an anonymous online survey to evaluate the current extent of doxycycline use for PEP or PrEP within the LGBTQ community using REDCap electronic data capture tools. Participants gained access to the online survey through a QR code on posters in the premises of our STI outpatient department and at LGBTQ community-related events in the south-western region of Germany. Additional access was provided by a direct link shared on social media profiles for men having sex with men (MSM), transgender, and queers. RESULTS 96 of 99 responses were eligible for analysis. Twenty-two participants (23%) indicated to have already used doxycycline for PEP and six participants (6%) used doxycycline for PrEP. The majority of participants used pills left over from previous doxycycline treatment. Forty percent of indicated modes of access were without a regular prescription, e.g., by provision from acquaintances (with or without healthcare profession) or by ordering online. CONCLUSION Our study shows that the concept of doxycycline use for prevention of STIs is already well known and applied in the LGBTQ community. Further analysis, especially modeling studies, are needed to evaluate strategies aiming to reduce doxycycline intake (PEP/PrEP versus repeated targeted therapies) and improve sexual health outcomes within the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hornuss
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Philipp Mathé
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Usadel
- Department of Infection Medicine, Medical Service Centre Clotten, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Müller
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Infection Medicine, Medical Service Centre Clotten, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Siegbert Rieg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
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McCormack H, Wand H, Newman CE, Bourne C, Kennedy C, Guy R. Exploring Whether the Electronic Optimization of Routine Health Assessments Can Increase Te sting for Sexually Transmitted Infections and Provider Acceptability at an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service: Mixed Methods Evaluation. JMIR Med Inform 2023; 11:e51387. [PMID: 38032729 PMCID: PMC10722379 DOI: 10.2196/51387] [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] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of a syphilis outbreak in neighboring states, a multifaceted systems change to increase testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young Aboriginal people aged 15 to 29 years was implemented at an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) in New South Wales, Australia. The components included electronic medical record prompts and automated pathology test sets to increase STI testing in annual routine health assessments, the credentialing of nurses and Aboriginal health practitioners to conduct STI tests independently, pathology request forms presigned by a physician, and improved data reporting. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine whether the systems change increased the integration of STI testing into routine health assessments by clinicians between April 2019 and March 2020, the inclusion of syphilis tests in STI testing, and STI testing uptake overall. We also explored the understandings of factors contributing to the acceptability and normalization of the systems change among staff. METHODS We used a mixed methods design to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of the systems change implemented in 2019. We calculated the annual proportion of health assessments that included tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, as well as an internal control (blood glucose level). We conducted an interrupted time series analysis of quarterly proportions 24 months before and 12 months after the systems change and in-depth semistructured interviews with ACCHS staff using normalization process theory. RESULTS Among 2461 patients, the annual proportion of health assessments that included any STI test increased from 16% (38/237) in the first year of the study period to 42.9% (94/219) after the implementation of the systems change. There was an immediate and large increase when the systems change occurred (coefficient=0.22; P=.003) with no decline for 12 months thereafter. The increase was greater for male individuals, with no change for the internal control. Qualitative data indicated that nurse- and Aboriginal health practitioner-led testing and presigned pathology forms proved more difficult to normalize than electronic prompts and shortcuts. The interviews identified that staff understood the modifications to have encouraged cultural change around the role of sexual health care in routine practice. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence for the first time that optimizing health assessments electronically is an effective and acceptable strategy to increase and sustain clinician integration and the completeness of STI testing among young Aboriginal people attending an ACCHS. Future strategies should focus on increasing the uptake of health assessments and promote whole-of-service engagement and accountability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather McCormack
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
- Centre for Population Health, New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Handan Wand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Christy E Newman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Christopher Bourne
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
- Centre for Population Health, New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
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Alshemeili A, Alhammadi A, Alhammadi A, Al Ali M, Alameeri ES, Abdullahi AS, Abu-Hamada B, Sheek-Hussein MM, Al-Rifai RH, Elbarazi I. Sexually transmitted diseases knowledge assessment and associated factors among university students in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1284288. [PMID: 38074733 PMCID: PMC10702243 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1284288] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDIs) remain a serious public health menace with over 350 million cases each year. Poor knowledge of STDIs has been identified as one of the bottlenecks in their control and prevention. Hence, assessment of knowledge, both general and domain-specific, is key to the prevention and control of these diseases. This study assessed the knowledge of STDIs and identified factors associated with STDI knowledge among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods This is a cross-sectional study among 778 UAE University students across all colleges. An online data collection tool was used to collect data regarding the participants' demographics and their level of knowledge of STDIs across different domains including general STDI pathogens knowledge (8 items), signs and symptoms (9 items), mode of transmission (5 items), and prevention (5 items). Knowledge was presented both as absolute and percentage scores. Differences in STDI knowledge were statistically assessed using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests. Logistic regression models were further used to identify factors associated with STDI knowledge. Results A total of 778 students participated in the study with a median age of 21 years (IQR = 19, 23). The overall median STDI knowledge score of the participants was 7 (out of 27), with some differences within STDI domains-signs & symptoms (1 out of 9), modes of transmission (2 out of 5), general STDI pathogens (2 out of 8), and prevention (1 out of 5). Higher STDI knowledge was significantly associated with being non-Emirati (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.24-2.75), being married (OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.50-5.56), residing in emirates other than Abu Dhabi (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.16-2.25), and being a student of health sciences (OR = 4.45, 95% CI = 3.07-6.45). Conclusion In general, STDI knowledge was low among the students. Having good knowledge of STDIs is essential for their prevention and control. Therefore, there is a need for informed interventions to address the knowledge gap among students, youths, and the general population at large.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Ando N, Mizushima D, Shimizu Y, Uemura Y, Takano M, Mitobe M, Kobayashi K, Kubota H, Miyake H, Suzuki J, Sadamasu K, Nakamoto T, Aoki T, Watanabe K, Oka S, Gatanaga H. Sitafloxacin- Versus Moxifloxacin-Based Sequential Treatment for Mycoplasma Genitalium Infections: Protocol for a Multicenter, Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e52565. [PMID: 37962941 PMCID: PMC10685287 DOI: 10.2196/52565] [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] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen associated with increasing antibiotic resistance. The current treatment guidelines recommend moxifloxacin-sequential therapy for macrolide-resistant Mgenitalium or strains with unknown resistance profiles. However, it is unclear whether sitafloxacin, a 4th-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is effective against resistant strains. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess and compare the efficacy and safety of sitafloxacin- and moxifloxacin-based treatment regimens for managing Mgenitalium infections. METHODS We will conduct this randomized controlled trial at multiple centers in Japan. Eligible participants include adults aged 18 years or older with a confirmed Mgenitalium infection, as determined through the nucleic acid amplification test. Patients will be randomly assigned using a stratified approach based on the treatment facility and infection site. The interventions comprise oral sitafloxacin (200 mg) daily for 7 days (with optional pretreatment of oral doxycycline, 200 mg, daily for up to 7 days), with a control group receiving oral doxycycline (200 mg) daily for 7 days followed by moxifloxacin (400 mg) daily for another 7 days. The primary outcome is the treatment success rate with a superiority margin of 10%, as confirmed through the nucleic acid amplification test. Secondary outcomes encompass changes in the bacterial load at the urogenital or rectal sites and the emergence of posttreatment-resistant mutant strains. RESULTS Enrollment commenced in June 2023 and will conclude in December 2024, with findings anticipated by 2025. The expected success rates fall within the range of 80% for sitafloxacin and 42% for moxifloxacin against Mgenitalium carrying the G248T (S83I) mutation, based on previous studies. Accordingly, with a 5% significance level (2-sided) and 80% statistical power, we aim to recruit 50 participants per group, factoring in a 10% expected dropout rate. CONCLUSIONS This study will provide valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of sitafloxacin- versus moxifloxacin-based sequential therapy in treating Mgenitalium infections. These findings have the potential to influence clinical guidelines, favoring more effective therapeutic choices. The multicenter approach enhances the robustness of this study. However, a limitation is the potential insufficiency of statistical power to detect posttreatment-resistant mutant strains in each group, rendering posttreatment-resistance mutations a notable concern. In the future, we may need to increase the sample size to enhance power. TRIAL REGISTRATION Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs031230111); https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs031230111. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/52565.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokatsu Ando
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mizushima
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Shimizu
- Biostatistics Section, Department of Data Science, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukari Uemura
- Biostatistics Section, Department of Data Science, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Misao Takano
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Morika Mitobe
- Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kai Kobayashi
- Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kubota
- Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Miyake
- Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Sadamasu
- Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takato Nakamoto
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Aoki
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Watanabe
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Oka
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Gatanaga
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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AlNujaidi HY, AlSaif AK, Saleem ALAnsary NF, Althumiri NA, BinDhim NF. The Knowledge and Determinants of Sexual Health and Sexual Transmitted Infections Among Women in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Survey. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:1745-1756. [PMID: 38020942 PMCID: PMC10648179 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s434179] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual health is a necessary part of any society because it significantly influences the quality of life. Women's knowledge regarding STIs and safe sex practices in Saudi Arabia has not been thoroughly investigated; therefore, this study aims to investigate and measure the knowledge and the determinants of sexual health and STIs among women in Saudi Arabia. Methods This study is a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted through phone interviews in Saudi Arabia in 2021. This study included 1334 female participants aged 18 years or older. Results The study's results collectively show that women in Saudi Arabia have limited knowledge of sexual health and STIs. The primary causes are the lack of knowledge of different STIs-communicability, symptoms, and an overall lack of technical proficiency in the subject. The study analyzed factors associated with participants' knowledge of sexual health and sexually transmitted infections. Significant associations were found between knowledge and age, region, educational level, and family income. In the multivariable analysis, participants aged 20-29 had higher knowledge compared to those aged >60. Participants in the Eastern region had higher knowledge than those in the Southern region. Participants with less than a bachelor's degree had lower knowledge than those with a bachelor's degree or higher. Participants earning an average of 16,000 SAR to 19,999 SAR had higher knowledge than those with unstable monthly income. Conclusion The study found that women's understanding of sexual health and STIs in Saudi Arabia is low due to a lack of knowledge and awareness. Knowledge levels were correlated with educational levels; therefore, targeted health promotion initiatives are needed to increase understanding, particularly regarding condom use for HIV and STI prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Yaagoub AlNujaidi
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atheer Kalid AlSaif
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naof Faiz Saleem ALAnsary
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora A Althumiri
- Scientific Department, Sharik Association for Health Research, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser F BinDhim
- Scientific Department, Sharik Association for Health Research, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Vo C, Zomorodi R, Silvera R, Bartram L, Lugo LA, Kojic E, Urbina A, Aberg J, Sigel K, Chasan R, Patel G. Clinical Characteri stics and Outcomes of Patients With Mpox Who Received Tecovirimat in a New York City Health System. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad552. [PMID: 38023539 PMCID: PMC10644828 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad552] [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] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The 2022 global mpox outbreak was notable for transmission between persons outside of travel and zoonotic exposures and primarily through intimate contact. An understanding of the presentation of mpox in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other immunocompromising conditions and knowledge of the efficacy of tecovirimat continue to evolve. Methods This retrospective study describes clinical features and outcomes of persons with mpox who received tecovirimat. Data were obtained via medical record review of patients prescribed tecovirimat in a health system in New York City during the height of the outbreak in 2022. Results One hundred thirty people received tecovirimat between 1 July and 1 October 2022. People with HIV (n = 80) experienced similar rates of recovery, bacterial superinfections, and hospitalization compared to patients without immunocompromising conditions. Individuals determined to be severely immunocompromised (n = 14) had a higher risk of hospitalization than those without severe immunocompromise (cohort inclusive of those with well-controlled HIV, excluding those without virologic suppression, n = 101): 50% versus 9% (P < .001). Hospitalized patients (n = 18 [13% of total]) were primarily admitted for bacterial superinfections (44.4%), with a median hospital stay of 4 days. Of those who completed follow-up (n = 85 [66%]), 97% had recovery of lesions at time of posttreatment assessment. Tecovirimat was well tolerated; there were no reported severe adverse events attributed to therapy. Conclusions There were no significant differences in outcomes between people with HIV when evaluated as a whole and patients without immunocompromising conditions. However, mpox infection was associated with higher rates of hospitalization in those with severe immunocompromise, including patients with HIV/AIDS. Treatment with tecovirimat was well tolerated.Key Points: In our mpox cohort, people with HIV had similar rates of recovery and complications as those without HIV or other immunocompromising conditions. Severe immunocompromise was associated with a higher hospitalization rate. Tecovirimat was well tolerated, with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Vo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Rustin Zomorodi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Richard Silvera
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Logan Bartram
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Luz Amarilis Lugo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Erna Kojic
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Antonio Urbina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Judith Aberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Keith Sigel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Rachel Chasan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Gopi Patel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NewYork, New York, USA
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Albright N, McGhee S, Morrison-Beedy D. Nausea, Vomiting, and Nonbloody Diarrhea in the Emergency Department. J Nurse Pract 2023; 19:104783. [PMID: 38496365 PMCID: PMC10939130 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2023.104783] [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] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are frequent co-occurring symptoms that can mask or mimic commonly occurring conditions, or rarely, more serious concerns. The Ending the HIV Epidemic's focus on increased widespread use of PrEP, a biomedical HIV prevention strategy, highlights the importance of discussing common clinical management scenarios. The use of oral PrEP formulations has demonstrated a "startup syndrome" which involves GI upset. This case challenge of a 32year old client admitted to the ED with GI symptoms highlights key PrEP considerations including a sexual health history. Clinicians should understand common complaints associated with oral PrEP start to improve differential diagnosis and appropriate intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nate Albright
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Stephen McGhee
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Gandelin M, Tran PL, Chirpaz E, Jaffar-Bandjee MC, Traversier N, Machalek D, Bertolotti A. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infections Among Participants Undergoing Chlamydia trachomatis Te sting in Reunion Island (RUN-SurV-HPV Study): Protocol for a Prevalence Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e47379. [PMID: 37906221 PMCID: PMC10646676 DOI: 10.2196/47379] [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] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) induces various cancers, mainly cervical cancer but also anal and pharyngeal cancers. Reunion Island is a French department in the Indian Ocean. Due to the history of its settlement, the island's population has a wide variety of origins, and the population's sociodemographic characteristics differ from those of the French mainland. These characteristics make the island's population an original French population in its own right, particularly in terms of health. Cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Reunion Island are 10.4 per 100,000 and 4.4 per 100,000, respectively, both of which are much higher than those in mainland France. There is also a disparity in the prevalence of different HPV types, with types 33 and 52 being overrepresented and type 18 being underrepresented. However, vaccination and screening coverage in Reunion Island is low. It is important to understand the burden of infection and its risk factors in members of the young Reunionese population at risk of HPV infection to promote and evaluate the implementation of future vaccination and screening programs on a larger scale. OBJECTIVE The RUN-SurV-HPV study will have the following four objectives: (1) to describe the prevalence of HPV genotypes in a population at risk of sexually transmitted infections in Reunion Island; (2) to describe the prevalence of HPV genotypes by anatomical site, gender, and sexuality; (3) to describe the correlates and risk factors for HPV detection; and (4) to examine HPV genotypes between different anatomical sites. METHODS Cross-sectional analyses of 1200 routine vaginal, anal, pharyngeal, and urinary samples collected between October 2020 to December 2022 from female and male patients aged 16 to 30 years undergoing Chlamydia trachomatis testing at a sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing center at Reunion Island will be performed. The population included 333 women who all had vaginal and pharyngeal swabs, with 80 of them also having had an anal swab. There are 167 men who have sex with men who have had anal and pharyngeal swabs, and 120 men who have sex with women who have had a urine swab only. Results will be correlated with sociodemographic and clinical data collected routinely during the consultations. HPV detection and genotyping will be performed using the Anyplex II HPV28 detection assay (Seegene). RESULTS The first polymerase chain reactions should begin in November 2023. The first results should be submitted for publication in 2024. CONCLUSIONS The study will determine HPV prevalence by age, sex, male sexual preference, human immunodeficiency virus status, and STI co-infection. Collecting data from young patients not usually routinely screened for HPV infection will be a simple and reproducible way of better understanding local specificities, encouraging vaccination campaigns in the short-term, and evaluating their effectiveness in the future. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/47379.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxence Gandelin
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, Dermatologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Réunion, Saint-Pierre, Réunion
| | - Phuong Lien Tran
- Service de Gynécologie et Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Réunion, Saint-Pierre, Réunion
| | - Emmanuel Chirpaz
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1410, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Réunion, Saint-Pierre, Réunion
- Registre des cancers de La Réunion, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, Réunion
| | | | - Nicolas Traversier
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Réunion, Saint Denis, Réunion
| | - Dorothy Machalek
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Women's Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Antoine Bertolotti
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, Dermatologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Réunion, Saint-Pierre, Réunion
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1410, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Réunion, Saint-Pierre, Réunion
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Hernández-Rosas F, Rey-Barrera M, Hernández-Barajas F, Rangel-Soto C, García-González MS, Franco-González SS, de León-Bautista MP. Unveiling Hidden Risks: Intentional Molecular Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections and Vaginosis Pathogens in Patients Who Have Been Exclusively Tested for Human Papillomavirus Genotyping. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2661. [PMID: 38004673 PMCID: PMC10672824 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112661] [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] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide, with popular screening methods including the Papanicolaou test and HPV genotyping. However, in clinical practice, coinfections with other pathogens are often underestimated. Therefore, our study aims to describe the prevalence of STIs and vaginosis in urogenital samples from patients who had been tested exclusively for HPV genotyping. METHODS This analytical, prospective, cross-sectional study included 408 males and females. Eligible participants had positive and negative HPV genotyping test results and agreed to early detection or had HPV antecedents. They provided the same urogenital samples used for HPV detection and, through our multiplex in-house PCR assay, we screened for Candida spp., Ureaplasma spp., Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV), Mycoplasma spp., molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), Treponema pallidum, Haemophilus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella spp. The subsequent statistical analysis aimed to reveal correlations between HPV genotypes and the identified pathogens. RESULTS Of the participants, 72.1% (n = 294) tested positive for HPV genotypes. HR-HPV (high-risk HPV) genotypes comprised 51 (8.1%), 66 (7.1%), and 58 (6.1%). Haemophilus spp., Ureaplasma spp., Candida spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycoplasma spp. frequently co-occurred with HPV infection (p < 0.05). Gender-based variations were notorious for Ureaplasma spp., Mycoplasma spp., and MCV (p < 0.05). Coinfections were prevalent (43.9%), with a positive HPV result elevating the risk for Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma spp., Staphylococcus aureus, HSV, and MCV (OR > 1, p < 0.05). HPV 16 correlated with HSV and Ureaplasma spp., while HPV 6 was linked with HSV and MCV (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This screening strategy uncovered significant coinfections and associations between HPV genotypes and pathogens, underscoring the importance of routine screening to explore clinical implications in urogenital health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Hernández-Rosas
- Biomedical Engineering Faculty, Engineering Division, Anahuac Queretaro University, Querétaro 76246, Mexico;
- Research Center, Anahuac Queretaro University, Querétaro 76246, Mexico
| | | | - Flavio Hernández-Barajas
- Translational Medicine, Vanguard and Technology Transfer Sector, Human Health Department, Central ADN Laboratories, Morelia 58280, Mexico
| | - Claudia Rangel-Soto
- Translational Medicine, Vanguard and Technology Transfer Sector, Human Health Department, Central ADN Laboratories, Morelia 58280, Mexico
| | | | | | - Mercedes Piedad de León-Bautista
- Translational Medicine, Vanguard and Technology Transfer Sector, Human Health Department, Central ADN Laboratories, Morelia 58280, Mexico
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Vasco de Quiroga, Morelia 58090, Mexico
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Ruiz-Burga E. Perceived risk and condomless sex practice with commercial and non-commercial sexual partners of male migrant sex workers in London, UK. F1000Res 2023; 10:1033. [PMID: 37928318 PMCID: PMC10622860 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73248.2] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the emergence of HIV and the AIDS pandemic, the majority of risk-reduction interventions have been centred on the use of condoms in sex workers. Methods: This qualitative study recruited 25 male migrant sex workers in London to understand their risk perception and condomless sex experiences within the context of sex work and private life. The data was collected using face-to-face interviews, analysed using thematic analysis, and the findings interpreted through the theory of planned behaviour. Results: The themes explain that condomless sex with clients occurred when participants consciously accepted to perform this service deploying a risk assessment of clients, faulty strategies, and sexual practices to reduce their risk; or when they lost control because of recreational drugs, feeling attraction to clients, were in precarious circumstances, or were victims of violence. Conversely, condomless sex with non-commercial partners occurred according to the type of relationship, with formal partners it was rationalised through emotional aspects attached to this kind of relationship, while with casual partners it was connected to sexual arousal and the use of alcohol and drugs. Conclusions: Reinforce educational interventions to deliver STI-HIV information, enhance the use of condoms, and to address specific contextual factors that facilitate condomless practice with commercial and non-commercial sexual partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ruiz-Burga
- University College London - Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
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Alomair N, Alageel S, Davies N, Bailey JV. Muslim women's perspectives on the barriers to sexually transmitted infections te sting and diagnosis in Saudi Arabia. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1248695. [PMID: 37881344 PMCID: PMC10595004 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1248695] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Muslim women are especially vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STI) and are at higher risk of under-detection. Evidence on the unique barriers to STI testing and diagnosis among Muslim communities is severely lacking. Understanding the complexity of accessing STI testing and diagnosis in Muslim communities is an area that requires further exploration. We aimed to explore the multilevel barriers to STI testing and diagnosis among Muslim women. Methods We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews informed by the ecological model of health. This study took place in Riyadh Saudi Arabia in 2019 with women aged over 18. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Twenty-eight women were interviewed from different ages, marital status, employment, and educational levels. Muslim women's perceived barriers to STI testing and diagnosis included personal, socio-cultural, and service-level barriers. Lack of knowledge about STIs, denial, and underestimating the seriousness of infection and symptoms were among the many individual barriers to STIs testing and diagnosis. Religious views towards extramarital sex and negative views of people with STIs is a significant barrier to STI testing and diagnosis. Lack of patient confidentiality and providers' judgement and mistreatment were also cited as barriers to seeking healthcare. Conclusion Barriers to STI testing and diagnosis exist on many levels including personal, socio-cultural, religious, and healthcare services, and at policy level. Multilevel interventions are needed to reduce the stigma of STIs and facilitate access to sexual health services among Muslims. It is our recommendation that policy and research efforts are directed to enhance trust in the doctor-patient relationship through better clinical training as well as implementing stricter regulations to protect patients' confidentiality in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Alomair
- Community Health Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samah Alageel
- Community Health Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nathan Davies
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julia V. Bailey
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Ishibashi N, Umebayashi Y, Hirai Y. Multiple-stage MPOX Skin Eruption. Intern Med 2023:2618-23. [PMID: 37813607 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.2618-23] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Noriomi Ishibashi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Umebayashi
- Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Japan
| | - Yuji Hirai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Japan
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Del Romero J, Moreno Guillén S, Rodríguez-Artalejo FJ, Ruiz-Galiana J, Cantón R, De Lucas Ramos P, García-Botella A, García-Lledó A, Hernández-Sampelayo T, Gómez-Pavón J, González Del Castillo J, Martín-Delgado MC, Martín Sánchez FJ, Martínez-Sellés M, Molero García JM, Gómez Castellá J, Palomo M, García Berrio R, Couso González A, Sotomayor C, Bouza E. Sexually transmitted infections in Spain: Current status. Rev Esp Quimioter 2023; 36:444-465. [PMID: 37335757 PMCID: PMC10586737 DOI: 10.37201/req/038.2023] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are a major public health problem. The problems inherent to their diagnosis, treatment and prevention have to do not only with their nature, but also with organizational issues and overlapping competencies of the different health authorities in Spain. The real situation of STI in Spain, at present, is poorly known. For this reason, the Scientific Committee on COVID and Emerging Pathogens of the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) has formulated a series of questions on this subject which were distributed, not only among the members of the Committee, but also among experts outside it. The central health authorities provide very high and increasing figures for gonococcal infection, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis infection and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). Both HIV infection and Monkeypox are two important STI caused by viruses in our environment, to which it should be added, mainly, Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Emerging microorganisms such as Mycoplasma genitalium pose not only pathogenic challenges but also therapeutic problems, as in the case of N. gonohrroeae. The pathways that patients with suspected STI follow until they are adequately diagnosed and treated are not well known in Spain. Experts understand that this problem is fundamentally managed in public health institutions, and that Primary Care and Hospital Emergency Services, together with some institutions that deal monographically with this problem, are the recipients of most of these patients. One of the most serious difficulties of STI lies in the availability of the microbiological tests necessary for their diagnosis, particularly in this era of outsourcing of microbiology services. Added to this is the increased cost of implementing the latest generation of molecular techniques and the difficulties of transporting samples. It is clear that STI are not diseases to which the entire population is equally exposed and it is necessary to have a better knowledge of the risk groups where to focus the necessary interventions adapted to their characteristics. It should not be forgotten that STI are also a problem in the pediatric age group and that their presence can be a marker of sexual abuse with all that this implies in terms of health care and medicolegal activity. Finally, STI are infections that are associated with a high cost of care for which we have very little information. The possibility of expanding the automatic performance of laboratory tests for STI surveillance through laboratory routines is encountering ethical and legal problems that are not always easy to solve. Spain has created a ministerial area of specific attention to STI and there are plans to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these problems, but we still lack the necessary evidence on their impact. We cannot forget that these are diseases that transcend the individual and constitute a Public Health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
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- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas del Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense. CIBERES. Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias. Madrid, Spain.
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Jones J, Butler G, Woody M, Castel AD, Kulie P, Sheets M, Scheim AI, Reisner SL, Valencia R, Wang M, Stekler JD, Sullivan PS, Stephenson R. Preferences for and Experiences of an HIV-Prevention Mobile App Designed for Transmasculine People: Pilot Feasibility Trial and Qualitative Inve stigation. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e51055. [PMID: 37733430 PMCID: PMC10557014 DOI: 10.2196/51055] [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] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transmasculine people are at risk for HIV; yet few HIV prevention interventions have been developed for this population. We adapted an existing HIV prevention smartphone app for cisgender men who have sex with men to meet the sexual health needs of transmasculine people. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the acceptability of the adapted app, Transpire, among transmasculine people living in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, DC, via in-depth interviews of participants in a pilot feasibility trial. METHODS Participants used the Transpire app for 3 months as part of a pilot study of the app. Eligible participants were aged 18-34 years. There were no eligibility criteria with respect to race and ethnicity, and most participants were non-Hispanic White. At the end of the follow-up, participants were invited to participate in web-based in-depth interviews to discuss their experiences using the app and feedback on design and content. Interviews were transcribed and coded using a constant comparative approach. Three main themes were identified: sexual behavior, app experiences and feedback, and pre-exposure prophylaxis. RESULTS Overall, participants found the app acceptable and thought that it would be a useful tool for themselves and their peers. Participants reported appreciating having a comprehensive information source available to them on their phones and reported learning more about HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and pre-exposure prophylaxis via the app. They also reported appreciating the inclusive language that was used throughout the app. Although the app included some resources on mental health and substance use, participants reported that they would have appreciated more resources and information in these areas as well as more comprehensive information about other health concerns, including hormone therapy. Representative quotes are presented for each of the identified themes. CONCLUSIONS There is a desire to have greater access to reliable sexual health information among transmasculine people. Mobile apps like Transpire are an acceptable intervention to increase access to this information and other resources. More evidence is needed, however, from more racially and ethnically diverse samples of transmasculine people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeb Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gareth Butler
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Meaghan Woody
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Amanda D Castel
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, DC, United States
| | - Paige Kulie
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, DC, United States
| | - Martha Sheets
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ayden I Scheim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sari L Reisner
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rachel Valencia
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Minglun Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joanne D Stekler
- Division of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems Populations, and Leadership, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Sawras V, Deuffic-Burban S, Préau M, Spire B, Yazdanpanah Y, Champenois K. Assessing complex interventions: a systematic review of outcomes used in randomised controlled trials on STI partner notification in high-income countries. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1838. [PMID: 37735382 PMCID: PMC10512513 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16763-9] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Partner notification interventions are complex and assessing their effectiveness is challenging. By reviewing the literature on the effectiveness of partner notification interventions, our aim was to evaluate the choice, collection, and interpretation of outcomes and their impact on study findings. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of individual-level randomised controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of partner notification interventions for bacterial STIs, HIV or sexually transmitted HCV in high-income countries since 2000. Partner notification interventions included assisted patient referral interventions and expedited treatment. The content analysis was carried out through a narrative review. RESULTS In the 9 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 16 different outcomes were found. In most studies, one or two outcomes assessing partner notification practices were associated with an outcome reflecting STI circulation through index case reinfections. These outcomes assessed the main expected effects of partner notification interventions. However, partner notification is composed of a succession of actions between the intervention on the index case and the testing and/or treatment of the notified partners. Intermediate outcomes were missing so as to better understand levers and barriers throughout the process. Potential changes in participants' sexual behaviour after partner notification, e.g. condom use, were outcomes reported in only two studies assessing interventions including counselling. Most outcomes were collected through interviews, some weeks after the intervention, which might lead to desirability and attrition biases, respectively. Assessment of the effectiveness of partner notification interventions on partner testing/treatment was limited by the collection of data from index cases. Few data describing index cases and their partners were provided in the studies. Additional data on the number and type of exposed partners and the proportion of partners already aware of their infection before being notified would help to interpret the results. CONCLUSIONS These insights would help to understand why and under what conditions the intervention is considered effective and therefore can be replicated or adapted to other populations and contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoire Sawras
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, IAME, Paris, F-75018, France
| | - Sylvie Deuffic-Burban
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, IAME, Paris, F-75018, France
| | - Marie Préau
- Institut de Psychologie, Université Lumière Lyon 2, Inserm, U1296, Lyon, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Yazdan Yazdanpanah
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, IAME, Paris, F-75018, France
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpital Bichat Claude Bernard, Paris, F-75018, France
| | - Karen Champenois
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, IAME, Paris, F-75018, France.
- Inserm IAME - Faculté de Médecine Bichat, 16 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, 75018, France.
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Gourab G, Sarwar G, Khan MNM, Hasan AMR, Irfan SD, Saha TK, Rahman L, Rana AKMM, Khan SI. Are we ready for a sustainable approach? A qualitative study of the readiness of the public health system to provide STI services to the key populations at risk of HIV in Bangladesh. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:979. [PMID: 37697263 PMCID: PMC10496154 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09996-2] [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] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Bangladesh, sexually transmitted infection (STI) services are available for all populations in public health facilities. However, STI services for key populations (KPs) at risk of HIV need specifically designed approaches that are predominantly administered to KPs through donor-supported service centers operated by non-government organizations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs). However, the steady decline in donor funding warrants a sustainable transition of STI services for the KPs into public health facilities. This article aimed to explore the service availability and readiness of public health facilities to provide STI services for the KPs. METHODS This qualitative study explored the service availability and readiness of public health facilities in three districts of Bangladesh by adapting the Service Availability and Readiness Assessment tool. We conducted 34 in-depth interviews,11 focus group discussions with KPs, and 29 key-informant interviews with healthcare providers, researchers, programme implementers and policy planners, in addition to series of direct observations at the public healthcare facilities. Data were analysed through thematic analysis, and categorised in relation to the WHO building blocks. RESULTS This study revealed that the public health system was generally not ready to serve the KPs' needs in terms of providing them with quality STI services. The 'service delivery' component, which is the most crucial facet of the public health system, was not ready to provide STI services to KPs. Findings also indicated that health workforce availability was limited in the primary and secondary healthcare layers but adequate in the tertiary layer, but needed to be oriented on providing culturally sensitised treatment. Counseling, an essential component of STI services, was neither ready nor available. However, health information systems and a few other components were partially ready, although this warrants systematic approaches to address these challenges. CONCLUSION The findings show that public health facilities are yet to be fully ready to render STI services to KPs, especially in terms of service delivery and human and health resources. Therefore, it is not only integral to mobilize communities towards the uptake of public health services, but health systems need to be prepared to cater to their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorkey Gourab
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Golam Sarwar
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Niaz Morshed Khan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - A M Rumayan Hasan
- Universal Health Coverage, Health System and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Samira Dishti Irfan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Tarit Kumar Saha
- Institute of Public Health (IPH), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Lima Rahman
- HIV/AIDS Programme, Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS Sector, Save the Children, House 35, Road 43, Gulshan-2, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A K M Masud Rana
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Sharful Islam Khan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
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Edwards A, Nuño A, Kemp C, Tillett E, Armington G, Fink R, Hamill MM, Manabe YC. A Web-Based, Mail-Order Sexually Transmitted Infection Te sting Program: Qualitative Analysis of User Feedback. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e48670. [PMID: 37695644 PMCID: PMC10520762 DOI: 10.2196/48670] [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] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is increasing in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant reductions in access to health care services, including STI testing and treatment, leading to underreporting of STI cases and a need for alternatives to clinic-based testing. Moreover, concerns around confidentiality, accessibility, and stigma continue to limit access to clinic-based STI testing, particularly for high-priority populations. IWantTheKit (IWTK) is a web-based platform that mails free, confidential, self-administered sample collection kits for testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia (both genital and extragenital sites), and vaginal trichomonas. Individuals visiting the IWTK website may select genital, pharyngeal, and rectal samples for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. Vaginal samples are tested for trichomoniasis. Self-collected samples are processed in a College of American Pathologists-accredited laboratory, and results are posted to an individual's secure digital account. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) describe users' experience with the IWTK service through analysis of routine data and (2) optimize retention among current users and expand reach among high-priority populations by responding to user needs through programmatic and functional changes to the IWTK service. METHODS Free-text entries were submitted by IWTK users via a confidential "Contact Us" page on the IWTK website from May 17, 2021, to January 31, 2022. All entries were deidentified prior to analysis. Two independent analysts coded these entries using a predefined codebook developed inductively for thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 254 free-text entries were analyzed after removing duplicates and nonsensical entries. Themes emerged regarding the functionality of the website and personal experiences using IWTK's services. Users' submissions included requests related to order status, address changes, replacement of old kits, clinical information (eg, treatment options and symptom reports), and reported risk behaviors. CONCLUSIONS This analysis demonstrates how routine data can be used to propose potential programmatic improvements. IWTK implemented innovations on the website based on the study results to improve users' experience, including a tracking system for orders, address verification for each order, a physical drop box, additional textual information, direct linkage to care navigation, and printable results. Web-based, mail-order STI testing programs can leverage user feedback to optimize implementation and retention among current users and potentially expand reach among high-priority populations. This analysis is supported by other data that demonstrate how comprehensive support and follow-up care for individuals testing positive are critical components of any self-testing service. Additional formal assessments of the IWTK user experience and efforts to optimize posttesting linkage to care may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abagail Edwards
- Center for Indigenous Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Aries Nuño
- Center for Indigenous Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christopher Kemp
- Center for Indigenous Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Emily Tillett
- Center for Indigenous Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gretchen Armington
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rachel Fink
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Matthew M Hamill
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yukari C Manabe
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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