A Qualitative Study of HIV “Test-and-Treat” Experience Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sin How Lim ◽  
Haridah Alias ◽  
Jeremy Kwan Wing Kien ◽  
Mohd Akbar ◽  
Adeeba Kamarulzaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Blood Donation ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sex With Men

This study aimed to examine the barriers and facilitators to HIV testing and treatment among Malaysian MSM. Between June 2014 and December 2015, in-depth interviews were conducted in 20 HIV-positive MSM recruited from a teaching hospital and NGO in Kuala Lumpur. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze, and report themes. Most participants investigated their HIV status after long period of sickness. Others sought testing upon partner's diagnosis and some were diagnosed via blood donation. Barriers to testing include personal (perceived good health, fear of positive result, denial); social and structural factors (stigmatization by health providers and family, lack of information about free HIV testing and long wait time). Barriers to treatment comprise personal factors (perceived HIV as incurable and treatment as complicated), social factors (HIV and homosexual stigma), and cost. Promoting benefits of regular testing and early treatment is needed to improve HIV care continuum among MSM in Malaysia.

scholarly journals 1042. The Attitude of Patients With HIV about Telehealth for Their HIV Care

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S550-S551
Author(s):  
Dima Dandachi ◽  
Bich Dang ◽  
Thomas Giordano Giordano
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Response Distribution ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Clinic Visits

Abstract Background The world is facing a pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 that disrupted our healthcare system and the way we deliver healthcare. For people with HIV (PWH), the ability to be retained in care plays a critical role in improving health outcomes and in preventing HIV transmission. Several definitions exist for retention in care, but they are centered around outpatient clinic visits. It is now more important than ever to understand PWH’s attitudes about using telemedicine for HIV care instead of face-to face clinic visits. Methods We administered a one-time survey to PWH presenting to an outpatient HIV center in Houston, Texas, from February–June 2018. The survey items were used to assess PWH’s attitudes towards and concerns for telehealth and explanatory variables. Results 371 participants completed the survey; median age was 51, 36% were female, and 63% African-American. Overall, 57% of respondents were more likely to use telehealth for their HIV care if available, as compared to one-on-one in-person care, and 37% would use telehealth frequently or always as an alternative to clinic visits. Participants reported many benefits including ability to fit better their schedule, decreasing travel time, and privacy but expressed concerns about the ability to effective communication and examination and the safety of personal information. Factors associated with likelihood of using telehealth include personal factors (US-born, men who have sex with men, higher educational attainment, higher HIV-related stigma perception), HIV-related factors (long standing HIV), and structural factors (having difficulty attending clinic visits, not knowing about or not having the necessary technology). There was no association between participants with uncontrolled HIV, medication adherence, and likelihood of using telehealth. Survey items and response distribution Conclusion Telehealth programs for PWH can improve retention in care. A modification of the definition for retention in care, incorporating telehealth, should be considered. Availability and confidence using various telehealth technologies need to be addressed to increase acceptability and usage of telehealth among PWH. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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

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.

Factors Associated With HIV Testing in Teenage Men Who Have Sex With Men

2021 ◽  
pp. 31-39
Author(s):  
Brian Mustanski ◽  
David A. Moskowitz ◽  
Kevirj O. Moran ◽  
H. Jonathon Rendina ◽  
Michael E. Newcomb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Hiv Prevention Intervention ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sexual Health Communication ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Regular Doctor

BACKGROUND Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) have a high rate of HIV diagnoses. An estimated 14.5% of HIV infections in the United States are undiagnosed; but among 13- to 24-year-olds, the rate is 51.4%. We describe HIV testing rates and identifies salient individual, family, school, and health care influences among AMSM. METHODS Data were collected as part of SMART, an ongoing pragmatic trial of an online HIV prevention intervention for AMSM (N = 699). Measures included lifetime HIV testing, demographics, sexual behaviors, condom use, HIV education from school and family, sexual health communication with doctors, HIV knowledge, and risk attitudes. RESULTS Only 23.2% of participants had ever had an HIV test. Rates of testing increased with age (5.6% in 13- to 14-year-olds; 15.8% in 15- to 16-year-olds; 37.8% in 17- to 18-year-olds), and sexual experience was a strong predictor of testing (odds ratio: 6.54; 95% confidence interval: 3.95–11.49; P < .001). Most participants had a regular doctor (67.5%), but few had conversations about same-sex sexual behaviors (21.3%), HIV testing (19.2%), or sexual orientation (29.2%). Speaking to a doctor about HIV testing had a large effect (odds ratio: 25.29; confidence interval: 15.91–41.16; P < .001), with 75.4% who had such conversations having been tested, compared to only 10.8% of those who had not had such conversations. CONCLUSIONS Despite higher risk, few participants reported ever having received an HIV test. Data indicate pediatricians are an important, but largely untapped, source of testing and could be integral to achieving testing rates needed to end the epidemic.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Barriers and facilitators associated with HIV testing uptake in South African health facilities offering HIV Counselling and Testing

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 86-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neo Mohlabane ◽  
Bomkazi Tutshana ◽  
Karl Peltzer ◽  
Aziza Mwisongo
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
South African ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Hiv Counselling And Testing

Background: The scale-up of HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) in South Africa to 4500 public health facilities and the service's provision in mobile and non-medical sites was aimed at increasing HCT uptake. However, some people still have never had an HIV test.Objective: An HCT survey was carried out to ascertain barriers and facilitators for HIV testing in South Africa.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 67 HCT-offering health facilities in 8 South African provinces was undertaken. Individuals (n = 489) who had not tested for HIV on the day of the site visit were interviewed on awareness of HCT services, HIV testing history and barriers to HIV testing. Frequencies were run to describe the sample characteristics, barriers and facilitators to HIV testing. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was usedt o identify the association between never tested for HIV with socio-demographics, awareness of HCT services and type of HCT facilities.Results: In all 18.1% participants never had an HIV test. Major barriers to HCT uptake comprise being scared of finding out one's HIV test result or what people may say, shyness or embarrassment, avoidance of divulging personal information to health workers and fear of death. In multivariate analysis the age group 55 years and older, and not being recommended to have an HIV test were associated with never had an HIV test. Potential facilitators for HIV testing include community or household HIV testing, providing incentives for those who test for HIV, mandatory HIV testing and disclosure of HIV status by those who test HIV positive.Conclusion: The benefits of HCT which include the reduction of HIV transmission, the availability of HIV care and treatment needs to be emphasized to enhance HCT uptake.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Rapid Testing Algorithms for Venue-based Anonymous HIV Testing among Non-HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men, National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS), 2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 1228-1235
Author(s):  
Shamaya Whitby ◽  
◽  
Amanda Smith ◽  
Rebecca Rossetti ◽  
Johanna Chapin-Bardales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rapid Testing ◽  
Behavioral Surveillance ◽  
National Hiv Behavioral Surveillance ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Hiv Rapid Testing ◽  
Testing Algorithms ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract HIV rapid testing algorithms (RTAs) using any two orthogonal rapid tests (RTs) allow for on-site confirmation of infection. RTs vary in performance characteristics therefore the selection of RTs in an algorithm may affect identification of infection, particularly if acute. National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) assessed RTAs among men who have sex with men recruited using anonymous venue-based sampling. Different algorithms were evaluated among participants who self-reported never having received a positive HIV test result prior to the interview. NHBS project areas performed sequential or parallel RTs using whole blood. Participants with at least one reactive RT were offered anonymous linkage to care and provided a dried blood spot (DBS) for testing at CDC. Discordant results (RT-1 reactive/RT-2 non-reactive) were tested at CDC with lab protocols modified for DBS. DBS were also tested for HIV-1 RNA (VL) and antiretroviral (ARV) drug levels. Of 6500 RTAs, 238 were RT-1 reactive; of those, 97.1% (231/238) had concordant results (RT-1/RT-2 reactive) and 2.9% (7/238) had discordant results. Five DBS associated with discordant results were available for confirmation at CDC. Four had non-reactive confirmatory test results that implied RT-1 false reactivity; one had ambiguous confirmatory test results which was non-reactive in further testing. Regardless of order and type of RT used, RTAs demonstrated high concordant results in the population surveyed. Additional laboratory testing on DBS following discordant results confirmed no infection. Implementing RTAs in the context of anonymous venue-based HIV testing could be an option when laboratory follow-up is not practicable.

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.

scholarly journals The Changing Demographics of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Alberta from 1982 to 2006

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. e36-e40
Author(s):  
Liana Hwang ◽  
Jesse Raffa ◽  
Michael John Gill
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Opt Out ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Southern Alberta ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION: Women account for a growing proportion of HIV infections in Canada. This has implications with respect to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.OBJECTIVE: To describe the female population presenting for HIV care in southern Alberta and to examine the impact of opt-out pregnancy screening.METHODS: A retrospective review of demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients presenting to the Southern Alberta HIV Clinic (SAC) care program from 1982 to 2006, was performed.RESULTS: The proportion of newly diagnosed patients who were female increased from 7.5% before 1998 to 21.5% after 1998. Women were more likely to be from vulnerable populations, such as intravenous drug users (31.3% versus 13.7%, P<0.001), aboriginals/Métis (21.5% versus 8.7%, P<0.001), blacks (28.9% versus 4.9%, P<0.001) and immigrants (36.6% versus 14.7%, P<0.001). Heterosexual intercourse was the main risk factor for HIV acquisition (43.7%). Women were less likely than men to have requested HIV testing (20.9% versus 37.8%, P<0.001). Opt-out pregnancy screening accounted for 12.7% of HIV-positive tests in women, following its introduction in 1998. Of the women diagnosed by pregnancy screening, 62.1% were from HIV-endemic countries. There was an association between reason for testing and CD4 count at presentation; women who requested their HIV test had higher median CD4 counts than those diagnosed because of illness (478 cells/mL, interquartile range [IQR]=370 cells/mL versus 174 cells/mL, IQR=328 cells/mL, P<0.001) or pregnancy screening (478 cells/mL, IQR=370 cells/mL versus 271 cells/mL, IQR=256 cells/mL, P=0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Women were less likely than men to have requested HIV testing and were more likely to be diagnosed by population-based screening methods. Women, especially vulnerable groups, account for a growing number and proportion of newly diagnosed HIV infections in Alberta. The implications of expanded screening in this population merit further consideration.

scholarly journals HIV testing practices and the potential role of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men in Mexico

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine E Oldenburg ◽  
Katie B Biello ◽  
Amaya G Perez-Brumer ◽  
Joshua Rosenberger ◽  
David S Novak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Testing Practices ◽  
Sex With Men

The objective of this study was to characterize HIV testing practices among men who have sex with men in Mexico and intention to use HIV self-testing. In 2012, members of one of the largest social/sexual networking websites for men who have sex with men in Latin America completed an anonymous online survey. This analysis was restricted to HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men residing in Mexico. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to assess factors associated with HIV testing and intention to use a HIV self-test. Of 4537 respondents, 70.9% reported ever having a HIV test, of whom 75.5% reported testing at least yearly. The majority (94.3%) indicated that they would use a HIV home self-test if it were available. Participants identifying as bisexual less often reported ever HIV testing compared to those identifying as gay/homosexual (adjusted odds ratio = 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.44–0.62). Having a physical exam in the past year was associated with increased ever HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio = 4.35, 95% confidence interval: 3.73–5.07), but associated with decreased interest in HIV self-testing (adjusted odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval: 0.48–0.89). The high intention to use HIV home self-testing supports the use of this method as an acceptable alternative to clinic- or hospital-based HIV testing.

Social–ecological factors associated with HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Jamaica

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen H Logie ◽  
Kathleen S Kenny ◽  
Ashley Lacombe-Duncan ◽  
Kandasi Levermore ◽  
Nicolette Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Sexual Stigma ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Sex With Men

In Jamaica, where homosexuality is criminalized, scant research has examined associations between sexual stigma and HIV infection. The study objective was to examine correlates of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jamaica. We conducted a cross-sectional tablet-based survey with MSM in Jamaica using chain referral sampling. We assessed socio-demographic, individual, social, and structural factors associated with HIV infection. A logit-link model, fit using backwards-stepwise regression, was used to estimate a final multivariable model. Among 498 participants (median age: 24, interquartile range: 22–28), 67 (13.5%) were HIV-positive. In the multivariable model, HIV infection was associated with increased odds of socio-demographic (older age, odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.10]; residing in Kingston versus Ocho Rios [OR: 6.99, 95% CI 2.54–19.26]), individual (poor/fair versus excellent/good self-rated health [OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.81–11.42], sexually transmitted infection [STI] history [OR: 3.67, 95% CI: 1.61–8.38]), and structural (enacted sexual stigma [OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.15], having a health care provider [OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.06–4.66]) factors. This is among the first studies to demonstrate associations between sexual stigma and HIV infection in Jamaica. Findings underscore the need to integrate STI testing in the HIV care continuum and to address stigma and regional differences among MSM in Jamaica.

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