Factors Associated with HIV-Testing History among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men (BMSM) in Los Angeles County

Background HIV testing, treatment initiation and treatment adherence have been emphasised for Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). However, many BMSM do not get tested, obtain HIV treatment or adhere to treatment. It is essential to highlight barriers to HIV testing, treatment adherence and the ideal components for an intervention: peer mentors, socioeconomic resources and participant incentives. Methods: Five focus groups (n = 24) were conducted among HIV-negative and HIV-positive BMSM aged ≥18 years in Los Angeles, California, USA to explore motivations and barriers to testing and treatment and the components of an ideal, culturally competent HIV testing intervention for BMSM. Results: Barriers to HIV testing included fear and stigma associated with discovering a HIV-positive status and drug use. Motivations for testing included experiencing symptoms, beginning new relationships, perceptions of risk and peer mentors. Conclusions: Future HIV prevention and treatment efforts should consider these components to improve health outcomes among BMSM.

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Using Facebook as a Platform to Direct Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men to a Video-Based HIV Testing Intervention: A Feasibility Study

Urban Social Work ◽

10.1891/2474-8684.1.1.36 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 36-52 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Thomas Alex Washington ◽

Sheldon Applewhite ◽

Wendell Glenn

Keyword(s):

Los Angeles ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Black Men ◽

Control Group ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Hiv Knowledge ◽

Video Intervention ◽

Intervention Content ◽

Sex With Men

Objective: A randomized control pilot study was conducted with Black men who have sex with men (BMSM; N = 42) aged 18–30 years to examine the feasibility of implementing a video intervention delivered using Facebook to motivate HIV testing. Methods: At baseline, participants were unaware of their HIV status and had not tested for HIV in the past 6 months, residing in Los Angeles County. The intervention content included topics such as social influence, HIV knowledge, stigma, HIV positive knowledge, and benefits of knowing one’s HIV status. Findings: Logistic regression revealed that those receiving the video intervention were 7 times more likely to have tested for HIV than those in the control group at 6-week follow-up (odds ratio [OR] = 7.00, 95% confidence interval [1.72, 28.33], p = .006). Conclusion: Data suggest that the intervention was feasible for motivating HIV testing.

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Seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043584 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e043584 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Joseph E Ebinger ◽

Gregory J Botwin ◽

Christine M Albert ◽

Mona Alotaibi ◽

Moshe Arditi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

African American ◽

Los Angeles ◽

Delivery System ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Los Angeles County ◽

Healthcare Delivery ◽

Healthcare Delivery System ◽

Hispanic Ethnicity ◽

Factors Associated ◽

African American Race

ObjectiveWe sought to determine the extent of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and the factors associated with seroprevalence across a diverse cohort of healthcare workers.DesignObservational cohort study of healthcare workers, including SARS-CoV-2 serology testing and participant questionnaires.SettingsA multisite healthcare delivery system located in Los Angeles County.ParticipantsA diverse and unselected population of adults (n=6062) employed in a multisite healthcare delivery system located in Los Angeles County, including individuals with direct patient contact and others with non-patient-oriented work functions.Main outcomesUsing Bayesian and multivariate analyses, we estimated seroprevalence and factors associated with seropositivity and antibody levels, including pre-existing demographic and clinical characteristics; potential COVID-19 illness-related exposures; and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection.ResultsWe observed a seroprevalence rate of 4.1%, with anosmia as the most prominently associated self-reported symptom (OR 11.04, p<0.001) in addition to fever (OR 2.02, p=0.002) and myalgias (OR 1.65, p=0.035). After adjusting for potential confounders, seroprevalence was also associated with Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.98, p=0.001) and African-American race (OR 2.02, p=0.027) as well as contact with a COVID-19-diagnosed individual in the household (OR 5.73, p<0.001) or clinical work setting (OR 1.76, p=0.002). Importantly, African-American race and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with antibody positivity even after adjusting for personal COVID-19 diagnosis status, suggesting the contribution of unmeasured structural or societal factors.Conclusion and relevanceThe demographic factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among our healthcare workers underscore the importance of exposure sources beyond the workplace. The size and diversity of our study population, combined with robust survey and modelling techniques, provide a vibrant picture of the demographic factors, exposures and symptoms that can identify individuals with susceptibility as well as potential to mount an immune response to COVID-19.

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Elevated HIV and STI Prevalence and Incidence Among Methamphetamine-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men in Los Angeles County

AIDS Education and Prevention ◽

10.1521/aeap.2018.30.4.350 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 (4) ◽

pp. 350-356 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Cathy J. Reback ◽

Jesse B. Fletcher

Keyword(s):

Los Angeles ◽

Sexual Risk ◽

Risk Behaviors ◽

Los Angeles County ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Sexual Risks ◽

Methamphetamine Use ◽

Baseline Testing ◽

Sex With Men

Methamphetamine use is associated with increased HIV/STI infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). From March 2014 through January 2016, 286 methamphetamine-using MSM enrolled in a study to reduce methamphetamine use and sexual risk behaviors. Participants were tested for HIV/STIs at baseline and every 3 months for 9 months. At baseline, 115 participants (40.2%) were HIV–positive; three participants seroconverted (incidence = 2.6/100 person-years). Baseline testing diagnosed 77 STI cases (21 chlamydia, 18 gonorrhea, 38 syphilis); by 9-month follow-up, 71 incident STIs were diagnosed (22 chlamydia, 24 gonorrhea, 25 syphilis); 78% occurred among HIV–positive participants. Despite efforts to reduce sexual risks among methamphetamine-using MSM, HIV/STI prevalence and incidence remain elevated.

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