Serodiscussion, Perceived Seroconcordance, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Dyads of Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Use Geosocial-Networking Smartphone Applications in London

Serodiscussion—the mutual discussion of HIV statuses between sexual partners—can be viewed as an essential prerequisite for risk-reduction behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM). The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of serodiscussion with one’s most recent sexual partner and its association with sexual behaviors with these partners. Broadcast advertisements were placed on a geosocial-networking smartphone application, encouraging users to complete an online survey. A total of 200 MSM completed the survey. Serodiscussion occurred in 43.5% of dyads, and it was most common in dyads where both partners were reported to be HIV positive, χ2(5) = 60.3, P < .001. Serodiscussion was associated with engagement in both condomless insertive, χ2(1) = 3.847, P = .046, and receptive anal intercourse, χ2(1) = 6.5, P = .011. However, there were no significant differences in how recently a respondent was tested for HIV, representing potentially high-risk scenarios.

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Contextual factors in geosocial-networking smartphone application use and engagement in condomless anal intercourse among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who use Grindr

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh16008 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 549 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

William C. Goedel ◽

Dustin T. Duncan

Keyword(s):

Smartphone Application ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Sexual Practices ◽

Receptive Anal Intercourse ◽

Sexual Behaviours ◽

Insertive Anal Intercourse ◽

Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽

Geosocial Networking ◽

Sex With Men

Background Geosocial-networking smartphone applications (apps) have been used increasingly by men who have sex with men (MSM) to meet new sexual partners. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between contexts of app use (e.g. using apps when drinking) and condomless anal intercourse among a sample of MSM who use these apps. Methods: MSM (n = 174) in New York City were recruited through Grindr, a geosocial-networking app popular among MSM, using broadcast advertisements asking MSM to complete an Internet-based survey about their app use and sexual behaviours. Log-binomial regression models were fit to assess the association between each of the six app-use contexts (e.g. using apps when lonely, when drinking) and engagement in condomless insertive and receptive anal intercourse with one or more partners in the past 3 months. Results: Engagement in condomless receptive and insertive anal intercourse with one or more partners in the preceding 3 months was common (39.7% and 43.1% respectively) and was associated with several app-use contexts. For example, significant associations (P < 0.05) were observed between alcohol and other drug use when using these apps and engagement in condomless receptive and insertive anal intercourse. Conclusion: Given that 57.5% of respondents had engaged in condomless anal intercourse in the preceding 3 months and the associations of app-use contexts with condomless sexual behaviours, these findings suggest that reductions in substance use may lead to safer sexual practices among MSM who use apps to meet sexual partners.

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HIV incidence among men who have sex with men using geosocial networking smartphone application in Beijing, China: an open cohort study

Infectious Diseases of Poverty ◽

10.1186/s40249-021-00814-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Guo-Dong Mi ◽

Bin-Bin Zhang ◽

Fei Yu ◽

Xian-Long Ren ◽

Jason J. Ong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Risk ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Consistent Condom ◽

Hiv Incidence ◽

Anal Sex ◽

Hiv Test ◽

Hiv Seroconversion ◽

Geosocial Networking ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract Background Sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) is the dominant route of HIV transmission in China. Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone application (app) has dramatically changed the pattern of sexual behaviors and HIV risk among MSM, but data on HIV incidence and the changing risk behaviors of GSN app-using MSM are limited. We aims to assess the HIV incidence and its correlates among gay GSN app-using MSM in China. Methods We constructed an open cohort which was initiated and maintained using a GSN app to assess the HIV incidence among app-using MSM, recruited from June 2017 to December 2018. MSM completed an online questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, recreational drug use and sexually transmitted infections status. Then each man had an HIV test, and those tested negatives were enrolled into the cohort. Participants completed follow-ups with additional HIV tests though the app during the study period, and were censored at HIV seroconversion or study end date. HIV incidence was calculated by dividing the sum of observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-time. Univariate (Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test) and multivariate (proportional hazards regression) analyses were used to examine correlates of HIV incidence. Results A total of 6957 HIV negative MSM were enrolled in the open cohort, 37 seroconversions occurred among 1937 men contributing 1065 observed person-years: HIV incidence was 3.47 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37–4.57]. More than five sexual partners [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.04–6.67], and sex with HIV positive partners (HR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.16–12.64) in the preceding six months were positively associated with HIV seroconversion. Consistent condom use for anal sex (HR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.07–0.96), and reporting insertive anal sex only (HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08–0.62) in the preceding six months were protective factors for HIV seroconversion. Conclusions Tailored interventions targeting app-using MSM are urgently needed given their high risk of HIV. As a new tool for accessing MSM at higher HIV risk, GSN smartphone app could play an important role in HIV research among MSM.

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Partner meeting venue typology and sexual risk behaviors among French men who have sex with men

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/0956462418775524 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 29 (13) ◽

pp. 1282-1288 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Yazan A Al-Ajlouni ◽

Su H Park ◽

John A Schneider ◽

William C Goedel ◽

H Rhodes Hambrick ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Sexual Risk ◽

Risk Behaviors ◽

Sexual Risk Behaviors ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Adjusted Relative Risk ◽

Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽

Geosocial Networking ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Group Sex

Previous research has given considerable attention to venues where men who have sex with men (MSM) meet their sex partners. However, no previous study examined a vast range of sexual risk behaviors. The objective of this study was to examine the association between the types of venues for meeting sexual partners, condomless anal intercourse, engagement in group sex, and HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk among a sample of MSM. Users of a popular geosocial-networking app in Paris were provided an advertisement with text encouraging them to complete an anonymous web-based survey ( n = 580), which included questions about sex-seeking venues, condomless anal intercourse, HIV status and STI history, and sociodemographic characteristics. A log-binomial model was used to assess association between venues (i.e. public venues [gay clubs, bars, and discos], cruising venues [such as gay saunas, beaches, and parks], and internet-based venues [internet chat sites and geosocial-networking apps]), condomless anal intercourse, engagement in group sex, and HIV infection as well as infection with other STIs, after adjustment for sociodemographics. In multivariable models, attending cruising venues was associated with condomless receptive anal intercourse (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–1.81), any kind of condomless anal intercourse (aRR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.14–1.58), an STI (aRR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.09–2.05), engagement in group sex (aRR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.27–1.59), and multiple partners for both condomless insertive (aRR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.38–2.88), and receptive (aRR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.23–2.36) anal intercourse, STI infection (aRR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.09–2.05) and HIV infection (aRR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.05–2.96). No associations were found with other venue types and sexual risk behaviors, STIs, and HIV infection, except for group sex, which was associated with all venue types. Use of cruising where the primary aim is to have sex was found to be associated with risky sexual behavior. Risky behavior reduction strategies such as preexposure prophylaxis campaigns should be targeted to MSM who frequent cruising venues.

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HIV Incidence among Men Who Have Sex with Men Using Geosocial Networking Smartphone Application in Beijing, China: an Open Cohort Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-110379/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Guodong Mi ◽

Binbin Zhang ◽

Fei Yu ◽

Xianlong Ren ◽

Jason Ong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Risk ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Consistent Condom ◽

Hiv Incidence ◽

Anal Sex ◽

Hiv Test ◽

Hiv Seroconversion ◽

Geosocial Networking ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract Background Sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) is the dominant route of HIV transmission in China. Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone application (app) have dramatically changed the patterns of sexual behaviors and HIV risk among MSM, but data on HIV incidence and changed risk behaviors of GSN app using MSM are limited.Methods We constructed an open cohort which was constructed and maintained using a GSN app to assess the HIV incidence among app-using MSM, recruited from June 2017 to December 2018. MSM completed an online questionnaire of their sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, recreational drug use and sexually transmitted infections status. Then each man had an HIV test, and those testing negative were enrolled into the cohort. Participants completed follow-ups with additional HIV tests though the app during the study period, and were censored at HIV seroconversion or study end date. HIV incidence were calculated by dividing the sum of observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-time. Univariate (Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test) and multivariate (proportional hazards regression) analyses were used to examine correlates of HIV incidence.Results A total of 6957 HIV negative MSM were enrolled in the open cohort, 37 seroconversions occurred among 1937 men contributing 1065 observed person-years: HIV incidence was 3.47 per 100 person-years (95%CI 2.37–4.57). HIV seroconversion was associated with the following factors in the preceding six months: more than five sexual partners (HR = 2.65 95%CI 1.04–6.67), and sex with HIV positive partners (HR = 3.82 95%CI 1.16–12.64). Consistent condom use for anal sex (HR = 0.27 95%CI 0.07–0.96), and reporting insertive anal sex only (HR = 0.23 95%CI 0.08–0.62) were protective factors for HIV seroconversion.Conclusions Tailored interventions targeting app-using MSM are urgently needed given their high risk of HIV. As a new tool for accessing MSM at higher HIV risk, GSN smartphone app-based interventions could play an important role in HIV control among MSM using combinations of biomedical and behavioral interventions.

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Rectal douching before sexual intercourse and inappropriate douching tool use associated with increased HIV infection among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study from Shenyang, China

10.21203/rs.3.rs-17842/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

ZhenXing Chu ◽

Guangquan Shen ◽

Qinghai Hu ◽

Hongyi Wang ◽

Jing Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Receptive Anal Intercourse ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Anal Sex ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rectal Douching ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract Background: Rectal douching (RD) is widely practiced by men who have sex with men (MSM), and is correlated with increased risk of HIV infection. However, the mechanism of how RD increases the risk of HIV infection is not well understood, and there is limited data on RD behavior in MSM practicing anal sex in China. We examine the purpose of RD, its timing in relation to anal sex, the types of RD products used, and risky sexual behaviors among MSM reporting anal sex.Methods: Between August 2017 and December 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted among adult MSM in Shenyang, China. Data were collected on demographics, sexual behaviors, and RD for the most recent sexual intercourse by means of interviewer-administered face-to-face questionnaires. Blood samples were collected to test for antibodies to HIV and syphilis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the risk factors associated with HIV infection.Results: A total of 515 eligible MSM participated in this survey (median age: 31 years). During the most recent anal intercourse, 28.3% (146/515) had condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI), 21.4% (110/515) practiced serosorting, and more than half (61.6%, 317/515) reported RD before or after anal sex. Of those practicing RD, 96.8% (307/317) conducted RD before sex, while 62.5% (198/317) conducted RD after sex. The douching devices used were primarily shower hoses (85.3%, 262/307), and relatively few MSM used commercial RD products (8.1%). The prevalence of HIV-1 and syphilis was 11.7% and 13.2%, respectively. HIV infection was positively associated with RD (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4-5.5), practicing RD before sex (AOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2–4.3), practicing RD after sex (AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0–3.1), using a shower hose for RD (AOR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.1–13.0), condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI) (AOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6–5.5), and using nitrite inhalants (AOR, 2.8; 95 % CI, 1.6-5.1) in the most recent anal intercourse.Conclusions: RD is popular among Chinese MSM. Improper noncommercial RD tools increase the rates of HIV infection. Public health workers and the MSM community should publicize scientific knowledge and prevention approaches relating to RD and HIV transmission to MSM, and we recommend that better tools be offered to assist in RD in order to decrease the risk of acquiring HIV.

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Casual Sex among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) during the Period of Sheltering in Place to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18063266 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 3266

Author(s):

Alvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa ◽

Layze Braz de Oliveira ◽

Artur Acelino Francisco Luz Nunes Queiroz ◽

Herica Emilia Félix de Carvalho ◽

Guilherme Schneider ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Online Survey ◽

Daily Life ◽

Casual Sex ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

High Impact ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Sex Partners ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Group Sex

Objectives: We investigated the extent to which Brazilian and Portuguese Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) had casual sex partners outside their homes during the period of sheltering in place for the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online survey was conducted in Brazil and Portugal in April, during the period of social isolation for COVID-19, with a sample of 2361 MSMs. Recruitment was done through meeting apps and Facebook. Results: Most of the sample (53.0%) had casual sex partners during sheltering. Factors that increased the odds of engaging in casual sex in Brazil were having group sex (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.4), living in an urban area (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.2), feeling that sheltering had a high impact on daily life (aOR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1–8.3), having casual instead of steady partners (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.8–3.5), and not decreasing the number of partners (aOR 6.5, 95% CI 4.2–10.0). In Portugal, the odds of engaging in casual sex increased with using Facebook to find partners (aOR 4.6, 95% CI 3.0–7.2), not decreasing the number of partners (aOR 3.8, 95% CI 2.9–5.9), usually finding partners in physical venues (pre-COVID-19) (aOR 5.4, 95% CI 3.2–8.9), feeling that the isolation had a high impact on daily life (aOR 3.0, 95% CI 1.3–6.7), and HIV-positive serostatus (aOR 11.7, 95% CI 4.7–29.2). Taking PrEP/Truvada to prevent COVID-19 was reported by 12.7% of MSM. Conclusions: The pandemic has not stopped most of our MSM sample from finding sexual partners, with high-risk sexual behaviors continuing.

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Use of multiple recreational drugs is associated with new HIV infections among men who have sex with men in China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10223-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiang Mao ◽

Sequoia I. Leuba ◽

Qinghai Hu ◽

Hongjing Yan ◽

Zhe Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Risk Behaviors ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

Recreational Drugs ◽

Limited Information ◽

High Risk Behaviors ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Recent Hiv Infection

Abstract Background There is limited information about the types of recreational drugs used by men who have sex with men (MSM) in China or the consequent impact on sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Methods We recruited MSM from seven cities in China between 2012 and 2013 using multiple approaches including advertisements on gay websites, collaborating with local MSM community-based organizations, peer referrals, and venues such as gay bars and bathrooms visited by MSM. We divided participants into four subgroups based on the number of recreational drugs (RDs) used in the previous 6 months. We defined use of multiple RDs as use of ≥2 types of RDs. Demographics and HIV-related high-risk behaviors were collected, and blood samples were tested for recent HIV infection by the HIV-1 subtypes B, E, and D immunoglobulin G capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA). We used multivariable logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographics to determine the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the subgroups of RD use for recent or established HIV infection. Results A total of 4496 Chinese MSM participated; 28.4% used RDs, and 5% used multiple types of RDs. The prevalence of each RD use was as follows: poppers (25.9%), ecstasy (2.4%), ketamine (1.2%), amphetamine (0.6%), tramadol (0.4%), methamphetamine (3.8%), and codeine (1.9%). Users of multiple RDs commonly used poppers combined with one or more other types of RDs. Multiple RD users were likely to be aged 26–30 years (vs. 18–25 and > 30 years), live in non-local cities (vs. local cities), never married (vs. married), have a high monthly income (vs. no income and 1–599 USD), use versatile positions during anal intercourse (vs. top or bottom), and have inadequate HIV-related prevention knowledge (vs. adequate). As the number of RDs used in the previous 6 months increased, the prevalence of HIV-related high-risk behaviors increased (P < 0.05 for all). The odds of recent HIV infection were higher among those who used one type (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5–3.0) or two types of RD (aOR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.0-5.2) in the previous 6 months compared to the odds among those who did not use RDs. Conclusion The level and pattern of multiple RD use among Chinese MSM were different from high-income countries. MSM who used more RDs are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, and these behaviors may be associated with increases in new HIV infections.

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Elevated HIV and STI Prevalence and Incidence Among Methamphetamine-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men in Los Angeles County

AIDS Education and Prevention ◽

10.1521/aeap.2018.30.4.350 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 (4) ◽

pp. 350-356 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Cathy J. Reback ◽

Jesse B. Fletcher

Keyword(s):

Los Angeles ◽

Sexual Risk ◽

Risk Behaviors ◽

Los Angeles County ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Sexual Risks ◽

Methamphetamine Use ◽

Baseline Testing ◽

Sex With Men

Methamphetamine use is associated with increased HIV/STI infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). From March 2014 through January 2016, 286 methamphetamine-using MSM enrolled in a study to reduce methamphetamine use and sexual risk behaviors. Participants were tested for HIV/STIs at baseline and every 3 months for 9 months. At baseline, 115 participants (40.2%) were HIV–positive; three participants seroconverted (incidence = 2.6/100 person-years). Baseline testing diagnosed 77 STI cases (21 chlamydia, 18 gonorrhea, 38 syphilis); by 9-month follow-up, 71 incident STIs were diagnosed (22 chlamydia, 24 gonorrhea, 25 syphilis); 78% occurred among HIV–positive participants. Despite efforts to reduce sexual risks among methamphetamine-using MSM, HIV/STI prevalence and incidence remain elevated.

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Anal Intercourse Without Condoms Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men Recruited From a Sexual Networking Web site, United States

Sexually Transmitted Diseases ◽

10.1097/olq.0000000000000206 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 41 (12) ◽

pp. 749-755 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Andrew D. Margolis ◽

Heather Joseph ◽

Sabina Hirshfield ◽

Mary Ann Chiasson ◽

Lisa Belcher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Web Site ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Sexual Networking ◽

Hiv Positive Men

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Getting to the Bottom of It: Sexual Positioning and Stage of Syphilis at Diagnosis, and Implications for Syphilis Screening

Clinical Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/cid/ciz802 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 71 (2) ◽

pp. 318-322

Author(s):

Vincent J Cornelisse ◽

Eric P F Chow ◽

Rosie L Latimer ◽

Janet Towns ◽

Marcus Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Centre ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Status ◽

Secondary Syphilis ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Receptive Anal Intercourse ◽

Primary Stage ◽

Primary Syphilis ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract Background Syphilis control among men who have sex with men (MSM) would be improved if we could increase the proportion of cases who present for treatment at the primary stage rather than at a later stage, as this would reduce their duration of infectivity. We hypothesized that MSM who practiced receptive anal intercourse were more likely to present with secondary syphilis, compared to MSM who did not practice receptive anal intercourse. Methods In this retrospective analysis of MSM diagnosed with primary or secondary syphilis at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between 2008 and 2017, we analyzed associations between the stage of syphilis (primary vs secondary) and behavioral data collected by computer-assisted self-interviews. Results There were 559 MSM diagnosed with primary (n = 338) or secondary (n = 221) syphilis. Of these, 134 (24%) men reported not practicing receptive anal sex. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, MSM were more likely to present with secondary rather than primary syphilis if they reported practicing receptive anal intercourse (adjusted odds ratio 3.90; P < .001) after adjusting for age, human immunodeficiency virus status, and condom use. MSM with primary syphilis who did not practice receptive anal intercourse almost always (92%) had their primary syphilis lesion on their penis. Conclusions The finding that MSM who practiced receptive anal intercourse more commonly presented with secondary syphilis—and hence, had undetected syphilis during the primary stage—implies that anorectal syphilis chancres are less noticeable than penile chancres. These men may need additional strategies to improve early detection of anorectal chancres, to reduce their duration of infectivity and, hence, reduce onward transmission. Men who practiced receptive anal intercourse (AI) were more likely to present with secondary syphilis, compared to men who exclusively practiced insertive AI. Hence, men who practice receptive AI may need additional strategies to detect anal chancres, to reduce transmission.

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