scholarly journals An Internet-Based Self-Testing Model (Easy Test): Cross-Sectional Survey Targeting Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Never Tested for HIV in 14 Provinces of China (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia Jin ◽  
Junjie Xu ◽  
M. Kumi Smith ◽  
Dong Xiao ◽  
Erica R Rapheal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Result ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Test Model ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
First Time

BACKGROUND With China’s explosive internet growth, activities such as socializing and partner seeking among men who have sex with men (MSM) has also become Web based through popular services such as Blued. This creates a new mode of health promotion with the potential to instantly reach large numbers of MSM, including those who rarely access traditional offline testing facilities. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the Easy Test in increasing access and uptake of HIV testing and treatment services among MSM and to identify demographic and behavioral predictors of program uptake to inform future implementation. METHODS A feasibility study of the Easy Test model was conducted from October 2017 to December 2017 in 14 Chinese provinces. Applicants who provided informed consent completed a self-administered questionnaire and submitted a US $5 deposit to have the free test kit delivered to their homes. Orders were then received, processed, and posted by volunteers from local community-based organizations. Once applicants submitted images of their test results, the deposit was refunded to the applicant. Those whose test results were deemed to be HIV-positive were then connected to a peer navigator to accompany the individual to follow-up medical services. A chi-squared trend test was used to assess the relationship between lifetime HIV testing volume and HIV prevalence. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent risk factors associated with two outcomes: (1) never having tested for HIV and (2) receiving an HIV-positive result. RESULTS A total of 879 individuals submitted Web-based requests for test kits. Their median age was 28 (interquartile range 24-34 years); 69.3% (609/879) had at least a college education, and 51.5% (453/879) had a monthly income between US $450 to $750; 77.7% (683/879) of the applicants submitted images of their test results, among whom 14.3% (98/683) had an HIV-positive result. Among the 42.9% (293/683) who were first-time testers, the HIV prevalence was 18.8% (55/293). Nearly three-quarters (71/98, 72.4%) of those with a positive test result were connected with a peer navigator and enrolled in treatment. Among the first-time testers, having multiple sexual partners (2-3 sexual partners: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.44, 95% CI 1.08-5.50; 4 or above sexual partners: aOR 3.55, 95% CI 1.18-10.68) and reporting inconsistent condom use in the previous 3 months (aOR 7.95, 95% CI 3.66-17.26) were both associated with an HIV-positive result. An inverse dose response relationship between lifetime HIV testing volume and HIV prevalence was also observed in this study (χ23=55.0; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The Easy Test model reached a larger portion of first-time testers, many who reported higher risk sexual behaviors. This highlights the potential for an internet-based self-test model to increase access to HIV treatment services for HIV-positive MSM in China.

scholarly journals Similar Sexually Transmitted Infections Prevalence Despite Lower HIV Prevalence Among Transgender Women Compared with Men Who Have Sex With Men in Thai Community-Based Test and Treat Cohort

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S106-S106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akarin Hiransuthikul ◽  
Nanthika Prawepray ◽  
Supab Pengpum ◽  
Ratchadej Reankhomfu ◽  
Phubet Panpet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Test And Treat ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Gender Specific

Abstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TG) are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To understand potential different characteristics, we assessed gender-specific, demographic data, behavioral risks and prevalence of STIs. Methods Thai MSM and TG aged ≥18 years from six community-based organizations in Thailand were enrolled into the Test and Treat cohort during 2015–2016. Baseline demographic and behavior risk assessment and HIV/STIs testing were done. Blood for syphilis serology and pharyngeal and anal swab, and urine for gonorrhea and chlamydia nucleic acid amplification testing were collected. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with gender-specific STIs prevalence. Results From 1862 MSM and 787 TG enrolled, 874 (33%) had STI and 402 (15.2%) were HIV-positive. Compared with MSM, more TG were single (79.7% vs. 71.6%), had lower education (23.6% vs. 40% with diploma or higher), had lower income (35.7% vs. 42.6% gained &gt;288 USD/month), had first sex at young age (20.1% vs. 12.8% at &lt;15 years old), and reported &gt;3 sexual partners in the past 6 months (32.9% vs. 24.6%) (all P &lt; 0.001). The overall STIs prevalence was similar between both genders (31.5% vs. 33.6%, P = 0.29), but TG had lower HIV prevalence (8.9% vs. 17.8%, P &lt; 0.001). TG had higher prevalence of pharyngeal and anal chlamydia (5.5% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.001 and 19.5% vs. 15.1%, P = 0.007, respectively), while syphilis prevalence was higher in MSM (9.9% vs. 3.6%, P &lt; 0.001). Among HIV-positive participants, MSM had higher prevalence of HIV and syphilis coinfection (26.2% vs. 8.6%, P = 0.001). STIs prevalence among TG was associated with HIV-positive status (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 2.74; 95% CI 1.52–4.95, P = 0.001), having multiple sexual partners or refused to answer (aOR 2.36; 95% CI 1.31–4.24, P = 0.004 and 2.33; 95% CI 1.24–4.37, P = 0.009, respectively) and unprotected sexual intercourse (aOR 1.66; 95% CI 1.02–2.69, P = 0.041). Conclusion Almost one-third of TG enrolled into the Test and Treat cohort had STI. TG had lower HIV prevalence but similar STIs prevalence compared with MSM, despite practicing riskier sexual behaviors. Our findings signified the importance of studying TG sexual networks in Thailand to better strategize sexual health programs. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Sexual behaviour patterns and STI risk: results of a cluster analysis among men who have sex with men in Portugal

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e033290
Author(s):  
Karel Blondeel ◽  
Sonia Dias ◽  
Martina Furegato ◽  
Armando Seuc ◽  
Ana Gama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Combination Prevention ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesPortugal has the highest HIV incidence rate in Western Europe. The proportion assigned to sexual contact between men recently increased to more than 30% of all HIV infections. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increasing the per-contact risk of HIV infection. Building on syndemic theory, the aim of this analysis was to identify patterns of current sexual behaviour in MSM, and explore their relationship with self-reported current, past STI diagnoses and HIV positive serostatus.DesignA cross-sectional behavioural survey was conducted in Portugal among MSM, using a community-based participatory research approach. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify patterns including behavioural and demographic factors.ResultsThe analysis resulted in six clusters. Three clusters showed higher rates of current STI diagnosis (ranging from 11.7% to 17.1%), past STI diagnosis (ranging from 25.5% to 41.5%) and HIV positive serostatus (ranging from 13.0% to 16.7%). From the three clusters scoring lower on current and past STI and HIV diagnoses, one was characterised by a high number of sexual partners (62% had more than 12 partners in the last year), a high proportion (94.6%) of frequent visits to gay venues to meet sexual partners and high alcohol use (46.1%). The other two clusters scored lower on high risk sexual behaviour.ConclusionFactors other than sexual behaviour appear to reinforce the vulnerability to STIs and HIV of some MSM in this study, suggesting a syndemic of STIs, HIV and other adverse conditions. More research is needed to better understand the drivers of the STI/HIV epidemic in Portuguese MSM, using a concept that goes beyond risk behaviour, to develop effective combination prevention interventions.

scholarly journals Men who have sex with men in China have relatively low numbers of sexual partners

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Eric Pui Fung Chow ◽  
David P. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Median Number ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
The Past ◽  
Male Sexual Partners ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Over Time

HIV prevalence is increasing rapidly among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China and potentially associated with the number of male sexual partners that each man has on average. This study estimates the distribution of the number of male sexual partners among Chinese MSM through a comprehensive review of English and Chinese published literature. The overall median number of male sexual partners of Chinese MSM in the past 6 months China was estimated to be 1.5 (95% CI, 1.1-1.9) and 3.8 (95% CI 1.5-6.9) sexual partners in the past 6-month and 12-month periods respectively. An estimated 31% of sexual partners of MSM in China are regular partners, 54% are casual partners, and 16% are commercial partners. The reported numbers of sexual partners has not changed over time during the past decade. The numbers of male sexual partners reported by Chinese MSM is consistently lower than other settings and may not be sufficient to explain the recent rapid increase in HIV prevalence.

scholarly journals What is the level of uptake of Partner Notification Services in HIV testing  in Selected Health Facilities in Muranga County – Kenya; a retrospective Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rewel Kariuki ◽  
Gilbert Koome Rithaa ◽  
Oyugi Elvis ◽  
Daniel Gachathi
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Identification ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background: Identification of people living with HIV is key in HIV prevention and control. Partner Notification service is a World Health Organization backed strategy of reaching out to sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV for HIV testing. However, its adoption and success rate in Kenya remains unknown.Methods: A cross sectional facility based study was undertaken in five purposively selected health facilities in Muranga County, Kenya. A retrospective review of patient medical records data for HIV positive index clients and their Sexual Partners conducted. Census approach applied to extract data for study subjects from Partner Notification Service registers for the period covering January 2017 to August 2018. Epi Info software was used for data analysis.Results: A total of 183 index clients offered Partner notification services. The mean age of the indexed clients studied was 39(SD ±13.1). Females comprised 64 % of clients studied. Of the 183 indexed clients, 89% accepted the services and elicited 216 sexual partners for tracing. The ratio of elicited sexual partners to index client was 1.3:1. Out of the 216 sexual partners, 77% were reached and tested. A total of 46 [32%] of the sexual partners elicited and traced, tested HIV positive. The most preferred approaches were provider referral (51%) and contract referral (45%). Dual referral (4%) was the least preferred approach. Conclusions: Partner notification services is acceptable and an effective strategy of increasing HIV case identification and raising awareness to exposed sexual partners in low resource countries.

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.

scholarly journals Predictive Factors for Positive HIV Test Results in a Hospital Setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulmaz Ghahramani ◽  
Hassan Joulaei ◽  
Amir Human Hoveidaei ◽  
Mohammad Reza Rajabi ◽  
Kamran Bagheri Lankarani
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Test Result

Background: Hospital admission for any reason provides the situation for voluntary HIV testing and consultation. Identifying the predictors of positivity may lead to a cost-effective method while enhancing professionalism. Objectives: To find the predictors of HIV-positive test result in a general hospital in Shiraz compared to a control group. Methods: In this case-control study, the records of all patients who received HIV testing upon their hospitalization in a general hospital in Shiraz, south of Iran, from January 2017 to the end of December 2017 were reviewed. For each HIV-positive case, at least one control from the same ward in the hospital with negative HIV test result was randomly selected. Based on the best-fitted model of logistic regression, the probability of positive HIV test results was estimated for each participant according to the risk factors, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn. Results: Out of 7333 persons who accepted to be tested, 77 patients tested positive for HIV, of whom 55 (71.4%) were male with the mean age of 41.5 ± 9.5 years. None of the HIV-positive patients were intravenous drug users, nor had they a history of imprisonment. The odds ratio (OR) was 21 for hepatitis-positive patients (hepatitis B and/or C) compared to negative ones, which was seven times higher in opium addicts than non-opium addicts. We developed a model using age, sex, opium addiction, and HBV and HCV status to predict the probability of being positive for HIV with an AUC of 0.853 (95% confidence interval 0.797 to 0.909). Conclusions: Hospital admission could be an appropriate momentum for providing voluntary counseling and testing. Infection with HBV and HCV are important risk factors for HIV infection, and additional testing should be offered, especially to these patients.

HIV and syphilis and sexual risk behaviours among men who have sex with men attending university in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song Fan ◽  
Zuyao Yang ◽  
Fengsu Hou ◽  
Maohe Yu ◽  
Zhenzhou Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Male Partner ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Group Sex ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviours

Background This study was conducted to summarise the HIV epidemic, sexual behaviours and HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending university in China. Methods: Five databases were searched for student MSM information in English and Chinese language publications. Meta-analyses were performed to calculate the pooled prevalence of HIV and syphilis, pooled mean age at first anal intercourse (AFAI) and the rate of other HIV-related behaviours among MSM attending university in China. Univariate meta-regression and subgroup analysis were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was measured using Egger’s test. Results: Thirty-three articles representing 31 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled HIV prevalence was 4.1% (95% CI 3.1–5.0%). The estimated AFAI was 18.7 years, but 37.5% of students had their first anal intercourse before 18 years of age. Most (88.2%) had their first sexual intercourse with a male partner. Of the MSM attending university, 4.2% of MSM engaged in commercial sex (either selling or buying sex), 10.3% had ever engaged in group sex, 13.1% had had sex with a female partner in the past month and 10.1% had ever used drugs. Most (77.7%) sought sex partners via geosocial networking gay apps or the Internet, and 42.9% had ever tested for HIV. There was a tendency for an increase in lifetime HIV testing rate from 32% in 2005–07 to 53% in 2014–16. Conclusions: This review found high HIV prevalence, early AFAI and a high prevalence of sexual risk behaviours among MSM attending university in China. Interventions aimed at increasing HIV testing and reducing sexual risk behaviours are urgently needed among this young population.

scholarly journals Predictors of first-time and repeat HIV testing among HIV positive individuals in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia De Anda ◽  
Anne Njoroge ◽  
Irene Njuguna ◽  
Matthew D. Dunbar ◽  
Felix Abuna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Repeat Hiv Testing ◽  
First Time
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