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MacKinnon KR, Grewal R, Tan DH, Rousseau R, Maxwell J, Walmsley S, MacPherson PA, Rachlis A, Andany N, Mishra S, Allen VG, Burchell AN. Patient perspectives on the implementation of routinised syphilis screening with HIV viral load testing: Qualitative process evaluation of the Enhanced Syphilis Screening Among HIV-positive Men trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:625. [PMID: 34193138 PMCID: PMC8243864 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06602-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis infections have been on the rise, affecting men living with HIV in urban centres disproportionately. Since individuals in HIV care undergo routine blood testing, HIV clinics provide practical opportunities to conduct regular and frequent syphilis testing. Following the implementation of a routine syphilis testing intervention in HIV outpatient clinics, we conducted a qualitative process evaluation of patient experiences to measure patient acceptability, barriers to implementation, and facilitators of successful uptake. METHODS Upon completion of the trial, which took place at four HIV outpatient clinics in Toronto and Ottawa, Canada, we recruited male patients attending these clinics from November 2017 to April 2018. Interviews were conducted on-site and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. All participants provided written informed consent. Interview data were analyzed using grounded theory, assessing qualitative modulators of effective uptake of routinised syphilis testing. RESULTS A total of 21 male patients were interviewed. Overall, interviewees found the clinical intervention acceptable, endorsing the practice of routinising syphilis testing alongside regular viral load bloodwork. Some men preferred, based on their self-assessment of syphilis risk, to opt out of testing; we considered this as a potential barrier to uptake of population-wide routinised syphilis testing. Interviewees also identified multiple facilitators of successful uptake, including the de-stigmatising of STI testing as a consequence of the universal nature of routinised testing. Participants recommended a routinised syphilis screening intervention to give patients peace of mind surrounding their sexual health. Participants identified HIV care clinics as comfortable and efficient locations to offer testing. CONCLUSIONS Overall, most men were in support of implementing routinised syphilis testing as part of standard HIV care. From the patient perspective, HIV care clinics are convenient places to be tested for syphilis, and the routine approach was viewed to have a de-stigmatisng effect on syphilis testing. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02019043; registered December 23, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinnon R MacKinnon
- School of Social Work, York University, 4700 Keele Street, M3J 1P3, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ramandip Grewal
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, 30 Bond Street, M5B 1W8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darrell Hs Tan
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, 30 Bond Street, M5B 1W8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rodney Rousseau
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Cir, M5S 1A8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Maxwell
- AIDS Committee of Toronto, 543 Yonge Street, 4th floor, M4Y 1Y5, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon Walmsley
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, M5G 2C4, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul A MacPherson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, 501 Smyth Road, L1H 8L6, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Anita Rachlis
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, M4N 3M5, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nisha Andany
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, M4N 3M5, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, 30 Bond Street, M5B 1W8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vanessa G Allen
- Public Health Ontario Laboratories, Public Health Ontario, 661 University Avenue, M5G 1M1, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ann N Burchell
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, 30 Bond Street, M5B 1W8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, 30 Bond Street, M5B 1W8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Differences in Partner Services Outcomes for Men Who Have Sex With Men Diagnosed With Primary and Secondary Syphilis by HIV Serostatus. Sex Transm Dis 2019; 45:152-157. [PMID: 29420442 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in partner services outcomes in men who have sex with men (MSM) by HIV serostatus have not been explored as a potential driver of differential early syphilis (ES) burden in this population. METHODS We compared partner services outcomes (number of partners named, notified, tested, diagnosed, and treated) between HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM initiated for ES partner services in Texas from 2013 to 2016 using logistic regression and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between HIV serostatus and having a no-partner-initiated (NPI) partner services interview controlling for demographic characteristics, prior partner services interactions, and geosocial phone application use. RESULTS A total of 4161 HIV-positive MSM and 5254 HIV-negative MSM were initiated for ES partner services. HIV-positive MSM named fewer partners than did HIV-negative MSM (mean, 1.2 vs. 1.9; P < 0.001) and had lower indices of partners notified, tested, diagnosed, and treated. HIV seropositivity was significantly associated with NPI. However, this association was not significant when limited to MSM with previous partner services interviews (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.06; P = 0.38); in this subset of MSM, using geosocial phone application was negatively associated with having an NPI interview (aRR, 0.90), and having 1 (aRR, 1.33) or more than 1 previous NPI interview (aRR, 1.57) was associated with an NPI interview during the study period. CONCLUSIONS Suboptimal outcomes for syphilis partner service may result in missed opportunities for testing and treatment of sexual contacts, which could allow for propagation of syphilis. Implementation of innovative protocols is needed to ensure that partner services continue to be an effective and acceptable method of syphilis disease intervention in MSM.
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Abara WE, Hess KL, Neblett Fanfair R, Bernstein KT, Paz-Bailey G. Syphilis Trends among Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States and Western Europe: A Systematic Review of Trend Studies Published between 2004 and 2015. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159309. [PMID: 27447943 PMCID: PMC4957774 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately burdened with syphilis. This review describes the published literature on trends in syphilis infections among MSM in the US and Western Europe from 1998, the period with the fewest syphilis infections in both geographical areas, onwards. We also describe disparities in syphilis trends among various sub-populations of MSM. We searched electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Global Health, PsychInfo, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and LILACS) for peer-reviewed journal articles that were published between January 2004 and June 2015 and reported on syphilis cases among MSM at multiple time points from 1998 onwards. Ten articles (12 syphilis trend studies/reports) from the US and eight articles (12 syphilis trend studies/reports) from Western Europe were identified and included in this review. Taken together, our findings indicate an increase in the numbers and rates (per 100,000) of syphilis infections among MSM in the US and Western Europe since 1998. Disparities in the syphilis trends among MSM were also noted, with greater increases observed among HIV-positive MSM than HIV-negative MSM in both the US and Western Europe. In the US, racial minority MSM and MSM between 20 and 29 years accounted for the greatest increases in syphilis infections over time whereas White MSM accounted for most syphilis infections over time in Western Europe. Multiple strategies, including strengthening and targeting current syphilis screening and testing programs, and the prompt treatment of syphilis cases are warranted to address the increase in syphilis infections among all MSM in the US and Western Europe, but particularly among HIV-infected MSM, racial minority MSM, and young MSM in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winston E. Abara
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kristen L. Hess
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Robyn Neblett Fanfair
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kyle T. Bernstein
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gabriela Paz-Bailey
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Gao W, Li Z, Li Y, Qiao X. Sexual Practices and the Prevalence of HIV and Syphilis among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Lanzhou, China. Jpn J Infect Dis 2015; 68:370-5. [PMID: 25766603 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2013.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to assess the risk of infections caused by sexual practices and determine the factors affecting the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Lanzhou, China. A survey including 600 MSM was conducted from March 2008 to December 2009. Demographic and sexual behavior data were collected using the snowball sampling technology, and blood samples were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the predictors of HIV and syphilis infection. The seroprevalence of HIV, syphilis, HCV, and co-infection of HIV with syphilis was 6.0%, 18.0%, 1.3%, and 2.5%, respectively. Use of condoms was more inconsistent in vaginal sex than that in anal sex, buying sex or selling sex. Multivariate analysis showed that MSM with syphilis infection, MSM from other provinces, and MSM of Han ethnicity were more likely to have HIV infection. Further, MSM with HIV infection, inconsistent condom use, and less knowledge about AIDS prevention were more likely to have syphilis infection. Their social background, habit of condom use, and infection status may affect the prevalence of HIV or syphilis. These findings may have important implications for further behavioral interventions among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University
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Botham SJ, Ressler KA, Maywood P, Hope KG, Bourne CP, Conaty SJ, Ferson MJ, Mayne DJ. Men who have sex with men, infectious syphilis and HIV coinfection in inner Sydney: results of enhanced surveillance. Sex Health 2013; 10:291-8. [DOI: 10.1071/sh12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background
The resurgence of infectious syphilis in men who have sex with men (MSM) has been documented worldwide; however, HIV coinfection and syphilis reinfections in MSM in inner Sydney have not been published. Methods: For all laboratory syphilis notifications assessed as a newly notified case or reinfection, a questionnaire was sent to the requesting physician seeking demographic data and disease classification. Sex of partner and HIV status were collected for all infectious syphilis notifications in men received from 1 April 2006 to March 2011. Results: From April 2001 to March 2011, 3664 new notifications were received, 2278 (62%) were classified as infectious syphilis. Infectious syphilis notifications increased 12-fold from 25 to 303 in the first and last year respectively, and almost all notifications were in men (2220, 97.5%). During April 2006 to March 2011, 1562 infectious syphilis notifications in males were received and 765 (49%) of these men were HIV-positive and 1351 (86%) reported a male sex partner. Reinfections increased over time from 17 (9%) to 56 (19%) in the last year of the study and were significantly more likely to be in HIV-positive individuals (χ2 = 140.92, degrees of freedom= 1, P = <0.001). Conclusion: Inner Sydney is experiencing an epidemic of infectious syphilis in MSM and about half of these cases are in HIV-positive patients. Reinfections are increasing and occur predominantly in HIV-positive men. Accurate surveillance information is needed to inform effective prevention programs, and community and clinician education needs to continue until a sustained reduction is achieved.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing rates of partner change and increasing condom usage among gay men are obvious targets for potentially reducing syphilis transmission among gay men. METHODS We developed an agent-based stochastic model to examine syphilis transmission among a population of gay men, representative of gay men in Australia. This model was used to explore the potential impact of changes in sexual behavior over 1 month, 3 month, and indefinite time frames on syphilis epidemics. RESULTS Simulations of interventions showed that short-term reductions in rates of partner change and increased condom use would have negligible impact on the long-term trends of syphilis epidemics. If no interventions are introduced, then the model forecasts that the syphilis prevalence in the population could continue to rise, with an increase of 80% in the number of men infected with syphilis during the next decade. However, if changes in sexual behavior are maintained in the long-term, then syphilis epidemics can be mitigated. If condom use is sustained at 80% in partnerships that are HIV discordant or of unknown status, then the prevalence of syphilis is estimated to decrease by 9% over 10 years. Similarly, if partner acquisition rates decrease by 25%, then there will be a 22% reduction in syphilis prevalence. CONCLUSIONS Interventions promoting partner reduction or increased condom use would be ineffective in the short-term, and would have limited prospects for success in the long-term unless very large changes in behavior are sustained. Complementary social research indicates that such long-term changes in behavior are unlikely to be adopted, and therefore other intervention strategies need to be developed to reduce syphilis among gay men.
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Down I, Wilson DP, McCann PD, Gray R, Hoare A, Bradley J, Donovan B, Prestage G. Increasing gay men’s testing rates and enhancing partner notification can reduce the incidence of syphilis. Sex Health 2012; 9:472-80. [DOI: 10.1071/sh12023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background We sought to determine whether gay men would be willing to increase syphilis testing and partner notification, and assessed the possible epidemiological impact these changes might have in the Australian population. Methods: We conducted an online survey (n = 2306) and focus groups to determine whether interventions to increase testing for syphilis and enhanced partner notification are likely to be acceptable to gay men in Australia. An individual-based mathematical model was developed to estimate the potential population-level impact of changes in these factors. Results: Of all men surveyed, 37.3% felt they should test more frequently for sexually transmissible infections. Men who recent unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners and men who reported a higher number of partners were more likely to indicate a greater willingness to increase testing frequency. HIV-positive men were more likely to indicate that their frequency of syphilis testing was adequate, incorporated as part of their regular HIV monitoring. Lack of convenience was the main barrier reported. Partner notification was broadly acceptable, although perceived stigma presented a potential barrier. The mathematical model indicated that increasing testing rates would have a substantial impact on reducing rates of syphilis infection among gay men and partner notification would further reduce infections. Conclusions: Interventions promoting testing for syphilis among gay men and increases in partner notification may be acceptable to gay men and are likely to result in decreased infection rates. Rapid testing and modern communication technologies could strengthen these interventions, and have an impact on the syphilis epidemic.
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Poynten IM, Templeton DJ, Grulich AE. Sexually transmissible infections in aging HIV populations. Sex Health 2011; 8:508-11. [DOI: 10.1071/sh11027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
There is limited published research on sexually transmissible infections (STI) among aging HIV populations. The available literature on sexual behaviour and STI among older people with HIV is reviewed here and contrasted with data from older individuals in the general population and from older populations at high risk of HIV. A sizeable minority of older people with HIV continue to engage in higher risk sexual behaviour and thus remain at high risk of STI. There is no clear evidence of a consistent effect of older age on STI rates, clinical presentation or clinical course among HIV-infected populations, although gay men with HIV aged in their 40s or older seem to be at higher risk than younger men of acquiring several STI, including syphilis and lymphogranuloma venereum. STI risks in older people living with HIV need to be regularly assessed. Higher risk sexual behaviour and disproportionately higher rates of STI indicate that regardless of age, a thorough STI assessment should be regularly undertaken for all HIV-positive gay men as part of their routine HIV care.
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