1
|
Milewska-Buzun M, Cybulski M, Baranowska A, Krajewska-Kułak E, Kózka M, Paradowska-Stankiewicz I. Satisfaction with sex life and its impact on the quality of life in people living with HIV in Poland treated in the city of Bialystok: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1270441. [PMID: 37772065 PMCID: PMC10524601 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1270441] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sex life is an important element contributing to the overall quality of life. It is also a particularly sensitive dimension of quality of life for HIV-positive patients. Objective The aim of the study was to assess the sexual life of people living with HIV in Poland treated in the Observation and Infection Clinic with the Subunit for HIV/AIDS Patients of the University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok, and its impact on the quality of life, life satisfaction, HIV status acceptance, general health status and depressive symptoms among the respondents. Methods A total of 147 participants, including 104 men (70.7%) and 43 women (29.3%), took part in the research. The study was conducted between May 2019 and January 2020. The study used a diagnostic survey method with a modified questionnaire "Psychosocial situation of people living with HIV/AIDS" by Dr. Magdalena Ankiersztejn-Bartczak and the following standardised psychometric tools: the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results One-third of patients rated their sex life as poor or very poor. Almost half of respondents always informed sexual partners of their HIV status (49.7%). The sex life of respondents was highly correlated with almost all psychometric measures used in the study. Those indicating sexual contact as a possible source of HIV infection had a lower quality of life in the domain of general health compared to other respondents, but the difference was relatively small (about 5.5 points). Discussion In conclusion, the overall satisfaction with the sex life of people living with HIV was moderate with a tendency to poor. The quality of life of people living with HIV was determined by their sex life. Better quality of life was presented by those with good self-reported sex life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Milewska-Buzun
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Mateusz Cybulski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anna Baranowska
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Maria Kózka
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Iwona Paradowska-Stankiewicz
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
King EM, Carter A, Loutfy M, Webster K, Muchenje M, Murray MCM, de Pokomandy A, Ding E, Li J, Kaida A. Sexual Satisfaction of Midlife Women Living With HIV in Canada: A Prospective Cohort Analysis. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:272-281. [PMID: 37019076 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003204] [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] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although sexual activity and function decline in older women living with HIV, positive dimensions of sexual health, such as satisfaction, are relatively unexplored. We evaluated the prevalence of sexual satisfaction for midlife women with HIV and assessed its relation to women's physical, mental, and sociostructural experiences. SETTING We studied women in the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS) over 3 survey waves (2013-2018). METHODS We included women living with HIV aged ≥45 years who reported ever having consensual sex. Sexual satisfaction was assessed using an item from the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women and was dichotomized into satisfactory ("completely/very/reasonably satisfactory") and not satisfactory ("not very/not at all satisfactory"). Probable depression was based on CES-D ≥10. Multivariable logistic regression and fixed effects models determined correlates of sexual satisfaction. Reasons for sexual inactivity and alternate forms of sexual expression were also explored. RESULTS Among 508 midlife women, 61% were satisfied with their sexual lives at baseline. Women with probable depression had lower odds of sexual satisfaction than those without (aOR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.71) and worsening depressive symptoms over time were associated with poorer sexual satisfaction ( P = 0.001). Increased sexual activity was associated with higher sexual satisfaction (aOR: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.54 to 4.91); however, 51% of women reporting sexual satisfaction were sexually inactive. Sexually inactive women engaged in alternate forms of sexual expression such as self-pleasure (37%) and intimate relationships without sex (13%). CONCLUSION Midlife women with HIV have high rates of sexual satisfaction, even in the absence of sexual activity. Depressive symptoms were closely associated with sexual dissatisfaction, alerting providers to the importance of screening for depression and sexual health together.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M King
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia (BC) Women's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Allison Carter
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mona Loutfy
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathleen Webster
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia (BC) Women's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada
- Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Australian Human Rights Institute, Faculty of Law, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Oak Tree Clinic, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and
- BC Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marvelous Muchenje
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia (BC) Women's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada
- Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Australian Human Rights Institute, Faculty of Law, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Oak Tree Clinic, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and
- BC Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melanie C M Murray
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia (BC) Women's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada
- Oak Tree Clinic, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Erin Ding
- BC Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jenny Li
- BC Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia (BC) Women's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Carlsson-Lalloo E, Rusner M, Berg M, Svedhem V, Mellgren Å. People living with HIV in Sweden report high levels of sexual satisfaction in a registry-based cohort study. AIDS Care 2021; 34:559-567. [PMID: 33793361 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1909698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sexual satisfaction can be challenging for people living with HIV (PLWH). To investigate self-reported sexual satisfaction in PLWH and its association with HIV-related biomarkers, a retrospective observational cohort study with data on sociodemographic characteristics and changes in PLWH's assessment of their sexual satisfaction over time were retrieved from the Swedish National Quality Assurance Registry (InfCareHIV) where patient-related outcomes are reported annually. PLWH who had assessed self-reported sexual satisfaction 2011-2016 were included. Sexual satisfaction was dichotomized into sexual "satisfaction and dissatisfaction" and associations were analysed. In total, 3798 patients (66% men) answered 8202 questionnaires. Overall, 67% reported sexual satisfaction, with women more satisfied than men (72% vs 64%, p < 0.0001). Sexual satisfaction did not differ between patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) >6 months whether the viral load was suppressed or not. Overall, the probability of reporting sexual satisfaction increased by 4% annually (p < 0.001). This increase may be explained by evolving knowledge about the minimal risks of sexual HIV transmission when on ART together with Sweden's concomitant revision of legal restrictions. The use of patient-related outcomes in clinical practice is an important tool for facilitating conversations about sexuality in order to promote the health and well-being of PLWH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Carlsson-Lalloo
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Regional Cancer Center West, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Rusner
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Research, Södra Älvsborg Hospital, Borås, Sweden
| | - Marie Berg
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Veronica Svedhem
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Unit of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åsa Mellgren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Carter A, Greene S, Money D, Sanchez M, Webster K, Nicholson V, Brotto LA, Hankins C, Kestler M, Pick N, Salters K, Proulx-Boucher K, O'Brien N, Patterson S, de Pokomandy A, Loutfy M, Kaida A. Supporting the Sexual Rights of Women Living With HIV: A Critical Analysis of Sexual Satisfaction and Pleasure Across Five Relationship Types. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018; 55:1134-1154. [PMID: 29624080 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2018.1440370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a focus on protecting others has overridden concern about women's own sexual well-being. Drawing on feminist theories, we measured sexual satisfaction and pleasure across five relationship types among women living with HIV in Canada. Of the 1,230 women surveyed, 38.1% were completely or very satisfied with their sexual lives, while 31.0% and 30.9% were reasonably or not very/not at all satisfied, respectively. Among those reporting recent sexual experiences (n = 675), 41.3% always felt pleasure, with the rest reporting usually/sometimes (38.7%) or seldom/not at all (20.0%). Sex did not equate with satisfaction or pleasure, as some women were completely satisfied without sex, while others were having sex without reporting pleasure. After adjusting for confounding factors, such as education, violence, depression, sex work, antiretroviral therapy, and provider discussions about transmission risk, women in long-term/happy relationships (characterized by higher levels of love, greater physical and emotional intimacy, more equitable relationship power, and mainly HIV-negative partners) had increased odds of sexual satisfaction and pleasure relative to women in all other relational contexts. Those in relationships without sex also reported higher satisfaction ratings than women in some sexual relationships. Findings put focus on women's rights, which are critical to overall well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison Carter
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University
- b Epidemiology and Population Health , British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | | | - Deborah Money
- d Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of British Columbia
| | | | - Kath Webster
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University
| | | | - Lori A Brotto
- f Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine , University of British Columbia
| | - Catherine Hankins
- g Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health , University of Amsterdam
- h Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine , McGill University
| | - Mary Kestler
- i Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine , University of British Columbia
| | - Neora Pick
- i Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine , University of British Columbia
- j Oak Tree Clinic , British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre
| | - Kate Salters
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University
- b Epidemiology and Population Health , British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | | | - Nadia O'Brien
- k Chronic Viral Illness Service , McGill University Health Centre
- l Department of Family Medicine , McGill University
| | - Sophie Patterson
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University
- m Department of Public Health and Policy , University of Liverpool
| | - Alexandra de Pokomandy
- k Chronic Viral Illness Service , McGill University Health Centre
- o Department of Medicine , University of Toronto
| | - Mona Loutfy
- n Women's College Research Institute , Women's College Hospital
- o Department of Medicine , University of Toronto
| | - Angela Kaida
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Peyre M, Gauchet A, Bissuel F, Blanc M, Boibieux A, Cotte L, Forestier E, Janssen C, Legout L, Epaulard O. Satisfaction with sexual life in people living with HIV/AIDS: the persistent weight of the fear of transmission. AIDS Care 2018; 31:681-686. [PMID: 30350713 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1537465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Sexual life is an important dimension of quality of life, which may be affected by the fear of transmission in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), despite the fact that antiretroviral therapy prevents person-to-person transmission. We, therefore, aimed to explore the sexual life satisfaction of PLWHA and its correlation with their fear of HIV transmission and self-esteem. Consecutive adult PLWHA from seven HIV care facilities in the Rhone-Alpes region, France, were asked to complete a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire concerning sociological and medical data, satisfaction with sexual life (18 questions), and self-esteem (Rosenberg score). Overall, 690 PLWHA answered the questionnaire (mean age 49.2 ± 11 years); 74.9% were men, of which 75.1% had sex with men. Overall, 68.0% of respondents feared transmitting HIV (a lot/a bit). A lower satisfaction with sexual life was significantly associated with being female, not having a stable sexual partner, being unemployed, having a low income, experiencing a fear of HIV transmission, having lower self-esteem, and not reporting an excellent/very good health status. These results strongly suggest that the information concerning the antiretroviral-induced suppression of infectivity should be widely diffused, as this may enhance the quality of sexual life in PLWHA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Peyre
- a Department of Infectious Diseases , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble-Alpes , Grenoble , France.,b COREVIH Arc-Alpin , Grenoble , France.,c Fédération d'Infectiologie Multidisciplinaire de l'Arc Alpin , Université Grenoble Alpes , Grenoble , France
| | - A Gauchet
- d Laboratoire InterUniversitaire de Psychologie, Personnalité, Cognition, Changement Social (LIP/PC2S), EA 4145 , Université Grenoble Alpes , Grenoble , France
| | - F Bissuel
- b COREVIH Arc-Alpin , Grenoble , France.,c Fédération d'Infectiologie Multidisciplinaire de l'Arc Alpin , Université Grenoble Alpes , Grenoble , France.,e Department of Infectious Diseases , Centre Hospitalier de Thonon , Thonon-les-Bains , France
| | - M Blanc
- a Department of Infectious Diseases , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble-Alpes , Grenoble , France.,b COREVIH Arc-Alpin , Grenoble , France.,c Fédération d'Infectiologie Multidisciplinaire de l'Arc Alpin , Université Grenoble Alpes , Grenoble , France
| | - A Boibieux
- f Department of Infectious Diseases, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse , Hospices Civils de Lyon , Lyon , France
| | - L Cotte
- f Department of Infectious Diseases, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse , Hospices Civils de Lyon , Lyon , France
| | - E Forestier
- b COREVIH Arc-Alpin , Grenoble , France.,c Fédération d'Infectiologie Multidisciplinaire de l'Arc Alpin , Université Grenoble Alpes , Grenoble , France.,g Department of Infectious Diseases , Centre Hospitalier Métropole-Savoie , Chambéry , France
| | - C Janssen
- b COREVIH Arc-Alpin , Grenoble , France.,c Fédération d'Infectiologie Multidisciplinaire de l'Arc Alpin , Université Grenoble Alpes , Grenoble , France.,h Department of Infectious Diseases , Centre Hospitalier d'Annecy-Genevois , Annecy , France
| | - L Legout
- b COREVIH Arc-Alpin , Grenoble , France.,c Fédération d'Infectiologie Multidisciplinaire de l'Arc Alpin , Université Grenoble Alpes , Grenoble , France.,i Department of Infectious Diseases , Centre Hospitalier Alpes-Léman , Contamines , France
| | - O Epaulard
- a Department of Infectious Diseases , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble-Alpes , Grenoble , France.,b COREVIH Arc-Alpin , Grenoble , France.,c Fédération d'Infectiologie Multidisciplinaire de l'Arc Alpin , Université Grenoble Alpes , Grenoble , France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schönnesson LN, Zeluf G, Garcia-Huidobro D, Ross MW, Eriksson LE, Ekström AM. Sexual (Dis)satisfaction and Its Contributors Among People Living with HIV Infection in Sweden. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:2007-2026. [PMID: 29441436 PMCID: PMC6097728 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-1106-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Earlier research reports lower sexual satisfaction among people living with HIV (PLHIV) compared to HIV-negative persons. A number of psychosocial factors directly associated with sexual dissatisfaction have been identified. Little is known about sexual satisfaction and their contributors among PLHIV in Sweden. The aim of this study was to examine direct and indirect effects of variables within sociodemographic, clinical HIV-related, psychological, and sexual domains on sexual (dis)satisfaction among PLHIV in Sweden. Data for this study were derived from a nationally representative, anonymous survey among PLHIV conducted in 2014 (n = 1096). Statistical analysis included four steps: descriptive analyses, identification of variables associated with sexual (dis)satisfaction, identification of variables associated with those contributors of sexual (dis)satisfaction, and a path model integrating all these analyses. A total of 49% of participants reported being sexually dissatisfied, and no significant differences were observed when non-heterosexual men, heterosexual men, and women were compared. Among women, a negative change in sex life after HIV diagnosis and distress with orgasmic difficulties was directly associated with sexual dissatisfaction. For men, hopelessness, high HIV stigma, sexual inactivity in the last 6 months, and a negative change in sex life after HIV diagnosis were directly associated with sexual dissatisfaction. Path analyses showed in both men and women significant indirect associations between not being involved in an intimate relationship, lower self-reported CD4 cell counts, and perceiving obligation to disclose HIV status to sexual partners as a barrier to look for a long-term partner and sexual dissatisfaction. Our results show that despite good treatment outcomes, the HIV diagnosis has a negative bearing on sexual satisfaction. The need for gender-tailored interventions and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Nilsson Schönnesson
- Department of Public Health (Global Health/IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Galit Zeluf
- Department of Public Health (Global Health/IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Diego Garcia-Huidobro
- Departamento de Medicina Familiar, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Michael W Ross
- Program in Human Sexuality, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lars E Eriksson
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Anna Mia Ekström
- Department of Public Health (Global Health/IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The Problematization of Sexuality among Women Living with HIV and a New Feminist Approach for Understanding and Enhancing Women’s Sexual Lives. SEX ROLES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-017-0826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
8
|
DiStefano AS. HIV in Japan: Epidemiologic puzzles and ethnographic explanations. SSM Popul Health 2016; 2:436-450. [PMID: 29349159 PMCID: PMC5757893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Japan is widely perceived to have a low level of HIV occurrence; however, its HIV epidemics also have been the subject of considerable misunderstanding globally. I used a ground truthing conceptual framework to meet two aims: first, to determine how accurately official surveillance data represented Japan's two largest epidemics (urban Kansai and Tokyo) as understood and experienced on the ground; and second, to identify explanations for why the HIV epidemics were unfolding as officially reported. I used primarily ethnographic methods while drawing upon epidemiology, and compared government surveillance data to observations at community and institutional sites (459 pages of field notes; 175 persons observed), qualitative interviews with stakeholders in local HIV epidemics (n = 32), and document research (n = 116). This revealed seven epidemiologic puzzles involving officially reported trends and conspicuously missing information. Ethnographically grounded explanations are presented for each. These included factors driving the epidemics, which ranged from waning government and public attention to HIV, to gaps in sex education and disruptive leadership changes in public institutions approximately every two years. Factors constraining the epidemics also contributed to explanations. These ranged from subsidized medical treatment for most people living with HIV, to strong partnerships between government and a well-developed, non-governmental sector of HIV interventionists, and protective norms and built environments in the sex industry. Local and regional HIV epidemics were experienced and understood as worse than government reports indicated, and ground-level data often contradicted official knowledge. Results thus call into question epidemiologic trends, including recent stabilization of the national epidemic, and suggest the need for revisions to the surveillance system and strategies that address factors driving and constraining the epidemics. Based upon its utility in the current study, ground truthing has value as a conceptual framework for research and shows promise for future theoretical development.
Collapse
|
9
|
Bernier A, Lefèvre M, Henry E, Verdes L, Acosta ME, Benmoussa A, Mukumbi H, Cissé M, Otis J, Préau M. HIV seropositivity and sexuality: cessation of sexual relations among men and women living with HIV in five countries. AIDS Care 2016; 28 Suppl 1:26-31. [PMID: 26924703 PMCID: PMC4828591 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1146208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The sexuality of people living with HIV (PLHIV) is a key issue in the fight against HIV, as it influences both the dynamic of the epidemic and the quality of life of PLHIV. The present study examined the factors associated with cessation of sexual relations after HIV diagnosis among men and women in five countries: Mali, Morocco, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Romania and Ecuador. A community-based cross-sectional study was implemented by a mixed consortium [researchers/community-based organizations (CBO)]. Trained CBO members interviewed 1500 PLHIV in contact with CBOs using a 125-item questionnaire. A weighted multivariate logistic regression and a separate gender analysis were performed. Among the 1413 participants, 471 (33%) declared that they stopped having sexual relations after their HIV diagnosis, including 318 women (42%) and 153 men (23%) (p < .001). Concerning women, variables associated with the cessation of sexual relations in the final multivariate model were mainly related with relational factors and the possibility of getting social support (e.g., needing help to disclose HIV serostatus, feeling lonely every day, not finding support in CBOs, not being in a couple). Men's sexual activity was more associated with their representations and their perception of the infection (e.g., thinking they will have their HIV infection for the rest of their life, perceiving the HIV infection as a mystery, perceiving the infection as serious). Furthermore, the following variables were associated with both men and women sexual behaviours: being older, having suffered from serious social consequences after serostatus disclosure and not being able to regularly discuss about HIV with their steady partner. Results suggested clear differences between men and women regarding cessation of sexual relations and highlighted the importance of implementing gender-based tailored interventions that promote safe and satisfying sexuality, as it is known to have a positive impact on the overall well-being of PLHIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emilie Henry
- a Coalition Internationale Sida , Pantin , France
| | | | | | | | - Henri Mukumbi
- e ACS/AMO Congo , Kinshasa , Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Joanne Otis
- g CReCES, Université du Québec à Montréal , Montréal , Canada
| | - Marie Préau
- h Social Psychology Research Group, Institute of Psychology, University of Lyon 2 , Bron , France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lazăr F, Verdeş L, Henry E, Fugon L, Bernier A, Otis J, Préau M. Satisfaction with sexual life in people living with HIV in Romania, together with associated individual and social factors. AIDS Care 2014; 26 Suppl 1:S65-9. [DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2014.906550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Florin Lazăr
- Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ludmila Verdeş
- ARAS – Romanian Association Against AIDS, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | | | - Joanne Otis
- Chaire de recherche du Canada en éducation à la santé Faculté des sciences de l'éducation, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Préau
- Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale (EA 4163 GRePS), Institut de Psychologie, Université Lumière Lyon 2, Bron, France
- INSERM, U912 SESSTIM/ORS PACA, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rojas Castro D, Le Gall J, Andreo C, Spire B. Stigma, discrimination, and sexual (dis)satisfaction among people living with HIV: results from the “AIDES et toi” survey. AIDS Care 2010; 22:961-9. [DOI: 10.1080/09540121003758614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Rojas Castro
- a Methodology, Innovation, Research, Evaluation (MIRE) , AIDES , Tour Essor, 14 Rue Scandicci, Pantin-Cedex, 93508 , Paris , France
| | - J.M. Le Gall
- a Methodology, Innovation, Research, Evaluation (MIRE) , AIDES , Tour Essor, 14 Rue Scandicci, Pantin-Cedex, 93508 , Paris , France
| | - C. Andreo
- b National Actions , AIDES , Tour Essor, 14 Rue Scandicci, Pantin-Cedex, 93508 , Paris , France
| | - B. Spire
- a Methodology, Innovation, Research, Evaluation (MIRE) , AIDES , Tour Essor, 14 Rue Scandicci, Pantin-Cedex, 93508 , Paris , France
- c Economic and Social Sciences, Health Systems, Societies , INSERM/IRD/University of the Mediterranean Research Unit 912 , Marseilles , France
- d Southeastern Health Regional Observatory (ORS-PACA) , Marseilles , France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sato M, Yamazaki Y, Sakita M, Bryce TJ. Benefit-finding among people with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan. Nurs Health Sci 2008; 10:51-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2007.00372.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
13
|
Inoue Y, Yamazaki Y, Kihara M, Wakabayashi C, Seki Y, Ichikawa S. The intent and practice of condom use among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Japan. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2006; 20:792-802. [PMID: 17134353 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2006.20.792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the intent and practice of condom use among Japanese HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), a survey using anonymous questionnaires was carried out and 117 respondents were investigated. For anal sex and oral sex, respectively, 58.1% and 15.2% intended to use condoms and 47.2% and 12.4% used condoms all of the time. The intent of condom use decisively affected the practice of condom use and was closely related to the perceived risk level of HIV/sexually transmitted (STI) transmission. In anal sex, willingness to protect sexual partners from HIV infection was strongly related not only to the intent but also to the practice. Enhancement of willingness to protect oneself from STI was suggested to enhance willingness to protect his/her sexual partners from HIV infection with secondary enhancement of the intent or the practice of condom use. Specific support of MSM with HIV for improving the intent and practice of condom use is urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoji Inoue
- School of Nursing, Mie Prefectural College of Nursing, Mie, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Faintuch J, Soeters PB, Osmo HG. Nutritional and metabolic abnormalities in pre-AIDS HIV infection. Nutrition 2006; 22:683-90. [PMID: 16704957 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2006.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2005] [Accepted: 03/16/2006] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Since the earliest reports of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, undernutrition has been associated with HIV infection, typically with the late stages of the disease (namely acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), and may advance to severe wasting and cachexia. Specific micronutrient deficiencies are also recognized to occur with HIV infection, but their actual effect on the clinical course of the disease is hard to assess. The studies reviewed provide more insight into the complex interface between undernutrition and, in some cases, obesity and HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and highlight the possibility of alleviating or curing undernutrition by means of simple and comparatively inexpensive dietary adjustments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Faintuch
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo University Medical School, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Otsuka Y, Fujino T, Mori N, Sekiguchi JI, Toyota E, Saruta K, Kikuchi Y, Sasaki Y, Ajisawa A, Otsuka Y, Nagai H, Takahara M, Saka H, Shirasaka T, Yamashita Y, Kiyosuke M, Koga H, Oka S, Kimura S, Mori T, Kuratsuji T, Kirikae T. Survey of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patients with mycobacterial infection in Japan. J Infect 2005; 51:364-74. [PMID: 16321647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2004.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2004] [Accepted: 12/23/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess DNA polymorphisms in mycobacterial isolates obtained from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patients with tuberculosis in Japan from 1996 to 2003. METHODS Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium isolates obtained from individual seropositive patients with tuberculosis (n=78) were analysed with the use of IS6110 and (CGG)(5) or IS1245 and IS1311, respectively, as markers. As a control, the same procedures were applied to isolates from HIV-seronegative tuberculosis patients (n=87). RESULTS Of 86 mycobacterial strains, M. tuberculosis, M. avium and Mycobacterium chelonae were identified in 48 (55.8%), 36 (41.9%) and 2 (2.3%) isolates, respectively. The obtained RFLP patterns of M. tuberculosis isolates from both the HIV-seropositive and -seronegative groups were variable, suggesting no obvious clustering among the isolates. Similar results were obtained in isolates of M. avium. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report on the molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium spp. isolated from HIV-seropositive patients in Japan. The results indicate that no particular clones of M. tuberculosis or M. avium prevail in HIV-seropositive patients in Japan. Further monitoring of mycobacterial infection associated with HIV infection in Japan should be continued.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yayoi Otsuka
- International Medical Center of Japan, Toyama 1-21-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|