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Abrantes R, Pimentel V, Miranda MNS, Silva AR, Diniz A, Ascenção B, Piñeiro C, Koch C, Rodrigues C, Caldas C, Morais C, Faria D, Gomes da Silva E, Teófilo E, Monteiro F, Roxo F, Maltez F, Rodrigues F, Gaião G, Ramos H, Costa I, Germano I, Simões J, Oliveira J, Ferreira J, Poças J, Saraiva da Cunha J, Soares J, Fernandes S, Mansinho K, Pedro L, Aleixo MJ, Gonçalves MJ, Manata MJ, Mouro M, Serrado M, Caixeiro M, Marques N, Costa O, Pacheco P, Proença P, Rodrigues P, Pinho R, Tavares R, Correia de Abreu R, Côrte-Real R, Serrão R, Sarmento e Castro R, Nunes S, Faria T, Baptista T, Simões D, Mendão L, Martins MRO, Gomes P, Pingarilho M, Abecasis AB. Determinants of HIV late presentation among men who have sex with men in Portugal (2014-2019): who's being left behind? Front Public Health 2024; 12:1336845. [PMID: 38500732 PMCID: PMC10947991 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1336845] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction HIV late presentation (LP) remains excessive in Europe. We aimed to analyze the factors associated with late presentation in the MSM population newly diagnosed with HIV in Portugal between 2014 and 2019. Methods We included 391 newly HIV-1 diagnosed Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), from the BESTHOPE project, in 17 countrywide Portuguese hospitals. The data included clinical and socio-behavioral questionnaires and the viral genomic sequence obtained in the drug resistance test before starting antiretrovirals (ARVs). HIV-1 subtypes and epidemiological surveillance mutations were determined using different bioinformatics tools. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between predictor variables and late presentation (LP). Results The median age was 31 years, 51% had a current income between 501-1,000 euros, 28% were migrants. 21% had never been tested for HIV before diagnosis, with 42.3% of MSM presenting LP. 60% were infected with subtype B strains. In the multivariate regression, increased age at diagnosis, higher income, lower frequency of screening, STI ever diagnosed and higher viral load were associated with LP. Conclusion Our study suggests that specific subgroups of the MSM population, such older MSM, with higher income and lower HIV testing frequency, are not being targeted by community and clinical screening services. Overall, targeted public health measures should be strengthened toward these subgroups, through strengthened primary care testing, expanded access to PrEP, information and promotion of HIV self-testing and more inclusive and accessible health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Abrantes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon (IHMT/UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Victor Pimentel
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon (IHMT/UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mafalda N. S. Miranda
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon (IHMT/UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Silva
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Loures, Portugal
| | - António Diniz
- U. Imunodeficiência, Hospital Pulido Valente, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bianca Ascenção
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal, Setúbal, Portugal
| | - Carmela Piñeiro
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmo Koch
- Centro de Biologia Molecular, Serviço de Imunohemoterapia do Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Rodrigues
- Serviço de Medicina 1.4, Hospital de São José, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cátia Caldas
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia Morais
- Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Domitília Faria
- Serviço de Medicina 3, Hospital de Portimão, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, Portimão, Portugal
| | | | - Eugénio Teófilo
- Serviço de Medicina 2.3, Hospital de Santo António dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fátima Monteiro
- Centro de Biologia Molecular, Serviço de Imunohemoterapia do Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fausto Roxo
- Hospital de Dia de Doenças Infeciosas, Hospital Distrital de Santarém, Santarém, Portugal
| | - Fernando Maltez
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fernando Rodrigues
- Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Guilhermina Gaião
- Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Hospital de Sta Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helena Ramos
- Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Costa
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LMCBM, SPC, CHLO-HEM), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Germano
- Serviço de Medicina 1.4, Hospital de São José, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Simões
- Serviço de Medicina 1.4, Hospital de São José, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joaquim Oliveira
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Ferreira
- Serviço de Medicina 2, Hospital de Faro, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - José Poças
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal, Setúbal, Portugal
| | - José Saraiva da Cunha
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Soares
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Fernandes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LMCBM, SPC, CHLO-HEM), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Kamal Mansinho
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Liliana Pedro
- Serviço de Medicina 3, Hospital de Portimão, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, Portimão, Portugal
| | | | | | - Maria José Manata
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Mouro
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital de Aveiro, Centro Hospitalar Baixo Vouga, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Serrado
- U. Imunodeficiência, Hospital Pulido Valente, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Micaela Caixeiro
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital Dr. Fernando da Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Nuno Marques
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital Garcia da Orta, Almada, Portugal
| | - Olga Costa
- Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Biologia Molecular, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Pacheco
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital Dr. Fernando da Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Paula Proença
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital de Faro, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Paulo Rodrigues
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Loures, Portugal
| | - Raquel Pinho
- Serviço de Medicina 3, Hospital de Portimão, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, Portimão, Portugal
| | - Raquel Tavares
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Loures, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Correia de Abreu
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Unidade de Local de Saúde de Matosinhos, Hospital Pedro Hispano, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Rita Côrte-Real
- Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Biologia Molecular, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rosário Serrão
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Sofia Nunes
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital de Aveiro, Centro Hospitalar Baixo Vouga, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Telo Faria
- Unidade Local de Saúde do Baixo Alentejo, Hospital José Joaquim Fernandes, Beja, Portugal
| | - Teresa Baptista
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniel Simões
- Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos (GAT), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luis Mendão
- Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos (GAT), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M. Rosário O. Martins
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon (IHMT/UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Perpétua Gomes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LMCBM, SPC, CHLO-HEM), Lisbon, Portugal
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Almada, Portugal
| | - Marta Pingarilho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon (IHMT/UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana B. Abecasis
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon (IHMT/UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
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Shobowale O, Schmidt AJ, Meireles P, Rojas Castro D, Detandt S, Stutterheim SE, Weatherburn P, Jonas KJ. Determinants of HIV Testing Among Migrant Men Who Have Sex With Men from Sub-Saharan Africa and Other Regions Residing in 10 European Countries. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:488-506. [PMID: 38326669 PMCID: PMC10876736 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04239-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Migrant men who have sex with men (mMSM) from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and other regions outside Europe are highly vulnerable to HIV. However, research on the determinants of HIV testing among mMSM from SSA, and how these differ across the categories of mMSM living in Europe, is limited. Using data from the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS-2017), we assessed HIV testing prevalence and recency in mMSM from SSA and other mMSM residing in ten European countries, as well as the determinants of HIV testing across different mMSM categories with logistic regression analyses. Ever-testing for HIV was slightly higher in mMSM from SSA (83%) compared to other mMSM categories (75-80%), except for mMSM from Latin America and Caribbean region (84%). Overall, 20% of mMSM had never tested. In multivariable analysis, higher age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.10), higher HIV knowledge (AOR 1.45, 95%-CI 1.11-1.90), and residence in smaller settlements (AOR 0.45, 95%-CI 0.21-0.96) were significantly associated with ever testing for HIV in mMSM from SSA. Comparing mMSM from SSA to mMSM from other regions, we found varying significant similarities (higher age, residence in smaller settlements and HIV knowledge) and differences (lower educational attainment, not identifying as gay, being a student, and limited disclosure of homosexual attraction) in the determinants of ever-testing for HIV. Community-specific interventions addressing identified sociodemographic and behavioral determinants to increase HIV testing uptake in the different mMSM categories and better data for further research are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladipupo Shobowale
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Axel J Schmidt
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Sigma Research, London, UK
| | - Paula Meireles
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Sandrine Detandt
- Faculty of Psychology, Observatoire du Sida et des Sexualités Research Center, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah E Stutterheim
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Sigma Research, London, UK
| | - Kai J Jonas
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Di Ciaccio M, Delabre RM, Vilotitch A, Corbelli GM, Villes V, Ros Sánchez A, Zantkuijl P, Sweers H, Sanchez F, Meulbroek M, Cairns G, Bernier A, Ghosn J, Carvalho Rocha LM, Cosmaro ML, Duken SB, Dan M, Schlegel V, Stranz R, Jonas KJ, Spire B, Rojas Castro D. PrEP in the Context of Other HIV Risk Reduction Strategies Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Results from the Flash! PrEP in Europe Survey. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2451-2464. [PMID: 35725849 PMCID: PMC9208709 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Combination HIV prevention covers a range of biomedical, behavioral, and socio-structural interventions. Despite the growing availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), it is not always accessible in European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reporting countries and may not meet the needs of all at-risk populations. Based on the Flash! PrEP in Europe data, multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering were used to identify patterns in HIV prevention strategies among 9980 men who have sex with men (MSM). PrEP interest was evaluated among four identified clusters: (A) "high condom use, sometimes Treatment as Prevention (TasP)"; (B) "mix of methods, infrequent condom use"; (C) "high condom use, tendency to choose partners based on serological status" and (D) "moderate use of condoms mixed with other prevention strategies". Clusters B and D had higher PrEP interest. These results suggest that MSM use a range of behavioral and biomedical risk reduction strategies that are often combined. On-demand PrEP may meet the needs of MSM who infrequently use condoms and other prevention methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Di Ciaccio
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France.
- Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale (GRePS), Université Lyon 2, 69500, Bron, France.
| | | | - Antoine Vilotitch
- INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de La Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | | | - Virginie Villes
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | | | | | | | - Flor Sanchez
- Department of Social Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Adeline Bernier
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | - Jade Ghosn
- Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Nord, Service des Maladies Infectieuses, Site Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Sascha Béla Duken
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monica Dan
- Department of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, ARAS, Bucarest, Romania
| | | | - Richard Stranz
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
- Community-based Laboratory, AIDES, Pantin, France
| | - Kai J Jonas
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno Spire
- INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Daniela Rojas Castro
- Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
- INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
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Meireles P, Moreira C, Rocha M, Plankey M, Barros H. Transitions Between Preexposure Prophylaxis Eligibility States and HIV Infection in the Lisbon Cohort of HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Multistate Model Analysis. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:287-297. [PMID: 34718381 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab260] [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: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to describe transitions between preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) eligibility and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM). We used data from 1,885 MSM, who had not used PrEP, enrolled in the Lisbon Cohort of MSM, with at least 2 consecutive measurements of PrEP eligibility from 2014-2020. A time-homogeneous Markov multistate model was applied to describe the transitions between states of PrEP eligibility-eligible and ineligible-and from these to HIV infection (HIV). The intensities of the transitions were closer for ineligible-to-eligible and eligible-to-ineligible transitions (intensity ratio, 1.107, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.080, 1.176), while the intensity of the eligible-to-HIV transition was higher than that for ineligible-to-HIV transition (intensity ratio, 9.558, 95% CI: 0.738, 65.048). The probabilities of transitions increased with time; for 90 days, the probabilities were similar for the ineligible-to-eligible and eligible-to-ineligible transitions (0.285 (95% CI: 0.252, 0.319) vs. 0.258 (95% CI: 0.228, 0.287)), while the eligible-to-HIV transition was more likely than ineligible-to-HIV (0.004 (95% CI: 0.003, 0.007) vs. 0.001 (95% CI: 0.001, 0.008)) but tended to become closer with time. Being classified as ineligible was a short-term indicator of a lower probability of acquiring HIV. Once an individual moved to eligible, he was at a higher risk of seroconversion, demanding a timely delivery ofPrEP.
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Factors associated with testing for HIV and hepatitis C among behaviorally vulnerable men in Germany: a cross-sectional analysis upon enrollment into an observational cohort. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:52. [PMID: 34399787 PMCID: PMC8365908 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) have shared routes of transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). Routine testing facilitates early diagnosis and treatment, thereby preventing morbidity and onward transmission. We evaluated factors associated with HIV and HCV testing in a behaviorally vulnerable cohort of predominantly MSM. METHODS From June 2018 through June 2019, the BRAHMS study enrolled adults at ten German outpatient clinics that serve gender and sexual minority populations. Participants completed behavioral questionnaires that captured prior experience with HIV and HCV testing. Multivariable robust Poisson regression was used to evaluate factors potentially associated with testing in the previous 6 months. RESULTS Among 1017 participants with median age 33 (interquartile range 28-39) years, 1001 (98.4%) reported any lifetime history of HIV testing and 787 (77.4%) reported any HCV testing, including 16 (1.6%) known to be living with HCV. Testing within the last 6 months was reported by 921 (90.6%) and 513 (50.4%) for HIV and HCV, respectively. Recent HIV testing was more common among participants with higher education level and recent HCV testing. Recent HCV testing was more common among participants with non-cisgender identity, lifetime history of illicit drug use, hepatitis B immunity or infection, and recent HIV testing. CONCLUSION Prior testing for HIV was common in this cohort, but interventions are needed to improve HCV risk stratification and access to testing. HIV testing infrastructure can be successfully leveraged to support HCV testing, but differentiated preventive care delivery is needed for some vulnerable populations.
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Khan MNM, Sarwar G, Irfan SD, Gourab G, Rana AKMM, Khan SI. Understanding the Barriers of HIV Testing Services for Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION 2021; 42:272684X21995672. [PMID: 33657941 DOI: 10.1177/0272684x21995672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Coverage of HIV testing services (HTS) is generally low among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (hijra) in Bangladesh, thus impeding the national goal of attaining the 90-90-90 target. In this context, this article delineates HTS uptake barriers among these populations. This qualitative study entailed 30 in-depth interviews, six focus groups and seven key-informant interviews with purposively selected MSM and hijra, alongside service providers. Participants cited individual and interpersonal barriers such as low risk perception and misconceptions about HIV testing, programmatic barriers such as knowledge gaps among peer service providers, as well as community and structural barriers such as the criminalization and stigmatization of male-to-male sex. Considering these contexts, it is essential for stakeholders to improve the HTS modality using multipronged approaches to address the multifaceted barriers of HTS uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Golam Sarwar
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Samira Dishti Irfan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Gorkey Gourab
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A K M Masud Rana
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sharful Islam Khan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Luo M, Hann K, Zhang G, Pan X, Ma Q, Jiang J, Chen L, Xia S. HIV testing uptake and yield among sexual partners of HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Zhejiang Province, China, 2014-2016: A cross-sectional pilot study of a choice-based partner tracing and testing package. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232268. [PMID: 32497114 PMCID: PMC7272034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Measures to effectively expand tracing and testing to identify undiagnosed HIV infections are significant for the control of HIV/AIDS epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM). We piloted a choice-based tracing and testing package aimed at improving partner tracing, uptake, and yield of HIV testing for sexual partners of newly diagnosed HIV-positive MSM. Methods This package was piloted in the cities of Hangzhou and Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China from June 2014 to June 2016. The package adopted four modes: couples’ HIV counseling and testing (CHCT), information assisted partner notification (IAPN), assisted HIV self-testing (HIVST) and patient referral. Data regarding sociodemographic factors and sexual behaviors between HIV-positive MSM and their sexual partners, as well as tracing and testing outcomes of each mode, were collected. Results Among 2,495 newly diagnosed HIV-positive MSM, 446(18%) were enrolled as index cases (ICs) through two rounds of contact tracing. The ICs disclosed a total of 4,716 sexual partners, of whom 548 (12%) were reachable. The pilot study resulted in a testing uptake of 87% (478/548), and a yield of 16% (74/478) among sexual partners. The generalized linear mixed model showed that the odds of a reachable sexual partner enrolled via IAPN taking an HIV test were 290% greater than that of a partner traced via CHCT (95% CI: 1.6, 9.3). Conclusions A choice-based tracing and testing package can feasibly expand HIV testing uptake and case finding among sexual partners of HIV-positive MSM. IAPN may be an acceptable option to reach sexual partners for whom limited contact information is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Luo
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Guomin Zhang
- National Immunization Program, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
| | - Xiaohong Pan
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (XP); (QM)
| | - Qiaoqin Ma
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (XP); (QM)
| | - Jun Jiang
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shichang Xia
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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Hoyos J, Koutentakis K, Maté T, Pulido J, Sordo L, Guerras JM, Belza MJ. High risk men who have sex with men in Spain are reporting low intentions of actively seeking HIV testing: results from a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:398. [PMID: 32216783 PMCID: PMC7099777 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8440-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We analyse unprotected anal intercourses (UAI) self-reported by a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM), by their future testing intentions and past testing history to identify undertested subpopulations that could be contributing to onward transmission. Methods We recruited MSM through gay dating websites in Spain from September 2012 to April 2013. For MSM at risk of acquiring or unknowingly transmitting HIV (at risk hereafter) we calculate time at risk, number of UAI in the last 12 months and last 5 years by testing intention (low intention (LI), Medium intention (MI), high intention (HI)) and past testing history. For never testers we analyse the reasons for not having been tested. Results Of 3272 MSM at risk, 19.8% reported LI of testing. MSM with LI reported the longest period at risk (8.49 years (p < 0.001)) and reported 3.20 UAI/person in the last 12 months (vs. 3.23 and 2.56 in MSM with HI and MI (p < 0.001)) and 12.90 UAI/person in the last 5 years (vs. 8.07 and 9.82 in MSM with HI and MI (p < 0.001)). Those with LI accounted for 21 and 27% of all the UA acts occurring in the last 12 months and the last 5 years. Among never testers (40.6%), those with LI reported lower risk perception (p = 0.006). Conclusion We identified a group of high risk and undertested MSM that could be behind a substantial proportion of the UAIs with potential of transmission/acquisition of HIV. Given their low willingness to seek an HIV test and low risk perception, they constitute a population that will probably require approaches other than client initiated strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Hoyos
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Public Health and Maternal and Child Health, Madrid Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kostas Koutentakis
- Carlos III Health Institute, National Center of epidemiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tomás Maté
- Primary Health Care Management of East Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Jose Pulido
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain. .,Department of Public Health and Maternal and Child Health, Madrid Complutense University, Madrid, Spain. .,Department of Health Programs, Carlos III Health Institute, National School of Health, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis Sordo
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Public Health and Maternal and Child Health, Madrid Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María-José Belza
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Carlos III Health Institute, National School of Health, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Nyitray AG, Bagyinszky F, Ross MW, Schmidt AJ. Lack of HIV testing and dissatisfaction with HIV testing and counselling among men having sex with men in Hungary. Eur J Public Health 2019; 28:713-720. [PMID: 29182742 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Using data from a large internet-based survey of European men having sex with men (MSM), we assessed factors associated with HIV testing and reasons for dissatisfaction with HIV testing and counselling among Hungarian MSM. Methods A total of 2052 Hungarian MSM provided evaluable data for the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS) in 2010. χ2 tests and Poisson regression with a robust variance estimator were used to assess factors associated with HIV testing and dissatisfaction with HIV testing and counselling. Results A total of 42.1% of MSM reported never being testing for HIV. Over one-half of men (54.1%) who reported condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in the prior 12 months with a person of unknown or sero-discordant HIV status reported no lifetime HIV testing. The factor most strongly associated with dissatisfaction with HIV testing and counselling was test site with increased dissatisfaction with inpatient hospital settings vs. community-based organizations. Both lack of HIV testing and dissatisfaction with testing were independently associated with MSM who reported that no one, or only a few people, knew they were attracted to men. Conclusions Lack of HIV testing was strongly associated with CAI. MSM reported that community-based organizations better supported confidentiality and were more respectful during HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan G Nyitray
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Michael W Ross
- Program in Human Sexuality, Department of Family Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Axel J Schmidt
- Sigma Research, Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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10
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Koutentakis K, Hoyos J, Rosales-Statkus ME, Guerras JM, Pulido J, de la Fuente L, Belza MJ. HIV self-testing in Spain: A valuable testing option for men-who-have-sex-with-men who have never tested for HIV. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210637. [PMID: 30759090 PMCID: PMC6373894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the capacity of HIV self-testing to promote testing among untested men who have sex with men (MSM) and determined the most benefited subpopulations. METHODS An online questionnaire was disseminated on several gay websites in Spain from September 2012 to April 2013. We used Poisson regression to estimate factors associated with the intention to use self-testing if already available. Among those who reported intention of use, we assessed several aspects related to the testing and linkage to care process by type of barrier reported: low perceived risk (LR), structural barriers (SB) and fear of testing positive (FTP). RESULTS Of 2589 never-tested MSM, 83% would have used self-testing if already available. Intention of use was associated with age ≥30 (adj.PR, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.01-1.10), having had protected (adj.PR, 95%CI: 1.15, 1.02-1.30) or unprotected (adj.PR, 95%CI: 1.21, 1.07-1.37) anal intercourse and reporting FTP (adj.PR, 95%CI: 1.12, 1.05-1.20) or SB to access HIV testing (adj.PR, 95%CI: 1.23, 1.19-1.28). Among those who reported intention of using a self-testi, 78.3% declared it their preferred option (83.8% in the SB group; p<0.001), and 56.8% would always use this testing option (60.9% among the SB group; p = 0.001). In the case of obtaining a positive self-test, 69.3% would seek confirmatory testing, 15.3% would self-test again before taking any decision and 13.0% reported not being sure of what they would do. CONCLUSION HIV self-testing in Spain has the potential of becoming a highly used testing methodology for untested MSM and could represent the gateway to testing especially among older, at risk MSM who report SB or FTP as main barriers to testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Hoyos
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP),Madrid, Spain.,Department of Public and Mother-child health, Faculty of Medicine, Madrid Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Elena Rosales-Statkus
- Carlos III Health Institute, National Center of Epidemiology, Madrid, Spain.,Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP),Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jose Pulido
- Department of Public and Mother-child health, Faculty of Medicine, Madrid Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Carlos III Health Institute, National School of Health, Department of Health Programs, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis de la Fuente
- Carlos III Health Institute, National Center of Epidemiology, Madrid, Spain.,Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP),Madrid, Spain
| | - María-José Belza
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP),Madrid, Spain.,Carlos III Health Institute, National School of Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Madrid, Spain
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11
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O'Donnell K, Fitzgerald M, Quinlan M, Hickson F, Keogh P, Schmidt AJ, McCartney D, Barrett P, O'Dea S, Igoe D. Inequalities in HIV testing uptake and needs among men who have sex with men living in Ireland: findings from an internet survey. HIV Med 2018; 20:157-163. [PMID: 30457205 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ireland. The aim of this study was to improve understanding of HIV testing among MSM living in Ireland to inform prevention and testing initiatives. METHODS We used data from the MSM Internet Survey Ireland 2015 (MISI 2015), a cross-sectional survey of MSM living in Ireland. We identified factors associated with never having tested for HIV using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. We identified preferred sites for future tests and examined the relationships between unmet HIV testing needs and socio-demographic groups. RESULTS More than one-third (n = 1006; 36%) of MSM had never tested for HIV. Multivariable logistic regression showed that untested men were more likely to be aged 18-24 years, live outside Dublin, have a lower level of education, be born in Ireland, identify as bisexual, be out to fewer people, and not have had sex with a man in the previous 12 months. The same groups of men also had the least knowledge about HIV and were least confident in accessing an HIV test. Men who had never tested for HIV were more likely to prefer testing by their general practitioner (GP) or using home sampling HIV kits and less likely to prefer testing in a sexual health clinic. CONCLUSIONS HIV prevention and testing programmes for MSM should be targeted towards younger men, those living outside Dublin and those with lower levels of education. We recommend increased promotion and availability of free HIV testing services in a range of clinical and nonclinical settings (including self-sampling and home testing).
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Affiliation(s)
- K O'Donnell
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Fitzgerald
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - P Keogh
- Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | | | - D McCartney
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - P Barrett
- Department of Public Health (HSE-South), St Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - S O'Dea
- Gay Men's Health Service, HSE, Dublin, Ireland
| | - D Igoe
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
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12
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Traynor SM, Brincks AM, Feaster DJ. Correlates of Unknown HIV Status Among MSM Participating in the 2014 American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS). AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2113-2126. [PMID: 28852893 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1894-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Increasing serostatus awareness is a key HIV prevention strategy. Despite expanded testing efforts, some men who have sex with men (MSM) remain unaware of their HIV status. This study explored demographic characteristics, sexual identity, sexual role, and behavioral factors associated with unknown HIV status among MSM in the United States. Data from 9170 MSM in the 2014 American Men's Internet Survey were analyzed using logistic regression to identify correlates of unknown HIV status. Young age, race, low education, rural residence, and lack of recent healthcare visits were significantly associated with unknown HIV status. In addition, nondisclosure of one's sexual orientation (OR = 3.70, 95% CI 2.99-4.59) and a self-identified sexual role as "bottom" (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.24-1.70) were predictors of unknown HIV status. Post-hoc analysis showed HIV-negative MSM not tested in the last year had fewer self-reported risk behaviors than recent testers, suggesting that repeat testing among MSM may be aligned with individual risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Traynor
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - A M Brincks
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - D J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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13
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Fakoya I, Álvarez‐Del Arco D, Monge S, Copas AJ, Gennotte A, Volny‐Anne A, Wengenroth C, Touloumi G, Prins M, Barros H, Darling KEA, Prestileo T, Del Amo J, Burns FM. HIV testing history and access to treatment among migrants living with HIV in Europe. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21 Suppl 4:e25123. [PMID: 30027686 PMCID: PMC6053481 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Migrants are overrepresented in the European HIV epidemic. We aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to HIV testing and current treatment and healthcare needs of migrants living with HIV in Europe. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 57 HIV clinics in nine countries (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom), July 2013 to July 2015. HIV-positive patients were eligible for inclusion if they were as follows: 18 years or older; foreign-born residents and diagnosed within five years of recruitment. Questionnaires were completed electronically in one of 15 languages and linked to clinical records. Primary outcomes were access to primary care and previous negative HIV test. Data were analysed using random effects logistic regression. Outcomes of interest are presented for women, heterosexual men and gay/bisexual men. RESULTS A total of 2093 respondents (658 women, 446 heterosexual men and 989 gay/bisexual men) were included. The prevalence of a previous negative HIV test was 46.7%, 43.4% and 82.0% for women, heterosexual and gay/bisexual men respectively. In multivariable analysis previous testing was positively associated with: receipt of post-migration antenatal care among women, permanent residency among heterosexual men and identifying as gay rather than bisexual among gay/bisexual men. Access to primary care was found to be high (>83%) in all groups and was strongly associated with country of residence. Late diagnosis was common for women and heterosexual men (60.8% and 67.1%, respectively) despite utilization of health services prior to diagnosis. Across all groups almost three-quarters of people on antiretrovirals had an HIV viral load <50 copies/mL. CONCLUSIONS Migrants access healthcare in Europe and while many migrants had previously tested for HIV, that they went on to test positive at a later date suggests that opportunities for HIV prevention are being missed. Expansion of testing beyond sexual health and antenatal settings is still required and testing opportunities should be linked with combination prevention measures such as access to PrEP and treatment as prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibidun Fakoya
- Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Susana Monge
- Department of Health and Socio‐medical SciencesUniversity of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresMadrid
| | - Andrew J Copas
- Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Giota Touloumi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology& Medical StatisticsMedical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Maria Prins
- Academic Medical CentreUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Public Health Service of Amsterdamthe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Tullio Prestileo
- Unit for Infectious Diseases and Assistance, Coordination and Territorial Integration for Migrants’ EmergencyCivico‐ Benfratelli HospitalPalermoItaly
| | - Julia Del Amo
- National Centre of EpidemiologyInstituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Fiona M Burns
- Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation TrustLondonEngland
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14
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Garriga C, Manzanares-Laya S, García de Olalla P, Gorrindo P, Lens S, Solà R, Martínez-Rebollar M, Laguno M, Navarro J, Torras X, Gurguí M, Barberá MJ, Quer J, Masdeu E, Simón P, Ros M, de Andrés A, Caylà JA. Evolution of acute hepatitis C virus infection in a large European city: Trends and new patterns. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187893. [PMID: 29135988 PMCID: PMC5685589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to describe the evolution of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections since 2004 and to determine its associated factors. Acute HCV infections diagnosed in Barcelona from 2004 to 2015 were included. Incidence ratios (IR) were then estimated for sex and age groups. Cases were grouped between 2004-2005, 2006-2011 and 2012-2015, and their incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated. In addition, risk factors for acute HCV infection were identified using multinomial logistic regression for complete, available and multiple imputed data. 204 new HCV cases were identified. Two peaks of higher IR of acute HCV infection in 2005 and 2013 were observed. Men and those aged 35-54 had higher IR. IRR for men was 2.9 times greater than in women (95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.8 ‒ 4.7). Factors related to the period 2012-2015 (versus 2006-2011) were: a) sexual risk factor for transmission versus nosocomial (relative-risk ratio (RRR): 13.0; 95% CI: 2.3 ‒ 72.1), b) higher educated versus lower (RRR: 5.4; 95% CI: 1.6 ‒ 18.7), and c) HIV co-infected versus not HIV-infected (RRR: 53.1; 95% CI: 5.7 ‒ 492.6). This is one of the few studies showing IR and RRRs of acute HCV infections and the first focused on a large city in Spain. Sexual risk for transmission between men, higher educational level and HIV co-infection are important factors for understanding current HCV epidemic. There has been a partial shift in the pattern of the risk factor for transmission from nosocomial to sexual.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Garriga
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP/PEAC), National Centre for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Manzanares-Laya
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia García de Olalla
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Gorrindo
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabela Lens
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona. IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricard Solà
- Internal Medicine-Infectious Diseases, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Rebollar
- Hospital Clinic- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Laguno
- Hospital Clinic- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Navarro
- Infectious Diseases, Hospital Vall de Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Torras
- CIBER of Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Gurguí
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Barberá
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit, Hospital Vall de Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Quer
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine, Laboratory of Malalties Hepàtiques, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca-Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, (VHIR-HUVH), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Masdeu
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Simón
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Ros
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna de Andrés
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan A. Caylà
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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15
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Marcus U, Gassowski M, Drewes J. HIV risk perception and testing behaviours among men having sex with men (MSM) reporting potential transmission risks in the previous 12 months from a large online sample of MSM living in Germany. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1111. [PMID: 27770775 PMCID: PMC5075181 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3759-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV testing and serostatus awareness are essential to implement biomedical strategies (treatment as prevention; oral chemoprophylaxis), and for effective serostatus-based behaviours (HIV serosorting; strategic positioning). The analysis focuses on the associations between reported sexual risks, the perceived risk for HIV infection, and HIV testing behaviour in order to identify the most relevant barriers for HIV test uptake among MSM living in Germany. METHODS MSM were recruited to a nationwide anonymous online-survey in 2013 on MSM social networking/dating sites. Questions covered testing behaviours, reasons for testing decisions, and HIV risk perception (5-point scale). Additional questions addressed arguments in favour of home/ home collection testing (HT). Using descriptive statistics and logistic regression we compared men reporting recent HIV testing (RT; previous 12 month) with men never tested (NT) in a subsample not previously diagnosed with HIV and reporting ≥2 episodes of condomless anal intercourse (CLAI) with a non-steady partner of unknown HIV serostatus in the previous 12 months. RESULTS The subsample consisted of 775 RT (13 % of RT) and 396 NT (7 % of NT). The number of CLAI episodes in the last 12 months with non-steady partners of unknown HIV status did not differ significantly between the groups, but RT reported significantly higher numbers of partners (>5 AI partners: 65 vs. 44 %). While perceived risks regarding last AI were comparable between the groups, 49vs. 30 % NT were <30 years, lived more often in towns/villages <100,000 residents (60 vs. 39 %), were less out-particularly towards care providers-about being attracted to men (aOR 10.1; 6.9-14.8), more often identified as bisexual (aOR 3.5; 2.5-4.8), and reported lower testing intentions (aOR 0.08; 0.06-0.11). Perceived risks (67 %) and routine testing (49 %) were the most common testing reasons for RT, while the strong belief not to be infected (59 %) and various worries (41 %) and fears of testing positive (35 %) were predominant reasons of NT. Greater anonymity (aOR 3.2; 2.4-4.4), less embarrassment, (aOR 2.8; 1.9-4.1), and avoiding discussions on sexual behaviour (aOR 1.6; 1.1-2.2) were emphasized in favour of HT by NT. CONCLUSIONS Perceived partner knowledge and reasons reflecting perceived gay- and HIV-related stigma predicted testing decisions rather than risk perception. Access barriers for testing should be further lowered, e.g. by making affordable HT available, addressing structural barriers (stigma), and emphasizing beneficial aspects of serostatus awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Marcus
- Robert Koch-Institute, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martyna Gassowski
- Robert Koch-Institute, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jochen Drewes
- Department of Public Health, Free University, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Kowalska JD, Shepherd L, Ankiersztejn-Bartczak M, Cybula A, Czeszko-Paprocka H, Firląg-Burkacka E, Mocroft A, Horban A. Poor Linkage to Care Despite Significant Improvement in Access to Early cART in Central Poland - Data from Test and Keep in Care (TAK) Project. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162739. [PMID: 27711159 PMCID: PMC5053409 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main objective of the TAK project is investigating barriers in accessing HIV care after HIV-diagnosis at the CBVCTs of central Poland. Here we describe factors associated with and changes over time in linkage to care and access to cART. METHOD Data collected in 2010-2013 in CBVCTs were linked with HIV clinics records using unique identifiers. Individuals were followed from the day of CBVCTs visit until first clinical visit or 4/06/2014. Cox-proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with being linked to care and starting cART. RESULTS In total 232 persons were diagnosed HIV-positive and 144 (62.1% 95%CI: 55.5-68.3) persons were linked to care. There was no change over time in linkage to care (p = 0.48), while time to starting cART decreased (p = 0.02). Multivariate factors associated with a lower rate of linkage to care were hetero/bisexual sexual orientation, lower education, not having an HIV-positive partner and not using condoms in a stable relationship. Multivariate factors associated with starting cART were lower education, recent year of linked to care, and first HIV RNA and CD4 cell count. CONCLUSIONS Benefits of linkage to care, measured by access to early treatment, steadily improved in recent years. However at least 1 in 3 persons aware of their HIV status in central Poland remained outside professional healthcare. Persons at higher risk of remaining outside care, thus target population for future interventions, are bi/heterosexuals and those with lower levels of education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna D. Kowalska
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases, HIV Out-Patient Clinic, Warsaw, Poland
- Medical University of Warsaw, Department for Adult's Infectious Diseases, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Leah Shepherd
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Aneta Cybula
- Medical University of Warsaw, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Hepatology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Amanda Mocroft
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrzej Horban
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases, HIV Out-Patient Clinic, Warsaw, Poland
- Medical University of Warsaw, Department for Adult's Infectious Diseases, Warsaw, Poland
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17
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Witzel TC, Melendez-Torres GJ, Hickson F, Weatherburn P. HIV testing history and preferences for future tests among gay men, bisexual men and other MSM in England: results from a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e011372. [PMID: 27630068 PMCID: PMC5030541 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The British HIV Association's (BHIVA) testing guidelines recommend men who have sex with men (MSM) test annually or more frequently if ongoing risk is present. We identify which groups of MSM in England are less likely to have tested for HIV and their preferences for future tests by testing model, in order to inform health promotion programmes. METHODS Data come from the Gay Men's Sex Survey 2014, a cross-sectional survey of MSM, aged 16 years or older and living in the UK. Only men who did not have diagnosed HIV and were living in England were included in this analysis. We used logistic regression models to understand how social determinants of health were associated with not testing for HIV in the past 12 months, and never having tested. We then cross-tabulated preferred testing location by demographic characteristics. RESULTS Younger men, older men and men who were not gay identified were least likely to have tested for HIV. Higher educational attainment, migrancy, Black ethnicity and being at higher of risk were associated with greater levels of HIV testing. Men who were less likely to have tested for HIV preferred a wider range of options for future HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS If the BHIVA's HIV testing policy of 2008 was used to guide testing priorities among MSM focus would be on increasing the rate of annual testing among MSM at less risk of HIV (ie, younger men, older men and non-gay identified MSM). Instead the promotion of more frequent testing among the groups most at risk of infection should be prioritised in order to reduce the time between infection and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Charles Witzel
- Sigma Research, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine London, London, UK
| | - G J Melendez-Torres
- Warwick Evidence, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Ford Hickson
- Sigma Research, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine London, London, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Sigma Research, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine London, London, UK
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Assessment of factors associated with the quality of life of patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection. J Behav Med 2016; 39:767-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s10865-016-9778-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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ROSINSKA M, GWIAZDA P, DE ANGELIS D, PRESANIS AM. Bayesian evidence synthesis to estimate HIV prevalence in men who have sex with men in Poland at the end of 2009. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 144:1175-91. [PMID: 26542091 PMCID: PMC4825105 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268815002538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV spread in men who have sex with men (MSM) is an increasing problem in Poland. Despite the existence of a surveillance system, there is no direct evidence to allow estimation of HIV prevalence and the proportion undiagnosed in MSM. We extracted data on HIV and the MSM population in Poland, including case-based surveillance data, diagnostic testing prevalence data and behavioural data relating to self-reported prior diagnosis, stratified by age (⩽35, >35 years) and region (Mazowieckie including the capital city of Warsaw; other regions). They were integrated into one model based on a Bayesian evidence synthesis approach. The posterior distributions for HIV prevalence and the undiagnosed fraction were estimated by Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. To improve the model fit we repeated the analysis, introducing bias parameters to account for potential lack of representativeness in data. By placing additional constraints on bias parameters we obtained precisely identified estimates. This family of models indicates a high undiagnosed fraction [68·3%, 95% credibility interval (CrI) 53·9-76·1] and overall low prevalence (2·3%, 95% CrI 1·4-4·1) of HIV in MSM. Additional data are necessary in order to produce more robust epidemiological estimates. More effort is urgently needed to ensure timely diagnosis of HIV in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. ROSINSKA
- Department of Epidemiology,
National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of
Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
| | - P. GWIAZDA
- Department of Mathematics,
Informatics and Mechanics, University of
Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - D. DE ANGELIS
- Medical Research Council Biostatistics
Unit, Cambridge, UK
| | - A. M. PRESANIS
- Medical Research Council Biostatistics
Unit, Cambridge, UK
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20
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Men who have sex with men (MSM) who are unaware of their HIV infection are more likely to infect others, and unable to receive treatment. Therefore, we aimed to identify the proportion and characteristics of Dutch MSM who never tested for HIV. METHODS In 2010, the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS) recruited 174,209 men from 38 countries through an anonymous online questionnaire in 25 languages. We analysed data from participants living in the Netherlands (N=3787). The outcome we investigated was having never (lifetime) been tested for HIV. RESULTS A total of 770 MSM (20.4%) had never been tested for HIV. In multivariate regression analyses, not being from Amsterdam (adjusted OR, aOR 1.54, CI 1.17 to 2.03), with low education (aOR 1.28, CI 1.04 to 1.57) and low knowledge on HIV-testing (aOR 2.23, CI 1.37 to 3.64) were significantly associated with never having tested. Lower sexual risk (including having fewer sexual partners (aOR 2.19, CI 1.57 to 3.04) and no anal intercourse (aOR 5.99, CI 3.04 to 11.77)), and less social engagement (including being less out (aOR 1.93, CI 1.55 to 2.40)) were also associated with having never been tested. Additionally, 36.1% of MSM who never tested for HIV reported high-risk sexual behaviour that may have put them at HIV risk. CONCLUSIONS MSM make their own risk assessments that inform their choices about HIV-testing. Nevertheless, MSM who were never tested may have been at risk for HIV, and remain important to target for HIV interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal den Daas
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Martine Doppen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Axel J Schmidt
- Sigma Research, Department of Social & Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
| | - Eline Op de Coul
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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den Daas C, Goenee M, Bakker BHW, de Graaf H, Op de Coul ELM. Comparing databases: determinants of sexually transmitted infections, HIV diagnoses, and lack of HIV testing among men who have sex with men. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:1114. [PMID: 26563102 PMCID: PMC4643504 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2445-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early detection and treatment of STI/HIV are public health priorities. Our objective was to compare characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Dutch data available in 2010 from EMIS, an international internet survey, Schorer Monitor, a Dutch internet survey, and data from STI- clinic visits, since these might be subject to different and unknown biases. Methods Data from Dutch MSM Internet Surveys (EMISNLN = 3,787; Schorer Monitor, SMON N = 3,602), and 3,800 STI clinic visits (SOAP) were combined into one dataset. We included factors that were measured in all three databases. The socio-demographics included were age (at the time of the survey), zip code, and ethnicity. Behavioural variables included were the number of sexual partners, condom use with last sexual partner, drug use, being diagnosed with STI, being diagnosed with HIV, and HIV testing. Outcomes we investigated were being diagnosed with STI, HIV, and never been tested for HIV. Results Logistic regressions showed that determinants for being diagnosed with STI were having more sexual partners, drug use, and having had an HIV test (aORs 1.3 to 17.1) in EMIS and SMON. Determinants for being diagnosed with HIV in all three databases were older age, living in Amsterdam, and having more partners (aORs 1.8 to 4.4). In EMIS and SMON, drug use, non-condom use, and having STI were additional determinants (aORs 1.6 to 8.9). Finally, determinants associated with never been tested for HIV were being younger (only SOAP), living outside of Amsterdam, having fewer partners, no drug use, and no STI (aORs 0.2 to 0.8). Conclusions Risk factors from internet surveys were largely similar, but differed from STI clinics, possibly because it involves self-reports rather than diagnoses or because of differences in timing. The difference between the internet surveys and STI clinic data is much less pronounced for having never been tested, suggesting both are appropriate for this outcome. These findings shed light on conclusions drawn from different data sources, as well as the comparability of recruitment strategies, the robustness of risk factors, consequences of phrasing questions differently, and on (policy) implications based on different data sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal den Daas
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | - Eline L M Op de Coul
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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Rosińska M, Simmons R, Marzec-Bogusławska A, Janiec J, Porter K. Relating HIV testing patterns in Poland to risky and protective behaviour. AIDS Care 2015; 28:423-31. [PMID: 26559856 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1100702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to understand HIV testing patterns needed to improve access to early HIV diagnosis, and to investigate the spread of the virus in different populations. We examined prior testing history of individuals presenting for an HIV test across all 30 voluntary testing and counselling sites in Poland, 2008-2010 to determine factors associated with the testing rate using zero-truncated Poisson regression. Of 2397 persons presenting for an HIV test, 25 (1%) were HIV positive and 470 (19.6%) were repeat testers. The proportion of repeat testers was higher among men who have sex with men (MSM) at 37% (90/246), and people who inject drugs (PWID) at 32% (21/65). Higher testing rate was independently associated with exposure category (testing rate ratio, RR for MSM = 2.0, 95% CI 1.6-2.6, and 1.6, 0.9-2.6 for PWID), >5 sex partners (1.9, 1.4-2.7), high-risk partner (1.3, 1.1-1.6), urban residence (2.1, 1.3-3.5) and higher education attainment (1.1, 1.0-1.5). Inconsistent condom use with casual partners and sex under the influence of alcohol were associated with lower testing rates. There is a need to increase HIV testing uptake in Poland, especially among the rural population. Despite testing rates being higher among populations with higher risk of exposure to HIV (MSM and PWID), they still remain low, indicating the existence of barriers to testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Rosińska
- a Department of Epidemiology , National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene , Chocimska 24, Warsaw , Poland
| | - Ruth Simmons
- b MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London , Aviation House 125 Kingsway, London , UK
| | | | - Janusz Janiec
- a Department of Epidemiology , National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene , Chocimska 24, Warsaw , Poland
| | - Kholoud Porter
- b MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London , Aviation House 125 Kingsway, London , UK
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Meireles P, Lucas R, Carvalho C, Fuertes R, Brito J, Campos MJ, Mendão L, Barros H. Incident risk factors as predictors of HIV seroconversion in the Lisbon cohort of men who have sex with men: first results, 2011-2014. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 20. [PMID: 25884151 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2015.20.14.21091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
HIV incidence in men who have sex with men (MSM) is increasing in western countries, including Portugal. We aimed to estimate HIV incidence and to assess how individual short-term changes in exposures over time predict seroconversion. We evaluated participants of an open cohort of HIV-negative MSM enrolled after testing at a community-based voluntary HIV counselling and testing centre in Lisbon. At each evaluation a structured questionnaire was completed and HIV status was ascertained using rapid followed by confirmatory testing. Between April 2011 and February 2014, 804 MSM were followed for a total of 893 person-years. Predictors of HIV seroconversion were identified using Poisson generalised linear regression. The overall seroincidence was 2.80/100 person-years (95% confidence interval: 1.89-4.14). Men who seroconverted had a higher mean number of tests per year. Seroconversions were significantly associated with partner disclosure of HIV status during follow-up, newly-adopted unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with a steady partner and being newly-diagnosed with syphilis during follow-up. Likewise, sexual intercourse with HIV-positive men, having an HIV-positive steady partner at least once during follow-up and persistent UAI with occasional partners were predictors of seroconversion. High HIV incidence in this cohort is likely driven by short-term contextual and behavioural changes during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Meireles
- EPIUnit, Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Nodin N, Leal IP, Carballo-Diéguez A. HIV knowledge and related sexual practices among Portuguese men who have sex with men. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2014; 30:2423-2432. [DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00134813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Qualitative studies of the sexual risk practices of Portuguese men who have sex with men (MSM) are scarce, as have been campaigns to target this group despite high HIV infection rates. This study investigates the concepts and practices of safer sex of a group of 36 Portuguese self-identified gay men (age: x = 34.4, SD = 9.1) who have met sexual partners online; two identified as HIV positive. Thematic analysis of interviews showed that our participants were aware of HIV transmission risks and tended to protect themselves in most sexual practices. Oral sex and steady relationships, however, did not always include safer practices. Participants tended to rely on indirect sources of information when assessing their partners’ HIV status, such as their physical characteristics or the information available in online profiles. Contrasting HIV positive and negative men’s sexual expectations and practices indicated that communication shortcomings might be putting some at risk. Findings suggest that safe sex is a relational practice which can only be understood and addressed within the context in which it occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Nodin
- Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Portugal
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