Correlates of recent HIV testing among substance-using men who have sex with men

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 594-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Rowe ◽  
Tim Matheson ◽  
Moupali Das ◽  
Erin DeMicco ◽  
Jeffrey H Herbst ◽  
...  

Men who have sex with men are disproportionately impacted by HIV and substance use is a key driver of HIV risk and transmission among this population. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 3242 HIV-negative substance-using men who have sex with men aged 18 + in the San Francisco Bay Area from March 2009 to May 2012. Demographic characteristics and sexual risk and substance use behaviors in the last six months were collected using structured telephone questionnaires. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify independent demographic and behavioral predictors of recent HIV testing. In all, 65% reported having an HIV test in the last six months. In multivariable analysis, increasing age (aOR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.84–0.90) and drinking alcohol (<1 drink/day: 0.65, 0.46–0.92; 2–3 drinks/day: 0.64, 0.45–0.91; 4 + drinks/day: 0.52, 0.35–0.78) were negatively associated with recent HIV testing. Having two or more condomless anal intercourse partners (2.17, 1.69–2.79) was positively associated with having a recent HIV test, whereas condomless anal intercourse with serodiscordant partners was not significantly associated with testing. Older men who have sex with men and those who drink alcohol may benefit from specific targeting in efforts to expand HIV testing. Inherently riskier discordant serostatus of partners is not as significant a motivator of HIV testing as condomless anal intercourse in general.

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1146-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianqian Luo ◽  
Zunyou Wu ◽  
Zihuang Chen ◽  
Yue Ma ◽  
Guodong Mi ◽  
...  

Gay dating applications (apps) are popular among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. This study examined the relationship between gay dating app use frequency and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in a sample of MSM in Beijing. In October 2017, a web-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among MSM from Beijing, China. Demographics, frequency of app use, and sexual behaviors were collected and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the association between app use frequency and CAI. Of the 9280 participants, the proportion of CAI within one month prior to the survey was 43.3%, and 43.7% logged onto the app ≥11 times per week. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, logging onto the app 6–10 times per week and ≥11 times per week were inversely associated with CAI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =0.88 [95%CI, 0.78–0.99]; AOR = 0.88 [95%CI, 0.82–0.97], respectively). Among those 40 years of age or older, logging onto the app ≥11 times per week was associated with lower rates of CAI (AOR = 0.57 [95%CI, 0.40–0.81]). Results indicate that frequent app use was associated with lower odds of CAI among MSM in Beijing, China. Innovative interventions, which take advantage of this popular media platform, should be developed as such apps have been found to reduce the odds of CAI in Beijing.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zixin Wang ◽  
Phoenix K.H. Mo ◽  
Mary Ip ◽  
Yuan Fang ◽  
Joseph T.F. Lau

Abstract Background Sexualized drug use (SDU, use of any psychoactive substance before/during sexual intercourse) is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study investigated uptake and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among MSM with experience of SDU. Methods A total of 580 Hong Kong Chinese speaking MSM self-reported to be HIV negative/unknown sero-status completed a cross-sectional anonymous telephone interview. Results Of the participants, 107 (18.4%) and 56 (9.7%) had experience of SDU and chemsex in their lifetime. The prevalence of PrEP use was 4.0% among all participants and 12.1% among those with experience of SDU. Among MSM with experience of SDU who were not on PrEP (n=94), 59.6% were willing to use daily oral PrEP in the next six months. After adjustment for significant background variables (age group, HIV testing in the past year, and anal intercourse with non-regular male sex partners), having ≥3 episodes of SDU per month (adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 3.87, 95%CI: 1.01, 15.28), presence of condomless anal intercourse during SDU (AOR: 2.96, 95%CI: 1.03, 9.55), positive attitudes toward PrEP (AOR: 2.01, 95%CI: 1.37, 2.95), perceived support from significant others to use PrEP (AOR: 11.63, 95%CI: 3.93, 34.37)), and perceived behavioral control of using PrEP (AOR: 20.82, 95%CI: 6.51, 66.64) were significantly associated with higher willingness to use PrEP. Conclusion MSM with experience of SDU are potential good candidates of PrEP implementation. Effective strategies to increase PrEP coverage are needed even if affordable PrEP became available, future health promotion may make use of HIV testing and counseling settings and modify perception related to PrEP.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e017598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bera Ulstein Moseng ◽  
Vegar Bjørnshagen

ObjectiveTo describe a Norwegian low-threshold HIV testing service targeting men who have sex with men (MSM).Design and settingAfter the HIV testing consultation, all users of the HIV testing service were invited to answer the study questionnaire. The study setting included the sites where testing was performed, that is, the testing service’s office in Oslo, cruising areas, bars/clubs and in hotels in other Norwegian cities.ParticipantsMSM users of the testing service.Primary and secondary outcome measuresData were collected on demographics, HIV testing and sexual behaviour as well as the participant’s motivations for choosing to take an HIV test at this low-threshold HIV testing service. The data are stratified by testing site.Results1577 HIV testing consultations were performed, the study sample consisted of 732 MSM users. 11 tested positive for HIV. 21.7% had a non-western background, 27.1% reported having a non-gay sexual orientation. 21.9% had 10 or more male sexual partners during the last year, 27.9% reported also having had a female sexual partner. 56.4% reported having practised unprotected anal intercourse during the last 6 months. 20.1% had never tested for HIV before. Most of these user characteristics varied by testing sites.ConclusionsThe Norwegian low-threshold testing service recruits target groups that are otherwise hard to reach with HIV testing. This may indicate that the testing service contributes to increase HIV testing rates among MSM in Norway.


BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e049175
Author(s):  
Jeanine Leenen ◽  
Juliën N A P Wijers ◽  
Chantal Den Daas ◽  
John de Wit ◽  
Christian J P A Hoebe ◽  
...  

ObjectivesRegular HIV testing in men who have sex with men (MSM) enables timely entry into care and reduces the likelihood of HIV transmission. We aimed to assess HIV-testing behaviour and associated factors in MSM by urbanisation of place of residence.DesignData were derived from online survey (‘Men & Sexuality’) in the Netherlands, which was mainly advertised on social media (Facebook and Instagram), dating websites, apps for MSM (Grindr and PlanetRomeo) and gay media.Primary and secondary outcome measuresHIV testing was defined as recent (<1 year), not recent (≥1 year) or never. Using multinominal regression analyses, factors associated with not recent testing and never testing, compared with recent testing, were assessed among MSM living in highly (>2500 residences/km2) or non-highly (≤2500 residences/km2) urbanised areas.ParticipantsThe study sample included 3815 MSM, currently living in the Netherlands. The mean age was 36 years (SD 14.7), and 67.6% were highly educated.ResultsIn highly urbanised areas, 11.8% was never and 19.8% was not recently HIV-tested. In non-highly urbanised areas, this was 25.2% and 19.6%. Among MSM living in highly urbanised areas, independently associated with never and not recent testing were younger age, self-identification as bisexual, fewer sex partners, never notified of HIV and no recent condomless anal intercourse. Among MSM living in non-highly urbanised areas, lower perceived HIV severity, higher perceived HIV risk and a lower proportion gay friends were associated with never and not recent testing. Among never tested MSM, those in non-highly urbanised areas preferred self-sampling/self-testing over facility-based testing; those in highly urbanised areas preferred testing at healthcare facilities.ConclusionsThe proportion of never tested MSM was high (25%) in non-highly urbanised areas in the Netherlands. MSM living in non-highly urbanised areas may possibly be reached with targeted approaches to increase HIV testing uptake such as self-testing/self-sampling strategies.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Shangcao ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Xiang Mao ◽  
Tianyi Lu ◽  
Yangyang Gao ◽  
...  

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.


Author(s):  
Vani Srinivas ◽  
Rajesh T. Patil ◽  
M. Chandrakantha ◽  
T. L. N. Prasad ◽  
Sunil D. Khaparde

Background: This paper presents the prevalence of human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending integrated counselling and testing Centres (ICTC) in selected districts of Karnataka.Methods: A cross sectional study was done at ICTCs. Men and transgenders coming with referral slips from targeted intervention (TI), non-government organizations (NGOs) were considered as MSMs. The basic demographic data, HIV test result and details of post- test counselling were collected in specific format. Data from 13 districts was obtained from April 2009 to March 2010 and comparing the prevalence of HIV among MSM in HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS).Results: Out of 8,276 MSMs in 13 districts, 2808 (33.9%) visited ICTCs with TI NGOs referral slips and were tested for HIV once in a year. The overall prevalence of HIV was 8.6%. Prevalence was highest (17.3%) among men in the age group of 41 to 45 years, illiterates (11.5%), unemployed (11.2%) and divorced and separated (13.3%) and widowed (13.6%) MSMs. Among those tested, 97.7% of MSM underwent post-test counselling and collected their report. The highest HIV prevalence was among MSMs from Mysore district (20.1%), followed by Udupi (19.9%) and Bagalkot (10.6%). Rest of all the other districts had less than 10% of HIV prevalence.Conclusions: The uptake of HIV testing among the MSM with referral slips was low in Karnataka. The prevalence level differs in various districts. There is need for more focused and effective counselling by peer educators for correct and consistent condom usage among illiterate, widowed and unemployed MSMs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Colby Passaro ◽  
Angelica Castañeda-Huaripata ◽  
Williams Gonzales-Saavedra ◽  
Susan Chavez-Gomez ◽  
Eddy R. Segura ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Condomless anal intercourse (CAI) appears to be increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) globally, and is reported to be as high as 70% in recent studies in Peru. To improve understanding of the evolving context of CAI among MSM in Peru, we studied associations between partner type, substance use, and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in locations where MSM commonly report having sexual encounters. Methods In a 2017 cross-sectional study of rectal STI screening and HIV prevention, a convenience sample of MSM recruited from community venues in Lima completed a survey of demographic characteristics and sexual risk behavior with their three most recent partners. Generalized estimating equations estimated correlations of CAI with location of last sexual contact, participant substance use prior to sex, and negotiation of condom use before or during sex. The network data integration application, Cytoscape, mapped intersections of partner type, sexual orientation, substance use, and CAI by four types of locations where sex occurred: 1) Home, 2) Hotel, 3) Sauna or Internet Cabin, and 4) Public Spaces. Results Of 447 MSM (median age 27 years), 76.9% reported CAI with ≥1 of their last three partners. Participants reported sex with casual partners most commonly in homes (64.6%) and hotels (60.4%), and with anonymous partners most often in saunas/Internet cabins (57.5%) and public spaces (52.6%). CAI was less commonly reported in hotels (aPR, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.75–0.97) compared to homes. Participants who used marijuana before sex at home were more likely to report CAI than MSM who did not use marijuana (1.36, 1.01–1.92). Partner alcohol use before sex was associated with CAI in saunas/Internet cabins (3.17, 1.45–6.91) and public spaces (2.65, 1.41–4.98). In the sexual network maps, almost all MSM who used drugs prior to their sexual encounters used drugs with more than one of their last three partners. Conclusions CAI was common and associated with different risk factors, like partner type and substance use, based on location where sex occurred. Novel combination HIV, STI, and substance use prevention interventions must consider how the social environments of MSM influence condom use and other sexual risk behaviors. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03010020, January 4, 2017.


Author(s):  
Deng-Min Chuang ◽  
Peter Adam Newman ◽  
James Weaver

In Taiwan, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at disproportionate risk of HIV infection. We examined awareness and acceptability of future HIV vaccines. From July to August 2014, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with MSM recruited through community-based organizations (CBOs) in 2 cities. Among 200 participants (mean age, 27.6 years), half reported multiple partners and one-third condomless anal sex (past 3 months); 12% were HIV-positive. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) use was reported by 42.7%. Over two-thirds (69.0%) were aware of HIV vaccine research, but less than half (43.8%) would accept an HIV vaccine if available. In multivariable analysis, higher educational attainment, >5 sex partners, and TCM use were positively associated with HIV vaccine awareness. Culturally informed HIV vaccine preparedness in Taiwan may be supported by a complementary approach to TCM and HIV prevention technologies, tailoring information for MSM with lower education and targeting those at high risk through gay-identified CBOs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. e174-e186 ◽  
Author(s):  
N S Sherriff ◽  
A M Jones ◽  
M Mirandola ◽  
L Gios ◽  
U Marcus ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Relationship status is an important factor associated with condomless anal intercourse (CAI) amongst men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods A multi-centre bio-behavioural survey with MSM was conducted in 13 European cities (n = 4901) exploring factors associated with CAI via bivariate and multivariate multilevel logistic regression analyses. Results Likelihood of CAI with casual partners was associated with being ‘out’ to a majority (AOR = 1.19;95% CI 1,1.42); knowing their HIV status (AOR = 1.86; 95% CI 1.25,2.76); using substances (1–2 AOR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.16,1.63, 2+ AOR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.35,2.42); being older (AOR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.97,0.99); successful sero-communication (AOR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.67,0.94); and, not having a recent HIV test (AOR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.66,0.92). CAI with steady partners was associated with successful sero-communication (AOR = 2.72; 95% CI 2.72,3.66); not having a recent HIV test (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.09,1.46), and; being older (AOR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.98,0.99). Conclusions Understandings of partner type and/or relationship status in relation to CAI amongst MSM can potentially play an important role in the development of culturally appropriate HIV/STI prevention and risk-reduction efforts targeting at-risk MSM. Our results speak to the need to consider segmented and tailored public health and health promotion initiatives for MSM with differing CAI behaviours and relationship profiles.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document