Male Partner Risk Behaviors Are Associated With Reactive Rapid HIV Antibody Tests Among Pregnant Mexican Women: Implications for Prevention of Vertical and Sexual HIV Transmission in Concentrated HIV Epidemics

Background: The involvement of men in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs could accelerate the elimination of vertical transmission. Yet, little research has focused on HIV-positive male partners. This study determined predictors of male partners’ PMTCT knowledge and involvement in a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria. Methods: A clinic-based sample of 401 HIV-positive male partners of women who delivered within 12 months prior were interviewed using structured questionnaires. PMTCT knowledge and involvement scores were computed. Adjusted odd ratios (AOR) for predictors were derived from multivariate logistic regression models. Results: The proportion of respondents with adequate PMTCT knowledge was 40.9%. Less than half (43.6%) of the respondents participated in PMTCT, with median involvement score of 2.00 (interquartile range, IQR = 0, 5.0). One quarter of respondents (25.7%, n =103) reported >1 sex partners, 10.5% consistently used condoms, and 20.7% had disclosed to all partners. Father’s involvement in PMTCT was predicted by paternal education (AOR = 0.30; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.12-0.77, no formal vs. post-secondary), HIV-positive child (AOR = 3.85; 95%CI: 1.41-10.54, yes vs. no), treatment duration (AOR = 4.17; 95%CI: 1.67-10.41, ≤1 vs. ≥10 years), disclosure to partner(s) (AOR = 1.21; 95%CI: 1.15-3.52, ‘disclosed to all’ vs. ‘not disclosed’), condom use (AOR = 5.81; 95%CI: 3.07-11.0, always vs. never), and PMTCT knowledge (AOR = 0.62; 95%CI: 0.31-0.92, inadequate versus adequate). Conclusion: The involvement of fathers in HIV PMTCT programs was low and predicted by paternal education, HIVpositive child, duration of antiretroviral treatment, disclosure to partner, consistent condom use, and level of PMTCT knowledge. Our findings will inform the development of policies to increase male partner involvement in PMTCT in Nigeria.

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Genital abnormalities, hormonal contraception, and HIV transmission risk in Rwandan serodifferent couples

The Journal of Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/infdis/jiab071 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kristin M Wall ◽

Etienne Karita ◽

Julien Nyombayire ◽

Rosine Ingabire ◽

Jeannine Mukamuyango ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Transmission ◽

Hormonal Contraception ◽

Male Partner ◽

Female Partner ◽

Transmission Risk ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Genital Ulceration ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Contraception Use ◽

Hiv Acquisition

Abstract Background We explored the role of genital abnormalities and hormonal contraception in HIV transmission among heterosexual serodifferent couples in Rwanda. Methods From 2002-2011, non-antiretroviral treatment using HIV serodifferent couples were followed and sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, family planning provided, and HIV-negative partners retested. Couples were assessed for genital ulcers; non-ulcerative genital sexually transmitted infection (STI) including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis; and non-STI vaginal infections including bacterial vaginosis and candida. Multivariable models evaluated associations between covariates and HIV transmission genetically linked to the index partner. Results Among 877 couples where the man was HIV-positive, 37 linked transmissions occurred. Factors associated with women’s HIV acquisition included female partner genital ulceration (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=14.1) and male partner non-ulcerative STI (aHR=8.6). Among 955 couples where the woman was HIV-positive, 46 linked transmissions occurred. Factors associated with men’s HIV acquisition included female partner non-ulcerative STI (aHR=4.4), non-STI vaginal dysbiosis (aHR=7.1), and male partner genital ulceration (aHR=2.6). Hormonal contraception use was not associated with HIV transmission or acquisition. Conclusions Our findings underscore the need for integrating HIV services with care for genital abnormalities. Barriers (e.g., cost for training, demand creation, advocacy, client education; provider time; clinic space) to joint HIV/STI testing need to be considered and addressed.

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Associations of poverty, substance use, and HIV transmission risk behaviors in three South African communities

Social Science & Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.08.021 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 62 (7) ◽

pp. 1641-1649 ◽

Cited By ~ 89

Author(s):

Seth C. Kalichman ◽

Leickness C. Simbayi ◽

Ashraf Kagee ◽

Yoesrie Toefy ◽

Sean Jooste ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

South African ◽

Risk Behaviors ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Transmission Risk ◽

Hiv Transmission Risk

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Formative Assessment of ARM-U: A Modular Intervention for Decreasing Risk Behaviors Among HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Methamphetamine-Using MSM

The Open AIDS Journal ◽

10.2174/1874613601004030105 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 105-115 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Richard S Garfein ◽

Mitcheal Metzner ◽

Jazmine Cuevas ◽

Chad A Bousman ◽

Thomas Patterson

Keyword(s):

Focus Groups ◽

Risk Behaviors ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Formative Research ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Transmission Risk ◽

Individual Risk ◽

Satisfaction Survey ◽

Methamphetamine Use

Background: Methamphetamine is a major contributor to HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). Recent studies show that up to one-third of methamphetamine-using MSM (MUMSM) inject the drug. We developed a behavioral intervention for MUMSM to decrease unprotected anal intercourse and increase awareness of parenteral HIV transmission risk. This 6-session (3 in-person, 3 by telephone) modular intervention was designed to be tailored to participants’ HIV (+/-) and injection drug user ([IDU] yes/no) status. We present results of formative research used to evaluate the content and to assess feasibility and acceptability of this individual-level HIV risk-reduction intervention. Setting: HIV research clinic in a high MSM and methamphetamine prevalence neighborhood. Project: Avoiding Risks from Methamphetamine-Use (ARM-U) is a brief toolbox intervention that allows counselors to select modules that suit a client’s individual risk profile and intervention needs employing motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral theory. We evaluated the format and content of the intervention through focus groups and pre-testing of the entire intervention using volunteers from the target population stratified into four groups (HIV+/IDU, HIV-/IDU, HIV+/non-IDU, HIV-/non-IDU). Four individuals in each stratum were recruited to undergo the intervention and complete a satisfaction survey at the end of each in-person session. Results: In total, 25 MUMSM attended one of five focus groups. Participants thought all proposed intervention topics were important and could aid in reducing sexual risk behaviors among MUMSM. However, the neurocognitive effects of methamphetamine were reported to be a barrier to practicing safer sex, condom use negotiation or HIV status disclosure. Fifteen (94%) of 16 participants completed all 6 sessions and the satisfaction survey. On average, participants felt the intervention was useful for MUMSM, made them contemplate and move toward behavior change, and would recommend the program to their peers. Lessons Learned: Based on our formative research, we revised the ARM-U intervention to emphasize pre-planning to avoid combining methamphetamine use and sex or develop strategies to avoid sex risk following methamphetamine use. We also increased emphasis on referrals for care and other requested services. Future efficacy trials are needed to evaluate the intervention’s ability to reduce HIV-associated risk behaviors.

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Low prevalence of HIV and other selected sexually transmitted infections in 2004 in pregnant women from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268807009818 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 136 (9) ◽

pp. 1290-1296 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

R. KINOSHITA-MOLEKA ◽

J. S. SMITH ◽

J. ATIBU ◽

A. TSHEFU ◽

J. HEMINGWAY-FODAY ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Democratic Republic ◽

Male Partner ◽

Treponema Pallidum ◽

Syphilis Infection ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Republic Of The Congo ◽

Low Prevalence

SUMMARYThis study examined the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnant women in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Between April and July 2004, antenatal attendees at two of the largest maternity clinics in Kinshasa were tested to identify HIV status, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). HIV seroprevalence was 1·9% in 2082 women. With PCR techniques, CT and NG infections were also uncommon in the first 529 women (1·7% and 0·4%, respectively). No active syphilis infection case was identified by Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) and rapid plasma reagin test (RPR). A woman's risk of HIV infection was significantly associated with her reporting a male partner having had other female sexual partners (OR 2·7, 95% CI 1·2–6·2). The continuing low seroprevalence of HIV in pregnant women from Kinshasa was confirmed. Understanding factors associated with this phenomenon could help prevent a future HIV epidemic in low HIV transmission areas in Africa.

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Aids-Related Knowledge, Beliefs and Risk Behaviors in a Sample of Crack Addicts

Journal of Drug Issues ◽

10.1177/002204269402400313 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 537-553 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

M.E. Khalsa ◽

M.R. Kowalewski ◽

R. Lunn ◽

M.D. Anglin ◽

K.A. Miller

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Risk Behaviors ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Sexual Transmission ◽

Sexual Practices ◽

Treatment Programs ◽

Male Veterans ◽

Related Risk ◽

Crack Use ◽

Consistent Basis

This longitudinal study examines male veterans with a history of cocaine dependence and treatment, focusing on the relationship between levels of crack use and HIV-related knowledge, beliefs and risk behaviors. Over half the subjects were African-American and the majority were heterosexual. A survey instrument was administered at one and two years after initiating treatment. HIV serotesting was conducted at each interview which showed the rate of seropositivity to be low at both points. Knowledge about HIV transmission increased significantly over time for the sample, but no differences were significantly related to level of crack use. Few subjects report the use of condoms on a consistent basis, regardless of crack use level. However, both the number of sex partners reported and beliefs about personal susceptibility to HIV infection increased as the level of crack use increased. Our crack-using subjects had not fully internalized their risk of HIV infection or were fatalistic about their ability to change HIV-related risk behaviors. Either of these possibilities presents a significant challenge to education and prevention efforts targeted to crack users. AIDS education efforts in drug treatment programs may need to more strongly emphasize the sexual transmission routes of HIV infection and highlight the effects of cocaine use on sexual practices.

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Immigrant Generational Differences in Social Support and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Seattle, Washington

AIDS Education and Prevention ◽

10.1521/aeap.2020.32.4.282 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (4) ◽

pp. 282-295

Author(s):

Jane Lee ◽

Susan Cassels

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Sexual Risk ◽

Risk Behaviors ◽

Generational Differences ◽

Second Generation ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Sexual Risk Behaviors ◽

Generational Status ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Sex With Men

Different immigrant generations may encounter distinct sexual opportunities with implications for HIV transmission. Yet, few studies have examined how immigrant generational status is associated with sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM). We explored relationships between immigrant generational status, social support, and sexual risk behaviors among English-speaking MSM using data from surveys conducted in Seattle, Washington, in 2014 (n = 323). We compared the sexual risk behaviors and social support of first-generation, second-generation, and third- and higher-generation MSM, and examined whether immigrant generational status and social support were associated with sexual risk behaviors using logistic regression models. Second-generation MSM reported lower friend social support than first- or third- and higher-generation MSM (p < .05). However, immigrant generational status was not associated with sexual risk behavior outcomes, even after accounting for social support. Results suggest that differences in immigration processes such as acculturation may be more predictive of risk behaviors than generational status alone.

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