User Preferences for an mHealth Approach to Support HIV Self-Testing and Linkage to HIV Prevention or Care Services for MSM in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 534-550
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Lu ◽  
Pan Gao ◽  
Xiaodong Wang ◽  
Xia Wang ◽  
Xiuping Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
End User ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Continuum

This research qualitatively explored user preferences for an app-based mHealth approach to support HIV self-testing and linkage to HIV prevention or care services developed for men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. We conducted 12 online focus group discussions with MSM participants (N = 48) about their preferences for using an app to meet their HIV self-testing and service linkage needs. Data were examined using thematic analysis. Participants specified four domains to align program delivery with their preferences for app-based intervention: (1) expanding HIV prevention/antiretroviral therapy concepts beyond basic knowledge; (2) enhancing the style and presentation of app-based messages; (3) incorporating interactive and dynamic app-engagement features; and (4) creating a “one station” app that covers the continuum of HIV services. Given the changing landscapes of HIV knowledge and community/user preferences for app-based interaction, findings underscore how engagement with end-user participants is essential to optimize mHealth interventions for HIV.

scholarly journals High levels of mild to moderate depression among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru: implications for integrated depression and HIV care

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome T. Galea ◽  
Stephanie Marhefka ◽  
Segundo R. León ◽  
Guitele Rahill ◽  
Elena Cyrus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Depression Care ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
Moderate Depression ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Sex With Men

ABSTRACTDepression disproportionally affects people at risk of acquiring or living with HIV and is associated with worse health outcomes; however, depression care is not routinely integrated with HIV prevention and treatment services. Selection of the best depression intervention(s) for integration depends both on the prevalence and severity of depression among potential users. To inform depression care integration in a community-based setting in Lima, Peru, we retrospectively analyzed routinely collected depression screening data from men who have sex with men and transgender women seeking HIV prevention and care services (N=185). Depression was screened for using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Prevalence of any depression (PHQ-9 ≥5) was 42% and was significantly associated with the last sexual partner being “casual” (p=0.01). Most (81%) depressive symptoms were mild to moderate (≥5 PHQ-9 ≤14). Integrating depression care with HIV prevention and treatment services in Peru should begin by implementing interventions targeting mild to moderate depression.

Engaging Young Men in the HIV Prevention and Care Continua: Experiences From Young Men of Color Who Have Sex With Men

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-343
Author(s):  
Katrina Kubicek ◽  
William J. Beyer ◽  
Carolyn F. Wong ◽  
Michele D. Kipke
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Health Care Research ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Men Of Color ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Continuum

Sexual minority individuals experience barriers to receiving equitable health care. Research also indicates that young men who have sex with men (YMSM), particularly young men of color, have limited engagement in the HIV care continuum and there are significant disparities across the continuum. This study aims to uncover how providers can engage YMSM of color in all forms of care, including primary care and HIV prevention through an HIV prevention continuum. This qualitative study reports data from the Healthy Young Men's Cohort Study; a total of 49 YMSM participated in the eight focus groups. This study provides a description of YMSM's overall health concerns, experiences with health care, and under what circumstances YMSM seek care. We then present a model describing the salient characteristics of a HIV prevention continuum for YMSM of color and provide clear areas for education, intervention, and policy change to support better overall health for YMSM of color.

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.

Reductions in access to HIV prevention and care services are associated with arrest and convictions in a global survey of men who have sex with men

2016 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn-Milo Santos ◽  
Keletso Makofane ◽  
Sonya Arreola ◽  
Tri Do ◽  
George Ayala
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Global Survey ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Sex With Men

scholarly journals Operationalizing the distribution of oral HIV self-testing kits to men who have sex with men (MSM) in a highly homophobic environment: the Nigerian experience

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adekemi Sekoni ◽  
Waimar Tun ◽  
Osasuyi Dirisu ◽  
Temitope Ladi-Akinyemi ◽  
Elizabeth Shoyemi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
Community Skills ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background Self-care health interventions are innovative approaches for improving health and achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been disproportionately affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In spite of this, stigma from healthcare workers has reportedly prevented MSM from accessing HIV testing in health facilities. This paper explored the operationalization of using key opinion leaders (KOLs) to distribute HIVST (HIV self-test) kits to MSM. This qualitative survey used a combination of in-depth interviews (IDI) with HIVST users and focus group discussions (FGDs) with KOLs to collect data three months after the distribution of the test kits by the KOLs. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out. Result Three themes were generated namely: KOLs serve as a trusted resource to promote and support HIVST for the MSM community; Skills and qualifications required for KOLs to effectively distribute and promote uptake of HIVST; and Effective strategies used to create demand and promote uptake of HIVST. Conclusion This study showed the practical steps involved in operationalizing KOL support system distribution of HIVST that positively influenced the testing experience for the participants irrespective of the HIV status and engagement in care. KOLs are a reliable resource to leverage for ensuring that HIV self-test kit is utilized and HIV positive individuals are linked to treatment and care in homophobic environments.

A Rapid Review of Disparities in HIV Prevention and Care Outcomes Among Hispanic/Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 276-289
Author(s):  
Nicole Crepaz ◽  
Mary M. Mullins ◽  
Darrel Higa ◽  
Jayleen K. L. Gunn ◽  
Yamir Salabarría-Peña
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
The United States ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Latino Men ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Care Outcomes ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Negative

In the United States, Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (HLMSM) are disproportionally affected by HIV. We conducted a rapid review of national surveillance data to examine disparities in HIV prevention and care outcomes among HLMSM. Thirteen reports provided relevant data from 2011 to 2018. Compared to White MSM, a higher percentage of HIV-negative HLMSM reported not taking PrEP and engaging in condomless sex; a lower percentage of HIV-negative HLMSM at risk for HIV reported PrEP awareness and use; and a lower percentage of HIV-positive HLMSM were aware of their status, linked to HIV care, and virally suppressed. Viral suppression rates in HLMSM were better among Ryan White clients than the national rates, suggesting that access to comprehensive care/services reduces disparities. Findings also call for identifying individual, social, and structural factors contributing to condomless sex without PrEP use and HIV status unawareness and identifying best approaches for scaling up comprehensive care/services.

scholarly journals Comparing Web-Based Platforms for Promoting HIV Self-Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake in High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shea M Lemley ◽  
Jeffrey D Klausner ◽  
Sean D Young ◽  
Chrysovalantis Stafylis ◽  
Caroline Mulatya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Dating Apps ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

BACKGROUND The majority of those living with HIV in the United States are men who have sex with men (MSM), and young, minority MSM account for more new HIV infections than any other group. HIV transmission can be reduced through detection and early treatment initiation or by starting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but rates of testing are lower than recommended among MSM, and PrEP uptake has been slow. Although promoting HIV testing and PrEP uptake by placing advertisements on web-based platforms — such as social media websites and dating apps — is a promising approach for promoting HIV testing and PrEP, the relative effectiveness of HIV prevention advertising on common web-based platforms is underexamined. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the relative effectiveness of advertisements placed on 3 types of web-based platforms (social media websites, dating apps, and informational websites) for promoting HIV self-testing and PrEP uptake. METHODS Advertisements will be placed on social media websites (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), dating apps (Grindr, Jack’d, and Hornet), and informational search websites (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) to recruit approximately 400 young (18-30 years old), minority (Black or Latino) MSM at elevated risk of HIV exposure. Recruitment will occur in 3 waves, with each wave running advertisements on 1 website from each type of platform. The number of participants per platform is not prespecified, and recruitment in each wave will occur until approximately 133 HIV self-tests are ordered. Participants will complete a baseline survey assessing risk behavior, substance use, psychological readiness to test, and attitudes and then receive an electronic code to order a free home-based HIV self-test kit. Two follow-ups are planned to assess HIV self-test results and PrEP uptake. RESULTS Recruitment was completed in July 2020. CONCLUSIONS Findings may improve our understanding of how the platform users’ receptivity to test for HIV differs across web-based platforms and thus may assist in facilitating web-based HIV prevention campaigns. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04155502; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04155502 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/20417

scholarly journals ‘I will welcome this one 101%, I will so embrace it’: a qualitative exploration of the feasibility and acceptability of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Lagos, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 524-537
Author(s):  
Osasuyi Dirisu ◽  
Adekemi Sekoni ◽  
Lung Vu ◽  
Sylvia Adebajo ◽  
Jean Njab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Innovative Strategy ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Distribution Process ◽  
Testing Uptake ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Qualitative Exploration

Abstract Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in Nigeria. A key strategy in reducing transmission is to increase HIV testing uptake and linkage to treatment for those who test positive. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an innovative strategy with the potential to increase uptake of HIV testing among key populations at higher risk for HIV. We conducted 23 in-depth-interviews with MSM and two focus group discussions with key opinion leaders to explore perceptions about the feasibility and acceptability of oral HIVST among MSM in Lagos, Nigeria. HIVST was highly acceptable because it was considered convenient to use, painless, private and addressed concerns about stigma. Concerns cited by participants included comprehensibility of instructions to perform and interpret results correctly, as well as lack of support mechanisms to facilitate post-test follow-up and linkage to care. Provision of adequate pre-test information was considered vital as part of the kit distribution process to ensure seamless use of HIVST kits. One-on-one peer-to-peer distribution strategies and retail outlets that facilitate anonymous pick-up are potential distribution channels identified in this study. Overall, our findings suggest that an HIVST program that incorporates these considerations would improve access to HIV testing among MSM in Nigeria.

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