Gay men's sex venues, the men who use them, and gay community perceptions: insights from a convenience sample of gay men attending a community festival in Melbourne

Sexual Health ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony M. A. Smith ◽  
Jeffrey W. Grierson ◽  
Henry von Doussa
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Community Perceptions ◽  
Social Event ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Community Attitudes ◽  
Gay Community ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background: Despite being understood as sites for the potential spread of sexually transmissible infections, we know remarkably little about gay men’s sex venues and how they are perceived in the gay community. The present paper aims to describe community attitudes to sex venues and towards the gay men who use them. Methods: Self-administered questionnaire at a gay community social event. Results: Men who use gay men’s sex venues differ from non-users in relation to their age, the number of casual sexual partners they have, their openness about their sexuality and their comfort with sexualised spaces. Also, not all venues are equal and appear to attract diverse clienteles with particular characteristics. Conclusion: Differentiation among gay men’s sex venues and the men who use them may offer opportunities for targeting interventions for sexual health promotion.

scholarly journals Awareness of and attitudes to sexually transmissible infections among gay men and other men who have sex with men in England: a qualitative study

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Datta ◽  
David Reid ◽  
Gwenda Hughes ◽  
Catherine H. Mercer ◽  
Sonali Wayal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The Body ◽  
Modes Of Transmission ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Transmission Mechanisms ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Health Promotion Interventions

Background Rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) have increased over recent years among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in England and Wales. HIV diagnoses remain high in this group and men with diagnosed HIV are disproportionally affected by STIs. MSM are therefore a priority for health promotion efforts to reduce STIs. Understanding awareness of and attitudes towards STIs is essential in developing health promotion interventions to reduce prevalence. Methods: Eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 61 MSM in four English cities included a ranking exercise to gauge how ‘scary’ participants thought 11 STIs are. The exercise sought insights into participants’ awareness of, knowledge about and attitudes towards STIs and blood-borne viruses (BBVs). FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed and data analysed thematically. Results: All groups ranked HIV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) as the scariest infections, and the majority ranked syphilis and herpes as highly scary. Scabies was ranked as the least scary by most groups. Rankings were dependent on how well informed participants felt about an infection, its transmission mechanisms, health affect and the availability of vaccines and treatment. Personal experience or that of friends influenced perceptions of particular infections, as did their prevalence, treatment options, visibility of symptoms and whether an STI could be cleared from the body. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that, although some MSM are well informed, there is widespread lack of knowledge about the prevalence, modes of transmission, health implications and treatment regimens of particular STIs.

30. TESTING FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMISSIBLE INFECTIONS AMONG GAY MEN IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 296 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Prestage ◽  
I. Zablotska ◽  
A. Frankland ◽  
J. Imrie ◽  
A. Grulich
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Urine Sample ◽  
Blood Test ◽  
Throat Swab ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Unprotected Anal Intercourse ◽  
Gay Community ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Anal Swab

Introduction: Recently, rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) have been increasing among gay men in Australia and elsewhere. We explored trends in STI testing among gay men in Sydney. Methods: We used behavioural data from the six-monthly Sydney Gay Community Periodic Survey (SGCPS). Men are recruited through gay community venues, clinics and events in Sydney. Since 2003 men were asked whether they had received the following tests in the previous year: Anal swab, throat swab, penile swab, urine sample, and blood test for STIs other than HIV. Men recruited from clinics were excluded from the following analyses. Results: In 2006, 3145 completed questionnaires were received from non-clinic sites, with 40.9% of respondents reporting having received an anal swab, 45.4% a throat swab, 34.6% a penile swab, 52.7% a urine sample, and 56.1% a blood test for STIs other than HIV. The majority (67.2%) reported at least one test for STIs, with 25.5% having received all five forms of STI test. Although there was no increase during 2003-2006 in having any STI tests, the proportion of men having received all five types of test increased. The largest increase was in the proportion reporting anal swabs: from 23.8% in 2003 to 40.9% in 2006. Among men reporting unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners (UAIC), as well as among men with more than ten casual partners in the previous six months, rates of STI testing were higher but the time trends were similar. Conclusion: The majority of men report STI testing in the previous year, and this testing has become more comprehensive, with men receiving a broader range of STI tests over time. Men at higher risk for STIs tested at increased rates.

27. CAN UNPROTECTED ANAL INTERCOURSE WITH REGULAR AND CASUAL PARTNERS EXPLAIN THE DIVERGING TRENDS IN HIV EPIDEMIC IN AUSTRALIA?

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 295
Author(s):  
I. Zablotska ◽  
G. Prestage ◽  
A. Grulich ◽  
J. Imrie ◽  
S. Kippax
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Unprotected Anal Intercourse ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gay Community ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
Hiv Serostatus ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Introduction: Worldwide, increases in unprotected anal intercourse have been linked to the resurgence in HIV and STI in gay men. We assessed whether changes in UAI within regular and casual relationships may explain the diverging trends in HIV in three Australian states - NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Methods: We used the data from the annual cross-sectional Gay Community Periodic Surveys conducted annually in Sydney since 1996 and in Melbourne and Queensland since 1998. A short self-administered questionnaire asks about HIV serostatus, sexual health testing and behaviours relevant to HIV epidemic. We present time trends in seroconcordance and unprotected sex with regular and casual partners. Results: Currently, about one third of gay men report being in monogamous regular relationships, and this proportion has been slowly increasing everywhere. The self-reported UAI with regular partners (UAIR) was highest among men in seroconcordant positive relationships, lower among seroconcordant negative partners and lowest in non seroconcordant relationships. From 1998 to 2006, the rates of UAIR consistently increased by 10% in all three states and in all relationships by serostatus. The rates of UAI with casual partners (UAIC) were historically highest in NSW. From a peak in 2001, UAIC rates have consistently declined in NSW, but continuing increases were observed in Victoria and Queensland. Higher rates of nondisclosure of HIV were also observed in the context of UAIC in the latter two states. Conclusion: Changes in unprotected sex with casual partners may be responsible for the slowing of HIV epidemic in NSW. Sustained investment in policies and programs are important in achieving behaviour change.

Promotion and uptake of a new online partner notification and retesting reminder service for gay men

Sexual Health ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Bourne ◽  
Iryna Zablotska ◽  
Anthony Williamson ◽  
Yves Calmette ◽  
Rebecca Guy
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Poisson Regression ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Short Message ◽  
Gay Community ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Health Promotion Campaign ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Sms Reminder

Background In 2006, two new innovative features were added to a website called WhyTest which provided HIV/sexually transmissable infection (STI) information for gay men. The features were the ‘Tell them’ service allowing visitors to forward anonymous e-postcard or short message services (SMS) to sexual partners who may have been exposed to an STI, and the ‘Remind me’ service allowing visitors to register for a 3-, 6- or 12-monthly SMS reminder for a sexual health check. We describe the uptake of the new website functionality, and recognition of a health promotion campaign conducted in January–June 2007 to promote these new features. Methods: We used Poisson regression to assess trends in monthly partner notification messages and STI testing reminders sent in August 2007–June 2010. We also analysed 2007 Sydney Gay Community Periodic Survey data to measure recall of the campaign. Results: A total of 7923 partner notification messages were sent in the period August 2007–June 2010, with a significant increasing trend in monthly messages sent (P < 0001). Of the total messages sent, 7581 (96%) were by SMS and 342 (4%) by e-postcards. A total of 1023 STI testing reminders were sent in the same period, with a significant increasing trend in monthly reminders sent (P < 0.001); 516 reminders were by SMS (50.4%) and 507 by email (49.6%). The 2007 Sydney Gay Community Periodic Survey showed that 55% of the 2342 participants recognised the WhyTest image in the campaign. Conclusion: There was high awareness of WhyTest campaign images and the SMS partner notification service was more popular than the e-postcard feature.

Community event-based outreach screening for syphilis and other sexually transmissible infections among gay men in Sydney, Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip J. Read ◽  
Vickie Knight ◽  
Christopher Bourne ◽  
Rebecca Guy ◽  
Basil Donovan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Outreach Program ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Gay Community ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Important Addition ◽  
Testing Environments ◽  
The Cost

Objectives Increased testing frequency is a key strategy in syphilis control, but achieving regular testing is difficult. The objective of this study is to describe a sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing outreach program (the Testing Tent) at a gay community event. Methods: Gay men attending the testing tent in 2010–11 completed a computer-assisted self-interview and were screened for STIs. Clinical, demographic, behavioural and diagnostic data were compared with gay men attending a clinic-based service during 2009. The Testing Tent was marketed on social media sites and data were extracted on the number of times the advertisements were viewed. Staffing, laboratory, marketing and venue hire expenses were calculated to estimate the cost of delivering the service. Results: Ninety-eight men attended the Testing Tent. They were older (median age: 42 years v. 30 years; P < 0.001), had more sex partners (median: five in 3 months v. two; P < 0.001) and more likely to inject drugs (9% v. 4%; P = 0.034) than the 1006 clinic attendees, but were more likely to have previously tested for STIs (81% v. 69%; P = 0.028) and to always use condoms for anal sex (59% v. 43%; P = 0.005). Five cases of STIs were detected; the diagnostic yield was not significantly different from that of the clinic. The cost of the Testing Tent was A$28 440. Conclusion: Nonclinical testing facilities are an acceptable option and are accessed by gay men requiring regular testing, and may be an important addition to traditional testing environments.

Behavioural surveillance among gay men in Australia: methods, findings and policy implications for the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iryna B. Zablotska ◽  
Susan Kippax ◽  
Andrew Grulich ◽  
Martin Holt ◽  
Garrett Prestage
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Gay Community ◽  
Behavioural Surveillance ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Over Time

Background The Australian HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) behavioural surveillance system (the repeated cross-sectional Gay Community Periodic Surveys, GCPS) has been conducted since 1998 and covers six main Australian jurisdictions. In this paper, we review its history and methodology, and the available indicators, their trends and their use. Methods:We describe the design and history of GCPS. For analyses of indicators, we use Pearson’s χ2-test and test for trend where appropriate. Results: About 90% of gay men in Australia have been tested for HIV (60% to 70% of men who were not HIV-positive) have been tested as recommended in the preceding 12 months. STI testing levels (~70% in the preceding 12 months) are high, but remain insufficient for STI prevention. In general, unprotected anal intercourse with regular (UAIR) and casual (UAIC) sex partners has increased over time. The prevalence and increasing trends in UAIR were similar across jurisdictions (P-trend <0.01), while trends in UAIC differed across the states: during 2001–08, UAIC declined in NSW (P-trend <0.01) and increased elsewhere (P-trend <0.01). Trends in UAIC were associated with HIV diagnoses. Conclusion: This review of the design, implementation and findings of the Australian HIV/STI behavioural surveillance highlights important lessons for HIV/STI behavioural surveillance among homosexual men, particularly the need for consistent data collection over time and across jurisdictions. Investment in systematic behavioural surveillance appears to result in a better understanding of the HIV epidemic, the availability of a warning system and a better targeted HIV prevention strategy.

How can university sexual health promotion events reach those most at risk? A cross-sectional study

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew E. Dunn ◽  
Merryn McKinnon
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Events ◽  
Multiple Partners ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections

Background The rate of notifications of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in Australians has increased dramatically, especially in those aged 16–30 years. This age bracket, typical of university students, is the most likely to report multiple sexual partners in the previous year. Individuals who have sex with multiple partners in a year have a significantly increased chance of contracting an STI, making them an important audience for sexual health promotion. This study aimed to determine how university sexual health promotion events can better reach this higher-risk subset of the population. Methods: Two anonymous cross-sectional surveys were used to understand current and ideal sexual health promotion events through the perspectives of student leaders (n = 62) and general university students (n = 502). Results: Students who had more than one sexual partner in the previous year (the higher-risk group) made up 22.7% of the students sampled. Higher-risk students differed substantially from lower-risk students in terms of preferred event types, incentives and topics to be covered, often prioritising those rarely used in current university sexual health events. Conclusion: While current university sexual health events include some features that align with student priorities, elements beyond sexual health information, such as social activity, alcohol incentives and on-site sexual health testing, can be helpful tools to attract students with higher numbers of sexual partners.

HIV/AIDS and constructs of gay community: Researching educational practice within community-based health promotion for gay men

2001 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary W. Dowsett ◽  
Jonathan Bollen ◽  
David McInnes ◽  
Murray Couch ◽  
Barry Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Gay Community ◽  
Hiv Aids

Suicide in China: Community Attitudes and Stigma

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282199131
Author(s):  
Robin E. Gearing ◽  
Kathryne B. Brewer ◽  
Monit Cheung ◽  
Patrick Leung ◽  
Wanzhen Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crisis Intervention ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Community Perceptions ◽  
Public Stigma ◽  
Stigma Reduction ◽  
Community Attitudes ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Receive Treatment ◽  
Attitudes Toward Suicide ◽  
Male Subjects

China accounts for an estimated third of the world’s suicides, yet individuals experiencing suicidality typically do not seek out or receive treatment. This study examines community perceptions and public stigma toward suicide. In Shanghai, China 186 adults were recruited to participate in a survey with an experimental vignette describing a suicidal individual, manipulated on gender and age, followed by questions eliciting attitudes toward suicide. Most participants agreed that the suicidal subject had a serious problem, with seriousness of the problem decreasing with participant’s age. Participants reported moderate levels of public stigma. More stigma was found toward adolescent subjects rather than adult. Male subjects were perceived as being more likely to change than females. The public’s accurate view of suicide without biases could help prevent suicide from getting worse. Public perceptions regarding a suicidal individual’s likelihood to change could lead to stigma reduction, which can subsequently help with effective crisis intervention.

Is Gay Tourism More Than Tourism? A Case Study of Puerto Vallarta, MX

2021 ◽  
pp. 016059762110140
Author(s):  
Emma G. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Gender And Race ◽  
Tourist Destinations ◽  
Gay Community ◽  
Men I ◽  
Oppressed Group ◽  
Normative Standard

The reasons gay men seek out gay travel destinations has been well established in the literature. However, less research has been published on the consequences of that travel on the destinations themselves and the effect of gay tourism on the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. I use ethnographic research in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a popular international gay tourist destinations for American and Canadian gay men. I focus on how gay destinations are constructed as sites where members of the gay community can experience acceptance and inclusion and I ask the following questions, is this acceptance and inclusion dependent upon consumption? Are the tourist site and expectations for behavior in those sites oppressively normal? That is, does the site create a normative standard of behavior for gay tourists? Furthermore, while gay tourists may experience inclusion and a level of acceptance, how does gay tourism affect the destination site itself? Is this acceptance and inclusion problematized by larger systems of inequality such as class, gender, and race? Lastly, as members of a historically oppressed group, does and should gay tourism rise above its commodification to produce just, equitable relationships within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community including the environment?

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