Assortative sexual mixing patterns in male–female and male–male partnerships in Melbourne, Australia: implications for HIV and sexually transmissible infection transmission

Sexual Health ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric P. F. Chow ◽  
Tim R. H. Read ◽  
Matthew G. Law ◽  
Marcus Y. Chen ◽  
Catriona S. Bradshaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Mixing Patterns ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background: Assortative mixing patterns have become a new and important focus in HIV/sexually transmissible infection (STI) research in recent years. There are very limited data on sexual mixing patterns, particularly in an Australian population. Methods: Male–female and male–male partnerships attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) between 2011 and 2014 were included. Correlation of age between two individuals within a partnership was examined by using Spearman’s rank correlation. The Newman’s assortativity coefficient was used as an aggregate quantitative measurement of sexual mixing for number of partners and condom use. Results: 1165 male–female and 610 male–male partnerships were included in the analysis. There was a strong positive correlation of age in both male–female (rho = 0.709; P < 0.001) and male–male partnerships (rho = 0.553; P < 0.001). The assortative mixing pattern for number of partners was similar in male–female (r = 0.255; 95% CI: 0.221–0.289) and male–male partnerships (r = 0.264; 95% CI: 0.218–0.309). There was a stronger assortative mixing pattern for condom use in male–male (r = 0.517, 95% CI: 0.465–0.569) compared with male–female (r = 0.382; 95% CI: 0.353–0.412) partnerships. Conclusion: Male–female and male–male partnerships have a high assortativity mixing pattern for age, number of partners and condom use. The sexual mixing pattern is not purely assortative, and hence it may lead to increased HIV and STI transmission in certain risk groups.

Men, bodily change and urethritis: a qualitative study

Sexual Health ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. Pitts ◽  
A. M. A Smith ◽  
A. Mischewski ◽  
C. Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Visual Cues ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Ability To Act ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Visual Changes ◽  
The Way

Objectives: To describe how men narrate the process of bodily change as a trigger to presentation for a suspected sexually transmissible infection. Methods: The study was qualitative with 18 men presenting at a specialist sexual health centre in an urban setting. Results: All men gave narratives that included accounts of bodily changes prior to presentation. The nature, severity and persistence of those changes were unrelated to subsequent diagnosis. Men responded particularly to visual changes as cues to action. Conclusions: The men exhibited limited skills in understanding the significance and the specifics of bodily change as they may relate to a sexually transmissible infection. While these men identified a broad range of changes as potentially indicative of a sexually transmissible infection, their ability to act on visceral rather than visual cues appears constrained in that they were less able to respond to the feel of their body than the way that it looked.

The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis detected by wet mount and polymerase chain reaction in Sydney women

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivy Kwon ◽  
Anna McNulty ◽  
Phillip Read
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wet Mount ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Objectives Although Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) has a low profile in urban Australia, local data has estimated the prevalence in women to be 10 times higher when using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) versus wet mount microscopy (4.8% v. 0.4%). Our aim was to determine the prevalence of TV in Sydney women using both wet mount and PCR. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of women requiring sexually transmissible infection screening at the Sydney Sexual Health Centre. Vaginal swabs were examined for TV using PCR and wet mount microscopy. Results: In total, 781 of 1263 eligible women were tested; 3 out of 781 tested positive by PCR and 1 out of 781 by wet mount, giving a prevalence of 0.38% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14–1.12%) and 0.13% (95% CI: 0.03–0.71%) respectively. There was not enough power to compare PCR and wet mount. Conclusions: The results of this analysis indicate that in our female urban population, TV is a very rare sexually transmissible infection,with 0.38% prevalence, and routine screening by PCR is not indicated.

scholarly journals Decision making over condom use during menses to avert sexually transmissible infections

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Cynthia A. Graham ◽  
Stephanie A. Sanders ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Marija V. Wheeler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Independent Decision ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Do So

Background The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that receptive partners in penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI) who exercise independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert sexually transmissible infection (STI) transmission or acquisition. Methods: Data were collected through a partnership with Clue, the industry-leading female health app. A brief web-based questionnaire was developed, translated into 10 languages, and made accessible via a URL link sent to Clue users and posted on social media. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥14 years, not being currently pregnant and engaging in PVI and condom use during menses in the past 3 months. The analytical subsample comprised 12889 respondents residing in 146 countries. Results: Twenty per cent indicated independent decision making about condom use during menses. Independent decision making was associated with lower odds of reporting that condoms were used for contraception (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.65; 99% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–0.73) and higher odds that they were used for the prevention of STIs (aOR 1.44; 99% CI 1.28–1.61). A third significant finding pertained to always using condoms during menses; this was less likely among those indicating independent (female only) decision making (aOR 0.69; 99% CI 0.62–0.78). Non-significant associations with another two outcomes were found: protecting the partner against menstrual blood and protecting themselves against semen. Conclusions: Findings from people in 146 countries strongly support the hypothesis that those exercising independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert STI transmission or acquisition. That only one-fifth of this global sample reported this type of independent decision making suggests that empowerment-oriented (structural-level) interventions may be advantageous for individuals who are the receptive partner in PVI that occurs during menses.

Pending research issues in male condom use promotion

Sexual Health ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Crosby ◽  
Lee Warner
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination ◽  
Vaginal Microbicides ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
Protective Behaviour ◽  
Mass Marketing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Sufficient evidence has accumulated to warrant the expansion of condom use research in several additional directions. Possible risk compensation pertaining to human papillomavirus vaccination and vaginal microbicides is one example. A second area of needed research involves the question of when couples can be advised to safely discontinue condom use given that ‘lifelong’ condom use is not a realistic goal for most people. A third example is intensified research designed to identify more effective means of mass marketing condoms and their use as a health-protective behaviour. As the AIDS and sexually transmissible infection pandemics persist, intensified condom promotion research is an ethical imperative.

Advertising sexual health services that provide sexually transmissible infection screening for rural young people - what works and what doesn't

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepa G. Gamage ◽  
Candice A. Fuller ◽  
Rosey Cummings ◽  
Jane E. Tomnay ◽  
Mark Chung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
What Works ◽  
Web Advertisement ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background ‘TESTme’ is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) screening service for Victorian young people living in rural areas. We evaluated the effectiveness of advertising for this service over an 11-month pilot period. Methods: The advertising that was used included websites, a Facebook page, posters, flyers, business cards, wrist bands and professional development sessions for health nurses that occurred throughout the pilot period. We also used once-off methods including advertisements in newspapers, student diaries and short messages to mobile phones. Results: Twenty-eight clients had a consultation through TESTme. Twenty found the service through health professionals, six through the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) web page, one through the Facebook page and one through the student diary. The total direct costs incurred by the centre for advertising were $20 850. The advertising cost per client reached for each advertising method was $26 for health professionals, $80 for the MSHC web advertisement, $1408 for Facebook and $790 for the student diary. Other advertising methods cost $12 248 and did not attract any clients. Conclusion: Advertising STI health services for rural young people would be best to focus on referrals from other health services or health care websites.

scholarly journals Seasonal variations in kissing and sexual activities among men who have sex with men in Melbourne, Australia: implications for seasonal sexually transmissible infection preventions and interventions

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Eric P. F. Chow ◽  
Lenka A. Vodstrcil ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Male Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Previous studies have shown that there is a peak in sexually transmissible infection (STI) cases and sexual activities around summer, but there has been no study examining whether kissing also follows a similar seasonal pattern. The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal patterns of kissing and sex partners among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: A short cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March 2016 and February 2017. Participants were asked to report the number of kissing-only, sex-only and kissing-with-sex male partners in the last 3 months. The mean number of male partners was calculated and stratified by Australia’s seasons. The seasonal trend in the number of partners was assessed by negative binomial regression models. Results: In total, 4391 MSM were included in the analysis. The number of kissing-only and sex-only partners increased significantly from autumn to summer among MSM in Melbourne (Ptrend &lt;0.001). MSM reported the highest number of male partners for kissing-only (mean: 4.91; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 4.78–5.04) and sex-only (mean: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.83–1.99) around summer compared with other seasons. However, the number of kissing-with-sex partners remained stable across seasons. Conclusions: The study data suggest that there is a peak in kissing-only and sex-only partners among MSM around summer and holiday seasons.

Corrigendum to: Decision making over condom use during menses to avert sexually transmissible infections

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Cynthia A. Graham ◽  
Stephanie A. Sanders ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Marija V. Wheeler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Independent Decision ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Do So

Background:The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that receptive partners in penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI) who exercise independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert sexually transmissible infection (STI) transmission or acquisition. Methods: Data were collected through a partnership with Clue, the industry-leading female health app. A brief web-based questionnaire was developed, translated into 10 languages, and made accessible via a URL link sent to Clue users and posted on social media. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥14 years, not being currently pregnant and engaging in PVI and condom use during menses in the past 3 months. The analytical subsample comprised 12889 respondents residing in 146 countries. Results: Twenty per cent indicated independent decision making about condom use during menses. Independent decision making was associated with lower odds of reporting that condoms were used for contraception (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.65; 99% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–0.73) and higher odds that they were used for the prevention of STIs (aOR 1.44; 99% CI 1.28–1.61). A third significant finding pertained to always using condoms during menses; this was less likely among those indicating independent (female only) decision making (aOR 0.69; 99% CI 0.62–0.78). Non-significant associations with another two outcomes were found: protecting the partner against menstrual blood and protecting themselves against semen. Conclusions: Findings from people in 146 countries strongly support the hypothesis that those exercising independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert STI transmission or acquisition. That only one-fifth of this global sample reported this type of independent decision making suggests that empowerment-oriented (structural-level) interventions may be advantageous for individuals who are the receptive partner in PVI that occurs during menses.

Aboriginal women's stories of sexually transmissible infection transmission and condom use in remote central Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid M. Stark ◽  
Alex Hope
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Sociocultural Context ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Central Australia ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background: Sexually transmissible infection (STI) rates are persistently high in central Australia, creating conditions for a potential HIV pandemic in the area. There is a shortage of qualitative research examining the underlying factors affecting STI transmission in this region. The present study investigates Aboriginal women’s current levels of knowledge regarding STI and their transmission, perception of risk for STI, patterns of condom use, access to condoms and experiences of condom negotiation with their partners. It also explores the sociocultural context of their sexual health. Methods: The present study used qualitative methods with a semistructured questionnaire. Twenty-four women aged 18–35 years from one remote central-Australian Aboriginal community were recruited. Results: The results revealed poor understandings of STI transmission, limited access to condoms and low levels of condom use despite a high perception of risk to STI. They also identified specific issues facing these women regarding the sociocultural context of their condom use, their access to condoms and the transmission of STI. The perceived effects of alcohol abuse, infidelity, sexual assault and shame on the acquisition of STI were significant issues for the women. Conclusion: This research has identified an urgent need for further qualitative research into the sociocultural factors that facilitate the spread of STI among Aboriginal people of remote central Australia. Implications include the need to increase their knowledge regarding STI and STI transmission, to increase women’s access to condoms and to incorporate the teaching of skills to deal with sexual assault and violence into sexual-health education.

Condom use in the context of sex research: a commentary

Sexual Health ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia A. Graham
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Sexual Arousal ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Personality Characteristics ◽  
Sexual Risk Taking ◽  
Sex Research ◽  
Recent Trends ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

This commentary highlights some recent trends in sex research that have particular relevance for research on condom use, including studies investigating the meaning of sexual arousal, desire and pleasure; a focus on couple-level investigations; and the relevance of individual differences and personality characteristics to sexual risk-taking. Although historically, sexuality-related issues have received little systematic attention in the field of public health, researchers are now paying more attention to the role of pleasure and sexual arousal in condom use. It is argued that a better integration of findings from the area of sex research into the HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) field is needed to develop and improve programs to reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy.

PrEP your team! Clinician initiation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis discussion at sexually transmissible infection testing and diagnosis in gay and bisexual men

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110144
Author(s):  
Shannon C Woodward ◽  
Ingrid H Elvy ◽  
Sarah J Martin
Keyword(s):  
Health Centre ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Recent Diagnosis ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Medical Record Audit ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended for gay and bisexual men (GBM) with recent diagnosis of rectal chlamydia (CT), rectal gonorrhoea (NG) or infectious syphilis. A retrospective medical record audit was undertaken at Canberra Sexual Health Centre (CSHC) of all GBM who met this criterion in 2019 and were thus determined to be at higher risk of acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Pre-exposure prophylaxis was discussed and/or commenced in 85% of GBM at higher risk of HIV. Audit results and education were provided to the team with a post-interventional audit in 2020 showing significant improvement. This audit is easily replicated and may be applicable to other settings engaged in GBM care.

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