scholarly journals HIV self-tests for men who have sex with men, accessed via a digital vending machine: a qualitative study of acceptability

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 420-425
Author(s):  
S Raffe ◽  
A Pollard ◽  
JH Vera ◽  
S Soni ◽  
C Peralta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Inappropriate Use ◽  
Vending Machines ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Poor Understanding ◽  
Undiagnosed Hiv ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Uk

As the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV infection in the UK declines, innovative ways to access those least engaged with services are needed. This study explores the attitudes of men who have sex with men (MSM) towards using HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits distributed via a vending machine in a sauna (a licenced sex-on-premise venue). Twenty-three MSM attending the sauna were recruited to take part in semi-structured qualitative interviews. The participants were overwhelmingly positive about the HIVST vending machine. They identified convenience and flexibility as major benefits to testing in this way. The sauna was felt to be an appropriate location for the intervention. Limitations identified included the potential to reduce screening for other sexually transmitted infections and the inappropriate use of HIVST kits as a tool for risk-assessment prior to condomless sex, with a poor understanding of the window period. The implications of receiving a positive result without immediate access to support were also a concern. HIVST vending machines are an acceptable, innovative way to encourage HIV testing. Providers need to ensure this intervention is supported by adequate information regarding the limitations of the test and how to access comprehensive services to avoid any unintended negative effects.

Tropical genital and sexually acquired infections

2019 ◽  
pp. 245-254
Keyword(s):  
Western Europe ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Oral Antibiotic ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Granuloma Inguinale ◽  
The World ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Uk

Chancroid, Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and donovanosis (or Granuloma inguinale) are sexually transmitted infections caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, Chlamydia trachomatis L1, L2, or L3 serotypes, and Klebsiella granulomatis, respectively. They are mostly prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, although LGV has become prevalent in men who have sex with men in the UK, and the rest of western Europe and northern America following epidemics that occurred in or after 2003. Nucleic acid amplification techniques have made the diagnosis more accurate and several oral antibiotic regimens are effective. This chapter also lists some other usually non-sexually transmitted parasitic infections that may affect the genitalia.

scholarly journals Vending machines in commercial sex venues to increase HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men

mHealth ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 51-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chrysovalantis Stafylis ◽  
Lauren J. Natoli ◽  
Jamie A. Murkey ◽  
Kristie K. Gordon ◽  
Sean D. Young ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Commercial Sex ◽  
Vending Machines ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Sex With Men

Experience in the UK

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 7-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Fisher ◽  
V Delpech
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Black African ◽  
Opt Out ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Undiagnosed Hiv ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Prompt Diagnosis

The number of new diagnoses of HIV in the UK is increasing, with most new diagnoses reported in men who have sex with men (MSM) and black African heterosexuals the later of whom usually acquire their infection abroad. Around 31 % of people infected with HIV in the UK are unaware of their diagnosis, and one in three are diagnosed for the first time with a CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 or with AIDS. Late diagnosis is the most important factor that explains most HIV-related causes of death in the UK. Strategies to increase HIV-testing include universal approaches in antenatal and STD clinics (known as genitourinary [GU] medicine clinics), but other opportunities for prompt diagnosis are often missed during secondary and primary consultations - even when patients present with HIV-related illnesses. Furthermore, a significant proportion of people with undiagnosed HIV who attend GU medicine clinics leave without being offered an HIV test or a diagnosis of HIV. Universal offer (opt-out testing) policies seem to work well - such as in the successful antenatal testing programme - but local strategies to increase HIV-testing and prompt diagnosis, such as training courses and rapid HIV-testing initiatives have met with varied success. New national guidelines for the UK have been published and, if successfully implemented, should help to address some of these issues.

Unlinked anonymous HIV prevalence among New Zealand sexual health clinic attenders: 2005–2006

2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 752-757 ◽  
Author(s):  
S M McAllister ◽  
N P Dickson ◽  
K Sharples ◽  
M R Reid ◽  
J M Morgan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Undiagnosed Hiv ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

This unlinked anonymous study aimed at determining the prevalence of HIV among sexual health clinic attenders having blood samples taken for syphilis and/or hepatitis B serology in six major New Zealand cities over a 12-month period in 2005–2006. Overall, seroprevalence was five per 1000 (47/9439). Among men who have sex with men (MSM), the overall prevalence and that of previously undiagnosed HIV were 44.1 and 20.1 per 1000, respectively. In heterosexual men, the overall prevalence was 1.2 per 1000 and in women 1.4 per 1000. HIV remains to be concentrated among homosexual and bisexual men. Comparison with a previous survey in 1996–1997 suggests an increase in the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV among MSM and also an increase in the number of MSM attending sexual health clinics. The low prevalence of HIV among heterosexuals suggests no extensive spread into the groups identified at risk of other sexually transmitted infections.

scholarly journals Community-Based Surveys for Determining the Prevalence of HIV, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhoea in Men Having Sex with Men in Hong Kong

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. T. H. Wong ◽  
K. H. Wong ◽  
S. S. Lee ◽  
R. W. M. Leung ◽  
K. C. K. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Urine Specimen ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Undiagnosed Hiv ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Group Sex

Background. Community sampling of men having sex with men (MSM) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections prevalence studies poses challenges in view of problems in logistics and the hidden nature of MSM population. Methods. MSM in Hong Kong were recruited through social venues and the Internet. All participants were invited to complete a behavioural questionnaire and submit a urine specimen for HIV, Chlamydia, and gonorrhoea testing. Results. Totally, 994 MSM were recruited. No differences between venue and online-recruited respondents were identified regarding their demographics and infection status. The prevalence of HIV, Chlamydia, and gonorrhoea was 3.6% (95% CI: 2.6–5.0%), 4.7% (95% CI: 3.6–6.2%), and 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1–0.7%), respectively. Of all HIV cases, only 8.3% were aware of the infection; reflecting newly infected MSM were probably overrepresented. Some 58.3% had had HIV test within the past year, and 11.1% had CT/NG coinfection. HIV infection was associated with group sex [aOR: 2.67 (1.03–6.92)], receiving money for anal sex [aOR: 4.63 (1.12–19.18)], and unprotected anal sex with nonregular partners [aOR: 3.047 (1.16–8.01)]. Conclusion. Difference between venue- and online-recruited MSM was observed. A combination of sampling methods is complementary for epidemiology purpose. Overall, risk behaviours practised by undiagnosed HIV-positive MSM remains a cause for concern.

scholarly journals Neurosyphilis in patients with HIV

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Hobbs ◽  
Jaime H Vera ◽  
Michael Marks ◽  
Andrew William Barritt ◽  
Basil H Ridha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Paresis ◽  
Antibiotic Regimen ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Hiv Coinfection ◽  
Tabes Dorsalis ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Living With Hiv

Syphilis is a resurgent sexually transmitted infection in the UK that is disproportionately diagnosed in patients living with HIV, particularly in men who have sex with men. Syphilis appears to present differently in patients with HIV, particularly in those with severe immunosuppression. Progression to neurosyphilis is more common in HIV coinfection and can be asymptomatic, often for several years. The presentations of neurosyphilis vary but can include meningitis, meningovascular disease, general paresis and tabes dorsalis. There is debate about the circumstances in which to perform a lumbar puncture, and the current gold standard diagnostics have inadequate sensitivity. We recommend a pragmatic approach to lumbar punctures, interpreting investigations and deciding when to consider treatment with a neuropenetrative antibiotic regimen.

scholarly journals Online tests for sexually transmitted infections – Friend or Foe? An analysis of providers in the United Kingdom.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Clarke ◽  
Paddy Horner ◽  
Peter Muir ◽  
Katy M.E. Turner ◽  
Emma Harding-Esch
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Regulatory Change ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Online Tests

Objectives: Online testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may contribute to overcoming barriers to traditional testing such as stigma and inconvenience. However, regulation of these tests is lacking, and the quality of services is variable, with potential short- and long-term personal, clinical and public health implications. This study aimed to evaluate online tests available in the UK against national standards. Methods: Providers of online STI tests (self-sampling and self-testing) in the UK were identified by an internet search of Google and Amazon (June 2020). Website information on tests and care was collected, and further information requested from providers via an online survey, sent twice (July 2020, April 2021). The information obtained was compared to British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines for diagnostics and standards of STI management. Results: 31 providers were identified: 13 self-test, 18-self-sample, and two laboratories that serviced multiple providers. Seven responded to the online survey. Many conflicts with national guidelines were identified, including: lack of health promotion information, lack of sexual history taking, use of tests licensed for professional use only marketed for self-testing, inappropriate infections tested for, incorrect specimen type used, and lack of advice for post-diagnosis management. Conclusions: Very few online providers met the BASHH national STI management guidelines standards that were assessed, and there is concern that this will also be the case in areas that were not covered by this study. For-profit providers were the least compliant, with concerning implications for patient care and public health. Regulatory change is urgently needed to ensure that online providers are compliant with national guidelines to ensure high-quality patient care, and providers are held to account if non-compliant.

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