1
|
Fiorentino M, Gravier-Dumonceau Mazelier R, Yanwou N, Eubanks A, Roux P, Laurent C, Spire B. Marriage and Steady Relationships with Women in Men Who Have Sex with Men in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Mixed-Method Systematic Review and Meta-analyses. AIDS Behav 2025; 29:1041-1074. [PMID: 39789391 PMCID: PMC11985666 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04517-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025]
Abstract
High HIV prevalence in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) in men who have sex with men (MSM) leads to greater risk for their wives and other steady female partners because of prolonged exposure. To provide insights into the context possibly contributing to the risk of HIV transmission from MSM to women, our mixed-method synthesis about MSM' marriage and steady relationships with cisgender women aimed to: (i) assess the extent of engagement in steady relationships with women and in risky behaviors with these women across SSA's four regions; (ii) explore the underlying dynamics within these relationships by gathering qualitative information. We used quantitative and qualitative data specifically pertaining to related to marriage or other steady relationships with women from a systematic review on men who have sex with both men and women (MSMW) in SSA (PROSPERO-CRD42021237836). Meta-analyses were performed on quantitative data for each region. Pooled proportions were calculated using random-effects models. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic synthesis. Data were selected from 125 studies. For Southern, East and West Africa, the estimated pooled proportions of married MSM were 4% (95% CI 2-8%; n = 10 studies; 4183 MSM), 8% (6-11%; 19; 7070), and 7% (6-9%; 13; 4705). In Southern Africa, 29% (11-56%; 5; 1667) of MSM had steady female partners. In East Africa, 34% (14-61%; 5; 2003) were currently or previously married to women. Motives to marry women included a desire to have children, and to conform to heteronormative social norms and family pressure. Marriage was seen as a means to discontinue homosexual behaviors or, conversely, a way to secretly continue same-sex behaviors more freely. Procreative intentions and a desire for secrecy often deterred MSM from using HIV prevention methods with their wives. For some MSM, steady relationships with women provided them with mutual support. However, these relationships could also lead to stressful and conflict-ridden situations, potentially resulting in psychosocial and HIV-related risks for the MSM as well as their male and steady female partners. Steady relationships with women are common in MSM in SSA. Sexuality concealment strategies with steady female partners depend on the circumstances that lead MSM to enter into these relationships, and have various implications on sexual behaviors with both male and female partners. Community-based support, HIV research, prevention, and care programs should be adapted to MSM's different life situations to reduce direct HIV transmission risk to steady female partners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Fiorentino
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.
| | - Robinson Gravier-Dumonceau Mazelier
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Nathan Yanwou
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - August Eubanks
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Perrine Roux
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ondeng'e K, Guo X, Mbeda C, Schnabel D, Panchia R, Dominguez K, Dadabhai S, Hamilton EL, Sandfort TGM. Bisexuality among Men who have Sex with Men in Sub-Saharan Africa: Findings from the HPTN 075 Study. AIDS Behav 2025; 29:747-759. [PMID: 39607599 PMCID: PMC11830527 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04556-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024]
Abstract
Studies among men who have sex with men (MSM) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) focus mainly on HIV epidemiology, revealing little about the diversity within this population. We utilized data from the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 075 study, to explore demographic and psychosexual characteristics of MSM in SSA who also have sex with women. Persons included in the analyses were aged 18-44 years and assigned male sex at birth and identified as male, reported anal sex with a man in the past 3 months, and had enrolled at one of four study sites (Kisumu, Kenya; Blantyre, Malawi; Cape Town and Soweto, South Africa). Nearly a quarter of the participants had recently engaged in sex with both men and women (MSMW). These men differed in terms of demographic and psychosexual characteristics, and sexual behavior from men who only had had sex with men (MSME). Compared to the latter, MSMW were more likely to prefer the insertive sexual role, reported more sexual partners in the past three months, and had more instances of condomless insertive anal intercourse with a man. These findings suggest that men who have sex with both men and women have specific characteristics and need tailored interventions that take their specific needs into account.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Ondeng'e
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health, Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - Xu Guo
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Calvin Mbeda
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - David Schnabel
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ravindre Panchia
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Sufia Dadabhai
- Malawi College of Medicine-Johns Hopkins University Research Project, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Erica L Hamilton
- Network and Collaborative Research Division, Durham, NC, FHI 360, USA
| | - Theo G M Sandfort
- Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fiorentino M, Dos Santos M, Eubanks A, Yanwou N, Laurent C, Roux P, Spire B. Men who have sex with men perceiving that sex with women carries the greatest risk of HIV acquisition: results from a mixed-methods systematic review in sub-Saharan Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26402. [PMID: 39690138 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), men who have sex with men (MSM) often have female sexual partners. Their overall risk of acquiring HIV is higher with male partners. Risk perception is associated with HIV knowledge, sexual risk and preventive behaviours. This synthesis aimed to summarize existing data about HIV knowledge and perceived HIV acquisition risk regarding sex with men and with women in MSM in SSA. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review of MSM's relationships with women in SSA (PROSPERO-CRD42021237836). Quantitative and qualitative data related to MSM's perceived risk from sex with men and with women and HIV knowledge (published up to 2021) were selected and synthesized. RESULTS Twenty studies were selected. More MSM perceived that the greatest risk of HIV acquisition came from heterosexual/vaginal sex than from homosexual/anal sex (53% vs. 15%; 51% vs. 39%; 42% vs. 8%; 27% vs. 25%; 43% vs. 11%; 23% vs. 13%; 35% vs. 16%, cumulative sample n = 4396, six countries). A higher proportion of MSM received preventive information on heterosexual HIV transmission than on homosexual transmission (79% vs. 22%; 94% vs. 67%; 54% vs. 19%; cumulative sample n = 1199, four countries). The qualitative synthesis (eight studies) highlighted biology- and behaviour-based misconceptions leading MSM to perceive lower or negligible HIV risk from sex with men, compared to sex with women. These misconceptions were partly fuelled by the predominant focus on heterosexual and vaginal HIV transmission in HIV prevention information. DISCUSSION Common misconceptions regarding sexual risk between men remain unaddressed by the heteronormative messaging of HIV prevention. Underestimation by MSM of their HIV acquisition risk with male partners can pose significant barriers to effective HIV preventive behaviours and strengthen the transmission risk from MSM to their female partners. CONCLUSIONS Improving access of MSM to tailored HIV prevention information and tools that address their practices with male and female partners is crucial. Integrating messages about anal sex into broader public health initiatives, including sexual health programmes targeting the general population, is essential. Further research in diverse settings in SSA is necessary to gain a greater understanding of the drivers and implications of HIV risk perception in MSM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Fiorentino
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Dos Santos
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - August Eubanks
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Nathan Yanwou
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | | | - Perrine Roux
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Farahani M, Killian R, Reid GA, Musuka G, Mugurungi O, Kirungi W, Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H, El-Sadr WM, Justman J. Prevalence of syphilis among adults and adolescents in five sub-Saharan African countries: findings from Population-based HIV Impact Assessment surveys. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e1413-e1423. [PMID: 39151977 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00234-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV and syphilis are common sexually transmitted infections in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of active syphilis while considering HIV status, demographic characteristics, and behavioural characteristics. METHODS The Population-based HIV Impact Assessment surveys used a cross-sectional, two-stage, stratified cluster sample design to collect data in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe from 2015 to 2018. Eligible participants were aged 15 years and older and provided demographic information, behavioural information, and blood specimens for HIV and syphilis testing. Active syphilis was defined as the presence of both treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies, measured using an antigen-based rapid test. Multivariable logistic regression models with survey weights were applied. The estimated number of participants with active syphilis in each country was calculated by multiplying the survey-weighted syphilis prevalence by the corresponding participant population size from the latest national census data. The total burden across the five countries was obtained by summing these estimates. FINDINGS 102 831 participants enrolled in the five surveys (54 583 [57·6%] participants were female, 48 248 [42·4%] participants were male, 9036 [9·9%] participants were HIV positive). Population-based syphilis prevalence was 0·9% (95% CI 0·7-1·1) in Tanzania and Zimbabwe, 2·1% (1·9-2·4) in Uganda, and 3·0% (2·7-3·4) in Zambia. Overall, an estimated 1 027 615 (95% CI 877 243-1 158 246) participants had active syphilis across the five countries (266 383 HIV-positive and 761 232 HIV-negative individuals). Syphilis prevalence was higher among people living with HIV (range from 2·6% [95% CI 1·1-4·0] in Ethiopia to 9·6% [8·1-11·0] in Zambia) than among those without HIV (range from 0·8% [0·7-1·0] in Tanzania to 2·1% [1·8-2·4] in Zimbabwe). The odds of active syphilis were higher among people living with HIV than in those who were HIV negative (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] range from 2·5 [95% CI 1·8-3·4] in Uganda to 5·9 [3·8-9·2] in Zimbabwe), among divorced, separated, or widowed individuals (aOR range from 1·5 [1·1-2·0] in Uganda to 2·7 [1·7-4·3] in Zimbabwe), and among those reporting two or more sexual partners in the previous 12 months (aOR range from 1·1 [CI 0·8-1·5] in Uganda to 1·9 [1·1-3·3] in Zimbabwe). INTERPRETATION This study shows the high burden of syphilis in five sub-Saharan African countries, with a correlation between HIV and active syphilis, underscoring the need for integrated sexual health services and targeted diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies to address this public health challenge. FUNDING The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rose Killian
- Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Giles A Reid
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA; Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Wafaa M El-Sadr
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA; Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Justman
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA; Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ribeiro Banze Á, Muleia R, Nuvunga S, Boothe M, Semá Baltazar C. Trends in HIV prevalence and risk factors among men who have sex with men in Mozambique: implications for targeted interventions and public health strategies. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1185. [PMID: 38678173 PMCID: PMC11055340 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18661-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with Men (MSM) are known to contribute to increased HIV prevalence as an integral part of key populations with high vulnerability to HIV/AIDS due to their sexual behaviours. Mozambique conducted two rounds of bio-behavioral surveys (BBS) in this population with the main objective of estimating HIV prevalence and associated risk behaviors among MSM in Mozambique. The present study aims to estimate the trend of HIV prevalence and determine the correlations of HIV infection among MSM. METHODS A repeated cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from secondary data from the first and second rounds of BBS in Mozambique conducted in 2011 and 2020-2021 respectively. Each round used a similar methodology which allowed for comparison between the two surveys. Chi-square test and logistic regression was used to compare the HIV prevalence between the BBS rounds, identify factors associated with HIV, and assess changes in HIV prevalence across selected risk factors. RESULTS There was a significant increase in HIV prevalence among MSM (7.1-14.9%), living in Maputo (9.3-14.7%), uncircumcised (11.7-25.1%), and those who reported two sexual partners in the last year (5.2-14.4%). In contrast, there was a decrease in prevalence among adult MSM aged between 25 and 29 years (24.7-13.9%), aged 30 years or older (45.7-27.7%), married (29.1-16.8%), with higher education (16.7-5.9%) and moderate perception of HIV risk (10.9-3.4%). Multivariable analysis showed that factors such as age, marital status, religion, sexual identity, circumcision, and the use of lubrication during anal sex are significantly associated with the risk of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the continuing need for HIV prevention and education efforts. The rise in prevalence among specific population segments and the sustained presence of risk factors emphasize the requirement for holistic strategies tailored to the unique requirements of each subgroup. Understanding trends and risk factors is crucial to guiding public health policies and designing efficacious prevention programs that aim to curtail HIV transmission while enhancing the well-being of those impacted by the condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Áuria Ribeiro Banze
- National Institute of Health, EN1, Bairro da Vila- Parcela nº 3943 Marracuene District, Maputo, Maputo Province, Mozambique.
| | - Rachid Muleia
- National Institute of Health, EN1, Bairro da Vila- Parcela nº 3943 Marracuene District, Maputo, Maputo Province, Mozambique
| | - Samuel Nuvunga
- National Institute of Health, EN1, Bairro da Vila- Parcela nº 3943 Marracuene District, Maputo, Maputo Province, Mozambique
| | | | - Cynthia Semá Baltazar
- National Institute of Health, EN1, Bairro da Vila- Parcela nº 3943 Marracuene District, Maputo, Maputo Province, Mozambique
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fiorentino M, Yanwou N, Gravier-Dumonceau Mazelier R, Eubanks A, Roux P, Laurent C, Spire B. Sexual behaviours and risk with women in MSM in sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS 2024; 38:273-287. [PMID: 38300157 PMCID: PMC10842665 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), MSM - a high HIV prevalence group - experience strong social stigma and pressure to have female partners. Accordingly, they could constitute a bridging group for HIV transmission to cisgender women. We developed a multilevel summary of MSM sexual behaviors and risk with women in various SSA regions. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a mixed-method systematic review of data of sex with women in MSM in SSA. We performed meta-analyses on quantitative data (i.e. percent of recent sex and condomless sex with women) for each SSA region (when proportions reported in ≥4 studies). Pooled proportions were calculated using random-effects models. Qualitative data were analyzed using the three-step thematic synthesis methodology. The pooled proportion of MSM who had sex with women was 58% (33-83%) in East Africa (in the previous 3 months), and 27% (13-48%) in Southern Africa and 50% (95% CI 39-62%) in West Africa (in the previous 6 months); 23% (16-32%) of MSM in West Africa had condomless sex with a woman (during the most recent encounter). Approximately one quarter of MSM had recent multiple female partners. MSM reported having sex with women because of heteronormative pressure, erotic/romantic attraction, or financial needs leading to transactional sex. MSM may act as a bridging population to women in SSA, as they commonly practice sex with women and risky sexual behaviors with them. HIV programmes and community-based support for MSM should be adapted to this population to reduce this risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Fiorentino
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM
| | - Nathan Yanwou
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Marseille
| | | | - August Eubanks
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM
| | - Perrine Roux
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM
| | | | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Inserm, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Davis M, Musuka G, Mapingure MP, Hakim A, Parmley LE, Mugurungi O, Chingombe I, Miller SS, Rogers JH, Lamb MR, Samba C, Harris TG. Factors Associated with Having both Male and Female Recent Sexual Partnerships Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:728-740. [PMID: 38236320 PMCID: PMC10876709 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04262-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
To better understand male and female sexual partnerships among men who have sex with men (MSM), we used data from a 2019 biobehavioral survey among MSM in Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe to conduct bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression to determine whether sociodemographic characteristics and HIV-related factors were associated with having both male and female sexual partnerships within the last 6 months. Of included MSM (N = 1143), 31% reported both male and female partnerships in the last 6 months. Being married/cohabiting (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 8.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.92-14.95) or separated/divorced/widowed (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.24-3.08) vs. being single, and hazardous alcohol consumption (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.19-2.09) were associated with higher odds of having both male and female recent partnerships. Being aged 35 + vs. 18-24 (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.31-0.81), condomless receptive anal intercourse at last sex with the main male partner (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.26-0.74), and positive HIV status (aOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.31-0.67) were associated with lower odds of recent male and female partnerships. MSM in Harare who reported harassment/abuse (aOR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.72-5.79) had higher odds of both male and female partnerships than MSM in Bulawayo reporting harassment/abuse. The prevalence of both male and female recent partnerships (31%) was lower among MSM in this survey than in other biobehavioral surveys of MSM in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings suggest that MSM with recent male and female partnerships compared to MSM with only male recent partners have lower odds of positive HIV status and participate in behaviors that lower HIV risk; however, the direction of these relationships cannot be determined due to the cross-sectional nature of the data. The findings also suggest a possible connection between experiences of stigma of MSM behavior and not having both male and female partnerships that warrants further exploration. Accessible, stigma-free HIV testing and education programming that considers the potential overlap between the MSM and general populations via both male and female partnerships and the associated behaviors could be a key component of HIV elimination in Zimbabwe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Davis
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | | | - Avi Hakim
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Owen Mugurungi
- AIDS and TB Programme, Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - John H Rogers
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Matthew R Lamb
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Tiffany G Harris
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chaiyabutr C, Nanchaipruek Y, Pochanapan O, Leeyaphan C, Jiamton S. Characteristics of HIV/sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men and women in Bangkok, Thailand. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:963-969. [PMID: 36006847 DOI: 10.1177/09564624221114188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key HIV target population in Thailand. An important subgroup is men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) as they can sexually transmit infections between individuals with different gender identities. This study compared the sexually transmitted infection risk behavior of different types of men in Thailand. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 839 consecutive male patients who visited an STI clinic in Bangkok, Thailand, between 2014 and 2020. RESULTS Men who have sex with women only (MSWO) predominated (58.0%), followed by men who have sex with men only (MSMO, 32.2%) and MSMW (9.8%). MSMW and MSMO shared similar sexual risk behaviors, such as significantly higher median numbers of sex partners (10 and 8, respectively) than MSWO (5; Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001). MSMW had the highest prevalence of concurrent sexual partnerships (91.4%), significantly different from MSWO (61.2%) and MSMO (76.7%; chi-squared, p < 0.001). HIV and syphilis prevalence was significantly higher for MSMO (48.9% and 51.1%) and MSMW (42.7% and 48.8%) than MSWO (12.3% and 20.9%; chi-squared, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS MSMW exhibited similar sexual risk behavior and high HIV/STI prevalence comparable to MSMO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chayada Chaiyabutr
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yanisorn Nanchaipruek
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Oraya Pochanapan
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Charussri Leeyaphan
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sukhum Jiamton
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yaya I, Diallo F, Kouamé MJB, Agboyibor MK, Traoré I, Coulibaly A, Maiga K, Mora M, Palvadeau P, Dah ETT, Mensah E, Anoma C, Dembélé Keita B, Spire B, Laurent C. Decrease in incidence of sexually transmitted infections symptoms in men who have sex with men enrolled in a quarterly HIV prevention and care programme in West Africa (CohMSM ANRS 12324-Expertise France). Sex Transm Infect 2021; 98:85-94. [PMID: 33753460 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of STI, their access to tailored healthcare services remains limited in West Africa. We assessed the change in STI symptoms incidence over time among MSM enrolled in a quarterly HIV prevention and care programme in four cities in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Togo. METHODS We performed a prospective cohort study in MSM followed up between 2015 and 2019. Men aged over 18 who reported anal sex with another man within the previous 3 months were offered quarterly syndromic diagnosis and treatment for STI, as well as HIV testing, peer-led counselling and support. Condoms and lubricants were also provided. The change in STI symptoms incidence during follow-up was investigated using a non-parametric trend test and mixed-effect Poisson regression models. RESULTS 816 participants were followed for a total duration of 1479 person-years. 198 participants (24.3%) had at least one STI symptom during follow-up. Overall, STI symptoms incidence was 20.4 per 100 person-years (95% CI 18.4 to 22.6), ranging from 15.3 in Abidjan to 33.1 in Ouagadougou (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 2.39, 95% CI 1.55 to 3.69, p<0.001). STI symptoms incidence was 16.8 and 23.0 per 100 person-years in HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants, respectively (aIRR 0.77, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.04, p=0.087). STI symptoms incidence decreased significantly from 29.9 per 100 person-years in the first 6 months to 8.6 at 30-35 months of follow-up (aIRR per 6-month increase 0.84, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.92, p<0.001). CONCLUSION STI symptoms incidence decreased over time but the overall burden of STI appeared to be very high in MSM followed up in West Africa. STI services including counselling, diagnosis and treatment should be reinforced. Laboratory tests that allow accurate diagnosis of STI are required. Strengthening STI services will be critical for controlling the HIV and STI epidemics in this vulnerable population and in the general population. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02626286.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Issifou Yaya
- IRD, Inserm, Univ Montpellier, TransVIHMI, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | - Issa Traoré
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Marion Mora
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Elias Ter Tiero Dah
- IRD, Inserm, Univ Montpellier, TransVIHMI, Montpellier, France.,Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Marseille, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fiorentino M, Eubanks A, Coulaud PJ, Couderc C, Keita BD, Anoma C, Dah E, Mensah E, Maradan G, Bourrelly M, Riegel L, Rojas-Castro D, Yaya I, Spire B, Laurent C, Sagaon-Teyssier L. Homonegativity, sexual violence and condom use with women in men who have sex with men and women in West Africa. AIDS 2021; 35:681-687. [PMID: 33306548 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to explore longitudinal interactions between homonegativity and sexual behaviors with female partners among HIV-negative West African men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). DESIGN AND METHOD The community-based cohort CohMSM ANRS 12324 - Expertise France enrolled MSM in Togo, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Mali. Sociobehavioral data were collected every 6 months. Using 30-month follow-up data, a multiprobit analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between psychosocial and behavioral variables ex-ante (t - 1) and ex-post (t). RESULTS MSMW (n = 326) accounted for half of all participants in CohMSM. They reported inconsistent condom use with women in 39% of visits. Perceived and internalized homonegativity at t - 1 tended to lead to sexual violence toward women at t (P < 0.1), which was associated with inconsistent condom use with them at t (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Given the high HIV prevalence in West African MSM, widespread condom-less sex with women in MSMW, and the aggravating effect of social and internalized homonegativity, more research in the MSMW subpopulation is needed to assess the risk of HIV bridging to women and to design support activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Fiorentino
- INSERM, IRD, Aix Marseille Univ, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille
| | - August Eubanks
- INSERM, IRD, Aix Marseille Univ, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille
| | - Pierre-Julien Coulaud
- INSERM, IRD, Aix Marseille Univ, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille
| | | | | | | | - Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou
- Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Gwenaëlle Maradan
- INSERM, IRD, Aix Marseille Univ, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille
| | - Michel Bourrelly
- INSERM, IRD, Aix Marseille Univ, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille
| | | | | | - Issifou Yaya
- IRD, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, TransVIHMI, Montpellier, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- INSERM, IRD, Aix Marseille Univ, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille
| | | | - Luis Sagaon-Teyssier
- INSERM, IRD, Aix Marseille Univ, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Semá Baltazar C, Boothe M, Chitsondzo Langa D, Sathane I, Horth R, Young P, Schaad N, Raymond HF. Recognizing the hidden: strengthening the HIV surveillance system among key and priority populations in Mozambique. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:91. [PMID: 33413261 PMCID: PMC7789885 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-10110-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
High quality, representative data from HIV surveillance systems that have country ownership and commitment are critical for guiding national HIV responses, especially among key and priority populations given their disproportionate role in the transmission of the virus. Between 2011 to 2013, the Mozambique Ministry of Health has conducted five Biobehavioral Surveillance Surveys among key populations (female sex workers, men who has sex with men and people who inject drugs) and priority populations (long distance truck drives and miners) as part of the national HIV surveillance system. We describe the experience of strengthening the HIV surveillance system among those populations through the implementation of these surveys in Mozambique. We document the lessons learned through the impact on coordination and collaboration; workforce development and institutional capacity building; data use and dissemination; advocacy and policy impact; financial sustainability and community impact. Key lessons learned include the importance of multisectoral collaboration, vital role of data to support key populations visibility and advocacy efforts, and institutional capacity building of government agencies and key populations organizations. Given that traditional surveillance methodologies from routine data often do not capture these hidden populations, it will be important to ensure that Biobehavioral Surveillance Surveys are an integral part of ongoing HIV surveillance activities in Mozambique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Semá Baltazar
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Maputo, Mozambique.
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Makini Boothe
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Isabel Sathane
- HIV and STI Program, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Roberta Horth
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Peter Young
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Nick Schaad
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Henry F Raymond
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Twahirwa Rwema JO, Lyons CE, Herbst S, Liestman B, Nyombayire J, Ketende S, Mazzei A, Olawore O, Nsanzimana S, Mugwaneza P, Kagaba A, Sullivan PS, Allen S, Karita E, Baral SD. HIV infection and engagement in HIV care cascade among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Kigali, Rwanda: a cross-sectional study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 6:e25604. [PMID: 33000912 PMCID: PMC7527755 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given intersecting biological, network and structural risks, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) consistently have a high burden of HIV. Although MSM are a key population in Rwanda, there are limited epidemiologic data to guide programming. This study aimed to characterize HIV prevalence and care cascade among MSM and TGW in Kigali. METHODS MSM and TGW ≥ 18 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) from March-August 2018 in Kigali. Participants underwent a structured interview including measures of individual, network and structural determinants. HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) including syphilis, Neisseria gonorrhoea (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) were tested. Viral load was measured for MSM living with HIV. Robust Poisson regression was used to characterize the determinants of HIV infection and engagement in the HIV treatment cascade. RESULTS A total of 736 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 27 years (range:18 to 68) and 14% (106) were TGW. HIV prevalence was 10% (RDS-adjusted: 9.2% (95% CI: 6.4 to 12.1)). Unadjusted prevalence of any STI was 20% (147); syphilis: 5.7% (42); CT: 9.1% (67) and NG: 8.8% (65). Anticipated (41%), perceived (36%) and enacted stigmas (45%) were common and higher among TGW (p < 0.001). In multivariable RDS adjusted analysis, higher age (aPR: 1.08 (95% CI: 1.05 to 1.12)) and ever having sex with women (aPR: 3.39 (95% CI: 1.31 to 8.72)) were positively associated with prevalent HIV. Being circumcised (aPR: 0.52 (95% CI: 0.28 to 0.9)) was negatively associated with prevalent HIV infection. Overall, 61% (45/74) of respondents reported knowing their HIV-positive status. Among these, 98% (44/45) reported antiretroviral therapy use (ART); 75% (33/44) were virally suppressed using a cut-off of <200 copies/mL. Of the 29 participants who did not report any previous HIV diagnosis or ART use, 38% (11/29) were virally suppressed. Cumulatively, 59% (44/74) of all participants living with HIV were virally suppressed. CONCLUSIONS These data show a high burden of HIV among MSM/TGW in Kigali, Rwanda. Bisexual concurrency was common and associated with prevalent HIV infection, demonstrating the need of comprehensive screening for all sexual practices and preferences in the provision of comprehensive HIV prevention services in Rwanda. Viral suppression was below the UNAIDS target suggesting poor adherence and potential ART resistance. There is a need for adherence support, screening for primary and secondary ART resistance and stigma mitigation interventions to optimize HIV-related outcomes for MSM in Rwanda.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Olivier Twahirwa Rwema
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Carrie E Lyons
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | | | - Benjamin Liestman
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | | | - Sosthenes Ketende
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | | | - Oluwasolape Olawore
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of EpidemiologyKey Populations ProgramCenter for Public Health and Human RightsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yuan T, Fitzpatrick T, Ko NY, Cai Y, Chen Y, Zhao J, Li L, Xu J, Gu J, Li J, Hao C, Yang Z, Cai W, Cheng CY, Luo Z, Zhang K, Wu G, Meng X, Grulich AE, Hao Y, Zou H. Circumcision to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global data. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 7:e436-e447. [PMID: 30879508 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(18)30567-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. Previous reviews investigating the role of circumcision in preventing HIV and other STIs among MSM were inconclusive. Many new studies have emerged in the past decade. To inform global prevention strategies for HIV and other STIs among MSM, we reviewed all available evidence on the associations between circumcision and HIV and other STIs among MSM. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, BioMed Central, Scopus, ResearchGate, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and websites of international HIV and STI conferences for studies published before March 8, 2018. Interventional or observational studies containing original quantitative data describing associations between circumcision and incident or prevalent infection of HIV and other STIs among MSM were included. Studies were excluded if MSM could not be distinguished from men who have sex with women only. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs using random-effect models. We assessed risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. FINDINGS We identified 62 observational studies including 119 248 MSM. Circumcision was associated with 23% reduced odds of HIV infection among MSM overall (OR 0·77, 95% CI 0·67-0·89; number of estimates [k]=45; heterogeneity I2=77%). Circumcision was protective against HIV infection among MSM in countries of low and middle income (0·58, 0·41-0·83; k=23; I2=77%) but not among MSM in high-income countries (0·99, 0·90-1·09; k=20; I2=40%). Circumcision was associated with reduced odds of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection among MSM overall (0·84, 0·75-0·95; k=5; I2=0%) and penile human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among HIV-infected MSM (0·71, 0·51-0·99; k=3; I2=0%). INTERPRETATION We found evidence that circumcision is likely to protect MSM from HIV infection, particularly in countries of low and middle income. Circumcision might also protect MSM from HSV and penile HPV infection. MSM should be included in campaigns promoting circumcision among men in countries of low and middle income. In view of the substantial proportion of MSM in countries of low and middle income who also have sex with women, well designed longitudinal studies differentiating MSM only and bisexual men are needed to clarify the effect of circumcision on male-to-male transmission of HIV and other STIs. FUNDING National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Science and Technology Major Project of China, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Early Career Fellowship, Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen, National Institutes of Health, Mega Projects of National Science Research for the 13th Five-Year Plan, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanwei Yuan
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Nai-Ying Ko
- Department of Nursing, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yong Cai
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqing Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division and Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jin Zhao
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Linghua Li
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing Gu
- School of Public Health, and Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghua Li
- School of Public Health, and Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun Hao
- School of Public Health, and Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengrong Yang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiping Cai
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chien-Yu Cheng
- Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Zhenzhou Luo
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kechun Zhang
- Shenzhen Longhua Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guohui Wu
- Chongqing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojun Meng
- Wuxi Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, China
| | - Andrew E Grulich
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuantao Hao
- School of Public Health, and Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China; School of Public Health, and Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Balogun A, Bissell P, Saddiq M. Negotiating access to the Nigerian healthcare system: the experiences of HIV-positive men who have sex with men. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2020; 22:233-246. [PMID: 30957653 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1582802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa continue to have a disproportionately higher burden of HIV than their counterparts in the general population. In this qualitative study, barriers to participants accessing healthcare services in Nigeria, a country where same-sex relationships are criminalised and considered societally abhorrent, were explored. Four focus group discussions and 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted with HIV-positive men who have sex with men recruited from 3 NGOs in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria in 2016. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using NVivo. The findings of this study revealed the numerous barriers these men encounter accessing general (government and private) healthcare facilities. Data were organised into two categories: barriers associated with the wider legal context in relation to HIV-positive men who have sex with men and those with service delivery. There were barriers reported in relation to accessing an emerging service, which had hitherto sought to address some barriers encountered in general healthcare facilities. Findings point to the importance of facilitating a more enabling social and political environment whereby men who have sex with men can freely access healthcare services, potentially through these facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abisola Balogun
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul Bissell
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Muhammad Saddiq
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Boyce MR, Katz R, Standley CJ. Risk Factors for Infectious Diseases in Urban Environments of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal of Evidence. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:E123. [PMID: 31569517 PMCID: PMC6958454 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4040123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our world is rapidly urbanizing. According to the United Nations, between 1990 and 2015, the percent of the world's population living in urban areas grew from 43% to 54%. Estimates suggest that this trend will continue and that over 68% of the world's population will call cities home by 2050, with the majority of urbanization occurring in African countries. This urbanization is already having a profound effect on global health and could significantly impact the epidemiology of infectious diseases. A better understanding of infectious disease risk factors specific to urban settings is needed to plan for and mitigate against future urban outbreaks. We conducted a systematic literature review of the Web of Science and PubMed databases to assess the risk factors for infectious diseases in the urban environments of sub-Saharan Africa. A search combining keywords associated with cities, migration, African countries, infectious disease, and risk were used to identify relevant studies. Original research and meta-analyses published between 2004 and 2019 investigating geographical and behavioral risk factors, changing disease distributions, or control programs were included in the study. The search yielded 3610 papers, and 106 met the criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Papers were categorized according to risk factors, geographic area, and study type. The papers covered 31 countries in sub-Saharan Africa with East Africa being the most represented sub-region. Malaria and HIV were the most frequent disease focuses of the studies. The results of this work can inform public health policy as it relates to capacity building and health systems strengthening in rapidly urbanizing areas, as well as highlight knowledge gaps that warrant additional research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Boyce
- Center for Global Health Science & Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
| | - Rebecca Katz
- Center for Global Health Science & Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
| | - Claire J Standley
- Center for Global Health Science & Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Adedimeji A, Sinayobye JD, Asiimwe-Kateera B, Chaudhry J, Buzinge L, Gitembagara A, Murenzi G, Mugenzi P, Patel VV, Castle PE, Mutesa L, Palefsky J, Anastos KM. Social contexts as mediator of risk behaviors in Rwandan men who have sex with men (MSM): Implications for HIV and STI transmission. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211099. [PMID: 30657797 PMCID: PMC6338414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS resulting from risky sexual behaviors. Social and contextual factors are known to mediate risk behaviors, but there is limited information about the prevalence of risky sexual practices of Rwandan MSM and the concomitant socio-contextual determinants making it difficult to assess implications for preventing HIV/STI transmission in this key population. METHODS Using exploratory qualitative design, we obtained socio-contextual information regarding prevalence of risky sexual behavior and assessed implications for HIV/ STIs transmission and preventive measures taken by MSM to improve sexual health and wellbeing. Thirty MSM were recruited to participate in in-depth interviews using respondent-driven sampling from LGBT associations in Kigali. Data were analyzed using standard qualitative data analysis procedures. RESULTS Respondents' were between 18-40 years old; all completed primary education and are mostly low-socioeconomic status. Risky sexual practices were common, but differed by peculiar individual and contextual factors. Older MSM often reported occasional sexual relations with women to avoid suspicion and social stigma. Younger MSM's risky sexual practices are mostly transactional and mediated by the need for social acceptance and support. Knowledge of STIs was poor, but prevalence, especially of HPV was high. The options for improving sexual wellbeing are limited and mostly clandestine. CONCLUSION Risky sexual behavior of Rwandan MSM has major implications for HIV/STI transmission. An environment of intense social stigma and social isolation makes it difficult to obtain information or services to improve sexual health. Effective interventions that address individual and contextual determinants of risk and access to health services are urgently needed to limit the consequence of MSM as a bridge for HIV transmission to the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adebola Adedimeji
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jean d’Amour Sinayobye
- Division of Research and Medical Education, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Junaid Chaudhry
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Lydia Buzinge
- Division of Research and Medical Education, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Gad Murenzi
- Division of Research and Medical Education, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Pacifique Mugenzi
- Division of Research and Medical Education, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Viraj V. Patel
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Philip E. Castle
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Leon Mutesa
- College of Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Joel Palefsky
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kathryn M. Anastos
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fogel JM, Sandfort T, Zhang Y, Guo X, Clarke W, Breaud A, Cummings V, Hamilton EL, Ogendo A, Kayange N, Panchia R, Dominguez K, Chen YQ, Eshleman SH. Accuracy of Self-Reported HIV Status Among African Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex with Men Who were Screened for Participation in a Research Study: HPTN 075. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:289-294. [PMID: 30051192 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2231-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Some HIV-infected individuals in research studies may choose not to disclose knowledge of their HIV status to study staff. We evaluated the accuracy of self-reported HIV status among African men and transgender women who have sex with men and who were screened for a research study. Sixty-seven of 183 HIV-infected participants reported a prior HIV diagnosis. Samples from the remaining 116 participants were tested for antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Thirty-six of the 116 participants had ARV drugs detected, indicating that they were on antiretroviral treatment; these participants were classified as previously diagnosed based on ARV drug testing. Among participants classified as previously diagnosed, disclosure of a prior HIV diagnosis varied among study sites (p = 0.006) and was more common among those who reported having sex with men only (p = 0.002). ARV drug testing in addition to self-report improves the accuracy for identifying individuals with a prior HIV diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Fogel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Theodorus Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yinfeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xu Guo
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William Clarke
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Autumn Breaud
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vanessa Cummings
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Arthur Ogendo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) CDC, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Noel Kayange
- College of Medicine - Johns Hopkins Project, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ravindre Panchia
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto HPTN CRS, Soweto, South Africa
| | - Karen Dominguez
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, UCT Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ying Q Chen
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Susan H Eshleman
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Ross Building, Room 646, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
African men who have sex with men (MSM) frequently, and often concurrently, have female partners, raising concerns about HIV sexual bridging. We explored potential HIV transmission in Mozambique from and to female partners of MSM focusing on preferred anal sex role and circumcision status. Data collected in a respondent-driven sampling study of MSM in 2011 in Maputo and Beira. Men who had oral or anal sex with other men 12 months prior completed a questionnaire and consented for HIV testing. Statistical analysis explored demographic/risk characteristics and associations among circumcision status, anal sex with men, sexual positions during anal sex with men and vaginal or anal sex with women. We identified 326 MSM in Maputo and 237 in Beira with both male and female partners 3 months before the study. Of these, 20.8% in Maputo and 36.0% in Beira had any receptive anal sex with men 12 months prior, including 895 unprotected sexual acts with males in Maputo and 692 in Beira. Uncircumcised and exclusively insertive males, 27.7% of the sample in Maputo and 33.6% in Beira, had the most unprotected sex with females: 1159 total acts in Maputo and 600 in Beira. Sexual bridging between MSM and women likely varies geographically and is probably bi-directional, occurring within a generalized epidemic where HIV prevalence is higher among reproductive-age women than MSM. Prevention strategies emphasizing correct and consistent condom use for all partners and circumcision for bisexual men should be considered.
Collapse
|