The Know∗Now Project: Facilitated Serosorting in HIV-Status Sexual Partner Communication

BACKGROUND Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) continue to experience disproportionate rates of HIV/STI infection despite advances in effective prevention tools. Over the last decade the method of finding sexual partners has evolved, with BMSM increasingly using geospatial dating applications to find sexual partners. Sexual health communication between partners has been associated with safer sex practices by previous scholars, but it is unclear how sexual health communication of BMSM differs for sex partners found on or offline. OBJECTIVE The current study explored sexual health communication in relationship to how one found their last sexual partner and factors associated with poorer sexual health communication. METHODS This study used secondary data in the form of a self-administered national survey. BMSM were recruited online and in-person and answered questions about their sexual health behaviors regarding their last sexual partner. RESULTS In total, 403 individuals were included in the analysis. The majority of respondents 55.8% (225/403) were more likely to have found their last sexual partner through geospatial dating applications and online websites than offline venues 44.3% (178/225). There was not a significant difference in scores of sexual health communication between those who found their last sexual partner on or offline (P=.49). Additionally, sexual health communication was also not significantly associated (P = .25) based on the venue of their last sexual partner after controlling for covariates. Significant predictors of lower sexual health communication of BMSM were found: positive HIV status (P = .003), a casual partner type (P < .001), and endorsement of traditional masculinity ideologies (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study confirm high rates of sexual partner seeking via online venues among BMSM. The significant predictors of lower sexual health communication, endorsement of traditional masculinity ideologies and positive HIV status, suggest that stigma is a barrier to effective sexual health communication of BMSM.

Download Full-text

Toward A Typology of Identity Gaps in “Non-Normative” Sexual Partner Communication

Archives of Sexual Behavior ◽

10.1007/s10508-020-01870-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Valerie Rubinsky

Keyword(s):

Sexual Partner ◽

Partner Communication ◽

Identity Gaps

Download Full-text

Sero-positive HIV result disclosure to sexual partner in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-019-8097-y ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fantahun Ayenew Mekonnen ◽

Ayenew Molla Lakew ◽

Kindie Fentahun Muchie ◽

Destaw Fetene Teshome

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Positive Result ◽

Sexual Partner ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Previous Discussion ◽

Hiv Status Disclosure ◽

Status Disclosure

Abstract Background The infection of HIV continues to be an important public health problem in Ethiopia. Disclosing own HIV positive result is crucial, and considered as a good indicator of behavior change towards HIV/AIDs. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to pool the prevalence of positive HIV status disclosure to sexual partners and determine the influence of selected factors. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in Ethiopia among HIV positive people receiving health care at health facilities. In this review, primary studies were searched in Medline via PubMed, Google scholar and Google up to November, 2018. Data on disclosure of HIV positive result, knowledge of partner’s HIV status and prior discussion on HIV were extracted, and effect sizes like proportion and odds ratios were pooled. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed by chi-square and I2, and Egger test, respectively. Results A total of 12 studies with 4528 participants were included in to this review to estimate the prevalence of disclosure of HIV positive result to sexual partner, and 10 and 7 studies were included to determine the associations of the outcome variable with knowledge of sexual partner’s HIV status and with prior discussion on HIV, respectively. The pooled prevalence of HIV status disclosure to sexual partner was 73% (95% CI: 64, 82%). Having the knowledge of sexual partner’s HIV status [OR: 95%CI; 17.63 (7.88, 39.45)], and previous discussion on HIV [OR: 95% CI; 9.24 (5.56, 15.37)] increased the disclosure of own HIV positive result to sexual partner. The sub-group analysis indicated a prevalence of 74% in Oromia, 86% in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples (SNNPR), 87% in Amhara, 73% in Addis Ababa, and 54% in Tigray. Conclusions Disclosure of HIV status to sexual partner is lower than expected. Knowledge of partner’s HIV status and previous discussion on HIV were strong predictors of HIV positive status disclosure. Strategies helpful for encouraging open HIV discussion need to be strengthened to increase HIV positive result disclosure. Furthermore, since the heterogeneity of studies is high, large nationally representative study is suggested.

Download Full-text

HIV positive status disclosure to a sexual partner: the influence of marital status and partner communication

10.21203/rs.3.rs-24611/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

OLADELE VINCENT ADENIYI ◽

Charlotte Nwogwugwu ◽

Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽

John Lambert

Keyword(s):

Sexual Partner ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

High Rate ◽

Postpartum Women ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Open Communication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Women With Hiv ◽

Status Disclosure

Abstract Background Disclosure of HIV serostatus to sexual partner does not only facilitate partner's support and testing, but it also correlates with better treatment outcomes. We drew from a cross-sectional survey data conducted among postpartum women with HIV to examine the rate of serostatus disclosure to sexual partners, the influence of relationship status, and knowing one's partner's status on disclosure and reasons for non-disclosure.Methods We conducted telephonic interviews with a final sample of 485 postpartum women with HIV drawn from the East London Prospective Cohort study database between January and May 2018. Disclosure of HIV status to partner was based on self-reporting. We fitted adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models and also conducted descriptive statistical analyses.Results Overall, 82.5% of the respondents had disclosed their status to their partners. After adjusting for important covariates (age, education level, employment status, number of years since HIV diagnosis, alcohol use and smoking behaviour), being married [adjusted odd ratio (AOR): 2.66; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.17–6.05] and knowing one's partner's status [AOR: 46.91; 95% CI:19.50-112.81] were significantly associated with a higher odds of having disclosed HIV status to sexual partners. Fear of rejection, stigma or being judged, new or casual relationships, and having a violent partner were the main reasons for not disclosing HIV status to sexual partners.Conclusion We found a relatively high rate of HIV status disclosure in the cohort. Being married and having open communication with a partner about HIV status are important factors facilitating disclosure to sexual partners.

Download Full-text

HIV positive status disclosure to a sexual partner: the influence of marital status and partner communication

10.21203/rs.3.rs-24611/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

OLADELE VINCENT ADENIYI ◽

Charlotte Nwogwugwu ◽

Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽

John Lambert

Keyword(s):

Sexual Partner ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

High Rate ◽

Postpartum Women ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Open Communication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Women With Hiv ◽

Status Disclosure

Abstract Background: Disclosure of HIV serostatus to sexual partner does not only facilitate partner's support and testing, but it also correlates with better treatment outcomes. We drew from a cross-sectional survey conducted among postpartum women with HIV to examine the rate of serostatus disclosure to sexual partners, the influence of relationship status, and knowing one's partner's status on disclosure and reasons for non-disclosure. Methods: We conducted telephonic interviews with a final sample of 485 postpartum women with HIV drawn from the East London Prospective Cohort study database between January and May 2018. Disclosure of HIV status to partner was based on self-reporting. We fitted adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models and also conducted descriptive statistical analyses. Results: Overall, 82.5% of the respondents had disclosed their status to their partners. After adjusting for important covariates (age, education level, employment status, number of years since HIV diagnosis, alcohol use and smoking behaviour), being married [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.66; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.17-6.05] and knowing one's partner's status [AOR: 46.91; 95% CI:19.50-112.81] were significantly associated with a higher odds of having disclosed HIV status to sexual partners. Fear of rejection, stigma or being judged, new or casual relationships, and having a violent partner were the main reasons for not disclosing HIV status to sexual partners. Conclusion: We found a relatively high rate of HIV status disclosure in the cohort. Being married and having open communication with a partner about HIV status are important factors facilitating disclosure to sexual partners.

Download Full-text

A multi-institutional, cross-sectional study on disclosure of HIV status to sexual partner(s) and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS attending selected hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20200405 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 399

Author(s):

Moreblessing Chipo Mashora ◽

Tafadzwa Dzinamarira ◽

Nicholas Njau Ngomi

Keyword(s):

Sexual Partner ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Local Health ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Hiv Status Disclosure ◽

Status Disclosure

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a public health problem. There is need for evidence-based interventions to curb new infections. HIV status disclosure, especially to sexual partner(s) remains a critical step towards reducing viral transmission across sexual partners.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study, conducted at HIV clinics of three selected hospitals. Systematic random sampling was employed to sample 384 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.Results: Of the participants, 66% of the participants reported HIV positive status disclosure, with only 46% of these having disclosed to their sexual partner. Logistic regression analysis identified age (p value 0.035; AOR 0.94), being satisfied with counselling (p value 0.017; AOR 0.24), gender (p value 0.030; AOR 5.51) and education (p value 0.041; AOR 2.14) as factors associated with having disclosed HIV status. Being younger, satisfaction with counselling, being female and having attained at least secondary education were all associated with higher odds of HIV status disclosure.Conclusions: Based on the findings of the current study, it can be concluded that there is need to improve rates of HIV status disclosure among PLWH in Kigali, Rwanda. The current study findings have provided baseline information for the local health authorities, health care providers, policy makers and other scholars working in HIV epidemic control. The local health authorities can use this as a guide to develop a programme aimed to address the issue of non-disclosure of HIV status in Kigali City and hence help control the incessant spread of HIV infection.

Download Full-text

To Use or Not to Use?: A Mixed Methods Study on Predictors and Barriers of Condom Use Among College Students

International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches ◽

10.29034/ijmra.v12n2a4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 216-233

Author(s):

Olga Pysmenna ◽

Stan Korotchenko ◽

Su-I Hou

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Condom Use ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Research Question ◽

Risky Behaviors ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Anal Sex ◽

Partner Communication ◽

And Gender

Unprotected anal sex is one of the highest-risk sexual behaviors associated with high rates of STIs. College students often engage in sexual risky behaviors without consistently using condoms. This study examined predictors of condom use among students who engaged in anal sex (n = 242) at an American Southeastern university. Using a convergent research design, researchers used both quantitative and qualitative data to answer the research question. The quantitative data showed that partner communication and gender were statistically significant predictors of condom use. Qualitative results indicated the importance of communication between partners and knowledge of a partner’s HIV status. Qualitative data also revealed that experiential attitudes are an important factor of condom non-use in anal sex. Merged results illustrated that students tend not to use condoms during anal sex overall and the importance of communication between partners.

Download Full-text

Management of HIV infection in adolescents attending inner London HIV services

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1258/095646207781568565 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 633-634 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

R A Ferrand ◽

R F Miller ◽

E A Jungmann

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young People ◽

Sexual Partner ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Sexually Active ◽

Psychosocial Needs ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Hiv Diagnosis ◽

Hiv Services ◽

The Uk

Increasing numbers of HIV-infected children are now reaching adulthood and young people account for 10% of new HIV diagnosis in the UK each year. This audit of young people attending specialist and generic HIV services in Inner London in 2006 ( n=39) highlights the complex medical and psychosocial needs of this patient group: 63% were diagnosed with HIV because of poor health, 39% had received more than three antiretroviral regimens, 21% had resistance to two antiretroviral classes and 32% had significant mental health problems. In addition, 45% reported to be sexually active with poor uptake of contraception other than condoms and frequent non-disclosure of their HIV status to a sexual partner.

Download Full-text

The effect of counseling, antiretroviral therapy and relationship on disclosing HIV positive status to sexual partner among adult HIV patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0249887 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. e0249887

Author(s):

Melaku Yalew ◽

Bezawit Adane ◽

Bereket Kefale ◽

Yitayish Damtie ◽

Sisay Eshete Tadesse ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Sexual Partner ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Hiv Patients ◽

Link Type ◽

The Government

Background Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is continued as a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the effect of counseling, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and relationship on disclosing HIV positive status to sexual partner among adult HIV patients in Ethiopia. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) was used during this review. The study included both published and unpublished studies which were conducted in Ethiopia until the end of 2019. Different electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane library, CINAHL, Global Health, HINARI and Google scholar) were searched. Data were extracted in Microsoft Excel sheet and STATA/SE 14 was used to meta-analysis. I2 and Egger test statistics were used to test heterogeneity and publication bias respectively. Results Twenty-two articles with 8,873 adult HIV infected peoples were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled magnitude of disclosing HIV status to sexual partner was 74.63% [95% CI: (67.79, 81.47)]. Counseled [AOR = 4.96, 95% CI: (2.87, 8.55)], ART initiated [AOR = 4.78, 95% CI: (3.84, 5.94)] and who had a smooth relationship before HIV testing [AOR = 6.82, 95% CI: (3.49, 13.33)] were significantly associated with disclosing HIV status to sexual partner. Conclusions Disclosing HIV positive status to sexual partner in Ethiopia was low as the government invested in partner notification. Counseling, ART initiation and smooth relationship before HIV testing were significantly associated with disclosing HIV status to sexual partner. The government needs to strengthen pre and post HIV test counseling even after treatment started to increase disclosing status. Registration The protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO with a specific registration number: CRD42020161276; https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

Download Full-text