Venue-Based HIV-Testing: An Effective Screening Strategy for High-Risk Populations in Lima, Peru

Sexual network characteristics, condomless anal intercourse, and the HIV care cascade among MSM living with controlled versus uncontrolled HIV infection in Lima, Peru: a population-based cross-sectional analysis

Background

Despite high rates of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Lima, Peru, limited data exist on the sexual network characteristics or risk factors for secondary HIV transmission among MSM with uncontrolled HIV infection. We report the frequency of serodiscordant, condomless anal intercourse (CAI) and associated sexual network characteristics among MSM in Lima with detectable HIV viremia and compare to those with undetectable viremia.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis includes MSM who tested positive for HIV-1 during screening for a trial of partner management and STI control (June 2022-January 2023). Participants were tested for HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis, and completed questionnaires on their demographic characteristics, sexual identity and behaviour, sexual network structures and engagement in HIV care.

Findings

Of 665 MSM, 153 (23%) had detectable (>200 copies/mL) viremia. 75% (499/662) of men living with HIV were previously diagnosed, with 94% (n = 469/499) reporting that they were on ART, and 93% (n = 436/469) virally suppressed. 96% (n = 147/153) of men with detectable viremia reported serodiscordant CAI with at least one of their last three sexual partners, and 74% (n = 106/144) reported the same with all three of their recent partners. In contrast, 62% (n = 302/489) of men with undetectable viral load reported serodiscordant CAI with all of their last three partners (p < 0.01).

Interpretation

23% of men living with HIV in Peru had detectable viremia, of whom almost all (96%) reported recent serodiscordant CAI. The primary gap in the HIV care cascade lies in awareness of HIV serostatus, suggesting that improved access to HIV testing could be a key prevention strategy in Peru.

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by NIH/NIMH grants R01 MH118973 (PI: Clark) and R25 MH087222 (PI: Clark).

Acceptability of venue-based HIV testing and prevention interventions for men who have sex with transgender women and transgender women in Lima, Perú: a formative, qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Despite being at elevated risk for HIV, men who have sex with transgender women (MSTW) are an overlooked population in the global HIV response. Venue-based HIV interventions have previously had success reaching other HIV priority populations, including transgender women (TW). Similar approaches could be applied for MSTW.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prospective acceptability of venue-based HIV testing and prevention interventions for MSTW and TW in Lima, Peru.

METHODS

In this exploratory qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGD) with three types of participants: MSTW (7 IDIs, 1 FGD), TW (1 FGD), and owners of social venues frequented by MSTW/TW in Lima (2 IDIs). We elicited participants' attitudes and perceptions related to the following four hypothetical interventions delivered at social venues in Lima: rapid HIV testing; HIV self-test distribution; condom/lubricant distribution; and enrolment in a mobile app supporting HIV prevention. We performed a mixed deductive-inductive thematic analysis using the framework method, then applied the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability to classify the overall acceptability of each intervention.

RESULTS

Condom/lubricant distribution and app-based HIV prevention information were highly acceptable among all participant types. The two HIV testing interventions had relatively lower acceptability; however, participants suggested this could be overcome if such interventions focused on ensuring discretion, providing access to healthcare professionals, and offering appropriate incentives.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, MSTW and TW shared similar favourable attitudes towards venue-based HIV interventions. Venue-based outreach warrants further exploration as a strategy for engaging MSTW and TW in HIV prevention activities.

Self-reported uptake of STI testing services among adolescents and young people aged 15-24 years: Findings from the Yathu Yathu cluster randomized trial in Lusaka, Zambia

There is little evidence regarding community-based delivery of STI testing and treatment for youth aged 15-24 (AYP) in Zambia. In a cluster-randomised trial, we evaluated whether offering syndromic STI screening through community-based, peer-led sexual and reproductive health services (Yathu Yathu) with referral to a local health facility for testing, increased self-reported testing for STIs (other than HIV) among AYP. Two communities in Lusaka were divided into 10 zones each (20 zones in total); by community, zones were randomly allocated (1:1) to Yathu Yathu or control. Monitoring data were used to describe syndromic STI screening through Yathu Yathu and an endline cross-sectional survey used to evaluate the impact of Yathu Yathu on self-reported ever and recent (last 12 months) STI testing. 10,974 AYP accessed Yathu Yathu; 66.6% (females-67.7%; males-64.7%) were screened for STIs, 6.2% reported any STI symptoms. In the endline survey, 23.3% (n = 350/1501) of AYP who ever had sex ever STI tested; 13.5% (n = 174/1498) who had sex in the last 12 months recently STI tested. By trial arm, there was no difference in self-reported ever or recent STI testing among all AYP. Among men aged 20-24, there was evidence that ever STI testing was higher in the Yathu Yathu compared to control arm (24.1% vs 16.1%; adjPR = 1.67 95%CI = 1.02, 2.74; p = 0.04). Among AYP who ever STI tested, 6.6% (n = 23) reported ever being diagnosed with an STI. Syndromic STI management through community-based, peer-led services showed no impact on self-reported STI testing among AYP. Research on community-based delivery of (near) point-of-care diagnostics is needed. Trial registration number(s): NCT04060420 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04060420; and ISRCTN75609016; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN75609016.

Sexual network characteristics and partnership types among men who have sex with men diagnosed with syphilis, gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia in Lima, Peru

OBJECTIVES

Sexual networks are known to structure sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). We sought to estimate the risks of STI diagnosis for various partnership types within these networks.

METHODS

Our cross-sectional survey analysed data from 1376 MSM screened for a partner management intervention in Lima, Peru. Participants were tested for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea (NG) and chlamydia (CT) and completed surveys on their demographics, sexual identity/role, HIV status, partnership types and sexual network from the prior 90 days. χ2 and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests compared participants without an STI to those diagnosed with (1) syphilis, (2) NG and/or CT (NG/CT) and (3) syphilis and NG/CT coinfection (coinfection).

RESULTS

40.8% (n=561/1376) of participants were diagnosed with an STI (syphilis: 14.9%, NG/CT: 16.4%, coinfection: 9.5%). 47.9% of all participants were living with HIV and 8.9% were newly diagnosed. A greater proportion of participants with syphilis and coinfection were living with HIV (73.5%, p<0.001; 71.0%, p<0.001) compared with those with NG/CT (47.8%) or no STI (37.8%). Participants with syphilis more often reported sex-on-premises venues (SOPVs) as the location of their last sexual encounter (51.7%, p=0.038) while those with NG/CT tended to meet their last sexual partner online (72.8%, p=0.031). Respondents with coinfection were the only STI group more likely to report transactional sex than participants without an STI (31.3%, p=0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual networks and partnership types of Peruvian MSM are associated with differential risks for STIs. Participants diagnosed with syphilis tended to meet single-encounter casual partners at SOPV, while MSM with NG/CT were younger and often contacted casual partners online. Coinfection had higher frequency of transactional sex. These findings suggest the potential importance of public health interventions through combined syphilis/HIV screening at SOPV, syphilis screening at routine clinic appointments for MSM living with HIV and directed advertisements and/or access to NG/CT testing through online platforms.

Life-time HIV testing among people who inject drugs in Iran: results from the National Rapid Assessment and Response survey

Background

HIV testing is recommended for people who inject drugs (PWID). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of lifetime HIV testing among PWID and to better understand the predictors for HIV testing in a convenience sample across Iran.

Materials and methods

This study is a secondary analysis of Iran's National Rapid Assessment and Response survey conducted between October 2016 and March 2017. Analysis includes the 999 people who reported injecting drugs across the capital cities of 21 provinces. Data were collected by using the venue-based application of the Time Location Sampling (TLS) frame. Chi-square tests were used to examine the difference between HIV testing across different quantitative variables. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of life-time HIV testing. Analysis was performed using STATA V.12 software with a significance level of 95%.

Results

Most participants were male (n = 902, 93.50%), and over half (n = 555, 59.17%) were older than 35 years old. About one-third, (n = 326, 38%) of people interviewed were single and another one-third (n = 251, 29%) reported being divorced. Over two-thirds of participants (n = 678, 69.78%) in this study reported lifetime HIV testing. The results from a multiple variable logistic regression showed people with a university education were more likely to have been previously tested for HIV than illiterate people (OR = 18.87, 95%CI 2.85-124.6, value of p = 0.002). Those individuals who reported ever receiving methadone treatment were 2.8 times more likely to have been tested for HIV than individuals without methadone treatment experience (OR = 2.89, 95%CI 1.53-5.42, value of p < 0.001). Needle syringe sharing in last month, was negatively associated with life-time HIV testing (OR = 0.29, 95%CI 0.17-0.48, value of p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Despite Iran's wide availability and access to counseling services for HIV testing in key populations, the proportion of PWID being tested for HIV could be improved. Developing effective strategies to increase people's understanding and awareness of the importance of and need for HIV prevention and familiarity with HIV testing sites is an essential step in increasing HIV testing for this population. Studies on more recent HIV testing are required to better assess and understand the frequency of HIV testing among PWID in Iran.

Temporal Changes in Sexually Transmitted Infections in a Cohort of Men Who Have Sex with Men Living with HIV: Sex Partner Seeking and Behavioral Correlates

With "undetectable equals untransmittable," continued engagement in condomless sex has prolonged STI risk in people living with HIV. This study examined the pattern and relationship between STI diagnosis and sex partner-seeking practice over time in a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) attending the HIV specialist clinic in Hong Kong. Participants' STI diagnosis record since HIV diagnosis was retrieved and their frequency of seeking sex partners (A) before, (B) after HIV diagnosis, and (C) following extended period (5-10 years), through eight different settings, was assessed in two rounds of survey, along with their risk behavioral profile. Multivariable regression models were employed to study the factors associated with STI diagnosis and partner-seeking frequency, while their temporal relationships over the three time points (A-C) were examined using cross-lagged panel model. Of 345 subjects recruited, STI incidence dropped from 252 to 187 cases/1000 person-years during 2015-2019. Totally 139/212 MSM (66%) had ≥ 1 episode of STI within the 10-year period after HIV diagnosis, giving an 11-20% annual prevalence. The reduced frequency of seeking sex partner was well preserved following diagnosis with a rebound specifically noted in the use of mobile application, the patrons of which were more likely to be co-infected with STI in 2019. Chemsex, concurrent partnership, and casual sex were risk factors shared between frequent partner-seeking practice and STI diagnosis. A robust autoregressive effect for partner-seeking frequency was also identified, and which significantly predicted STI risk in the long term. To enhance HIV care, the co-administration of STI/behavioral surveillance should be emphasized.

Shifting the power: scale-up of access to point-of-care and self-testing for sexually transmitted infections in low-income and middle-income settings

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Point-of-care (POC) testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can provide complementary coverage to existing HIV testing services in LMICs. This review summarizes current and emerging technologies for detecting STIs in LMICs, with an emphasis on women, discharge-causing infections (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis), true POC, self-testing, ethics, and economic considerations related to equitable access.

RECENT FINDINGS

The WHO have recently adapted guidelines for treatment of STIs in women that advise the use of true-POC or near-POC tests to improve case finding. The number of rapid, sensitive, and specific POC diagnostics for STIs has increased significantly over the past 10 years, although adoption of these in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited. Barriers to POC adoption by patients include the cost of tests, the inconvenience of lengthy clinic visits, low perceived risk, stigma, lack of partner notification, and lack of trust in healthcare providers. Lowering the cost of true POC lateral flow devices, interfacing these with digital or eHealth technologies, and enabling self-testing/self-sampling will overcome some of these barriers in LMICs. Ensuring linkage of diagnostic tests to subsequent care remains one of the major concerns about self-testing, irrespective of geography, although available evidence from HIV self-testing suggests that linkage to care is similar to that for facility-based testing.

SUMMARY

Increasing access to sensitive STI true POC tests will strengthen reproductive healthcare in LMICs. Although HIV self-testing is demonstrably useful in LMICs, there is an urgent need for randomized trials evaluating the utility and cost-effectiveness of similar tests for other sexually transmitted infections.

HIV Testing Strategies, Types of Tests, and Uptake by Men Who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of strategies and types of tests on HIV testing uptake by men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), and in reaching PLWH. Articles published up to July 2020 were identified from major electronic databases and grey literature. Data were extracted and assessed for risk of bias. Estimates were pooled using random-effect meta-analysis while heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran's Q test and I². This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020192740). Of 6820 titles, 263 studies (n = 67,288 participants) were included. The testing strategies reported in most studies were community- (71.2%) and facility-based (28.8%). Highest uptake, with facility-based testing, occurred and reached more PLWH while with standard laboratory tests, it occurred with the highest HIV prevalence among MSM. However, urine test showed a highest rate of new HIV infection. Multiple test combinations had the highest uptake and reached more PLWH among TGW. Various testing strategies, considering barriers and regional differences, and different test types, need be considered, to increase uptake among MSM and TGW.

Facilitators and barriers to point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are predominantly managed by syndromic management. However, most STIs are asymptomatic. These untreated STIs cause individual morbidity, and lead to high STI prevalences.

There is increasing interest in the use of point-of-care tests (POCTs) for STIs in LMICs, which could facilitate same day testing and treatment. To best utilise these tests, we must understand the facilitators and barriers to their implementation. The aim of this review is to explore how point-of-care testing for STIs has been implemented into healthcare systems in LMIC and the facilitators and barriers to doing so.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses for studies published between 1st January 1998 and 5th June 2020. Abstracts and full articles were screened independently by two reviewers. Studies were considered for inclusion if they assessed the acceptability, feasibility, facilitators, or barriers to implementation of point-of-care testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis or syphilis in LMICs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and present the facilitators and barriers to point-of-care STI testing.

Results

The literature search revealed 82 articles suitable for inclusion; 44 (53.7%) from sub-Saharan Africa; 21 (25.6%) from Latin American and the Caribbean; 10 (12.2%) from East Asia and the Pacific; 6 (7.3%) from South Asia; and one (1.2%) multi-regional study. Thematic analysis revealed seven overarching themes related to the implementation of POCTs in LMICs, namely (i) Ideal test characteristics, (ii) Client factors, (iii) Healthcare provision factors, (iv) Policy, infrastructure and health system factors, (v) Training, audit, and feedback, (vi) Reaching new testing environments, and (vii) Dual testing.

Conclusion

Implementation of POCTs in LMICs is complex, with many of the barriers due to wider health system weakness. In addition to pressing for broader structural change to facilitate basic healthcare delivery, these themes may also be used as a basis on which to develop future interventions. The literature was heavily skewed towards syphilis testing, and so more research needs to be conducted assessing chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis testing, as well as home or self-testing.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07534-9.

"It was difficult to offer same day results": evaluation of community-based point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections among youth using the GeneXpert platform in Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may improve diagnosis and treatment of STIs in low- and middle-income counties. We explored the facilitators and barriers to point-of-care testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoea (NG) for youth in community-based settings in Zimbabwe.

METHODS

This study was nested within a cluster randomised trial of community-based delivery of integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for youth aged 16 to 24 years. On-site CT/NG testing on urine samples using the Xpert® CT/NG test was piloted in four intervention clusters, with testing performed by service providers. On-site testing was defined as sample processing on the same day and site as sample collection. Outcomes included proportion of tests processed on-site, time between sample collection and collection of results, and proportion of clients receiving treatment. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine service providers and three staff members providing study co-ordination or laboratory support to explore facilitators and barriers to providing on-site CT/NG testing.

RESULTS

Of 847 Xpert tests, 296 (35.0%) were performed on-site. Of these, 61 (20.6%) were positive for CT/NG; one (1.6%) received same day aetiological treatment; 33 (54.1%) presented later for treatment; and 5 (8.2%) were treated as a part of syndromic management. There was no difference in the proportion of clients who were treated whether their sample was processed on or off-site (64% (39/61) vs 60% (66/110); p = 0.61). The median (IQR) number of days between sample collection and collection of positive results was 14 (7-35) and 14 (7-52.5) for samples processed on and off-site, respectively, The interviews revealed four themes related to the provision of on-site testing associated with the i) diagnostic device ii) environment, iii) provider, and iv) clients. Some of the specific barriers identified included insufficient testing capacity, inadequate space, as well as reluctance of clients to wait for their results.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to research to optimise the implementation of point-of-care tests for STIs in resource-limited settings, the development of new platforms to reduce analytic time will be necessary to scale up STI testing and reduce the attrition between testing and treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered in clinical trials.gov ( NCT03719521 ).

The Prevalence of HIV Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) and Young MSM in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) under 25 years old are among the few populations with increasing numbers of new HIV infections in parts of the world where HIV incidence is declining overall. In this systematic review, we synthesize the literature on HIV prevalence among MSM in Latin America and the Caribbean focusing on YMSM. Results were stratified according to study population sampling method used (probability and non-probability based). Forty-seven studies from 17 countries were published in the last 10 years. Among studies using probability-based sampling method (N = 21), HIV prevalence among MSM ranged from 1.2 to 32.6%. HIV prevalence tended to increase over time in studies sampling at different time points. HIV prevalence among YMSM exceeded 5.0% in more than a half of studies (51%; N = 22/43). Our review corroborates the high and potentially rising incidence of HIV among YMSM and characterizes the region's greatest challenge to ending the epidemic.

Self-Identity, Beliefs, and Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex with Transgender Women: Implications for HIV Research and Interventions

While transgender women have been identified as a global priority population for HIV prevention and treatment, little is known about the cisgender male partners of transgender women, including their sexual behavior and HIV prevalence. Previous research has suggested that these male partners have varied identities and sexual behavior, which make identifying and engaging them in research difficult. This paper describes interviews conducted with fifteen cisgender men who reported recent sexual activity with transgender women in Lima, Peru. The purpose of this research was to explore how these men reported their identities and sexual behavior, to better understand how they would interact with HIV outreach, research, and care. The major themes were sexual orientation and identity; view of transgender partners; social ties to transgender women and other men with transgender women partners; disclosure of relationships; HIV knowledge and risk perception; and attitudes toward interventions. We found that language used to assess sexual orientation was problematic in this population, due to lack of consistency between orientation and reported behavior, and unfamiliarity with terms used to describe sexual orientation. In addition, stigma, lack of knowledge of HIV prevention methods, and fear of disclosure of sexual behavior were identified as barriers that could impact engagement in HIV research, prevention, and care. However, participants reported social relationships with both transgender women and other men who have transgender partners, presenting possible avenues for recruitment into HIV research and healthcare services.

Key Population Hotspots in Nigeria for Targeted HIV Program Planning: Mapping, Validation, and Reconciliation

Background

With the fourth highest HIV burden globally, Nigeria is characterized as having a mixed HIV epidemic with high HIV prevalence among key populations, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs. Reliable and accurate mapping of key population hotspots is necessary for strategic placement of services and allocation of limited resources for targeted interventions.

Objective

We aimed to map and develop a profile for the hotspots of female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs in 7 states of Nigeria to inform HIV prevention and service programs and in preparation for a multiple-source capture-recapture population size estimation effort.

Methods

In August 2018, 261 trained data collectors from 36 key population–led community-based organizations mapped, validated, and profiled hotspots identified during the formative assessment in 7 priority states in Nigeria designated by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Hotspots were defined as physical venues wherein key population members frequent to socialize, seek clients, or engage in key population–defining behaviors. Hotspots were visited by data collectors, and each hotspot’s name, local government area, address, type, geographic coordinates, peak times of activity, and estimated number of key population members was recorded. The number of key population hotspots per local government area was tabulated from the final list of hotspots.

Results

A total of 13,899 key population hotspots were identified and mapped in the 7 states, that is, 1297 in Akwa Ibom, 1714 in Benue, 2666 in Cross River, 2974 in Lagos, 1550 in Nasarawa, 2494 in Rivers, and 1204 in Federal Capital Territory. The most common hotspots were those frequented by female sex workers (9593/13,899, 69.0%), followed by people who inject drugs (2729/13,899, 19.6%) and men who have sex with men (1577/13,899, 11.3%). Although hotspots were identified in all local government areas visited, more hotspots were found in metropolitan local government areas and state capitals.

Conclusions

The number of key population hotspots identified in this study is more than that previously reported in similar studies in Nigeria. Close collaboration with key population–led community-based organizations facilitated identification of many new and previously undocumented key population hotspots in the 7 states. The smaller number of hotspots of men who have sex with men than that of female sex workers and that of people who inject drugs may reflect the social pressure and stigma faced by this population since the enforcement of the 2014 Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, which prohibits engaging in intimate same-sex relationships, organizing meetings of gays, or patronizing gay businesses.

Acceptability of dual HIV/syphilis rapid test in community- and home-based testing strategy among transgender women in Buenos Aires, Argentina

BACKGROUND

Little is known of acceptability and feasibility of dual HIV and syphilis rapid tests in community- and home-based provider-initiated strategies among transgender women (TGW), in Latin America. Objectives were (1) to assess the acceptability of this strategy and, (2) to determine the percentage of positive results of HIV and syphilis, analyze the correlates of HIV or syphilis positive results, and measure the rates of effective referral and treatment completion among TGW.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team tested 89 TGW in Buenos Aires. An acceptability survey was administered after the HIV/syphilis Duo test was used. All confirmed cases were referred for treatment initiation.

RESULTS

We found high levels of acceptability (98.8%) of this strategy among TGW. However, only 60.7% preferred simultaneous HIV and syphilis diagnosis test. Moreover, we found 9% of positive results of HIV, 51.7% of syphilis, and 3.4% of positive results for both infections. Only not being tested before was associated with an HIV positive result, and only low level of education was associated with a positive syphilis result. Among 8 TGW who tested positive for HIV, 37.5% (n = 3) started antiretroviral therapy. Of 46 who tested positive for syphilis, only 73.9% (n = 34) were effectively referred and from 23 who started treatment, only 39.1% completed it.

CONCLUSIONS

Community- and home-based dual HIV and syphilis rapid test is a feasible and highly acceptable approach for this hard-to-reach population. Implementing similar strategies could improve screening uptake and accessibility. However, these results highlight the need to improve strategies for treatment uptake, in order to reduce morbidity and risk of onward transmission.

Sex-on-premise venues, associated risk behaviors, and attitudes toward venue-based HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Lima, Perú

BACKGROUND

In Perú, HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite widespread access to treatment, the high rate of new HIV infections has remained unchanged over the last decade. Low knowledge of HIV status associated with late diagnosis is a key factor underlying the high HIV incidence observed in this setting, creating conditions for efficient onward transmission. Improving access to HIV testing and prevention services for those at highest risk is an important public health priority. Sex-on-premise venues (SOPVs) - saunas, sex clubs, pornographic movie theaters, hourly hotels, and bars/discos with areas where sex is permitted - may be opportune sites for outreach; however, further research on SOPVs and the populations who frequent them is needed to inform such efforts.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of adult MSM in Lima, Perú to evaluate patterns of SOPV attendance, associated sexual risk behaviors, and attitudes toward SOPV-based interventions. Participants were recruited through outreach to social media networks affiliated with local LGBTQ-aligned community groups. Our primary analytic objective was to estimate the association of HIV-related sexual risk behaviors and SOPV attendance. Additionally, we performed exploratory analyses to describe risk behavior stratified by SOPV category and to examine the relationship between SOPV attendance and the use of online platforms to meet sex partners.

RESULTS

Overall, 389 MSM completed the survey from November 2018 through May 2019, of whom 68% reported attending an SOPV in the last 3 months. SOPV attendance was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviors, including transactional sex, group sex, substance use around the time of sex, and higher number of partners. Over two thirds of SOPV attendees indicated they would accept HIV testing if offered at SOPVs.

CONCLUSIONS

SOPV attendance was common among MSM in Lima who participated in our survey, and SOPV attendees reported significantly greater engagement in sexual risk behaviors related to HIV transmission. Attitudes toward hypothetical SOPV-based interventions were generally favorable. These findings suggest that outreach at SOPVs may be an effective mechanism for reaching a particularly high-risk sub-population of MSM in Perú to deliver targeted HIV testing and prevention interventions.

"I Couldn't Afford to Resist": Condom Negotiations Between Male Sex Workers and Male Clients in Mombasa, Kenya

Male sex workers in Kenya face a disproportionate burden of HIV and often engage in condomless sex with their commercial partners, yet little is known about how condom negotiations between male sex workers and clients take place. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 male sex workers and 11 male clients of male sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya, to examine barriers and facilitators to condom use and how condom use negotiation takes place in these interactions. Participants reported positive attitudes toward condom use and perceived condom use to be a health-promoting behavior. Barriers to condom use included extra-payment for condomless sex, low perceived HIV/STI risk with some sexual partners, perceived reduced pleasure associated with using condoms, alcohol use, and violence against male sex workers by clients. Future interventions should address individual- and structural-level barriers to condom use to promote effective condom use negotiation between male sex workers and male clients.

Contextualizing condoms: a cross-sectional study mapping intersections of locations of sexual contact, partner type, and substance use as contexts for sexual risk behavior among MSM in Peru

Background

Condomless anal intercourse (CAI) appears to be increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) globally, and is reported to be as high as 70% in recent studies in Peru. To improve understanding of the evolving context of CAI among MSM in Peru, we studied associations between partner type, substance use, and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in locations where MSM commonly report having sexual encounters.

Methods

In a 2017 cross-sectional study of rectal STI screening and HIV prevention, a convenience sample of MSM recruited from community venues in Lima completed a survey of demographic characteristics and sexual risk behavior with their three most recent partners. Generalized estimating equations estimated correlations of CAI with location of last sexual contact, participant substance use prior to sex, and negotiation of condom use before or during sex. The network data integration application, Cytoscape, mapped intersections of partner type, sexual orientation, substance use, and CAI by four types of locations where sex occurred: 1) Home, 2) Hotel, 3) Sauna or Internet Cabin, and 4) Public Spaces.

Results

Of 447 MSM (median age 27 years), 76.9% reported CAI with ≥1 of their last three partners. Participants reported sex with casual partners most commonly in homes (64.6%) and hotels (60.4%), and with anonymous partners most often in saunas/Internet cabins (57.5%) and public spaces (52.6%). CAI was less commonly reported in hotels (aPR, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.75–0.97) compared to homes. Participants who used marijuana before sex at home were more likely to report CAI than MSM who did not use marijuana (1.36, 1.01–1.92). Partner alcohol use before sex was associated with CAI in saunas/Internet cabins (3.17, 1.45–6.91) and public spaces (2.65, 1.41–4.98). In the sexual network maps, almost all MSM who used drugs prior to their sexual encounters used drugs with more than one of their last three partners.

Conclusions

CAI was common and associated with different risk factors, like partner type and substance use, based on location where sex occurred. Novel combination HIV, STI, and substance use prevention interventions must consider how the social environments of MSM influence condom use and other sexual risk behaviors.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03010020, January 4, 2017.