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Schuler MS, Ramchand R. Examining Inhalant Use Among Sexual Minority Adults in a National Sample: Drug-Specific Risks or Generalized Risk? LGBT Health 2023; 10:80-85. [PMID: 35905059 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The study objective was to compare use of 12 specific inhalants among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults relative to heterosexual adults among a national sample. Methods: Data on 210,392 adults, including 15,007 LGB adults, were from the 2015 to 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. For each inhalant type, logistic regression was used to characterize differences by sexual identity and gender. Unadjusted and demographic adjusted odds ratios are reported. Results: All LGB groups exhibited elevated use of multiple inhalant types (ranging from 5 for gay males to 12 for bisexual females). The largest disparities were for poppers among gay and bisexual males. Gay and bisexual males initiated use at older ages. Conclusion: Observed disparities among LGB adults included inhalants used in a sexual or club context (e.g., poppers) as well as types with particularly elevated fatality risk (e.g., butane, propane, aerosol sprays, and nitrous oxide).
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Ugarte A, de la Mora L, García D, Martínez-Rebollar M, de Lazzari E, Torres B, Inciarte A, Ambrosioni J, Chivite I, Solbes E, de Loredo N, Del Carlo GF, González-Cordón A, Blanco JL, Martínez E, Mallolas J, Laguno M. Evolution of Risk Behaviors, Sexually Transmitted Infections and PrEP Care Continuum in a Hospital-Based PrEP Program in Barcelona, Spain: A Descriptive Study of the First 2 Years' Experience. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 12:425-442. [PMID: 36520330 PMCID: PMC9753893 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00733-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for HIV prevention, but the PrEP care continuum also involves improving PrEP awareness, uptake, adherence, and retention in care. Users' awareness is often compromised because of vulnerability factors and risk behaviors, such as chemsex practice or specific substance use, which could lead to risk compensation. Correct adherence and retention in care are essential to achieve the full effectiveness of PrEP. This study describes changes in users' risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well also PrEP care continuum details. METHODS This was a descriptive single-center retrospective study including adults at high HIV risk screened between November 2019 and June 2021 in the PrEP program of our hospital. Demographic, behavioral, STI, adherence, and retention in care variables were assessed. Data were collected from medical records and self-report questionnaires. RESULTS A total of 295 people were included, 94% men and 5% transgender women, with a mean age of 34 years (SD 10) and 10% sex workers. At baseline, 55% disclosed chemsex practice and 3% slamming. During follow-up, condom use for anal intercourse decreased from 41% to 13% (p ≤ 0.0001) and one HIV infection was detected; other risk behaviors and STIs remained stable. Chemsex, group sex, fluid exchange, and condomless anal intercourse were related to STI risk. Adherence was correct in 80% of users, and retention in care was 57%. Discontinuations and loss to follow-up were high, mainly affecting transgender women, sex workers, and people practicing fisting. CONCLUSION PrEP program implementation in our hospital was adequate, since it allowed, in a population at high HIV risk, overall users' risk behaviors and STIs to remain stable, with only one HIV diagnosis during the follow-up. We should target specific strategies to improve adherence and retention in care, as vulnerable subgroups at higher risk of loss to follow-up are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainoa Ugarte
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lorena de la Mora
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David García
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Rebollar
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa de Lazzari
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Berta Torres
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexy Inciarte
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Ambrosioni
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iván Chivite
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estela Solbes
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicolás de Loredo
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Federico Del Carlo
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana González-Cordón
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luis Blanco
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteban Martínez
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Mallolas
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Laguno
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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Martin TCS, Chaillon A, Graves SK, Lin T, Gianella S, Smith DM, Little SJ, Hoenigl M. Genetic Network Analysis to Assess the Risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Seeking Partners on the Internet. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 70:925-932. [PMID: 30953067 PMCID: PMC7319271 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online partner seeking (OPS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with increased risk behavior including frequency of unprotected anal intercourse, number of partners, and incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, the impact on transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is uncertain. METHODS MSM diagnosed with acute and early HIV infection were recruited from the Primary Infection Resource Consortium. HIV transmission events in the year following infection were inferred using estimated date of infection combined with genetic network analysis with linked sequences defined as ≤0.015 sequences/site difference in the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) pol coding region. Participants completed a detailed baseline questionnaire including reported methods of meeting sexual partners, including OPS, in the prior 3 months, and regression was performed with inferred transmission as the outcome. RESULTS From 147 MSM who completed the questionnaire, there were an associated 20 inferred HIV transmissions. No association with OPS was found (odds ratio, 0.64 [95% confidence interval, .24-1.69]; P = .37), though individuals who reported OPS were more likely to have reported a greater number of partners (P = .003) and prior STIs (P = .002). Geospatial analysis did not indicate that OPS was associated with increased geographical reach of the user (P = .68). CONCLUSIONS Individuals reporting OPS did not have increased odds of inferred HIV-1 transmission in the year following infection using genetic linkage analysis despite apparently increased risk behavior. OPS also did not increase the geographic distance between genetically clustered HIV infections, suggesting that individuals mainly use the internet to meet partners in their local region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C S Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Antoine Chaillon
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Susannah K Graves
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Timothy Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Sara Gianella
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Davey M Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California
- San Diego Veterans Affairs Health System, California
| | - Susan J Little
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California
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Sewell J, Cambiano V, Speakman A, Lampe FC, Phillips A, Stuart D, Gilson R, Asboe D, Nwokolo N, Clarke A, Rodger AJ. Changes in chemsex and sexual behaviour over time, among a cohort of MSM in London and Brighton: Findings from the AURAH2 study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 68:54-61. [PMID: 30999243 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence has suggested that chemsex (the use of mephedrone, crystal methamphetamine and γ -hydroxybutyrate/ γ -butryolactone (GHB/GBL) to enable, enhance and prolong sexual interactions) has increased among men having sex with men (MSM) attending sexual health clinics in large UK cities. To date there has been no data from the UK or Europe that describes changes in chemsex over time within a cohort of MSM. METHODS The prospective cohort study, Attitudes to and Understanding Risk of Acquisition of HIV over Time (AURAH2), collected online questionnaire data from HIV negative or undiagnosed MSM (at enrolment) from 2015 to 2018, recruited from sexual health clinics. We aim to investigate changes in chemsex, three individual drugs associated with chemsex, frequency of chemsex sessions and measures of sexual behaviour, among the cohort of MSM over the study's 3 year follow-up period. RESULTS In total 622 MSM completed at least one online questionnaire for the AURAH2 study, of which 400 (64.3%) were still engaged with the study within the last six months of follow-up. Prevalence of chemsex significantly declined during the follow-up from 31.8% (198/622) at the first online questionnaire, to 11.1% (8/72; p < 0.001) at the 9th. This decline was reflected in the proportion of MSM reporting use of two of the three individual chemsex drugs: mephedrone use had significantly declined from 25.2% at the first online questionnaire to 9.7% (p < 0.001) at the 9th, GHB/GBL use had also declined from 19.9% to 8.3% (p = 0.001). While crystal methamphetamine use declined, but not significantly (11.1%-6.9% [p = 0.289]). Most measures of sexual behaviour (any anal sex, group sex, recent HIV test and bacterial STI) also tended to decline over the follow-up period, with the exception of CLAI with more than one and more than two partners. CONCLUSIONS Chemsex and use of two individual chemsex drugs (mephedrone and GHB/GBL) significantly declined over time among individuals in the study, alongside most measures of sexual behaviour with the exception of those related to CLAI. Focusing health promotion and HIV prevention, such as awareness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), on MSM that report chemsex, and in particular problematic chemsex, would be highly beneficial, potentially only necessary for a relatively short period of time for individuals, and could have long term benefits for HIV and STI prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janey Sewell
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrew Speakman
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona C Lampe
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Phillips
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Stuart
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Gilson
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Asboe
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nneka Nwokolo
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Alison J Rodger
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom.
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Pepper N, Zúñiga ML, Reed MB. Prevalence and correlates of "popper" (amyl nitrite inhalant) use among HIV-positive Latinos living in the U.S.-Mexico border region. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2019; 19:435-452. [PMID: 30614780 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2018.1540955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Poppers (nitrite inhalants) are legal, commonly used by men who have sex with men, and associated with HIV acquisition, yet research is lacking on popper use and associated adverse outcomes. People living with HIV (PLWH) in the U.S.-Mexico border region lead binational lives, including accessing care and having sex and drug use partners on both sides of the border, with broad personal and public health implications. Understanding popper use provides crucial information to guide policy and develop targeted interventions for binational PLWH. We examine prevalence and correlates of popper use among HIV-positive Latinos in the border region, an underserved population at risk for poor health outcomes. This cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample from agencies in San Diego and Tijuana to complete quantitative surveys. Participants (N = 121) were primarily male (82.6%) and gay/bisexual (62%). Lifetime substance use (excluding cannabis) was reported by 72% of participants, and 25.6% reported lifetime popper use. Individuals recruited in the U.S. were significantly more likely to report use of poppers than were participants recruited in Mexico. Our regression model found that identifying as gay/bisexual and having bought, sold, or traded sex for money, drugs, or other goods were independently associated with popper use. Findings shed light on the profile of individuals who use poppers and lay the foundation for further research to understand the context of popper use as it relates to high-risk behavior among PLWH in this region of high transborder mobility. Binational collaborative approaches are needed to improve regional HIV care outcomes and reduce transmission risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Pepper
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - María Luisa Zúñiga
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Mark B Reed
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
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Barrett P, O'Donnell K, Fitzgerald M, Schmidt AJ, Hickson F, Quinlan M, Keogh P, O'Connor L, McCartney D, Igoe D. Drug use among men who have sex with men in Ireland: Prevalence and associated factors from a national online survey. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 64:5-12. [PMID: 30513421 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the prevalence and determinants of drug use among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ireland. The aims of this study were to measure the prevalence of recreational drug use among MSM in a national sample, and to identify sub-groups of MSM who may benefit from targeted preventive interventions. METHODS The MSM Internet Survey Ireland (MISI) 2015 was a community-recruited, nationally-promoted, self-completed online survey for MSM. MISI 2015 included standardised questions on recreational drugs, poppers, and drugs associated with chemsex (i.e. crystal methamphetamine, GBL/GHB, mephedrone, ketamine). Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with use of these substances. RESULTS In the previous year, 36% of MSM used recreational drugs, 33% used poppers, and 7% used drugs associated with chemsex. Five percent were diagnosed HIV-positive. Recreational drug users were significantly younger than non-users (median = 27 vs. 32 years; p < 0.001); popper users were significantly older than non-users (median = 34 vs. 28 years; p < 0.001). The odds of recreational drug use were higher among MSM diagnosed HIV-positive (vs. never tested; AOR 2.27, 95%CI 1.39-3.70). Use of poppers, and use of drugs associated with chemsex, were also higher among MSM diagnosed HIV-positive (vs. never tested; AOR 3.77, 95%CI 2.41-5.90, and AOR 5.87, 95%CI 3.08-11.18 respectively). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of recreational drug use is higher among MSM than in the general population in Ireland, and it is particularly high among MSM diagnosed HIV-positive. Targeted harm reduction messages and preventive interventions are warranted to complement population-based approaches to reducing drug use in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Barrett
- Department of Public Health (HSE-South), St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
| | - K O'Donnell
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Fitzgerald
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A J Schmidt
- Sigma Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - F Hickson
- Sigma Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - P Keogh
- Faculty of Wellbeing, Education & Language Studies, The Open University, UK
| | - L O'Connor
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland; European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - D McCartney
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - D Igoe
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland
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MacGregor L, Martin NK, Mukandavire C, Hickson F, Weatherburn P, Hickman M, Vickerman P. Behavioural, not biological, factors drive the HCV epidemic among HIV-positive MSM: HCV and HIV modelling analysis including HCV treatment-as-prevention impact. Int J Epidemiol 2018; 46:1582-1592. [PMID: 28605503 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyx075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Uncertainty surrounds why hepatitis C virus (HCV) is concentrated among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). We used mathematical modelling to explore reasons for these infection patterns, and implications for HCV treatment-as-prevention. Methods Using a joint MSM HIV/HCV transmission model parameterized with UK behavioural data, we considered how biological (heightened HCV infectivity and reduced spontaneous clearance among HIV-positive MSM) and/or behavioural factors (preferential sexual mixing by HIV status and risk heterogeneity) could concentrate HCV infection in HIV-positive MSM as commonly observed (5-20 times the HCV prevalence in HIV-negative MSM; defined as the HCV ratio). We explored how HCV treatment-as-prevention impact varies under differing HCV ratios. Results Biological factors produced low HCV ratios (< 3), not explaining the skewed epidemic. However, combining preferential mixing by HIV status with sexual risk behaviour heterogeneity produced high HCV ratios (> 10) that were highly sensitive to both factors. Irrespective of the HCV ratio or behavioural/biological factors, HCV treatment of HIV-diagnosed MSM markedly reduced the HCV prevalence among HIV-positive MSM, but less impact was achieved among all MSM for lower HCV ratios. Conclusions Sexual behaviour patterns likely drive observed HCV infection patterns among HIV-positive MSM. Changes in these patterns could disseminate HCV amongst HIV-negative MSM, limiting the impact of targeting HCV treatment to HIV-diagnosed MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis MacGregor
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Natasha K Martin
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, UK
| | | | - Ford Hickson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Matthew Hickman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Barré‐Sinoussi F, Abdool Karim SS, Albert J, Bekker L, Beyrer C, Cahn P, Calmy A, Grinsztejn B, Grulich A, Kamarulzaman A, Kumarasamy N, Loutfy MR, El Filali KM, Mboup S, Montaner JSG, Munderi P, Pokrovsky V, Vandamme A, Young B, Godfrey‐Faussett P. Expert consensus statement on the science of HIV in the context of criminal law. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25161. [PMID: 30044059 PMCID: PMC6058263 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, prosecutions for non-disclosure, exposure or transmission of HIV frequently relate to sexual activity, biting, or spitting. This includes instances in which no harm was intended, HIV transmission did not occur, and HIV transmission was extremely unlikely or not possible. This suggests prosecutions are not always guided by the best available scientific and medical evidence. DISCUSSION Twenty scientists from regions across the world developed this Expert Consensus Statement to address the use of HIV science by the criminal justice system. A detailed analysis of the best available scientific and medical research data on HIV transmission, treatment effectiveness and forensic phylogenetic evidence was performed and described so it may be better understood in criminal law contexts. Description of the possibility of HIV transmission was limited to acts most often at issue in criminal cases. The possibility of HIV transmission during a single, specific act was positioned along a continuum of risk, noting that the possibility of HIV transmission varies according to a range of intersecting factors including viral load, condom use, and other risk reduction practices. Current evidence suggests the possibility of HIV transmission during a single episode of sex, biting or spitting ranges from no possibility to low possibility. Further research considered the positive health impact of modern antiretroviral therapies that have improved the life expectancy of most people living with HIV to a point similar to their HIV-negative counterparts, transforming HIV infection into a chronic, manageable health condition. Lastly, consideration of the use of scientific evidence in court found that phylogenetic analysis alone cannot prove beyond reasonable doubt that one person infected another although it can be used to exonerate a defendant. CONCLUSIONS The application of up-to-date scientific evidence in criminal cases has the potential to limit unjust prosecutions and convictions. The authors recommend that caution be exercised when considering prosecution, and encourage governments and those working in legal and judicial systems to pay close attention to the significant advances in HIV science that have occurred over the last three decades to ensure current scientific knowledge informs application of the law in cases related to HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salim S Abdool Karim
- Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South AfricaUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Weill Medical CollegeCornell UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Jan Albert
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Linda‐Gail Bekker
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Department of EpidemiologyCenter for AIDS Research and Center for Public Health and Human RightsJohn Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Pedro Cahn
- Infectious Diseases UnitJuan A. Fernandez Hospital Buenos AiresCABAArgentina
- Buenos Aires University Medical SchoolBuenos AiresArgentina
- Fundación HuéspedBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- Infectious DiseasesGeneva University HospitalGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas‐FiocruzFiocruz, Rio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Andrew Grulich
- Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | | | | | - Mona R Loutfy
- Women's College Research InstituteTorontoCanada
- Women's College HospitalTorontoCanada
- Department of MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Kamal M El Filali
- Infectious Diseases UnitIbn Rochd Universtiy HospitalCasablancaMorocco
| | - Souleymane Mboup
- Institut de Recherche en Santéde Surveillance Epidemiologique et de FormationsDakarSenegal
| | - Julio SG Montaner
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSVancouverCanada
| | - Paula Munderi
- International Association of Providers of AIDS CareKampalaUganda
| | - Vadim Pokrovsky
- Russian Peoples’ Friendship University (RUDN‐ University)MoscowRussian Federation
- Central Research Institute of EpidemiologyFederal Service on Customers’ Rights Protection and Human Well‐being SurveillanceMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Anne‐Mieke Vandamme
- KU LeuvenDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyRega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological VirologyLeuvenBelgium
- Center for Global Health and Tropical MedicineUnidade de MicrobiologiaInstituto de Higiene e Medicina TropicalUniversidade Nova de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Benjamin Young
- International Association of Providers of AIDS CareWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Peter Godfrey‐Faussett
- UNAIDSGenevaSwitzerland
- Department of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonEngland
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Abstract
African men who have sex with men (MSM) frequently, and often concurrently, have female partners, raising concerns about HIV sexual bridging. We explored potential HIV transmission in Mozambique from and to female partners of MSM focusing on preferred anal sex role and circumcision status. Data collected in a respondent-driven sampling study of MSM in 2011 in Maputo and Beira. Men who had oral or anal sex with other men 12 months prior completed a questionnaire and consented for HIV testing. Statistical analysis explored demographic/risk characteristics and associations among circumcision status, anal sex with men, sexual positions during anal sex with men and vaginal or anal sex with women. We identified 326 MSM in Maputo and 237 in Beira with both male and female partners 3 months before the study. Of these, 20.8% in Maputo and 36.0% in Beira had any receptive anal sex with men 12 months prior, including 895 unprotected sexual acts with males in Maputo and 692 in Beira. Uncircumcised and exclusively insertive males, 27.7% of the sample in Maputo and 33.6% in Beira, had the most unprotected sex with females: 1159 total acts in Maputo and 600 in Beira. Sexual bridging between MSM and women likely varies geographically and is probably bi-directional, occurring within a generalized epidemic where HIV prevalence is higher among reproductive-age women than MSM. Prevention strategies emphasizing correct and consistent condom use for all partners and circumcision for bisexual men should be considered.
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10
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Sewell J, Cambiano V, Miltz A, Speakman A, Lampe FC, Phillips A, Stuart D, Gilson R, Asboe D, Nwokolo N, Clarke A, Hart G, Rodger A. Changes in recreational drug use, drug use associated with chemsex, and HIV-related behaviours, among HIV-negative men who have sex with men in London and Brighton, 2013-2016. Sex Transm Infect 2018; 94:494-501. [PMID: 29700052 PMCID: PMC6227813 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2017-053439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of polydrug use, use of drugs associated with chemsex, specific drug use, and HIV-related behaviours, between two time periods, using two groups of HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) attending the same sexual health clinics in London and Brighton, in two consecutive periods of time from 2013 to 2016. METHODS Data from MSM in the cross-sectional Attitudes to and Understanding Risk of Acquisition of HIV (AURAH) study (June 2013 to September 2014) were compared with baseline data from different MSM in the prospective cohort study Attitudes to and Understanding Risk of Acquisition of HIV over Time (AURAH2) (November 2014 to April 2016). Prevalence of polydrug use, drug use associated with chemsex and specific drug use, and 10 measures of HIV-related behaviours including condomless sex, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, and HIV testing, were compared. Prevalence ratios (PRs) for the association of the study (time period) with drug use and HIV-related behaviour measures were estimated using modified Poisson regression analysis, unadjusted and adjusted for sociodemographic factors. RESULTS In total, 991 MSM were included from AURAH and 1031 MSM from AURAH2. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, use of drugs associated with chemsex had increased (adjusted PR (aPR) 1.30, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.53) and there were prominent increases in specific drug use; in particular, mephedrone (aPR 1.32, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.57), γ-hydroxybutyric/γ-butryolactone (aPR 1.47, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.87) and methamphetamine (aPR 1.42, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.01). Use of ketamine had decreased (aPR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.78). Certain measures of HIV-related behaviours had also increased, most notably PEP use (aPR 1.50, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.88) and number of self-reported bacterial STI diagnoses (aPR 1.24, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.43). CONCLUSIONS There have been significant increases in drug use associated with chemsex and some measures of HIV-related behaviours among HIV-negative MSM in the last few years. Changing patterns of drug use and associated behaviours should be monitored to enable sexual health services to plan for the increasingly complex needs of some clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janey Sewell
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Valentina Cambiano
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Ada Miltz
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Andrew Speakman
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Fiona C Lampe
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Andrew Phillips
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - David Stuart
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Richard Gilson
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - David Asboe
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nneka Nwokolo
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Graham Hart
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Alison Rodger
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
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Edmundson C, Heinsbroek E, Glass R, Hope V, Mohammed H, White M, Desai M. Sexualised drug use in the United Kingdom (UK): A review of the literature. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 55:131-148. [PMID: 29625796 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexualised drug use (SDU) refers to the use of drugs in a sexual context. This includes 'Chemsex'- the use of drugs (specifically crystal methamphetamine, GHB/GBL and mephedrone) before or during planned sexual activity to sustain, enhance, disinhibit or facilitate the experience. Here we aimed to synthesise available UK prevalence data for Chemsex, SDU and the use of Chemsex drugs in an undefined context (CDU) in men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS Papers published between January 2007 and August 2017 reporting Chemsex, SDU and/or Chemsex drug use (CDU) prevalence in MSM were identified through PubMed. Citations were searched for further eligible publications. We also conducted a review of national surveillance data, extracting prevalence data for Chemsex, SDU or CDU. Synthesized data were then assessed to determine the time at which these drugs were taken, in this case just prior to or during sexual activity (event-level). RESULTS Our search identified 136 publications, of which 28 were included in the final data synthesis. Three of the four surveillance systems assessed provided SDU or CDU data in MSM. Few publications included event-level data for Chemsex (n = 4), with prevalence estimates ranging from 17% among MSM attending sexual health clinics (SHC) to 31% in HIV-positive MSM inpatients. Prevalence estimates for SDU (n = 7 publications) also varied considerably between 4% in MSM receiving HIV care to 41% among MSM attending SHC for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Eighteen publications provided data for CDU. CONCLUSION Prevalence estimates varied considerably due to differences in the definition used and population assessed. Standardised definitions and studies with representative national samples of MSM are required to improve our understanding of the extent of Chemsex and its associated risks. Longitudinal event-level data for SDU and Chemsex are needed to monitor impact of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Edmundson
- HIV & STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Ellen Heinsbroek
- HIV & STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Glass
- HIV & STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom
| | - Vivian Hope
- HIV & STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom; Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, 2nd Floor Henry Cotton Campus, 15-21 Webster Street, Liverpool L3 2ET, United Kingdom
| | - Hamish Mohammed
- HIV & STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom
| | - Martin White
- Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco, Health Improvement, Public Health England, Skipton House, 80 London Road, London SE1 6LH, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Desai
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Level 1A, City Tower, Picadilly Plaza, Manchester M1 4BT, United Kingdom
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Halkitis PN, Bub K, Stults CB, Bates FC, Kapadia F. Latent Growth Curve Modeling of Non-Injection Drug Use and Condomless Sexual Behavior from Ages 18 to 21 in Gay, Bisexual, and Other YMSM: The P18 Cohort Study. Subst Use Misuse 2018; 53:101-113. [PMID: 28820622 PMCID: PMC6085877 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2017.1334067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV/AIDS continues to be a health disparity faced by sexual minority men, and is exacerbated by non-injection drug use. OBJECTIVES We sought to delineate growth in non-injection drug use and condomless sex in a sample of racially and economically diverse of gay, bisexual, and other young men who have sex with men (YMSM) as they emerged into adulthood between the ages of 18 and 21 and who came of age in the post-HAART era. METHODS Behavioral data on drug use and condomless sex, collected via a calendar based technique over 7 waves of a cohort study of 600 YMSM, were analyzed using latent growth curve modeling to document patterns of growth in these behaviors, their associations, and the extent to which patterns and associations are moderated by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. RESULTS Significant growth was noted in the frequencies of condomless oral and anal intercourse, alcohol to intoxication, marijuana use, and inhalant nitrate use. High levels of association were noted between all behaviors across time but associations did not differ by either race/ethnicity or socioeconomic status. The link between drug use and risky sexual behavior continue to be evident in YMSM with significant increases in these behaviors demonstrated as YMSM transition between adolescence and young adulthood. Conclusions/Importance: Healthcare for a new generation of sexual minority males must address the synergy of these behaviors and also nest HIV prevention and care within a larger context of sexual minority health that acknowledges the advances made in the last three decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perry N Halkitis
- a Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health , Rutgers University , Piscataway Township , New Jersey , USA.,b Department of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, School of Public Health , Rutgers University , Piscataway Township , New Jersey , USA.,c Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies , College of Global Public Health, New York University , New York , New York , USA
| | - Kristen Bub
- e College of Education , University of Illinois , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Christopher B Stults
- c Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies , College of Global Public Health, New York University , New York , New York , USA
| | - Francesca C Bates
- c Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies , College of Global Public Health, New York University , New York , New York , USA
| | - Farzana Kapadia
- c Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies , College of Global Public Health, New York University , New York , New York , USA.,d Department of Population Health, School of Medicine , New York University
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Lubricant Use and Rectal Chlamydial and Gonococcal Infections Among Men Who Engage in Receptive Anal Intercourse. Sex Transm Dis 2017; 43:423-8. [PMID: 27322042 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of lubricants during anal intercourse is very common among men who have sex with men. However, few studies have evaluated associations between specific lubricants and rectal sexually transmitted infections (STIs). METHODS Between July 2012 and October 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional study of men who have sex with men recruited from an urban, public sexual health clinic. In a self-administered survey, participants identified the lubricants used and frequency of lubricant use in the previous three months. Among men reporting any receptive anal intercourse (RAI) in the previous 3 months, we used multivariable binomial regression models to analyze associations between recent use of 9 specific lubricants and prevalent rectal chlamydia, rectal gonorrhea, and either rectal infection. RESULTS Twenty-five percent of the 146 participants had rectal chlamydial infection and 21% had rectal gonococcal infection; 37% had either (chlamydial or gonococcal) infection. Three-quarters reported always or almost always using lubricant during recent receptive anal intercourse. After adjustment for age, race, human immunodeficiency virus status, and condom use, Gun Oil (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-3.80) and Slick (aPR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.38-9.12) were significantly associated with prevalent gonococcal infection. No lubricants were significantly associated with prevalent rectal chlamydia, but in analyses of either rectal infection, precum (aPR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.06-2.66), Vaseline (aPR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.10-2.64), and baby oil (aPR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.43-3.57) were all significantly associated with prevalent rectal infection. CONCLUSIONS Several lubricants were significantly associated with increased prevalence of rectal STI. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine any causal relationship between specific lubricants and STI acquisition.
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Trends in Internet Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 75 Suppl 3:S288-S295. [PMID: 28604430 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet-based platforms are increasingly prominent interfaces for social and sexual networking among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS MSM were recruited through venue-based sampling in 2008, 2011, and 2014 in 20 US cities. We examined changes in internet use (IU) to meet men and in meeting the last partner online among MSM from 2008 to 2014 using Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs). We also examined factors associated with increased frequency of IU using data from 2014. IU was categorized as never, infrequent use (<once a week), and frequent use (≥once a week). RESULTS Frequent IU increased from 21% in 2008 to 44% in 2014 (APR = 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.36 to 1.42), and having met the last partner online increased from 19% in 2008 to 32% in 2014 (APR = 1.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.26 to 1.34). Those who never used the internet had fewer partners (median of 2 in the past 12 months, interquartile range: 1-4) compared with infrequent (4, 2-7) and frequent users (5, 3-12). HIV testing in the past 12 months also increased with increasing IU (58%, 68%, and 71%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Among HIV-positive participants, the percent HIV-positive awareness increased as IU increased (71%, 75%, and 79%, P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Both IU to meet men and meeting the last partner online increased since 2008. Although men who used the internet more frequently reported more partners in the past 12 months, they were also more likely to report testing in the past 12 months and were more likely to be HIV-positive aware.
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Gourlay A, Fox J, Gafos M, Fidler S, Nwokolo N, Clarke A, Gilson R, Orkin C, Collins S, Porter K, Hart G. A qualitative study exploring the social and environmental context of recently acquired HIV infection among men who have sex with men in South-East England. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e016494. [PMID: 28851787 PMCID: PMC5629694 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A key UK public health priority is to reduce HIV incidence among gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to explore the social and environmental context in which new HIV infections occurred among MSM in London and Brighton in 2015. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive study, comprising in-depth interviews, was carried out as a substudy to the UK Register of HIV Seroconverters cohort: an observational cohort of individuals whose date of HIV seroconversion was well estimated. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted in NVivo, guided by a socio-ecological framework. SETTING Participants were recruited from six HIV clinics in London and Brighton. Fieldwork was conducted between January and April 2015. PARTICIPANTS All MSM eligible for the UK Register Seroconverter cohort (an HIV-positive antibody test result within 12 months of their last documented HIV-negative test or other laboratory evidence of HIV seroconversion) diagnosed within the past 12 months and aged ≥18 were eligible for the qualitative substudy. 21 MSM participated, aged 22-61 years and predominantly white. RESULTS A complex interplay of factors, operating at different levels, influenced risk behaviours and HIV acquisition. Participants saw risk as multi-factorial, but the relative importance of factors varied for each person. Individual psycho-social factors, including personal history, recent life stressors and mental health, enhanced vulnerability towards higher risk situations, while features of the social environment, such as chemsex and social media, and prevalent community beliefs regarding treatment and HIV normalisation, encouraged risk taking. CONCLUSIONS Recently acquired HIV infection among MSM reflects a complex web of factors operating at different levels. These findings point to the need for multi-level interventions to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition among high-risk MSM in the UK and similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Gourlay
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, London, UK
| | - Julie Fox
- Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Trust/ King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nneka Nwokolo
- 56 Dean Street, Department of HIV/GUM, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Elton John Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, UK
| | - Richard Gilson
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chloe Orkin
- Ambrose King Centre, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Kholoud Porter
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, London, UK
| | - Graham Hart
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
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Song W, Mulatu MS, Rorie M, Zhang H, Gilford JW. HIV Testing and Positivity Patterns of Partners of HIV-Diagnosed People in Partner Services Programs, United States, 2013-2014. Public Health Rep 2017; 132:455-462. [PMID: 28614670 PMCID: PMC5507429 DOI: 10.1177/0033354917710943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) partner services are an integral part of comprehensive HIV prevention programs. We examined the patterns of HIV testing and positivity among partners of HIV-diagnosed people who participated in partner services programs in CDC-funded state and local health departments. METHODS We analyzed data on 21 484 partners submitted in 2013-2014 by 55 health departments. We conducted descriptive and multivariate analyses to examine patterns of HIV testing and positivity by demographic characteristics and geographic region. RESULTS Of 21 484 partners, 16 275 (75.8%) were tested for HIV; 4503 of 12 886 (34.9%) partners with test results were identified as newly HIV-positive. Compared with partners aged 13-24, partners aged 35-44 were less likely to be tested for HIV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-0.95) and more likely to be HIV-positive (aOR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.20-1.52). Partners who were male (aOR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.97) and non-Hispanic black (aOR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.63-0.74) were less likely to be tested but more likely to be HIV-positive (male aOR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.64-2.01; non-Hispanic black aOR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.38-1.66) than partners who were female and non-Hispanic white, respectively. Partners in the South were more likely than partners in the Midwest to be tested for HIV (aOR = 1.56; 95% CI, 1.35-1.80) and to be HIV-positive (aOR = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.81-2.65). CONCLUSIONS Partner services programs implemented by CDC-funded health departments are successful in providing HIV testing services and identifying previously undiagnosed HIV infections among partners of HIV-diagnosed people. Demographic and regional differences suggest the need to tailor these programs to address unique needs of the target populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Song
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mesfin S. Mulatu
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michele Rorie
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John W. Gilford
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Rewbury R, Hughes E, Purbrick R, Prior S, Baron M. Poppers: legal highs with questionable contents? A case series of poppers maculopathy. Br J Ophthalmol 2017; 101:1530-1534. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2016-310023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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18
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Sewell J, Miltz A, Lampe FC, Cambiano V, Speakman A, Phillips AN, Stuart D, Gilson R, Asboe D, Nwokolo N, Clarke A, Collins S, Hart G, Elford J, Rodger AJ. Poly drug use, chemsex drug use, and associations with sexual risk behaviour in HIV-negative men who have sex with men attending sexual health clinics. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 43:33-43. [PMID: 28189979 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recreational drug use and associated harms continue to be of significant concern in men who have sex with men (MSM) particularly in the context of HIV and STI transmission. METHODS Data from 1484 HIV-negative or undiagnosed MSM included in the AURAH study, a cross-sectional, self-completed questionnaire study of 2630 individuals from 20 sexual health clinics in the United Kingdom in 2013-2014, was analysed. Two measures of recreational drug use in the previous three months were defined; (i) polydrug use (use of 3 or more recreational drugs) and (ii) chemsex drug use (use of mephedrone, crystal methamphetamine or GHB/GBL). Associations of socio-demographic, health and lifestyle factors with drug use, and associations of drug use with sexual behaviour, were investigated. RESULTS Of the 1484 MSM, 350 (23.6%) reported polydrug use and 324 (21.8%) reported chemsex drug use in the past three months. Overall 852 (57.5%) men reported condomless sex in the past three months; 430 (29.0%) had CLS with ≥2 partners, 474 (31.9%) had CLS with unknown/HIV+ partner(s); 187 (12.6%) had receptive CLS with an unknown status partner. For polydrug use, prevalence ratios (95% confidence interval) for association with CLS measures, adjusted for socio-demographic factors were: 1.38 (1.26, 1.51) for CLS; 2.11 (1.80, 2.47) for CLS with ≥2 partners; 1.89 (1.63, 2.19) for CLS with unknown/HIV+ partner(s); 1.36 (1.00, 1.83) for receptive CLS with an unknown status partner. Corresponding adjusted prevalence ratios for chemsex drug use were: 1.38 (1.26, 1.52); 2.07 (1.76, 2.43); 1.88 (1.62, 2.19); 1.49 (1.10, 2.02). Polydrug and chemsex drug use were also strongly associated with previous STI, PEP use, group sex and high number of new sexual partners. Associations remained with little attenuation after further adjustment for depressive symptoms and alcohol intake. CONCLUSION There was a high prevalence of polydrug use and chemsex drug use among HIV negative MSM attending UK sexual health clinics. Drug use was strongly associated with sexual behaviours linked to risk of acquisition of STIs and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janey Sewell
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ada Miltz
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona C Lampe
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Cambiano
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Speakman
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew N Phillips
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Stuart
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Gilson
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Asboe
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nneka Nwokolo
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Graham Hart
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alison J Rodger
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Bourne A, Dodds C, Keogh P, Weatherburn P. Non-condom related strategies to reduce the risk of HIV transmission: Perspectives and experiences of gay men with diagnosed HIV. J Health Psychol 2016; 21:2562-2571. [PMID: 25947230 DOI: 10.1177/1359105315581066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gay men with diagnosed HIV can adopt a number of strategies to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others, although research has typically focussed on condom use. Interviews with 42 HIV-positive gay men who reported recent engagement in anal intercourse without condoms explored their awareness of sexual risk and their perceptions of non-condom-related strategies to reduce it. In articulating men's ambivalence for strategies that can only reduce the risk of transmission, rather than eliminating, the findings have implications for the consideration and integration of new biomedical interventions to reduce the likelihood of HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Bourne
- 1 London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK
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Zhang H, Teng T, Lu H, Zhao Y, Liu H, Yin L, Sun Z, He X, Qian HZ, Ruan Y, Shao Y, Vermund SH. Poppers use and risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 160:42-8. [PMID: 26796594 PMCID: PMC5321169 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although poppers are increasingly popular among MSM in China, little is known about the patterns of poppers use. The objectives of this study were to describe the patterns of poppers use and examine its association with sexual behaviors and HIV infection among MSM in Beijing, China. METHODS As part of a multi-component HIV intervention trial, 3588 MSM were surveyed between March 2013 and March 2014 in Beijing, China. Blood samples were collected and tested for HIV and syphilis. The questionnaire collected information about socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the correlates of poppers use. RESULTS Over a quarter of men (27.5%) reported having used at least one type of drugs in the past three months. Poppers were the most popular one (26.8%). Poppers use was correlated with a higher HIV prevalence [odds ratio (OR): 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-1.70]. Demographic and sexual behavioral factors associated with poppers use included: younger age [adjusted OR (AOR): 1.56, 95% CI: 1.25-1.94], higher education (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.33-1.96), alcohol use (AOR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.10-1.60), seeking male partners mainly via the internet (AOR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.28-2.00), multiple male sex partnership (AOR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.90-2.60), and unprotected receptive anal intercourse (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.28-1.81). CONCLUSIONS In this study, poppers use was positively associated with HIV infection and unprotected anal intercourse. Intervention efforts should be devoted to promote safer sex and HIV testing and counseling among MSM who use poppers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyan Lu
- Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yuejuan Zhao
- Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjie Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - Lu Yin
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zheya Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong He
- Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yuhua Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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Qi J, Zhang D, Fu X, Li C, Meng S, Dai M, Liu H, Sun J. High risks of HIV transmission for men who have sex with men--a comparison of risk factors of HIV infection among MSM associated with recruitment channels in 15 cities of China. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121267. [PMID: 25837667 PMCID: PMC4383540 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective While the HIV epidemic varies greatly by region and population group throughout China, the HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) continues to rise at an alarmingly fast pace. We seek to analyze the risk factors associated with HIV infection among MSM recruited from different channels in large urban centers across China, in an attempt to shed light on the design of future targeted intervention strategies. Methods A total of 33,684 MSM from 14 cities and one province were recruited from July to December 2011. Demographic (e.g. age, marital status, education) and behavioral (e.g. condom use, HIV testing history) data were collected using information collection cards. Blood samples were also collected to test for HIV and Syphilis. Results Participants were recruited from five different channels, and all demonstrated distinct characteristics. The overall rate of positive HIV screening was 6.27% and the rate of syphilis infection was 6.50%. Participants recruited from bathhouses had the highest HIV (11.80%) and syphilis infection rates (11.20%). Participants who were infected with syphilis had the highest HIV-positive screening rate (13.75%; 95% CI OR, 2.33-3.06). living in the southwest region of the country (11.64%; OR=2.76, 95%CI OR 2.19-3.47), Being >20 years of age (P<0.001), living in the southwest region of the country (OR=2.76, 95%CI 2.19-3.47), not having sex with female over the previous 3 months (OR=1.27, 95%CI 1.09-1.48), no condom use during the last anal intercourse (OR=1.54, 95%CI 1.39-1.70) and other factors were all associated with a higher probability of having an HIV-positive test result. Conclusion Depending on the way they are recruited, more targeted interventions are required to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among MSM with different characteristics and behaviors. Results from this study could provide evidence for researchers to conduct further studies and policy-makers to establish more effective and strategic interventions for MSM in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlei Qi
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Fu
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Chengmei Li
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Sining Meng
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Min Dai
- Bill & Melinda Gates foundation China Office, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Liu
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangping Sun
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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22
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Modelling the HIV epidemic among MSM in the United Kingdom: quantifying the contributions to HIV transmission to better inform prevention initiatives. AIDS 2015; 29:339-49. [PMID: 25686682 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HIV is a major public health problem among MSM in the United Kingdom with around 2400 new infections annually. We quantified the contribution of biological and behavioural factors. DESIGN Modelling study. METHODS A partnership-based model of HIV transmission among UK MSM aged 15-64 years was developed and calibrated to time series HIV prevalence. The calibration was validated using multiple surveillance datasets. Population-attributable fractions were used to estimate the contribution of behavioural and biological factors to HIV transmission over the period 2001-2002, 2014-2015, and 2019-2020. RESULTS The contribution of most biological and behavioural factors was relatively constant over time, with the key group sustaining HIV transmission being higher-sexual activity MSM aged below 35 years living with undiagnosed HIV. The effect of primary HIV infection was relatively small with 2014-2015 population-attributable fraction of 10% (3-28%) in comparison with other subsequent asymptomatic stages. Diagnosed men who were not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) currently contributed 26% (14-39%) of net infections, whereas ART-treated MSM accounted for 17% (10-24%). A considerable number of new infections are also likely to occur within long-term relationships. CONCLUSION The majority of the new HIV infections among MSM in the United Kingdom during 2001-2020 is expected to be accounted for by a small group of younger and highly sexually active individuals, living with undiagnosed HIV in the asymptomatic stage. Bringing this group into HIV/AIDS care by improving testing uptake is a vital step for preventing onward transmission and will determine the success of using ART as prevention.
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Amphetamine-type stimulants and HIV infection among men who have sex with men: implications on HIV research and prevention from a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:19273. [PMID: 25609214 PMCID: PMC4302169 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.19273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction HIV infections and the use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been increasing internationally, but the role of ATS use as a co-factor for HIV infection remains unclear. We aimed to summarize the association between ATS use and HIV infection among MSM. Methods We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, GLOBAL HEALTH and PsycINFO for relevant English, peer-reviewed articles of quantitative studies published between 1980 and 25 April 2013. Pooled estimates of the association – prevalence rate ratios (PRR, cross-sectional studies), odds ratio (OR, case-control studies) and hazard ratio (HR, longitudinal studies), with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) – were calculated using random-effects models stratified by study design and ATS group (meth/amphetamines vs. ecstasy). We assessed the existence of publication bias in funnel plots and checked for sources of heterogeneity using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Results We identified 6710 article titles, screened 1716 abstracts and reviewed 267 full text articles. A total of 35 publications were eligible for data abstraction and meta-analysis, resulting in 56 records of ATS use. Most studies (31/35) were conducted in high-income countries. Published studies used different research designs, samples and measures of ATS use. The pooled association between meth/amphetamine use and HIV infection was statistically significant in all three designs (PRR=1.86; 95% CI: 1.57–2.17; OR=2.73; 95% CI: 2.16–3.46 and HR=3.43; 95% CI: 2.98–3.95, respectively, for cross-sectional, case-control and longitudinal studies). Ecstasy use was not associated with HIV infection in cross-sectional studies (PRR=1.15; 95% CI: 0.88–1.49; OR=3.04; 95% CI: 1.29–7.18 and HR=2.48; 95% CI: 1.42–4.35, respectively, for cross-sectional, case-control and longitudinal studies). Results in cross-sectional studies were highly heterogeneous due to issues with ATS measurement and different sampling frames. Conclusions While meth/amphetamine use was significantly associated with HIV infection among MSM in high-income countries in all study designs, evidence of the role of ecstasy in HIV infection was lacking in cross-sectional studies. Cross-sectional study design, measurement approaches and source populations may also be important modifiers of the strength and the direction of associations. Event-specific measure of individual drug is required to establish temporal relationship between ATS use and HIV infection. HIV prevention programmes targeting MSM should consider including interventions designed to address meth/amphetamine use.
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Nitrite inhalants use and HIV infection among men who have sex with men in China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:365261. [PMID: 24800219 PMCID: PMC3985158 DOI: 10.1155/2014/365261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective. This is the first study in China to examine the use of nitrite inhalants and its correlates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012. Structured interviews collected data on demographics, sexual and drug use behaviors, and the use of HIV services. Blood specimens were collected and tested for HIV and syphilis. Results. A total of 400 MSM eligible for the study were between 19 and 63 years of age and overall HIV prevalence was 6.0% (9.0% among nitrite inhalant users and 3.3% among nonusers). Nearly half (47.3%) of them reported ever using nitrite inhalants and 42.3% admitted using nitrite inhalants in the past year. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that ever using nitrite inhalants in the past was independently associated with being aged ≤25 years, having higher education attainment, seeking sex via Internet, having casual partners in the past three months, and being HIV positive. Conclusion. The use of nitrite inhalants was alarmingly prevalent among MSM in Beijing. The independent association of the nitrite inhalant use with more casual sex partners and HIV infection underscored the need for intervention and prevention of nitrite inhalant use.
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Lewnard JA, Berrang-Ford L. Internet-based partner selection and risk for unprotected anal intercourse in sexual encounters among men who have sex with men: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Sex Transm Infect 2014; 90:290-6. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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Aicken CRH, Gray M, Clifton S, Tanton C, Field N, Sonnenberg P, Johnson AM, Mercer CH. Improving questions on sexual partnerships: lessons learned from cognitive interviews for Britain's third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles ("Natsal-3"). ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2013; 42:173-185. [PMID: 22695641 PMCID: PMC3541929 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-012-9962-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Revised: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Patterns of sexual partnership formation and dissolution are key drivers of sexually transmitted infection transmission. Sexual behavior survey participants may be unable or unwilling to report accurate details about their sexual partners, limiting the potential to capture information on sexual mixing and timing of partnerships. We examined how questions were interpreted, including recall strategies and judgments made in selecting responses, to inform development of a module on recent sexual partnerships in Britain's third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles ("Natsal-3"). Face-to-face cognitive interviews were conducted with 14 men and 18 women aged 18-74 years, during development work for Natsal-3. People with multiple recent partners were purposively sampled and questions were presented as a computer-assisted self-interview. Participants were generally agreeable to answering questions about their sexual partners and practices. Interpretation of questions designed to measure concurrent (overlapping) partnerships was broadly consistent with the epidemiological concept of concurrency. Partners' ages, genders, ethnicity, and participants' perceptions of whether partner(s) had had concurrent partnerships were reported without offense. Recall problems and lack of knowledge were reported by some participants (of all ages), especially about former, casual, and/or new partnerships, and some reported guessing partners' ages and dates of sex. Generally, participants were able to answer questions about their sexual partners accurately, even when repeated for multiple partners. Cognitive interviews provided insight into the participants' understanding of, ability to answer, and willingness to answer questions. This enabled us to improve questions used in previous surveys, refine new questions, and ensure the questionnaire order was logical for participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R. H. Aicken
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB UK
| | | | | | - Clare Tanton
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB UK
| | - Nigel Field
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB UK
| | - Pam Sonnenberg
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB UK
| | - Anne M. Johnson
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB UK
| | - Catherine H. Mercer
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB UK
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Lea T, Costello M, Mao L, Prestage G, Zablotska I, Ward J, Kaldor J, de Wit J, Holt M. Elevated reporting of unprotected anal intercourse and injecting drug use but no difference in HIV prevalence among Indigenous Australian men who have sex with men compared with their Anglo-Australian peers. Sex Health 2013; 10:146-55. [DOI: 10.1071/sh12097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Although half of the HIV notifications among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (‘Indigenous Australians’) are attributed to homosexual transmission, there has been little research examining sexual and drug use risk practices among Indigenous Australian men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: Respondents were Indigenous Australian (n = 1278) and Anglo-Australian men (n = 24 002) participating in the routine cross-sectional Gay Community Periodic Surveys conducted in Australia from 2007 to 2011. Sociodemographic characteristics, sexual risk practices, drug use, HIV testing and HIV status of Indigenous and Anglo-Australian men were compared and evaluated to discover whether Indigenous status was independently associated with HIV risk practices. Results: Although an equivalent proportion of Indigenous and Anglo-Australian men reported being HIV-positive (9.6%), Indigenous MSM were more likely to report unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners in the previous 6 months (27.9% v. 21.5%; Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.49). Indigenous men were more likely than Anglo-Australian men to report use of several specific drugs and twice as likely to report injecting drug use in the previous 6 months (8.8% v. 4.5%; AOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.11–1.86). Conclusions: Despite a higher proportion of Indigenous men reporting sexual and drug use practices that increase the risk of HIV transmission, there were no differences in the HIV status of Indigenous and Anglo-Australian men. However, the elevated rates of risk practices suggest that Indigenous MSM should remain a focus for HIV prevention, care and support.
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Hickson F, Bonell C, Hargreaves J, Reid D, Weatherburn P. HIV Testing and HIV Serostatus-Specific Sexual Risk Behaviour Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Living in England and Recruited Through the Internet in 2001 and 2008. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2013; 10:15-23. [PMID: 26361522 PMCID: PMC4557419 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-012-0106-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Using data from two large internet-recruited surveys in England in 2001 and 2008, we examine HIV status-specific patterns of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). In adjusted comparisons between our 2008 and 2001 samples, there was evidence of a greater proportion of men living with diagnosed HIV, a reduction in sexual partners and in UAI with partners of unknown HIV status among men not tested HIV positive, increases in anal intercourse and UAI among men with diagnosed HIV and an increase in insertive UAI with HIV-positive men among men never tested for HIV. However, we found no evidence for increases in negotiated safety or sero-sorting. The data are compatible with a concentration of sexual risk among men with diagnosed HIV, countering an overall trend towards less risk taking among men not tested HIV positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ford Hickson
- Sigma Research, Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH UK
| | - Chris Bonell
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James Hargreaves
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Reid
- Sigma Research, Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Sigma Research, Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH UK
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Serosorting and strategic positioning during unprotected anal intercourse: are risk reduction strategies being employed by gay and bisexual men in Scotland? Sex Transm Dis 2012; 39:735-8. [PMID: 22902673 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e31825a3a3c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) remains the main risk factor for HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM), but risk varies by the sexual position adopted and the risk reduction strategies used. Here, we report on sexual position, and knowledge of partners' HIV status, during UAI to assess whether MSM in Scotland are using sexual risk reduction strategies. METHODS Anonymous, self-complete questionnaires and Orasure oral fluid specimens (OraSure Technologies, Inc., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA) were provided by 1277 MSM in commercial gay venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (59.7% response rate). Overall, 488 MSM (39.7%) reported any UAI in the past 12 months; 318 reported on partner HIV status and sexual position and are included in these analyses. RESULTS Being equally either the insertive or receptive partner during UAI was most commonly reported; 23.1% of HIV-negative MSM reported exclusive insertive UAI, whereas no MSM with diagnosed HIV reported exclusive receptive UAI. Five diagnosed HIV-positive MSM reported always knowing their partners' HIV status and only having HIV-positive partners (50.0% of HIV-positive MSM reporting UAI; 11.9% of the diagnosed HIV-positive sample); 160 HIV-negative MSM reported having had an HIV test (and therefore being aware of their HIV-negative status), always knowing their partners' status, and only having HIV-negative partners (52.8% of HIV-negative MSM reporting UAI; 13.7% of the total HIV-negative sample). CONCLUSIONS Behavior suggestive of serosorting and strategic positioning (among HIV-negative MSM) was evident in this sample, but inconsistent adoption of these and general versatility in sexual behavior suggest that they have a limited role.
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Saxton PJW, Dickson NP, McAllister SM, Sharples K, Hughes AJ. Increase in HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men in New Zealand from a stable low period. Sex Health 2011; 8:311-8. [PMID: 21851770 DOI: 10.1071/sh10087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe trends in HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) in New Zealand 1996-2008, and to identify characteristics associated with HIV diagnoses in the resurgent phase. METHODS Data collected through routine surveillance of HIV infection, where the mode of transmission included homosexual contact, were analysed over the period 1996-2008. RESULTS Annual HIV diagnoses were low during 1996-2000, rose sharply between 2001 and 2005, and remained at an elevated plateau between 2006 and 2008. Over a quarter were attributed to HIV infection acquired overseas (28.6%). Trends in diagnoses of locally acquired HIV infection closely mirrored the trend of three diagnosis phases. Increases in locally acquired HIV occurred among virtually all characteristics of MSM. However, compared with MSM diagnosed in the low phase 1996-2000, individuals diagnosed in the resurgent phase 2001-05 were more likely to be aged 30-39, to have tested HIV-negative within the previous 2 years, to live in the Northern region encompassing Auckland, and to be of non-European ethnicity. The per capita HIV diagnosis rate among MSM was lowest in 1997, at 22.0 per million males aged 15-64, and highest in 2005 at 66.7 per million. CONCLUSION The increase in HIV diagnoses among MSM in New Zealand was primarily due to an increase in locally acquired HIV infection, which disproportionately affected some groups of MSM. Factors driving this change in local epidemic conditions need to be identified. The rate of new HIV diagnoses among MSM remains low by international standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J W Saxton
- Research Unit, New Zealand AIDS Foundation, PO Box 6663, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141, New Zealand.
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Quantifying sexual exposure to HIV within an HIV-serodiscordant relationship: development of an algorithm. AIDS 2011; 25:1065-82. [PMID: 21537113 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e328344fe4a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of acquiring HIV from a single sexual contact varies enormously reflecting biological and behavioural characteristics of both infected and uninfected partners. Accurate information on HIV transmission risk is required to construct evidence-based risk reduction practices for individuals, to direct the provision of prevention strategies at the population level, and enable the definition, quantification and comparison of true exposure in individuals termed 'exposed uninfected' within clinical trials. METHODS Following a systematic review of current literature on HIV transmission estimates, an HIV risk score was developed, incorporating weighted risk factors into a Bernoulli mathematical model, allowing quantification of overall risk of HIV acquisition within HIV-serodiscordant partnerships. RESULTS The HIV risk score enumerates the relative risk of HIV acquisition from HIV-positive partners incorporating the type and frequency of specific sex acts, the index case HIV plasma viral load and stage of disease, and the presence of genital ulcer disease in either partner and pregnancy, HSV-2 seropositivity, and circumcision status (men only) in the HIV-negative partner. CONCLUSION Key determinants of HIV exposure risk can be incorporated into a mathematical model in order to quantify individual relative risks of HIV acquisition. Such a model can facilitate comparisons within clinical trials of exposed uninfected individuals and facilitate interventions to reduce HIV transmission.
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Mullens AB, Young RM, Dunne MP, Norton G. The Amyl Nitrite Expectancy Questionnaire for Men who have Sex with Men (AEQ-MSM): a measure of substance-related beliefs. Subst Use Misuse 2011; 46:1642-50. [PMID: 21793709 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2011.599096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A measure of perceived reinforcement associated with amyl nitrite was developed and evaluated among gay and bisexual men. This is the first known expectancy measure to date for this drug class. The Amyl Nitrite Expectancy Questionnaire for Men who have Sex with Men (AEQ-MSM) was completed online by 102 gay and bisexual men, between 2006 and 2008 in Queensland, Australia. The AEQ-MSM demonstrated good psychometric properties and was associated with consumption patterns. Factor analysis revealed three distinct reinforcement domains: "Enhanced sexual desire and pleasure," "Disorientation," and "Sexual negotiation." Limitations include sampling via self-selection, recruitment through health centers and self-report data. Implications for sexual activity and risk-taking, including reducing associated harm (e.g., HIV transmission), and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy B Mullens
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. amy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sexual intercourse represents the majority of HIV transmission and is preventable. Overall, the risk of HIV transmission following a single sexual exposure is low especially in comparison with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with estimates of the average probability of male-to-female HIV transmission only 0.0005-0.0026 per coital act. The risk of acquiring HIV from a single contact varies enormously and is dependant upon the infectiousness of the HIV-positive individual and the susceptibility to HIV of their sexual partner. RECENT FINDINGS Of concern, unprotected sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased in recent years and HIV incidence in both MSM and heterosexuals remains a considerable public health concern. Sexual practices and health optimism about HIV have changed, which have significantly impacted HIV risk behaviour. SUMMARY In this review article we summarize the current evidence regarding the observed relative risks of HIV transmission for each different types of sex act, relationship type and the strategies that have been tested to interrupt transmission.
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Incremento en la prevalencia del VIH y en las conductas de riesgo asociadas en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres: 12 años de encuestas de vigilancia conductual en Cataluña. GACETA SANITARIA 2010; 24:40-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2009.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Revised: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 06/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Carey JW, Mejia R, Bingham T, Ciesielski C, Gelaude D, Herbst JH, Sinunu M, Sey E, Prachand N, Jenkins RA, Stall R. Drug use, high-risk sex behaviors, and increased risk for recent HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Chicago and Los Angeles. AIDS Behav 2009; 13:1084-96. [PMID: 18498049 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-008-9403-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 04/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We examined how drugs, high-risk sexual behaviors, and socio-demographic variables are associated with recent HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a case-control study. Interviewers collected risk factor data among 111 cases with recent HIV infection, and 333 HIV-negative controls from Chicago and Los Angeles. Compared with controls, cases had more unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with both HIV-positive and HIV-negative partners. MSM with lower income or prior sexually transmitted infections (STI) were more likely to be recently HIV infected. Substances associated with UAI included amyl nitrate ("poppers"), methamphetamine, Viagra (or similar PDE-5 inhibitors), ketamine, and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Cases more frequently used Viagra, poppers, and methamphetamine during UAI compared with controls. In multivariate analysis, income, UAI with HIV-positive partners, Viagra, and poppers remained associated with recent HIV seroconversion. Better methods are needed to prevent HIV among MSM who engage in high-risk sex with concurrent drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Carey
- Prevention Research Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
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Sexual transmission of HIV-1. Antiviral Res 2009; 85:276-85. [PMID: 19874852 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Revised: 10/02/2009] [Accepted: 10/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 transmission occurs in a limited number of ways all of which are preventable. Overall, the risk of HIV-1 transmission following a single sexual exposure is low especially in comparison with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs); with estimates of the average probability of male to female HIV-1 transmission only 0.0005-0.0026 per coital act. The risk of acquiring HIV-1 from a single contact varies enormously and is dependant upon the infectiousness of the HIV-1 positive individual and the susceptibility to HIV-1 of their sexual partner. An understanding of the determinants of HIV-1 transmission is important not only to assess the infection risk to an individual when exposed to the virus (e.g. to determine the provision of post exposure prophylaxis), but also to make accurate predictions on the potential spread of HIV-1 infection in a population and to direct appropriate targeted prevention strategies. In this review article we summarise the current literature on the major worldwide source of HIV-1 acquisition, sexual transmission. This article forms part of a special issue of Antiviral Research marking the 25th anniversary of antiretroviral drug discovery and development, Vol 85, issue 1, 2010.
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Fox J, White PJ, Macdonald N, Weber J, McClure M, Fidler S, Ward H. Reductions in HIV transmission risk behaviour following diagnosis of primary HIV infection: a cohort of high-risk men who have sex with men. HIV Med 2009; 10:432-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2009.00708.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Folch C, Esteve A, Zaragoza K, Muñoz R, Casabona J. Correlates of intensive alcohol and drug use in men who have sex with men in Catalonia, Spain. Eur J Public Health 2009; 20:139-45. [PMID: 19564240 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckp091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of alcohol and drug use before or during sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Catalonia during 2006, and to identify factors associated with variables of intensive alcohol and drug use. METHODS Cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires. Men were recruited in saunas, sex shops, bars and a public park and by mail to all the members of the Catalonia Gay Federation. RESULTS 19.6% of men said they were frequent users of alcohol, some type of drug (21.7%), or that they were multidrug users (18%) in the last 12 months. The multivariate analysis showed an association between having suffered discrimination and frequent alcohol and multidrug use. Being human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive was associated with frequent use of drugs and multidrug use. Associations between substance use and sexual risk behaviour also emerged. CONCLUSION The high percentage of MSM who use alcohol and drugs before and during sex and association between these substances and sexual risk behaviours reveals the need to intensify interventions to reduce their levels of use and/or to reduce the associated damage and risks. These programs must try to cover MSM-specific psychosocial aspects and include prevention for HIV-positive men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinta Folch
- Centre for Sexually Transmitted Infection and AIDS Epidemiological Studies of Catalonia (CEEISCAT) - ICO, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain.
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Prestage G, Jin F, Kippax S, Zablotska I, Imrie J, Grulich A. Use of illicit drugs and erectile dysfunction medications and subsequent HIV infection among gay men in Sydney, Australia. J Sex Med 2009; 6:2311-20. [PMID: 19493293 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01323.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Use of illicit drugs and oral erectile dysfunction medications (OEM) have been associated with risk behavior among gay men. AIM To determine the effects of illicit drugs and OEM as risk factors for HIV seroconversion in a community-based cohort of HIV-negative homosexually active men in Sydney, Australia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Drug use in the previous 6 months and at the most recent sexual encounter; Most recent occasions of unprotected and protected anal intercourse; HIV-positive diagnosis. METHODS From June 2001 to June 2007, participants were followed up with 6-monthly detailed behavioral interviews and annual testing for HIV. Detailed information about sexual, drug-using and other behavior was collected. RESULTS Among 1,427 participants enrolled, 53 HIV seroconverters were identified by June 2007. At baseline, 62.7% reported using illicit drugs in the previous 6 months, including 10.7% who reported at least weekly use. Illicit drug use was associated with unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners (P < 0.001). Use of illicit drugs was associated with increased risk of HIV infection at a univariate level, and this risk increased with greater frequency of use. This was also true of the use of OEM. Use of each type of illicit drug was included in multivariate analysis, and after controlling for sexual risk behaviors, only use of OEM remained significantly predictive of HIV infection (Hazard ratios [HR] = 1.75, CI = 1.31-2.33, P < 0.001), although amyl nitrite was of borderline significance (HR = 1.26, CI = 0.98-1.62, P = 0.074). CONCLUSION The association between drug use and increased risk of HIV infection was strongest for drugs used specifically to enhance sexual pleasure, particularly OEM. The risk of infection was substantially increased when both OEM and methamphetamine were used. Within more "adventurous" gay community subcultures, the interconnectedness of sexual behavior and drug use may be key to understanding HIV risk and is an appropriate priority in HIV-prevention efforts in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett Prestage
- National Center in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Williamson LM, Flowers P, Knussen C, Hart GJ. HIV testing trends among gay men in Scotland, UK (1996-2005): implications for HIV testing policies and prevention. Sex Transm Infect 2009; 85:550-4. [PMID: 19276103 PMCID: PMC3786510 DOI: 10.1136/sti.2008.033886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To examine trends in the HIV testing behaviour of gay men in Scotland over a 10-year period. Methods: Seven cross-sectional surveys in commercial gay venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh (1996–2005). 9613 men completed anonymous, self-completed questionnaires (70% average response rate). Results: Among 8305 respondents included in these analyses, HIV testing increased between 1996 and 2005, from 49.7% to 57.8% (p<0.001). The proportion of men who had tested recently (in the calendar year of, or immediately before, the survey) increased from 28.4% in 1996 to 33.2% in 2005, when compared with those who have tested but not recently, and those who have never tested (adjusted odds ratio 1.31, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.52). However, among ever testers, there was no increase in rates of recent testing. Recent testing decreased with age: 31.3% of the under 25, 30.3% of the 25–34, 23.2% of the 35–44 and 21.2% of the over 44 years age groups had tested recently. Among men reporting two or more unprotected anal intercourse partners in the previous year, only 41.4% had tested recently. Conclusions: HIV testing among gay men in Scotland increased between 1996 and 2005, and corresponds with the Scottish Government policy change to routine, opt-out testing in genitourinary medicine clinics. Testing rates remain low and compare unfavourably with near-universal testing levels elsewhere. The limited change and decline across age groups in recent HIV testing rates suggest few men test repeatedly or regularly. Additional, innovative efforts are required to increase the uptake of regular HIV testing among gay men.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Williamson
- MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Glasgow, UK.
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Prestage G, Grierson J, Bradley J, Hurley M, Hudson J. The role of drugs during group sex among gay men in Australia. Sex Health 2009; 6:310-7. [DOI: 10.1071/sh09014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2009] [Accepted: 07/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Drug use has been associated with risk behaviour among gay men. We examined the use of drugs and sexual risk behaviour among homosexually-active men who engaged in group sex in Australia. Methods: We used an anonymous, self-complete survey about participants’ most recent occasion of group sex with other men and in-depth interviews with a small number of these survey participants. The 746 men who reported having engaged in group sex within the previous 6 months were included in these analyses. Results: Among 746 men who engaged in group sex within the previous 6 months, 63.0% reported using illicit drugs at the group sex encounter. Men commonly reported using drugs specifically to enhance their sexual experience and to intensify the pleasure of that experience. After controlling for each drug type and other risk factors, only use of methamphetamine (odds ratio = 1.74, confidence interval = 1.06–2.88, P = 0.030) and having more than five drinks (odds ratio = 2.41, confidence interval = 1.34–4.33, P = 0.003) were independently associated with unprotected anal intercourse with non-HIV seroconcordant partners in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Methamphetamine and heavy alcohol use are associated with increased sexual risk behaviour among men who engage in group sex. Within more ‘adventurous’ gay community subcultures, drug use is often for the explicit purpose of enhancing the sexual experience and this complex relationship may be key to understanding HIV risk among these men.
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