Alcohol and Condomless Insertive Anal Intercourse Among Black/Latino Sexual-Minority Male Non-PrEP Users

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-59
Author(s):  
Thomas Alex Washington ◽  
Jo Brocato ◽  
Sheldon Applewhite ◽  
Yarneccia D. Dyson ◽  
Angel Ramos

ObjectiveThis study examined factors associated with alcohol use and condomlessinsertive anal sex among a sample of BLMSM (N = 188), self-identified as HIV- negative, ages 18–40. The influence of alcohol use on sexual positioning during condomless anal intercourse among Black and Latino men who have sex with men (BLMSM) warrants research attention because of the pervasive misinformation regarding the risk of HIV transmission and the disproportionate impact of the HIV epidemic for this population.MethodsSelf-report survey questionnaires were administered in real time at bars/clubs; public organized events; local colleges/universities; social media advertisements; private men's groups; and organized events in Los Angeles County.ResultsLogistic regression predicted those reporting risky sex when using alcohol were seven times more likely to report condomless insertive anal sex.ConclusionClear messaging about alcohol moderation, dispelling the myths about strategic positioning, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among HIV negative BLMSM could potentially reduce HIV acquisition/transmission.

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054563
Author(s):  
Ryan J Watson ◽  
Charlene Collibee ◽  
Jessica L Maksut ◽  
Valerie A Earnshaw ◽  
Katherine Rucinski ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo better understand rectal STI screening practices for Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (BGBMSM).FindingsAlthough 15% of BGBMSM lab tested positive for a rectal STI, the majority of these (94%) were asymptomatic. Though all participants reported their status as HIV negative/unknown, 31 of 331 (9.4%) tested positive on HIV rapid tests. Neither condomless anal intercourse nor the number of male sex partners was associated with rectal STI or HIV diagnosis, although rectal STI diagnosis was positively related to testing HIV positive.ConclusionsFindings suggest that substantial numbers of BGBMSM have asymptomatic STIs but are not tested—an outcome that is likely a strong driver of onward HIV acquisition. Therefore, we must address the asymptomatic STI epidemic among GBMSM in order to reduce HIV transmission, as well as temper STI transmission, among this key population.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S461-S461
Author(s):  
Meredith E Clement ◽  
Rick Zimmerman ◽  
Josh Grimm ◽  
Joseph Schwartz

Abstract Background The “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (“U=U”) campaign is gaining traction, but prior studies from 2012–2017 have shown that the proportion of gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who are aware of or have perceived accuracy of U=U is low. We report findings from a survey administered to GBMSM in 2018 to understand whether the landscape is changing with respect to U=U message dissemination. Methods GBMSM were recruited on gay dating apps to complete a 96 question survey. Survey data were collected in April-August of 2018. Collected data elements included demographic information, HIV status, ART and PrEP use, and beliefs and opinions regarding HIV transmission. Results 969 GBMSM completed the survey; of whom, 678 had analyzable data (241 had never had anal sex with a man and 54 were missing ≥1 of the variables used in the analysis). Average age was 43 years, 65% were white, 15% black, 15% white, and 15% were HIV-infected (of whom 92% were on anti-retrovirals). Of the 85% who were HIV-uninfected, 39% were on PrEP. In response to the statement that a person with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to an HIV-uninfected person, 24% strongly agreed. Among HIV-negative GBMSM, 33% of those on PrEP agreed and 12% of those not on PrEP agreed. Among those living with HIV, 42% agreed. A multivariable logistic regression was run to explain correlates of strong agreement with U=U, using the following variables: age, education, being Black, being Hispanic, relationship status, number of lifetime male sexual partners, condom use with most recent anal sex, HIV status, PrEP use, and attitudes about living with HIV. Variables associated with strong agreement with U=U were living with HIV (AOR = 1.63, P < 0.001), taking PrEP (AOR = 2.85, P < 0.001), most recent encounter’s condom use (AOR = 2.22, P = 0.003), and having positive attitudes about living with HIV (AOR= 1.93, P < 0.001). Table 1 shows percentages for each of these variables (bivariate relationships) strongly agreeing with U=U. Conclusion Now that U=U has been scientifically proven, the challenge is public awareness. U=U awareness seems to be improving among GBMSM, with HIV-negative GBMSM making the greatest strides. Education around U=U and PrEP efficacy may help reduce guilt around HIV transmission and alleviate HIV stigma. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-61
Author(s):  
Maximo Robert Prescott ◽  
Glenn-Milo Santos ◽  
Sean Arayasirikul ◽  
Erin Wilson

ObjectivesLittle is known about the sexual networks of young transwomen, leaving a major gap in what we know about transmission dynamics and the elevated rates of HIV in this population. The objective of this study was to understand partnership-level factors associated with condomless anal sex among young transwomen.MethodsA secondary data analysis of the sexual partnerships of young transwomen was conducted using baseline data from the SHINE study. Generalised estimating equation logistic regressions were used to assess for partnership-level associations between partnership type, age, injection drug use and racial concordance, HIV seroconcordance, sexual role and condomless receptive (CRAI) and insertive anal intercourse (CIAI).ResultsOur analysis included 187 young transwomen that reported a total of 464 sexual partnerships where they had at least one episode of anal sex in the past 6 months. We found casual (n=232 or 50%) and commercial partnerships (n=106 or 22.8%) to be significantly associated with a lower odds of CIAI (OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.86 and OR=0.39, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.82) and CRAI (OR=0.30, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.47 and OR=0.35, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.62) compared with main partnerships (n=126 or 27.2%). Additionally, HIV-positive seroconcordant (n=25 or 5.4%, OR=4.05, 95% CI 1.44 to 11.40) and injection-drug using partnerships (n=25 or 5.4%, OR=3.66, 95% CI 1.34 to 9.95) were found to be significantly associated with an increased odds of CIAI among participants compared with HIV-negative seroconcordant (n=330 or 71.1%) and non-using partnerships (n=338 or 72.8%), respectively.ConclusionYoung transwomen, like other populations, engage in condomless sex more often with main than casual and commercial partners, suggesting a need for interventions that address sexual practices with steady main partners.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 996-1007 ◽  
Author(s):  
C F Kelley ◽  
C S Kraft ◽  
T JB de Man ◽  
C Duphare ◽  
H-W Lee ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1315-1326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather A. Pines ◽  
Pamina M. Gorbach ◽  
Robert E. Weiss ◽  
Cathy J. Reback ◽  
Raphael J. Landovitz ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurel Prescott Gibson ◽  
Emily B Kramer ◽  
Angela D. Bryan

BACKGROUND In the United States, geosocial networking (GSN) applications (i.e., mobile dating apps) have become central to dating and sexual interactions in recent years. Among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM), these apps play an important role in reducing barriers and facilitating partner-seeking. However, despite these benefits, there are concerns that these apps may facilitate risky sexual behavior and transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among GBM. OBJECTIVE The present study examined the association between GSN app use and sexual risk among a U.S. sample of GBM. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, respondents (N = 223) completed an online survey assessing their use of GSN apps, sexual risk and protective behaviors, HIV serostatus, and previous STI diagnoses. RESULTS Respondents were ages 21-78 (M = 31.90, SD = 10.06), 69.5% Non-Hispanic White, and from 40 States and the District of Columbia. Nearly half (47%; n = 104) of the sample reported using GSN apps. GSN users were more likely to report past year condomless anal intercourse (p < .001), 3+ sexual partners in the previous year (p < .001), and a previous STI diagnosis (p = .001) relative to non-users, and also reported more frequent use of recreational drugs before sex (p = .001), alcohol use before sex (p < .001), and cannabis use before sex (p = .01). Interestingly, GSN users were also more likely to report having ever received an HIV test (p < .001) and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP; p = .03). Rates of HIV seropositivity did not significantly differ between GSN users and non-users (p = .53). Among the subset of GSN users, 38 participants reported using only GBM-specific GSN apps (e.g., Grindr), while 27 participants reported using only sexuality nonspecific GSN apps (e.g., Tinder). Exclusive users of sexual minority-specific apps reported more frequent recreational drug use before sex (p = .01) and were also more likely to report past year condomless anal intercourse (p < .001), 3+ sexual partners in the previous year (p = .004), a previous STI diagnosis (p = .002), and HIV testing (p = .003). Alcohol use before sex, cannabis use before sex, PrEP use, and HIV rates were similar between both groups (ps > .11). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that GSN apps may be a useful pathway for interventions aimed at reducing STI-risk among GBM. Future, prospective studies should examine how risk levels change after initiation of GSN app use.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 483-494
Author(s):  
Kimberly A. Kisler ◽  
Jesse B. Fletcher ◽  
Anne E. Fehrenbacher ◽  
Cathy J. Reback

Little is known about how HIV risk varies among trans women of different ages. From January 2010 to February 2021, 2,242 trans women were assessed via outreach encounters consisting of health education and risk reduction information, and queries of recent sexual behaviors. Generalized linear models provide adjusted rates of engagement in condomless anal intercourse (CAI), in exchange sex, and CAI with exchange partners in the past 30 days for each year from age 18 to 60. Most participants identified as Hispanic/Latina (52%) and most were HIV negative (80%). Engagement in exchange sex remained prevalent from participants’ early 20s through their mid-40s, though CAI with such partners never exceeded an average estimated prevalence of 15%. Condomless behaviors with non-exchange partners was more common, with at least 20% reporting engagement in non-exchange CAI regardless of age. The need for trans-specific sexual risk reduction interventions that take age into account is underscored.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 139
Author(s):  
Benjamin R. Bavinton ◽  
I Gusti Agung Agus Mahendra ◽  
John Kaldor ◽  
Matthew Law ◽  
Andrew E. Grulich ◽  
...  

In recent years, prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has increased substantially in Bali, Indonesia, in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women, known locally as ‘waria’. There are limited behavioural data in this population. We conducted a behavioural survey of MSM/waria in Bali in March–April 2018. Respondents were primarily recruited by HIV outreach workers. Respondents reported details about anal intercourse events with their last male/waria romantic partner and/or last male/waria casual partner (respondents could report on both if relevant). Statistical significance was tested with generalised estimating equations. Among 709 participants, median age was 27 (interquartile range = 24–31), and 92.1% were male and 7.9% were waria. One-third were born in Bali. Overall, 85.9% had ever had an HIV test; 55.1% reported being HIV-negative, 15.0% HIV-positive, and 30.0% had unknown serostatus. Most (86.5%) reported sex with men, 9.5% with waria, and 20.0% with women in the previous 6 months. Respondents described 703 anal intercourse events (397/306 with romantic/casual partners, respectively; 191 reported on both). Over half (56.5%) of the events were protected by condoms and 7.3% by biomedical prevention (2.6% by PrEP in either partner, 4.7% by HIV treatments in either partner). Thus, 36.3% of events involved unprotected condomless anal intercourse (40.8%/30.4% in romantic/casual partners, respectively). In multivariate analysis, unprotected condomless anal intercourse events were associated with romantic partners (p < 0.001), being born in Bali (p = 0.002), lower education (p = 0.013), believing that withdrawal before ejaculation is effective (p < 0.001), liking to use withdrawal (p = 0.021), and not liking condoms (p < 0.001). One-quarter of events had potentially reduced HIV transmission risk through non-condom-based risk reduction strategies, while 11.1% had no potential risk reduction. Events presenting the highest potential risk of HIV transmission were more commonly reported by respondents born in Bali.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 744-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julianne M Serovich ◽  
Sandra J Reed ◽  
Ann A O’Connell ◽  
Tanja C Laschober

In prior studies, the relationship between serostatus disclosure and reduced HIV transmission risk has been mixed. The demonstration of a clear connection may be restricted by three main methodological limitations. This study evaluates the relationship between (1) more refined measures of serostatus disclosure and (2) eight categories of HIV transmission risk (lowest to highest risk) among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, while (3) considering a number of control variables. Results demonstrate that disclosure is more likely in sexual encounters involving no intercourse or involving protected and unprotected anal intercourse with HIV-positive partners than unprotected insertive anal intercourse with HIV-negative/unknown status partners. Additionally, substance use prior to sexual encounters is less likely in lower risk categories than the highest risk category. Results of this study are important to the design of future studies, prevention, and intervention programs for MSM and to the methods used to evaluate their effectiveness.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document