scholarly journals HBV and HCV test uptake and correlates among men who have sex with men in China: a nationwide cross-sectional online survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (7) ◽  
pp. 502-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Fitzpatrick ◽  
Stephen W Pan ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Wilson Guo ◽  
Joseph D Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hbv Vaccination ◽  
Young Msm ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hcv Testing

ObjectivesHepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) cause substantial morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries, including China. WHO guidelines recommend men who have sex with men (MSM) receive HBV and HCV screening. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of MSM in China who have HBV and HCV tested and identify correlates of test uptake.MethodsWe conducted an online cross-sectional survey of young MSM in China. Respondents were asked to report previous HBV and HCV testing, sociodemographic information, sexual risk factors for hepatitis infection, other STI testing and primary care physician (PCP) status. Associations were analysed by logistic regression.Results503 eligible MSM completed the survey. 41.0% (206/503) of MSM had HCV tested, and 38.2% (60/157) of MSM with no or uncertain HBV vaccination had HBV tested. In multivariate analysis, HCV testing was correlated with HBV testing (adjusted OR (aOR) 22.98, 95% CI 12.11 to 43.60), HIV testing (aOR 3.64, 95% CI 1.92 to 6.91), HIV-positive status (aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.98) and having a PCP (aOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.98). Among MSM with no or uncertain HBV vaccination, HBV testing was correlated with HCV testing (aOR 80.85, 95% CI 20.80 to 314.33), HIV testing (aOR 5.26, 95% CI 1.81 to 15.28), HIV-positive status (aOR 3.00, 95% CI 1.22 to 7.37) and having a PCP (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.00 to 7.26).ConclusionsOur data suggest many young MSM in China have not received hepatitis testing. HCV testing rates were lower than those recently reported among MSM in Australia and the USA. The strong correlation between HBV and HCV testing suggests bundled testing interventions may be useful for MSM in China. Men with a PCP were more likely to have received hepatitis testing, consistent with literature demonstrating the importance of primary care in expanding access to testing.

scholarly journals Incentives and barriers to HIV testing in men who have sex with men in a metropolitan area in Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valéria Freire Gonçalves ◽  
Ligia Regina Franco Sansigolo Kerr ◽  
Rosa Salani Mota ◽  
Raimunda Hermelinda Maia Macena ◽  
Rosa Lívia de Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Respondent Driven Sampling ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract: This study aimed to identify incentives and barriers to HIV testing in men who have sex with men (MSM). This was a cross-sectional study of MSM who had lived at least three months in greater metropolitan Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil, 2010. The study recruited 391 men ≥ 18 years of age who reported sexual relations with men in the previous six months, using Respondent Driven Sampling. Personal network and socio-demographic data were collected and HIV testing was offered, analyzed with RDSAT 6.0 and Stata 11.0. The majority were young (40.3%), had 5 to 11 years of schooling (57.3%), were single (85.1%), had low income (37.6%), and 58.1% had tested for HIV some time in life. Incentive to test: certainty of not being infected (34.1%) and the exposure to national campaign Fique Sabendo [Know your Status] (34%). Barriers: trust in partner(s) (21%) and fear of discrimination if tested positive (20.3%). Policies should be developed to ensure test confidentiality and communication campaigns focusing on information gaps and encouragement for testing.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV testing utilization among men who have sex with men in China: a cross-sectional online survey (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ke Chun Zhang ◽  
Yuan Fang ◽  
He Cao ◽  
Hongbiao Chen ◽  
Tian Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Testing Service ◽  
Initial Control ◽  
Testing Uptake ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic creates disruptions on HIV prevention and sexual health services for men who have sex with men (MSM). OBJECTIVE This study compared HIV testing utilization in three different reference periods (i.e., before COVID-19 outbreak, after the outbreak, and after the pandemic was under initial control). Factors associated with HIV testing utilization after COVID-19 outbreak were also investigated. METHODS Participants were Chinese-speaking MSM aged ≥18 years living in Shenzhen, China. Those self-reported as HIV positive were excluded. A total of 595 participants recruited through multiple sources completed a self-administered online survey during August to September 2020. HIV testing uptake between February and July 2020 was the dependent variable, and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted. RESULTS About half of the participants reported any HIV testing uptake between February and July 2020 (n=331, 55.6%). As compared to the time before COVID-19 outbreak (November 2019 to January 2020), HIV testing uptake was significantly lower during February and April 2020 (44.0% versus 61.0%, p<.001). However, HIV testing uptake did not increase significantly after the pandemic was under initial control (May to July 2020) (46.6% versus 44.0%, p=.21). After adjusting for significant background characteristics, factors associated with higher HIV testing uptake between February and July 2020 included: 1) HIV testing uptake prior to COVID-19 outbreak (AOR: 10.75, 95%CI: 7.22, 16.02, p<.001), 2) use of sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing (AOR: 7.02, 95%CI: 4.10, 12.02, p<.001), other HIV/STI prevention (AOR: 3.15, 95%CI: 2.16, 4.60, p<.001) and PrEP (AOR: 3.58, 95%CI: 1.54, 8.34, p=.002) between February and July 2020, 3) CAI with RP (AOR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1.34, 3.13, p=.001) and NRP (AOR: 2.49, 95%CI: 1.39, 4.47, p=.002), and SDU (AOR: 2.72, 95%CI: 1.50, 4.94, p=.001) between February and July 2020, 4) perceived risk of HIV infection at present was higher than the time before COVID-19 outbreak (AOR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.30, p=.03), 5) perceived COVID-19 preventive measures taken up by HIV testing service providers to be effective (AOR: 1.52, 95%CI: 1.29, 1.78, p<.001), and 6) perceived higher behavioral control to take up HIV testing after COVID-19 outbreak (AOR: 1.18, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.40, p=.048). Concerns about COVID-19 infection during HIV testing (AOR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.68, 0.89, p<.001), avoiding crowed places (AOR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.48, 0.98, p=0.04) and HIV testing service providers reduced their working hours (AOR: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.48, 0.98, p=0.046) were negatively associated with the dependent variable. CONCLUSIONS HIV testing utilization among Chinese MSM declined after COVID-19 outbreak and did not increase after the pandemic received initial control. Removing structural barriers to access HIV testing caused by COVID-19, modifying perceptions related to HIV testing, and making use of HIV self-testing might be useful strategies to improve HIV testing among MSM during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Sex-on-Premise Venues, Associated Risk Behaviors, and Attitudes toward Venue-Based HIV Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Lima, Perú

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Lankowski ◽  
Hugo Sánchez ◽  
José Hidalgo ◽  
Robinson Cabello ◽  
Ann Duerr
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviors ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background. In Perú, HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite widespread access to treatment, the high rate of new HIV infections has remained unchanged over the last decade. Low knowledge of HIV status associated with late diagnosis is a key factor underlying the high HIV incidence observed in this setting, creating conditions for efficient onward transmission. Improving access to HIV testing and prevention services for those at highest risk is an important public health priority. Sex-on-premise venues (SOPVs) – saunas, sex clubs, pornographic movie theaters, hourly hotels, and bars/discos with areas where sex is permitted – may be opportune sites for outreach; however, further research on SOPVs and the populations who frequent them is needed to inform such efforts. Methods . We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of adult MSM in Lima, Perú to evaluate patterns of SOPV attendance, associated sexual risk behaviors, and attitudes toward SOPV-based interventions. Participants were recruited through outreach to social media networks affiliated with local LGBTQ-aligned community groups. Our primary analytic objective was to estimate the association of HIV-related sexual risk behaviors and SOPV attendance. Additionally, we performed exploratory analyses to describe risk behavior stratified by SOPV category and to examine the relationship between SOPV attendance and the use of online platforms to meet sex partners. Results. Overall, 389 MSM completed the survey from November 2018 through May 2019, of whom 68% reported attending an SOPV in the last three months. SOPV attendance was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviors, including transactional sex, group sex, substance use around the time of sex, and higher number of partners. Over two thirds of SOPV attendees indicated they would accept HIV testing if offered at SOPVs. Conclusions. SOPV attendance was common among MSM in Lima who participated in our survey, and SOPV attendees reported significantly greater engagement in sexual risk behaviors related to HIV transmission. Attitudes toward hypothetical SOPV-based interventions were generally favorable. These findings suggest that outreach at SOPVs may be an effective mechanism for reaching a particularly high-risk sub-population of MSM in Perú to deliver targeted HIV testing and prevention interventions.

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.

scholarly journals Comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS testing and linkage to treatment among men who have sex with men in Curitiba, Brazil

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0249877
Author(s):  
Marly Marques da Cruz ◽  
Vanda Lúcia Cota ◽  
Nena Lentini ◽  
Trista Bingham ◽  
Gregory Parent ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
Hiv Rapid Testing ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Aids

Introduction The Curitiba (Brazil)-based Project, A Hora é Agora (AHA), evaluated a comprehensive HIV control strategy among men who have sex with men (MSM) aimed at expanding access to HIV rapid testing and linking HIV-positive MSM to health services and treatment. AHA’s approach included rapid HIV Testing Services (HTC) in one mobile testing unit (MTU); a local, gay-led, non-governmental organization (NGO); an existing government-run health facility (COA); and Internet-based HIV self-testing. The objectives of the paper were to compare a) number of MSM tested in each strategy, its positivity and linkage; b) social, demographic and behavioral characteristics of MSM accessing the different HTC and linkage services; and c) the costs of the individual strategies to diagnose and link MSM to services. Methods We used data for 2,681 MSM tested at COA, MTU and NGO from March 2015 to March 2017. This is a cross sectional comparison of the demographics and behavioral factors (age group, race/ethnicity, education, sexually transmitted diseases, knowledge of AHA services and previous HIV test). Absolute frequencies, percentage distributions and confidence intervals for the percentages were used, as well as unilateral statistical tests. Results and discussion AHA performed 2,681 HIV tests among MSM across three in-person strategies: MTU, NGO, and COA; and distributed 4,752 HIV oral fluid tests through the self-testing platform. MTU, NGO and COA reported 365 (13.6%) HIV positive diagnoses among MSM, including 28 users with previous HIV diagnosis or on antiretroviral treatment for HIV. Of these, 89% of MSM were eligible for linkage-to-care services. Linkage support was accepted by 86% of positive MSM, of which 66.7% were linked to services in less than 90 days. The MTU resulted in the lowest cost per MSM tested ($137 per test), followed by self-testing ($247). Conclusions AHA offered MSM access to HTC through innovative strategies operating in alternative sites and schedules. It presented the Curitiba HIV/AIDS community the opportunity to monitor HIV-positive MSM from diagnosis to treatment uptake. Self-testing emerged as a feasible strategy to increase MSM access to HIV-testing through virtual tools and anonymous test kit delivery and pick-up. Cost per test findings in both the MTU and self-testing support expansion to other regions with similar epidemiological contexts.

Prior HIV testing behaviour is associated with HIV testing results among men, trans women and trans men who have sex with men in the United States

2020 ◽  
pp. jech-2019-213493
Author(s):  
Christian Grov ◽  
Drew Westmoreland ◽  
Sarit A Golub ◽  
Denis Nash
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Methamphetamine Use ◽  
Trans Men ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Positive Results ◽  
Hiv Negative

BackgroundAmong those at high risk for HIV, it is important to examine the ways in which someone who has recently tested for HIV might differ from someone who has not.MethodsIn 2017–2018, a total of 5001 men, trans women and trans men who have sex with men from across the United States completed an online survey about their recent testing behaviour as well as self-collected oral samples for HIV testing.ResultsIn total, 3.8% tested HIV-positive and—among those with positive results—35% were recent HIV infections (ie, self-reported an HIV-negative test result within the 12 months prior to enrollment). Those with HIV-positive results—regardless of how recent their HIV test was prior to enrollment—differed from those with negative results in ways that are known to be associated with HIV risk: racial and income disparities, housing instability, recent transactional sex and recent methamphetamine use. Among those with HIV-positive results at enrollment, only having a primary care physician distinguished those who recently tested negative prior to enrollment versus not. Among those with HIV-negative results, there were numerous differences between those who had recently tested for HIV prior to enrollment, versus not, such that those who had not recently tested were significantly more likely to report being at higher risk for HIV.ConclusionStrategies aimed at improving more frequent HIV testing among HIV-negative persons at high risk for HIV should address other needs including stable housing, transactional sex, access to a primary care provider and methamphetamine use.

scholarly journals Sex-on-Premise Venues, Associated Risk Behaviors, and Attitudes toward Venue-Based HIV Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Lima, Perú

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Lankowski ◽  
Hugo Sánchez ◽  
José Hidalgo ◽  
Robinson Cabello ◽  
Ann Duerr
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviors ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background: In Perú, HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite widespread access to treatment, the rate of new HIV infections has not slowed over the last decade. Low knowledge of HIV status is a key factor underlying the high HIV incidence observed in this setting – creating conditions for efficient onward transmission in the population. Improving access to HIV testing and prevention services for those at highest risk is an important public health priority. Sex-on-premise venues (SOPVs) – saunas, sex clubs, pornographic movie theaters, hourly hotels, and bars/discos with areas where sex is permitted – may be opportune sites for outreach; however, further research on SOPVs and the populations who frequent them is needed to inform such efforts. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of adult MSM in Lima, Perú to evaluate patterns of SOPV attendance, associated sexual risk behaviors, and attitudes toward SOPV-based interventions. Participants were recruited through outreach to social media networks affiliated with local LGBTQ-aligned community groups. Our primary analytic objective was to estimate the association of HIV-related sexual risk behaviors and SOPV attendance. Additionally, we performed exploratory analyses to describe risk behavior stratified by SOPV category and to examine the relationship between SOPV attendance and the use of online platforms to meet sex partners.Results: Overall, 389 MSM completed the survey from November 2018 through May 2019, of whom 68% reported attending an SOPV in the last three months. SOPV attendance was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviors, including transactional sex, group sex, sex while intoxicated, and higher number of total partners. Over two thirds of SOPV attendees indicated they would accept HIV testing if offered at SOPVs. Conclusions: SOPV attendance was common among MSM in Lima who participated in our survey, and SOPV attendees reported significantly greater engagement in sexual risk behaviors related to HIV transmission. Attitudes toward hypothetical SOPV-based interventions were generally favorable. These findings suggest that outreach at SOPVs may be an effective mechanism for reaching a particularly high-risk sub-population of MSM in Perú to deliver targeted HIV testing and prevention interventions.

scholarly journals Factors associated with testing for HIV and hepatitis C among behaviorally vulnerable men in Germany: a cross-sectional analysis upon enrollment into an observational cohort

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor A. Crowell ◽  
Haoyu Qian ◽  
Carsten Tiemann ◽  
Clara Lehmann ◽  
Christoph Boesecke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Lifetime History ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Robust Poisson Regression ◽  
Hcv Testing

Abstract Background HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) have shared routes of transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). Routine testing facilitates early diagnosis and treatment, thereby preventing morbidity and onward transmission. We evaluated factors associated with HIV and HCV testing in a behaviorally vulnerable cohort of predominantly MSM. Methods From June 2018 through June 2019, the BRAHMS study enrolled adults at ten German outpatient clinics that serve gender and sexual minority populations. Participants completed behavioral questionnaires that captured prior experience with HIV and HCV testing. Multivariable robust Poisson regression was used to evaluate factors potentially associated with testing in the previous 6 months. Results Among 1017 participants with median age 33 (interquartile range 28–39) years, 1001 (98.4%) reported any lifetime history of HIV testing and 787 (77.4%) reported any HCV testing, including 16 (1.6%) known to be living with HCV. Testing within the last 6 months was reported by 921 (90.6%) and 513 (50.4%) for HIV and HCV, respectively. Recent HIV testing was more common among participants with higher education level and recent HCV testing. Recent HCV testing was more common among participants with non-cisgender identity, lifetime history of illicit drug use, hepatitis B immunity or infection, and recent HIV testing. Conclusion Prior testing for HIV was common in this cohort, but interventions are needed to improve HCV risk stratification and access to testing. HIV testing infrastructure can be successfully leveraged to support HCV testing, but differentiated preventive care delivery is needed for some vulnerable populations.

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document