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.

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.

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.

Knowledge about and experience of sexually transmissible infections in a representative sample of adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Grulich ◽  
Richard O. de Visser ◽  
Paul B. Badcock ◽  
Anthony M. A. Smith ◽  
Juliet Richters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
History Of

Background Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) present a substantial public health burden, and are related to modifiable sexual behaviours. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a population-representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents were asked questions regarding their knowledge about, self-reported history of, and testing for STIs. Results: STI knowledge was better in women, the young, people of higher socioeconomic status, those with a variety of indicators of being at high STI risk and those with a history of receiving sex education in school. Approximately one in six men and women reported a lifetime history of an STI. A history of STI testing in the last year was reported by ~one in six (17%) women and one in eight men (13%) and higher rates of testing in women were reported in most high-risk groups. The highest rates of STI testing (61%) and HIV testing (89%) were reported in homosexual men. Conclusion: Knowledge of STI-related health consequences and transmission is improving in Australians, and rates of STI testing were relatively high but were higher in women than in men. Further increases in testing rates in both sexes will be required to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of STIs, which is a cornerstone of STI control.

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.

Gay men's perceptions of sexually transmissible infections and their experiences of diagnosis: 'part of the way of life' to feeling 'dirty and ashamed'

Sexual Health ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Holt ◽  
Diana Bernard ◽  
Kane Race
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Relative Lack ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Education Campaigns ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background: Gay men are considerably more likely than their heterosexual peers to be diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), yet relatively little has been published on gay men’s perceptions of STIs other than HIV. Methods: Drawing on interviews conducted with Sydney gay men, we analysed perceptions of STIs, and men’s experiences of testing and diagnosis. Results: Over half the men in the study had ever been diagnosed with an STI. STIs were generally regarded as inconvenient consequences of sexual activity. Viral, recurring STIs were viewed as being more serious than curable, bacterial STIs. However, all STIs were considered as considerably less important than HIV. Condom use and regular STI testing were the most commonly used strategies to manage the risk of STIs. Despite the relative lack of concern attributed to STIs, being diagnosed with an STI could generate feelings of shame, embarrassment and annoyance. For some men, education campaigns appeared to have helped destigmatise STIs and encourage regular testing. Conclusions: We believe that to maintain high rates of STI testing among gay men, community education efforts should continue to reduce the stigma associated with STIs and greater support should be offered to gay men when they receive an STI diagnosis.

Improvements in sexual health testing among gay men in Sydney, Australia, 2003–2007

2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 758-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
I B Zablotska ◽  
J Imrie ◽  
C Bourne ◽  
A E Grulich ◽  
A Frankland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Unprotected Anal Intercourse ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Gay Community ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Risk Practices ◽  
Hiv Negative

In order to be effective, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing should be comprehensive based on the clients' sexuality and risk practices. Using data from the Sydney Gay Community Periodic Survey, we explored trends in and factors associated with STI testing among gay men during 2003–2007. Among men who were not HIV-positive, 68% were tested for HIV in 2007. HIV testing was more common than STI testing and remained stable during 2003–2007. Use of swabs and urine samples increased significantly ( P-trend < 0.001 for each). However, until 2007, 33% of men were not tested. Sexual behaviours (higher number of partners, having casual partners and engaging in unprotected anal intercourse with them) were associated with STI testing. HIV-negative men were tested for STI less often than HIV-positive men (prevalence ratio = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.47–0.68). STI testing among HIV-negative men has improved significantly but remains inadequate for STI control and HIV prevention. It should not be assumed that appropriate and comprehensive STI screening is always provided to clients.

Who‘s cheating? Agreements about sexual exclusivity and subsequent concurrent partnering in Australian heterosexual couples

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliet Richters ◽  
Wendy Heywood ◽  
Marian K. Pitts ◽  
Julia M. Shelley ◽  
Judy M. Simpson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Open Relationships ◽  
National Cohort ◽  
The Relationship

Background Concurrent relationships are a driver of generalised epidemics of sexually transmissible infections (STIs). In Australia, explicit negotiation of agreements about sex outside regular relationships has been recommended in health promotion for gay men but not for heterosexuals. Objective: To ascertain the annual incidence of concurrency among people in ongoing male–female relationships according to their reported expectations of exclusivity. Methods: In a national cohort recruited by household random digit dialling in 2004–05, people aged 16–64 years completed computer-assisted telephone interviews including questions about expectations of sexual exclusivity, discussion and agreements. A year later, those in ongoing sexual relationships (5323 people) were asked about sexual partner numbers in the past year. Results: The huge majority (96%) expected sexual exclusivity of themselves and their partner. However, only 48% of men and 64% of women had discussed the matter and explicitly agreed. Older respondents were less likely to report discussion. Only 1% reported mutually nonexclusive (‘open’) relationships. A year later, 93% of respondents were still in the same relationship, among whom 4% of men and 2% of women had had sex outside the relationship. Those with agreements that one or both partners could have sex with others were more likely to do so, but the majority of respondents who had sex with someone else were in relationships that were explicitly or implicitly expected to be exclusive. Conclusions: Sexual health promotion should stress the importance of STI testing and establishing agreements about exclusivity before condoms are abandoned in new relationships.

Corrigendum to: Knowledge about and experience of sexually transmissible infections in a representative sample of adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 276
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Grulich ◽  
Richard O. de Visser ◽  
Paul B. Badcock ◽  
Anthony M. A. Smith ◽  
Juliet Richters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
History Of

Background Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) present a substantial public health burden, and are related to modifiable sexual behaviours. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a population-representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents were asked questions regarding their knowledge about, self-reported history of, and testing for STIs. Results: STI knowledge was better in women, the young, people of higher socioeconomic status, those with a variety of indicators of being at high STI risk and those with a history of receiving sex education in school. Approximately one in six men and women reported a lifetime history of an STI. A history of STI testing in the last year was reported by ~one in six (17%) women and one in eight men (13%) and higher rates of testing in women were reported in most high-risk groups. The highest rates of STI testing (61%) and HIV testing (89%) were reported in homosexual men. Conclusion: Knowledge of STI-related health consequences and transmission is improving in Australians, and rates of STI testing were relatively high but were higher in women than in men. Further increases in testing rates in both sexes will be required to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of STIs, which is a cornerstone of STI control.

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.

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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