Evaluation of knowledge and utility of the 2014 Australian sexually transmissible infection and HIV testing guidelines for asymptomatic men who have sex with men among general practitioners in Sydney

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
David J. Templeton ◽  
Phillipe C. G. Adam ◽  
Rajesh Varma ◽  
Phillip Read ◽  
Chistopher Bourne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Novel Approaches ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Asymptomatic Men

The Australian sexually transmissible infection and HIV testing guidelines for asymptomatic men who have sex with men were updated in 2014. An evaluation study targeting Sydney-based general practitioners was conducted among 85 clinicians. Respondents with knowledge of guideline recommendations were significantly more likely to feel comfortable asking men who have sex with men about their sexual history (98.1% vs 81.3%, P = 0.039), and to recommend at least annual testing (94.0% vs 68.8%, P = 0.015), 3-month retesting after chlamydia or gonorrhoea treatment (96.2% vs 73.3%, P = 0.017) and syphilis testing with routine HIV monitoring bloods (90.2% vs 57.1%, P = 0.037). Familiarity with the guidelines was associated with a range of positive outcomes on general practitioners’ clinical practice. Novel approaches are required to ensure more widespread distribution of future guidelines.

scholarly journals Australian sexually transmissible infection and HIV testing guidelines for asymptomatic men who have sex with men 2014: a review of the evidence

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Templeton ◽  
Phillip Read ◽  
Rajesh Varma ◽  
Christopher Bourne
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Chlamydia Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Asymptomatic Men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia and overseas are disproportionately affected by sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV. Many STIs are asymptomatic, so regular testing and management of asymptomatic MSM remains an important component of effective control. We reviewed articles from January 2009–May 2013 to inform the 2014 update of the 2010 Australian testing guidelines for asymptomatic MSM. Key changes include: a recommendation for pharyngeal chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) testing, use of nucleic acid amplification tests alone for gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) testing (without gonococcal culture), more frequent (up to four times a year) gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing in sexually active HIV-positive MSM, time required since last void for chlamydia first-void urine collection specified at 20 min, urethral meatal swab as an alternative to first-void urine for urethral chlamydia testing, and the use of electronic reminders to increase STI and HIV retesting rates among MSM.

Early diagnosis of HIV among men who have sex with men in Western Australia: impact of a peer-led sexually transmissible infection testing service

Sexual Health ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byron C. Minas ◽  
Carolien M. Giele ◽  
Sue C. Laing ◽  
Lisa Bastian ◽  
Andrew W. Burry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Testing Service ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background In July 2010, the Western Australian AIDS Council established the ‘M Clinic’, a peer-led STI testing service for MSM. This study describes trends in HIV notifications among MSM in WA from 2004 to 2013, particularly the impact of the M Clinic on newly acquired HIV diagnoses. Methods: The number and proportion of MSM HIV cases with newly acquired infection were compared for the 2004–2006, 2007–2009 and 2011–2013 time periods. Data from 2010 were excluded as the M Clinic opened in July 2010. Results: Between the 2004–2006 and 2007–2009 periods, the number of MSM with newly acquired HIV increased by 50% (23 to 33 cases) and the number of newly acquired cases as a proportion of all new HIV diagnoses among MSM increased from 27% to 35% (30% increase) (P = 0.25). In the 2011–2013 period, the number of newly acquired HIV cases among MSM more than doubled to 70 cases and comprised 53% of all new HIV diagnoses among MSM (P < 0.05). Of the 70 newly acquired HIV cases in the 2011–2013 period, 30% (n = 21) were diagnosed at the M Clinic. Conclusions: The proportion of MSM HIV notifications that were newly acquired increased between 2004 and 2013 in WA, with the greatest increase seen after the M Clinic commenced operation. A peer-led approach to HIV testing should be considered in order to achieve early diagnosis and treatment of HIV among MSM.

scholarly journals Sexually transmissible infection control programs for men who have sex with men – what will they look like in 2020?

Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver N. Refugio ◽  
Chelsea Roberts ◽  
Richard West ◽  
Jeffrey D. Klausner
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Novel Approaches ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prevention Methods ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

The resurgence of sexually transmissible infections among men who have sex with men is a concern for sexual health. Traditional strategies have relied on the promotion of condom use, regular testing, treatment, and partner management. Future sexually transmissible infection control programs must combine current prevention methods with novel approaches that target the providers, patients, and mechanisms of health care delivery.

Addressing sexually transmissible infection in HIV-positive patients. A clinical audit

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Esler ◽  
Catriona Ooi
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Clinical Audit ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
History Taking ◽  
Health Unit ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexual History Taking ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Australian guidelines for sexual history taking and sexually transmissible infection (STI) screening of HIV-positive patients do not exist. An audit was conducted to assess current practices of sexual history taking and STI testing of HIV-positive patients attending Hunter New England Sexual Health Unit.

scholarly journals Are printed sexually transmissible infection materials for patients appropriate? A physician perspective

Sexual Health ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asaduzzaman Khan ◽  
David Plummer
Keyword(s):  
General Practitioners ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Postal Survey ◽  
Physician Perspective ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Information Materials ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

The data from a postal survey of 409 general practitioners (GPs) practicing in New South Wales are analysed to explore GPs’ concerns, if any, about available printed information materials on sexually transmissible infections (STI) for patients. Just over half (55%) of GPs considered the materials for patients to be inadequate and/or inappropriate with 18% considering the materials as too technical for many patients and 13% considering the materials mostly out of date. Over a fifth reported that either STI materials were not available in their clinic or they did not know where to get those materials.

Future chlamydia screening preferences of men attending a sexually transmissible infection clinic

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Roth ◽  
Barbara Van Der Pol ◽  
Brian Dodge ◽  
J. Dennis Fortenberry ◽  
Gregory Zimet
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Chlamydia Screening ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Asymptomatic Men

Background Despite years of public health efforts, Chlamydia trachomatis remains a highly prevalent disease suggesting that current control strategies are not sufficient. Asymptomatic men with chlamydial infections are under-identified and probably play an important role in sustaining the epidemic. Novel methods of actively screening asymptomatic men are needed to reduce the prevalence of chlamydia. This formative study explored the features of a sexually transmissible infection (STI) control program that would encourage annual testing among men. Methods: Using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, we explored issues related to health seeking behaviours and preferences for STI screening among men recruited from a public health STI clinic. Results: All 29 participants acknowledged the expertise of clinic staff and most men preferred speaking with a provider over using electronic informational resources. The clinic was the preferred venue for future screening, followed by self-collected home sampling with clinic drop-off. Men expressed a preference for receiving results via the telephone rather than electronic options, and preferred personalised reminders for future STI screening. Conclusions: In this sample, there was high interest in utilising the expertise of STI clinic personnel and less in non-clinical options. While this may be due to recruiting from an STI clinic, the data serves as a reminder that service provision must be responsive to the needs of potential users. Our findings suggest that future non-clinic based screening strategies may require an initial educational component to address concerns about confidentiality and sample quality in order to be acceptable.

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.

High rates of chlamydia found among 12- to 16-year-olds attending a rural sexual health clinic: implications for practice

Sexual Health ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Elizabeth Tomnay ◽  
Lauren Coelli ◽  
Jane Simone Hocking
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Retrospective Audit ◽  
Rural Service ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Test Treatment

Background Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmissible infection (STI) and is asymptomatic in ~80% of women. If untreated, potential consequences include pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Methods: In 2014, a retrospective audit was undertaken at a rural service to determine what proportion of patients were aged 12–16 years, infected with chlamydia and their reasons for attending the clinic. Results: There were 111 patients aged 12–16 years attending during 2011–2014; 104 (95%) were female. One hundred and ninety-four chlamydia tests were conducted, with the proportion of patients having at least one test annually being 100% in 2011, 81% in 2012, 72% in 2013 and 78% in 2014. There was no difference in the proportion tested by age during the study (P = 0.59). Forty-six tests were positive for chlamydia (23.7%; 95%CI: 17.8%, 30.9%) with proportions decreasing with increasing age from 46.7% (95%CI: 16.4%, 79.5%) in 12- or 13-year-olds to 15.5% (95%CI: 9.4%, 24.2%) in 16-year-olds (P = 0.02). The reasons for attending when a chlamydia test was ordered included: (i) fear of pregnancy (18.3%, 34/185); (ii) symptoms (16.7%, 31/185); (iii) STI test/treatment (32.4%, 60/185); and (iv) contraception (32.4%, 60/185). Only 29.7% (33/111) would have been tested if symptoms or requesting a test were impetus. Conclusion: Sexually active 12- to 16-year-olds should be tested for chlamydia, and establishing their sexual history is crucial. Amending the current Australian guidelines to annual testing of any sexually active person under the age of 30 years should be considered.

Preferred Methods of HIV and Sexually Transmissible Infection Screening Delivery Among a Rural Sample of Men Who Have Sex with Men

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 470-476
Author(s):  
Randolph D. Hubach ◽  
Andrew M. O'Neil ◽  
Mollie Stowe ◽  
Justin Hamrick ◽  
Zachary Giano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Sample ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Sexually transmissible infection testing guidelines for men who have sex with men

Sexual Health ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Bourne ◽  
Barry Edwards ◽  
Miranda Shaw ◽  
Andrew Gowers ◽  
Craig Rodgers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infection ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Sydney Australia

Since 2002, biennial production of sexually transmissible infection testing guidelines for men who have sex with men has supported sexually transmitted infection control efforts in inner Sydney, Australia.

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