scholarly journals Sexual network characteristics of men who have sex with men with syphilis and/or gonorrhoea/chlamydia in Lima, Peru: network patterns as roadmaps for STI prevention interventions

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 336-341
Author(s):  
Cherie Blair ◽  
Ryan Colby Passaro ◽  
Eddy R Segura ◽  
Jordan E Lake ◽  
Amaya G Perez-Brumer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Network Size ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Sexual Network ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Screening Process ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectiveWhile men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by Peru’s overlapping HIV and STI epidemics, there are few data on how partnership-level and network-level factors affect STI transmission in Peru. We explored partnership-level and network-level factors associated with gonorrhoea/chlamydia (Neisseria gonorrhoeae and/or Chlamydia trachomatis (NG/CT)) and/or syphilis infection among MSM in Peru.MethodsWe present the results of a cross-sectional secondary analysis of MSM (n=898) tested for syphilis and NG/CT infection as part of the screening process for two STI control trials in Lima, Peru. Participants completed questionnaires on demographics, sexual identity and role, characteristics of their three most recent sexual partners (partner sexual orientation, gender, role, partnership type, partner-specific sexual acts) and 30-day sexual network characteristics (number of sexual partners, partnership types, frequency of anal/vaginal intercourse). Participants were tested for syphilis and urethral, rectal and oropharyngeal NG/CT. Differences in network characteristics were analysed with χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests.ResultsApproximately 38.9% of participants had a new STI diagnosis (syphilis (rapid plasma reagin ≥16): 10.6%; NG/CT: 22.9%; syphilis-NG/CT coinfection: 5.4%). Condomless anal intercourse (CAI) was not significantly associated with an STI diagnosis. Gay-identified participants with exclusively homosexual networks had a higher prevalence of STIs (47.4%) than gay-identified MSM with only heterosexual/bisexual partners (34.6%, p=0.04), despite reporting fewer sexual partners (any partners: 2, 1–4 vs 3, 2–6; p=0.001; casual partners: 1, 0–3 vs 2, 1–4; p=0.001) and more stable partnerships (1, 0–1 vs 0, 0–1; p=0.003) in the last month.ConclusionsNetwork size and the number of casual sexual partners were associated with NG/CT infection among MSM in Peru. Despite reporting fewer sexual risk behaviours (smaller network size, more stable partnerships, less CAI), MSM with homosexual-only sexual networks had a higher prevalence of NG/CT and syphilis. These findings suggest network composition among MSM in Peru plays an important role in the risk for STI acquisition.

Feasibility of Indirect Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Test Kits via WeChat Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A National Cross-Sectional Study in China (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Shangcao ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Xiang Mao ◽  
Tianyi Lu ◽  
Yangyang Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Secondary Distribution ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The use of HIV self-test (HST) kits is commonplace in key sexually active populations. The direct secondary distribution of HST kits (DSDHK) is effective in improving the uptake of HIV self-testing. However, there are concerns about various limitations of DSDHK, including limited geographic location, payment problems, and face-to-face interaction. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the feasibility and characteristics of the indirect secondary distribution of HST kits (ISDHK) via WeChat (distributing HST application links and follow-up HST kits to partners) among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS From October 2017 to September 2019, an HIV self-testing (HIVST) recruitment advertisement was disseminated on the WeChat social media platform to invite MSM to apply for HST kits (referred to as “index participants” [Ips]). All of the MSM participants were encouraged to distribute the HST application link to their friends and sexual partners (referred to as “Alters”) through their social networks. All Alters were further encouraged to continue to distribute the HST application link. All participants paid a deposit (USD 7), refundable upon completion of the questionnaire and uploading of the test result via an online survey system. RESULTS 2,263 MSM met the criteria and successfully applied for HST. Of these, 1,816 participants returned their HST test results, including 1,422 (88.3%) IPs and 394 (21.7%) Alters. Compared with the IPs, the Alters practiced more condomless anal intercourse (CAI), a higher proportion of them never previously had an HIV test, and they had a greater willingness to distribute HST kits to sexual partners (all p < 0.05). After controlling for age, education, and income, the Alters had a greater proportion of MSM who had never tested for HIV before (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.00–1.68), were more willing to distribute the HST application link (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.21–2.40), had a lower number of sexual partners (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.90), and were less likely to search for sexual partners via online means (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.60–1.02). In comparison, the rates of reactive HST results, conducting HIV confirmatory tests, HIV seropositivity, and initiation of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) were similar for IPs and Alters. CONCLUSIONS The ISDHK mode of distributing HST application links via social media is feasible among the MSM population. The ISDHK mode should be used to supplement the DSDHK mode in order to enable a greater proportion of the MSM population to know their HIV infection status.

scholarly journals Low sexually transmissible infection knowledge, risk perception and concern about infection among men who have sex with men and transgender women at high risk of infection

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 580
Author(s):  
Iván C. Balán ◽  
Javier Lopez-Rios ◽  
Curtis Dolezal ◽  
Christine Tagliaferri Rael ◽  
Cody Lentz
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Amidst an increase in STI rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), there is little research on STI knowledge, risk perception and concern about infection in these populations. Methods: This mixed-methods study explored these constructs among 60 racially and ethnically diverse MSM and TGW who regularly engage in condomless anal intercourse with multiple partners. Results: Participants had a mean age of 40.63 years. Most (95%) identified as a man and as gay or homosexual (73%); 55% were college graduates. Almost half the respondents reported a prior STI. Participants correctly answered a mean of 55.36% and 76.90% STI and HIV knowledge items respectively. STI knowledge was positively correlated with education and prior HIV tests, and was higher among those with a prior STI. During in-depth interviews, some participants expressed concerns about limited knowledge of STIs and syphilis. Half reported low concern about syphilis infection, due to prior treatment that was perceived as relatively simple, lack of STI infection in the past, erroneous information about transmission routes or simply not thinking about it. Conclusions: Among this high-risk sample who perceived themselves to be at low risk of infection, knowledge was primarily gained through being diagnosed and treated for an STI rather than from acquiring knowledge to prevent STI infection. Participants expressed interest in increasing their STI knowledge and recognised the importance of regular STI testing. Dissemination of targeted information about STI prevention, routinising of STI testing and STI self-testing might contribute to decreasing STI infection rates among this population.

Geosocial networking app use associated with sexual risk behavior, but also PrEP use, among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men: Cross-sectional web-based survey (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurel Prescott Gibson ◽  
Emily B Kramer ◽  
Angela D. Bryan
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Geosocial Networking ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND In the United States, geosocial networking (GSN) applications (i.e., mobile dating apps) have become central to dating and sexual interactions in recent years. Among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM), these apps play an important role in reducing barriers and facilitating partner-seeking. However, despite these benefits, there are concerns that these apps may facilitate risky sexual behavior and transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among GBM. OBJECTIVE The present study examined the association between GSN app use and sexual risk among a U.S. sample of GBM. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, respondents (N = 223) completed an online survey assessing their use of GSN apps, sexual risk and protective behaviors, HIV serostatus, and previous STI diagnoses. RESULTS Respondents were ages 21-78 (M = 31.90, SD = 10.06), 69.5% Non-Hispanic White, and from 40 States and the District of Columbia. Nearly half (47%; n = 104) of the sample reported using GSN apps. GSN users were more likely to report past year condomless anal intercourse (p < .001), 3+ sexual partners in the previous year (p < .001), and a previous STI diagnosis (p = .001) relative to non-users, and also reported more frequent use of recreational drugs before sex (p = .001), alcohol use before sex (p < .001), and cannabis use before sex (p = .01). Interestingly, GSN users were also more likely to report having ever received an HIV test (p < .001) and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP; p = .03). Rates of HIV seropositivity did not significantly differ between GSN users and non-users (p = .53). Among the subset of GSN users, 38 participants reported using only GBM-specific GSN apps (e.g., Grindr), while 27 participants reported using only sexuality nonspecific GSN apps (e.g., Tinder). Exclusive users of sexual minority-specific apps reported more frequent recreational drug use before sex (p = .01) and were also more likely to report past year condomless anal intercourse (p < .001), 3+ sexual partners in the previous year (p = .004), a previous STI diagnosis (p = .002), and HIV testing (p = .003). Alcohol use before sex, cannabis use before sex, PrEP use, and HIV rates were similar between both groups (ps > .11). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that GSN apps may be a useful pathway for interventions aimed at reducing STI-risk among GBM. Future, prospective studies should examine how risk levels change after initiation of GSN app use.

scholarly journals Assessment of Bias in Estimates of Sexual Network Degree using Prospective Cohort Data

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Uong ◽  
Eli S. Rosenberg ◽  
Steven M. Goodreau ◽  
Nicole Luisi ◽  
Patrick Sullivan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Sexual Network ◽  
Baseline Measure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sex With Men

ABSTRACTBackgroundSexual network degree, a count of ongoing partnerships, plays a critical role in the transmission dynamics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Researchers often quantify degree using self-reported cross-sectional data on the day of survey, which may result in bias because of uncertainty about future sexual activity.MethodsWe evaluated the bias of a cross-sectional degree measure with a prospective cohort study of men who have sex with men (MSM). At baseline, we asked men about whether recent sexual partnerships were ongoing. We confirmed the true, ongoing status of those partnerships at baseline at follow-up. With logistic regression, we estimated the partnership-level predictors of baseline measure accuracy. With Poisson regression, we estimated the longitudinally confirmed degree as a function of baseline predicted degree.ResultsAcross partnership types, the baseline ongoing status measure was 70% accurate, with higher negative predictive value (91%) than positive predictive value (39%). Partnership exclusivity and racial pairing were associated with higher accuracy. Baseline degree generally overestimated confirmed degree. Bias, or number of ongoing partners different than predicted at baseline, was -0.28 overall, ranging from -1.91 to -0.41 for MSM with any ongoing partnerships at baseline. Comparing MSM of the same baseline degree, the level of bias was stronger for black compared to white MSM, and for younger compared to older MSM.ConclusionsResearch studies may overestimate degree when it is quantified cross-sectionally. Adjustment and structured sensitivity analyses may account for bias in studies of HIV or STI prevention interventions.

Sexual behaviours and sexual networks of men who have sex with men in Bali

2017 ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
N.L. Dea Kumala Sari Karang ◽  
Dewa Nyoman Wirawan ◽  
A.A. Sagung Sawitri
Keyword(s):  
Health Centre ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Sexual Networks ◽  
Sexual Partnership ◽  
Sexual Network ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Centre ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Sex With Men

Background and purpose: Transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bali Province is increasing. This increased transmission is due to their sexual networks and behaviours. This study aims to examine sexual behaviours and sexual networks among MSM population in Bali Province.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Denpasar City and Badung District. A total of 130 MSM were recruited from Denpasar II Public Health Centre and Bali Medica Clinic – Badung District. Data were collected through interviews among MSM who visited both providers for STIs services from August to October 2015. Variables of this study included sociodemographic, sexual network (pattern and density), sexual activities in the last month, sexual role, condom/lubricant use, and history of previous STIs. Data were descriptively analysed.Results: As many as 53.1% respondents were aged <25 years, 90.8% were senior high school or higher degree graduates, 6.2% were married, 91.5% were employed, and 59.2% were having a regular partner. In the last month, as many as 70.8% respondents reported to have sex with first sexual partner, 52.3% with second sexual partners, and 45.6% with third sexual partners. Younger respondents tended to seek for younger sexual partners. The majority of respondents had had insertive sex, as many as 40.0% with their first partner, 44.6% with their second partner, and 43.2% with their third partner. About 20% of respondents were having high density sexual network and 71.5% of respondents were having concurrent sexual partnership. The consistent condom use within six months was 67.6% with the first partner, 72.8% with the second and the third partners. As many as 23% of respondents were diagnosed to have STIs.Conclusion: MSM population in Bali Province seem to have high risk sexual behaviours with great sexual network density, high concurrent sexual partnership, and selective mixing between older and younger MSM population.

scholarly journals Correlates of inconsistent condom use and drug use among men having sex with men in Poland: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 894-902
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Piersiala ◽  
Joanna Krajewski ◽  
Daniela Dadej ◽  
Anna Loroch ◽  
Witold Czerniak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Inconsistent Condom ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Inconsistent Condom Use

The number of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses is rising in many parts of Europe. We sought to evaluate the rising prevalence of new HIV diagnoses in Poland, where the majority of newly-diagnosed HIV cases are men having sex with men (MSM). This study aims to measure the prevalence of condom use and drug use and to identify risk factors for contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among MSM in Poland by distributing an anonymous online survey aimed toward MSM. Among the 1438 participants who completed valid surveys, those with low education level and greater than 100 prior sexual partners showed the highest odds for inconsistent condom use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.027, 2.044, respectively). Participants who identified themselves as heterosexuals, with multiple sexual partners and living in big cities showed the highest odds for drug use (aOR 4.869, 3.305, 1.720, respectively). This study identifies groups at the highest risk of HIV/STIs and provides valuable information for public health experts to develop targeted STI prevention campaigns.

scholarly journals Sexual behaviours and sexual networks of men who have sex with men in Bali

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Ni Luh Dea Kumala Sari Karang ◽  
Dewa Nyoman Wirawan ◽  
Anak Agung Sagung Sawitri
Keyword(s):  
Health Centre ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Sexual Networks ◽  
Sexual Partnership ◽  
Sexual Network ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Centre ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Sex With Men

Background and purpose: Transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bali Province is increasing. This increased transmission is due to their sexual networks and behaviours. This study aims to examine sexual behaviours and sexual networks among MSM population in Bali Province. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Denpasar City and Badung District. A total of 130 MSM were recruited from Denpasar II Public Health Centre and Bali Medica Clinic – Badung District. Data were collected through interviews among MSM who visited both providers for STIs services from August to October 2015. Variables of this study included sociodemographic, sexual network (pattern and density), sexual activities in the last month, sexual role, condom/lubricant use, and history of previous STIs. Data were descriptively analysed. Results: As many as 53.1% respondents were aged <25 years, 90.8% were senior high school or higher degree graduates, 6.2% were married, 91.5% were employed, and 59.2% were having a regular partner. In the last month, as many as 70.8% respondents reported to have sex with first sexual partner, 52.3% with second sexual partners, and 45.6% with third sexual partners. Younger respondents tended to seek for younger sexual partners. The majority of respondents had had insertive sex, as many as 40.0% with their first partner, 44.6% with their second partner, and 43.2% with their third partner. About 20% of respondents were having high density sexual network and 71.5% of respondents were having concurrent sexual partnership. The consistent condom use within six months was 67.6% with the first partner, 72.8% with the second and the third partners. As many as 23% of respondents were diagnosed to have STIs. Conclusion: MSM population in Bali Province seem to have high risk sexual behaviours with great sexual network density, high concurrent sexual partnership, and selective mixing between older and younger MSM population.

scholarly journals Sexual behaviour patterns and STI risk: results of a cluster analysis among men who have sex with men in Portugal

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e033290
Author(s):  
Karel Blondeel ◽  
Sonia Dias ◽  
Martina Furegato ◽  
Armando Seuc ◽  
Ana Gama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Combination Prevention ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesPortugal has the highest HIV incidence rate in Western Europe. The proportion assigned to sexual contact between men recently increased to more than 30% of all HIV infections. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increasing the per-contact risk of HIV infection. Building on syndemic theory, the aim of this analysis was to identify patterns of current sexual behaviour in MSM, and explore their relationship with self-reported current, past STI diagnoses and HIV positive serostatus.DesignA cross-sectional behavioural survey was conducted in Portugal among MSM, using a community-based participatory research approach. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify patterns including behavioural and demographic factors.ResultsThe analysis resulted in six clusters. Three clusters showed higher rates of current STI diagnosis (ranging from 11.7% to 17.1%), past STI diagnosis (ranging from 25.5% to 41.5%) and HIV positive serostatus (ranging from 13.0% to 16.7%). From the three clusters scoring lower on current and past STI and HIV diagnoses, one was characterised by a high number of sexual partners (62% had more than 12 partners in the last year), a high proportion (94.6%) of frequent visits to gay venues to meet sexual partners and high alcohol use (46.1%). The other two clusters scored lower on high risk sexual behaviour.ConclusionFactors other than sexual behaviour appear to reinforce the vulnerability to STIs and HIV of some MSM in this study, suggesting a syndemic of STIs, HIV and other adverse conditions. More research is needed to better understand the drivers of the STI/HIV epidemic in Portuguese MSM, using a concept that goes beyond risk behaviour, to develop effective combination prevention interventions.

scholarly journals Sexual health norms and communication patterns within the close social networks of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru: a 2017 cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amrita Ayer ◽  
Eddy R. Segura ◽  
Amaya Perez-Brumer ◽  
Susan Chavez-Gomez ◽  
Rosario Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Trans Women ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background Social networks, norms, and discussions about sexual health may inform sexual practices, influencing risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. To better understand social networks of Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (trans women), we examined key social network members (SNMs), participant perceptions of these network members’ opinions toward sexual health behaviors, and associations between network member characteristics and condomless anal intercourse (CAI). Methods In a 2017 cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 565 MSM and trans women with HIV-negative or unknown serostatus was asked to identify three close SNMs; describe discussions about HIV and STI prevention with each; and report perceived opinions of condom use, HIV/STI testing, and partner notification of STIs. Generalized estimating equations evaluated relationships between SNM characteristics, opinions, and discussions and participant-reported CAI. Results Among participants who identified as MSM, 42.3% of key SNMs were perceived to identify as gay. MSM “never” discussed HIV and STI prevention concerns with 42.4% of heterosexual SNMs, but discussed them “at least once weekly” with 16.9 and 16.6% of gay- and bisexual- identifying SNMs, respectively. Among participants who identified as trans women, 28.2% of key SNMs were perceived as heterosexual; 25.9%, as bisexual; 24.7%, as transgender; and 21.2%, as gay. Trans women discussed HIV/STI prevention least with cis-gender heterosexual network members (40.2% “never”) and most with transgender network members (27.1% “at least once weekly”). Participants perceived most of their close social network to be completely in favor of condom use (71.2% MSM SNMs, 61.5% trans women SNMs) and HIV/STI testing (73.1% MSM SNMs, 75.6% trans women SNMs), but described less support for partner STI notification (33.4% MSM SNMs, 37.4% trans women SNMs). Most participants reported CAI with at least one of their past three sexual partners (77.5% MSM, 62.8% trans women). SNM characteristics were not significantly associated with participant-reported frequency of CAI. Conclusions Findings compare social support, perceived social norms, and discussion patterns of Peruvian MSM and trans women, offering insight into social contexts and sexual behaviors. Trial registration The parent study from which this analysis was derived was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03010020) on January 4, 2017.

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