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 <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.

scholarly journals Age, ethnic and travel-related disparities in kissing and sexual practices among heterosexual men in Melbourne, Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 279
Author(s):  
Finley J. Charleson ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley ◽  
Jane S. Hocking ◽  
Lenka A. Vodstrcil ◽  
Catriona S. Bradshaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Heterosexual Men ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background The kissing practices of heterosexual men are not well understood, despite the potential of kissing to be a significant risk factor for gonorrhoea transmission. This study aimed to explore kissing and sex practices among heterosexual men. Methods: A cross-sectional survey among heterosexual men attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in 2016–2017 was conducted. Men were asked to report their number of kissing-only (in the absence of sex), sex-only (in the absence of kissing) and kissing-with-sex partners in the last 3 months. The mean number of each partner type was calculated, and multivariable negative binomial regression was used to investigate associations between the number of different types of partners and demographic characteristics. Results: Of the 2351 heterosexual men, men reported a mean of 2.98 kissing-only, 0.54 sex-only and 2.64 kissing-with-sex partners in the last 3 months. Younger men had a mean higher number of kissing-only partners than older men (4.52 partners among men aged ≤24 years compared with 1.75 partners among men ≥35 years, P < 0.001). Men born in Europe had the most kissing-only partners (mean: 5.16 partners) and men born in Asia had the fewest kissing-only partners (mean: 1.61 partners). Men recently arrived in Australia, including travellers from overseas, had significantly more kissing-only partners (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR): 1.53; 95% CI: 1.31–1.80) than local men. Conclusions: This study provides novel data about kissing practices of heterosexual men. Studies assessing oropharyngeal gonorrhoea should include measurements of kissing until studies can clarify its contribution to transmission risk.

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 Kissing may be an important and neglected risk factor for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea: a cross-sectional study in men who have sex with men

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (7) ◽  
pp. 516-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric P F Chow ◽  
Vincent J Cornelisse ◽  
Deborah A Williamson ◽  
David Priest ◽  
Jane S Hocking ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Centre ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesA mathematical model suggested that a significant proportion of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea cases are acquired via oropharynx-to-oropharynx transmission (ie, tongue-kissing), but to date, no empirical study has investigated this. This study aimed to examine the association between kissing and oropharyngeal gonorrhoea among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsMSM attending a public sexual health centre in Melbourne, Australia, between March 2016 and February 2017 were invited to participate in a brief survey that collected data on their number of male partners in the last 3 months, in three distinct categories: kissing-only (ie, no sex including no oral and/or anal sex), sex-only (ie, any sex without kissing), and kissing-with-sex (ie, kissing with any sex). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between oropharyngeal gonorrhoea positivity by nucleic acid amplification tests and the three distinct partner categories.ResultsA total of 3677 men completed the survey and were tested for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. Their median age was 30 (IQR 25–37) and 6.2% (n=229) had oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. Men had a mean number of 4.3 kissing-only, 1.4 sex-only, and 5.0 kissing-with-sex partners in the last 3 months. Kissing-only and kissing-with-sex were associated with oropharyngeal gonorrhoea, but sex-only was not. The adjusted odds for having oropharyngeal gonorrhoea were 1.46-fold (95% CI 1.04 to 2.06) for men with ≥4 kissing-only partners and 1.81-fold (95% CI 1.17 to 2.79) for men with ≥4 kissing-with-sex partners.ConclusionsThese data suggest that kissing may be associated with transmission of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea in MSM, irrespective of whether sex also occurs.

Age pattern of sexual activities with the most recent partner among men who have sex with men in Melbourne, Australia: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjsrh-2020-200720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Kilner ◽  
Christopher K Fairley ◽  
Sam Burrell ◽  
Catriona S Bradshaw ◽  
Marcus Y Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Trend Test ◽  
Oral Sex ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Common Activity ◽  
Sex With Men

BackgroundSexual behavioural studies among men who have sex with men (MSM) are predominantly focused on penile-anal intercourse. Other non-anal sexual activities are under-studied. This study aimed to examine the age pattern of a range of sexual activities among MSM with the most recent male sex partner.MethodsWe conducted a survey among MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in 2017. This survey asked about nine different sexual activities with their most recent regular and casual partner. A Chi-square trend test was used to examine the age patterns of each sexual activity.ResultsA total of 1596 men answered the survey and their median age was 30 (IQR 25–37) years. With casual partners, kissing was the most common activity (92.4%), followed by performing penile-oral sex (86.0%) and receiving penile-oral sex (83.9%). The least common activity was insertive rimming (38.1%). Young men were more likely to engage in kissing (ptrend<0.001), receptive rimming (ptrend=0.004) and receptive penile-anal sex (ptrend<0.001) but they were less likely to have insertive penile-anal sex compared with older MSM. With regular partners, the most common activity was kissing (97.4%), followed by touching penises (90.0%) and performing penile-oral sex (88.3%). Age was not associated with most types of sexual activity with regular partners except mutual masturbation and receptive penile-anal sex. Younger men were more likely to masturbate mutually (ptrend=0.028) and engage in receptive penile-anal sex (ptrend=0.011).ConclusionsThe pattern of sexual activities shows age-related differences with casual partners but less so with regular partners in MSM.

Factors associated with sexually transmissible infection testing practices among men who have sex with men in Jamaica: results from a cross-sectional, tablet-based survey

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen H. Logie ◽  
Kathleen S. Kenny ◽  
Ashley Lacombe-Duncan ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Kandasi Levermore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexual Stigma ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Testing Practices ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at elevated risk for sexually transmissible infection (STI) acquisition globally. Yet, limited research has explored STI testing practices among MSM in contexts where same-sex practices are criminalised, such as in Jamaica. Methods: A cross-sectional, tablet-based survey with MSM in Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, Jamaica, was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the adjusted risk ratio for lifetime STI testing and lifetime STI diagnosis. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the relative odds of having had an STI test 3–5 months ago and 6–12 months ago in comparison with <3 months ago. Results: Three-quarters (74.8%) of the 556 participants reported receiving an STI test (44% <3 months ago; 32% 3–5 months ago; 13% 6–12 months ago; 10% >12 months ago); 12.1% reported ever receiving an STI diagnosis. In adjusted multivariable analyses, STI testing was associated with sociodemographic (education, location), individual (depression, perceived risk), social (relationship status, sexual stigma) and structural (healthcare provider access) factors. In multinomial analysis, reporting a less recent STI test (>3 months ago) versus <3 months ago was associated with increased likelihood of sexual stigma and food insecurity. Lifetime STI diagnosis was associated with sociodemographic (location), individual (HIV infection) and social (lower social support) factors. Conclusions: Findings document associations between structural factors and delayed timing of STI testing. Further research is necessary to explore how to address social ecological factors in sexual health interventions with MSM in Jamaica.

An alternative model of sexually transmissible infection testing in men attending a sex-on-premises venue in Sydney: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Sexual Health ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cherie Bennett ◽  
Vickie Knight ◽  
Douglas Knox ◽  
James Gray ◽  
Gemma Hartmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Sydney Sexual Health Centre (SSHC) partnered with a large sex-on-premises venue, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District HIV and Related Programs Unit and AIDS Council of NSW (ACON) to develop and implement a community-based sexually transmissible infection (STI) screening model co-located in a sex-on-premises venue. This paper describes the process, the outcomes and examines the cost of this model. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of gay and bisexual men (GBM) attending a STI testing service co-located in a sex-on-premises venue in Sydney city between the 1 November 2012 and 31 May 2014. Results: A total of 402 patrons had 499 testing episodes in the study period. Testing patrons were a median of 39.5 years of age, 221 (55%) were born overseas, 85 (21%) spoke a language other than English at home and 54 (13%) had a STI at first testing. A total of 105 (26%) testing patrons had never tested for a STI before. Of the 297 (74%) who had been tested before, 83 (21%) had not been tested within the last 12 months. A total of 77 STIs were detected in 63 people over 499 testing episodes, giving a STI positivity rate of 15% in the testing episodes. The prevalence of rectal chlamydia was the highest at 8% followed by pharyngeal gonorrhoea at 3%. A total of 97% of testing patrons were successfully relayed their results via their preferred methods within a median of 7.5 days. Conclusion: This paper highlights that offering STI screening in a community-based setting was an effective and low-cost alternative to traditional testing services.

scholarly journals Trends and differences in sexual practices and sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men only (MSMO) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW): a repeated cross-sectional study in Melbourne, Australia

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e037608
Author(s):  
Mario Martín-Sánchez ◽  
Richard Case ◽  
Christopher Fairley ◽  
Jane S Hocking ◽  
Catriona Bradshaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Centre ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Receptive Anal Sex ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesIn the 2010s, there has been an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STI) in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia, and since 2015 also in urban heterosexuals. Men who have sex with both men and women (MSMW) have characteristics that may differ from both men who have sex with men only (MSMO) and heterosexual men. We aimed to compare the sexual practices and the trends in HIV/STI positivity between MSMO and MSMW.DesignRepeated cross-sectional study.SettingA sexual health centre in Melbourne, Australia.ParticipantsMSM aged 18 years and above who attended the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre for the first time between 2011 and 2018. This includes 12 795 MSMO and 1979 MSMW.Primary outcome measuresDemographic characterics, sexual practices and HIV/STI positivity.ResultsCompared with MSMW, MSMO were more likely to practice anal sex and to have condomless receptive anal sex with casual male partners, and less likely to have a current regular relationship. Over the 8-year period, there was an increase in condomless receptive anal sex with casual male partners for both groups (MSMO: from 46.2% to 63.3%, ptrend <0.001; MSMW: from 41.3% to 57.9%, ptrend=0.011). Syphilis positivity increased in MSMO (from 5.5% to 7.9%, ptrend=0.012) and MSMW (from 0.9% to 6.4%, ptrend=0.004) and HIV remained stable. Gonorrhoea increased among MSMO from 2011 to 2014 (from 6.7% to 9.6%, ptrend=0.002), and remained stable from 2015 to 2018. MSMO had higher odds of testing positive for gonorrhoea (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.36, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.64), chlamydia (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.67), syphilis (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.22) and HIV (aOR 4.60, 95% CI 2.43 to 8.70) than MSMW.ConclusionsMSMW have overall lower condomless sex and lower HIV/STI positivity. In the last years, changes in sexual practices in MSM have affected both MSMW and MSMO leading to an increased STI risk.

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

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 273 ◽  
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.

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.

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