scholarly journals Exchange Sex and Condom Use Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Use Social and Sexual Networking Technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-180
Author(s):  
Étienne Meunier ◽  
Xiang Cai ◽  
Anthony Bamonte ◽  
Denton Callander ◽  
Eric W. Schrimshaw
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Sex Work ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Exchange Sex ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Networking Technologies ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexual Networking

The practice of sex work or exchange sex (having sex in exchange for money, drugs, shelter, or other things) and the risks for HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) associated with it differ based on the venues where partners meet (e.g., streets, agencies, or the Internet). Although there is evidence that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) use social media and dating/hookup applications and websites to find exchange sex, little is known about this phenomenon. We used online survey data collected among MSM in New York City recruited through social/sexual networking technologies to learn more about the practice of exchange sex in this population. Overall, 28.8% of participants had ever exchanged (sold) sex, including 8.4% who had done so in the prior three months. Almost half (46.4%) of those who had ever exchanged sex had met their first client through a social/sexual networking app/website (that was not a website dedicated to sex work), and the majority (88%) of those who had exchanged sex in the prior three months had done so with a client met through these technologies. In multivariable analyses, those who had exchanged sex in the prior three months reported at least twice the number of condomless anal sex partners in that period (compared to those who never exchanged sex) after controlling for covariates (incidence-rate ratio [IRR] = 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52–2.84). Social/sexual networking technologies are important venues for finding exchange sex among MSM, a practice that may present high risk for HIV and/or STI transmission.

Sex club/party attendance and STI among men who have sex with men: results from an online survey in New York City

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (8) ◽  
pp. 584-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Étienne Meunier ◽  
Karolynn Siegel
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
York City ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Biomedical Hiv Prevention ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

ObjectivePrior studies have shown that men who have sex with men (MSM) who attend sex clubs or parties are at higher risk for HIV and other STIs than those who do not. We sought to provide data about MSM who attend sex clubs/parties in New York City (NYC) in the era of biomedical HIV prevention.Methods: We conducted an online survey among MSM in NYC (n=766) in 2016–2017 and investigated differences between those who reported never attending a sex club/party (non-attendees 50.1%), those who had attended over a year ago (past attendees 18.0%) and those who attended in the prior year (recent attendees 30.1%). We also conducted multivariable analyses to explore associations with past-year STI diagnosis.Results: Recent attendees were not more likely to be HIV positive than non-attendees. Among participants never diagnosed with HIV, recent attendees were more likely to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, 32.6%) than non-attendees (14.5%) and past attendees (18.8%; p<0.001). Recent attendees reported the highest numbers of recent sex partners, including partners with whom they had condomless anal sex. Significantly more recent attendees reported an STI diagnosis in the prior year (27.9%) compared with non-attendees (14.0%) and past attendees (16.5%; p<0.001). However, 13.8% of non-attendees and 11.5% of past attendees reported having never tested for STIs, significantly more than recent attendees (6.0%, p=0.010). Multivariable analysis showed recent attendees to have 2.42 times the odds (compared with non-attendees) of reporting past-year STI diagnosis (95% CI 1.52 to 3.87, p<0.001).ConclusionsCompared with those who had not done so, MSM who attended sex clubs/parties in NYC in the prior year were not only more likely to report past-year STI diagnoses but also more likely to report PrEP use or recent HIV/STI testing. Sexual health promotion among MSM who attend sex clubs/parties should address STI risk and prevention.

scholarly journals Testing the Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of a Combination HIV Prevention Intervention Among Young Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women Who Sell or Exchange Sex in Thailand: Protocol for the Combination Prevention Effectiveness Study

10.2196/15354 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e15354
Author(s):  
Andrea L Wirtz ◽  
Brian Wilson Weir ◽  
Sandra Hsu Hnin Mon ◽  
Pachara Sirivongrangson ◽  
Tareerat Chemnasiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Sex Work ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Prevention Intervention ◽  
Combination Prevention ◽  
Exchange Sex ◽  
Young Msm ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Acquisition ◽  
Oral Prep

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in the prevention of HIV acquisition, particularly for men who have sex with men (MSM). Questions remain on the benefits of PrEP and implementation strategies for those at occupational risk of HIV acquisition in sex work, as well as on methods to support adherence among young people who initiate PrEP. Objective The Combination Prevention Effectiveness study for young cisgender MSM and transgender women (TGW) aims to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a combination intervention among HIV-uninfected young MSM and TGW engaged in sex work in Thailand. Methods This open-label, nonrandomized assessment compares the relative effectiveness of a combination prevention intervention with and without daily oral emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) PrEP with SMS-based adherence support. HIV-uninfected young MSM and TGW aged 18 to 26 years in Bangkok and Pattaya who self-report selling/exchanging sex at least once in the previous 12 months are recruited by convenience sampling and peer referral and are eligible regardless of their intent to initiate PrEP. At baseline, participants complete a standard assessment for PrEP eligibility and may initiate PrEP then or at any time during study participation. All participants complete a survey and HIV testing at baseline and every 3 months. Participants who initiate PrEP complete monthly pill pickups and may opt-in to SMS reminders. All participants are sent brief weekly SMS surveys to assess behavior with additional adherence questions for those who initiated PrEP. Adherence is defined as use of 4 or more pills within the last 7 days. The analytic plan uses a person-time approach to assess HIV incidence, comparing participant time on oral PrEP to participant time off oral PrEP for 12 to 24 months of follow-up, using a propensity score to control for confounders. Enrollment is based on the goal of observing 620 person-years (PY) on PrEP and 620 PY off PrEP. Results As of February 2019, 445 participants (417 MSM and 28 TGW) have contributed approximately 168 PY with 95% (73/77) retention at 12 months. 74.2% (330/445) of enrolled participants initiated PrEP at baseline, contributing to 134 PY of PrEP adherence, 1 PY nonadherence, and 33 PY PrEP nonuse/noninitiation. Some social harms, predominantly related to unintentional participant disclosure of PrEP use and peer stigmatization of PrEP and HIV, have been identified. Conclusions The majority of cisgender MSM and TGW who exchange sex and participate in this study are interested in PrEP, report taking sufficient PrEP, and stay on PrEP, though additional efforts are needed to address community misinformation and stigma. This novel multilevel, open-label study design and person-time approach will allow evaluation of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of combination prevention intervention in the contexts of both organized sex work and exchanged sex. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/15354

scholarly journals Testing the Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of a Combination HIV Prevention Intervention Among Young Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women Who Sell or Exchange Sex in Thailand: Protocol for the Combination Prevention Effectiveness Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea L Wirtz ◽  
Brian Wilson Weir ◽  
Sandra Hsu Hnin Mon ◽  
Pachara Sirivongrangson ◽  
Tareerat Chemnasiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Sex Work ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Prevention Intervention ◽  
Combination Prevention ◽  
Exchange Sex ◽  
Young Msm ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Acquisition ◽  
Oral Prep

BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in the prevention of HIV acquisition, particularly for men who have sex with men (MSM). Questions remain on the benefits of PrEP and implementation strategies for those at occupational risk of HIV acquisition in sex work, as well as on methods to support adherence among young people who initiate PrEP. OBJECTIVE The Combination Prevention Effectiveness study for young cisgender MSM and transgender women (TGW) aims to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a combination intervention among HIV-uninfected young MSM and TGW engaged in sex work in Thailand. METHODS This open-label, nonrandomized assessment compares the relative effectiveness of a combination prevention intervention with and without daily oral emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) PrEP with SMS-based adherence support. HIV-uninfected young MSM and TGW aged 18 to 26 years in Bangkok and Pattaya who self-report selling/exchanging sex at least once in the previous 12 months are recruited by convenience sampling and peer referral and are eligible regardless of their intent to initiate PrEP. At baseline, participants complete a standard assessment for PrEP eligibility and may initiate PrEP then or at any time during study participation. All participants complete a survey and HIV testing at baseline and every 3 months. Participants who initiate PrEP complete monthly pill pickups and may opt-in to SMS reminders. All participants are sent brief weekly SMS surveys to assess behavior with additional adherence questions for those who initiated PrEP. Adherence is defined as use of 4 or more pills within the last 7 days. The analytic plan uses a person-time approach to assess HIV incidence, comparing participant time on oral PrEP to participant time off oral PrEP for 12 to 24 months of follow-up, using a propensity score to control for confounders. Enrollment is based on the goal of observing 620 person-years (PY) on PrEP and 620 PY off PrEP. RESULTS As of February 2019, 445 participants (417 MSM and 28 TGW) have contributed approximately 168 PY with 95% (73/77) retention at 12 months. 74.2% (330/445) of enrolled participants initiated PrEP at baseline, contributing to 134 PY of PrEP adherence, 1 PY nonadherence, and 33 PY PrEP nonuse/noninitiation. Some social harms, predominantly related to unintentional participant disclosure of PrEP use and peer stigmatization of PrEP and HIV, have been identified. CONCLUSIONS The majority of cisgender MSM and TGW who exchange sex and participate in this study are interested in PrEP, report taking sufficient PrEP, and stay on PrEP, though additional efforts are needed to address community misinformation and stigma. This novel multilevel, open-label study design and person-time approach will allow evaluation of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of combination prevention intervention in the contexts of both organized sex work and exchanged sex. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR1-10.2196/15354

scholarly journals Stigma and Mobile App Use Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 523-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Lina Rosengren ◽  
Timothy W. Menza ◽  
Sara LeGrand ◽  
Kathryn E. Muessig ◽  
Jose A. Bauermeister ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Men ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Vulnerability ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
Stigma Experiences ◽  
Sexual Networking

Young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Intersectional stigmas are associated with increased HIV vulnerability, and worse outcomes for YBMSM with HIV. YBMSM find sex partners through sexual networking apps, but stigma on apps has been poorly studied. We conducted cross-sectional analysis of 324 YBMSM seeking sex partners through apps to assess stigma experiences in eight dimensions compared to non-users (N = 150). We conducted detailed stratified analyses to identify granular stigma data. App users had higher median scores than non-users in perceived HIV discrimination, perceived HIV stigma, experienced sexual minority stigma, racial discrimination, and perceived homophobia. We demonstrate higher levels of intersectional stigmas among app users than non-users, but did not find an overall increase in stigma with increasing app use. Considering the prominent role of apps in YBMSM sexual networking, interventions that reduce stigma on apps are needed.

scholarly journals Factors associated with willingness to use Pre-exposure prophylaxis in Brazil, Mexico and Peru: an online survey among men who have sex with men (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago Silva Torres ◽  
Kelika Konda ◽  
E. Hamid Vega-Ramirez ◽  
Oliver Antonio Elorreaga Reyes ◽  
Dulce Diaz-Sosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Willingness To Use ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Oral Prep

BACKGROUND HIV epidemics disproportionally affect key populations including men who have sex with men (MSM). HIV prevalence among MSM varies from 17% in Brazil and Mexico to 13% in Peru, while it is below 0.5% for the general population. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir is being implemented in the context of combination HIV prevention. Reports on PrEP awareness, willingness to use, and acceptability among MSM have started to emerge over the last few years. Previously reported factors associated with willingness to use PrEP include: awareness, low cost, higher sexual risk behavior, prior sexually transmitted infection, and unwillingness to use condoms. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with willingness to use daily oral PrEP among MSM in three Latin American, middle-income countries (Brazil, Mexico and Peru). METHODS This online cross-sectional survey was advertised in two gay social network apps (Grindr and Hornet) used by MSM to find sex partners and on Facebook during two months in 2018. Inclusion criteria were ≥18 years of age, cisgender men, and HIV-negative by self-report. Eligible individuals answered questions on: demographics, behavior, and PrEP (awareness, willingness to use, barriers and facilitators). Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to assess the factors associated with willingness to use daily oral PrEP in each country. RESULTS From a total sample of 43,687 individuals, 19,457 (45%) MSM were eligible and completed the online survey (Brazil: 58%, Mexico: 31%, Peru: 11%); median age was 28 years (IQR: 24-34), almost half lived in large urban cities and 89% self-defined as homosexual. Most of the participants were recruited on Grindr (69%). Almost 20% had never tested for HIV and condomless receptive anal sex was reported by 46% in the previous 6 months. A total of 13,110 (67%) would be eligible for PrEP (adapted from WHO risk criteria), but only 10% of participants had high HIV risk perception. PrEP awareness was reported by 65%, this was lower in Peru (46%). Overall, willingness to use PrEP was reported by 64%, highest in Mexico (70%) and lowest in Peru (58%). In multivariate regression models adjusted for age, schooling, and income: in each country willingness to use PrEP was positively associated with PrEP awareness and PrEP facilitators (e.g. free PrEP and HIV testing), and negatively associated with behavioral (e.g., concerned by daily pill regimen) and belief barriers (e.g., sex partners may expect condomless anal sex). CONCLUSIONS In this first cross-country online survey in Latin America, willingness to use PrEP was found to be high and directly related to PrEP awareness. Interventions to increase awareness and PrEP knowledge about safety and efficacy are crucial to increase PrEP demand. This study provides important information to support the implementation of PrEP in Brazil, Mexico and Peru.

Participation in Online and Offline HIV Prevention Among Men who have Sex with Men who use the Internet to Meet Sex Partners in New York City

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 389-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Navejas ◽  
Alan Neaigus ◽  
Lucia Torian ◽  
Christopher Murrill
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
York City ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Sex With Men

A comparison of HIV-risk behaviors between young black cisgender men who have sex with men and young black transgender women who have sex with men

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 665-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A Crosby ◽  
Laura F Salazar ◽  
Brandon Hill ◽  
Leandro Mena
Keyword(s):  
Oral Sex ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Exchange Sex ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Multiple Risk Factors ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Stis And Hiv

This study compared sexually transmitted infection (STI)-associated risks between young Black cisgender men who have sex with men (YBMSM) and young Black transwomen who have sex with men (YBTWSM). Comparisons pertained to: (1) prevalence of infections; (2) sexual risk; (3) partner-related risks; and (4) socioeconomic marginalization. YBMSM (n = 577) and YBTWSM (n = 32) were recruited from an STI clinic in the USA. Volunteers completed a computer-assisted self-interview and medical records were abstracted for STI/HIV information. Significantly greater prevalence of pharyngeal Chlamydia ( P < .001) and pharyngeal gonorrhea ( P = .04) occurred among YBTWSM; however, both associations were moderated and only significant for HIV-uninfected volunteers. YBTWSM had more oral sex partners and more frequent engagement in oral sex. The number of new sex partners for anal receptive sex was greater in YBTWSM. YBTWSM were more likely to exchange sex for money/drugs ( P < .001), have sex with men recently in prison ( P < .001), who were “anonymous” ( P = .004), or who were “one night stands” ( P < .001). YBTWSM were more likely to depend on sex partners for money food, etc. ( P < .001), to miss meals due to lack of money ( P = .01), and to report having ever being incarcerated ( P = .009). Compared to cisgender YBMSM, YBTWSM experience multiple risk factors relative to the acquisition/transmission of STIs and HIV.

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

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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