scholarly journals HIV testing behaviour and associated factors in men who have sex with men by level of urbanisation: a cross-sectional study in the Netherlands

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e049175
Author(s):  
Jeanine Leenen ◽  
Juliën N A P Wijers ◽  
Chantal Den Daas ◽  
John de Wit ◽  
Christian J P A Hoebe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesRegular HIV testing in men who have sex with men (MSM) enables timely entry into care and reduces the likelihood of HIV transmission. We aimed to assess HIV-testing behaviour and associated factors in MSM by urbanisation of place of residence.DesignData were derived from online survey (‘Men & Sexuality’) in the Netherlands, which was mainly advertised on social media (Facebook and Instagram), dating websites, apps for MSM (Grindr and PlanetRomeo) and gay media.Primary and secondary outcome measuresHIV testing was defined as recent (<1 year), not recent (≥1 year) or never. Using multinominal regression analyses, factors associated with not recent testing and never testing, compared with recent testing, were assessed among MSM living in highly (>2500 residences/km2) or non-highly (≤2500 residences/km2) urbanised areas.ParticipantsThe study sample included 3815 MSM, currently living in the Netherlands. The mean age was 36 years (SD 14.7), and 67.6% were highly educated.ResultsIn highly urbanised areas, 11.8% was never and 19.8% was not recently HIV-tested. In non-highly urbanised areas, this was 25.2% and 19.6%. Among MSM living in highly urbanised areas, independently associated with never and not recent testing were younger age, self-identification as bisexual, fewer sex partners, never notified of HIV and no recent condomless anal intercourse. Among MSM living in non-highly urbanised areas, lower perceived HIV severity, higher perceived HIV risk and a lower proportion gay friends were associated with never and not recent testing. Among never tested MSM, those in non-highly urbanised areas preferred self-sampling/self-testing over facility-based testing; those in highly urbanised areas preferred testing at healthcare facilities.ConclusionsThe proportion of never tested MSM was high (25%) in non-highly urbanised areas in the Netherlands. MSM living in non-highly urbanised areas may possibly be reached with targeted approaches to increase HIV testing uptake such as self-testing/self-sampling strategies.

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 Uptake and willingness to use PrEP among Chinese men who have sex with men with experience of sexualized drug use

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zixin Wang ◽  
Phoenix K.H. Mo ◽  
Mary Ip ◽  
Yuan Fang ◽  
Joseph T.F. Lau
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Willingness To Use

Abstract Background Sexualized drug use (SDU, use of any psychoactive substance before/during sexual intercourse) is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study investigated uptake and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among MSM with experience of SDU. Methods A total of 580 Hong Kong Chinese speaking MSM self-reported to be HIV negative/unknown sero-status completed a cross-sectional anonymous telephone interview. Results Of the participants, 107 (18.4%) and 56 (9.7%) had experience of SDU and chemsex in their lifetime. The prevalence of PrEP use was 4.0% among all participants and 12.1% among those with experience of SDU. Among MSM with experience of SDU who were not on PrEP (n=94), 59.6% were willing to use daily oral PrEP in the next six months. After adjustment for significant background variables (age group, HIV testing in the past year, and anal intercourse with non-regular male sex partners), having ≥3 episodes of SDU per month (adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 3.87, 95%CI: 1.01, 15.28), presence of condomless anal intercourse during SDU (AOR: 2.96, 95%CI: 1.03, 9.55), positive attitudes toward PrEP (AOR: 2.01, 95%CI: 1.37, 2.95), perceived support from significant others to use PrEP (AOR: 11.63, 95%CI: 3.93, 34.37)), and perceived behavioral control of using PrEP (AOR: 20.82, 95%CI: 6.51, 66.64) were significantly associated with higher willingness to use PrEP. Conclusion MSM with experience of SDU are potential good candidates of PrEP implementation. Effective strategies to increase PrEP coverage are needed even if affordable PrEP became available, future health promotion may make use of HIV testing and counseling settings and modify perception related to PrEP.

scholarly journals Are there any differences between different testing sites? A cross-sectional study of a Norwegian low-threshold HIV testing service for men who have sex with men

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e017598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bera Ulstein Moseng ◽  
Vegar Bjørnshagen
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Unprotected Anal Intercourse ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Testing Service ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectiveTo describe a Norwegian low-threshold HIV testing service targeting men who have sex with men (MSM).Design and settingAfter the HIV testing consultation, all users of the HIV testing service were invited to answer the study questionnaire. The study setting included the sites where testing was performed, that is, the testing service’s office in Oslo, cruising areas, bars/clubs and in hotels in other Norwegian cities.ParticipantsMSM users of the testing service.Primary and secondary outcome measuresData were collected on demographics, HIV testing and sexual behaviour as well as the participant’s motivations for choosing to take an HIV test at this low-threshold HIV testing service. The data are stratified by testing site.Results1577 HIV testing consultations were performed, the study sample consisted of 732 MSM users. 11 tested positive for HIV. 21.7% had a non-western background, 27.1% reported having a non-gay sexual orientation. 21.9% had 10 or more male sexual partners during the last year, 27.9% reported also having had a female sexual partner. 56.4% reported having practised unprotected anal intercourse during the last 6 months. 20.1% had never tested for HIV before. Most of these user characteristics varied by testing sites.ConclusionsThe Norwegian low-threshold testing service recruits target groups that are otherwise hard to reach with HIV testing. This may indicate that the testing service contributes to increase HIV testing rates among MSM in Norway.

Correlates of recent HIV testing among substance-using men who have sex with men

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 594-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Rowe ◽  
Tim Matheson ◽  
Moupali Das ◽  
Erin DeMicco ◽  
Jeffrey H Herbst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men

Men who have sex with men are disproportionately impacted by HIV and substance use is a key driver of HIV risk and transmission among this population. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 3242 HIV-negative substance-using men who have sex with men aged 18 + in the San Francisco Bay Area from March 2009 to May 2012. Demographic characteristics and sexual risk and substance use behaviors in the last six months were collected using structured telephone questionnaires. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify independent demographic and behavioral predictors of recent HIV testing. In all, 65% reported having an HIV test in the last six months. In multivariable analysis, increasing age (aOR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.84–0.90) and drinking alcohol (<1 drink/day: 0.65, 0.46–0.92; 2–3 drinks/day: 0.64, 0.45–0.91; 4 + drinks/day: 0.52, 0.35–0.78) were negatively associated with recent HIV testing. Having two or more condomless anal intercourse partners (2.17, 1.69–2.79) was positively associated with having a recent HIV test, whereas condomless anal intercourse with serodiscordant partners was not significantly associated with testing. Older men who have sex with men and those who drink alcohol may benefit from specific targeting in efforts to expand HIV testing. Inherently riskier discordant serostatus of partners is not as significant a motivator of HIV testing as condomless anal intercourse in general.

scholarly journals Using individual stated-preferences to optimize HIV self-testing service delivery among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia: results from a conjoint-based analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Shrestha ◽  
Haridah Alias ◽  
Li P. Wong ◽  
Frederick L. Altice ◽  
Sin H. Lim
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Stated Preference ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Telephone Hotline ◽  
Testing Uptake ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) has the potential to improve HIV testing uptake and frequency for key populations like MSM who experience multiple barriers accessing clinic-based HIV testing. In the absence of HIVST in Malaysia, there is no guidance to inform HIVST delivery. This study investigated the acceptability of HIVST and preferences about the HIVST service delivery approaches using a standardized stated preference method. Methods A cross-sectional online survey conducted between January and April 2019 assessed the interest in HIVST in 544 MSM in Malaysia. Participants ranked eight hypothetical HIVST service delivery program elements with varied combinations of six, two-level HIVST service delivery program attributes (cost, privacy, accuracy, kit collection site, kit type, and testing support). SPSS conjoint procedure was used to estimate the relative importance of each attribute and preference across eight possible HIVST service delivery programs. Results Overall, 70.4% had previously tested for HIV, and of those, 64.0% had done so in the past 6 months (45.0% of all participants). Of all the participants, 25.2% reported having used HIVST previously. The acceptability for HIVST service delivery models ranged from 44.9 to 77.1%, with mean acceptability of 56.2% across the eight hypothetical HIVST distribution scenarios. The HIVST service delivery scenario with the highest acceptability had the following attributes: no cost (free), anonymity (name not required), 99–100% accuracy, home-delivered, fingerstick, and testing support using telephone hotline or texting. HIVST cost was the most important attribute (relative importance score: RIS = 19.30) associated with acceptability, followed by anonymity (RIS = 18.41), accuracy (RIS = 17.33), kit delivery (RIS = 16.99), fingerstick kit (RIS = 15.86), and support (RIS = 12.08). Conclusions Acceptability for HIVST in Malaysian MSM was high but differed markedly by a number of HIVST delivery scenarios and attributes. These findings could be relevant as the Malaysian Ministry of Health is in the process of developing a regulatory framework for ensuring the quality of kits, as well as policies supporting safe use while broader implementation under national AIDS programs.

App use frequency and condomless anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1146-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianqian Luo ◽  
Zunyou Wu ◽  
Zihuang Chen ◽  
Yue Ma ◽  
Guodong Mi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Adjusted Logistic Regression ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Beijing China

Gay dating applications (apps) are popular among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. This study examined the relationship between gay dating app use frequency and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in a sample of MSM in Beijing. In October 2017, a web-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among MSM from Beijing, China. Demographics, frequency of app use, and sexual behaviors were collected and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the association between app use frequency and CAI. Of the 9280 participants, the proportion of CAI within one month prior to the survey was 43.3%, and 43.7% logged onto the app ≥11 times per week. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, logging onto the app 6–10 times per week and ≥11 times per week were inversely associated with CAI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =0.88 [95%CI, 0.78–0.99]; AOR = 0.88 [95%CI, 0.82–0.97], respectively). Among those 40 years of age or older, logging onto the app ≥11 times per week was associated with lower rates of CAI (AOR = 0.57 [95%CI, 0.40–0.81]). Results indicate that frequent app use was associated with lower odds of CAI among MSM in Beijing, China. Innovative interventions, which take advantage of this popular media platform, should be developed as such apps have been found to reduce the odds of CAI in Beijing.

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