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Wang Z, Xu L, Xu H, Wang Y, Hu F, Zou H, Cai Y. Understanding the influence of Social Determinants of Health (SDH) on suicidal behaviors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in China: A population-based study. J Affect Disord 2024; 360:42-49. [PMID: 38815759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of suicide and experience intersectional inequalities. The Social Determinants of Health (SDH) framework provides valuable insights into how inequalities can lead to adverse outcomes. This study aimed to employ the SDH framework to identify factors that contribute to suicidal behaviors among this population. METHODS 1410 HIV-positive MSM were recruited using a web-based questionnaire, whose mean age was 30.77 ± 6.92 years old. Participants completed questionnaires including baseline information and psychological measurements, such as Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to screen for risk factors associated with suicidal behaviors. RESULTS More than half of the participants (53.3 %, 752/1410) had an SBQ score of 7 or higher. Binary logistic regression analysis of structural and intermediary determinants (Model 3) revealed that sexual orientation, stigma (ORs: 1.018, 95 % CI: 1.005-1.032), interpersonal needs (ORs: 1.021, 95 % CI: 1.010-1.031), depression (ORs: 1.037, 95 % CI: 1.001-1.074) and entrapment (ORs: 1.018, 95 % CI: 1.004-1.032) were positively correlated with suicidal behaviors. Individuals with other or unknown sexual orientation had significantly higher rates of suicidal behaviors compared to those with a heterosexual sexual orientation (ORs: 5.021, 95 % CI: 1.529-17.640). LIMITATIONS Sampling of HIV-positive MSM posed challenges in data collection. It may introduce selection bias and affect generalizability. CONCLUSION This study identified that sexual orientation, stigma, interpersonal needs, depression, and entrapment were significantly associated with suicidal behaviors among HIV-positive MSM. Additionally, these factors can be social determinants of health that contribute to suicidal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuxin Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Public Health Department, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lulu Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Huifang Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fan Hu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Yong Cai
- Public Health Department, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Oga EA, Stockton MA, Abu-Ba'are GR, Vormawor R, Mankattah E, Endres-Dighe S, Richmond R, Jeon S, Logie CH, Baning E, Saalim K, Torpey K, Nelson LE, Nyblade L. Measuring intersectional HIV, sexual diversity, and gender non-conformity stigma among healthcare workers in Ghana: scale validation and correlates of stigma. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:647. [PMID: 38773589 PMCID: PMC11110277 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11098-6] [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] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at heightened risk for HIV acquisition, yet they may delay or avoid HIV testing due to intersectional stigma experienced at the healthcare facility (HCF). Few validated scales exist to measure intersectional stigma, particularly amongst HCF staff. We developed the Healthcare Facility Staff Intersectional Stigma Scale (HCF-ISS) and assessed factors associated with stigma in Ghana. METHODS We analyzed baseline data from HCF staff involved in a study testing a multi-level intervention to reduce intersectional stigma experienced by MSM. Data are from eight HCFs in Ghana (HCF Staff n = 200). The HCF-ISS assesses attitudes and beliefs towards same-sex relationships, people living with HIV (PLWH) and gender non-conformity. Exploratory factor analysis assessed HCF-ISS construct validity and Cronbach's alphas assessed the reliability of the scale. Multivariable regression analyses assessed factors associated with intersectional stigma. RESULTS Factor analysis suggested an 18-item 3-factor scale including: Comfort with Intersectional Identities in the Workplace (6 items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.71); Beliefs about Gender and Sexuality Norms (7 items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.72); and Beliefs about PLWH (5 items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.68). Having recent clients who engage in same-gender sex was associated with greater comfort with intersectional identities but more stigmatizing beliefs about PLWH. Greater religiosity was associated with stigmatizing beliefs. Infection control training was associated with less stigma towards PLWH and greater comfort with intersectional identities. CONCLUSIONS Achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 requires eliminating barriers that undermine access to HIV prevention and treatment for MSM, including HCF intersectional stigma. The HCF-ISS provides a measurement tool to support intersectional stigma-reduction interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel A Oga
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA.
| | - Melissa A Stockton
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Gamji R Abu-Ba'are
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Richard Vormawor
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emmanuel Mankattah
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stacy Endres-Dighe
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Ryan Richmond
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Sangchoon Jeon
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Carmen H Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Emma Baning
- Educational Assessment and Research Center, Accra, Ghana
| | - Khalida Saalim
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Kwasi Torpey
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Laron E Nelson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Laura Nyblade
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
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Sandfort TGM, Kreniske P, Mbeda C, Reynolds D, Tshabalala G, Madiwati B, Ogendo A, Dominquez K, Panchia R, Gondwe D, Hamilton EL, Guo X, Cummings V. Interest in I-PrEP and Willingness to Participate in Clinical Trials Among Men and Transfeminine Persons Who have Sex with Men in Sub-Saharan Africa: Quantitative and Qualitative Findings from HPTN 075. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04334-x. [PMID: 38761334 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
This study explored interest in injectable PrEP (I-PrEP) and willingness to participate in clinical trials testing new biomedical HIV prevention strategies among men and transfeminine persons who have sex with men (MSM & TGP), using data collected in the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 075 study, which took place at sites in Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. Data result from a survey among 267 18-44 years old HIV negative participants, complemented with semi-structured interviews with 80 purposively recruited persons. Correlations coefficients were calculated to identify demographic and psychosocial factors associated with interest in I-PrEP. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using concept-driven and subsequent data-driven coding. Most surveyed participants expressed an interest in I-PrEP. Quantitatively, only being interested in other HIV prevention measures was associated with interest in I-PrEP. Qualitatively, most participants preferred I-PrEP to O-PrEP and remained interested in I-PrEP despite barriers such as the somewhat invasive nature of the procedure and potential side effects of I-PrEP. Interest in I-PrEP was driven by the possibility of avoiding sexual or HIV stigma. Access to healthcare and altruism-such as assisting in the development of new HIV prevention methods-positively impacted willingness to participate in clinical trials. With I-PrEP favored by most participants, it is potentially a critical tool to prevent HIV infection among MSM & TGP in sub-Saharan Africa, with the mitigation of stigma as a major advance. Recruitment of MSM & TGP in biobehavioral clinical trials seems feasible, with altruistic reasons and receiving I-PrEP and free medical care as major motivators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodorus G M Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Philip Kreniske
- Community Health and Social Sciences Department, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, USA
| | - Calvin Mbeda
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) CDC, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Gugulethu Tshabalala
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, South Africa
| | | | - Arthur Ogendo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) CDC, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Ravindre Panchia
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, South Africa
| | - Daniel Gondwe
- College of Medicine-Johns Hopkins Research Project, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Xu Guo
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vanessa Cummings
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Leluțiu-Weinberger C, Filimon ML, Hoover D, Lixandru M, Hanu L, Dogaru B, Kovacs T, Fierbințeanu C, Ionescu F, Manu M, Mariș A, Pană E, Dorobănțescu C, Streinu-Cercel A, Pachankis JE. An mHealth Intervention for Gay and Bisexual Men's Mental, Behavioral, and Sexual Health in a High-Stigma, Low-Resource Context (Project Comunică): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e52853. [PMID: 38709550 PMCID: PMC11106696 DOI: 10.2196/52853] [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] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization reported that 80% of new HIV diagnoses in Europe in 2014 occurred in Central and Eastern Europe. Romania has a particularly high HIV incidence, AIDS prevalence, and number of related deaths. HIV incidence in Romania is largely attributed to sexual contact among gay and bisexual men. However, homophobic stigma in Romania serves as a risk factor for HIV infection for gay and bisexual men. The Comunică intervention aims to provide a much-needed HIV risk reduction strategy, and it entails the delivery of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy skills across 8 live text-based counseling sessions on a mobile platform to gay and bisexual men at risk of HIV. The intervention is based on the information-motivation-behavior and minority stress models. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that Comunică holds promise for reducing gay and bisexual men's co-occurring sexual (eg, HIV transmission risk behavior), behavioral (eg, heavy alcohol use), and mental (eg, depression) health risks in Romania. OBJECTIVE This paper describes the protocol for a randomized controlled trial designed to test the efficacy of Comunică in a national trial. METHODS To test Comunică's efficacy, 305 gay and bisexual men were randomized to receive Comunică or a content-matched education attention control condition. The control condition consisted of 8 time-matched educational modules that present information regarding gay and bisexual men's identity development, information about HIV transmission and prevention, the importance of HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, heavy alcohol use and its associations with HIV transmission risk behavior, sexual health communication, finding social support, and creating sexual health goals. Participants undergo rapid HIV and syphilis testing and 3-site chlamydia and gonorrhea testing at baseline and the 12-month follow-up. Outcomes are measured before the intervention (baseline) and at the 4-, 8-, and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS The study was funded in September 2018, and data collection began in May 2019. The last participant follow-up was in January 2024. Currently, the data analyst is cleaning data sets in preparation for data analyses, which are scheduled to begin in April 2024. Data analysis meetings are scheduled regularly to establish timelines and examine the results as analyses are gradually being conducted. Upon completion, a list of manuscripts will be reviewed and prioritized, and the team will begin preparing them for publication. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to test the efficacy of an intervention with the potential to simultaneously support the sexual, behavioral, and mental health of gay and bisexual men in Central and Eastern Europe using motivational interviewing support and sensitivity to the high-stigma context of the region. If efficacious, Comunică presents a scalable platform to provide support to gay and bisexual men living in Romania and similar high-stigma, low-resource countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03912753; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03912753. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/52853.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mircea L Filimon
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Donald Hoover
- Department of Statistics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Mihai Lixandru
- The Romanian Association Against AIDS, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lucian Hanu
- The Romanian Association Against AIDS, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexandra Mariș
- Mariș Alexandra - Cabinet Individual de Psihologie, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Adrian Streinu-Cercel
- The National Institute of Infectious Diseases "Professor Dr. Matei Balș", Bucharest, Romania
| | - John E Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
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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.
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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
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Cardona-Arias JA, Vidales-Silva M, Ocampo-Ramírez A, Higuita-Gutiérrez LF, Cataño-Correa JC. Prevalence of HIV, Treponema pallidum and Their Coinfection in Men Who Have Sex with Men, Medellín-Colombia. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2024; 16:141-151. [PMID: 38650744 PMCID: PMC11034557 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s452144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In Colombia, HIV and gestational syphilis are notifiable events; however, they are poorly investigated infections in men who have sex with men (MSM). Objective To determine the prevalence of HIV, Treponema pallidum, and their co-infection in MSM treated at a Health Services Provider Institution (HSPI) specialized in infectious diseases from Medellín. Methods Cross-sectional study with 3454 MSM. Prevalence was determined with its 95% confidence interval; associated factors were identified using Fisher's Exact test, Pearson's Chi-square, and trend Chi-square. Multivariate adjustment was performed using logistic regression. Analyses were performed using SPSS 29.0. Results The prevalence of HIV was 5.7%, T. pallidum 0.7%, and co-infection 0.6%. The prevalence of HIV was higher in MSM aged between 24-40 years (7.5%), with technical or university studies (10.0%), without health insurance affiliation (12.4%), and those who have had a sexual partner with HIV (36.2%). T. pallidum was higher in MSM without health insurance affiliation (3.4%), who had sexual relations with people diagnosed with an STI (5.9%), and a sexual partner with HIV (12.1%). Co-infection was higher in MSM without health insurance affiliation (2.7%), and those who had a partner with HIV (11.2%). Conclusion Compared with the general Colombian population, MSM have a higher risk of HIV, but are similar to T. pallidum. The identification of the main associated factors in each infection demonstrates the need to prioritize subgroups of MSM that show greater vulnerability to these events. This research demonstrates the urgency of implementing health education strategies in MSM who have a sexual partner with HIV or other STIs. Large gaps were also evident in the magnitude of the three events according to the health insurance affiliation regime, which demonstrates problems of social and health injustice, especially with MSM without health insurance affiliation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luis Felipe Higuita-Gutiérrez
- Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Cataño-Correa
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Fundación Antioqueña de Infectología, Medellín, Colombia
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Juster RP, Rutherford C, Keyes K, Hatzenbuehler ML. Associations Between Structural Stigma and Allostatic Load Among Sexual Minorities: Results From a Population-Based Study. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:157-168. [PMID: 38345315 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Structural forms of stigma and discrimination are associated with adverse health outcomes across numerous stigmatized groups, including lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. However, the biological consequences of structural stigma among LGB populations are understudied. To begin to address this gap, we assessed associations between indicators of structural stigma (i.e., state-level policies) targeting LGB individuals and allostatic load (AL) indices representing physiological dysregulations. METHODS Pooled data from the continuous 2001-2014 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey were analyzed (LGB: n = 864; heterosexual: n = 20,310). Ten state-level LGB-related policies (e.g., employment nondiscrimination protections, same-sex marriage) were used to operationalize structural stigma. A sex-specific AL index representing 11 immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular biomarkers was estimated. Multilevel models were used to examine associations between structural stigma and AL, net of nine individual-level characteristics (e.g., education, race/ethnicity, age, and health behaviors). RESULTS Sexual minority men living in states with low levels of structural stigma experienced significantly lower AL ( β = -0.45, p = .02) compared with sexual minority men living in states with high structural stigma (i.e., fewer protective policies). There was no significant association between structural stigma and AL among sexual minority women. CONCLUSIONS By demonstrating direct associations between structural stigma and indices of physiological dysregulation, our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of how the social environment can "get under the skin and skull" for sexual minority men in the United States. Future research should explore whether these mechanisms generalize to other marginalized groups exposed to structural stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert-Paul Juster
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction (Juster), University of Montreal; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute (Juster), Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University (Rutherford, Keyes), New York, New York; and Department of Psychology, Harvard University (Hatzenbuehler), Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Lohani SC, Ramer-Tait AE, Li Q. High-fat diet feeding exacerbates HIV-1 rectal transmission. mSystems 2024; 9:e0132223. [PMID: 38303112 PMCID: PMC10949459 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01322-23] [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] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
High-fat diet (HFD) is well known to impact various aspects of gut health and has been associated with many diseases and inflammation. However, the impact of HFD feeding on HIV-1 rectal transmission has not yet been well addressed. With an increasing threat of HIV-1 infection in men who have sex with men (MSM), where the rectal route is the primary mode of infection, it is imperative to understand the impact of HFD on gut microbiota and inflammation and consequently, its effect on HIV-1 rectal transmission. Here, we utilized our double humanized bone marrow, liver, thymus (dHu-BLT) mouse model to assess the impact of HFD feeding on the host's susceptibility to HIV-1 rectal transmission. We found that feeding an HFD successfully altered the gut microbial composition within 3 weeks in the dHu-BLT mouse model. In addition, levels of inflammatory mediators, specifically IL-12p70, IP-10, ICAM-1, and fecal calprotectin, were significantly higher in HFD-fed mice compared to control mice on a regular chow diet. We also observed that significantly different inflammatory markers (IL-12p70 and ICAM-1) were negatively correlated with the number of observed ASVs, Shannon diversity, and Faith's diversity in the HFD-fed group. Notably, when repeatedly challenged with a low dose of HIV-1 via a rectal route, mice receiving an HFD were significantly more susceptible to HIV-1 rectal infection than control mice. Together, these results underscore the impact of HFD feeding on the gut microbiota and inflammation and suggest the significance of diet-induced gut microbial dysbiosis and inflammation in promoting viral infection.IMPORTANCEHFD induces gut microbial dysbiosis and inflammation and has been associated with many infections and disease progression; however, its impact on HIV-1 rectal transmission is largely unknown. Given the increasing threat of HIV-1 incidence in men who have sex with men (MSM), it has become crucial to comprehend the impact of factors associated with gut health, like HFD consumption, on host susceptibility to HIV-1 rectal transmission. This is particularly important since anal intercourse remains the primary mode of HIV transmission within the MSM group. In this study, utilizing our unique mouse model, featuring both the human immune system and gut microbiota, we showed that HFD feeding led to gut microbial dysbiosis, induced inflammation, and increased HIV-1 rectal transmission. Collectively, our study highlights the significant impact of HFD on gut microbiota and inflammation and suggests an HFD consumption as a potential risk factor for promoting HIV-1 rectal susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroj Chandra Lohani
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Amanda E. Ramer-Tait
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Nebraska Food for Health Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Qingsheng Li
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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Thapa S, Ogunleye TT, Shrestha R, Joshi R, Hannes K. Increased Stigma, and Physical and Sexual Violence Against Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Analyzing Social and Structural Barriers to HIV Testing and Coping Behaviors. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024:1-27. [PMID: 38456684 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2024.2320237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, accessing HIV testing services is a significant challenge for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). In this qualitative evidence synthesis, our aim is to understand social and structural barriers and how they hinder MSM's and TGW's access to HIV testing services in sub-Saharan African countries. We searched four selective databases (PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL complemented with Google Scholar) for qualitative studies, published in English between January 2005 and December 2023, generated 1507 articles, of which 22 were included. Thematic synthesis was conducted for data synthesis. This led to five barriers that hinder HIV test uptake among MSM and TGW, which included: non-availability of tailored HIV testing services, stigma, lack of trust among service providers, sexual and physical violence, and criminalization of same sex relationship. To navigate these social and structural barriers and cope with fears of discrimination and criminalization, MSM and TGW engaged into riskier behaviors, including avoiding HIV testing, non-disclosure, or relying on informal or alternative sources of HIV testing. Decriminalization of same-sex relationship and peer-led HIV testing services were noted to address structural barriers, including stigma and poor access, and subsequently increase the participation in HIV testing services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subash Thapa
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, Australia
| | - Tadese Tewogbola Ogunleye
- Unit for Health Promotion, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ranjila Joshi
- Unit for Health Promotion, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Karin Hannes
- Research Group SoMeTHin'K (Social, Methodological and Theoretical Innovation/Kreative), Faculty of Social Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium
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Luehring-Jones P, Fulford D, Palfai TP, Simons JS, Maisto SA. Alcohol, Sexual Arousal, and Partner Familiarity as Predictors of Condom Negotiation: An Experience Sampling Study. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:854-867. [PMID: 37751109 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04189-8] [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: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Numerous contextual factors contribute to risky sexual decision-making among men who have sex with men (MSM), with experimental laboratory-based studies suggesting that alcohol consumption, sexual arousal, and partner familiarity have the potential to impact condom negotiations during sexual encounters. The purpose of the current study was to extend this line of inquiry outside of the laboratory and into the everyday lives of MSM. We collected six weeks of daily data on alcohol consumption and sexual behaviors from 257 moderate- and heavy-drinking MSM to examine the within- and between-subjects effects of alcohol consumption, average daily sexual arousal, and partner familiarity on condom negotiation processes during sexual encounters. We hypothesized that alcohol consumption, higher levels of average daily sexual arousal, and greater partner familiarity would all contribute to a reduced likelihood of condom negotiation prior to sexual activity, and that they would also affect the difficulty of negotiations. Contrary to hypotheses, none of these three predictors had significant within-subjects effects on condom negotiation outcomes. However, partner familiarity and average daily sexual arousal did exert significant between-subjects effects on the incidence of negotiation and negotiation difficulty. These findings have important implications for risk-reduction strategies in this population. They also highlight the challenges of reconciling results from experimental laboratory research and experience sampling conducted outside of the laboratory on sexual risk behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Luehring-Jones
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Daniel Fulford
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tibor P Palfai
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Simons
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA
| | - Stephen A Maisto
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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11
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Obeng BM, Kelleher AD, Di Giallonardo F. Molecular epidemiology to aid virtual elimination of HIV transmission in Australia. Virus Res 2024; 341:199310. [PMID: 38185332 PMCID: PMC10825322 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199310] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The Global UNAIDS 95/95/95 targets aim to increase the percentage of persons who know their HIV status, receive antiretroviral therapy, and have achieved viral suppression. Achieving these targets requires efforts to improve the public health response to increase access to care for those living with HIV, identify those yet undiagnosed with HIV early, and increase access to prevention for those most at risk of HIV acquisition. HIV infections in Australia are among the lowest globally having recorded significant declines in new diagnoses in the last decade. However, the HIV epidemic has changed with an increasing proportion of newly diagnosed infections among those born outside Australia observed in the last five years. Thus, the current prevention efforts are not enough to achieve the UNAIDS targets and virtual elimination across all population groups. We believe both are possible by including molecular epidemiology in the public health response. Molecular epidemiology methods have been crucial in the field of HIV prevention, particularly in demonstrating the efficacy of treatment as prevention. Cluster detection using molecular epidemiology can provide opportunities for the real-time detection of new outbreaks before they grow, and cluster detection programs are now part of the public health response in the USA and Canada. Here, we review what molecular epidemiology has taught us about HIV evolution and spread. We summarize how we can use this knowledge to improve public health measures by presenting case studies from the USA and Canada. We discuss the successes and challenges of current public health programs in Australia, and how we could use cluster detection as an add-on to identify gaps in current prevention measures easier and respond quicker to growing clusters. Lastly, we raise important ethical and legal challenges that need to be addressed when HIV genotypic data is used in combination with personal data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billal M Obeng
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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12
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Breen RW, Parmley LE, Mapingure MP, Chingombe I, Mugurungi O, Musuka G, Hakim AJ, Rogers JH, Moyo B, Samba C, Miller SS, Lamb MR, Harris TG. Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) and HIV-HBV coinfection among men who have sex with men, transgender women, and genderqueer individuals in Harare and Bulawayo Zimbabwe, 2019. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25790. [PMID: 38352793 PMCID: PMC10862682 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To measure HIV and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence and associated risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women/genderqueer individuals (TGW/GQ) in Zimbabwe. Methods We conducted a biobehavioral survey using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) among adult MSM and TGW/GQ in Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in 2019. Participants completed a questionnaire and underwent testing for HIV and HBV. Results Overall, 1,510 (Harare: 694, Bulawayo 816) participants were enrolled and consented to testing; 3.8 % (58) tested positive for HBV, 22.5 % (339) tested positive for HIV, and 2.2 % (33) tested positive for both HIV and HBV. HBV prevalence was higher among participants with HIV compared to HIV-negative participants (9.7 % vs. 2.1 %, p < 0.0001). Overall, HBV prevalence was not statistically different between MSM and TGW/GQ (3.7 % vs 4.5 %, p = 0.49) nor between Harare and Bulawayo (3.3 % vs 4.3 %, p = 0.33). Conclusions Our survey demonstrates the prevalence of HBV among MSM and TGW/GQ is lower than other estimates of HBV among MSM in Africa but remains high among our survey population living with HIV highlighting the need to expand HBV testing and treatment services, especially among people with HIV in Zimbabwe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin W.B. Breen
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Owen Mugurungi
- Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Avi J. Hakim
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Global Health Center, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John H. Rogers
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Global Health Center, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Brian Moyo
- Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - Matthew R. Lamb
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tiffany G. Harris
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Dada D, Abu-Ba'are GR, Turner D, Mashoud IW, Owusu-Dampare F, Apreku A, Ni Z, Djiadeu P, Aidoo-Frimpong G, Zigah EY, Nyhan K, Nyblade L, Nelson LE. Scoping review of HIV-related intersectional stigma among sexual and gender minorities in sub-Saharan Africa. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078794. [PMID: 38346887 PMCID: PMC10862343 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are disproportionately impacted by HIV and often face multiple HIV-related stigmas. Addressing these stigmas could reduce SGM HIV vulnerability but little is known about how the stigmas operate and intersect. Intersectional stigma offers a lens for understanding the experiences of stigmatised populations and refers to the synergistic negative health effects of various systems of oppression on individuals with multiple stigmatised identities, behaviours or conditions. This review aims to (1) assess how often and in what ways an intersectional lens is applied in HIV-related stigma research on SGM populations in SSA and (2) understand how intersectional stigma impacts HIV risk in these populations. DESIGN Scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews. DATA SOURCES Public health and regional databases were searched in 2020 and 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Articles in French and English on HIV-related stigma and HIV outcomes among men who have sex with men, women who have sex with women and/or transgender individuals in SSA. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Articles were screened and extracted twice and categorised by use of an intersectional approach. Study designs and stigma types were described quantitatively and findings on intersectional stigma were thematically analysed. RESULTS Of 173 articles on HIV-related stigma among SGM in SSA included in this review, 21 articles (12%) applied an intersectional lens. The most common intersectional stigmas investigated were HIV and same-sex attraction/behaviour stigma and HIV, same-sex attraction/behaviour and gender non-conformity stigma. Intersectional stigma drivers, facilitators and manifestations were identified across individual, interpersonal, institutional and societal socioecological levels. Intersectional stigma impacts HIV vulnerability by reducing HIV prevention and treatment service uptake, worsening mental health and increasing exposure to HIV risk factors. CONCLUSION Intersectional approaches are gaining traction in stigma research among SGM in SSA. Future research should prioritise quantitative and mixed methods investigations, diverse populations and intervention evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Dada
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- St Michael's Hospital Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gamji R Abu-Ba'are
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhao Ni
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Pascal Djiadeu
- St Michael's Hospital Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Toronto Dalla Lana, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gloria Aidoo-Frimpong
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Edem Yaw Zigah
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Kate Nyhan
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Laura Nyblade
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - LaRon E Nelson
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- St Michael's Hospital Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kalu N, Ross MW, Taegtmeyer M, Lamontagne E, Howell S, Neuman M. Association of same-sex criminalisation laws and national HIV policies with HIV testing in African MSM: an ecological single-level and multilevel cross-sectional study of sub-Saharan African countries. Sex Transm Infect 2024; 100:sextrans-2023-055964. [PMID: 38331571 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-055964] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains high compared with the general population. Many countries in the region still criminalise consensual homosexual relationships, and some are yet to adopt WHO-recommended interventions for MSM into national HIV policies. This study examines how HIV testing of adult MSM in SSA varies according to the legal climate and presence of targeted HIV policy using data from the cross-sectional 2019 Global LGBTI Internet Survey study. METHODS Using data from 3191 MSM in 44 SSA countries, we assessed associations of legal climate and HIV policy with ever and recent HIV testing using linear ecological and logistic multilevel analyses. From the single-level analysis, we can compare our findings to previously reported data, then, extending to a two-level multilevel analysis, we account for the hierarchical structure of the population and simultaneously adjust for differences in context and composition in each country. We then test the sensitivity of our analyses to excluding countries from the model. RESULTS We find evidence that legalised same-sex relationships were associated with increased odds of ever testing (OR=2.00, 95% CI 1.04, 3.82) in multilevel analyses. We also find evidence of an association of targeted HIV policies with increased odds of ever testing (OR=2.49, 95% CI 1.12, 5.52). We did not find evidence of an association of the legal climate (OR=1.01, 95% CI 0.69, 1.46) and targeted HIV policies (OR=1.26, 95% CI 0.78, 2.04) with recent testing. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests elimination of discriminatory laws and policies might be important for increasing HIV status awareness of MSM, an important first step in epidemic control. Additionally, we highlight heterogeneity between South Africa and other SSA countries, which has implications for studying SSA countries as a homogeneous group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngozi Kalu
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Michael W Ross
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Miriam Taegtmeyer
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Sean Howell
- LGBT+ Foundation, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Melissa Neuman
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group and Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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15
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Chen S, Zhu YY, Chu ZX, Zhou H, Liu M, Jiang YJ, Hu QH. Trajectories of anxiety and depression among Chinese men who have sex with men on pre-exposure prophylaxis: a group-based trajectory model approach. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:365. [PMID: 38310254 PMCID: PMC10837939 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17854-x] [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] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression can influence adherence to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). However, there is limited research on the temporal dynamics of anxiety and depression among men who have sex with men (MSM) using PrEP. METHODS From December 2018 to November 2020, we administered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to participants in the China Real-World Oral Intake of PrEP (CROPrEP) to measure their anxiety and depression levels. The group-based trajectory model (GBTM) depicted the dynamic changes of anxiety and depression scores over time. RESULTS A total of 1023 MSM were included, with 4523 follow-up assessments. The GBTM categorized the trajectories into three distinct patterns: consistently low (54.8% for anxiety, 60.7% for depression), consistently moderate (39.3% for anxiety, 31.4% for depression), and high but bell-shaped (5.9% for anxiety, 7.9% for depression). Higher anxiety levels were associated with being aged 18-30 years old, earning less than US$619 per month, female-identifying, adopting the bottom sexual role with men, and having two or more anal sex partners in the past three months; similarly, higher depression levels correlated with a monthly income under US$619, female-identifying, sexual behavior as bottom and a positive syphilis at baseline. PrEP adherence was notably lower in the high but bell-shaped anxiety and depression group compared to the other groups, particularly at the 12th-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Close monitoring of anxiety and depression levels in MSM on PrEP is crucial. Provision of targeted mental health support is essential to enhance PrEP effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Xing Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miao Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Jun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Hai Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China.
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16
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Anderle RV, de Oliveira RB, Rubio FA, Macinko J, Dourado I, Rasella D. Modelling HIV/AIDS epidemiological complexity: A scoping review of Agent-Based Models and their application. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297247. [PMID: 38306355 PMCID: PMC10836677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, despite the increasing poverty and inequalities, policies should be designed to deal with population heterogeneity and environmental changes. Bottom-up designs, such as the Agent-Based Model (ABM), can model these features, dealing with such complexity. HIV/AIDS has a complex dynamic of structural factors, risk behaviors, biomedical characteristics and interventions. All embedded in unequal, stigmatized and heterogeneous social structure. To understand how ABMs can model this complexity, we performed a scoping review of HIV applications, highlighting their potentialities. METHODS We searched on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus repositories following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. Our inclusion criteria were HIV/AIDS studies with an ABM application. We identified the main articles using a local co-citation analysis and categorized the overall literature aims, (sub)populations, regions, and if the papers declared the use of ODD protocol and limitations. RESULTS We found 154 articles. We identified eleven main papers, and discussed them using the overall category results. Most studies model Transmission Dynamics (37/154), about Men who have sex with Men (MSM) (41/154), or individuals living in the US or South Africa (84/154). Recent studies applied ABM to model PrEP interventions (17/154) and Racial Disparities (12/154). Only six papers declared the use of ODD Protocol (6/154), and 34/154 didn't mention the study limitations. CONCLUSIONS While ABM is among the most sophisticated techniques available to model HIV/AIDS complexity. Their applications are still restricted to some realities. However, researchers are challenged to think about social structure due model characteristics, the inclusion of these features is still restricted to case-specific. Data and computational power availability can enhance this feature providing insightful results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Felipe Alves Rubio
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - James Macinko
- Departments of Health Policy and Management and Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ines Dourado
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Davide Rasella
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Fiorentino M, Coulibaly B, Couderc C, Keita BD, Anoma C, Dah E, Mensah E, Aka TN, Touré JR, Camara D, Kokouba AR, Maradan G, Mora M, Bourrelly M, Riegel L, Rojas-Castro D, Spire B, Laurent C, Sagaon-Teyssier L. Men Who Have Sex with Both Men and Women in West Africa: Factors Associated with a High Behavioral Risk of Acquiring HIV from Male Partners and Transmission to Women (CohMSM ANRS 12324-Expertise France). ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:757-769. [PMID: 37973698 PMCID: PMC10844348 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02715-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
HIV is highly prevalent in men who have sex with men (MSM) in West Africa. Many MSM in the region also have sex with women (MSMW). Accordingly, they are a potential bridge subpopulation for HIV transmission to women. We aimed to evaluate the proportions and characteristics of West African MSMW at high behavioral risk of acquiring HIV from male partners and transmitting it to female partners (HBRMF). The cohort ANRS-12324 CohMSM Study included 630 HIV-negative MSM in Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. Among MSMW (i.e., with ≥ 1 female partner) in the cohort, HBRMF was identified using trajectory models based on seven at-risk sexual practices with male and female partners, including inconsistent condom use, multiple partnerships, and receptive same-sex anal intercourse. To assess the relevance of using trajectory models, we compared the proportions of participants who seroconverted during the cohort follow-up among those at HBRMF and those not at HBRMF. Factors associated with HBRMF were identified using a generalized estimation equation logistic regression model accounting for longitudinal data. Approximately half (47%) of the 304 MSMW (22% of all CohMSM study participants) were at HBRMF. This group accounted for 75% of the 28 HIV seroconversions observed during follow-up (p = 0.001). HBRMF was positively associated with being aged < 25 years (aOR 95% CI 1.67 [1.23-2.27]), being sexually attracted only to men (1.97 [1.38-2.78]), feelings of loneliness (1.92 [1.38-2.65]), and homonegative violence score (1.22 [1.05-1.41]). HBRMF was negatively associated with having had both stable and casual female partners in the previous 6 months (0.34 [0.20-0.60] vs. only a stable female partner). HBRMF tended to be negatively associated with having ≥ 4 sexual intercourses with female partners in the previous four weeks (0.54 [0.27-1.06] vs. no intercourse). Establishing official relationships with women might be a strategy for young and/or stigmatized MSMW to comply with social pressure to display a heterosexual lifestyle. However, this seems to increase the risk of HIV transmission to female partners. In the present study, almost half of MSMW were at HBRMF. This result stresses the need to adapt HIV research and prevention to MSMW and their female partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Fiorentino
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France.
| | - Bakary Coulibaly
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Centre Intégré de Recherche, de Soins et d'Action Communautaire, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Bintou Dembélé Keita
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Centre Intégré de Recherche, de Soins et d'Action Communautaire, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | - Drissa Camara
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Centre Intégré de Recherche, de Soins et d'Action Communautaire, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Gwenaëlle Maradan
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
- Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Mora
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
| | - Michel Bourrelly
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
| | - Lucas Riegel
- Coalition PLUS, Laboratoire de recherche communautaire, Pantin, France
| | - Daniela Rojas-Castro
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
- Coalition PLUS, Laboratoire de recherche communautaire, Pantin, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
| | | | - Luis Sagaon-Teyssier
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Centre Intégré de Recherche, de Soins et d'Action Communautaire, Bamako, Mali
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Avallone F, Engler K, Cox J, Hickson F, Lebouché B. Interventions, Barriers, and Facilitators to Address the Sexual Problems of Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Living with HIV: A Rapid Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:450-472. [PMID: 38296920 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04237-3] [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: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Sexual problems are common among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) after diagnosis with HIV. However, these are often overlooked in care and research, where sexual risk reduction and biomedical aspects of sexual health tend to dominate. We conducted a rapid scoping review to investigate which sexual problems of GBM living with HIV are addressed by interventions, and the barriers and facilitators to their implementation. Literature from high-income countries published in English since 2010 was reviewed. Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and Scopus databases were searched on July 4, 2022. Targeted sexual problems were categorized according to the ten dimensions of Robinson's Sexual Health Model, and barriers and facilitators, according to the five domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interventions focused solely on the dimension of Sexual Health Care/Safer Sex were excluded. Relevant information was extracted from the qualifying documents with NVivo 12 software for content analysis. Fifty-two documents were included, referring to 37 interventions which mainly took place in the United States (n = 29/37; 78%), were group-based (n = 16; 41%), and used counselling techniques (n = 23; 62%; e.g., motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy). Their settings were mostly primary care (n = 15; 40%) or community-based (n = 16; 43%). On average, interventions addressed three sexual health dimensions (SD = 2; range: 1-10). The most targeted dimension was Sexual Health Care/Safer Sex (n = 26; 70%), which concerned sexual risk reduction. Next, Challenges (n = 23; 62%), included substance use (n = 7; 19%), sexual compulsivity (n = 6; 16%), sexual abuse (n = 6; 16%), and intimate partner violence (n = 4; 11%). Third was Talking About Sex (n = 22; 59%) which mostly concerned HIV disclosure. About a third of interventions addressed Culture/Sexual identity (n = 14; 38%), Intimacy/Relationships (n = 12; 33%), and Positive sexuality (n = 11; 30%). Finally, few targeted Body Image (n = 4; 11%), Spirituality (n = 3; 8%), Sexual Anatomy Functioning (n = 2; 5%) or Masturbation/Fantasy (n = 1; 3%). Forty-one documents (79%) mentioned implementation barriers or facilitators, particularly about the characteristics of the interventions (41% and 78%, respectively; e.g., cost, excessive duration, acceptability, feasibility) and of the individuals involved (37% and 46%; e.g., perceived stigmatization, provider expertise). The other three CFIR dimensions were less common (5%-17%). The search strategy of this review may not have captured all eligible documents, due to its limit to English-language publications. Overall, most interventions incorporated a focus on Sexual Health Care/Safer Sex, at the expenses of other prevalent sexual problems among GBM living with HIV, such as intimate partner violence (Challenges), erectile dysfunction (Sexual Anatomy Functioning), and Body Image dissatisfaction. These findings suggest they could receive more attention within clinical care and at the community level. They also highlight the importance of cost-effective and acceptable interventions conducted in non-stigmatizing environments, where patients' needs can be met by providers who are adequately trained on sexuality-related topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Avallone
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kim Engler
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ford Hickson
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Gautam K, Paudel K, Ahmed A, Dhakal M, Wickersham JA, Poudel KC, Pagoto S, Acharya B, Deuba K, Valente PK, Shrestha R. High Interest in the Use of mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nepal. J Community Health 2024:10.1007/s10900-024-01324-x. [PMID: 38281283 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-024-01324-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Mobile technology growth in Nepal offers promising opportunities for using mobile health (mHealth) interventions to facilitate HIV prevention efforts. However, little is known about access and utilization of communication technology and their willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention services in Nepal. We conducted a cross-sectional respondent-driven sampling survey of 250 MSM in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal from October to December 2022. We collected information on participant characteristics, HIV risk-related behaviors, ownership, or access to and frequency of use of communication technology (phones, tablets, laptops, and computers), and willingness to use mHealth to access HIV prevention services. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. Almost all participants had smartphones with the internet (231/250, 92.4%) and accessed the internet daily (219/250, 87.6%) on the smartphone (236/250, 94.4%). The median score for willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention was 10 (IQR: 3 to 17). Willingness to use mHealth was higher among those participants with a high school or above education (β = 0.223, p = < 0.001), had experienced violence (β = 0.231, p = 0.006), and had moderate to severe depressive symptoms (β = 0.223, p = < 0.001). However, monthly income above NPR 20,000 (USD 150) (β= -0.153, p = 0.008), disclosure of their sexual orientation to anyone (β= -0.159, p = < 0.007), and worry about being negatively judged by health care workers (β= -0.136, p = 0.023) were less willing to use mHealth strategies. The findings from this study suggest that there is a high willingness for utilizing mHealth interventions for HIV prevention in MSM population who are at higher risk of HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Gautam
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Kiran Paudel
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Nepal Health Frontiers, Tokha-5, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Ali Ahmed
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Manisha Dhakal
- Blue Diamond Society, Dhumbarahi Marg, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Krishna C Poudel
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- Institute for Global Health, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Sherry Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Bibhav Acharya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, School of Medicine, 675 18th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
- Possible, a non-profit organization, Bhim Plaza, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Keshab Deuba
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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20
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Zheng Y, Ye K, Ying M, He Y, Yu Q, Lan L, Xu W. Syphilis epidemic among men who have sex with men: A global systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, incidence, and associated factors. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04004. [PMID: 38236688 PMCID: PMC10795860 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of syphilis at global, regional and national levels for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) and explore the association between demographic and social behavioural factors and syphilis infection. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2022 for studies of reported crude syphilis prevalence or incidence in MSM or with sufficient data to calculate prevalence or incidence rate in MSM. Results We included 376 articles reporting on 409 records from 62 countries to calculate syphilis prevalence and incidence in MSM. The pooled prevalence of syphilis in MSM was 10.4%, with substantial differences between countries and regions. Syphilis prevalence was substantially higher in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative MSM. The pooled incidence of syphilis in MSM was 76.4 per 1000 person-years. Older age, lower education, nitrite or recreational drug use, group sex, and multiple sexual partners were identified as risk factors for syphilis infection. Conclusions A disproportionate geographic pattern of syphilis infection in MSM and significant threats of syphilis infection were revealed. The 'hidden risk' in specific regions and the inadequately elucidated drivers of high-risk behaviours, need to be fully acknowledged and addressed. Registration PROSPERO: CRD42023422218.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Allergy, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kangli Ye
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meike Ying
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying He
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Yu
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Lan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenzhi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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21
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Pang X, Xie B, He Q, Xie X, Huang J, Tang K, Fang N, Xie H, Ma J, Ge X, Lan G, Liang S. Distinct Rates and Transmission Patterns of Major HIV-1 Subtypes among Men who Have Sex with Men in Guangxi, China. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1339240. [PMID: 38282731 PMCID: PMC10822680 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1339240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The diversity and transmission patterns of major HIV-1 subtypes among MSM population in Guangxi remains unknown. Understanding the characteristics is crucial for effective intervention strategies. Between 2016 and 2021, we recruited individuals newly diagnosed with HIV-1 from MSM population in Guangxi. HIV-1 pol region was amplified and sequenced, and constructed molecular network, assessed clustering rate, cluster growth rate, spatial clustering, and calculating the basic reproductive number (R0) based on sequences data. We identified 16 prevalent HIV-1 subtypes among Guangxi MSM, with CRF07_BC (53.1%), CRF01_AE (26.23%), and CRF55_01B (12.96%) predominating. In the network, 618 individuals (66.17%) formed 59 clusters. Factors contributing to clustering included age < 30 years (AOR = 1.35), unmarried status (AOR = 1.67), CRF07_BC subtype (AOR = 3.21), and high viral load (AOR = 1.43). CRF07_BC had a higher likelihood of forming larger clusters and having higher degree than CRF01_AE and CRF55_01B. Notably, CRF07_BC has higher cluster growth rate and higher basic reproductive number than CRF01_AE and CRF55_01B. Our findings underscore CRF07_BC as a prominent driver of HIV-1 spread among Guangxi's MSM population, highlighting the viability of targeted interventions directed at specific subtypes and super clusters to control HIV-1 transmission within this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwu Pang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention Control and Translation, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Bo Xie
- School of Information and Management, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qin He
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention Control and Translation, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xing Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinghua Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention Control and Translation, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Kailing Tang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention Control and Translation, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ningye Fang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention Control and Translation, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Haoming Xie
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention Control and Translation, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention Control and Translation, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xianmin Ge
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention Control and Translation, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guanghua Lan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention Control and Translation, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shujia Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention Control and Translation, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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22
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Abu-Ba'are GR, Aidoo-Frimpong G, Stockton M, Zigah EY, Amuah S, Amu-Adu P, Amoh-Otoo RP, Nyblade L, Torpey K, Nelson LE. "I told myself, be bold and go and test": Motivators and barriers to HIV testing among gay, bisexual, and other cis-gender men who have sex with men in Ghana ‒ West Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002231. [PMID: 38206889 PMCID: PMC10783711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite a disproportionately high burden of HIV, GBMSM in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa often delay testing until the point of illness. However, limited studies examine factors that affect their participation in testing. We used qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect insights into experiences, motivators, and barriers to HIV testing among GBMSM. Two community-based organizations used snowball and convenience sampling to recruit 10 GBMSM for IDIs and 8 to 12 for FGDs. We transcribed, coded, identified, and analyzed the relationship and commonalities between the participants' responses. Under experiences with testing, 1) fear of HIV infection created a stressful HIV testing experience, and 2) a friendly and supportive healthcare environment facilitated a positive experience in healthcare facilities. Motivators or facilitators of testing include 1) the perception or belief that HIV testing is an HIV prevention strategy; 2) encouragement from friends and peers; 3) understanding risk associated with certain sexual behaviors; 4) education or information on HIV; 5) access to free testing and incentives; 6) early symptoms and provider recommendation. Barriers to HIV testing include 1) negative community perceptions of HIV; 2) individual-level low-risk perception or indifference about HIV infection; 3) health system issues; 5) Perceived stigma at healthcare facilities. The findings point to the need to address critical issues around stigma, education, peer support, and healthcare resources through interventions and research to improve HIV testing among GBMSM in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba'are
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Yale AIDS Prevention Program (Y-APT), Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health/Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, West Africa Site, Jama'a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gloria Aidoo-Frimpong
- Yale AIDS Prevention Program (Y-APT), Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health/Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Melissa Stockton
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Edem Yaw Zigah
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, West Africa Site, Jama'a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Priorities on Rights and Sexual Health, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Amuah
- Youth Alliance for Health and Human Rights, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Laura Nyblade
- RTI International, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Kwasi Torpey
- Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - LaRon E Nelson
- Yale AIDS Prevention Program (Y-APT), Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health/Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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23
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Mulenga DM, Rosen JG, Banda L, Musheke M, Mbizvo MT, Raymond HF, Keating R, Witola H, Phiri L, Geibel S, Tun W, Pilgrim N. "I Have to Do It in Secrecy": Provider Perspectives on HIV Service Delivery and Quality of Care for Key Populations in Zambia. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2024; 35:27-39. [PMID: 38019138 PMCID: PMC10842367 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000443] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Key populations (KPs) experience suboptimal outcomes along the HIV care and prevention continua, but there is limited study of the challenges service providers encounter delivering HIV services to KPs, particularly in settings like Zambia, where provision of these services remains legally ambiguous. Seventy-seven providers completed in-depth interviews exploring constraints to HIV service delivery for KPs and recommendations for improving access and care quality. Thematic analysis identified salient challenges and opportunities to service delivery and quality of care for KPs, spanning interpersonal, institutional, and structural domains. Limited provider training in KP-specific needs was perceived to influence KP disclosure patterns in clinical settings, impeding service quality. The criminalization of KP sexual and drug use behaviors, coupled with perceived institutional and legal ambiguities to providing HIV services to KPs, cultivated unwelcoming service delivery environments for KPs. Findings elucidate opportunities for improving HIV service delivery/quality, from decentralized care to expanded legal protections for KPs and service providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph G. Rosen
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Henry F. Raymond
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ryan Keating
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Harold Witola
- National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council, Ministry of Health, Government of the Republic of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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24
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Çeker G. Associations of Incarceration With Subsequent Substance Use, Sexual Risk-Taking, and STI/HIV Incidence Among Black Sexual Minority Men and Black Transgender Women. Am J Mens Health 2024; 18:15579883241229003. [PMID: 38299337 PMCID: PMC10836135 DOI: 10.1177/15579883241229003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gökhan Çeker
- Department of Urology, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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25
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Yang L, Sun Z. Are All Gay Men at Risk of Developing HIV/AIDS? Why China's Mass HIV Testing Has Majorly Targeted Gay Men in the Era of Biomedicalization. Am J Mens Health 2024; 18:15579883241230165. [PMID: 38321807 PMCID: PMC10851740 DOI: 10.1177/15579883241230165] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Global HIV/AIDS responses have been increasingly biomedically dominated over the past years. In line with this shifting paradigm, China has prioritized mass HIV testing as a practical approach to controlling its HIV/AIDS epidemics among at-risk populations, especially gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). This study analyzed why China's mass HIV testing mainly targeted gay men by understanding the perspectives of public health professionals, community-based organization (CBO) workers, and gay men. In addition, this study revealed the tensions and unintended consequences of HIV/AIDS prevention and the representation of gay men in China. The study involved fieldwork conducted in a major city in Eastern China from 2015 to 2019. Semi-structured interviews were held with participants from the three abovementioned groups (N = 25). The study identified four processes concerning why gay men are mainly targeted for HIV testing. Some public health professionals believe that being a gay man is equivalent to having HIV/AIDS risks. In addition, this study particularly noted tensions between public health professionals and gay men, including gay men-identified CBO workers, over whether mass HIV testing should target gay men or anyone who engaged in sexual risk behaviors. This study argued that a particular focus on gay men due to pursuing biomedical advances in HIV/AIDS prevention seems to have unintendedly stereotyped gay men based on the presumptions that they are at risk of developing HIV/AIDS. In addition, this study corresponded to the broader social scientific discussion concerning whether HIV/AIDS intervention should target specific sexual risk practices or sexual identity/population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- School of Public Administration, Beihang University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhipeng Sun
- Shanghai Technician School; Higher Vocational and Technical College, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, P.R. China
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26
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Wang Z, Yang L, Yuan T, Huang R, Li P, Zhang K, Wang G, Zhou Y, Luo D, Meng X, Zou H. Awareness and uptake of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in China: a cross-sectional study. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2024; 29:223-235. [PMID: 36124362 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2125993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is recommended to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection after potential exposure. However, little is known about this practice among Chinese gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). GBM were enrolled from both centers for disease prevention and control (CDCs) and community health centers in six cities in China. Multivariable logistics regression was used to assess factors associated with awareness of and willingness to use nPEP. A total of 516 eligible GBM were included, 67.2% of whom were aware of nPEP, 76.0% were willing to use nPEP, and 2.3% had ever used nPEP. GBM who had college or higher education, had disclosed sexual orientation, had increased number of male sex partners in the last 6 months, and had ever tested for HIV were more likely to be aware of nPEP. Willingness to use nPEP was significantly associated with college or higher education, STI history, gay app use, and awareness of nPEP prior to study. Uptake of nPEP is still low among MSM in China. Efforts are needed to improve awareness of and access to nPEP among GBM, especially those at higher risk of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luoyao Yang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tanwei Yuan
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruonan Huang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiyang Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kechun Zhang
- Shenzhen Longhua District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guanghui Wang
- Qingdao Qingtong AIDS Prevention Volunteer Service Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Yepeng Zhou
- Foshan Friends Care Center for AIDS/HIV Control, Foshan, China
| | - Danyang Luo
- Zhitong LGBT Service Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Meng
- Wuxi Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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27
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Murray GE, Palfai TP, Kratzer MPL, Maisto SA, Simons JS. Sexual alcohol expectancies moderate the relation between alcohol use and sexual behavior among men who have sex with men. Alcohol 2023:S0741-8329(23)00345-2. [PMID: 38101524 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2023.12.005] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV transmission remains a significant health concern for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. Heavy episodic drinking (HED) is related to increased rates of condomless anal intercourse (CAI) among MSM, though evidence suggests that this association may vary by individual difference factors. The present secondary analysis tested whether sexual alcohol expectancies (SAEs) moderate the associations between frequency of HED and anal intercourse (AI) with and without a condom among moderate-to-heavy drinking HIV- MSM. METHODS Two hundred and forty-eight moderate-to-heavy drinking MSM completed self-report questionnaires including the Sexual Behavior Questionnaire, the Modified Daily Drinking Questionnaire, and the Sexual Alcohol Expectancies Questionnaire. RESULTS Negative binomial regressions indicated that SAEs moderated the association between frequency of HED and AI with a condom, but not between the frequency of HED and condomless AI (CAI). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that stronger SAEs play a role in alcohol-related sexual behavior among MSM, but do not provide evidence that SAEs are associated with increased risk for HIV transmission through CAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Murray
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, MA.
| | - Tibor P Palfai
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, MA
| | - Maya P L Kratzer
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, MA
| | | | - Jeffrey S Simons
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
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IZUCHUKWU AGUNESTOR, IFEANYI EBIRIMCHIKERE, GODSWILL EKELEMEUZOCHUKWU, WINNIE DOZIEUGONMA. Risk factors of HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2023; 64:E382-E397. [PMID: 38379745 PMCID: PMC10876029 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2023.64.4.2931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Men who have sex with men (MSM) belong to the key population group which contributes to the high burden of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) despite the ongoing HIV prevention programs in Nigeria. The current study assessed the risk factors of HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. Methods This study was a cross-sectional study of 400 men who have sex with men selected from three senatorial zones in Akwa Ibom. A statistical package for service solution version 23 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, Relative risk and Binary logistic regression were used to compare proportions between risk factors and HIV/AIDS among the MSM. Results More than half (50.5%) of the respondents were between the ages of 20-29 years. Above 66% of the respondents made their debut into MSM at the age bracket of 13-19 years. 50% of the respondents preferred unprotected sex with fellow men. About 99% of the respondents have multiple sexual partners. More than 72% of the respondents had engaged in group sex. About 64% of the respondents use tramadol before sex. Greater than half (54%) of the respondents have shared injection needles. Averagely, 97% of the respondent engaged in transactional sex in the past 3 months. 11.8% of the 400 respondents tested positive for HIV. There was a significant association between risk factors and HIV among the MSM studied. Conclusions MSM in Akwa Ibom State engage in high-risk behaviors, therefore, a risk reduction program targeted at each specific identified risk is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- AGU NESTOR IZUCHUKWU
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - EBIRIM CHIKERE IFEANYI
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - EKELEME UZOCHUKWU GODSWILL
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - DOZIE UGONMA WINNIE
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
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Dourado I, Mullick S, Magno L, Grangeiro A. Implementing Differentiated and Integrated PrEP Services for Adolescent Key Populations: What Works and What Is the Way Forward? J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S4-S7. [PMID: 37953007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Inês Dourado
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Laio Magno
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Grangeiro
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Soares F, Magno L, Pinto JA, Grangeiro A, Bruxvoort K, Greco D, Dourado I. Same-Day Initiation of Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is High Among Adolescent Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Brazil. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S26-S32. [PMID: 37953005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study analyzed the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of adolescent men who have sex with men (aMSM) and transgender women (aTGW) initiating oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention clinics. METHODS PrEP1519 is a prospective, multicenter, open-label PrEP demonstration cohort study of aMSM and aTGW aged 15-19 years living in three large Brazilian capital cities. For this analysis, we included adolescents who enrolled in PrEP1519 from February 2019 to August 2021. Adolescents who visited PrEP clinics were classified into four groups based on PrEP eligibility and on their decision to use PrEP: (1) ineligible for same-day PrEP initiation; (2) eligible for same-day PrEP initiation, initiated PrEP at first visit; (3) eligible for PrEP initiation, initiated PrEP after the first visit; and (4) eligible for same-day PrEP initiation but declined. The groups that were eligible for same-day PrEP initiation were compared using the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS Of the 1,254 adolescents enrolled in the PrEP1519 study, 61 (4.9%) were considered ineligible for same-day PrEP initiation. Of the 1,193 eligible for same-day PrEP initiation, 1,113 (93.3%) initiated PrEP [1,054 initiated PrEP in the first visit (88.3%) and 59 in subsequent visits (4.9%)] and 80 (6.7%) did not. Despite 90% of the PrEP decliners reporting a low risk of HIV infection, most reported condomless anal sex in the past six months (70%). DISCUSSION Same-day PrEP initiation among aMSM and aTGW was high, highlighting that this strategy was important to promote PrEP initiation among adolescents with increased vulnerability to HIV in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiane Soares
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Laio Magno
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Jony Arrais Pinto
- Instituto de Matemática e Estatística, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Grangeiro
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katia Bruxvoort
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Dirceu Greco
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Inês Dourado
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Jing F, Ye Y, Zhou Y, Ni Y, Yan X, Lu Y, Ong J, Tucker JD, Wu D, Xiong Y, Xu C, He X, Huang S, Li X, Jiang H, Wang C, Dai W, Huang L, Mei W, Cheng W, Zhang Q, Tang W. Identification of Key Influencers for Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Testing Kits Among Chinese Men Who Have Sex With Men: Development of an Ensemble Machine Learning Approach. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e37719. [PMID: 37995110 PMCID: PMC10704319 DOI: 10.2196/37719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been rapidly scaled up and additional strategies further expand testing uptake. Secondary distribution involves people (defined as "indexes") applying for multiple kits and subsequently sharing them with people (defined as "alters") in their social networks. However, identifying key influencers is difficult. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop an innovative ensemble machine learning approach to identify key influencers among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) for secondary distribution of HIVST kits. METHODS We defined three types of key influencers: (1) key distributors who can distribute more kits, (2) key promoters who can contribute to finding first-time testing alters, and (3) key detectors who can help to find positive alters. Four machine learning models (logistic regression, support vector machine, decision tree, and random forest) were trained to identify key influencers. An ensemble learning algorithm was adopted to combine these 4 models. For comparison with our machine learning models, self-evaluated leadership scales were used as the human identification approach. Four metrics for performance evaluation, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, were used to evaluate the machine learning models and the human identification approach. Simulation experiments were carried out to validate our approach. RESULTS We included 309 indexes (our sample size) who were eligible and applied for multiple test kits; they distributed these kits to 269 alters. We compared the performance of the machine learning classification and ensemble learning models with that of the human identification approach based on leadership self-evaluated scales in terms of the 2 nearest cutoffs. Our approach outperformed human identification (based on the cutoff of the self-reported scales), exceeding by an average accuracy of 11.0%, could distribute 18.2% (95% CI 9.9%-26.5%) more kits, and find 13.6% (95% CI 1.9%-25.3%) more first-time testing alters and 12.0% (95% CI -14.7% to 38.7%) more positive-testing alters. Our approach could also increase the simulated intervention's efficiency by 17.7% (95% CI -3.5% to 38.8%) compared to that of human identification. CONCLUSIONS We built machine learning models to identify key influencers among Chinese MSM who were more likely to engage in secondary distribution of HIVST kits. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR1900025433; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=42001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengshi Jing
- Institute for Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Application, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Faculty of Data Science, City University of Macau, Macao Special Administrative Region, China
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yang Ye
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of HIV Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yuxin Ni
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xumeng Yan
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ying Lu
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jason Ong
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Dan Wu
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Xiong
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Chen Xu
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi He
- Zhuhai Xutong Voluntary Services Center, Zhuhai, China
| | - Shanzi Huang
- Department of HIV Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of HIV Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Hongbo Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wencan Dai
- Department of HIV Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Liqun Huang
- Department of HIV Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wenhua Mei
- Department of HIV Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Weibin Cheng
- Institute for Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Application, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Qingpeng Zhang
- Institute of Data Science and Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- Institute for Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Application, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Guimarães NS, Magno L, Monteiro GMB, Ramos ICN, de Castro CT, Aranha-Rossi TR, Pereira M, Dourado I. Demand creation and retention strategies for oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men and transgender women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:793. [PMID: 37964202 PMCID: PMC10644426 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08693-z] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) have a disproportionately higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection than other groups. Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention tool and should be offered to those at higher risk. Identifying demand creation strategies (DCS) and retention strategies (RS) to improve PrEP persistence is essential to control the HIV epidemic. AIM We aimed to identify the (DCS and RS with higher proportions among MSM and TGW. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies were conducted, with studies retrieved from five databases until November, 2022 following the Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022323220). The outcomes were DCS and RS for PrEP use among MSM and TGW. Strategies used for users enrolled in the PrEP-recruited (DCS) were classified as face-to-face (peer educator recruitment at social venues, nongovernmental organizations, and parties; direct referrals by health services; friends and/or sexual partners); online (chatbot or peer educator recruitment on social media [e.g., , Instagram or Facebook] or dating/hook-up apps [e.g., Grindr, Tinder, Badoo, and Scruff]); and mixed (face-to-face and online). RS was classified as provider counseling (face-to-face by a health professional; prevention of HIV risk counseling, distribution of condoms, lubricants, and testing for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections); online counseling (text messages, chatbots, telephone calls, social media, and peer educators); and mixed (all previous strategies). Subgroup analyses were conducted for each treatment strategy. Meta-analyses were performed using the R software version 4.2.1. RESULTS A total of 1, 129 studies were retrieved from the five databases. After eligibility, 46 studies were included. For MSM, most DCS and RS were online at 91% (95% CI: 0.85-0.97; I2=53%), and 83% (95% CI: 0.80-0.85; I2=17%) respectively. For TGW, mixed DCS and RS were the most frequent at85% (95% CI: 0.60-1.00; I2=91%) and online counseling at 84% (95% CI: 0.64-0.95) compared to other strategies. CONCLUSION Critical issues play. Pivotal role in increasing PrEP awareness among MSM and TGW, minimizing access gaps, and ensuring retention of PrEP services. Offering oral PrEP using online DCS and RS can reach and retain high numbers of MSM and TGW, and reduce HIV incidence in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Sernizon Guimarães
- Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, R. Basílio da Gama, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-040, Brazil.
- Fundação de apoio à Fiocruz (FIOTEC) Scholarship, Avenida, Brazil.
- Departamento Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Laio Magno
- Life Sciences Departament, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Marinho Bahia Monteiro
- Fundação de apoio à Fiocruz (FIOTEC) Scholarship, Avenida, Brazil
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Izabel Cristina Neves Ramos
- Fundação de apoio à Fiocruz (FIOTEC) Scholarship, Avenida, Brazil
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Caroline Tianeze de Castro
- Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, R. Basílio da Gama, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-040, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Pereira
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Inês Dourado
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Ranjit YS, Krishnan A, Earnshaw VA, Weikum D, Ferro EG, Sanchez J, Altice FL. Psychometric Evaluation and Validation of the HIV Stigma Scale in Spanish among Men who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women. STIGMA AND HEALTH 2023; 8:437-444. [PMID: 38434589 PMCID: PMC10906740 DOI: 10.1037/sah0000302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Stigma and discrimination toward the LGBTQ community is pervasive and negatively impacts health. Validated measures of stigma in Spanish, however, are limited and none have specifically validated HIV-related stigma in Spanish-speaking men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in resource-limited settings. The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of a standardized HIV Stigma Scale, translated to Spanish, including its factor structure. Measures consisted of self-reported socio-demographic measures of age, sex, sexual orientation, education, employment status, income, living situation, HIV stigma, depressive symptoms, and social support. Using SPSS AMOS 24, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the 10-item Wright HIV Stigma Scale translated to Spanish was conducted in 359 MSM and TGW with HIV recruited from HIV clinics in Lima, Peru. The path model with three sub-scales: enacted, anticipated and internalized stigma, with eight items had an adequate fit to the data. The Spanish version (HIV Stigma Scale-ES) and its dimensions are similar to the ones validated in English for people with HIV (not MSM). Each construct was deemed to be reliable and showed good construct validity. Given the need to better understand and measure stigma in Spanish-speaking MSM, the HIV Stigma Scale-ES can be a useful tool to examine stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Archana Krishnan
- Department of Communication, University at Albany, State University of New York
| | | | - Damian Weikum
- AIDS Program, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Enrico G. Ferro
- AIDS Program, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Jorge Sanchez
- Centro de Investigaciones Tecnologicas, Biomedicas y Medioambientales, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
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Luz I, Vinhaes E, Cruz I, Travassos AG, Luz E, Netto EM, Brites C. High Prevalence of Anal Sexually Transmitted Infections among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women Attending a Clinic for Prevention of Anal Cancer in Salvador, Brazil. Pathogens 2023; 12:1297. [PMID: 38003762 PMCID: PMC10675476 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111297] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) are highly vulnerable to anal sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Objectives-to evaluate the prevalence of anal STIs among MSM and TGW attending a referral clinic for anal cancer prevention. Methods-MSM and TGW attending a medical visit for high-resolution anoscopy in Salvador, Brazil, from February 2021 to June 2022 were screened for HPV, gonorrhea, and chlamydial infection by PCR of anal swab and by serum VDRL titration for syphilis screening. They also responded to a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behavior. Results-we evaluated 141 participants: 117 (82.9%) MSM, 9 (6.4%) bisexual men (BSM), and 15 (10.6%) TGW. Most (111/141, 78.7%) were older than 30 years, 89 (63.1%) had over 12 years of education, and 124 (87.9%) had a family income of up to five minimum wages. At least one STI was detected in 112 (79.4%) of the participants (86.7% among TGW). HIV infection was detected in 102 (72.3%) participants; HIV frequency was higher in BSM (7/9, 88.9%) and in MSM (89/116, 76.1%) than in TGW (5/15, 33.3%). A lower income (p = 0.004) was predictive of anal STIs, while syphilis was significantly more frequent among participants with HIV (29.1% vs. 5,3%, for HIV positive and negative, respectively, p = 0.002). Presenting at least one active STI was also associated with having had group sex in the last year (p = 0.03) and with use of sexualized drugs (p = 0.02). Conclusions-MSM and TGW present a high vulnerability to anal STIs. Number of sexual partners, use of sexualized drugs, and lower income are predictive of a higher risk of acquiring an STI in such populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Luz
- Fundação Bahiana de Infectologia, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil; (I.L.); (E.V.); (E.L.); (E.M.N.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil
| | - Eda Vinhaes
- Fundação Bahiana de Infectologia, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil; (I.L.); (E.V.); (E.L.); (E.M.N.)
| | - Isabela Cruz
- Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, UFBA-EBSERH, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil;
| | | | - Estela Luz
- Fundação Bahiana de Infectologia, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil; (I.L.); (E.V.); (E.L.); (E.M.N.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Martins Netto
- Fundação Bahiana de Infectologia, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil; (I.L.); (E.V.); (E.L.); (E.M.N.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil
| | - Carlos Brites
- Fundação Bahiana de Infectologia, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil; (I.L.); (E.V.); (E.L.); (E.M.N.)
- Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, UFBA-EBSERH, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil;
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110-060, Brazil
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Li X, Liu Y, Han J, Lin K, Bai X, Lu F. Trajectories of depressive symptoms in young and middle-aged men who have sex with men with new HIV-diagnosis: a 1-year prospective cohort study in Beijing, China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1244624. [PMID: 37915822 PMCID: PMC10616961 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1244624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Due to the sexual orientation and HIV diagnosis, young and middle-aged men who have sex with men (MSM) with new HIV-diagnosis may experience more depressive syndromes and face greater psychological stress. The study explored trajectories of depressive symptoms of young and middle-aged MSM within 1 year after new HIV-diagnosis and analyze the related factors. Methods From January 2021 to March 2021, 372 young and middle-aged MSM who were newly diagnosed as HIV-infection were recruited in two hospitals in Beijing. Self-rating Depression Scale was used to measure the participants' depressive symptom in 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month and 12th month after HIV diagnosis. The latent class growth model was used to identify trajectories of the participants' depressive symptoms. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyse factors related with the trajectories. Results Three hundred and twenty-eight young and middle-aged MSM with new HIV-diagnosis completed the research. Depressive symptom in 328 young and middle-aged MSM was divided into three latent categories: non-depression group (56.4%), chronic-mild depression group (28.1%), and persistent moderate-severe depression group (15.5%). The participants assessed as non-depression (non-depression group) or mild depression (chronic-mild depression group) at the baseline were in a non-depression state or had a downward trend within one-year, and the participants assessed as moderate and severe depression (persistent moderate-severe depression group) at the time of diagnosis were in a depression state continuously within 1-year. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with the non-depression group, monthly income of 5,000 ~ 10,000 RMB (equal to 690 ~ 1,380 USD) was the risk factor for the chronic-mild depression group, and self-rating status being fair/good and self-disclosure of HIV infection were protective factors for the persistent moderate-severe depression group while HIV-related symptoms was the risk factor. Conclusion Depressive symptoms in young and middle-aged MSM is divided into three latent categories. Extra care must be given to young and middle-aged MSM assessed as moderate or severe depression at the time of HIV-diagnosis, especially to those who had poor self-rating health status, did not tell others about their HIV-infection and experienced HIV-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Han
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Keke Lin
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Bai
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengling Lu
- School of Medicine, Qingdao Huanghai University, Qingdao, China
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Brown CA, Siegler AJ, Zahn RJ, Valencia RK, Sanchez T, Kramer MR, Phaswana-Mafuya NR, Stephenson R, Bekker LG, Baral SD, Sullivan PS. Assessing the association of stigma and HIV service and prevention uptake among men who have sex with men and transgender women in South Africa. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1497-1507. [PMID: 36755403 PMCID: PMC10406969 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2175770] [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] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
HIV prevention for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender women (TGW) is critical to reducing health disparities and population HIV prevalence. To understand if different types of stigma impact engagement with HIV prevention services, we assessed associations between stigmas and use of HIV prevention services offered through an HIV prevention intervention. This analysis included 201 GBMSM and TGW enrolled in a prospective cohort offering a package of HIV prevention interventions. Participants completed a baseline survey that included four domains of sexual identity/behavior stigma, HIV-related stigma, and healthcare stigma. Impact of stigma on PrEP uptake and the number of drop-in visits was assessed. No domain of stigma was associated with PrEP uptake. In bivariate analysis, increased enacted sexual identity stigma increased number of drop-in visits. In a logistic regression analysis constrained to sexual identity stigma, enacted stigma was associated with increased drop-in visits (aIRR = 1.30, [95% CI: 1.02, 1.65]). Participants reporting higher enacted stigma were modestly more likely to attend additional services and have contact with the study clinics and staff. GBMSM and TGW with higher levels of enacted stigma may seek out sensitized care after negative experiences in their communities or other healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Brown
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
- ViiV Healthcare, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ryan J Zahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel K Valencia
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael R Kramer
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nancy Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya
- SAMRC/JJ Pan African Centre for Epidemics Research (PACER) Extramural Unit; Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Reyniers T, Fiorentino M, Babo SAY, Ouedraogo M, Kanta I, Agbegnigan LE, Rojas D, Anoma C, Dah TTE, Mensah E, Keita BD, Spire B, Vuylsteke B, Laurent C. The Perceived Added Value of Bimonthly Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis According to West African Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Focus Group Study. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:480-488. [PMID: 37862074 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0097] [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: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bimonthly long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) can become an important additional tool for HIV prevention among West African men who have sex with men (MSM). The objective was to explore the perceived added value of LAI-PrEP as an HIV prevention tool among MSM in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. We conducted eight focus group discussions among 62 HIV-negative MSM between April and May 2021. Participants were recruited via local community-based clinics. Data collection and analysis were guided by grounded theory and community-based participatory approaches. Participants were generally knowledgeable about HIV, and explained particular barriers for HIV prevention in their communities (e.g., denial of HIV). The added value of LAI-PrEP relative to condoms was similar to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in terms of perceived advantages (e.g., improved sexual satisfaction) or disadvantages (e.g., no protection against other sexually transmitted infections). Compared with oral PrEP, LAI-PrEP was perceived to provide better protection against HIV and to be more convenient (e.g., no need to be mindful of intake and less risk for stigma). Concerns included fear of needles, doubts about efficacy, potential side effects, and difficulties for ensuring timely injections (e.g., when traveling abroad). The results demonstrate that injectable PrEP can be of particular interest to subgroups of West African MSM, although existing HIV prevention tools such as condoms and oral PrEP will remain valuable alongside of, or instead of, LAI-PrEP. Increasing awareness about HIV and tackling discrimination based on sexual orientation continue to be crucial factors to be addressed for HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Reyniers
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marion Fiorentino
- INSERM, IRD, Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniela Rojas
- INSERM, IRD, Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | | | - Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- UFR Sciences de la Santé, Université de Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Bruno Spire
- INSERM, IRD, Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christian Laurent
- TransVIHMI, Université Montpellier, IRD, Inserm, Montpellier, France
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Culquichicón C, Zapata-Castro LE, Soto-Becerra P, Silva-Santisteban A, Konda KA, Lescano AG. Contributing factors for self-reported HIV in male Peruvian inmates: results of the 2016 prison census. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1241042. [PMID: 37818296 PMCID: PMC10560882 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1241042] [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] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Worldwide, prisons are high-risk settings for the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV. There is a need to understand the health conditions of prisoners to improve and implement timely strategies for HIV diagnosis and control. Hence, we aimed to identify factors associated with self-reported HIV (srHIV) among Peruvian inmates. Methods This study is a secondary data analysis of the First Peruvian Prison Census conducted in 2016. We estimated the prevalence of srHIV in prisoners who were male at birth and the association of srHIV with other social conditions, criminal records, and prevalent health conditions. Nested models identified a multivariable parsimonious model for factors associated with srHIV and yielding prevalence ratios adjusted by the included parameters. Results The census surveyed 71,087 male inmates of whom 0.4% reported srHIV (n = 305), and 82% of whom were receiving antiretroviral treatment (n = 220). In our final multivariable model, srHIV was independently associated with age between 36 and 55 years old vs. >55 years old [parsimonious prevalence ratio (pPR) = 1.98, 95% CI, 0.96-4.08], having a stable partner out of prison (pPR = 1.64, 95% CI, 1.24-2.19), being homosexual (pPR = 4.16, 95% CI, 2.50-6.90), self-report of prevalent tuberculosis co-infection (pPR = 2.55, 95% CI, 1.82-3.58), self-report of prevalent sexually transmitted infections (pPR = 34.49, 95% CI, 24.94-47.70), and self-report of prevalent illicit drug use 30 days before the survey (pPR = 1.91, 95% CI, 1.43-2.56). Conclusion Self-reported HIV is associated with multiple social, health and prison risks among Peruvian inmates. Deeply understanding these factors would help to design HIV prevention and control strategies in Peruvian prisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Culquichicón
- CI-Emerge, Center of Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research, Universidad Nacional de Piura, Piura, Peru
- School of Health Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Piura, Piura, Peru
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis E. Zapata-Castro
- CI-Emerge, Center of Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research, Universidad Nacional de Piura, Piura, Peru
- School of Health Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Piura, Piura, Peru
- Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Piura, Piura, Peru
| | - Percy Soto-Becerra
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Alfonso Silva-Santisteban
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Kelika A. Konda
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrés G. Lescano
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Faraci G, Park SY, Love TMT, Dubé MP, Lee HY. Precision detection of recent HIV infections using high-throughput genomic incidence assay. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0228523. [PMID: 37712639 PMCID: PMC10580985 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02285-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV incidence is a key measure for tracking disease spread and identifying populations and geographic regions where new infections are most concentrated. The HIV sequence population provides a robust signal for the stage of infection. Large-scale and high-precision HIV sequencing is crucial for effective genomic incidence surveillance. We produced 1,034 full-length envelope gene sequences from a seroconversion cohort by conducting HIV microdrop sequencing and measuring the genomic incidence assay's genome similarity index (GSI) dynamics. The measured dynamics of 9 of 12 individuals aligned with the GSI distribution estimated independently using 417 publicly available incident samples. We enhanced the capacity to identify individuals with recent infections, achieving predicted detection accuracies of 92% (89%-94%) for cases within 6 months and 81% (74%-87%) for cases within 9 months. These accuracy levels agreed with the observed detection accuracy intervals of an independent validation data set. Additionally, we produced 131 full-length envelope gene sequences from eight individuals with chronic HIV infection. This analysis confirmed a false recency rate (FRR) of 0%, which was consistent with 162 publicly available chronic samples. The mean duration of recent infection (MDRI) was 238 (209-267) days, indicating an 83% improvement in performance compared to current recent infection testing algorithms. The shifted Poisson mixture model was then used to estimate the time since infection, and the model estimates showed an 88% consistency with the days post infection derived from HIV RNA test dates and/or seroconversion dates. HIV microdrop sequencing provides unique prospects for large-scale incidence surveillance using high-throughput sequencing. IMPORTANCE Accurate identification of recently infected individuals is vital for prioritizing specific populations for interventions, reducing onward transmission risks, and optimizing public health services. However, current HIV-specific antibody-based methods have not been satisfactory in accurately identifying incident cases, hindering the use of HIV recency testing for prevention efforts and partner protection. Genomic incidence assays offer a promising alternative for identifying recent infections. In our study, we used microdroplet technologies to produce a large number of complete HIV envelope gene sequences, enabling the accurate detection of early infection signs. We assessed the dynamics of the incidence assay's metrics and compared them with statistical models. Our approach demonstrated high accuracy in identifying individuals with recent infections, achieving predicted detection rates exceeding 90% within 6 months and over 80% within 9 months of infection. This high-resolution method holds significant potential for enhancing the effectiveness of HIV incidence screening for case-based surveillance in public health initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Faraci
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sung Yong Park
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tanzy M. T. Love
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Michael P. Dubé
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ha Youn Lee
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Wang B, Janamnuaysook R, MacDonell K, Rongkavilit C, Schieber E, Naar S, Phanuphak N. Adapting Effective mHealth Interventions to Improve Uptake and Adherence to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Thai Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e46435. [PMID: 37665622 PMCID: PMC10507518 DOI: 10.2196/46435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are the fastest-growing HIV-positive population worldwide. Thailand has the highest adult HIV seroprevalence in Asia; over 25% of men having sex with men in Bangkok are HIV positive. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an efficacious HIV prevention strategy recommended for all at-risk individuals. PrEP is highly effective when taken as prescribed, but PrEP utilization rate has been low, and adherence is often inadequate. OBJECTIVE We propose to develop and pilot a multicomponent, technology-based intervention to promote motivation to begin PrEP ("uptake") and sustained adherence to PrEP among HIV-negative Thai YMSM. We will adapt an existing 2-session technology-delivered, motivational interviewing-based intervention to focus on PrEP use in YMSM in Thailand. The resulting intervention is called the Motivational Enhancement System for PrEP Uptake and Adherence (MES-PrEP). We will also develop motivational text messaging (MTM) to send two-way motivational messages to promote PrEP use. METHODS The proposed study includes 3 phases. Phase 1 includes in-depth interviews with HIV-negative Thai YMSM and providers to explore barriers and facilitators of PrEP initiation and adherence, aiming to inform intervention content. Phase 2 consists of adapting and beta-testing MES-PrEP and MTM for functionality and feasibility using a youth advisory board of Thai YMSM. In Phase 3, we will conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of MES-PrEP and MTM to increase PrEP uptake and adherence among Thai YMSM. A total of 60 HIV-negative Thai YMSM who have not started PrEP and 60 YMSM who are on PrEP but not adherent to it will be randomized 2:1 to receive MES-PrEP and MTM (n=40) or standard PrEP counseling (n=20). The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention will be assessed through usage patterns and the System Usability Scale. The preliminary impact will be assessed by evaluating the proportion of PrEP initiation and level of adherence to PrEP. Participants will complete the assessments at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postintervention. Biomarkers of adherence to PrEP and biomarkers of HIV and sexually transmitted infections will be collected. RESULTS Recruitment for this study began in January 2022 for phase 1. Qualitative interviews were completed with 30 YMSM and 5 clinical providers in May 2022. Phase 3, the pilot feasibility and acceptability trial, began in July 2023. Upon project completion, we shall have developed a highly innovative mobile health intervention to support YMSM using PrEP, which will be ready for testing in a larger efficacy trial. CONCLUSIONS This study addresses a critical problem (ie, high HIV incidence and low PrEP use) among Thai YMSM. We are developing 2 potentially synergistic technology-based, theory-driven interventions aimed at maximizing PrEP use. The proposed project has the potential to make significant contributions to advancing HIV prevention research and implementation science. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05243030; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05243030. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/46435.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Rena Janamnuaysook
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Karen MacDonell
- Center for Translational Behavioral Research, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Chokechai Rongkavilit
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco Fresno Branch Campus, Fresno, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Schieber
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Sylvie Naar
- Center for Translational Behavioral Research, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Nittaya Phanuphak
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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41
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Machingura F, Shahmanesh M. Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act. BMJ 2023; 382:1840. [PMID: 37657792 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.p1840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fortunate Machingura
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Zimbabwe
- International Public health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Africa Health Research Institute, South Africa
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Zigah EY, Abu-Ba'are GR, Shamrock OW, Dakpui HD, Apreku A, Boyd DT, Nelson LE, Torpey K. "For my safety and wellbeing, I always travel to seek health care in a distant facility"-the role of place and stigma in HIV testing decisions among GBMSM - BSGH 002. Health Place 2023; 83:103076. [PMID: 37423093 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Gays, bisexuals, and all other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are heavily impacted by HIV in Ghana compared to the general population. In addition to HIV and same-sex intercourse stigma, barriers such as reduced privacy, lower-income status and limited health care facilities (HCF) affect HIV testing decisions among GBMSM. We employed a phenomenological research design to understand the role of place and stigma in HIV testing among GBMSM in slums. GBMSM (n = 12) from slums in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana, were recruited and engaged in face-to-face interviews. We used a multiple reviewer summative content analysis to analyze and organize our key findings. The HIV testing options we identified include 1. Government HCF, 2. NGO and community outreach 3. Peer-educated services. Factors influencing GBMSM to test for HIV at HCF outside their areas included 1. The location of HCF 2. HIV and sexual stigma from slum areas 3. Positive HCW attitudes at distant HCF. 4. Negative Healthcare worker (HCW) attitudes towards GBMSM. These findings highlighted how stigma from slums and HCW influence HIV testing decisions and the need for place-based interventions to address stigma among HCW in slums to improve testing among GBMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edem Yaw Zigah
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, Jama'a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba'are
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, Jama'a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana; Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, USA
| | - Osman Wumpini Shamrock
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Henry Delali Dakpui
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, Jama'a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Amos Apreku
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Donte T Boyd
- College of Social Work, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - LaRon E Nelson
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, USA
| | - Kwasi Torpey
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Fischer B, Jaoko W, Kirui E, Muture B, Madegwa I, Kageni L. Dyspareunia, signs of epithelial disruption, sexual abstinence, and HIV status in female sex workers in Nairobi: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:569. [PMID: 37658320 PMCID: PMC10472738 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08572-7] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial trauma is a risk factor of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSWs). Painful intercourse may be indicative of epithelial tissue disruption. Previous studies on a cohort of Kenyan FSWs established an association between prolonged sexual abstinence and late HIV seroconversion. Our research objective was to establish whether there is a relationship between HIV serostatus and signs of epithelial disruption and between HIV serostatus and sexual abstinence behaviour. METHODS Participants were selected from a Nairobi health facility. A structured questionnaire was administered to 322 FSWs, who provided data on HIV status, sexual behaviour, abstinence intervals and the level of sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction scores were created using parts of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-19). Additional questions addressed epithelial trauma signs. Descriptive data analysis, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to describe the study population and determine factors associated with living with HIV. Potential factors influencing sexual dysfunction were assessed by FSWs via self-rating. RESULTS 36% of FSWs reported discomfort or pain during vaginal penetration half the time. 44% noticed genital bleeding half the time. Vaginal tenderness was experienced by 70.6% half the time during or after intercourse. Variables predictive of living with HIV on multivariate analysis included a medium and high score of discomfort or pain during and following vaginal penetration (medium: AOR 2.288, p-value 0.032, 95% CI 1.075-4.871; high: AOR 3.044, p-value 0.031, 95% CI 1.110-8.348). No significant association of HIV status with past abstinence durations as reported by participants could be established in the multivariate analysis. A majority of FSWs agreed that steady partnerships (81% agreement), regularity of intercourse (74%), foreplay (72%) and lubricants (65%) alleviated dyspareunia. CONCLUSIONS Recurrent exposure to blood during sex was highly prevalent in FSWs, as was sexual dysfunction. Complaint levels were associated with living with HIV, providing evidence that reducing sexual dysfunctions may prevent HIV transmission. Preventive initiatives may be created that address sexual dysfunction in key populations and general populations with a high HIV prevalence. Subjective assessments indicate that prevention may include the promotion of sexual intercourse regularity, foreplay, and lubricant use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Fischer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hubertusburg Hospital Wermsdorf, Husarenpark 5, 04860, Torgau, Germany.
| | - Walter Jaoko
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, 3rd Floor Wing B, P.O. Box 19676 - 00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elvis Kirui
- Independent scholar, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bernard Muture
- Independent scholar, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac Madegwa
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, 3rd Floor Wing B, P.O. Box 19676 - 00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lisbeth Kageni
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, 3rd Floor Wing B, P.O. Box 19676 - 00202, Nairobi, Kenya
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Bekker LG, Beyrer C, Mgodi N, Lewin SR, Delany-Moretlwe S, Taiwo B, Masters MC, Lazarus JV. HIV infection. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2023; 9:42. [PMID: 37591865 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00452-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The AIDS epidemic has been a global public health issue for more than 40 years and has resulted in ~40 million deaths. AIDS is caused by the retrovirus, HIV-1, which is transmitted via body fluids and secretions. After infection, the virus invades host cells by attaching to CD4 receptors and thereafter one of two major chemokine coreceptors, CCR5 or CXCR4, destroying the host cell, most often a T lymphocyte, as it replicates. If unchecked this can lead to an immune-deficient state and demise over a period of ~2-10 years. The discovery and global roll-out of rapid diagnostics and effective antiretroviral therapy led to a large reduction in mortality and morbidity and to an expanding group of individuals requiring lifelong viral suppressive therapy. Viral suppression eliminates sexual transmission of the virus and greatly improves health outcomes. HIV infection, although still stigmatized, is now a chronic and manageable condition. Ultimate epidemic control will require prevention and treatment to be made available, affordable and accessible for all. Furthermore, the focus should be heavily oriented towards long-term well-being, care for multimorbidity and good quality of life. Intense research efforts continue for therapeutic and/or preventive vaccines, novel immunotherapies and a cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, RSA, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nyaradzo Mgodi
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Sharon R Lewin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Babafemi Taiwo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mary Clare Masters
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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45
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Mofolorunsho KC, Dorsamy V, Bagwandeen C, Abbai NS. Prevalence of gonococcal and chlamydial infections among men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev 2023; 12:141. [PMID: 37580787 PMCID: PMC10424383 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02305-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are common in men who have sex with men (MSM). These infections increase the risk of acquiring and transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in this key population. Access to MSM in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa remains generally difficult due to discrimination or criminalization of their sexual orientation which could lead to depression and risky sexual practices associated with prevalence. This protocol therefore proposes to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature on the prevalence of gonococcal and chlamydial infections among MSM in Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS This review which aims to ascertain the pooled prevalence and risk factors of these infections in sub-Saharan Africa's MSM population will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search strategy will review relevant articles from the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). Articles screening for eligibility and data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers. All discrepancies will be resolved by the third and fourth reviewers. Heterogeneity in studies will be evaluated using the I2 statistic and where heterogeneity is high and significant, a random effect model will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence. Publication bias will be assessed using the Doi plot. Extracted data will be analysed using MetaXL add-on for Microsoft excel. Data will be presented in tables and graphically presented in forest plots. DISCUSSION In this study, we anticipate being able to systematically determine the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis among MSM as well as explore possible risk factors associated with prevalence. The outcomes of the systematic review and meta-analyses will serve to support researchers and public health stakeholders in identifying healthcare priorities and in addressing issues pertaining to the overall wellbeing of the MSM community. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022327095.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehinde Charles Mofolorunsho
- School of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - Vinogrin Dorsamy
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Chauntelle Bagwandeen
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nathlee Samantha Abbai
- School of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Mehta SD, Otieno FO, Kimani J, Wahome E, Okal D, Roy A, van der Elst E, Graham SM, Sanders EJ, Bailey RC. Transgender women in Kenya experience greater stigma, depressive symptoms, alcohol and drug use and risky sexual practices than cis-gendered men who have sex with men. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1493. [PMID: 37542212 PMCID: PMC10403860 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16348-6] [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] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, sexual and gender minority individuals have disproportionate burden of HIV. There are limited quantitative data from sub-Saharan Africa on the intersection of risks experienced by transgender women (TGW) in comparison to cis-men who have sex with men (MSM). This analysis addresses this gap by comparing reported stigma, psychosocial measures of health, and sexual risk practices between TGW and cis-MSM in Kenya. METHODS We analyzed data from the baseline visit of an ongoing prospective cohort study taking place in three diverse metropolitan areas. Eligible participants were HIV-negative, assigned male at birth, ages 18-29 years, and reported anal intercourse in the past 3 months with a man or TGW. Data collected by audio computer assisted self-interview included sociodemographic measures, and sexual practices occurring in the past 3 months. Multivariable regressions assessed differences between TGW and cis-MSM in selected sexual practices, depressive symptoms, alcohol and drug use, and stigma. RESULTS From September, 2019, through May, 2021, 838 participants were enrolled: 108 (12.9%) TGW and 730 (87.1%) cis-MSM. Adjusting for sociodemographic variables, TGW were more likely than cis-MSM to report: receptive anal intercourse (RAI; adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.32 - 1.92), engaging in group sex (aPR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04 - 1.27), 4 or more male sex partners (aPR = 3.31, 95% CI: 2.52 - 4.35), and 3 or more paying male sex partners (aPR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.04 - 2.39). TGW were also more likely to report moderate to severe depressive symptoms (aPR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.55), and had similar alcohol and drug abuse scores as cis-MSM. In sensitivity analysis, similar to TGW, male-identifying individuals taking feminizing gender affirming therapy had an increased likelihood of reporting RAI and group sex, and greater numbers of male sex partners and paying male sex partners relative to cis-MSM. CONCLUSIONS Across three metropolitan areas in Kenya, TGW were more likely to report depressive symptoms and increased sexual risk taking. We identified a need for research that better characterizes the range of gender identities. Our analysis affirms the need for programmatic gender-affirming interventions specific to transgender populations in Kenya and elsewhere in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya D Mehta
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, 1750 W. Harrison Street, Jelke 1121, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Division of Infectious Disease Medicine, Rush University College of Medicine, Chicago, USA.
| | | | - Joshua Kimani
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Wahome
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Duncan Okal
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Abhishikta Roy
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, 1750 W. Harrison Street, Jelke 1121, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Elise van der Elst
- Global Health Department, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susan M Graham
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eduard J Sanders
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Global Health Department, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Robert C Bailey
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, 1750 W. Harrison Street, Jelke 1121, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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Parmley LE, Nkumbula T, Chilukutu L, Chelu L, Mulemfwe C, Hanunka B, Mwale J, Neal J, Handema R, Kasonde P, Mutale K, Sakala HM, Lahuerta M. Impacts of COVID-19 on sexual risk behaviors, safe injection practices, and access to HIV services among key populations in Zambia: Findings from a rapid qualitative formative assessment. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289007. [PMID: 37527283 PMCID: PMC10393175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite achievements in the HIV response, social and structural barriers impede access to HIV services for key populations (KP) including men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women (TGW), and people who inject drugs (PWID). This may be worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemic threats. We explored the impact of COVID-19 on HIV services and sexual and substance use behaviors among MSM/TGW and PWID in Zambia as part of a formative assessment for two biobehavioral surveys. METHODS From November-December 2020, 3 focus groups and 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with KP were conducted in Lusaka, Livingstone, Ndola, Solwezi, and Kitwe, Zambia. Overall, 45 PWID and 60 MSM/TGW participated in IDIs and 70 PWID and 89 MSM/TGW participated in focus groups. Qualitative data were analyzed using framework matrices according to deductive themes outlined in interview guides. RESULTS KP reported barriers to HIV testing and HIV treatment due to COVID-19-related disruptions and fear of SARS-CoV-2 exposure at the health facility. MSM/TGW participants reported limited supply of condoms and lubricants at health facilities; limited access to condoms led to increased engagements in condomless sex. Restrictions in movement and closure of meet-up spots due to COVID-19 impeded opportunities to meet sex partners for MSM/TGW and clients for those who sold sex. COVID-19 restrictions led to unemployment and loss of income as well as to shortages and increased price of drugs, needles, and syringes for PWID. Due to COVID-19 economic effects, PWID reported increased needle-sharing and re-use of needles. CONCLUSIONS Participants experienced barriers accessing HIV services due to COVID-19 and PWID attributed unsafe needle use and sharing to loss of income and lack of affordable needles during pandemic-related restrictions. To maintain gains in the HIV response in this context, strengthening harm reduction strategies and improvements in access to HIV services are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Parmley
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Brave Hanunka
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - John Mwale
- National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joyce Neal
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Ray Handema
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | | | | | - Maria Lahuerta
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
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Ishungisa AM, Mmbaga EJ, Leshabari MT, Tersbøl BP, Moen K. Five different ways of reasoning: Tanzanian healthcare workers' ideas about how to improve HIV prevention among same-sex attracted men. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:807. [PMID: 37501186 PMCID: PMC10375645 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09771-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Same-sex attracted men in Tanzania and globally carry a disproportionate burden of HIV. Drawing on qualitative research, this article explores healthcare providers' ideas and recommendations regarding how to improve HIV prevention among same-sex attracted men. METHODS We carried out a qualitative study among healthcare workers in the cities of Dar es Salaam and Tanga in Tanzania between August 2018 and October 2019. Data were collected using qualitative methods of data collection, specifically in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. Study participants were recruited through a purposive sampling strategy that aimed to ensure variation in age, education, and work experience. Forty-eight interviews with 24 healthcare workers, six focus group discussions, and participant observation were conducted. A total of 64 persons participated in the study. RESULTS This paper describes five different "ways of reasoning" that were identified among healthcare workers regarding how to strengthen HIV prevention among same-sex attracted men. One held that punitive measures should be taken to prevent HIV transmission, another that health services needed to become more friendly towards men who have sex with men, a third that healthcare workers should reach out to provide more education to this population, a fourth called for strengthened collaboration between healthcare providers and same-sex attracted men in healthcare delivery, and the fifth proposed that activistic efforts be taken to remove structural barriers for same-sex attracted men to access healthcare. CONCLUSION When reflecting on what is needed to strengthen HIV prevention among men who have sex with men, healthcare workers described six different ideas. One was that restrictive and punitive measures ought to be taken to prevent HIV transmission through same-sex sex. The remaining five promoted understanding of and support for same-sex attracted men. They prescribed more healthcare education, measures to improve attitudes among healthcare workers, healthcare delivery with user involvement, and political action to achieve law reform. Finally, some study participants raised concerns about the implementation of the national comprehensive package for key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mwijage Ishungisa
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Elia John Mmbaga
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Melkizedeck Thomas Leshabari
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Britt Pinkowski Tersbøl
- Department of Public Health, Global Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kåre Moen
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Ye ZH, Liu F, Chu ZX, Duan JY, Yang J, Zheng JX, Bi XY, Ding HB, Jiang YJ, Xu JJ, Hu QH, Shang H. Effectiveness and safety of community-led assisted partner service among HIV-diagnosed men who have sex with men: a multicentre, randomized controlled trial in China. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 36:100772. [PMID: 37547042 PMCID: PMC10398600 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Background No randomized controlled trials have involved established HIV-diagnosed men who have sex with men (MSM) diagnosed for more than 6 months into the assisted partner service (aPS). We compared voluntary aPS involving community-based organizations (CBOs) and HIV self-testing (aPSST) with regular partner service (rPS) in HIV-diagnosed MSM irrespective of diagnosis time. Methods In this unblinded, multicentre trial, we enrolled HIV-diagnosed MSM irrespective of diagnosis time in three cities in northern China. Index patients were randomly assigned to aPSST or rPS. Index patients in the aPSST group were additionally provided a comprehensive intervention package including HIV self-testing and CBO-based aPS compared with rPS group. The primary outcome was the number of index patients whose any sexual partner tested for HIV during the 6-month study. Completion of HIV testing was defined as sexual partners taking a clinic-based HIV test or HIV self-testing. Safety was assessed preliminary at the end of the 6-month follow-up. This study has been registered at chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2000038784). Findings From March to December 2021, 325 of HIV-diagnosed MSM were enrolled (90⋅2% were established HIV-diagnosed MSM) and randomly assigned to receive aPSST (n = 167) or rPS (n = 158). At 6 months, 110 (65⋅9%) index patients in the aPSST group had at least one sexual partner tested for HIV compared with 50 (31⋅6%) in the rPS group (hazard ratio 2⋅86; 95% confidence interval 2⋅03-4⋅03; p < 0⋅001). No significant difference was observed in effects of aPSST on HIV testing promotion between established and newly HIV-diagnosed MSM. Self-reported harms were infrequently observed in both groups (approximately 2⋅0%). Interpretation Among HIV-diagnosed MSM regardless of diagnosis time, voluntary aPS involving CBOs and HIV self-testing was effective and safe for promoting partner HIV testing. Funding This work was supported by the Mega-Projects of National Science Research, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Hao Ye
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- Ningbo Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Fan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Xing Chu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Yi Duan
- Tian Yuan Studio, Beijing You'an Hospital, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Shenlan Public Health Advisory Service Centre, Tianjin, 300122, China
| | - Jia-Xin Zheng
- Yikang Social Work Service Centre, Shenbei New District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Bi
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Bo Ding
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Jun Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Jie Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Hai Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Shang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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Kloek M, Chabata ST, van Noord L, Machingura F, Makandwa R, Dirawo J, Takaruza A, Matambanadzo P, de Vlas SJ, Hontelez JAC, Cowan FM. HIV prevalence, risk behaviour, and treatment and prevention cascade outcomes among cisgender men, transgender women, and transgender men who sell sex in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional analysis of programme data. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e453-e460. [PMID: 37329898 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00088-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of evidence on HIV vulnerabilities and service engagements among people who sell sex in sub-Saharan Africa and identify as cisgender men, transgender women, or transgender men. We aimed to describe sexual risk behaviours, HIV prevalence, and access to HIV services among cisgender men, transgender women, and transgender men who sell sex in Zimbabwe. METHODS We did a cross-sectional analysis of routine programme data that were collected between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2020, from cisgender men who sell sex, transgender women who sell sex, and transgender men who sell sex, as part of accessing sexual and reproductive health and HIV services provided through the Sisters with a Voice programme, at 31 sites across Zimbabwe. All people who sell sex reached by the programme had routine data collected, including routine HIV testing, and were referred using a network of peer educators. Sexual risk behaviours, HIV prevalence, and HIV services uptake during the period from July, 2018, to June, 2020, were analysed through descriptive statistics by gender group. FINDINGS A total of 1003 people who sell sex were included in our analysis: 423 (42·2%) cisgender men, 343 (34·2%) transgender women, and 237 (23·6%) transgender men. Age-standardised HIV prevalence estimates were 26·2% (95% CI 22·0-30·7) among cisgender men, 39·4% (34·1-44·9) among transgender women, and 38·4% (32·1-45·0) among transgender men. Among people living with HIV, 66·0% (95% CI 55·7-75·3) of cisgender men, 74·8% (65·8-82·4) of transgender women, and 70·2% (59·3-79·7) of transgender men knew their HIV status, and 15·5% (8·9-24·2), 15·7% (9·5-23·6), and 11·9% (5·9-20·8) were on antiretroviral therapy, respectively. Self-reported condom use was consistently low across gender groups, ranging from 26% (95% CI 22-32) for anal sex among transgender women to 32% (27-37) for vaginal sex among cisgender men. INTERPRETATION These unique data show that people who sell sex and identify as cisgender men, transgender women, or transgender men in sub-Saharan Africa have high HIV prevalences and risk of infection, with alarmingly low access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services. There is an urgent need for people-centred HIV interventions for these high-risk groups and for more inclusive HIV policies and research to ensure we truly attain universal access for all. FUNDING Aidsfonds Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariëlle Kloek
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sungai T Chabata
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Laura van Noord
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fortunate Machingura
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Rumbidzo Makandwa
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jeffrey Dirawo
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Albert Takaruza
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Sake J de Vlas
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan A C Hontelez
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Frances M Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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