scholarly journals Social networks of men who have sex with men: a study of recruitment chains using Respondent Driven Sampling in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 170-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Mara Silva Brignol ◽  
Inês Dourado ◽  
Leila Denise Amorim ◽  
José Garcia Vivas Miranda ◽  
Lígia R. F. S. Kerr
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Sexual Contact ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Respondent Driven Sampling ◽  
Friendship Networks ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Number Of Sexual Partners ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Networks Structure

Abstract Social and sexual contact networks between men who have sex with men (MSM) play an important role in understanding the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In Salvador (Bahia State, Brazil), one of the cities in the survey Behavior, Attitudes, Practices, and Prevalence of HIV and Syphilis among Men Who Have Sex with Men in 10 Brazilian Cities, data were collected in 2008/2009 from a sample of 383 MSM using Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS). Network analysis was used to study friendship networks and sexual partner networks. The study also focused on the association between the number of links (degree) and the number of sexual partners, in addition to socio-demographic characteristics. The networks’ structure potentially facilitates HIV transmission. However, the same networks can also be used to spread messages on STI/HIV prevention, since the proximity and similarity of MSM in these networks can encourage behavior change and positive attitudes towards prevention.

Superimposing incident sexually transmitted infections on HIV phylogram to investigate possible misclassification of men who have sex with men as heterosexuals in a cohort in Antwerp, Belgium

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 486-495
Author(s):  
Kara K Osbak ◽  
Conor J Meehan ◽  
Sergio G Ribas ◽  
Leo Heyndrickx ◽  
Kevin K Ariën ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Transmission Risk

In this study, we assessed if the superimposition of incident sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on HIV phylogenetic analyses could reveal possible sexual behaviour misclassifications in our HIV-infected population. HIV-1 sequences collected between 1997 and 2014 from 1169 individuals attending a HIV clinic in Antwerp, Belgium were analysed to infer a partial HIV transmission network. Individual demographic, clinical and laboratory data collected during routine HIV follow-up were used to compare clustered and non-clustered individuals using logistic regression analyses. In total, 438 (37.5%) individuals were identified in 136 clusters, including 76 transmission pairs and 60 clusters consisting of three or more individuals. Individuals in a cluster were more likely to have a history of syphilis, Chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea (P < 0.05); however, when analyses were stratified by HIV transmission risk groups (heterosexual and men who have sex with men [MSM]), this association only remained significant for heterosexuals with syphilis (P = 0.001). Under closer scrutiny, this association was driven by six heterosexual men who were located in six almost exclusively MSM clusters. A parsimonious conclusion is that these six individuals were potentially misclassified as heterosexual. Improving the accuracy of sexual behaviour reporting could improve care.

scholarly journals Increase in reported gonorrhoea cases in Sweden, 2001 - 2008

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (34) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Velicko ◽  
M Unemo
Keyword(s):  
Present Report ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Sexual Networks ◽  
Swedish Population ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Number Of Sexual Partners ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Spread Of Infection

Gonorrhoea is on the rise in Sweden and in many other European countries. The present report describes and evaluates the gonorrhoea trends in Sweden from 2001 to 2008 when an increase of 32% was reported. Up to 86% of the cases were reported in men, with the highest proportion among heterosexually infected men (41-59% during these years). Heterosexually infected men more often acquired gonorrhoea abroad, especially in Thailand, whereas women and men who have sex with men were more likely to acquire the infection within Sweden. The recent increase in gonorrhoea cases in Sweden is most likely due to adoption of more risky sexual behaviour (e.g. an increase in the number of sexual partners and the number of new/casual sexual partners and/or low use of condoms) in the Swedish population. Further research regarding more effective identification and description of sexual transmission chains and sexual networks is needed in order to follow the spread of infection and to recognise more effective interventions to prevent the spread of gonorrhoea and also other sexually transmitted infections.

scholarly journals Example A: Using online respondent-driven sampling among men who have sex with men in Vietnam

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A E Thorson ◽  
L E C Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Respondent Driven Sampling ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Initial Intervention ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Double Blinded

Abstract Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a key population at enhanced risk of sexually transmitted infections including HIV. HIV incidence rates are increasing amongst MSM in Vietnam. The last prevalence rates estimates range between 4% and 12% in major cities (2014). High rates of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea have also been reported, including drug resistant gonorrhoea. MSM face a strong cultural stigma, especially predominant in rural areas, which make them hard-to-reach in relation to preventive activities. In this context, respondent-driven sampling (RDS) becomes an efficient solution for sampling as well as for testing health promotive interventions. The high Internet penetration rate makes web-based RDS to enable sampling as well as testing risk reduction interventions, an appealing alternative to reduce costs, increase data reliability and to facilitate project management of complex study designs. In this talk, we will present and discuss the implementation of a nation-wide webRDS study of MSM in Vietnam aiming to collect self-reported sexual health and risk behaviour information. Using the same web-RDS system, we combine RDS with a double-blinded randomised controlled trial to implement an online intervention based on the participants own responses to encourage self-reflection. The system allows us to follow up respondents for several months after the initial intervention to check the consequences of the intervention on individual behaviour over time.

scholarly journals Do men who have sex with men use serosorting with casual partners in France? Results of a nationwide survey (ANRS-EN17-Presse Gay 2004)

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (47) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Velter ◽  
A Bouyssou-Michel ◽  
A Arnaud ◽  
C Semaille
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Unprotected Anal Intercourse ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internet Dating ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Seropositive

We examined whether men who have sex with men (MSM) in France have adopted serosorting with their casual partners, serosorting being one strategy to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. We expected to see the same predictors of this practice with casual partners in France as in other similar MSM communities (HIV-seropositive, Internet dating). Data from a cross-sectional survey was used, based on a self-administered questionnaire conducted among readers of the gay press and users of gay websites in 2004. The study population consisted of MSM who reported their HIV status, as well as the practice of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with a casual partner at least once during the previous 12 months. Among 881 respondents included in the analysis, 195 (22%) had practiced serosorting: 14% among HIV-seropositive men and 26% among HIV-seronegative men. Serosorting was independently associated with the use of cruising venues (AOR 0.28, p=0.001) and Internet dating (AOR 2.16, p=0.051) among HIV-seropositive men, whereas it was independently associated with the use of cruising venues (AOR 0.59, p=0.013) and the fact of having less partners (AOR 1.50, p=0.046) among HIV-seronegative men. Serosorting requires an up-to-date knowledge of HIV serostatus for MSM and their UAI casual partners, and does not prevent from acquiring other sexually transmitted infections. Prevention campaigns are needed to underline the risks associated with serosorting.

scholarly journals The UALE project: a cross-sectional approach for trends in HIV/STI prevalence among key populations attending STI clinics in Guatemala

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e022632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Ignacio García ◽  
Meritxell Sabidó ◽  
Mikhail Nikiforov ◽  
Adriana Smith ◽  
Gabriela Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Prevalence Trends ◽  
Rapid Tests ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
Over Time

ObjectiveTo describe and compare trends in prevalence, sexual behaviour and HIV transmission knowledge data related to sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV in patients attending three STI clinics over an 8-year period in Escuintla Department, Guatemala.MethodsSTI clinic attendees were classified into transmission groups as follows: female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM) and ‘high-risk heterosexuals’ (HRH). Annual cross-sectional analysis and multivariable Poisson regression adjusted for sociodemographic variables were used for prevalence comparisons and adjusted prevalence trends for HIV/STI outcomes and used for adjusted trends in proportions in sexual behaviour and HIV transmission knowledge outcomes. Endocervical swabs were obtained to detect trichomonas, chlamydia and neisseria infections. Serologies for syphilis and HIV were performed using rapid tests. For reactive HIV samples, positivity was confirmed by an ELISA. All reactive syphilis samples were further confirmed for diagnosis of active syphilis disease.ResultsFrom a total of 4027 clinic attendees, 3213 (79.78%) were FSW, 229 (5.69%) were MSM and 585 (14.53%) were HRH. The proportion of FSW, MSM and HRH who had a single visit was 56.42%, 57.23% and 91.10%, respectively. Overall, HIV prevalence was 2.10% in FSW, 8.17% in MSM and 4.12% in HRH. Prevalence trends in HIV and syphilis decreased in FSW. Prevalence trends in gonorrhoea did not decrease over time neither in FSW nor in HRH. Chlamydia and trichomonas infections in HRH showed an increase prevalence trend. In FSW, trends in condom use in last sexual intercourse with regular and occasional clients were above 93%.ConclusionsFSW show a decreasing trend in HIV, syphilis and chlamydia prevalence. Gonorrhoea prevalence in FSW and HRH did not decrease over time. HRH is a hard to engage population with low follow-up rates and high potential to act as a bridge population.

scholarly journals Sexually transmitted infections may assume an increasingly important role in the evolution of HIV transmission in Europe

2002 ◽  
Vol 6 (29) ◽  
Author(s):  
C M Lowndes
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Heterosexual Transmission ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexual Transmission Of Hiv

Findings presented at the XIV International AIDS conference in Barcelona last week (7-12 July 2002) indicate that sexual transmission of HIV is assuming increasing importance in the western European context, in terms both of increased rates of reported new cases of heterosexual transmission, and of continuing transmission between men who have sex with men (MSM) (1). In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Belgium and Denmark, relatively high and increasing proportions of new cases of heterosexual HIV transmission occur in migrants from countries with generalised HIV epidemics, where prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may also be high (2-4). In other countries, particularly those of southern Europe, there is evidence of significant ongoing heterosexual transmission from injecting drug users (IDUs) (predominantly male) to their sexual partners (5).

scholarly journals Men Who Have Sex With Men and Recruit Bareback Sex Partners on the Internet: Implications for STI and HIV Prevention and Client Education

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher W. Blackwell
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Health Educators ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Client Education ◽  
Bareback Sex ◽  
Sex With Men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) frequently use Internet-based Web sites to recruit sex partners. Although many MSM users of such sites advocate for safe sex practices in their personal profiles, some users actively recruit sexual partners who wish to participate in anal sexual intercourse without the use of condoms, also known as “bareback” sex. Participating in this sexual practice places both sexual partners at higher risk of HIV transmission. In addition, data indicate this behavior is associated with other high-risk activities such as drug use and communication of other sexually transmitted infections. This article summarizes the literature assessing this phenomenon on the Internet. Specific recommendations are provided for clinicians, health educators, and researchers.

Attitude of infectious diseases physicians in Turkey about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis: results of an online survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 665-670
Author(s):  
Cansu Cimen ◽  
Ahmet N Emecen ◽  
Tristan J Barber
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Antiretroviral Drugs ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Suitable Group

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the provision of antiretroviral drugs before HIV exposure to prevent infection for those in whom it is indicated. We conducted an online survey about PrEP in a national sample of infectious diseases physicians in Turkey. They were surveyed from March to April 2019 and they were asked about their attitudes, knowledge and clinical practise about PrEP. Overall, 209 of 2100 (10%) completed the survey, of whom 66.3% were female, 69.5% were specialist and 41.1% were working at education and research hospitals. Most of the participants reported their PrEP knowledge as ‘low’. Men who have sex with men was the most suitable group for PrEP according to participants. 27.9% of them were requested to prescribe PrEP which was to be paid by individuals themselves and 24.2% of the participants had recommended PrEP in their clinical practice. The primary concerns among those who would not recommend PrEP were the possible increase in sexually transmitted infections, the potential low cost-effectiveness of PrEP, the ineffectiveness of PrEP in HIV transmission and the time lost to following-up the individuals taking PrEP. Developing a national guideline would support clinicians in order to change their attitudes and to find answers to their concerns.

scholarly journals Characteristics of HIV-1 molecular transmission networks and drug resistance among men who have sex with men in Tianjin, China (2014–2018)

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minna Zheng ◽  
Maohe Yu ◽  
Shaohui Cheng ◽  
Ning Zhou ◽  
Tielin Ning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
Resistance Mutation ◽  
Drug Resistance Mutation ◽  
Bootstrap Support ◽  
Resistance Mutations ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv 1

Abstract Background In Tianjin, China, there is a relatively high prevalence of HIV in men who have sex with men (MSM). The number of HIV cases in Tianjin is also increasing. We investigated the HIV molecular transmission network, genetic tropisms, and drug resistance mutations in Tianjin. Methods Blood samples were collected from 510 newly diagnosed antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve HIV-1-infected subjects among MSM in Tianjin. Partial pol and env genes were sequenced and used for phylogenetic, genetic tropism, and genotypic drug resistance analyses. Molecular clusters were identified with 1.5% genetic distance and 90% bootstrap support. Results Among the 436 HIV-1 pol sequences obtained from the study participants, various genotypes were identified, including CRF01_AE (56.9%), CRF07_BC (27.8%), B (7.3%), CRF55_01B (4.1%), unique recombinant forms (URFs) (3.7%), and CRF59_01B (0.2%). A higher prevalence of X4 viruses was observed in individuals infected with CRF55_01B (56.3%) and CRF01_AE (46.2%) than with other subtypes. Of all 110 sequences in the 36 clusters, 62 (56.4%) were observed in 23 CRF01_AE clusters and 18 (16.4%) in four CRF07_BC clusters. Eight sequences clustered with at least one other shared the same drug resistance mutation (DRM). In different cluster sizes, the distributions of individuals by age, presence of sexually transmitted disease, and presence of DRMs, were significantly different. Conclusion We revealed the characteristics of HIV molecular transmission, tropism, and DRMs of ART-naïve HIV-infected individuals among the MSM population in Tianjin. Identifying infected persons at risk of transmission is necessary for proposing counseling and treating these patients to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

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