High levels of engagement with testing for HIV and sexually transmissible infection among gay Asian men in Sydney and Melbourne: an observational study

Background Gay and other men who have sex with men of Asian background (GAM) have been identified as a key population in efforts to eradicate HIV in New South Wales. The aims of the present study were to evaluate current levels of engagement with HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing services, assess knowledge of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis and to identify factors associated with service engagement in this group. Methods: A survey of 604 GAM residing in Sydney and Melbourne was undertaken. Results: The data identified that a significant proportion of non-HIV-positive men (i.e. HIV-negative men and men whose HIV status was unknown) surveyed (n = 567; 93.9%) had engaged in frequent HIV testing and comprehensive STI testing in the 12 months prior to the survey (n = 180; 31.7%). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in sexual practices at the bivariate level between those who reported frequent and comprehensive HIV/STI testing and those who did not. Those who tested regularly were substantially more sexually active, were more likely to have multiple partners (P = 0.001) and were more likely to engage in condomless anal intercourse with both casual (P < 0.001) and regular (P = 0.002) partners. Those who engaged with testing initiatives were more likely to discuss HIV status with both regular (P = 0.008) and casual (P < 0.001) partners, and identified more reasons to test than their counterparts (P < 0.001). The data also highlighted key service venues, with gay men most likely to have used public sexual health clinics (46.9%) as their most recent testing venue. Conclusions: The data demonstrate an association between high levels of male-to-male sexual activity and engagement in frequent and comprehensive HIV and STI testing. This likely derives from both self-perceived notions of risk and current reliance on established gay community organisations to convey information around testing. Increasing engagement with testing initiatives beyond GAM who self-identify as being at high HIV and STI risk will require the use of novel routes by which to disseminate this information.

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Young women's misperceptions about sexually transmissible infection testing: a 'clean and clear' misunderstanding

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh07060 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 273 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Sara K. Head ◽

Richard A. Crosby ◽

Lydia A. Shrier ◽

Gregory R. Moore

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Sexual Debut ◽

Risk Behaviour ◽

Healthcare Setting ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽

Transmissible Infection

Background: This exploratory study investigated young women’s perceptions of sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing received during gynaecological care. Correlates of the incorrect perception that STI testing occurred were assessed. Methods: Cross-sectional study of sexually active young women, age 18–24 years, attending a university healthcare setting for gynaecological care (n = 109). Two hundred and four women were approached and 87 were ineligible; of the remaining 117, 93.2% chose to enrol. Results: Of the women enrolled, 25.7% falsely perceived that they were STI tested (labelled ‘clean and clear’). Only approximately one in seven (14.7%) accurately understood the STI for which they were tested. In multivariate analyses, controlling for race, STI symptoms, depression, number of lifetime visits to the gynaecologist, and suspicion of current STI, three variables were significant: minority race (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.84, confidence interval (CI) = 1.38–16.96, P = 0.01), earlier age at sexual debut (AOR = 4.67, CI = 1.73–12.57, P = 0.002), and previous STI diagnosis (AOR = 3.38, CI = 1.07–10.66, P = 0.04). Comment: The findings suggest that many young women may have an inaccurate understanding of the STI testing they undergo during gynaecological care and may operate under the misperception they are ‘clean and clear’ of STI. Women with said misperception were more likely to be of minority race and report relatively earlier age of sexual debut and previous STI diagnosis. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether the ‘clean and clear’ misperception influences young women’s sexual risk behaviour.

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

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh06059 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 75 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

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.

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Lower sexually transmissible infection prevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women compared with women who have sex with women and men

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh14181 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 592

Author(s):

Christina A. Muzny ◽

Richa Kapil ◽

Erika L. Austin ◽

Edward W. Hook ◽

William M. Geisler

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Infection Prevalence ◽

Matched Group ◽

Sti Testing ◽

History Of ◽

Study Questionnaire ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽

Transmissible Infection

Background Sexually transmissible infection (STI) history, prevalence and seroprevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women (WSW) and an age-matched group of women who have sex with women and men (WSWM) was evaluated. Methods: Participants completed a study questionnaire and had genital specimens and sera collected for STI testing. Results: Twenty-one lifetime exclusive WSW and 42 WSWM were included. WSWM were more likely to report a history of prior STIs and be seropositive for chlamydia and HSV-2. Prevalent STIs were less common among WSW. Conclusions: While lifetime exclusive WSW are at risk of contracting STIs, WSWM are disproportionally affected. Healthcare providers should consider routine STI screening among WSW.

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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 ◽

10.1071/sh14214 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 360 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

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.

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Association between sexually transmissible infection testing, numbers of partners and talking to partners and friends about sexual health: survey of young adults

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh16076 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 378 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Natalie A. Hendry ◽

Graham Brown ◽

Gary W. Dowsett ◽

Marina Carman

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Young Adults ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Group Method ◽

Friendship Networks ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽

Transmissible Infection

Background Young adults, aged 18–30 years, comprise the largest proportion of sexually transmissible infection (STI) notifications in Australia compared with other age groups. Understanding the influence of partner and friendship networks on their STI testing practices may enhance health promotion efforts to increase testing for this group. Method: Participants aged 21–30 years, living in Australia for ≥3 years, were recruited within nightlife precincts in Melbourne, Australia. They completed a survey on demographic items, sexual health attitudes, sexual health knowledge and STI testing experiences and perceptions. Responses to items related to talking to partners and friends about STI testing were allocated partner and friend communication scores. Analyses included χ2 tests of independence and independent sample t-tests. Results: Overall, 36.5% (61/167) of participants had tested for STIs in the previous 12 months. Of those who had tested for STIs, most had significantly higher numbers of sexual partners in the same period (P < 0.05), and were significantly more likely to have felt at risk of STI acquisition (P < 0.05). Significantly greater mean partner and friend communication scores were associated with higher numbers of sexual partners, feeling at risk of STIs, and testing for STIs in the previous 12 months (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences when participants were stratified by gender or age. Conclusion: Talking to partners and friends about STI testing is associated with testing rates for young adults. Feeling at risk and increased numbers of sexual partners may be associated with the promotion of STI testing among friends and partners.

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Oral Transmission of Sexually Transmissable Infections: A Narrative Review

Acta Médica Portuguesa ◽

10.20344/amp.12191 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (12) ◽

pp. 776

Author(s):

Catarina Queirós ◽

João Borges da Costa

Keyword(s):

Oral Cavity ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Sexual Practices ◽

Oral Sex ◽

Oral Transmission ◽

Papillomavirus Infection ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽

Basic Functions ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽

Transmissible Infection

Over the last few decades, behavioral changes in sexual practices have made oral transmission of traditional sexually transmissible infections increasingly recognized. Patients harboring a sexually transmissible infection may first present lesions on the oral cavity, as these may be visible and interfere with basic functions such as speech or swallowing. Moreover, the oral cavity may function as a reservoir for future spread of these infections. In order to successfully control this problem, a greater focus on oral sex should be persued, along with promotion of the use of condom and education on safe oral sex practices. Furthermore, examination of the oral cavity should is essential when evaluating any patient suspected of harboring a sexually transmissible infection. In this article, oral transmission of several viral and bacterial infections is reviewed, including human papillomavirus infection, genital herpes, syphilis and gonorrhea, among others.

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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 ◽

10.1071/sh09117 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 411 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

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.

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Use of incentives to encourage sexually transmissible infection testing amongst sex-on-premises venue patrons

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh12132 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 156 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Brett Stevens ◽

Joseph Debattista ◽

William Rutkin

Keyword(s):

Sexual Health ◽

Free Entry ◽

Health Clinics ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Clinical Consultation ◽

General Practices ◽

Sexual Health Clinics ◽

First Time ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽

Transmissible Infection

Background Incentives have been explored as a strategy for increasing access to sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing. This project sought to trial the offer of free entry to sex-on-premises venues (SOPVs) for venue patrons as an incentive to access sexual health checks. Method: SOPV patrons were offered free entry into venues if they took advantage of sexual health testing at a range of clinics. Patrons were given testing cards from the SOPV that could be exchanged at the time of the clinical consultation for a free entry pass to the SOPV of their choice. Cards collected at clinics and SOPVs were collated. Results: In total, 244 cards were distributed to patrons from four venues over a 6-month period. Ten persons accessed one of the six clinical sites, one person attending twice. Of these persons, five attended two general practices and the remaining five accessed public sexual health clinics. Of these 10 persons, three used their free entry passes to attend an SOPV. Two persons accessed these clinical sites for the first time, one of whom tested reactive for an STI. Another regular attendee also tested reactive. Conclusion: Despite the low uptake, the free entry promotion was inexpensive and could, given sufficient time, be considered an effective incentive. Nonetheless, this study may have contributed to at least two new persons undertaking testing, one of whom was diagnosed with an STI.

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Why not the GP? Client preferences for sexually transmissible infection testing in Western Sydney

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh15073 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 463 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Karen Biggs ◽

Jennifer Walsh

Keyword(s):

Health Service ◽

Health Services ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Study Results ◽

Service Staff ◽

The Future ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽

Transmissible Infection

Background Publicly funded sexual health services (PFSHS) in NSW use triage to prioritise access for people at increased risk of infection and refer people at lower risk to General Practitioners (GPs). This study aimed to determine why people in Western Sydney attend a PFSHS in preference to their GP, whether they would be willing to see their GP for sexual health services and what factors were important when making this decision. Methods: An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used for this study. Results: In total, 228/249 (92%) of all respondents had visited a GP in the previous 12 months; 192/249 (77%) knew the GP could perform sexually transmissible infection testing (STI) testing; 124/249 (50%) had ever had a STI check with a GP and 101/249 (41%) were willing to attend a GP service for STI-related care in the future. Factors relating to the health service staff and client comfort emerged as strong reasons for choice of health service. One-third of non-priority clients (33%) were unwilling to see a GP for STI testing in the future. Respondents raised concerns regarding perceived issues with confidentiality and lack of confidence in the GP’s expertise in sexual health. Conclusions: The underlying factors relating to sexual health care with the GP, whether real or perceived, need to be addressed in order for PFSHS to successfully triage out attendees who are at a lower STI risk.

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Outreach services to brothels facilitate sexually transmissible infection testing for Asian sex workers in regional Australia

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh19213 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 301

Author(s):

Joanna Mesure ◽

Nathan Ryder

Keyword(s):

Sex Workers ◽

Female Sex Workers ◽

Linguistically Diverse ◽

Culturally And Linguistically Diverse ◽

Female Sex ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Outreach Services ◽

Regional Australia ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽

Transmissible Infection

Outreach services providing sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing on-site in brothels were introduced in 2012 by Pacific Clinic Newcastle, Australia. Asian female sex workers (FSW) were more likely than non-culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) FSW to access testing via outreach services than in clinics (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.82–3.11, P < 0.0001) and to test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhoea (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.58–4.20, P = 0.0001). Outreach services offering testing on-site in brothels are recommended to facilitate access for Asian FSW in similar settings.

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