Self-reported sexual dysfunction is frequent among HIV-infected persons and is associated with suboptimal adherence to antiretrovirals

Low genitourinary tract risks in women living with the human immunodeficiency virus

This review analyzes the clinical associations between specific low genitourinary tract clinical circumstances in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLHIV). Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves survival and reduces opportunistic infections and HIV transmission. Despite appropriate ART, WLHIV may display menstrual dysfunction, risk of early menopause, vaginal microbiome alterations, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, vasomotor symptoms and low sexual function as compared to women without the infection. They have increased risks of intraepithelial and invasive cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. The reduced immunity capacity may also increase the risk of urinary tract infections, side-effects or toxicity of ARTs, and opportunistic infections. Menstrual dysfunction and early menopause may contribute to the early onset of vascular atherosclerosis and plaque formation, and increased osteoporosis risks requiring specific early interventions. On the other hand, the association between being postmenopausal and having a low sexual function is significant and related to low adherence to ART. WLHIV deserve a specific approach to manage different low genitourinary risks and complications related to hormone dysfunction and early menopause.

Factors Associated with General Sexual Functioning and Sexual Satisfaction among People Living with HIV: A Systematic Review

Sexual difficulties, experienced by half of the people living with HIV (PLWH), not only affect quality of life but have been associated with lower adherence to antiretroviral medication. This systematic review synthesizes studies published since 1997 which used statistical methods to investigate factors associated with general sexual functioning or sexual satisfaction of PLWH. We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Cinahl and Scopus with terms: HIV AND sexual dysfunction AND factors. Of 5552 records, 26 studies met selection criteria. Twenty-one studies on general sexual function, and five studies on sexual satisfaction. Two researchers separately extracted data and applied standardized quality assessment criteria. (Registration: CRD42018094146.) Regarding general sexual dysfunction, older age, general physical health, depression, body image and psychological distress were the most relevant factors. There was inconsistent evidence for: CD4, viral load, HIV symptom severity, HIV disease progression and time since diagnosis. From limited available evidence on sexual satisfaction, age, unemployment, and psychosocial factors were significant. Overall, anxiety and relational factors were under-researched, treatment center studies were over-represented and non-validated measurement of outcomes was common. Future research is required to build theoretical models of sexual well-being specific to PLWH to guide effective research and intervention to promote sexual quality of life of PLWH.

Menopausal symptoms are associated with non-adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-infected middle-aged women

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the intensity of menopausal symptoms and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence in middle-aged women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 313 Peruvian women with HIV infection (age 40-59 years) were surveyed and classified as adherent or non-adherent to HAART based on the Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence Evaluation Questionnaire. The intensity of menopausal symptoms was assessed with the Menopause Rating Scale, and categorized as none, mild, moderate, and/or severe. Age, sexual orientation, used HAART scheme, time since HIV diagnosis, menopausal status, risk of depression, and presence of comorbidities were also assessed. Poisson generalized linear models with robust variance were performed in order to estimate crude prevalence ratios (PRs) and adjusted PRs using statistical (a₁PR) and epidemiological criteria (a₂PR).Results: A total of 19.9%, 32.6%, and 15.0% of all women presented mild, moderate, and severe menopausal symptoms, respectively. Overall, 70.6% women were non-adherent to HAART. The probability of non-adherence was higher in women with mild, moderate, and severe symptoms as compared to asymptomatic women in the non-adjusted model (PR: 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-2.29; PR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.38-2.23; and PR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.64-2.61, respectively) and the adjusted model.Conclusion: The severity of menopausal symptoms was associated with HAART non-adherence in HIV-infected middle-aged women.

Factors associated with erectile dysfunction among men living with HIV: a systematic review

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more prevalent among men with HIV than HIV negative men. This study systematically reviewed quantitative studies published since 1997 which sampled men with HIV to examine factors associated with ED. Searches on PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cinahl databases produced 5552 records, and 14 studies met inclusion criteria. Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed the quality studies using standardized criteria. Age and depression were found to be significantly associated with ED. Importantly, factors unique to HIV emerged as consistently significant across studies, including time on antiretroviral medication and protease inhibitor medication use. However, these relate to organic cause factors associated with ED only. Only four studies examined social factors with inconsistent findings. There was a paucity of research related to psychosocial factors associated with ED. This systematic review used a broad search strategy employed across multiple data-bases, however, it is limited by the over-representation of treatment centre based studies conducted in high-income nations. Future research should examine psychosocial factors, such as undue fear of transmission of HIV or fear of rejection by a sexual partner and develop a psychosocial model of sexual difficulties with HIV, from which casual hypotheses can be derived and tested.

A Review of HIV-Specific Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

The use of patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to provide added feedback to health providers is receiving interest as a means of improving clinical care and patient outcomes, and contributing to more patient-centered care. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), while PROs are used in research, their application in clinical practice has been limited despite their potential utility. PRO selection is an important consideration when contemplating their use. As past reviews of PROs in HIV have focused on particular areas (e.g. disability, satisfaction with care), a more comprehensive review could better inform on the available instruments and their scope. This article reviews HIV-specific PROs to produce an inventory and to identify the central concepts targeted over time. Seven databases were searched (HAPI, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar), generating 14,794 records for evaluation. From these records, 117 HIV-specific PROs were identified and categorized based on a content analysis of their targeted concept: Health-Related Quality of Life (23; 20 %), ART and Adherence-Related Views and Experiences (19; 16 %), Healthcare-Related Views and Experiences (15; 13 %), Psychological Challenges (12; 10 %), Symptoms (12; 10 %), Psychological Resources (10; 9 %), HIV Self-Management and Self-Care (8; 7 %), HIV-Related Stigma (8; 7 %), Body and Facial Appearance (4; 3 %), Social Support (3; 3 %), Sexual and Reproductive Health (2; 2 %), and Disability (1; 1 %). This review highlights the variety and evolution of HIV-specific PROs, with the arrival of seven categories of PROs only after the advent of highly-active antiretroviral therapy. Our inventory also offers a useful resource. However, the interest of further HIV-specific PRO development should be explored in sexual health, which received little independent attention.

Non-adherence to anti-retroviral therapy among HIV infected adults in Mon State of Myanmar

Background

The provision of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) was started in Myanmar in 2005 in collaboration with the National AIDS Program and the private sector. Successful clinical management of HIV-infected patients is subject to optimal adherence. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of adherence to ART and identify factors associated with non-adherence to ART among HIV infected adults registered in a private sector setting in Mon State, Myanmar.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with adults living with HIV receiving ART at an HIV outpatient clinic between April and May 2016. A total of three hundred People Living with HIV(PLHIV) were interviewed using a pretested and structured questionnaire. The 30 days Visual Analog Scale (VAS) adherence instrument was used to assess the level of adherence. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with non-adherence to ART.

Results

Among 300 patients (male 37.7% and female 62.3%, with a mean age of 41.3 years, standard deviation 8.7), 84% reported ≥95% adherence to ART in the past month. Among 16% of those reporting non-adherence, major reasons for skipping the medication were being busy (23%), being away from home (17.7%) and being forgetful (12.3%). In multivariable logistic rgeression, low behavioural skills on ART adherence (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10-0.94), tobacco use (OR = 3.22, 95% CI:1.28-8.12), having disclosed their HIV status (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.69), having a partner who was not on ART (OR = 4.25, 95% CI: 1.70-10.64) and among men, having erectile dysfunction (OR = 15.14, 95% CI: 1.41-162.66) were significant associated with ART non-adherence.

Conclusion

Non-adherence to ART was associated with individual moderating factors and behavioral skills. Priority measures such as addressing risk behaviour and behavioural change communication tailored to individual patients’ lifestyles requires comprehensive interventions to improve adherence.

Sexual dysfunction and its determinants among women infected with HIV

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and its determinants among women with HIV infection enrolled for care and treatment in an ambulatory care setting.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among women attending the HIV clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, between March 2013 and February 2014. The self-administered Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess FSD; a score of less than 26.55 indicated FSD. Pearson coefficient was used to assess interdomain correlation, and multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with FSD.

RESULTS

Among 370 participants, 330 (89.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 85.6%-92.2%) had FSD. The overall median FSFI score was 19.2 (interquartile range [IQR] 6.4-23.9). The arousal domain had the lowest subscore (median 2.7, IQR 0.0-3.6). The highest interdomain correlations were between lubrication and orgasm (r=0.87), arousal and lubrication (r=0.84), and arousal and orgasm (r=0.81) domains. Satisfactory health (β=3.34, 95% CI 1.16-5.52) and history of alcohol use (β=2.38, 95% CI 0.28-4.47) were independently associated with FSD.

CONCLUSION

FSD was prevalent among women with HIV infection. Care providers need to routinely address FSD as part of a comprehensive care package in the study setting.

Prevalence and Predictors of Erectile Dysfunctions among Men on Antiretroviral Therapy in South-western Nigeria

Background:

Erectile dysfunctions (EDs) are common presentations among men on anti-retroviral therapy, many of who had a course to discontinue anti-retroviral drugs or search for alternative treatments.

Aim:

This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of ED among men on anti-retro viral therapies (ART) in a Nigerian population.

Subjects and Methods:

It was a descriptive cross-sectional survey among 234 HIV-positive men on anti-retroviral therapy selected using stratified sampling method after excluding for co-morbidities. Research instrument was semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire, and data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 17.0 (Chicago IL, USA), while binary logistic regression and Chi-square test were used to demonstrate association between selected categorical variable.

Results:

Mean age of respondents was 37.1 (1.6) years, 85.6% have not missed their medications, self-reported adherence was reported as good among 213 [(90.8%) 213/234], though calculated adherence was 90% among as many as 201 [(85.6%) 201/234]. Pattern of EDs revealed weak erection among 42 [(37.8%) 42/111], 15 [(13.5%) 15/111] said they could no longer achieve erection, 33 [(29.7%) 33/111] said they could not maintain erections, while 27 [(24.3%) 27/111] presented with loss of libido. Delayed and premature ejaculations were reported among 24 [(21.6%) 24/111] and 8 [(7.2%) 8/111] respectively. About 14% (33/234) of respondents said that anti-retroviral drugs could have caused their ED while 78% (183/234) said it should not. A statistically significant association exists between having weak erections and age above 65 years and calculated the adherence <95%, while none exists between having weak erections and missing pills.

Conclusion:

Anti-retroviral drugs are common causes of EDs. Concerns of clients should always be addressed most especially issues that may compromise adherence.

Personal or relational? Examining sexual health in the context of HIV serodiscordant same-sex male couples

Couples' ability to adopt a "we" orientation has been associated with optimal health outcomes. This study examined how personal and relational motivations are uniquely associated with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), protected anal intercourse (PAI), and the absence of sexual activity within HIV-serodiscordant same-sex male couples. HIV-positive men and their HIV-negative partners (N = 116 couples, 232 men) completed questionnaires and HIV-positive men had blood drawn for viral load. Results of a multinomial logistic regression illustrated that sexual satisfaction was positively associated with PAI among HIV-negative partners and negatively associated with PAI among HIV-positive partners. Endorsing a "we" orientation was positively associated with PAI among HIV-positive partners. Findings suggest that HIV-positive partners who espouse a "we" orientation may be willing to forgo their personal interests to protect their HIV-negative partners from HIV transmission. Couples-based interventions are warranted to help strengthen relationship dynamics to enhance the sexual health of serodiscordant couples.

Addressing sexual problems in HIV primary care: experiences from patients

Evidence suggests that sexual problems are common among people living with HIV and may be related to sexual risk taking and treatment adherence. This study explored the extent to which sexual problems experienced by people with HIV are addressed in primary care as well as how primary care responses to sexual problems are experienced by patients. Structured interviews were conducted with 60 patients at an urban HIV clinic. The average age of the participants (37 male, 23 female) was 45.8 years (SD = 7.9). Sexual problems were common. The most common sexual problem experienced in the past year was a lack of interest in sex (53.3 % reported) and the least common problem was painful intercourse (reported by 20 %). There were no gender differences in reports of sexual problems, except that painful intercourse was more frequently reported by women than men. Relatively few individuals who experienced sexual problems had discussed them with their provider, but these individuals were generally pleased with the counseling they had received and could identify several factors that facilitated a positive patient-provider interaction. Those who offer primary care services to people with HIV should be aware of sexual problems their patients may be experiencing and should feel confident in their ability to successfully address these problems. Providers may need additional training in order to adequately address sexual problems among people with HIV in primary care settings.

The cumulative effects of medication use, drug use, and smoking on erectile dysfunction among men who have sex with men

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is highly prevalent among human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive (HIV+) men who have sex with men (MSM). There is a need for additional research to determine the correlates of HIV+ and HIV-seronegative (HIV-) MSM, especially regarding nonantiretroviral medication use.

AIMS

This study examined the prevalence of ED and the sociodemographic, medical conditions, medication use, and substance use correlates of ED among HIV+ and HIV- MSM.

METHODS

A modified version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for MSM was self-administered by participants enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, an ongoing prospective study of the natural and treated histories of HIV infection among MSM in the United States. The study sample included 1,340 participants, including 612 HIV+ and 728 HIV- men. Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to estimate prevalence ratios of ED in multivariable models in combined (HIV+/-) and separate analyses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

ED was determined by the summed scores of a modified version of the IIEF validated among MSM.

RESULTS

Twenty-one percent of HIV+ MSM and 16% of HIV- MSM reported ED. Being >55 years of age, black race, cumulative pack years of smoking, cumulative antihypertensive use, and cumulative antidepressant use had significant positive associations with the prevalence of ED in the total sample. Among HIV+ men, duration of antihypertensive use and antidepressant use were significantly associated with increasing prevalence of ED. Among HIV- men, being >55 years of age, black race, and cigarette smoking duration were associated with increased prevalence of ED.

CONCLUSION

Predictors of ED may differ by HIV status. Although smoking cessation and effective medication management may be important as possible treatment strategies for ED among all MSM, there may be a burden on sexual functioning produced by non-HIV medications for HIV+ men.

Sexual function and dysfunction in older HIV-positive individuals

With many parts of the world seeing an aging cohort of people living with HIV (PLHIV), it is becoming clear that some organ systems in these individuals are at a greater risk of disease. There are effects on sexual functioning in aging PLHIV, with many studies finding higher levels of sexual dysfunction in HIV-positive individuals compared with those who are HIV-negative. HIV itself, along with antiretroviral agents, may cause dysfunction. Treatment involves making an assessment of the dysfunction and using the usual methods available, although treatment may be complicated by hormonal deficiencies in HIV-positive individuals, along with the effects of antiretroviral therapy, and drug interactions involving such medications. Furthermore, the issue of HIV transmission needs to be addressed in those seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction.

Sexual satisfaction among men living with HIV in Europe

This study determined risk factors for decreased sexual satisfaction among men living with HIV (MLHIV). Self-administered questionnaires were distributed consecutively to all MLHIV attending 17 European HIV treatment centres. The sample included 1,017 MLHIV, among whom 79.2% self-identified as homosexual or bisexual. Sexual satisfaction was measured for five domains of sexual functioning and 33.2% reported low satisfaction in at least one domain. Decreased sexual satisfaction was associated with psychosocial factors, i.e. depression (OR 2.77, P < 0.001), anxiety (OR 1.77, P < 0.001), stress (OR 2.27, P < 0.001) and social factors, such as low partner support (OR 2.28, P < 0.001) and experiences of HIV related discrimination (OR 1.69, P < 0.001). Discussing satisfaction with sexuality should be integrated in regular HIV care, considering patients' personal and relationship-related resources next to medical treatment if indicated.

Sexual Dysfunctions of HIV-Positive Men: Associated Factors, Pathophysiology Issues, and Clinical Management

Sexual dysfunctions in HIV-positive men are associated with an increase in risky sexual behavior and decreased adherence to antiretroviral drug regimens. Because of these important public health issues, we reviewed the literature on the pathophysiology, associated factors and clinical management of sexual dysfunction in HIV-positive men. The goal was to investigate the current research on these issues. Literature searches were performed in June 2011 on PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycInfo databases with the keywords “AIDS” and “sexual dysfunction” and “HIV” and “sexual dysfunction”, resulting in 54 papers. Several researchers have investigated the factors associated with sexual dysfunction in HIV-positive men. The association between sexual dysfunction and antiretroviral drugs, particularly protease inhibitors, has been reported in many studies. The lack of standardized measures in many studies and the varying study designs are the main reasons that explain the controversial results. Despite some important findings, the pathophysiology of sexual dysfunction in the HAART era still not completely understood. Clinical trials of testosterone replacement therapy have shown the treatment to be beneficial to the improvement of sexual dysfunctions related to hypogonadism. However, there are not enough psychological intervention studies to make conclusions regarding the therapeutic effects of psychotherapy.

MSM: resurgent epidemics

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present review discusses the recent finding on behavioral risk factors for HIV transmission from cohort studies in MSM.

RECENT FINDINGS

HIV incidence among MSM has been increasing in many countries around the world. Some data support early detection and widespread use of antiretroviral treatment (ART) to decrease HIV incidence. However, suboptimal ART adherence could lead to relapse of viremia and new transmission events. Condom use for unprotected anal sex among MSM remains an important prevention tool, but use remains low in many parts of the world. Seroadaptive behaviors by MSM, such as serosorting, may also decrease condom use. However, when serosorting is practiced by MSM who receive frequent HIV testing, the risk of HIV acquisition is reduced. Serosorting and other characteristics of sexual networks, such as concurrency, may be major determinants of transmission for HIV and sexually transmitted infections among MSM. Worldwide, detailed evaluation of the factors related to rising MSM HIV incidence, as well as access to testing and care, is limited by stigma and criminalization of HIV and homosexuality.

SUMMARY

Cohort studies of MSM remain an important strategy to characterize the behavioral factors that drive HIV transmission and how use of ART for prevention and treatment may affect both the risk of HIV transmission and acquisition by MSM.

How to improve the quality of a disease management program for HIV-infected patients using a computerized data system. The Saint-Antoine Orchestra program

OBJECTIVES

The emergence of non-AIDS-related events in the HIV-infected population experiencing a longer life expectancy implies the implementation of a comprehensive approach of HIV clinical management through better access to care, prevention, and early diagnosis of co-morbidities.

METHODS

The Orchestra program is a computer-assisted HIV care and support tool implemented since December 2004 in the outpatient clinic of a University Hospital set in Paris, France. The intervention aims at improving access to HIV information care and support specifically targeted five areas of actions: cardiovascular risk factors; gynecological follow-up; anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine coverage; sexuality and prevention of sexually transmitted infections; and compliance to antiretrovirals. The impact of this program was examined prospectively on a "before-after" basis after a two-year implementation.

RESULTS

In the two-year period, 1717 patients were regularly followed. The level of the database information significantly increased in time (low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and glycemia were informed in 74% of patients at inclusion versus 95% at two years, and 83% versus 97%, p < 0.001, respectively). The number of targeted interventions was also higher. For eligible women, papanicolaou smears and mammography were prescribed in 52% of cases after intervention, versus 44% at inclusion, p0.04 and 83% versus 50%, p < 0.001, respectively. Indicators of care eventually improved significantly. Initially 72% non-adherent patients declared to be adherent after the intervention ( p < 0.001) and 67% of patients with initial LDL-hypercholesterolemia normalized their LDL level within two years ( p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The Orchestra program has provided a unique opportunity to assess and improve prevention and management of co-morbidities in HIV patients.

Sexual health, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in the United States

The sexual health of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States is not getting better despite considerable social, political and human rights advances. Instead of improving, HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain disproportionately high among MSM and have been increasing for almost two decades. The disproportionate and worsening burden of HIV and other STIs among MSM requires an urgent re-assessment of what we have been doing as a nation to reduce these infections, how we have been doing it, and the scale of our efforts. A sexual health approach has the potential to improve our understanding of MSM's sexual behavior and relationships, reduce HIV and STI incidence, and improve the health and well-being of MSM.

Socio-demographic and clinical factors influencing the adherence to treatment in Parkinson's disease: the ADHESON study

BACKGROUND

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are usually controlled by a continuous titration of medication and addition of multiple therapies over the course of the disease. Therapeutic complex schemes, polymedication, comorbidities and the number of medications required contribute to non-adherence.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey was performed in 418 patients with PD on treatment with any antiparkinsonian medication. Patient adherence was assessed through physicians' subjective perception and the Morisky-Green test (MGT). Several social, demographic and clinical features were correlated through bivariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

According to the physician's opinion 93.7%, and according to the MGT 60.4% of patients were adherent to parkinsonian therapy. The bivariate analysis showed greater adherence in patients with a high level of knowledge about the disease (62.8%), good clinical control (63.6%), a spouse or life partner (63%) and higher incomes (66%). Negative correlation with psychiatric symptoms was found. In relation to the MGT, the logistic regression model showed a negative correlation between cognitive deterioration and psychiatric pathology and adherence to therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The physician's impression overestimated the compliance of patients when compared with an objective evaluation such as the MGT. Cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptoms are the clinical variables associated with a lower level of adherence.

HIV infection and women's sexual functioning

OBJECTIVE

To compare sexual problems among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women and describe clinical and psychosocial factors associated with these problems.

DESIGN

Data were collected during a study visit of the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). The WIHS studies the natural and treated history of HIV among women in the United States.

METHODS

Between October 01, 2006, and March 30, 2007, 1805 women (1279 HIV positive and 526 HIV negative) completed a study visit that included administration of the Female Sexual Function Index. In addition, the visit included completion of standardized interviewer-administered surveys, physical and gynecological examinations, and blood sample collection.

RESULTS

Women with HIV reported greater sexual problems than did those without HIV. Women also reported lower sexual function if they were classified as menopausal, had symptoms indicative of depression, or if they reported not being in a relationship. CD4 cell count was associated with Female Sexual Function Index scores, such that those with CD4

CONCLUSIONS

Given research documenting relationships between self-reported sexual problems and both clinical diagnoses of sexual dysfunction and women's quality of life, greater attention to this issue as a potential component of women's overall HIV care is warranted.

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Key Words

• hiv
• women
• sexual behavior
• sexual problems

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MESH Headings

• Adult
• Arousal
• Depression/epidemiology
• Depression/psychology
• Female
• HIV Infections/psychology
• HIV Seronegativity
• HIV Seropositivity/psychology
• Humans
• Interviews as Topic
• Menopause
• Middle Aged
• Multivariate Analysis
• Orgasm
• Psychology
• Sexual Behavior/psychology
• United States
• Young Adult

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Grants

• K23 AG032870-01A1 NIA NIH HHS
• U01-AI-42590 NIAID NIH HHS
• U01 AI031834 NIAID NIH HHS
• U01 AI035004 NIAID NIH HHS
• U01-HD-32632 NICHD NIH HHS
• P30 AG012857 NIA NIH HHS
• U01-AI-34994 NIAID NIH HHS
• U01-AI-35004 NIAID NIH HHS
• U01-AI-31834 NIAID NIH HHS
• U01 AI034994 NIAID NIH HHS
• K23 AG032870 NIA NIH HHS
• U01 AI034993 NIAID NIH HHS
• UL1 RR024131 NCRR NIH HHS
• U01 AI034989 NIAID NIH HHS
• 5P30 AG 012857 NIA NIH HHS
• U01-AI-34993 NIAID NIH HHS
• U01 AI031834-16 NIAID NIH HHS
• U01-AI-34989 NIAID NIH HHS
• U01 HD032632 NICHD NIH HHS
• U01 AI042590 NIAID NIH HHS

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Affiliation(s)

Tracey E Wilson Department of Community Health Sciences, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
Girardin Jean-Louis
Rebecca Schwartz
Elizabeth T Golub
Mardge H Cohen
Pauline Maki
Ruth Greenblatt
L Stewart Massad
Esther Robison
Lakshmi Goparaju
Stacy Lindau

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Sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men using erectile dysfunction medications

This study examined relationships between use of the phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors (erectile dysfunction medications) sildenafil (Viagra), Pfizer, New York, NY), tadalafil (Cialis), Eli Lily, Indianapolis, IN), and/or vardenafil (Levitra), Bayer, Berlin, Germany), substance use, perceptions of risk, and sexual behavior in men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM (N = 342) attending a gay pride festival completed a brief survey assessing sexual behavior, risk perceptions, and substance use, including the use and the source of PDE-5 inhibitors. More than a quarter of the sample (26.3%, n = 89) reported having ever used a PDE-5 inhibitor. Those reporting use of PDE-5 inhibitors had higher rates of sexual risk behaviors and differed in their assessment of the risk of HIV transmission for unprotected anal sex. Users who received PDE-5 inhibitors from their doctors did not report sexual behaviors that differed significantly from those who received PDE-5 inhibitors from nonphysician sources. In a sequential logistic regression analysis, recent PDE-5 inhibitor use was associated with unprotected anal sex after accounting for the influence of age, education, ethnic identity, and substance use. Many MSM users of erectile dysfunction drugs report behaviors that may place their and others' health at risk. Interventions to reduce risk among MSM PDE-5 inhibitor users should be explored.

Impact of metabolic complications on antiretroviral treatment adherence: clinical and public health implications

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is an effective strategy for preventing disease progression of HIV infection, particularly when patients adhere closely to the treatment regimen. However, ART medications can cause side effects, including metabolic complications that can impact patients' adherence levels. Selected chronic complications associated with ART include lipodystrophy, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance and diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and bone disorders such as osteopenia/osteoporosis. In this article, we review the effects of these metabolic complications on ART adherence and approaches to prevent or reverse them.

Low levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1-infected women with menstrual disorders

We evaluated the prevalence of menstrual disorders in HIV-1-infected women and explored the association between such disorders and adherence to antiretroviral therapy, sexual functioning, and depressive symptoms in a group of HIV-1-infected women aged younger than 46 years and on antiretroviral therapy. Participants were included in a cross-sectional survey between June 2005 and December 2006. Women provided information about their menstrual cycle and adherence in a single visit and responded to the Greene Climacteric Scale, the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Functioning Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory. Women with and without menstrual disorders were compared using parametric and nonparametric tests. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression model was developed. The participants were 107 Caucasian women with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 39 years (IQR, 36-42 years) and a median CD4 cell count of 483 cells/mm(3) (IQR, 332-679 cells/mm(3)). The viral load was below 50 copies per milliliter in 76.6% of the women. Sixty-four percent of the women had acquired HIV-1 infection through sexual intercourse. Menstrual disorders, observed in 32% of participants, were more frequent in women with detectable viral loads (p = 0.018). Women with menstrual disorders reported worse adherence (p = 0.005) and more sexual dysfunction (p < 0.05). Sixty-nine percent of the women who attributed their menstrual disorders to the use of antiretrovirals had inadequate adherence. Depressive symptoms were not observed. Vasomotor symptoms (p = 0.004), having a detectable viral load (p = 0.03) and adherence less than 95% (p = 0.02) were predictors of menstrual disorder. A third of the HIV-1-infected women assessed had menstrual disorders that impacted negatively on adherence to therapy and sexual function. The subjective attribution of these irregularities to antiretrovirals seems to affect medication intake, possibly favoring negative clinical consequences.

Benefits, risk, and uncertainty: preferences of antiretroviral-naïve African Americans for HIV treatments

While African Americans in the United States are disproportionately affected by HIV, they are less likely to take antiretroviral therapies. Different first-line antiretroviral therapies are associated with short-term and long-term adverse event (AE) risks. We estimated the willingness of antiretroviral-naïve, HIV-positive African Americans to accept risks of acute AEs with known outcomes and long-term AEs with uncertain outcomes in exchange for virologic suppression. We estimated the relative importance of short-term and long-term AE risks. Two hundred thirty-five subjects were recruited through eight clinics in the United States. One hundred fifty-eight subjects met study inclusion criteria. One hundred fifty-three subjects completed a series of choice-format conjoint trade-off tasks. In each task, subjects were asked to choose between two hypothetical treatments with varying levels of virologic failure, risks of hypersensitivity reaction, decreases in bone mineral density (BMD), and renal impairment, and outcome uncertainty associated with the risks of decreased BMD and renal impairment. Attributes were expressed as probabilities of occurrence. We calculated the relative importance of each AE and the level of risk subjects would accept to reduce the risk of virologic failure. Subjects indicated that short-term AEs with relatively certain outcomes are preferred to long-term AEs with uncertain outcomes. Subjects were strongly averse to the risk of decreased BMD that could not be treated successfully or when the outcome was uncertain and to the risk of renal impairment that could not be treated successfully. Subjects were willing to accept increased risks of AEs in exchange for lower risk of virologic failure.