scholarly journals Client perspectives on an outreach approach for HIV prevention targeting Indonesian MSM and transwomen

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 916-924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adi Nugroho ◽  
Vicki Erasmus ◽  
Sarah E Krier ◽  
Kusnindyah P Reviagana ◽  
Pipiet A Laksmono ◽  
...  

Abstract This study explored clients’ perspective on an outreach approach to promote HIV testing in Indonesia targeting men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (transwomen or waria). Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 individuals (21 MSM and 11 waria) who had received services from outreach workers (OWs) in five cities in Indonesia. Participants in this study reported positive experiences with the outreach approach and perceived OWs as their motivators in accessing HIV testing as well as HIV care and treatment. OWs provided easy-to-understand HIV information. Clients expected OWs to be well-trained and more creative in performing outreach. They perceived that the Internet and social media have helped them considerably to stay in touch with OWs. Yet, they expressed that such virtual contacts could not simply replace the face-to-face contact, especially for waria. Furthermore, clients suggested outreach to be delivered in a more appealing manner, for example through activities that may facilitate clients learning professional or life skills. They also asserted that as an HIV prevention approach, outreach needs to use more positive framing and go beyond HIV and health contents, chiefly for the youth. Future outreach programmes should facilitate OWs in providing tailored services based on the level and type of support that the clients need, and in applying varied proportion and levels of sophistication in the use of online and virtual platforms for outreach.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meiqi Xin ◽  
Kasisomayajula Viswanath ◽  
Angela Yuen-Chun Li ◽  
Wangnan CAO ◽  
Yuhong HU ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The disproportionately high prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) is a global concern. Despite the increasing utilization of electronic health (eHealth) technology in the delivery of HIV prevention interventions, few studies have systematically explored its effectiveness and association with various intervention characteristics. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of eHealth technology–based interventions for promoting HIV-preventive behaviors among MSM and to determine effectiveness predictors within a framework integrating design and implementation features. METHODS A systematic literature search using terms related to eHealth technology, HIV, the MSM population, and an experimental study design was performed using 5 databases (ie, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations &amp; Theses) and other sources (eg, bibliographies of relevant reviews and JMIR Publications). First, primary meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the effectiveness of eHealth interventions (<i>d</i><sub>+</sub>) in changing 3 HIV-preventive behaviors among MSM: unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), HIV testing, and multiple sex partnership (MSP). Moderation analyses were then conducted to examine a priori effectiveness predictors including behavioral treatment components (eg, theory use, tailoring strategy use, navigation style, and treatment duration), eHealth technology components (eg, operation mode and modality type), and intervention adherence. RESULTS A total of 46 studies were included. The overall effect sizes at end point were small but significant for all outcomes (UAI: <i>d</i><sub>+</sub>=−.21, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; HIV testing: <i>d</i><sub>+</sub>=.38, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; MSP: <i>d</i><sub>+</sub>=−.26, <i>P</i>=.02). The intervention effects on UAI were significantly larger when compared with preintervention groups than with concurrent groups. Greater UAI reductions were associated with the increased use of tailoring strategies, provision of feedback, and tunneling navigation in interventions with a concurrent group, whereas reductions were associated with the use of self-paced navigation in interventions with a preintervention group. Greater uptake of HIV testing was associated with longer treatment duration; computer-mediated communication; and the use of messaging, social media, or a combined technology modality. Higher intervention adherence consistently predicted larger effects on UAI and HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS This study provided empirical evidence for the effectiveness of eHealth interventions in promoting HIV-preventive behaviors among MSM. Features of treatment content and eHealth technology might best predict the intervention effects on UAI and HIV testing, respectively. Most importantly, intervention adherence tended to play an important role in achieving better effectiveness. The findings could help inform the development of efficacious interventions for HIV prevention in the future.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome T. Galea ◽  
Stephanie Marhefka ◽  
Segundo R. León ◽  
Guitele Rahill ◽  
Elena Cyrus ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTDepression disproportionally affects people at risk of acquiring or living with HIV and is associated with worse health outcomes; however, depression care is not routinely integrated with HIV prevention and treatment services. Selection of the best depression intervention(s) for integration depends both on the prevalence and severity of depression among potential users. To inform depression care integration in a community-based setting in Lima, Peru, we retrospectively analyzed routinely collected depression screening data from men who have sex with men and transgender women seeking HIV prevention and care services (N=185). Depression was screened for using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Prevalence of any depression (PHQ-9 ≥5) was 42% and was significantly associated with the last sexual partner being “casual” (p=0.01). Most (81%) depressive symptoms were mild to moderate (≥5 PHQ-9 ≤14). Integrating depression care with HIV prevention and treatment services in Peru should begin by implementing interventions targeting mild to moderate depression.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-343
Author(s):  
Katrina Kubicek ◽  
William J. Beyer ◽  
Carolyn F. Wong ◽  
Michele D. Kipke

Sexual minority individuals experience barriers to receiving equitable health care. Research also indicates that young men who have sex with men (YMSM), particularly young men of color, have limited engagement in the HIV care continuum and there are significant disparities across the continuum. This study aims to uncover how providers can engage YMSM of color in all forms of care, including primary care and HIV prevention through an HIV prevention continuum. This qualitative study reports data from the Healthy Young Men's Cohort Study; a total of 49 YMSM participated in the eight focus groups. This study provides a description of YMSM's overall health concerns, experiences with health care, and under what circumstances YMSM seek care. We then present a model describing the salient characteristics of a HIV prevention continuum for YMSM of color and provide clear areas for education, intervention, and policy change to support better overall health for YMSM of color.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Wenting Huang ◽  
Haidong Lu ◽  
Bolin Cao ◽  
Dan Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a promising approach to expand HIV testing. HIVST is a process in which a person performs an HIV test and interprets the result. Negative HIVST results may encourage men who have sex with men (MSM) to use HIV prevention services. The objective of this study was to examine behaviors (e.g., facility-based HIV testing, condom use) after a negative HIVST test result among Chinese MSM. Methods We collected data from MSM in eight Chinese cities over a 12-month period. This is a secondary analysis of longitudinal cohort data collected as part of an intervention trial to increase HIV testing. Men completed a survey that described sociodemographic information, sexual behaviors, HIV self-testing, and facility-based HIV testing. Men who completed at least one follow-up survey were included in this analysis. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate whether HIVST increased subsequent facility-based HIV testing and consistent condom use. Results We included 1219 men. Most men (78.7%) were under 30 years old and had never been married (87.0%). 755 (61.9%) men tested for HIV and 593 (49.3%) men self-tested during the study period. At baseline, among men who had never been tested for HIV, 44.9% (314/699) initiated HIVST during the study period. HIVST was associated with subsequent facility-based testing (aOR of 1.87, 95% CI: 1.47–2.37). HIVST was also associated with subsequent consistent condom use (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.13–2.06). Conclusion HIVST was associated with subsequent facility-based HIV testing and consistent condom use. HIVST may enhance uptake of related HIV prevention services at facilities, suggesting the need for more implementation research.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e032459
Author(s):  
Kathrin Frey ◽  
Stéphanie Lociciro ◽  
Patricia Blank ◽  
Matthias Schwenkglenks ◽  
Françoise Dubois-Arber ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo study the implementation, effects and costs of Break the Chains, a community-based HIV prevention campaign for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Switzerland, from March to May 2015, which aimed to reduce early HIV transmission by promoting the campaign message to adopt short-term risk reduction followed by HIV testing.DesignNon-randomised evaluation and cost analysis.SettingGay venues in 11 of 26 cantons in Switzerland and national online media campaign.ParticipantsMSM in online surveys (precampaign n=834, postcampaign n=688) or attending HIV testing centres (n=885); campaign managers (n=9); and campaign staff (n=38) or further intermediaries (n=80) in an online survey.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was the proportion of MSM at risk of HIV acquisition or transmission who adhered to the campaign message. Secondary outcomes were postcampaign test uptake, knowledge about HIV primary infection and sense of belonging to the gay community.ResultsCampaign staff estimated that they contacted 17 145 MSM in 11 cantons. Among 688 respondents to the postcampaign survey, 311 (45.2%) were categorised as MSM at risk. Of 402/688 (58.5%) MSM who had heard about Break the Chains 2015, MSM categorised as being at risk were less likely to report adherence to the campaign message than MSM not at risk (adjusted OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.42). Twenty per cent of MSM with a defined risk of HIV acquisition or transmission who adopted risk reduction declared having done so because of the campaign. Costs for one MSM at risk to adhere to the campaign message were estimated at USD purchasing power parity 36–55. The number of HIV tests in the month after the campaign was twice the monthly average.ConclusionBreak the Chains increased HIV testing, implying that community-based campaigns are useful HIV prevention strategies for MSM. Additional interventions are needed to reach MSM at the highest risk of infection more effectively.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 206-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elan Lazuardi ◽  
Christy E. Newman ◽  
Irma Anintya Tasya ◽  
Emily Rowe ◽  
D. N. Wirawan ◽  
...  

The globally recognized test and treat approach underpins Indonesian national strategies to reduce and prevent HIV among key populations, including men who have sex with men. More comprehensive understanding of how engagement with HIV prevention is shaped by social and community practices will support these efforts. Between 2015 and 2016, focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 54 men who have sex with men in three urban settings in Indonesia to elicit their views on, and experiences of, HIV prevention and care. Focused on data relating to testing, findings documented the important influence of informal peer networks, community-based organizations and outreach workers. Some social dimensions of service access complicated this, particularly fear of stigma or lack of confidentiality in large service settings. The many differences between men challenges assumptions that a single set of HIV prevention strategies will work to engage all men who have sex with men living in Indonesia.


Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail W. Batchelder ◽  
Steven Safren ◽  
Avery D. Mitchell ◽  
Ivan Ivardic ◽  
Conall O'Cleirigh

Despite continued advances in HIV prevention and treatment, gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) remain the population most impacted by HIV/AIDS in the US and many other Western countries. Additionally, MSM are disproportionately affected by various psychological problems, including depression, distress, trauma and substance use. These challenges frequently co-occur, and are associated with higher rates of behaviours related to HIV acquisition and transmission, HIV infection, and, for those living with HIV/AIDS, lower levels of treatment engagement. Moreover, racial disparities exist among MSM in the US; for example, young African American MSM bear a disproportionate burden of the continuing HIV epidemic, likely related to disparate HIV prevalence in partner pools as well as long-standing structural inequities. In this review, the mental health challenges facing MSM primarily in the US, related to HIV and STI prevention and across the HIV care cascade, including HIV diagnosis, engagement and retention in care, and antiretroviral adherence, are illustrated. Disparities among MSM including racial and ethnic, age-related and structural barriers associated with HIV prevention and treatment, as well as current interventions, are also described. Moving forward towards 2020, resources will be needed to assess and implement scalable intervention strategies to address psychological and social barriers to HIV and STI risk reduction and treatment for MSM, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable subpopulations. As access to prevention and treatment strategies expand, and new breakthroughs continue to emerge, behavioural strategies will continue to be needed to reduce risk and increase uptake and engagement among MSM most at risk through 2020 and beyond.


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