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Traeger MW, Guy R, Taunton C, Chow EPF, Asselin J, Carter A, Aung HL, Bloch M, Fairley CK, McNulty A, Cornelisse VJ, Read P, Owen L, Ryder N, Templeton DJ, O'Donnell D, Donovan B, Hellard ME, Stoové MA. Syphilis testing, incidence, and reinfection among gay and bisexual men in Australia over a decade spanning HIV PrEP implementation: an analysis of surveillance data from 2012 to 2022. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 51:101175. [PMID: 39263009 PMCID: PMC11387360 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Background Gay and bisexual men (GBM) remain overrepresented among syphilis diagnoses in Australia and globally. The extent to which changes in sexual networks associated with HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment as prevention (TasP) may have influenced syphilis transmission among GBM at the population-level is poorly understood. We describe trends in syphilis testing and incidence among GBM in Australia over eleven years spanning widespread uptake of HIV PrEP and TasP. Methods We analysed linked clinical data from GBM aged 16 years or older across a sentinel surveillance network in Australia from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2022. Individuals with at least two clinic visits and with at least two syphilis tests during the observations period were included in testing and incidence analyses, respectively. Annual rates of testing and infectious syphilis incidence from 2012 to 2022 were disaggregated by HIV status and PrEP use (record of PrEP prescription; retrospectively categorised as ever or never-PrEP user). Cox regression explored associations between demographics, PrEP use and history of bacterial sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and infectious syphilis diagnosis. Findings Among 129,278 GBM (mean age, 34.6 years [SD, 12.2]) included in testing rate analyses, 7.4% were living with HIV at entry and 31.1% were prescribed PrEP at least once during the study period. Overall syphilis testing rate was 114.0/100 person-years (py) and highest among GBM with HIV (168.4/100 py). Syphilis testing increased from 72.8/100 py to 151.8/100 py; driven largely by increases among ever-PrEP users. Among 94,710 GBM included in incidence analyses, there were 14,710 syphilis infections diagnosed over 451,560 person-years (incidence rate = 3.3/100 py). Syphilis incidence was highest among GBM with HIV (6.5/100 py), followed by ever-PrEP users (3.5/100 py) and never-PrEP users (1.4/100 py). From 2012 to 2022, syphilis incidence increased among ever-PrEP users from 1.3/100 py to 5.1/100 py, and fluctuated between 5.4/100 py and 6.6/100 py among GBM with HIV. In multivariable Cox regression, previous syphilis diagnosis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.83-2.14), living with HIV (aHR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.12-1.25) and recent (past 12 m) prescription of PrEP (aHR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.61-1.97) were associated with syphilis diagnosis. Interpretation Syphilis trends between GBM with HIV and GBM with evidence of PrEP use have converged over the past decade in Australia. Our findings recommend targeting emergent syphilis control strategies (e.g. doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) to GBM with prior syphilis diagnoses, using HIV PrEP or who are living with HIV. Funding Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Traeger
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, United States
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline Taunton
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Cairns, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Allison Carter
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Mark Bloch
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Holdsworth House Medical Practice, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, Australia
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vincent J Cornelisse
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- North Coast HIV & Sexual Health Services, NSW Health, Australia
| | | | - Louise Owen
- Statewide Sexual Health Service, Tasmania, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Nathan Ryder
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Hunter New England Sexual Health, New Castle, Australia
| | - David J Templeton
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Sexual Health Medicine, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Margaret E Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Doherty Institute and School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark A Stoové
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Ekholuenetale M, Rahman SA, Nzoputam CI, Okungbowa OG, Barrow A. Prevalence and factors associated with pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness among cisgender women of reproductive age in Burkina Faso. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241259350. [PMID: 38813873 PMCID: PMC11143873 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241259350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV remains a global public health concern, and women continue to be disproportionately affected. Understanding the factors associated with pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness among women is crucial as an effective HIV prevention strategy. OBJECTIVES We investigated the prevalence and associated factors of pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness among women in Burkina Faso. DESIGN This was a cross-section study that used population-based data. METHODS A total of 17,659 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from the 2021 Burkina Faso Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed. Percentage and multivariable logistic regression model were used to examine the prevalence and factors associated with pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness. RESULTS The prevalence of pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness was 8.2% (95% confidence interval = 7.8%-8.6%). Women's age was positively associated pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness. Women with primary and secondary education had 39% and 48% higher odds of pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness, when compared with women with no formal education. The odds of pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness were 1.40 (95% confidence interval = 1.19-1.66) times higher among Christians when compared with the Muslims. Women who were exposed to mass media including newspaper or magazine, radio, TV, and Internet had higher odds of pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness, when compared with those without exposure to mass media channels. Women who have previously tested for HIV had 37% higher odds of pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness, when compared with those who have not been tested (adjusted odds ratio = 1.37; 95% confidence interval = 1.09-1.72). CONCLUSION This study found women's age, geographical region, education, religion, exposure to mass media channels, employment, and HIV testing to be associated with pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness. These findings can inform the development of targeted interventions and public health campaigns to increase awareness and practice to pre-exposure prophylaxis, particularly among key population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ekholuenetale
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Semiu Adebayo Rahman
- Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Chimezie Igwegbe Nzoputam
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
- Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation, Department of Public Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Osaretin Godspower Okungbowa
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
- National Institute for Legislative & Democratic Studies, National Assembly, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Amadou Barrow
- Department of Public and Environmental Health, School of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences, The University of the Gambia, Sere Kunda, The Gambia
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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3
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Chan C, Holt M, Broady TR, Traeger MW, Mao L, Grulich AE, Prestage G, MacGibbon J, Rule J, Bavinton BR. Trends in Testing and Self-Reported Diagnoses of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia, 2017 to 2021: Analysis of National Behavioral Surveillance Surveys. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:789-795. [PMID: 37820259 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) are overrepresented in diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) relative to their population size. This study assessed trends in STI testing and diagnoses among GBM in Australia. METHODS The Gay Community Periodic Surveys are repeated cross-sectional behavioral surveillance surveys of GBM. Participants reported the number of anal swabs, throat swabs, urine samples, and blood tests for syphilis they undertook in the last year. "Frequent comprehensive testing" was defined as ≥3 of each test in the previous year. Participants reported STI diagnoses of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and other STIs in the last year. Trends in testing and diagnoses from 2017 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021 were assessed with logistic regression models. RESULTS We analyzed 24,488 survey responses from participants reporting casual sex in the last 6 months. Between 2017 and 2020, frequent comprehensive STI testing decreased among HIV-negative GBM on preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) from 71.7% to 68.9% and declined further to 58.6% in 2021. Frequent comprehensive STI testing was stable during 2017-2020 among HIV-negative/untested GBM not on PrEP (17.4%-14.6%) and HIV-positive GBM (30.4%-35.1%) but declined in 2021 to 7.5% among non-PrEP-users and 25.7% among HIV-positive participants. There were minimal changes in STI diagnoses during 2017-2020, but diagnoses declined in 2021. CONCLUSIONS Many GBM do not meet Australian STI testing guidelines that recommend quarterly testing. Further evaluation of whether this recommendation is realistic or necessary to reduce STIs among GBM is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney
| | | | | | - Limin Mao
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney
| | | | | | | | - John Rule
- National Association of People With HIV Australia, Sydney, Australia
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4
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MacDonald J, Estcourt CS, Flowers P, Nandwani R, Frankis J, Young I, Clutterbuck D, Dalrymple J, McDaid L, Steedman N, Saunders J. Improving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence and retention in care: Process evaluation and recommendation development from a nationally implemented PrEP programme. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292289. [PMID: 37812636 PMCID: PMC10561843 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), in which people take HIV medication to prevent HIV acquisition, underpins global HIV transmission elimination strategies. Effective prevention needs people to adhere to PrEP and remain in care during periods of risk, but this is difficult to achieve. We undertook a process evaluation of Scotland's PrEP programme to explore barriers and facilitators to PrEP adherence and retention in care and to systematically develop evidence-based, theoretically-informed recommendations to address them. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups (09/2018-07/2019) with patients who identified as gay or bisexual men and were either using PrEP, had declined the offer of PrEP, had stopped PrEP, or had been assessed as ineligible for PrEP (n = 39 of whom n = 5 (13%) identified as trans, median age 31 years and interquartile range 14 years), healthcare professionals involved in PrEP provision (n = 54 including specialist sexual health doctors and nurses of various grades, PrEP prescribing general practitioners, health promotion officers, midwifes, and a PrEP clinical secretary), and clients (n = 9) and staff (n = 15) of non-governmental organisations with an HIV prevention remit across Scotland. We used thematic analysis to map key barriers and facilitators to priority areas that could enhance adherence and retention in care. We used implementation science analytic tools (Theoretical Domains Framework, Intervention Functions, Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy, APEASE criteria) and expert opinion to systematically generate recommendations. RESULTS Barriers included perceived complexity of on-demand dosing, tendency for users to stop PrEP before seeking professional support, troublesome side-effects, limited flexibility in the settings/timings/nature of review appointments, PrEP-related stigma and emerging stigmas around not using PrEP. Facilitators included flexible appointment scheduling, reminders, and processes to follow up non-attenders. Examples of the 25 recommendations include: emphasising benefits of PrEP reviews and providing appointments flexibly within individualised PrEP care; using clinic systems to remind/recall PrEP users; supporting PrEP conversations among sexual partners; clear on-demand dosing guidance; encouraging good PrEP citizenship; detailed discussion on managing side-effects and care/coping planning activities. CONCLUSIONS PrEP adherence and retention in care is challenging, reducing the effectiveness of PrEP at individual and population levels. We identify and provide solutions to where and how collaborative interventions across public health, clinical, and community practice could address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer MacDonald
- Research Centre for Health (ReaCH), Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia S. Estcourt
- Research Centre for Health (ReaCH), Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Sandyford Sexual Health Services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Flowers
- School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Rak Nandwani
- Sandyford Sexual Health Services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Frankis
- Research Centre for Health (ReaCH), Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrid Young
- Centre for Biomedicine, Self & Society, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Dan Clutterbuck
- Chalmers Sexual Health Centre, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Dalrymple
- Research Centre for Health (ReaCH), Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa McDaid
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nicola Steedman
- Chief Medical Officer Directorate, Scottish Government, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - John Saunders
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, England, United Kingdom
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5
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Qiu P, He H, Zhao Y, Yang Z, Li S, Ni P, Guo Y, Ji C, Zhang C, Zhang H, Zhou C, Wang B. Global disease burden attributed to unsafe sex in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12900. [PMID: 37558737 PMCID: PMC10412620 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Unsafe sex has become a public safety problem that endangers society, and research on deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to unsafe sex is valuable for global policy-making. We aimed to estimate the deaths and DALYs attributable to unsafe sex by country, gender, age group, and sociodemographic status from 1990 to 2019. We extracted data on disease burden from the Global Disease Burden 2019 (GBD 2019) database for unsafe sex, including deaths, DALYs and age-standardized rates (ASRs). Comparative analyses were performed on data about deaths, DALYs and the responding ASRs attributable to unsafe sex in different countries and regions using the Social Demographic Index (SDI). The global age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) attributable to unsafe sex were 11.98 (95% uncertainty intervals (UI): 10.97-13.52) per 100,000 people and 570.78 (95% UI: 510.24-658.10) per 100,000 people, respectively. Both the ASMRs and ASDRs were the highest in southern sub-Saharan Africa and lowest in Australasia and decreased with increasing SDI levels. About unsafe-sex-related disease, HIV/AIDS has the highest ASMR [8.48 (95% UI: 7.62-9.95)/100,000 people] and ASDR [447.44 (95% UI: 394.82-533.10)/100,000 people], followed by Cervical cancer [ASMR: 3.40 (95% UI: 2.90-3.81)/100,000 people and ASDR: 107.2 (95% UI: 90.52-119.43)/100,000 people] and sexually transmitted infections excluding HIV [ASMR: 0.10 (95% UI: 0.08-0.11)/100,000 people and ASDR: 16.14 (95% UI: 10.51-25.83)/100,000 people]. The death and DALY burden caused by these three diseases were more serious in the over 75 years old age group. The 40-44 age group for men and the 35-39 age group for women had the highest population of unsafe sex-related deaths and DALYs, respectively. In addition, the burden of unsafe sex in women was more serious than those in men. Unsafe sex is an important risk factor for global disease burden and a leading cause of substantial health loss. We found that the risk of ASMRs and ASDRs attributable to unsafe sex had negative correlation with SDI levels. These results demonstrate that the need for revised policies that focus on efforts to reduce overall unsafe sex worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Qiu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd., Xi'an, 710061, Shaan'xi, China
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hairong He
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuting Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd., Xi'an, 710061, Shaan'xi, China
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zejian Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd., Xi'an, 710061, Shaan'xi, China
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shouyu Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd., Xi'an, 710061, Shaan'xi, China
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peng Ni
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd., Xi'an, 710061, Shaan'xi, China
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yujie Guo
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chao Ji
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chenchen Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd., Xi'an, 710061, Shaan'xi, China
| | - Can Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd., Xi'an, 710061, Shaan'xi, China.
| | - Bo Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd., Xi'an, 710061, Shaan'xi, China.
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, China.
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6
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Dharan NJ, Jin F, Vaccher S, Bavinton B, Yeung B, Guy R, Carr A, Zablotska I, Amin J, Read P, Templeton DJ, Ooi C, Martin SJ, Ryder N, Smith DE, McNulty A, Brown K, Price K, Holden J, Grulich AE. Characteristics of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Seroconversions in a Large Prospective Implementation Cohort Study of Oral HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis in Men Who Have Sex with Men (EPIC-NSW). Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:e622-e628. [PMID: 35982613 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac660] [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] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversions in people who have initiated preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) occur in the context of insufficient adherence. We describe participants who seroconverted after being dispensed PrEP in a large PrEP implementation study in Australia. METHODS Expanded PrEP Implementation in Communities in New South Wales was an implementation study of daily oral PrEP in individuals aged ≥18 years at high risk for acquiring HIV. HIV seroconversions were defined as a positive HIV test by either antigen, antibody, or detectable HIV viral load after enrollment. Insufficient adherence, measured by dispensing logs or participant self-report, was defined as <4 PrEP doses per week. RESULTS A total of 9596 participants were enrolled and dispensed PrEP between 1 March 2016 and 30 April 2018; 30 were diagnosed with HIV by 31 March 2019. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 31 (25-38) years, all identified as male, 29 (97%) identified as gay or homosexual, and 20 (69%) lived in a postcode with a low concentration of gay male residents. The median (IQR) days from first PrEP dispensing to diagnosis was 409 (347-656). There was no evidence that participants who seroconverted had been sufficiently adherent to PrEP. Nineteen (63%) participants who seroconverted were diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, or new hepatitis C infection. One participant had resistance to emtricitabine (M184V mutation) at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Participants who seroconverted were insufficiently adherent to PrEP despite being at high risk for acquiring HIV. Understanding the reasons for poor PrEP adherence in individuals who subsequently acquire HIV is critical to improving PrEP effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nila J Dharan
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stefanie Vaccher
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Bavinton
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Barbara Yeung
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Carr
- St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Iryna Zablotska
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janaki Amin
- Department Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David J Templeton
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Sexual Health Medicine, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catriona Ooi
- Clinic 16, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.,Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah J Martin
- Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Canberra Health Services, Woden, Australia Capital Territory, Australia.,The Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australia Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nathan Ryder
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Don E Smith
- Albion Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anna McNulty
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Brown
- Illawarra Sexual Health, Warrawong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Price
- AIDS Council of New South Wales (ACON), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jo Holden
- New South Wales Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew E Grulich
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Martín-Roldán DS, Díaz-Calzadilla P, Soto-Zárate A, Calzadilla-Núñez A, Díaz-Narváez VP. [Trends in the incidence of the human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus in Chile, by age and gender 2010-2017]. Rev Salud Publica (Bogota) 2023; 21:506-512. [PMID: 36753201 DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v21n5.80949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJETIVE To determine the trends in the incidence of contagion by the HIV in Chile, according to age and gender, for the period 2010-2017. METHODS Analysis from the database of confirmed HIV positive diagnosis cases. HIV incidence rates were made from HIV-confirmed cases adjusted for year, age, and sex, with population denominators from the INE. A general and specific trend analysis was performed using regression equations. RESULTS There is a trend to increase in HIV incidence rates in the study period. 36.48% of the reported cases correspond to the male sex between 20-29 years, group with the highest incidence in the period. The estimated regression equations effectively increase more steadily in the male and young population. CONCLUSIONS There are deficit informative and educational factors in HIV prevention in the Chilean population. Despite the strong progression of new cases, the diagnostic gap of people living with HIV who are unaware of their health remains to be consolidated. Gaps were identified between recommendations, public policies and the Chilean results obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- David San Martín-Roldán
- DS: Lic. Obstetricia y Puericultura. M. Sc. Salud Pública y Planificación Sanitaria. Profesor auxiliar. Escuela de Obstetricia y Puericultura. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso. Valparaíso, Chile.
| | | | - Anthara Soto-Zárate
- AS: Lic. Obstetricia y Matronería. Hospital Regional de Copiapó San José del Carmen. Copiapó, Chile.
| | - Aracelis Calzadilla-Núñez
- AC: MD. Psiquiatra Infantil y del Adolescente. Facultad de Salud. Universidad Bernardo OHiggins. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma de Chile. Santiago, Chile.
| | - Víctor P Díaz-Narváez
- VD: Lic. Ciencias Biológicas Ph. D. Ciencias Biológicas en Genética Poblacional Humana. Profesor Investigador. Facultad de Odontología. Universidad Andres Bello. Santiago. Chile. ;
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Chan C, Vaccher S, Fraser D, Grulich AE, Holt M, Zablotska-Manos I, Prestage GP, Bavinton BR. Incorrect Knowledge of Event-Driven PrEP "2-1-1" Dosing Regimen Among PrEP-Experienced Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:132-139. [PMID: 35135976 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Event-driven pre-exposure prophylaxis (ED-PrEP), when taken according to the "2-1-1" dosing method, is highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM). Any missed doses when using ED-PrEP drastically reduce its effectiveness, so it is vital that people using this method know how to take it correctly. This study investigated Australian GBM's awareness of ED-PrEP and their knowledge of how to take it correctly. METHOD We conducted a survey of 1471 PrEP-experienced GBM in Australia, between October 2019 and March 2020. The survey assessed awareness and knowledge of the 3 components of the "2-1-1" ED-PrEP dosing regimen (number of pills for loading dose, timing of loading dose, and number of days after sex to take PrEP pills) among GBM. Characteristics associated with ED-PrEP awareness and correct knowledge of how to take ED-PrEP were assessed with multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Two-thirds (n = 1004, 68.4%) had heard of ED-PrEP, of whom only one-eighth (n = 125, 12.5%) knew the correct details of the "2-1-1" ED-PrEP method; one-third (n = 339, 33.8%) did not know any of the 3 key components. Awareness of ED-PrEP and correct knowledge was associated with greater belief in PrEP efficacy, university education, and intention to take a nondaily PrEP regimen in the next 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Although ED-PrEP awareness was considerable, most participants did not know how to use ED-PrEP correctly. Further work is needed to increase awareness and knowledge of ED-PrEP among GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis Chan
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Doug Fraser
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Martin Holt
- The Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia ; and
| | - Iryna Zablotska-Manos
- Sydney Medical School, Westmead and Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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9
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Amin J, Vaccher S, Templeton DJ, Bavinton B B, Jin F, ZablotskaI I, Matthews G, Oglvie E, Yeung B, Ooi C, Dharan N, Baker DA, Read P, Grulich AE. Low prior exposure and incidence of hepatitis C in HIV negative gay and bisexual men taking PrEP: findings from the EPIC-NSW prospective implementation study. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1497-1502. [PMID: 35352102 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV has raised concerns of increased sexual risk behaviours. These behaviours may be associated with increased incidence of sexually acquired hepatitis C (HCV) among gay and bisexual men (GBM). METHODS The Expanded PrEP Implementation in Communities-New South Wales (EPIC-NSW) study was a cohort study of daily co-formulated tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine for HIV prevention. We recruited 9596 people at high risk of HIV acquisition from 31 clinics across New South Wales and the Australia Capital Territory in Australia. We report prior exposure to HCV and incidence in this cohort between 2016 and 2019. RESULTS At least one HCV test result was available for 8658 (90.2%) participants. These individuals had a median age of 34 years (IQR 28-43), most of whom were male (8530, 98.5%), identified as gay (7944, 91.8%), and were born in Australia (51.8%). Prior exposure to HCV was detected among 81 participants at baseline (0.9%, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.2%). Twenty of 8577 participants were diagnosed with incident infection (rate 0.2/100 person years (95%CI 0.1 to 0.3/100py)). They were significantly older (median age 41 years vs 34 years, p=0.044), and more likely to report methamphetamine use at baseline (IRR 2.7 (95%CI 1.00-7.2)) than those without incident infection. CONCLUSIONS In this population of PrEP users, HCV prior exposure and incidence were low. With high levels of HCV and HIV testing and treatment, the dual goals of HIV and HCV elimination could be achieved in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaki Amin
- Department of Health Systems and Populations, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stefanie Vaccher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David J Templeton
- Department of Sexual Health Medicine and Sexual Assault Medical Service, Sydney Local Health District, and Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Iryna ZablotskaI
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre & Sydney Medical School - Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gail Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erin Oglvie
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Barbra Yeung
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catriona Ooi
- Clinic 16, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nila Dharan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David A Baker
- East Sydney Doctors, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Kings Cross, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew E Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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10
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Chan C, Vaccher S, Fraser D, Grulich AE, Holt M, Zablotska-Manos I, Prestage GP, Bavinton BR. Preferences for Current and Future PrEP Modalities Among PrEP-Experienced Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:88-95. [PMID: 34142274 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03344-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Alternatives to daily dosing of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are continuing to emerge. From October 2019 to March 2020, we conducted an online survey of PrEP-experienced gay and bisexual men in Australia about interest in and preference for four different PrEP modalities: daily dosing, event-driven dosing, long-acting injectable (LAI)-PrEP and subdermal PrEP implants. Using data from 1477 participants, we measured interest and preference of different modalities using multivariate logistic regression. High proportions of participants were interested in LAI-PrEP (59.7%), daily PrEP (52.0%), PrEP implants (45.3%) and event-driven PrEP (42.8%). LAI-PrEP was the most frequently selected preference (30.5%), followed by PrEP implants (26.3%), daily PrEP (21.4%) and event-driven PrEP (21.2%). Higher interest and preference for non-daily PrEP modalities were associated with being concerned about side effects and perceived difficulties with daily adherence. As novel modalities emerge, attitudes to them should be considered in public health messaging to facilitate informed decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis Chan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | | | - Doug Fraser
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | | | - Martin Holt
- The Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iryna Zablotska-Manos
- Sydney Medical School - Westmead and Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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11
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Chan C, Fraser D, Vaccher S, Yeung B, Jin F, Amin J, Dharan NJ, Carr A, Ooi C, Vaughan M, Holden J, Power C, Grulich AE, Bavinton BR. Overcoming barriers to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) coverage in Australia among Medicare-ineligible people at risk of HIV: results from the MI-EPIC clinical trial. Sex Health 2021; 18:453-459. [PMID: 34895427 DOI: 10.1071/sh21096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Overseas-born people who are ineligible for government-subsidised health care experience barriers to accessing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Australia. This study aimed to assess a program providing free PrEP to overseas-born adults at risk of acquiring HIV. Methods Medicare-Ineligible Expanded Implementation in Communities (MI-EPIC) was a single-arm, open-label trial of daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine as PrEP. Six clinics recruited Medicare-ineligible adults who met HIV risk criteria in New South Wales, Australia. We recorded data on HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses, and PrEP dispensing from July 2019 to June 2020. PrEP adherence as a medication possession ratio (MPR) was calculated as pills dispensed divided by days. We administered an optional survey on behaviours and attitudes to PrEP and sexual health. Results The 221 participants (206 men; 93.2%) had a median age of 29years (IQR 26-34). Participants were mostly born in Asia (53.4%), Latin America or the Caribbean (25.3%), or Europe (10.9%). Adherence was high; 190 participants (86.0%) had an MPR of >60%. Of 121 survey participants, 42 (34.7%) completed the survey in a language other than English. Of participants who had not used PrEP in the 6months before enrolment (n=45, 37.2%), the most common reasons were cost (n=22, 48.9%), and lack of knowledge about accessing PrEP (n=20, 44.4%). Conclusions Medicare-ineligible people at risk of HIV demonstrate high adherence when given access to free PrEP and translated information. Increasing PrEP awareness and reducing barriers to accessing PrEP in this high-risk population should be priorities in HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis Chan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Doug Fraser
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Barbara Yeung
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; and Department of Health Systems and Populations, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Nila J Dharan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Carr
- St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Jo Holden
- NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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12
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Zhang Y, Jamil MS, Smith KS, Applegate TL, Prestage G, Holt M, Keen P, Bavinton BR, Chen M, Conway DP, Wand H, McNulty AM, Russell D, Vaughan M, Batrouney C, Wiseman V, Fairley CK, Grulich AE, Law M, Kaldor JM, Guy RJ. The longer-term effects of access to HIV self-tests on HIV testing frequency in high-risk gay and bisexual men: follow-up data from a randomised controlled trial. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC 2021; 14:100214. [PMID: 34671752 PMCID: PMC8484892 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Background A wait-list randomised controlled trial in Australia (FORTH) in high-risk gay and bisexual men (GBM) showed access to free HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) doubled the frequency of HIV testing in year 1 to reach guideline recommended levels of 4 tests per year, compared to two tests per year in the standard-care arm (facility-based testing). In year 2, men in both arms had access to HIVSTs. We assessed if the effect was maintained for a further 12 months. Methods Participants included GBM reporting condomless anal intercourse or > 5 male partners in the past 3 months. We included men who had completed at least one survey in both year 1 and 2 and calculated the mean tests per person, based on the validated self-report and clinic records. We used Poisson regression and random effects Poisson regression models to compare the overall testing frequency by study arm, year and testing modality (HIVST/facility-based test). Findings Overall, 362 men completed at least one survey in year 1 and 343 in year 2. Among men in the intervention arm (access to HIVSTs in both years), the mean number of HIV tests in year 2 (3⋅7 overall, 2⋅3 facility-based tests, 1⋅4 HIVSTs) was lower compared to year 1 (4⋅1 overall, 1⋅7 facility-based tests, 2⋅4 HIVSTs) (RR:0⋅84, 95% CI:0⋅75-0⋅95, p=0⋅002), but higher than the standard-care arm in year 1 (2⋅0 overall, RR:1⋅71, 95% CI:1⋅48-1.97, p<0⋅001). Findings were not different when stratified by sociodemographic characteristics or recent high risk sexual history. Interpretation In year 2, fewer HIVSTs were used on average compared to year 1, but access to free HIVSTs enabled more men to maintain higher HIV testing frequency, compared with facility-based testing only. HIV self-testing should be a key component of HIV testing and prevention strategies. Funding This work was supported by grant 568971 from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Muhammad S Jamil
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Phillip Keen
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Marcus Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Handan Wand
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna M McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Darren Russell
- Cairns Sexual Health Service, Cairns North, QLD, Australia.,James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Virginia Wiseman
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Matthew Law
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John M Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Guy
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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13
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Jin F, Amin J, Guy R, Vaccher S, Selvey C, Zablotska I, Holden J, Price K, Yeung B, Ogilvie E, Quichua GC, Clackett S, McNulty A, Smith D, Templeton DJ, Bavinton B, Grulich AE. Adherence to daily HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in a large-scale implementation study in New South Wales, Australia. AIDS 2021; 35:1987-1996. [PMID: 34101630 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine patterns of long-term pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence and its association with HIV seroconversion in NSW, Australia. DESIGN Population-based HIV PrEP implementation study. METHODS Expanded PrEP Implementation in Communities in New South Wales was an open-label study of daily oral PrEP which recruited participants from March 2016 to April 2018. Adherence was measured using dispensing records. PrEP discontinuation was defined as an at least 120-day period without PrEP coverage. Long-term adherence patterns were identified using group-based trajectory modelling. RESULTS Participants dispensed at least once (n = 9586) were almost all male (98.5%), identified as gay (91.3%), with a median age of 34 years (range: 18-86). Of the 6460 (67.4%) participants who had at least 9 months of follow-up since first dispensing, 1942 (30.1%) discontinued. Among these, 292 (15.0%) restarted later. Four distinct groups were identified ['Steep decline' in adherence (15.8%), 'Steady decline' (11.6%), 'Good adherence' (37.4%), and 'Excellent adherence' (35.2%)]. Older (P < 0.001) and gay-identified (P < 0.001) participants were more likely to have higher adherence, so were those living in postcodes with a higher proportion of gay-identified male residents (P < 0.001). Conversely, those who at baseline reported recent crystal methamphetamine use and had a recent diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection (STI) had lower adherence (P < 0.001). Overall HIV incidence was 0.94 per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval: 0.49-1.81; n = 9) and was highest in the 'steep decline' group (5.45 per 1000 person-years; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION : About 15% of participants stopped PrEP during study follow-up and were at increased risk of HIV infection. They were more likely to be younger and report a recent STI or methamphetamine use prior to PrEP initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janaki Amin
- Department of Health Systems and Populations, Macquarie University
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David Smith
- North Coast HIV/Sexual Health Services, Lismore
| | - David J Templeton
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney
- Sexual Health Service, Sydney Local Health District Sydney and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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High Levels of Prevention-Effective Adherence to HIV PrEP: An Analysis of Substudy Data From the EPIC-NSW Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1040-1047. [PMID: 33852503 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV infection but relies on good adherence at times of risk, termed "prevention-effective adherence." Most studies assess adherence without reference to sexual behaviur, making it challenging to determine if poor adherence coincides with HIV risk. SETTING We examined data from a behavioral substudy of a large-scale PrEP implementation trial in New South Wales, Australia. METHODS Trial participants completed optional brief quarterly surveys, reporting the number of pills taken and sexual behavior with male partners for each day of the "last full week" before each survey. Condomless sex (CLS) was defined as "higher risk" for HIV when with HIV-positive men with detectable/unknown viral loads or unknown HIV status men. Adequate PrEP protection was defined as ≥4 pills for participants assigned male sex at birth and ≥6 pills for participants assigned female sex at birth (including transgender men). RESULTS Of 9596 participants dispensed PrEP, 4401 completed baseline and ≥1 follow-up survey. Participants reported on 12,399 "last full weeks": 7485 weeks (60.4%) involved CLS and 2521 weeks (33.7% of CLS-weeks) involved higher risk CLS. There were 103 weeks in which participants did not have adequate PrEP protection and had higher risk CLS: 4.1% of higher-risk CLS weeks (n = 103/2521), 1.4% of all CLS weeks (n = 103/7485), and 0.8% of all observed weeks (n = 103/12,399). CONCLUSIONS In a large PrEP trial, prevention-effective adherence to PrEP was very high at 99%. Our findings illustrate the importance of measuring pill-taking and sexual behavior in the same period so that prevention-effective adherence can be better estimated.
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15
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Grulich AE, Jin F, Bavinton BR, Yeung B, Hammoud MA, Amin J, Cabrera G, Clackett S, Ogilvie E, Vaccher S, Vickers T, McNulty A, Smith DJ, Dharan NJ, Selvey C, Power C, Price K, Zablotska I, Baker DA, Bloch M, Brown K, Carmody CJ, Carr A, Chanisheff D, Doong N, Finlayson R, Lewis DA, Lusk J, Martin S, Ooi C, Read P, Ryder N, Smith D, Tuck Meng Soo C, Templeton DJ, Vlahakis E, Guy R. Long-term protection from HIV infection with oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in gay and bisexual men: findings from the expanded and extended EPIC-NSW prospective implementation study. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e486-e494. [PMID: 34217426 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(21)00074-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV, but few long-term data are available on effectiveness and adherence in real-world settings. Here, we report trends in HIV incidence over 3 years in individuals at high risk who were prescribed PrEP in New South Wales (NSW), as well as adherence before the transition to subsidised PrEP. METHODS Expanded PrEP Implementation in Communities-New South Wales (EPIC-NSW) was a pragmatic, prospective, single-arm, implementation study of daily, oral PrEP in 31 sites (sexual health clinics, general practices, and a hospital) in NSW, Australia. Eligible participants were HIV-negative adults (aged ≥18 years) who were at high risk of HIV infection as defined in local PrEP guidelines. Participants were prescribed coformulated (once-daily, oral tablet) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (300 mg) and emtricitabine (200 mg) as HIV PrEP and were followed up with HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection testing, and PrEP dispensing. Originally planned for 3700 participants followed for 1 year, the study was expanded so that all eligible participants in the state could obtain PrEP and extended until publicly subsidised PrEP became available in Australia. The primary outcome was new HIV infection among all participants who were dispensed PrEP at least once and had at least one follow-up HIV test result. Adherence was estimated by medication possession ratio (MPR), defined as the proportion of PrEP pills dispensed in 90 days, assuming daily dosing. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02870790. FINDINGS Between March 1, 2016, and April 30, 2018, we enrolled 9709 participants. 9596 participants were dispensed PrEP, of whom 9448 (98·3%) were gay or bisexual men. Participants were followed up until March 31, 2019, with at least one follow-up HIV test available in 9520 (99·2%) participants. Mean MPR declined from 0·93 to 0·64 from the first to the ninth quarter. There were 30 HIV seroconversions over 18 628 person-years, an incidence of 1·61 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 1·13-2·30). Being younger, living in a postcode with fewer gay men, reporting more risk behaviours at baseline, and having an MPR of less than 0·6 were each univariately associated with increased HIV incidence. In the final year of follow-up, when PrEP was mostly purchased rather than provided free by the study, HIV incidence remained low at 2·24 per 1000 person-years (1·46-3·44). INTERPRETATION HIV incidence remained low over up to 3 years of follow-up, including during a transition from study-provided to publicly subsidised PrEP. In a setting of affordable PrEP and associated health-care services, very low HIV incidence of 1 to 2 per 1000 person-years can be maintained in gay and bisexual men who were previously at high risk. FUNDING New South Wales Ministry of Health, Australian Capital Territory Health Directorate, Gilead Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Barbara Yeung
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janaki Amin
- Department of Health Systems and Populations, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gesalit Cabrera
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shawn Clackett
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Erin Ogilvie
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stefanie Vaccher
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tobias Vickers
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Smith
- North Coast HIV/Sexual Health Services, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Nila J Dharan
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Cherie Power
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Iryna Zablotska
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre and Sydney Medical School Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Mark Bloch
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Holdsworth House Medical Practice, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Andrew Carr
- St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | - David A Lewis
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre and Sydney Medical School Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Biosecurity and Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Josephine Lusk
- Short Street Clinic, Kogorah, St George Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Martin
- Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Canberra Health Services, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Kings Cross, NSW, Australia
| | - Nathan Ryder
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Hunter-New England Sexual Health, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Don Smith
- The Albion Centre, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
| | - Clara Tuck Meng Soo
- Hobart Place General Practice and East Canberra General Practice, ACT, Australia
| | - David J Templeton
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Sexual Health Medicine and Sexual Assault Medical Service, Sydney Local Health District Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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Patel PG, Keen P, McManus H, Duck T, Callander D, Selvey C, Power C, Gray RT, Knight V, Asselin J, Read P, Johnson K, Bavinton BR, Bowden VJ, Grulich AE, Guy R. Increased targeted HIV testing and reduced undiagnosed HIV infections among gay and bisexual men. HIV Med 2021; 22:605-616. [PMID: 33876526 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of government HIV strategies that aimed to increase HIV testing uptake and frequency among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. DESIGN We analysed HIV testing data from existing passive and sentinel surveillance systems between 2010 and 2018. METHODS Six indicators were measured: (1) state-wide total HIV laboratory tests; (2) number of GBM attending publicly-funded clinics; (3) 12-monthly testing uptake; (4) annual testing frequency; (5) HIV testing with a STI diagnosis; and (6) HIV positivity. Mathematical modelling was used to estimate (7) the proportion of men with undiagnosed HIV. Indicators were stratified by Australian vs. overseas-born. RESULTS Overall, 43,560 GBM attended participating clinics (22,662 Australian-born, 20,834 overseas-born) from 2010-2018. Attendees increased from 5,186 in 2010 to 16,507 in 2018. There were increasing trends (p<0.001 for all) in testing uptake (83.9% to 95.1%); testing with a STI diagnosis (68.7% to 94.0%); annual HIV testing frequency (1.4 to 2.7); and a decreasing trend (p<0.01) in HIV positivity (1.7% to 0.9%).Increases in testing were similar in Australian-born and overseas-born GBM. However, there were decreasing trends in the estimated undiagnosed HIV proportion overall (9.5% to 7.7%) and in Australian-born GBM (7.1% to 2.8%), but an increasing trend in overseas-born GBM (15.3% to 16.9%) (p<0.001 for all).
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Affiliation(s)
- P G Patel
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P Keen
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - H McManus
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - T Duck
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - D Callander
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,New York University Spatial Epidemiology Lab, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Selvey
- Health Protection NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - C Power
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R T Gray
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - V Knight
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J Asselin
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, NSW, Australia
| | - P Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Kings Cross, NSW, Australia
| | | | - B R Bavinton
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - V J Bowden
- Health Protection NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - A E Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R Guy
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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17
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Lima VD, Zhu J, Card KG, Lachowsky NJ, Chowell-Puente G, Wu Z, Montaner JSG. Can the combination of TasP and PrEP eliminate HIV among MSM in British Columbia, Canada? Epidemics 2021; 35:100461. [PMID: 33984688 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2021.100461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In British Columbia (BC), the HIV epidemic continues to disproportionally affect the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). In this study, we aimed to evaluate how Treatment as Prevention (TasP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), if used in combination, could lead to HIV elimination in BC among MSM. METHODS Considering the heterogeneity in HIV transmission risk, we developed a compartmental model stratified by age and risk-taking behaviour for the HIV epidemic among MSM in BC, informed by clinical, behavioural and epidemiological data. Key outcome measures included the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold for disease elimination as a public health concern and the effective reproduction number (Re). Model interventions focused on the optimization of different TasP and PrEP components. Sensitivity analysis was done to evaluate the impact of sexual mixing patterns, PrEP effectiveness and increasing risk-taking behaviour. RESULTS The incidence rate was estimated to be 1.2 (0.9-1.9) per 1000 susceptible MSM under the Status Quo scenario by the end of 2029. Optimizing all aspects of TasP and the simultaneous provision of PrEP to high-risk MSM resulted in an HIV incidence rate as low as 0.4 (0.3-0.6) per 1000 susceptible MSM, and an Re as low as 0.7 (0.6-0.9), indicating that disease elimination was possible when TasP and PrEP were combined. Provision of PrEP to younger MSM or high-risk and younger MSM resulted in a similar HIV incidence rate, but an Re with credible intervals that crossed one. CONCLUSION Further optimizing all aspects of TasP and prioritizing PrEP to high-risk MSM can achieve the goal of disease elimination in BC. These results should inform public health policy development and intervention programs that address the HIV epidemic in BC and in other similar settings where MSM are disproportionately affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane D Lima
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Jielin Zhu
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Gerardo Chowell-Puente
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zunyou Wu
- Division of HIV Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Julio S G Montaner
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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18
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McManus H, Grulich AE, Amin J, Selvey C, Vickers T, Bavinton B, Zablotska I, Vaccher S, Jin F, Holden J, Price K, Yeung B, Cabrera Quichua G, Ogilvie E, McNulty A, Smith D, Guy R. Comparison of Trends in Rates of Sexually Transmitted Infections Before vs After Initiation of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2030806. [PMID: 33355675 PMCID: PMC7758809 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.30806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE There have been concerns that HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be associated with increases in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) because of subsequent reductions in condom use and/or increases in sexual partners. OBJECTIVE To determine trends in STI test positivity among high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) before and after the start of HIV PrEP. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A before-after analysis was conducted using a subcohort of a single-group PrEP implementation study cohort in New South Wales, Australia (Expanded PreEP Implementation in Communities in New South Wales [EPIC-NSW]), from up to 1 year before enrollment if after January 1, 2015, and up to 2 years after enrollment and before December 31, 2018. STI testing data were extracted from a network of 54 sexual health clinics and 6 primary health care clinics Australia-wide, using software to deidentify, encrypt, and anonymously link participants between clinics. A cohort of MSM dispensed PrEP for the first time during the study, with 2 or more STI tests in the prior year and who tested during follow-up, were included from the EPIC-NSW cohort of HIV-negative participants with high-risk sexual behavior. Data analysis was performed from June to December 2019. EXPOSURES Participants were dispensed coformulated tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (300 mg) and emtricitabine (200 mg) as HIV PrEP. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome was STI, measured using test positivity, defined as the proportion of participants testing positive for an STI at least once per quarter of follow-up. Outcomes were calculated for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea by site of infection (anorectal, pharyngeal, urethral, or any) and for syphilis. RESULTS Of the EPIC-NSW cohort of 9709 MSM, 2404 were included in the before-after analysis. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 36 (10.4) years, and 1192 (50%) were Australia-born. STI positivity was 52% in the year after PrEP (23.3% per quarter; 95% CI, 22.5%-24.2% per quarter) with no significant trend (mean rate ratio [RR] increase of 1.01 per quarter [95% CI, 0.99-1.02]; P = .29), compared with 50% positivity in the year prior to PrEP (20.0% per quarter [95% CI, 19.04%-20.95% per quarter]; RR for overall STI positivity, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.10-1.24]; P < .001), with an increase in quarterly STI positivity (mean RR of 1.08 per quarter, or an 8% increase per quarter [95% CI, 1.05-1.11]; P < .001; RR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.90-0.96]; P < .001). Findings were similar when stratified by specific STIs and anatomical site. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE STI rates were high but stable among high-risk MSM while taking PrEP, compared with a high but increasing trend in STI positivity before commencing PrEP. These findings suggest the importance of considering trends in STIs when describing how PrEP use may be associated with STI incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish McManus
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew E. Grulich
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janaki Amin
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Health Systems and Populations, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine Selvey
- Ministry of Health, New South Wales Government, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tobias Vickers
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Bavinton
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Iryna Zablotska
- Westmead Clinical School, Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephanie Vaccher
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne Holden
- AIDS Council New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Price
- AIDS Council New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Barbara Yeung
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Erin Ogilvie
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Smith
- North Coast HIV/Sexual Health Services, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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19
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Gay and Bisexual Men's Perceptions of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in a Context of High Accessibility: An Australian Qualitative Study. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2369-2380. [PMID: 31970582 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02796-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We report on Australian gay and bisexual men's (GBM) perceptions of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Drawing on an online longitudinal cohort study, 1,404 free-text responses from HIV-negative or untested Australian GBM were qualitatively analysed. The chi-square statistic was then used to assess differences regarding PrEP-perceptions by participants' demographic and behavioral characteristics. Positive views of PrEP were twice more common than negative. Those with positive views thought PrEP helped overcome HIV fear and anxiety, enhanced sexual pleasure, and was a 'socially responsible' course of action. Those with negative views believed that people without medical conditions did not need medication and expressed concern that PrEP was replacing condoms, representing 'dangerous' behavior. Descriptive statistics revealed differences in PrEP-perceptions relating to age, recency of HIV testing, and PrEP eligibility. This study is the first to use free-text data to examine the frequency of Australian GBM's PrEP-perceptions, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges to its promotion.
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20
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Lau JYC, Hung C, Lee S. A review of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programmes by delivery models in the Asia-Pacific through the healthcare accessibility framework. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25531. [PMID: 32603517 PMCID: PMC7326464 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the Asia-Pacific, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a newly introduced public health intervention for minimizing HIV transmission, the coverage of which has remained limited. The best delivery models and strategies for broadening access of the vulnerable communities are not fully known. This review identified PrEP programmes reported in the Asia-Pacific, which were classified by delivery models and assessed with a healthcare accessibility framework. METHODS We performed a literature search on PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE using relevant search terms, manual searched grey literature by visiting relevant websites, examined reference lists and contacted authors for clarification of included PrEP programmes reported through July 2019. A structured table was used for data extraction and summarizing findings in accordance with the five constructs of approachability, acceptability, availability, affordability and appropriateness grounded in the conceptual framework of Healthcare Accessibility. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This literature search yielded a total of 1308 publications; 119 full texts and abstracts were screened, and 24 publications were included in the review. We identified 11 programmes implemented in seven cities/countries in the Asia-Pacific. A typology of four PrEP delivery models was delineated: (a) fee-based public service model; (b) fee-based community setting model; (c) free public service model; and (d) free community setting model. Overall, the free community setting model was most commonly adopted in the Asia-Pacific, with the strength to boost the capacity of facility and human resources, which enhanced "approachability", "availability" and "acceptability." The free public service model was characterized by components designed in improving "approachability," "availability" and "appropriateness," with attention on equity in accessing PrEP. Among free-based models, long-term affordability both to the government and PrEP users would need to be maximized to increase accessibility. Alongside the need for raising awareness, supportive environments and ensuring timely access were means for enabling the development of a sustainable PrEP service. CONCLUSION PrEP programmes could be classified by delivery models through the five constructs of healthcare accessibility. While the coverage of PrEP remains limited in the Asia-Pacific, an evaluation of these models could benchmark best practices, which would in turn allow effective models to be designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice YC Lau
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious DiseasesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongPeople’s Republic of China
| | - Chi‐Tim Hung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary CareThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongPeople’s Republic of China
| | - Shui‐Shan Lee
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious DiseasesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongPeople’s Republic of China
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21
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Kolstee J, Holt M, Jin J, Hammoud MA, Degenhardt L, Maher L, Lea T, Prestage G. Characteristics of gay and bisexual men who rarely use HIV risk reduction strategies during condomless anal intercourse: Results from the FLUX national online cohort study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233922. [PMID: 32479519 PMCID: PMC7263606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To understand the characteristics of a minority of Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) who, despite an increase in the number and availability of HIV risk reduction strategies, do not consistently use a strategy to protect themselves from HIV. Methods This analysis is based on data from 2,920 participants in a national, online, prospective observational cohort study. GBM who never or rarely used HIV risk reduction strategies (NRR) were compared with two groups using multivariate logistic regression: i) GBM using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and ii) GBM frequently using risk reduction strategies (FRR) other than PrEP. Results Compared to PrEP users, NRR men were younger (p<0.0001), less socially engaged with gay men (p<0.0001) and less likely to have completed a postgraduate (p<0.05) or undergraduate degree (p<0.05). They were also less likely to have recently used amyl nitrite (p<0.05), erectile dysfunction medication (p<0.05) and cocaine (p<0.05) in the previous 6 months. Compared with FRR men, NRR men were less likely to have completed a postgraduate (p<0.0001) or undergraduate degree (p<0.05), scored higher on the sexual sensation-seeking scale (p<0.0001) and were more likely to identify as versatile (p<0.05), a bottom (p<0.05) or very much a bottom (p<0.05) during anal sex. Conclusions NRR men were largely similar to other Australian GBM. However, our analysis suggests it may be appropriate to focus HIV prevention interventions on younger, less socially engaged and less educated GBM, as well as men who prefer receptive anal intercourse to promote the use of effective HIV risk reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Kolstee
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeff Jin
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- German Institute for Addiction and Prevention Research, Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany
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22
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Ramautarsing RA, Meksena R, Sungsing T, Chinbunchorn T, Sangprasert T, Fungfoosri O, Meekrua D, Sumalu S, Pasansai T, Bunainso W, Wongsri T, Mainoy N, Colby D, Avery M, Mills S, Vannakit R, Phanuphak P, Phanuphak N. Evaluation of a pre-exposure prophylaxis programme for men who have sex with men and transgender women in Thailand: learning through the HIV prevention cascade lens. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 3:e25540. [PMID: 32602660 PMCID: PMC7325508 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) are two key populations (KPs) in Thailand at high risk for HIV. Uptake and scale-up of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among them has been slow. We used data from Princess PrEP, Thailand's largest KP-led PrEP programme, to operationalize PrEP service cascades. We identified gaps and pointed out where additional data are needed to inform a larger HIV prevention cascade. METHODS Numbers of people tested for HIV, tested HIV negative, eligible for PrEP (defined as any of the following in the past three months: condomless sex with partners of unknown/uncertain HIV status or antiretroviral treatment or viral load status, multiple partners, engaging in sex work, sexually transmitted infections, injecting drugs, using amphetamine-type stimulants, or repeated use of post-exposure prophylaxis), offered PrEP and accepted PrEP during January to November 2019 were retrieved from Princess PrEP database to inform PrEP service cascades for MSM and TGW. Reasons for not accepting PrEP were documented. RESULTS Of 6287 MSM who received HIV testing in Princess PrEP, 92.3% were HIV negative and 70.2% of them were eligible for PrEP. PrEP was offered to 94.7% of those eligible and 48.0% of those offered accepted it. Among 900 TGW who had HIV testing, 95.3% tested HIV negative and 64.8% of them met PrEP eligibility criteria. Of these, 95.0% were offered PrEP and 43.9% of them accepted it. Among MSM and TGW who met PrEP eligibility criteria, no or low-HIV-risk perception was the most common reason provided (46.7% of 2007 MSM and 41.9% of 296 TGW) for not accepting PrEP. CONCLUSIONS PrEP service cascades from the Princess PrEP programme identified no or low-risk perception as key barrier to PrEP acceptance among MSM and TGW who met PrEP eligibility criteria. More implementation research studies are needed to explore PrEP motivation and access in larger communities outside of clinical services. This is to identify gaps and strategies to address them within motivation, access and effective use domains of the HIV prevention cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Saman Sumalu
- Service Workers in Group FoundationBangkokThailand
| | | | | | | | | | - Donn Colby
- Thai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreSEARCHBangkokThailand
| | | | | | - Ravipa Vannakit
- Office of Public HealthUnited States Agency for International DevelopmentBangkokThailand
| | | | - Nittaya Phanuphak
- Thai Red Cross AIDS Research CentrePREVENTIONBangkokThailand
- Thai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreSEARCHBangkokThailand
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23
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Saxton PJW, McAllister SM. Enumerating the population eligible for funded HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in New Zealand. Sex Health 2020; 16:63-69. [PMID: 30620884 DOI: 10.1071/sh18058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) became publicly funded in New Zealand (NZ) on 1 March 2018. PrEP could have a substantial population-level effect on HIV transmission if scaled up rapidly. An accurate estimate of the size of the PrEP-eligible population would guide implementation. METHODS We drew on nine sources to estimate the PrEP-eligible population, namely Statistics NZ data, Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) data on adults receiving funded antiretroviral treatment (ART), expert advice, estimates of the HIV care cascade, surveillance of undiagnosed HIV in a community sample of gay and bisexual men (GBM), surveillance of HIV diagnoses, NZ Health Survey data on sexual orientation among males, behavioural surveillance among GBM and behavioural data among people living with HIV (PLWH) from the HIV Futures NZ study. From these sources we derived three estimates relating to GBM, non-GBM and total eligible population. Sensitivity analyses examined different assumptions (GBM denominators, proportion PLWH diagnosed, proportion of diagnosed PLWH treated). RESULTS We estimated that 17.9% of sexually active HIV-negative GBM would be eligible for PrEP, equating to 5816 individuals. We estimated that 31 non-GBM individuals would be eligible for PrEP. Thus, in total, 5847 individuals would be eligible for PrEP, comprising 99.5% GBM and 0.5% non-GBM. Sensitivity analyses ranged from 3062 to 6718 individuals. CONCLUSIONS Policy makers can use enumeration to monitor the speed and scale in coverage as implementation of publicly funded PrEP proceeds. Sexual health and primary care services can use enumeration to forecast PrEP demand and plan accordingly. Better quality data, especially on transgender adults in NZ, would improve the accuracy of estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J W Saxton
- Gay Men's Sexual Health research group, Department of Social and Community Health, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92109, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Susan M McAllister
- AIDS Epidemiology Group, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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24
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Lee E, Mao L, Bavinton B, Prestage G, Holt M. Which Gay and Bisexual Men Attend Community-Based HIV Testing Services in Australia? An Analysis of Cross-Sectional National Behavioural Surveillance Data. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:387-394. [PMID: 30863977 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In Australia, HIV testing services have become increasingly available in non-traditional settings such as peer-led, community-based services to expand access and increase uptake of HIV testing among gay and bisexual men (GBM). This study aimed to compare the socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics of GBM whose last HIV test was conducted at a community-based service to GBM whose last test was at a traditional clinical setting. We analysed behavioural surveillance data collected from 5988 participants in seven states and territories in the period 2016-2017. We found that non-HIV-positive GBM who attended community-based services were largely similar to men attending clinic-based settings, particularly in terms of sexual practice and risk of HIV. However, non-HIV-positive GBM who were younger, born in Asia, more socially engaged with other gay men but who had not recently used PrEP were more likely to attend community-based services for their last HIV test. This study points to the successful establishment of community-based HIV testing services in Australia as a way to attract subgroups of GBM at potentially higher risk of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Lee
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Limin Mao
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Ben Bavinton
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Garrett Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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25
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Schmidt HMA, McIver R, Houghton R, Selvey C, McNulty A, Varma R, Grulich AE, Holden J. Nurse-led pre-exposure prophylaxis: a non-traditional model to provide HIV prevention in a resource-constrained, pragmatic clinical trial. Sex Health 2019; 15:595-597. [PMID: 30257752 DOI: 10.1071/sh18076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is little evidence and no standardised model for nurse-led HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In 2016, public sexual health clinics in the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, participating in the population-scale PrEP access trial Expanded PrEP Implementation In Communities in New South Wales (EPIC-NSW) were authorised to adopt a nurse-led model of PrEP provision in order to facilitate the rapid expansion of PrEP access to more than 8000 participants in under 2 years without additional resources. The model has been implemented successfully in public clinics in 10 of 14 local health districts, with widespread support and no serious safety events reported. With the increasing importance of PrEP as an HIV prevention tool, non-traditional models of care, including nurse-led PrEP, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather-Marie A Schmidt
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, 73 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
| | - Ruthy McIver
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Nightingale Wing, Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Rebecca Houghton
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Nightingale Wing, Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Christine Selvey
- Health Protection NSW, NSW Health, 73 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
| | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Nightingale Wing, Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Rick Varma
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Nightingale Wing, Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Andrew E Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Joanne Holden
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, 73 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
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26
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Girometti N, McCormack S, Devitt E, Gedela K, Nwokolo N, Patel S, Suchak T, McOwan A, Whitlock G. Evolution of a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service in a community-located sexual health clinic: concise report of the PrEPxpress. Sex Health 2019; 15:598-600. [PMID: 30249318 DOI: 10.1071/sh18055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Screening and treatment of sexually transmissible infections, including HIV, are free in the UK nations; pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) became free in England in October 2017 through the PrEP Impact trial. Doctor-led PrEP clinics started at 56 Dean Street in September 2015, with the drug purchased privately at full price. The service was expanded to other staff to support initiation and monitoring of increasing numbers of attendees purchasing PrEP from online pharmacies. Nonetheless, when the clinic was given a target of 1700 for the PrEP Impact trial, it was clear this could not be achieved in a timely manner through 56 Dean Street alone. To prepare for the trial, all staff with HIV testing competencies were trained in good clinical practice and trial-specific procedures, and a patient group directive was approved to facilitate nurse prescribing and dispensing. Electronic pro formas to capture eligibility for starting or continuing PrEP were adapted for the Dean Street Express clinic, with some information collected directly from service users using touch screens. These interventions, together with an update to the 2016 information leaflet developed by the community, enabled enrolment and follow-up of 1700 participants in 4 months. PrEP advice and monitoring were easily accommodated in the 56 Dean Street sexual health service, but did require additional training and approval for nurse prescribing and dispensing drug in order to achieve the target, which still fell short of the demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolo Girometti
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, W1D 6AQ, London, UK
| | - Sheena McCormack
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, W1D 6AQ, London, UK
| | - Emma Devitt
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, W1D 6AQ, London, UK
| | - Keerti Gedela
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, W1D 6AQ, London, UK
| | - Nneka Nwokolo
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, W1D 6AQ, London, UK
| | - Sheel Patel
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, W1D 6AQ, London, UK
| | - Tara Suchak
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, W1D 6AQ, London, UK
| | - Alan McOwan
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, W1D 6AQ, London, UK
| | - Gary Whitlock
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, W1D 6AQ, London, UK
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Pyra MN, Haberer JE, Hasen N, Reed J, Mugo NR, Baeten JM. Global implementation of PrEP for HIV prevention: setting expectations for impact. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25370. [PMID: 31456348 PMCID: PMC6712462 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Questions remain whether HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be translated into a successful public health intervention, leading to a decrease in population-level HIV incidence. We use examples from HIV treatment and contraceptives to discuss expectations for PrEP uptake, adherence, and persistence and their combined impact on the epidemic. DISCUSSION Targets for PrEP uptake must be based on the local HIV epidemic and will depend on appropriate estimates of the key populations at risk for HIV. However, there is evidence that targets, once established, can successfully be met and that uptake may increase with awareness. Messaging around adherence should include that daily adherence is the goal (except for those MSM for whom event-driven dosing is a good fit), but perfect adherence should not be a barrier. Ideally, clients persist on PrEP for as long as they are at risk for HIV. While PrEP will be most effective when coverage is focused on high-risk populations, normalizing rather than stigmatizing PrEP will be highly beneficial. CONCLUSIONS While many challenges to PrEP implementation exist, we focused on the three key steps of uptake, adherence and persistence as measurable processes that can lead to improved coverage and decreased HIV incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria N Pyra
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital Global HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | | | | | - Nelly R Mugo
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)NairobiKenya
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
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29
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Blackshaw LCD, Chow EPF, Varma R, Healey L, Templeton DJ, Basu A, Turner D, Medland NA, Rix S, Fairley CK, Chen MY. Characteristics of recently arrived Asian men who have sex with men diagnosed with HIV through sexual health services in Melbourne and Sydney. Aust N Z J Public Health 2019; 43:424-428. [PMID: 31287941 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Asian men who have sex with men (MSM) who have recently arrived in Australia are an emergent risk group for HIV; however, little is known about how they compare to Australian MSM diagnosed with HIV. This study compared the characteristics of these two groups. METHODS A retrospective, cross-sectional study of MSM diagnosed with HIV between January 2014 and October 2017 in Melbourne and Sydney public sexual health clinics. Asian MSM were those who had arrived in Australia within 4 years of diagnosis. RESULTS Among 111 Asian men, 75% spoke a language other than English, 88% did not have Medicare and 61% were international students. Compared with Australian men (n=209), Asian men reported fewer male sexual partners within 12 months (median 4 versus 10, p<0.001), were less likely to have tested for HIV previously (71% versus 89%, p<0.001) and had a lower median CD4 count (326 versus 520, p<0.001). Among Asian men, HIV subtype CRF01-AE was more common (55% versus 16%, p<0.001) and subtype B less common (29% versus 73%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Asian MSM diagnosed with HIV reported lower risk and had more advanced HIV. Implications for public health: HIV testing and preventative interventions supporting international students are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucinda C D Blackshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Victoria.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Victoria.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria
| | - Rick Varma
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales.,Sydney Sexual Health Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales
| | - Loretta Healey
- RPA Sexual Health, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales
| | - David J Templeton
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales.,RPA Sexual Health, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Ashna Basu
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales
| | - Dane Turner
- RPA Sexual Health, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Nick A Medland
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Victoria.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria
| | - Suzanne Rix
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Victoria.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Victoria.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria
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30
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Promoting 'Equitable Access' to PrEP in Australia: Taking Account of Stakeholder Perspectives. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1846-1857. [PMID: 30306435 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2311-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
As evidence of the safety and effectiveness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has grown, so has attention to the views of prospective users and providers. However, far less attention has been paid to understanding the perspectives of other stakeholders in the rollout of PrEP access programs. We conducted 21 semi-structured qualitative interviews in 2017 with key stakeholders working across the policy, advocacy, research and/or clinical dimensions of the Australian HIV response, before federal support for a subsidised access scheme was achieved. Our analysis explored three areas of shared concern: who is a suitable candidate for PrEP; why are disparities in PrEP access important; and how can disparities be addressed? In examining how this diverse group of professionals grappled with the challenges of promoting 'equitable access' to PrEP in an increasingly resource rationed health system, we can see how the principles believed to underpin the Australian response to HIV were both reaffirmed and challenged through this period of significant change.
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31
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Holt M, Lea T, Bear B, Halliday D, Ellard J, Murphy D, Kolstee J, de Wit J. Trends in Attitudes to and the Use of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis by Australian Gay and Bisexual Men, 2011-2017: Implications for Further Implementation from a Diffusion of Innovations Perspective. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1939-1950. [PMID: 30539496 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2368-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Using repeated, national, online, cross-sectional surveys of Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM), we analysed trends related to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Specifically, we analysed trends in PrEP use, willingness to use PrEP, and concern about using PrEP during 2011-2017. We assessed support for GBM using PrEP and willingness to have sex with men taking PrEP between 2015 and 2017. For time-based analyses, we used multivariate logistic regression, controlling for sampling variations over time. We constructed new scales assessing reduced concern about HIV among PrEP users and non-users in 2017, and used multivariate logistic regression to identify independent correlates of PrEP use (vs. non-use). The analyses included 4567 HIV-negative and untested participants (2011-2017). PrEP use increased from 0.5% in 2011 to 25.5% in 2017 (p < 0.001). Willingness to use PrEP increased from 27.9% in 2011 to 36.5% in 2017 (p < 0.001) while concern about using PrEP fell (52.1-36.1%, p < 0.001). Support for GBM using PrEP remained stable (52.5% in 2015, 51.9% in 2017, p = 0.62), and willingness to have sex with men taking PrEP increased from 34.9% in 2015 to 49.0% in 2017 (p < 0.001). In 2017, 22.8% of non-PrEP-users had reduced HIV concern because of PrEP, while 73.6% of PrEP users had reduced HIV concern and greater sexual pleasure because of PrEP. The analysis of PrEP users vs. non-users in 2017 indicated that PrEP users were more sexually active and reported higher risk sexual practices, were more likely to live in New South Wales and Victoria, and to be in full-time employment. They were also more likely to know HIV-positive people and other PrEP users. Diffusion of Innovations theory suggests that future PrEP users in Australia may be less adventurous and require greater reassurance about PrEP's efficacy and legitimacy, to sustain rollout and address current disparities in uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 2, John Goodsell Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- German Institute for Addiction and Prevention Research, Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Dale Halliday
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeanne Ellard
- Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Gender and Cultural Studies, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - John de Wit
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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32
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HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia and Factors Associated With the Nonuse of PrEP Among Eligible Men: Results From a Prospective Cohort Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 81:e73-e84. [DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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33
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O'Byrne P, MacPherson P, Orser L, Jacob JD, Holmes D. PrEP-RN: Clinical Considerations and Protocols for Nurse-Led PrEP. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2019; 30:301-311. [PMID: 31008817 PMCID: PMC6551248 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an increasingly important part of the HIV prevention armamentarium. Issues with PrEP, however, include access. We propose that one way to surmount this issue would be to have nurses provide PrEP. Although clinical guidelines exist for PrEP, they are overwhelmingly not targeted to nonprescriber clinicians. In this article, we overview current U.S. and Canadian PrEP guidelines and provide explicit guidance about how nurses can provide PrEP, including the clinical pathways and medical directives we use in our clinic. We call nurse-led provision of PrEP, PrEP-RN (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis-Registered Nurse) and feel it may be an important step forward in HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O'Byrne
- Patrick O'Byrne, RN-EC, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Paul MacPherson, MD, PhD, is a Staff Physician, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada. Lauren Orser, RN, is a Master's Student, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Jean Daniel Jacob, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Dave Holmes, RN, PhD, is a Professor of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Paul MacPherson
- Patrick O'Byrne, RN-EC, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Paul MacPherson, MD, PhD, is a Staff Physician, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada. Lauren Orser, RN, is a Master's Student, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Jean Daniel Jacob, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Dave Holmes, RN, PhD, is a Professor of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Lauren Orser
- Patrick O'Byrne, RN-EC, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Paul MacPherson, MD, PhD, is a Staff Physician, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada. Lauren Orser, RN, is a Master's Student, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Jean Daniel Jacob, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Dave Holmes, RN, PhD, is a Professor of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Jean Daniel Jacob
- Patrick O'Byrne, RN-EC, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Paul MacPherson, MD, PhD, is a Staff Physician, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada. Lauren Orser, RN, is a Master's Student, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Jean Daniel Jacob, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Dave Holmes, RN, PhD, is a Professor of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Dave Holmes
- Patrick O'Byrne, RN-EC, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Paul MacPherson, MD, PhD, is a Staff Physician, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada. Lauren Orser, RN, is a Master's Student, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Jean Daniel Jacob, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Dave Holmes, RN, PhD, is a Professor of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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Bulled N. Public health's social contract: An obstacle in the advancement of effective HIV technologies. Glob Public Health 2019; 14:1264-1274. [PMID: 30810469 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2019.1585468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Evidence from the past 40 years of HIV technology development and implementation indicates that the public health social contract - with its expectations of patient/citizen compliance - has hampered global disease control efforts. Despite the availability of a wide array of effective technologies, including antiretroviral drugs as treatment and prevention, voluntary medical male circumcision procedures, and newly developed intravaginal ring products, new infections among adults globally have not decreased significantly. In this paper, I describe a historical trend of limiting access to effective biomedical technologies to those deemed most deserving and compliant given concerns of misuse (non-adherence), product repurposing (not using the product for purposes originally intended), and the incitement of autonomy (increasing the risk of public exposure to diseases given personal protection from a specific disease). Examining the expectations of good citizenship (compliance, adherence, appropriate product use, and continued risk reduction) as it relates to human-technology interactions, reveals a continuing narrative of initially restricting access to newer technologies perceived fragile or costly based on an assessment of patient/citizen worth. In this, the conventional public health social contract continues to be an obstacle in the advancements of technologies to effectively reduce the global burden of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Bulled
- a Interdisciplinary and Global Studies Division , Worcester Polytechnic Institute , Worcester , USA
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35
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Drak D, Barratt H, Templeton DJ, O’Connor CC, Gracey DM. Renal function and risk factors for renal disease for patients receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis at an inner metropolitan health service. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210106. [PMID: 30653509 PMCID: PMC6336260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) significantly reduces the risk of HIV acquisition. TDF is a known nephrotoxin however, renal dysfunction from TDF is mostly reversible following discontinuation. Aims To describe the renal function, risk factors for renal disease and associated clinical testing practices in a cohort of PrEP patients. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of all PrEP patients commenced on TDF/FTC at an inner metropolitan sexual health clinic in Sydney, Australia between April 2016 and July 2017, with follow-up data obtained at 3-monthly intervals until 18 months. Results 525 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients were almost exclusively male and median age was 34 years (IQR: 28 to 42). At baseline, 1.5% had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <70 mL/min/1.73m2. A small significant drop in eGFR of -2.5 mL/min/1.73m2 (p<0.05) occurred between PrEP commencement and the first follow-up period, followed by a progressive decline in eGFR of -0.38 mL/min/1.73m2 per month (95%CI: -0.57 to -0.20; p<0.001). Renal impairment (eGFR <70 mL/min/1.73m2) occurred in 6.5% of patients and persisted across consecutive follow-up periods in five (1.0%) patients. Patients aged ≥40 years had a greater risk of renal impairment than younger patients (HR 3.9, 95%CI: 1.8 to 8.4; p<0.001), despite similar rates of eGFR decline (p = 0.19). PrEP was discontinued in two patients (0.4%) due to renal function concerns. Conclusion PrEP use led to an initial drop in eGFR and a more gradual progressive decline subsequently, but significant renal impairment remained uncommon up to 18 months of follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Drak
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Hamish Barratt
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David J. Templeton
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- RPA Sexual Health, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine C. O’Connor
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- RPA Sexual Health, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David M. Gracey
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Renal Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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36
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Donnelly JA, Deem TT, Duffy MA, Watkins AK, Al-Tayyib AA, Shodell DJ, Thrun M, Rowan SE. Applying National Estimates of Adults With Indications for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to Populations of Men Who Have Sex With Men and People Who Inject Drugs in Colorado: Modeling Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2019; 5:e11113. [PMID: 30664481 PMCID: PMC6351984 DOI: 10.2196/11113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective option for HIV prevention. To realize the full benefit of PrEP at the population level, uptake must reach those at the greatest risk of HIV acquisition. Guidance published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the number of individuals with indications for PrEP is 1.1-1.2 million nationally based on survey data of key populations and local transmission patterns. We applied these estimates at state and county levels to determine the number of individuals who might benefit from PrEP locally and compared our estimates to CDC-published estimates for Colorado. Objective This analysis aimed to produce estimates of key populations with indications for PrEP in Colorado as a whole and by county type. These estimates will be used for public health strategic planning for HIV prevention goals at the state and county jurisdictional levels. Methods Colorado population estimates were obtained from the state demography office, which utilizes US decennial census data and input from county and local agencies to forecast the population. We limited our analysis to adults aged 18-59 years to be consistent with CDC methodology for PrEP estimates. We performed a literature review to define the best population-level percentages to determine numbers of HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) and people who inject drugs (PWID) in Colorado. These percentages were applied to the state and to each county by its rural-urban designation. Finally, CDC-derived percentages of MSM and PWID with indications for PrEP were applied to these estimates to determine numbers of MSM and PWID who may benefit from PrEP use. Results In 2017, 3,252,648 adults aged 18-59 years were living in Colorado. By applying published estimates of percentages of men who had sex with other men in the past 12 months, we determined that 41,353-49,624 adult males could be considered sexually active MSM. We estimated that 9758-13,011 adults aged 18-59 years were likely to have injected drugs in the past 12 months. By accounting for numbers of people living with HIV in those categories and applying the CDC PrEP percentages of MSM and PWID with indications for PrEP nationally, we estimated that 8792-12,528 MSM and PWID in Colorado had indications for PrEP; this number is smaller than that estimated by CDC, although within the lower CI limit. Conclusions By employing a simple framework consisting of census data, literature review, population estimates, and national estimates for PrEP indicators, we derived estimates for potential PrEP use in our state. Statewide estimates of key populations by state and county type will enable health officials to set informed goals and track progress toward optimizing PrEP uptake. This formula may be applicable to other states with similar epidemics and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Donnelly
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Thomas T Deem
- Metro Community Provider Network, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Megan A Duffy
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Anita K Watkins
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Alia A Al-Tayyib
- Denver Public Health, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Daniel J Shodell
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Mark Thrun
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Sarah E Rowan
- Denver Public Health, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States
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Hendrix CW. HIV Antiretroviral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis: Development Challenges and Pipeline Promise. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2018; 104:1082-1097. [PMID: 30199098 PMCID: PMC6925668 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved oral daily tenofovir/emtricitabine (Truvada) for pre-exposure prophylaxis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in 2012 on the basis of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one in men who have sex with men (MSM) and another in HIV serodiscordant heterosexual couples. Subsequently, even greater efficacy has been demonstrated in MSM with rapid population-level incidence reductions in some locations. In contrast, studies of antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in heterosexual women showed only modest or no efficacy, largely attributed to low adherence. The mixed results of antiretroviral-based PrEP bear witness to unique drug development challenges at this complicated intersection of sexual behavior, public health, and drug development. Multiple innovative methods and formulation strategies followed to address unmet medical needs of persons struggling with daily oral PrEP adherence or preference for nonsystemic PrEP options. Clinical pharmacology plays essential roles throughout this PrEP development process, especially in early product development and through pharmacologically informed enhancement and interpretation of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig W Hendrix
- 1Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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38
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Callander D, Moreira C, El-Hayek C, Asselin J, van Gemert C, Watchirs Smith L, Nguyen L, Dimech W, Boyle DI, Donovan B, Stoové M, Hellard M, Guy R. Monitoring the Control of Sexually Transmissible Infections and Blood-Borne Viruses: Protocol for the Australian Collaboration for Coordinated Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance (ACCESS). JMIR Res Protoc 2018; 7:e11028. [PMID: 30459142 PMCID: PMC6280029 DOI: 10.2196/11028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background New biomedical prevention interventions make the control or elimination of some blood-borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) increasingly feasible. In response, the World Health Organization and governments around the world have established elimination targets and associated timelines. To monitor progress toward such targets, enhanced systems of data collection are required. This paper describes the Australian Collaboration for Coordinated Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance (ACCESS). Objective This study aims to establish a national surveillance network designed to monitor public health outcomes and evaluate the impact of strategies aimed at controlling BBVs and STIs. Methods ACCESS is a sentinel surveillance system comprising health services (sexual health clinics, general practice clinics, drug and alcohol services, community-led testing services, and hospital outpatient clinics) and pathology laboratories in each of Australia’s 8 states and territories. Scoping was undertaken in each jurisdiction to identify sites that provide a significant volume of testing or management of BBVs or STIs or to see populations with particular risks for these infections (“priority populations”). Nationally, we identified 115 health services and 24 pathology laboratories as relevant to BBVs or STIs; purposive sampling was undertaken. As of March 2018, we had recruited 92.0% (104/113) of health services and 71% (17/24) of laboratories among those identified as relevant to ACCESS. ACCESS is based on the regular and automated extraction of deidentified patient data using specialized software called GRHANITE, which creates an anonymous unique identifier from patient details. This identifier allows anonymous linkage between and within participating sites, creating a national cohort to facilitate epidemiological monitoring and the evaluation of clinical and public health interventions. Results Between 2009 and 2017, 1,171,658 individual patients attended a health service participating in ACCESS network comprising 7,992,241 consultations. Regarding those with unique BBV and STI-related health needs, ACCESS captured data on 366,441 young heterosexuals, 96,985 gay and bisexual men, and 21,598 people living with HIV. Conclusions ACCESS is a unique system with the ability to track efforts to control STIs and BBVs—including through the calculation of powerful epidemiological indicators—by identifying response gaps and facilitating the evaluation of programs and interventions. By anonymously linking patients between and within services and over time, ACCESS has exciting potential as a research and evaluation platform. Establishing a national health surveillance system requires close partnerships across the research, government, community, health, and technology sectors. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/11028
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Affiliation(s)
- Denton Callander
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Carol El-Hayek
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Caroline van Gemert
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Wayne Dimech
- National Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Douglas Ir Boyle
- Research Information Technology Unit, Health and Biomedical Information Centre, Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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39
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Population-level effectiveness of rapid, targeted, high-coverage roll-out of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men: the EPIC-NSW prospective cohort study. THE LANCET HIV 2018; 5:e629-e637. [PMID: 30343026 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(18)30215-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Zablotska IB, Gray R, Whittaker B, Holt M, Wright E, Prestage G, O’Donnell D, Grulich AE. The estimated number of potential PrEP users among gay-identifying men who have sex with men in Australia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204138. [PMID: 30335758 PMCID: PMC6193616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We estimated the size of the population of gay-identified men who have sex with men (gay men) eligible for PrEP in Australia under the current national PrEP guidelines. Using input indicators from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the national representative survey Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships, and national HIV- behavioural surveillance, we calculated the size of the population of sexually active gay men and estimated a range for the number eligible for PrEP using different scenarios based on the guidelines. In 2015, an estimated 108,850 sexually-active 16-69-year-old gay men were classified as at risk of acquiring HIV in Australia. Of these men, 10,558 to 30,913 (9.7%-28.4%) were classified as being at high risk and therefore eligible for PrEP, most commonly due to recent receptive condomless intercourse with casual partners (6.1% to 15.5%), STI infections (5.4% to 10.6%) or the use of crystal methamphetamine (1.4% to 9.4%). The higher estimates included men who may have been at HIV risk for shorter time periods or with fewer partners. Australian PrEP guidelines recommend targeting PrEP to people at high HIV risk. Our estimation of potential PrEP users informed PrEP implementation in Australia. The choice of PrEP eligibility criteria, and interpretation of the guidelines, strongly affects the population estimates. In the future, higher numbers of gay men may become eligible for PrEP, because the estimates are largely defined by and follow trends in condomless anal intercourse. Our estimation methods can be adapted to other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna B. Zablotska
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, the University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Richard Gray
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bill Whittaker
- National Association of People with HIV, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Edwina Wright
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Garrett Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Darryl O’Donnell
- Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew E. Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Community-level changes in condom use and uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis by gay and bisexual men in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia: results of repeated behavioural surveillance in 2013–17. LANCET HIV 2018; 5:e448-e456. [DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(18)30072-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Phanuphak N, Phanuphak P. Time to focus more on condomless anal sex in non-PrEP users. Lancet HIV 2018; 5:e410-e411. [PMID: 29885814 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(18)30100-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nittaya Phanuphak
- PREVENTION, the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Praphan Phanuphak
- PREVENTION, the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
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Zablotska IB, Selvey C, Guy R, Price K, Holden J, Schmidt HM, McNulty A, Smith D, Jin F, Amin J, Cooper DA, Grulich AE. Correction: expanded HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation in communities in new South Wales, Australia (EPIC-NSW): design of an open label, single arm implementation trial. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:297. [PMID: 29490635 PMCID: PMC5831707 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5173-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
After publication of the article [1], it has been brought to our attention that one of the members of the EPIC-NSW study group has had their name spelt incorrectly in the acknowledgements. The article mentions "Muhammad Hammoud" when in fact the correct spelling is "Mohamed Hammoud".
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna B Zablotska
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
| | | | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Karen Price
- AIDS Council of New South Wales (ACON), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jo Holden
- NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Smith
- Mid North Coast Local Health District (Area HIV/Sexual Health Services), Lismore Health Service, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.,MacquarieUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Cooper
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew E Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
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Phanuphak N, Sungsing T, Jantarapakde J, Pengnonyang S, Trachunthong D, Mingkwanrungruang P, Sirisakyot W, Phiayura P, Seekaew P, Panpet P, Meekrua P, Praweprai N, Suwan F, Sangtong S, Brutrat P, Wongsri T, Na Nakorn PR, Mills S, Avery M, Vannakit R, Phanuphak P. Princess PrEP program: the first key population-led model to deliver pre-exposure prophylaxis to key populations by key populations in Thailand. Sex Health 2018; 15:542-555. [DOI: 10.1071/sh18065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background No data are available on the feasibility of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivered by trained key population (KP) community health workers. Herein we report data from the KP-led Princess PrEP program serving men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Thailand. Methods: From January 2016 to December 2017, trained MSM and TGW community health workers delivered same-day PrEP service in community health centres, allowing clients to receive one PrEP bottle to start on the day of HIV-negative testing. Visits were scheduled at Months 1 and 3, and every 3 months thereafter. Uptake, retention and adherence to PrEP services and changes in risk behaviours over time are reported. Results: Of 1467 MSM and 230 TGW who started PrEP, 44.1% had had condomless sex in the past 3 months. At Months 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12, retention was 74.2%, 64.0%, 56.2%, 46.7% and 43.9% respectively (lower in TGW than MSM at all visits; P<0.001), with adherence to at least four PrEP pills per week self-reported by 97.4%, 96.8%, 96.5%, 97.5% and 99.5% of respondents respectively (no difference between MSM and TGW). Logistic regression analysis identified age >25 years, being MSM and having at least a Bachelors degree significantly increased retention. Condomless sex did not change over the 12-month period (from 47.2% to 45.2%; P=0.20). New syphilis was diagnosed in 4.9% and 3.0% of PrEP clients at Months 6 and 12 (cf. 7.0% at baseline; P=0.007). Among PrEP adherers and non-adherers, there were one and six HIV cases of seroconversion respectively, which resulted in corresponding HIV incidence rates (95% confidence interval) of 0.27 (0.04–1.90) and 1.36 (0.61–3.02) per 100 person-years. Conclusion: Our KP-led PrEP program successfully delivered PrEP to MSM and TGW. Innovative retention supports are needed, especially for TGW and those who are young or with lower education levels. To scale-up and sustain KP-led PrEP programs, strong endorsement from international and national guidelines is necessary.
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