scholarly journals P4.23 Egocentric sexual network characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) recently diagnosed with syphilis and/or gonorrhoea/chlamydia (GC/CT) in lima, peru: network patterns as roadmaps for STI prevention interventions

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cherie S Blair ◽  
Eddy R Segura ◽  
Amaya Perez-Brumer ◽  
Jorge Sanchez ◽  
Javier R Lama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transgender Women ◽  
Sexual Network ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Network Patterns

scholarly journals Sexual network characteristics of men who have sex with men with syphilis and/or gonorrhoea/chlamydia in Lima, Peru: network patterns as roadmaps for STI prevention interventions

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 336-341
Author(s):  
Cherie Blair ◽  
Ryan Colby Passaro ◽  
Eddy R Segura ◽  
Jordan E Lake ◽  
Amaya G Perez-Brumer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Network Size ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Sexual Network ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Screening Process ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectiveWhile men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by Peru’s overlapping HIV and STI epidemics, there are few data on how partnership-level and network-level factors affect STI transmission in Peru. We explored partnership-level and network-level factors associated with gonorrhoea/chlamydia (Neisseria gonorrhoeae and/or Chlamydia trachomatis (NG/CT)) and/or syphilis infection among MSM in Peru.MethodsWe present the results of a cross-sectional secondary analysis of MSM (n=898) tested for syphilis and NG/CT infection as part of the screening process for two STI control trials in Lima, Peru. Participants completed questionnaires on demographics, sexual identity and role, characteristics of their three most recent sexual partners (partner sexual orientation, gender, role, partnership type, partner-specific sexual acts) and 30-day sexual network characteristics (number of sexual partners, partnership types, frequency of anal/vaginal intercourse). Participants were tested for syphilis and urethral, rectal and oropharyngeal NG/CT. Differences in network characteristics were analysed with χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests.ResultsApproximately 38.9% of participants had a new STI diagnosis (syphilis (rapid plasma reagin ≥16): 10.6%; NG/CT: 22.9%; syphilis-NG/CT coinfection: 5.4%). Condomless anal intercourse (CAI) was not significantly associated with an STI diagnosis. Gay-identified participants with exclusively homosexual networks had a higher prevalence of STIs (47.4%) than gay-identified MSM with only heterosexual/bisexual partners (34.6%, p=0.04), despite reporting fewer sexual partners (any partners: 2, 1–4 vs 3, 2–6; p=0.001; casual partners: 1, 0–3 vs 2, 1–4; p=0.001) and more stable partnerships (1, 0–1 vs 0, 0–1; p=0.003) in the last month.ConclusionsNetwork size and the number of casual sexual partners were associated with NG/CT infection among MSM in Peru. Despite reporting fewer sexual risk behaviours (smaller network size, more stable partnerships, less CAI), MSM with homosexual-only sexual networks had a higher prevalence of NG/CT and syphilis. These findings suggest network composition among MSM in Peru plays an important role in the risk for STI acquisition.

scholarly journals Low sexually transmissible infection knowledge, risk perception and concern about infection among men who have sex with men and transgender women at high risk of infection

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 580
Author(s):  
Iván C. Balán ◽  
Javier Lopez-Rios ◽  
Curtis Dolezal ◽  
Christine Tagliaferri Rael ◽  
Cody Lentz
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Amidst an increase in STI rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), there is little research on STI knowledge, risk perception and concern about infection in these populations. Methods: This mixed-methods study explored these constructs among 60 racially and ethnically diverse MSM and TGW who regularly engage in condomless anal intercourse with multiple partners. Results: Participants had a mean age of 40.63 years. Most (95%) identified as a man and as gay or homosexual (73%); 55% were college graduates. Almost half the respondents reported a prior STI. Participants correctly answered a mean of 55.36% and 76.90% STI and HIV knowledge items respectively. STI knowledge was positively correlated with education and prior HIV tests, and was higher among those with a prior STI. During in-depth interviews, some participants expressed concerns about limited knowledge of STIs and syphilis. Half reported low concern about syphilis infection, due to prior treatment that was perceived as relatively simple, lack of STI infection in the past, erroneous information about transmission routes or simply not thinking about it. Conclusions: Among this high-risk sample who perceived themselves to be at low risk of infection, knowledge was primarily gained through being diagnosed and treated for an STI rather than from acquiring knowledge to prevent STI infection. Participants expressed interest in increasing their STI knowledge and recognised the importance of regular STI testing. Dissemination of targeted information about STI prevention, routinising of STI testing and STI self-testing might contribute to decreasing STI infection rates among this population.

scholarly journals Assessment of Bias in Estimates of Sexual Network Degree using Prospective Cohort Data

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Uong ◽  
Eli S. Rosenberg ◽  
Steven M. Goodreau ◽  
Nicole Luisi ◽  
Patrick Sullivan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Sexual Network ◽  
Baseline Measure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sex With Men

ABSTRACTBackgroundSexual network degree, a count of ongoing partnerships, plays a critical role in the transmission dynamics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Researchers often quantify degree using self-reported cross-sectional data on the day of survey, which may result in bias because of uncertainty about future sexual activity.MethodsWe evaluated the bias of a cross-sectional degree measure with a prospective cohort study of men who have sex with men (MSM). At baseline, we asked men about whether recent sexual partnerships were ongoing. We confirmed the true, ongoing status of those partnerships at baseline at follow-up. With logistic regression, we estimated the partnership-level predictors of baseline measure accuracy. With Poisson regression, we estimated the longitudinally confirmed degree as a function of baseline predicted degree.ResultsAcross partnership types, the baseline ongoing status measure was 70% accurate, with higher negative predictive value (91%) than positive predictive value (39%). Partnership exclusivity and racial pairing were associated with higher accuracy. Baseline degree generally overestimated confirmed degree. Bias, or number of ongoing partners different than predicted at baseline, was -0.28 overall, ranging from -1.91 to -0.41 for MSM with any ongoing partnerships at baseline. Comparing MSM of the same baseline degree, the level of bias was stronger for black compared to white MSM, and for younger compared to older MSM.ConclusionsResearch studies may overestimate degree when it is quantified cross-sectionally. Adjustment and structured sensitivity analyses may account for bias in studies of HIV or STI prevention interventions.

scholarly journals Why we need pre-exposure prophylaxis: incident HIV and syphilis among men, and transgender women, who have sex with men, Bangkok, Thailand, 2005–2015

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 430-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
TH Holtz ◽  
W Wimonsate ◽  
PA Mock ◽  
S Pattanasin ◽  
W Chonwattana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Treponema Pallidum ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Hiv Incidence ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Voluntary Counseling And Testing ◽  
Sex With Men

We describe incident human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis trends in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) presenting for HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services and sexually transmitted infection (STI) management at the Silom Community Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand. Clients underwent rapid HIV testing and syphilis rapid plasma reagin (RPR) testing. For incidence analysis, we included clients with >1 follow-up visit. Initial negative HIV with subsequent positive HIV defined incident HIV infection; incident syphilis infection was defined as negative RPR followed by positive RPR (titer ≥1:8) and confirmatory anti- Treponema pallidum antibodies. Calculation of incidence using Poisson regression assumed a uniform probability distribution throughout the seroconversion interval. From 15 September 2005 to 31 December 2015, we tested 10,158 clients for HIV and 10,324 for syphilis. Overall, 7109 clients tested HIV-seronegative and contributed 7157 person-years (PY). Three-hundred forty-seven incident HIV infections resulted in an incidence rate of 4.8 per 100 PY (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4–5.4). We found an inverted U-shape trend of HIV incidence over time with a peak of 6.4 per 100 PY in quarter 2/2011 ( p < 0.01) (Poisson with RCS function, p = 0.001). Overall, 8713 clients tested seronegative for syphilis and contributed 8623 PY. The incidence of syphilis infection was 4.4 per 100 PY (95% CI 3.9–4.8). Despite an apparent decline in HIV incidence among MSM and TGW attending VCT services, syphilis incidence rose and remained high. Evaluating temporal trends of HIV and syphilis incidence provides an opportunity to evaluate epidemic trajectories and target limited program funding. We recommend focused HIV and STI prevention interventions for MSM in Bangkok.

Strategies for Improving Mobile Technology–Based HIV Prevention Interventions With Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men and Latina Transgender Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 407-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah MacCarthy ◽  
Joanna L. Barreras ◽  
Alexandra Mendoza-Graf ◽  
Frank Galvan ◽  
Sebastian Linnemayr
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Latino Men ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Sex With Men

Mobile technology–based interventions show promise for conveying HIV prevention information to Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM) and Latina transgender women (LTGW); however, implementing such interventions can pose serious challenges. To understand how to adapt existing interventions for these populations, we conducted nine focus groups (N = 91 participants, 52 LMSM, 39 LTGW) in Los Angeles, California. We used a rapid assessment process to create narrative reports that we examined using thematic analysis to explore differences across sites and between LMSM and LTGW. Lessons learned: requiring smartphone use could diminish participation of poor participants; sending personalized messages on the same days and times can help participants anticipate receiving study information; working with community partners is essential for building trust; recognizing different language literacies and diverse countries of origin can improve the cultural competency of intervention materials. Addressing these challenges may enhance efforts to address the HIV prevention needs of these communities.

scholarly journals Exploring barriers and facilitators to PrEP use among transgender women in two urban areas: implications for messaging and communication

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Bauerle Bass ◽  
Patrick J. Kelly ◽  
Jesse Brajuha ◽  
Luis Gutierrez-Mock ◽  
Kimberly Koester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Gender Affirmation ◽  
Trans Women ◽  
Hormone Use ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Trans women are at increased risk for HIV infection yet are less likely to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication as a preventive measure. PrEP messaging and marketing has focused on men who have sex with men (MSM) or included trans women as a subset of MSM, ignoring the potential barriers to PrEP use unique to trans women. Little is known about how this group conceptualizes PrEP, what knowledge gaps still exist, and how trans women believe PrEP should be communicated to increase use. Methods This qualitative study conducted focus groups (n = 5) in Philadelphia and Sacramento with trans women to assess these issues. Results Twelve sub-themes were found related to five main domains, including PrEP knowledge, benefits, barriers, community-related considerations, and messaging/marketing. Findings indicate that knowledge of PrEP is still low and beliefs about PrEP’s effects on hormone use persist. Most importantly, participants voiced a demand for culturally appropriate trans-specific messages in HIV prevention interventions and communication. Conclusions Without acknowledging specific barriers to PrEP uptake among transgender women separate from those of MSM and incorporating gender affirmation into PrEP education, simply knowing PrEP is available may not motivate trans women to use PrEP. This has important implications for future efforts to communicate about PrEP with trans women.

scholarly journals Sexual health norms and communication patterns within the close social networks of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru: a 2017 cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amrita Ayer ◽  
Eddy R. Segura ◽  
Amaya Perez-Brumer ◽  
Susan Chavez-Gomez ◽  
Rosario Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Trans Women ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background Social networks, norms, and discussions about sexual health may inform sexual practices, influencing risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. To better understand social networks of Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (trans women), we examined key social network members (SNMs), participant perceptions of these network members’ opinions toward sexual health behaviors, and associations between network member characteristics and condomless anal intercourse (CAI). Methods In a 2017 cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 565 MSM and trans women with HIV-negative or unknown serostatus was asked to identify three close SNMs; describe discussions about HIV and STI prevention with each; and report perceived opinions of condom use, HIV/STI testing, and partner notification of STIs. Generalized estimating equations evaluated relationships between SNM characteristics, opinions, and discussions and participant-reported CAI. Results Among participants who identified as MSM, 42.3% of key SNMs were perceived to identify as gay. MSM “never” discussed HIV and STI prevention concerns with 42.4% of heterosexual SNMs, but discussed them “at least once weekly” with 16.9 and 16.6% of gay- and bisexual- identifying SNMs, respectively. Among participants who identified as trans women, 28.2% of key SNMs were perceived as heterosexual; 25.9%, as bisexual; 24.7%, as transgender; and 21.2%, as gay. Trans women discussed HIV/STI prevention least with cis-gender heterosexual network members (40.2% “never”) and most with transgender network members (27.1% “at least once weekly”). Participants perceived most of their close social network to be completely in favor of condom use (71.2% MSM SNMs, 61.5% trans women SNMs) and HIV/STI testing (73.1% MSM SNMs, 75.6% trans women SNMs), but described less support for partner STI notification (33.4% MSM SNMs, 37.4% trans women SNMs). Most participants reported CAI with at least one of their past three sexual partners (77.5% MSM, 62.8% trans women). SNM characteristics were not significantly associated with participant-reported frequency of CAI. Conclusions Findings compare social support, perceived social norms, and discussion patterns of Peruvian MSM and trans women, offering insight into social contexts and sexual behaviors. Trial registration The parent study from which this analysis was derived was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03010020) on January 4, 2017.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document