scholarly journals Sexual behaviour patterns and STI risk: results of a cluster analysis among men who have sex with men in Portugal

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e033290
Author(s):  
Karel Blondeel ◽  
Sonia Dias ◽  
Martina Furegato ◽  
Armando Seuc ◽  
Ana Gama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Combination Prevention ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesPortugal has the highest HIV incidence rate in Western Europe. The proportion assigned to sexual contact between men recently increased to more than 30% of all HIV infections. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increasing the per-contact risk of HIV infection. Building on syndemic theory, the aim of this analysis was to identify patterns of current sexual behaviour in MSM, and explore their relationship with self-reported current, past STI diagnoses and HIV positive serostatus.DesignA cross-sectional behavioural survey was conducted in Portugal among MSM, using a community-based participatory research approach. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify patterns including behavioural and demographic factors.ResultsThe analysis resulted in six clusters. Three clusters showed higher rates of current STI diagnosis (ranging from 11.7% to 17.1%), past STI diagnosis (ranging from 25.5% to 41.5%) and HIV positive serostatus (ranging from 13.0% to 16.7%). From the three clusters scoring lower on current and past STI and HIV diagnoses, one was characterised by a high number of sexual partners (62% had more than 12 partners in the last year), a high proportion (94.6%) of frequent visits to gay venues to meet sexual partners and high alcohol use (46.1%). The other two clusters scored lower on high risk sexual behaviour.ConclusionFactors other than sexual behaviour appear to reinforce the vulnerability to STIs and HIV of some MSM in this study, suggesting a syndemic of STIs, HIV and other adverse conditions. More research is needed to better understand the drivers of the STI/HIV epidemic in Portuguese MSM, using a concept that goes beyond risk behaviour, to develop effective combination prevention interventions.

scholarly journals A clinical study on genital warts and HIV in Bangladesh

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Md. Jakir Hossain ◽  
Muhammad Afser Siddiqi ◽  
M. Mostafizur Rahman ◽  
Khairun Nahar Khan ◽  
Ahmed Imtiaj
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Genital Warts ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multiple Sexual Partners ◽  
Anal Warts ◽  
Hiv Negative

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Like other sexually<strong> </strong>transmitted diseases (STD), ano-genital warts (AGW) is associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and this study of AGW was conducted among HIV positive and HIV negative patients. The aim of the study was to study the risk factors and clinical presentations of ano-genital warts in HIV infected patients</span>.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">A comparative, cross-sectional, descriptive study of 25 HIV positive and 25 HIV negative (n=50) AGW patients between 15-60 years of both sex was conducted in Northern part of Bangladesh from July 2015 to December 2016. </span><span lang="EN-IN"> </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Significant association of HIV positivity (p&lt;0.05) was<strong> </strong>observed between age group of 15-30 years and HIV negative status (p&lt;0.05) in age group of 31-45 years. HIV positive status significantly higher in patients with self-admitted multiple sexual partners (p&lt;0.01), homosexuality (p&lt;0.05) and presentation with anal warts (p&lt;0.01). HIV negative status correlated significantly with single sexual partner admission (p&lt;0.01) and hetero-sexuality (p&lt;0.05). Gender did not show significant association with number of sexual partners or HIV positivity. Extra-genital or only genital warts had no association with HIV status. Co-STDs though more in number in seropositive group, did not show any significant association with HIV positivity (p&gt;0.05). No patient presented with changes of malignancy. Four were adolescents below 19 years. Two patients had atypical presentations of giant condylomata i.e., Buschke-Lowenstein tumour (BLT)</span>.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">HIV positivity was significantly associated with<strong> </strong>the risk factors of age below 30 years, homo sexuality and multiple sexual partners. Anal warts were significantly common in HIV positive patients. Four adolescents with AGW underline the need for high risk behaviour counselling. No patient had malignant AGW. Follow up of these patients with human papilloma virus (HPV) sub-typing is necessary. </span></p>

Feasibility of Indirect Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Test Kits via WeChat Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A National Cross-Sectional Study in China (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Shangcao ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Xiang Mao ◽  
Tianyi Lu ◽  
Yangyang Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Secondary Distribution ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The use of HIV self-test (HST) kits is commonplace in key sexually active populations. The direct secondary distribution of HST kits (DSDHK) is effective in improving the uptake of HIV self-testing. However, there are concerns about various limitations of DSDHK, including limited geographic location, payment problems, and face-to-face interaction. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the feasibility and characteristics of the indirect secondary distribution of HST kits (ISDHK) via WeChat (distributing HST application links and follow-up HST kits to partners) among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS From October 2017 to September 2019, an HIV self-testing (HIVST) recruitment advertisement was disseminated on the WeChat social media platform to invite MSM to apply for HST kits (referred to as “index participants” [Ips]). All of the MSM participants were encouraged to distribute the HST application link to their friends and sexual partners (referred to as “Alters”) through their social networks. All Alters were further encouraged to continue to distribute the HST application link. All participants paid a deposit (USD 7), refundable upon completion of the questionnaire and uploading of the test result via an online survey system. RESULTS 2,263 MSM met the criteria and successfully applied for HST. Of these, 1,816 participants returned their HST test results, including 1,422 (88.3%) IPs and 394 (21.7%) Alters. Compared with the IPs, the Alters practiced more condomless anal intercourse (CAI), a higher proportion of them never previously had an HIV test, and they had a greater willingness to distribute HST kits to sexual partners (all p < 0.05). After controlling for age, education, and income, the Alters had a greater proportion of MSM who had never tested for HIV before (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.00–1.68), were more willing to distribute the HST application link (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.21–2.40), had a lower number of sexual partners (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.90), and were less likely to search for sexual partners via online means (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.60–1.02). In comparison, the rates of reactive HST results, conducting HIV confirmatory tests, HIV seropositivity, and initiation of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) were similar for IPs and Alters. CONCLUSIONS The ISDHK mode of distributing HST application links via social media is feasible among the MSM population. The ISDHK mode should be used to supplement the DSDHK mode in order to enable a greater proportion of the MSM population to know their HIV infection status.

scholarly journals The Context of Sexual Risk Behaviour Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Seeking PrEP, and the Impact of PrEP on Sexual Behaviour

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1708-1720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitzy Gafos ◽  
Rob Horne ◽  
Will Nutland ◽  
Gill Bell ◽  
Caroline Rae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals High HIV prevalence and associated factors in a remote community in the Rwenzori region of Western Uganda

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Rubaihayo ◽  
Akib Surat ◽  
Mughusu Ezekiel ◽  
Abaasa Andrew
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Community Perceptions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multiple Sexual Partners ◽  
Western Uganda

In Uganda, previous studies have shown a tremendous decline in HIV prevalence over the past two decades due to changes in sexual behavior with a greater awareness of the risks involved. However, studies in Fort-Portal municipality, a rural town in Western Uganda, continued to show a persistent high HIV prevalence despite the various interventions in place. We conducted a study to establish the current magnitude of HIV prevalence and the factors associated with HIV prevalence in this community. This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and November 2008. Participants were residents of Fort-Portal municipality aged 15-49 years. A population-based HIV sero-survey and a clinical review of prevention of mother to child HIV transmission (PMTCT) and voluntary counseling and HIV Testing (VCT) records were used to collect quantitative data. An inteviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect qualitative data on social deographics, risk behaviour and community perceptions. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews provided supplementary data on community perceptions. Logistic regression was used in the analysis. The overall HIV prevalence in the general population was 16.1% [95% CI; 12.5-20.6]. Prevalence was lower among women (14.5%; 95% CI; 10.0-19.7) but not significantly different from that among men (18.7%; 95% CI; 12.5-26.3) (c2=0.76, P=0.38). Having more than 2 sexual partners increased the odds of HIV by almost 2.5 times. None or low education and age over 35 years were independently associated with HIV prevalence (P<0.05). Most participants attributed the high HIV prevalence to promiscuity/multiple sexual partners (32.5%), followed by prostitution (13.6%), alcoholism (10.1%), carelessness (10.1%), poverty (9.7%), ignorance (9.5%)), rape (4.7%), drug abuse (3.6%) and others (malice/malevolence, laziness, etc.) (6.2%). Although there was a slight decline compared to previous reports, the results from this study confirm that HIV prevalence is still high in this community. In order to prevent new infections, the factors mentioned above need to be addressed, and we recommend that education aimed at changing individual behavior should be intensified in this community.

scholarly journals MASSER AF GRUNDE TIL USIKKER SEX: En undersøgelse af gode forklaringer

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Dahl
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Sexual Risk Taking ◽  
Unsafe Sex ◽  
Information Campaigns ◽  
Culturally Informed ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Aids

Anders Dahl: Plenty of Reasons for Unsafe Sex. An Investigation of Good Explanations Information campaigns on HIV/AIDS have been running for more than ten years, but still it is difficult to demonstrate any changes in the sexual behaviour of the Danish population, except in regard of men who have sex with men. Analyses of dialogues of telephone counselling at the AIDS Hotline in Copenhagen give insights into the explanations that counselling-seeking persons themselves give conceming their unsafe sexual behaviour. It appears that safe sex is generally considered easy and simple, and therefore instances of unsafe sexual behaviour come to be regarded as “slips” and not as a pattem of behaviour. Choices of sexual behaviour are not determined by knowledge alone, but also by culturally informed personal experience and the context of the sexual act. The article points towards a new strategy in future HIV/AIDS-related work, putting greater emphasis on dialogue with people with risk behaviour, e.g. in connection with HIV-testing. The use of the data collected at the hotline demonstrates new paths in the difficult field of sex research. Also, it appears from the data that the study of the so-called risk groups for HIV is probably not the most useful way to reach an understanding of sexual risk taking, as reasons for unsafe sex transcend such groups.

scholarly journals Does Penis Size Influence Sexual Behaviour of Men who Have Sex with Men?

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-319
Author(s):  
Milan Bjekić ◽  
Sandra Šipetić-Grujičić ◽  
Hristina Vlajinac ◽  
Ivana Dunić
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Diseases ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Body Part ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexual Role ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Penis Size ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The City

Abstract Penis size is a major body image concern for the majority of men in western nations, while in gay culture the penis has become a body part linked to sexual attractiveness and viability. The aim of this study was to reveal influence of the perceived penis size on sexual behaviour, condom use, sexually transmitted infections and men’s sexual positioning among men who have sex with men. In this cross-sectional study, the data were collected from consecutive men who have sex with men who attended Counselling for Sexually Transmitted Diseases at the City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade, Serbia. Out of 319 participants, 6.6% perceived their penis as "below average", 71.5% as "average", and 21.9% as "above average". In comparison with men with an average penis, men with below average penis were more frequently unsatisfied with their penis size (p < 0.05), more frequently lied to others about their penis size (p < 0.001) and took more frequently the passive sexual role (p < 0.05). Men with above average penis were more frequently satisfied with their penis size (p < 0.001), took more frequently the active sexual role (p < 0.01), they had more sexual partners (p < 0.05), more problems with a tight condom (p < 0.001) and more gonorrhoea/Chlamydia infections (p < 0.001) than men with an average penis. Perception of one’s penis size was associated with some aspects of sexual behaviour and the frequency of sexually transmitted diseases.

scholarly journals What is the level of uptake of Partner Notification Services in HIV testing  in Selected Health Facilities in Muranga County – Kenya; a retrospective Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rewel Kariuki ◽  
Gilbert Koome Rithaa ◽  
Oyugi Elvis ◽  
Daniel Gachathi
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Identification ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background: Identification of people living with HIV is key in HIV prevention and control. Partner Notification service is a World Health Organization backed strategy of reaching out to sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV for HIV testing. However, its adoption and success rate in Kenya remains unknown.Methods: A cross sectional facility based study was undertaken in five purposively selected health facilities in Muranga County, Kenya. A retrospective review of patient medical records data for HIV positive index clients and their Sexual Partners conducted. Census approach applied to extract data for study subjects from Partner Notification Service registers for the period covering January 2017 to August 2018. Epi Info software was used for data analysis.Results: A total of 183 index clients offered Partner notification services. The mean age of the indexed clients studied was 39(SD ±13.1). Females comprised 64 % of clients studied. Of the 183 indexed clients, 89% accepted the services and elicited 216 sexual partners for tracing. The ratio of elicited sexual partners to index client was 1.3:1. Out of the 216 sexual partners, 77% were reached and tested. A total of 46 [32%] of the sexual partners elicited and traced, tested HIV positive. The most preferred approaches were provider referral (51%) and contract referral (45%). Dual referral (4%) was the least preferred approach. Conclusions: Partner notification services is acceptable and an effective strategy of increasing HIV case identification and raising awareness to exposed sexual partners in low resource countries.

scholarly journals The reporting of the mode of transmission among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Lviv oblast, Ukraine, 2014-2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (11.1) ◽  
pp. 122S-127S
Author(s):  
Maryana Sluzhynska ◽  
Olga Denisiuk ◽  
Ruzanna Grigoryan ◽  
Yulia Sereda ◽  
Gennadiy Slabkiy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Doctor ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Aids Epidemic ◽  
Mode Of Transmission ◽  
Sex With Men

Introduction: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are one of the key populations driving HIV/AIDS epidemic globally. To date, MSM is the only population in Ukraine where the prevalence and incidence of HIV is increasing. As HIV-positive MSM might feel uncomfortable to report homosexual intercourses as a possible mode of transmission (MoT) of HIV, they prefer being registered as patients with heterosexual or non-defined MoT. This study aimed to calculate the proportion of misclassified MoT among HIV-positive MSM registered in Lviv oblast, Ukraine, during 2014-2018. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with 127 HIV-positive MSM patients from Lviv region for the period of 2014-2018. Results: Out of 127 HIV-positive MSM included in the study, 110 (86.6%) were from urban areas. In addition, 52 patients (40.9%) were diagnosed with stage 1 HIV, 16 (12.6%) – stage 2, 19 (15%) – stage 3, and 36 (28.3%) – stage 4. CD4 count < 200 cells/μL was found in 35 (27.6%) patients. Mean time from registration to antiretroviral therapy initiation was 80 days. During the first visit to medical doctor out of those 48 patients who had previously reported “other modes” of HIV transmission, 33 patients (68.7%) disclosed homosexual MoT of HIV. The remaining 15 (31.3%) patients disclosed their homosexual MoT of HIV later – during their regular follow-up visits to the doctor. Conclusion: Special measures are needed to improve the reporting of homosexual MoT which can potentially strengthen the HIV care among MSM.

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