Time trends in the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Chiang Mai, Thailand: an observational study

A cross-sectional study on men who have sex with men (MSM) for the HIV prevention project was conducted to assess the prevalence of HIV infection–related behaviors among 551 MSM recruited in 2008–2009 and 1910 MSM in 2014–2018 for voluntary counseling and testing at a HIV clinic in Chiang Mai. Overall, the study found that the prevalence of HIV infection was significantly decreased from 12.9% (71/551) in the earlier study (2008–2009) to 8.2% (157/1910) in the recent study (2014–2018) ( p = 0.001). By comparison, in 2008–2009 and 2014–2018, there was no statistically significant difference in consistent condom use (39.0% [186/477] vs. 38.9% [591/1512], p = 0.969), while unprotected anal sex with casual partners significantly increased (44.5% [159/357] vs. 51.9% [645/1242], p = 0.014) and receptive anal sex significantly increased (37.7% [180/477] vs. 45.1% [860/1905], p = 0.004). However, previous HIV testing within 1 year increased significantly from 64.6% (197/305) to 74.7% (677/906, p = 0.001). In exploratory multivariate analysis, the factors associated with HIV infection included gay men, age below 20 years, being self-employed, being an employee, having only receptive anal sex, having both receptive/insertive anal sex, being a former substance user, using online dating, having a history of sexually transmitted infection symptoms, self-perception as being at high risk for HIV, last HIV testing >1 year, and never previously testing for HIV. The data represent the trend of health-seeking behavior improvements. The findings demonstrated the need for a novel sexual health service in an endemic setting and health promotion for online partner-seeking.

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Risk factors for HIV infection among men who have sex with men in the ANRS IPERGAY PrEP trial

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

10.1136/sextrans-2021-055199 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. sextrans-2021-055199

Author(s):

Julien Gras ◽

Marine Pillet ◽

Guillemette Antoni ◽

Eric Cua ◽

Isabelle Charreau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Sexual Practices ◽

Recreational Drugs ◽

Anal Sex ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Receptive Anal Sex ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Hiv Acquisition

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess among men who have sex with men (MSM) risk factors for HIV infection, to identify those who require urgent pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescription.MethodsAll participants enrolled in the placebo arm of the ANRS IPERGAY trial, or infected between screening and day 0, were included. Baseline characteristics were described and HIV incidence rate ratios (RRs) were estimated with their 95% CIs.Results203 MSM were included with a median follow-up of 9 months. During the study period, 16 participants acquired HIV infection while not receiving tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabin (TDF/FTC) over 212.4 person-years (PYs) of follow-up (incidence rate 7.5/100 PYs, 95% CI: 4.3 to 12.2). Being enrolled in Paris was associated with a significant increased risk of HIV infection (RR: 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1 to 28.3). A high number of sexual partners in prior 2 months (≥10 vs <5) and of condomless receptive anal sex episodes in prior 12 months (>5 vs <5) were strong predictors for HIV acquisition (RR: 10.6 (2 to 260.2) and 3.3 (1.2 to 10.2), respectively). Those who reported more often or only receptive sexual practices were also at increased risk (RR: 9.8 (2.0 to 246.6)). The use of recreational drugs in prior 12 months, especially gamma hydroxybutarate/gamma butyrolactone (RR: 5.9; 95% CI: 2 to 21.7), was associated with a significantly increased risk of HIV acquisition even after adjustment for sexual practices.ConclusionsMSM who have frequent condomless receptive anal sex and multiple partners, or use recreational drugs should be targeted in priority for PrEP prescription especially if they live in an area with a high prevalence of HIV infection.

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HIV prevalence and risk behaviours among men who have sex with men using geosocial networking smartphone applications: a cross-sectional study in Beijing, China (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.30809 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xianlong Ren ◽

Binbin Zhang ◽

Fei Yu ◽

Jason Ong ◽

Chenglin Hong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Risky Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hiv Prevalence ◽

Consistent Condom ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Anal Sex ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Geosocial Networking ◽

Sex With Men

BACKGROUND Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) apps has substantially changed the behaviors and HIV risk among men who have sex with men (MSM). OBJECTIVE We aim to examine the HIV prevalence and risky behaviors among GSN app-using MSM. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among MSM users of Blued (a GSN app) from July 2017 to December 2018. Sociodemographic and behavioural data in the preceding six months were collected through an app-assistant questionnaire, and blood samples were also obtained to test for HIV. HIV prevalence was calculated, and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to explore the correlates of HIV infection RESULTS A total of 7252 app-using MSM in Beijing were included. The HIV prevalence was 4.7% (95%CI 4.2%-5.2%). In the last six months, nearly half (49.0%) had multiple sexual partners, 3.3% reported having HIV-positive partners, 50.9% were not sure about their current partners’ HIV status. The majority (62.3%) of participants reported consistent condom use, 6.1% had engaged in group sex, and 19.1% had used recreational drug in the past six months. Having college or undergraduate (AOR=0.35, 95%CI 0.16-0.75), or postgraduate (AOR=0.22, 95%CI 0.06-0.78) education, being exclusively insertive in anal intercourse (AOR=0.18, 95%CI 0.07-0.48) were correlated with decreased odds of HIV infection. However, having anal sex (AOR=4.74, 95%CI 1.17-19.19), having 2 to 5 (ORa=1.47 95%CI 1.17-1.86) or six and more (AOR=2.18, 95%CI 1.34-3.55) male sex partners, not consistently using condoms during anal sex (AOR=1.93, 95%CI 1.06-3.52), and being diagnosed with STIs (AOR=3.02, 95%CI 0.95-9.56) in the preceding six months were associated with greater odds of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS HIV risky behaviors were prevalent among app-using MSM, suggesting more targeted interventions are needed among this population.

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High rates of unprotected receptive anal sex and vulnerabilities to HIV infection among Brazilian men who have sex with men

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/0956462420968994 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 095646242096899

Author(s):

Artur Acelino Francisco Luz Nunes Queiroz ◽

Álvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa ◽

Telma Maria Evangelista de Araújo ◽

Sandra Brignol ◽

Renata Karina Reis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Anal Sex ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dating Apps ◽

Receptive Anal Sex ◽

Lower Education ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Group Sex

This study aimed to evaluate unprotected receptive anal sex intercourse (URAI) rates and vulnerabilities to HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) that use geosocial networking dating apps in Brazil. An online, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out with 2,250 MSM. The analyzed variables were grouped according to domains of vulnerability and analyzed by bi and multivariate statistics to calculate the Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR). The prevalence of self-reported HIV was 7.1%; and of URAI, 23.4%. The studied variables that increased the chances of engaging in URAI were: identifying as homosexual (aOR = 8.30; 95%CI = 5.68:12.04), pansexual (aOR = 5.01; 95%CI = 2.04:12.38), or bisexual (aOR = 3.14; 95%CI = 2.03:4.80), using apps for obtaining sex (aOR = 1.3; 95%CI = 1.0:1.5), engaging in group sex (aOR = 1.6; 95%CI = 1.3:2.0), and reporting chemsex (aOR = 1.5; 95%CI = 1.1:2.0). Self-reported positive HIV status was associated with: less than a minimum wage income (aOR = 1.78; 95%CI = 1.22:2.58), lower education (aOR = 1.86; 95%CI = 1.31 CI; 2,64), not knowing the partner’s HIV status (aOR = 1.84; 95%CI = 1.06:3.19), practicing group sex (aOR = 1.67; 95%CI = 1.04; 2.68), and chemsex (aOR = 2.03; 95%CI =1.06:3.19). The applications interaction is shaped by their own users to better meet their desires and needs. However, this behavior exposes individuals to HIV vulnerabilities.

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Love and Intimacy as Vulnerability to HIV Infection: A Case Study of MSM

Social Work Chronicle ◽

10.21863/swc/2016.5.1.007 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Archana Kaushik

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Cultural Values ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Sex Workers ◽

Sexual Minorities ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Service Providers ◽

Structural Barriers ◽

Health Seeking ◽

Sex With Men

Sexual minorities are among the most marginalized groups in the society. Sero-positivity accentuates social exclusion among the sexual minorities. The paper aims to appraise the factors that make Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) vulnerable to HIV infection and influence their health seeking behaviors. It highlights two major domains socio-cultural and interpersonal variables. Qualitative in nature and based on ten in-depth case studies of HIV infected MSM, the study is located in Delhi, India. Factors such as age, marital status, child sexual abuse, multiple sex partners, are crucial in influencing their vulnerability. Socio-cultural milieu puts structural barriers restricting integration of MSM in the society. Cultural values do not allow talking about sex, which hampers healthy sexual behaviors. Exhibiting aggression, sexual violence, visiting sex-workers etc. are considered as important aspects to prove manhood. At the interpersonal level, possessiveness, betrayal, infidelity, heartbreak, strong emotional whirlpool when love-relations go incongruent, all takes a heavy toll of their mental and physical health. These variables socially exclude the sexual minorities from the mainstream life. Findings show positive (disclosing to family, abstinence, spiritual growth) and negative (suicide-attempts, drug-use) ways of coping among the MSM respondents. Critical areas of concern for service-providers while planning interventions for empowering people with sexual minority are delineated.

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Trends and differences in sexual practices and sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men only (MSMO) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW): a repeated cross-sectional study in Melbourne, Australia

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037608 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e037608

Author(s):

Mario Martín-Sánchez ◽

Richard Case ◽

Christopher Fairley ◽

Jane S Hocking ◽

Catriona Bradshaw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Centre ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sexual Practices ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Anal Sex ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Receptive Anal Sex ◽

Sex With Men

ObjectivesIn the 2010s, there has been an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STI) in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia, and since 2015 also in urban heterosexuals. Men who have sex with both men and women (MSMW) have characteristics that may differ from both men who have sex with men only (MSMO) and heterosexual men. We aimed to compare the sexual practices and the trends in HIV/STI positivity between MSMO and MSMW.DesignRepeated cross-sectional study.SettingA sexual health centre in Melbourne, Australia.ParticipantsMSM aged 18 years and above who attended the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre for the first time between 2011 and 2018. This includes 12 795 MSMO and 1979 MSMW.Primary outcome measuresDemographic characterics, sexual practices and HIV/STI positivity.ResultsCompared with MSMW, MSMO were more likely to practice anal sex and to have condomless receptive anal sex with casual male partners, and less likely to have a current regular relationship. Over the 8-year period, there was an increase in condomless receptive anal sex with casual male partners for both groups (MSMO: from 46.2% to 63.3%, ptrend <0.001; MSMW: from 41.3% to 57.9%, ptrend=0.011). Syphilis positivity increased in MSMO (from 5.5% to 7.9%, ptrend=0.012) and MSMW (from 0.9% to 6.4%, ptrend=0.004) and HIV remained stable. Gonorrhoea increased among MSMO from 2011 to 2014 (from 6.7% to 9.6%, ptrend=0.002), and remained stable from 2015 to 2018. MSMO had higher odds of testing positive for gonorrhoea (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.36, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.64), chlamydia (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.67), syphilis (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.22) and HIV (aOR 4.60, 95% CI 2.43 to 8.70) than MSMW.ConclusionsMSMW have overall lower condomless sex and lower HIV/STI positivity. In the last years, changes in sexual practices in MSM have affected both MSMW and MSMO leading to an increased STI risk.

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An urgent need for HIV testing among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Bamako, Mali: Low awareness of HIV infection and viral suppression among those living with HIV

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0207363 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. e0207363 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Avi J. Hakim ◽

Kelsey Coy ◽

Padmaja Patnaik ◽

Nouhoum Telly ◽

Tako Ballo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Viral Suppression ◽

Transgender Women ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Living With Hiv

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Uptake of HIV testing and HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in Karnataka

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20190189 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 668

Author(s):

Vani Srinivas ◽

Rajesh T. Patil ◽

M. Chandrakantha ◽

T. L. N. Prasad ◽

Sunil D. Khaparde

Keyword(s):

Hiv Testing ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hiv Prevalence ◽

Consistent Condom ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Human Immuno Deficiency Virus ◽

Hiv Test ◽

Post Test ◽

Sex With Men

Background: This paper presents the prevalence of human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending integrated counselling and testing Centres (ICTC) in selected districts of Karnataka.Methods: A cross sectional study was done at ICTCs. Men and transgenders coming with referral slips from targeted intervention (TI), non-government organizations (NGOs) were considered as MSMs. The basic demographic data, HIV test result and details of post- test counselling were collected in specific format. Data from 13 districts was obtained from April 2009 to March 2010 and comparing the prevalence of HIV among MSM in HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS).Results: Out of 8,276 MSMs in 13 districts, 2808 (33.9%) visited ICTCs with TI NGOs referral slips and were tested for HIV once in a year. The overall prevalence of HIV was 8.6%. Prevalence was highest (17.3%) among men in the age group of 41 to 45 years, illiterates (11.5%), unemployed (11.2%) and divorced and separated (13.3%) and widowed (13.6%) MSMs. Among those tested, 97.7% of MSM underwent post-test counselling and collected their report. The highest HIV prevalence was among MSMs from Mysore district (20.1%), followed by Udupi (19.9%) and Bagalkot (10.6%). Rest of all the other districts had less than 10% of HIV prevalence.Conclusions: The uptake of HIV testing among the MSM with referral slips was low in Karnataka. The prevalence level differs in various districts. There is need for more focused and effective counselling by peer educators for correct and consistent condom usage among illiterate, widowed and unemployed MSMs.

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Acute hepatitis C infection in HIV positive men who have sex with men in Paris, France, 2001-2004

Eurosurveillance ◽

10.2807/esm.10.05.00535-en ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 3-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 102

Author(s):

L Gambotti ◽

Collective Acute hepatitis C collaborating group

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Acute Hepatitis ◽

Sexual Behaviour ◽

Unprotected Sex ◽

Acute Hepatitis C ◽

Anal Sex ◽

Hcv Transmission ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Hospital Wards

In mid-2004, three Parisian hospital wards informed the Institut de veille sanitaire of recent acute hepatitis C in HIV-infected (HIV+) men who had sex with men (MSM). These cases for whom none of the usual bloodborne routes for hepatitis C (HCV) transmission was found, reported having had unprotected sex. In October 2004, we conducted a retrospective investigation in Parisian hospital wards to explore HCV modes of transmission in recent acute hepatitis C in HIV+ MSM. Patient demographics, clinical and biological status of HIV infection, reasons for HCV testing, sexual behaviour and risk factors for HCV transmission within the 6 months before hepatitis onset were collected from medical records. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire on sexual behaviour within the six months before hepatitis onset was also offered to all cases. We identified 29 cases of acute hepatitis C in HIV+ MSM with onset from April 2001 to October 2004. HIV infection was asymptomatic for 76%. Median age at hepatitis C onset was 40 (28-54) years. In all records, were noted unprotected anal sex, fisting in 21% and a concomitant sexually transmitted infection (STI) in 41%. Median time between HIV diagnosis and HCV infection was 6.5 years (0-22). From the 11 self-administered questionnaires completed, 10 reported an STI, 8 “hard” sexual practices, 6 bleeding during sex and 5 fisting. HCV transmission probably occurred through bleeding during unprotected traumatic anal sex among HIV+ MSM and may be facilitated by STI mucosal lesions. This report stresses the continuous need to strongly advocate safer sex to MSM.

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What happens after HIV self-testing? Results from a longitudinal cohort of Chinese men who have sex with men

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-019-4455-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Weiming Tang ◽

Wenting Huang ◽

Haidong Lu ◽

Bolin Cao ◽

Dan Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Prevention ◽

Condom Use ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Consistent Condom ◽

Consistent Condom Use ◽

Longitudinal Cohort ◽

Prevention Services ◽

Self Testing ◽

Hiv Test ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a promising approach to expand HIV testing. HIVST is a process in which a person performs an HIV test and interprets the result. Negative HIVST results may encourage men who have sex with men (MSM) to use HIV prevention services. The objective of this study was to examine behaviors (e.g., facility-based HIV testing, condom use) after a negative HIVST test result among Chinese MSM. Methods We collected data from MSM in eight Chinese cities over a 12-month period. This is a secondary analysis of longitudinal cohort data collected as part of an intervention trial to increase HIV testing. Men completed a survey that described sociodemographic information, sexual behaviors, HIV self-testing, and facility-based HIV testing. Men who completed at least one follow-up survey were included in this analysis. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate whether HIVST increased subsequent facility-based HIV testing and consistent condom use. Results We included 1219 men. Most men (78.7%) were under 30 years old and had never been married (87.0%). 755 (61.9%) men tested for HIV and 593 (49.3%) men self-tested during the study period. At baseline, among men who had never been tested for HIV, 44.9% (314/699) initiated HIVST during the study period. HIVST was associated with subsequent facility-based testing (aOR of 1.87, 95% CI: 1.47–2.37). HIVST was also associated with subsequent consistent condom use (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.13–2.06). Conclusion HIVST was associated with subsequent facility-based HIV testing and consistent condom use. HIVST may enhance uptake of related HIV prevention services at facilities, suggesting the need for more implementation research.

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