Fraud Detection Protocol for Web-Based Research Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Development and Descriptive Evaluation (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
April M Ballard ◽  
Trey Cardwell ◽  
April M Young
Keyword(s):  
Survey Research ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Fraud Detection ◽  
Detection Algorithm ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Young Msm ◽  
Data Survey ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND Internet is becoming an increasingly common tool for survey research, particularly among “hidden” or vulnerable populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM). Web-based research has many advantages for participants and researchers, but fraud can present a significant threat to data integrity. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate fraud detection strategies in a Web-based survey of young MSM and describe new protocols to improve fraud detection in Web-based survey research. METHODS This study involved a cross-sectional Web-based survey that examined individual- and network-level risk factors for HIV transmission and substance use among young MSM residing in 15 counties in Central Kentucky. Each survey entry, which was at least 50% complete, was evaluated by the study staff for fraud using an algorithm involving 8 criteria based on a combination of geolocation data, survey data, and personal information. Entries were classified as fraudulent, potentially fraudulent, or valid. Descriptive analyses were performed to describe each fraud detection criterion among entries. RESULTS Of the 414 survey entries, the final categorization resulted in 119 (28.7%) entries identified as fraud, 42 (10.1%) as potential fraud, and 253 (61.1%) as valid. Geolocation outside of the study area (164/414, 39.6%) was the most frequently violated criterion. However, 33.3% (82/246) of the entries that had ineligible geolocations belonged to participants who were in eligible locations (as verified by their request to mail payment to an address within the study area or participation at a local event). The second most frequently violated criterion was an invalid phone number (94/414, 22.7%), followed by mismatching names within an entry (43/414, 10.4%) and unusual email addresses (37/414, 8.9%). Less than 5% (18/414) of the entries had some combination of personal information items matching that of a previous entry. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that researchers conducting Web-based surveys of MSM should be vigilant about the potential for fraud. Researchers should have a fraud detection algorithm in place prior to data collection and should not rely on the Internet Protocol (IP) address or geolocation alone, but should rather use a combination of indicators.

scholarly journals The reporting of the mode of transmission among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Lviv oblast, Ukraine, 2014-2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (11.1) ◽  
pp. 122S-127S
Author(s):  
Maryana Sluzhynska ◽  
Olga Denisiuk ◽  
Ruzanna Grigoryan ◽  
Yulia Sereda ◽  
Gennadiy Slabkiy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Doctor ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Aids Epidemic ◽  
Mode Of Transmission ◽  
Sex With Men

Introduction: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are one of the key populations driving HIV/AIDS epidemic globally. To date, MSM is the only population in Ukraine where the prevalence and incidence of HIV is increasing. As HIV-positive MSM might feel uncomfortable to report homosexual intercourses as a possible mode of transmission (MoT) of HIV, they prefer being registered as patients with heterosexual or non-defined MoT. This study aimed to calculate the proportion of misclassified MoT among HIV-positive MSM registered in Lviv oblast, Ukraine, during 2014-2018. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with 127 HIV-positive MSM patients from Lviv region for the period of 2014-2018. Results: Out of 127 HIV-positive MSM included in the study, 110 (86.6%) were from urban areas. In addition, 52 patients (40.9%) were diagnosed with stage 1 HIV, 16 (12.6%) – stage 2, 19 (15%) – stage 3, and 36 (28.3%) – stage 4. CD4 count < 200 cells/μL was found in 35 (27.6%) patients. Mean time from registration to antiretroviral therapy initiation was 80 days. During the first visit to medical doctor out of those 48 patients who had previously reported “other modes” of HIV transmission, 33 patients (68.7%) disclosed homosexual MoT of HIV. The remaining 15 (31.3%) patients disclosed their homosexual MoT of HIV later – during their regular follow-up visits to the doctor. Conclusion: Special measures are needed to improve the reporting of homosexual MoT which can potentially strengthen the HIV care among MSM.

scholarly journals Alcohol consumption patterns among men who have sex with men in major cities of Myanmar: A cross-sectional study

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 1149
Author(s):  
Kyaw-Min Htut ◽  
Chitlada Areesantichai ◽  
Myo-Myo Mon
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Consumption Patterns ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Young Msm ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Sex With Men

Background: Alcohol consumption patterns vary widely across the regions of the world. Although previous studies have focused on the sexual risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM), studies regarding binge alcohol drinking among MSM in Myanmar are scarce. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the alcohol consumption patterns among MSM aged over 18 years in two major cities of Myanmar where the MSM population is higher than other regions. Purposive sampling was applied and sampling was made through Myanmar MSM network. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire. Patterns of alcohol consumption were described as frequency/percentage and mean/median as appropriate. Bivariate analysis was also done to find out the association between types of MSM and binge drinking. Results: A total of 256 MSM included in the study (mean age, 27.33±7.7 years). Of 256 participants, 225 MSM had the experience of alcohol consumption in their lifetime (225/256, 87.9%). Among ever drinkers, 152 MSM consumed alcohol within three months (152/225, 67.6%). Regarding beer consumption, the highest proportions of MSM from both groups (42.8%, 36.8%) consumed 1-3 times per week. Overall, 57.2% of young MSM and 41.2% of adult MSM consumed beer together with their friends. Nearly 34% of young MSM and nearly 38% of adult MMS consumed beer at gatherings of friends. At different time periods, higher proportions of Thange (partners of MSM) had experienced of binge drinking than apwint (open) and apone (hidden) (p<0.05). Conclusions: The current study identified the alcohol consumption patterns in terms of type, amount, frequency at different time periods among MSM in major cities of Myanmar. It is suggested to develop and implement alcohol control policy for MSM since the proportion of current drinkers as well as binge drinking higher among these groups.

scholarly journals 1253. Sex-on-Premise Venue (SOPV) Attendance Among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Lima, Perú: Results From a Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S450-S451
Author(s):  
Alexander Lankowski ◽  
Hugo Sanchez ◽  
Jose Hidalgo ◽  
Robinson Cabello ◽  
Ann Duerr
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background In Perú, where the HIV epidemic is concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM), incidence has not changed appreciably over the last decade despite the rapid scale-up of free antiretroviral treatment (ART). New strategies for delivering effective HIV testing and prevention services to at-risk populations are greatly needed. Because most adult MSM in Perú live at home with family where it may be difficult to bring new sex partners, sex-on-premise venues (SOPVs)—such as saunas, sex clubs, and hourly hotels—might represent opportune sites at which to offer targeted HIV testing and prevention interventions. Methods From November 26, 2018 through April 15, 2019 we conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey using REDCap to assess the prevalence of SOPV attendance and associated sexual risk behaviors among MSM in Lima, Perú. SOPVs were defined as saunas, sex clubs, adult movie theaters, hotels, or bars/discos known to permit sex. We recruited participants by disseminating an anonymous survey link through local gay social media networks, with no monetary incentive to complete the survey. We asked participants how/where they met any sex partners from the prior 3 months, where they went for sex, and about HIV-associated sexual risk factors, including self-reported HIV status. We used the Pearson chi-squared test and Student’s t-test to assess whether the frequency of sexual risk behaviors differed based on SOPV attendance. Results Among n = 324 cis-gender MSM completing the survey, 16% identified as bisexual. Median age was 30 years, 62% lived at home with family, 50% had a university education or higher, and 29% reported being HIV+. 65% of respondents reported attending an SOPV to meet a partner and/or have sex in the prior 3 months. SOPV attendees were significantly more likely to report transactional sex, group sex, sex under the influence of alcohol, popper use, and have a higher number of sex partners (table). Conclusion SOPV attendance is common among MSM in Lima and associated with higher levels of several sexual behavioral risk factors. In light of this, SOPVs warrant further consideration as potential sites of outreach to offer HIV testing and prevention interventions designed to reach MSM at high risk for HIV infection. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Alcohol consumption patterns among men who have sex with men in major cities of Myanmar: A cross-sectional study

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 1149
Author(s):  
Kyaw-Min Htut ◽  
Chitlada Areesantichai ◽  
Myo-Myo Mon
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Consumption Patterns ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Young Msm ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Sex With Men

Background: Alcohol consumption patterns vary widely across the regions of the world. Although previous studies have focused on the sexual risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM), studies regarding binge alcohol drinking among MSM in Myanmar are scarce. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the alcohol consumption patterns among MSM aged over 18 years in two major cities of Myanmar where the MSM population is higher than other regions. Purposive sampling was applied and sampling was made through Myanmar MSM network. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire. Patterns of alcohol consumption were described as frequency/percentage and mean/median as appropriate. Bivariate analysis was also done to find out the association between types of MSM and binge drinking. Results: A total of 256 MSM included in the study (mean age, 27.33±7.7 years). Of 256 participants, 225 MSM had the experience of alcohol consumption in their lifetime (225/256, 87.9%). Among ever drinkers, 152 MSM consumed alcohol within three months (152/225, 67.6%). Regarding beer consumption, the highest proportions of MSM from both groups (42.8%, 36.8%) consumed 1-3 times per week. Overall, 57.2% of young MSM and 41.2% of adult MSM consumed beer together with their friends. Nearly 34% of young MSM and nearly 38% of adult MMS consumed beer at gatherings of friends. At different time periods, higher proportions of Thange (partners of MSM) had experienced of binge drinking than apwint (open) and apone (hidden) (p<0.05). Conclusions: The current study identified the alcohol consumption patterns in terms of type, amount, frequency at different time periods among MSM in major cities of Myanmar. It is suggested to develop and implement alcohol control policy for MSM since the proportion of current drinkers as well as binge drinking higher among these groups.

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 Association Between HIV PrEP Indications and Use in a National Sexual Network Study of Men Who Have Sex with Men

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin M Weiss ◽  
Pragati Prasad ◽  
Travis Sanchez ◽  
Steven M Goodreau ◽  
Samuel M Jenness
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Guideline Implementation ◽  
Sexual Network ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Preexposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Binomial Regression ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Hiv Negative

BACKGROUND: HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission. US Public Health Service (USPHS) clinical practice guidelines define biobehavioral indications for initiation. To assess guideline implementation, it is critical to quantify PrEP non-users who are indicated and PrEP users who are not indicated. METHODS: Using data from a national web-based study of men who have sex with men (MSM) between 2017 and 2019, we estimated the association between PrEP use and PrEP indications. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate the relationship between PrEP indications and PrEP use, adjusted for geography and demographics. RESULTS: Of 3508 sexually active, HIV-negative MSM, 34% met indications for PrEP. The proportion with current PrEP use was 32% among those meeting indications and 11% among those without indications. Nearly 40% of those currently using PrEP did not meet indications for PrEP, and 68% of MSM with indications for PrEP were not currently using PrEP. After adjusting for geography and demographics, MSM with PrEP indications were about 3 times as likely to be currently using PrEP. This association varied slightly by geography and demography. CONCLUSIONS: Indications for PrEP strongly predicted current PrEP use among MSM. However, we identified substantial misalignment between indications and use in both directions (indicated MSM who were not benefitting from PrEP, and MSM taking PrEP while not presently being indicated). This calls for further implementation efforts to improve PrEP delivery to those most in need during periods of elevated sexual risk.

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 Usage of purchased self-tests for HIV infections among migrants living in the UK, France and the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 95 (8) ◽  
pp. 629-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janneke P Bil ◽  
Maria Prins ◽  
Ibidun Fakoya ◽  
Alain Volny-Anne ◽  
Fiona Burns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Male Sexual Partners ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Uk

ObjectivesSelf-tests are performed and interpreted autonomously by a person without involving a healthcare professional or a certified laboratory. To gain insight into the usage of purchased HIV self-tests (HIVST) among migrants living in high-income countries, we studied the prevalence and determinants of HIVST usage among migrants living in the UK, France and the Netherlands.MethodsWe used web-based questionnaire data collected between April 2014 and July 2015 among migrants living in the UK, France and the Netherlands who participated in the cross-sectional community survey of the aMASE (advancing Migrant Access to health Services in Europe) study. HIVST usage in the preceding 12 months and the corresponding 95% CIs were calculated. Using univariate logistic regression analyses, determinants of HIVST usage were evaluated.ResultsAmong 477 migrants living in the UK (n=235), France (n=98) and the Netherlands (n=144), HIVST usage in the preceding 12 months was 1.89% (9/477, 95% CI 0.66% to 3.11%). As all nine HIVST users were men who have sex with men (MSM), we restricted our univariate analyses to MSM (n=240). HIVST usage was borderline significantly lower among MSM living in France and the Netherlands compared with those living in the UK (UK: reference; France: OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.14; the Netherlands: OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.05). Age, region of birth, educational level, registration at a general practitioner, recent number of male sexual partners and hard drug use were not associated with HIVST usage among MSM.ConclusionsHIVST usage among migrants from the UK, France and the Netherlands was relatively low between 2014 and 2015 but higher among migrant MSM. To increase HIV testing rates among migrants, programmes need to be developed to promote HIVST among this group. Also, as more countries approve usage of HIVST, systems need to be established to ensure linkage to confirmatory testing and care following a positive test.

Privacy, Self-Esteem, Anxiety in Women Having Pelvic Examination

2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382110585
Author(s):  
Habibe Bay ◽  
Bihter Akin
Keyword(s):  
State Anxiety ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Body ◽  
Pelvic Examination ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Gynecology And Obstetrics

This study aims to determine the privacy perception, self-esteem and anxiety levels of women undergoing pelvic examination and influencing factors. This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 415 women who underwent pelvic examination. The data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Body Privacy Scale for Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the State Anxiety Inventory. It was found that self-esteem ( R2 = .055, p < .0001) and state anxiety ( R2 = .037, p: .004) were significantly related to body privacy perceptions. The results of the study showed that making a statement to the women before the examination positively affected their perception of privacy. It is recommended for health professionals to be trained on the importance of privacy and communication during pelvic examination to increase their awareness on the topic.

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