scholarly journals Key Findings from the European Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men Internet Survey in Greece

Epidemiologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-123
Author(s):  
Katerina Pantavou ◽  
Georgios Tsiakalakis ◽  
Sophocles Chanos ◽  
Georgios Polkas ◽  
Georgios Papageorgiou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Policy Making ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Severe Anxiety

The European Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men Internet Survey (EMIS-2017) is an international survey for men who have sex with men (MSM) designed to measure the level and distribution of four dimensions: (a) sexual health outcomes, (b) risk and precaution behaviors, (c) health promotion needs, and (d) coverage/uptake of interventions. The aim of the current work is to provide an overview of key demographics and findings for MSM in Greece covering the abovementioned dimensions of EMIS-2017, especially regarding HIV. Overall, 2909 men met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. The participants’ age ranged between 15 and 74 years old (median 35 years). According to the descriptive analysis, 14.4% of the participants reported moderate and 8.9% severe anxiety and depression. The self-reported HIV prevalence was 11%. A high number of participants had non-steady male partners (74%, n = 2153). The number of non-steady intercourse partners in the last 12 months was over two for about 61.5% (n = 1321) of the participants. A very small number of participants had ever tried to get pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (2.2%, n = 63), and 41.2% of the participants (n = 1199) were unaware of PrEP. About half of the participants (51.6%, n = 1501) did not know that vaccination against both hepatitis A and B viruses is recommended for MSM. The results of EMIS-2017 identify important needs and can help policy making and prevention planning.

scholarly journals Mental Health, Potential Minority Stressors And Resilience: Evidence From A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Gay, Bisexual And Other Men Who Have Sex With Men Within The Celtic Nations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arlene McGarty ◽  
Lisa McDaid ◽  
Paul Flowers ◽  
Julie Riddell ◽  
John Pachankis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Severe Anxiety

Abstract Background: Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are at a greater risk of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, than heterosexual adults. Numerous factors and stressors have been reported to impact men’s mental health, although it has been suggested that resilience could have a protective effect. The aim of this study is to explore mental health, minority stressors, and resilience among a large online cross-sectional survey of GBMSM in the Celtic nations. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from the Social Media, GBMSM and Sexual and Holistic Health (SMMASH2) self-report online survey. Participants (n=3077) were recruited via gay sociosexual media in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors that increased the odds of moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression. Potentially relevant variables (p<0.05) were carried forward in hierarchal logistic regression analyses. Results: The prevalence of moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression was 19.9% and 14.4%, respectively. Having a disability (OR = 1.73) and having financial worries sometimes/all of the time (OR = 1.93) increased the odds of having moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety, respectively. No minority stressors were associated with depression, whereas experiencing any form of relationship abuse in the last 12 months significantly increased the odds of anxiety (OR = 1.50). Resilience, namely a sense of coherence, had a protective effect and significantly reduced the odds of moderate-to-severe depression (OR = 0.85) and anxiety (OR = 0.89). Discussion: Disability and financial worries were associated with increased depression and anxiety, respectively, while resilience had a protective effect for GBMSM in the SMMASH2 study. Future research is needed to better understand the role of resilience and the challenges and stresses of everyday life and intersecting health problems. Future research is also needed that incorporates the perspectives of those most affected by mental ill-health to co-develop effective solutions that respond to their contextual surroundings.

Hepatitis A vaccine uptake among men who have sex with men from a time-limited vaccination programme in Melbourne in 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Burrell ◽  
Lenka A Vodstrcil ◽  
Christopher K Fairley ◽  
Alex Kilner ◽  
Catriona S Bradshaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Vaccination Programme ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
To Receive

ObjectivesIn 2017, an outbreak of hepatitis A among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) was reported in Victoria, Australia. In 2018, the Victorian government implemented a free hepatitis A vaccination programme targeting all Victorian MSM. This study aimed to determine hepatitis A vaccine uptake among MSM in a sexual health clinic in Melbourne.MethodsAll MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) in 2018 were included. Chart review was performed to determine the proportion of men vaccinated for at least one dose of hepatitis A and to examine why men did not receive the vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the factors associated with vaccine uptake. Vaccine uptake was defined as receipt of at least one dose of hepatitis A vaccine.ResultsOf the 9582 MSM who attended MSHC in 2018, 61.3% (95% CI 60.3% to 62.2%) self-reported already being immune to hepatitis A. Of the 3713 remaining eligible men, 62.7% (95% CI 61.1% to 64.2%) received at least one dose of the hepatitis A vaccine on the day of attendance. Compared with MSM not living with HIV and not taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), MSM taking PrEP (adjusted OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.62) were more likely to receive the vaccine. 1386 men (37.3%) did not receive the vaccine and 55.4% were not offered the vaccine by their treating clinician. 300 men (21.6%) were identified as non-immune after serological testing but did not return for vaccination. By the end of 2018, 85.5% of MSHC attendees (8196/9582) were immune to hepatitis A.ConclusionThe critical vaccination threshold for hepatitis A has been estimated at >70%. Continuation of the targeted hepatitis A vaccination programme will improve immunity among the MSM population to prevent ongoing transmission and the likelihood of future outbreaks.

scholarly journals 1292. HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Implementation at Silom Community Clinic in Bangkok, Thailand, 2016–2018

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S394-S395
Author(s):  
Vanessa Kung ◽  
Sarika Pattanasin ◽  
Chaiwat Ungsedhapand ◽  
Wipas Wimonsate ◽  
Michael Thigpen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Community Clinic ◽  
Voluntary Counseling And Testing ◽  
Counseling And Testing ◽  
Prep Implementation ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Since 2014, the Thailand National Guidelines have recommended pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV among persons at risk. In March 2016, Silom Community Clinic (SCC) began PrEP provision to men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Bangkok, Thailand. Methods SCC staff routinely counseled MSM and TGW attending HIV voluntary counseling and testing about PrEP. If clients believed that they were at substantial risk of HIV and were interested in PrEP, they could receive PrEP after screening that included HIV and renal function testing. Eligible clients received a 30-day supply of daily oral tenofovir-emtricitabine costing 800 Baht (30 USD), and completed a baseline computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) on knowledge and behaviors. At every 3-month follow-up, PrEP clients had a CASI on adherence; if they were interested in discontinuation of PrEP, they completed a CASI that included reasons for discontinuation. We conducted a descriptive analysis of baseline and follow-up CASI results. Results From March 2016 to February 2018, 192 clients were prescribed PrEP, and 80 (42%) continued PrEP for at least 6 months. The median age of clients starting PrEP was 31 years (range, 17–67 years), and 98% were MSM. Overall, most (77%) reported at least 1 of four risk behaviors in the last 3 months; among the 148, 120 (81%) had a sex partner with unknown or positive HIV status, 99 (67%) had anal sex without a condom, 22 (15%) reported an STI, and 16 (11%) received money or goods in exchange for sex. Among the 166 clients who returned for at least one follow-up visit, 135 (81%) completed the CASI at the last follow-up visit; of those, 106 (78%) reported 100% adherence to daily PrEP in the last 7 days, and 126 (93%) reported ≥80% adherence in the last 30 days. Of the 36 clients who discontinued PrEP and completed CASI, 33% reported the reason for discontinuation was no current HIV risk (33%); most (69%) reported that they would consider PrEP in the future. Conclusion Most PrEP users reported adherence to daily PrEP, and almost one half of those starting PrEP continued through month six. PrEP use at SCC is dynamic, and commonly started and stopped based on self-assessed risk. Regular review of PrEP implementation, with a focus on client needs, will optimize use of this prevention approach. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Mental health, potential minority stressors and resilience: evidence from a cross-sectional survey of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men within the Celtic nations

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arlene McGarty ◽  
Lisa McDaid ◽  
Paul Flowers ◽  
Julie Riddell ◽  
John Pachankis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Severe Anxiety

Abstract Background Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are at a greater risk of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, than heterosexual adults. Numerous factors and stressors have been reported to impact men’s mental health, although it has been suggested that resilience could have a protective effect. The aim of this study is to explore mental health, minority stressors, and resilience among a large online cross-sectional survey of GBMSM in the Celtic nations. Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from the Social Media, GBMSM and Sexual and Holistic Health (SMMASH2) self-report online survey. Participants (n = 3077) were recruited via gay sociosexual media in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors that increased the odds of moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression. Potentially relevant variables (p < 0.05) were carried forward in hierarchal logistic regression analyses. Results The prevalence of moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression was 19.9 and 14.4%, respectively. Having a disability (OR = 1.73) and having financial worries sometimes/all of the time (OR = 1.93) increased the odds of having moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety, respectively. No minority stressors were associated with depression, whereas experiencing any form of relationship abuse in the last 12 months significantly increased the odds of anxiety (OR = 1.50). Resilience, namely a sense of coherence, had a protective effect and significantly reduced the odds of moderate-to-severe depression (OR = 0.85) and anxiety (OR = 0.89). Conclusions Disability and financial worries were associated with increased depression and anxiety, respectively, while resilience had a protective effect for GBMSM in the SMMASH2 study. Future research is needed to better understand the role of resilience and the challenges and stresses of everyday life and intersecting health problems. Future research is also needed that incorporates the perspectives of those most affected by mental ill-health to co-develop effective solutions that respond to their contextual surroundings.

scholarly journals 101. Who Does Not Show up for Followup in an HIV Prep Clinic?

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S180-S180
Author(s):  
Robert Williams ◽  
Timothy P Flanigan ◽  
Lauri Bazerman ◽  
Jun Tao ◽  
Christina Chu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Care Protocol ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Understanding real-life HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care is key to address HIV infection. An HIV PrEP clinic was started in Providence, RI in 2013, performing outreach to men who have sex with men (MSM) and other high-risk individuals. Our prior clinical studies and other literature have shown that many high-risk patients do not return for followup PrEP visits. We sought to better identify correlates of patients who were lost to follow up (LTFU), with implications for improving PrEP care retention. Methods Data was collected from all cis-gender patients who first presented to the RI PrEP Clinic from 2013 to mid-2019. Correlations in demographic information and behaviors related to PrEP care were demonstrated through descriptive analysis. A multivariate analysis was then performed to elucidate possible predictors. LTFU was defined as having no subsequent visit within six months of the initial appointment after being prescribed PrEP. Results Of 570 patients, most identified as male (96%), White (65%), and non-Hispanic (82%). 65% of patients made one followup appointment within six months of intake, and 35% were LTFU. The following characteristics correlated with higher rates of LTFU: being below 25 years of age (17% vs 27%; p=0.002), illicit drug use (42% vs 53%; p=0.02), and having both same and opposite-sex partners (7% vs 16%). Characteristics which correlated with lower rates of LTFU included only having same-sex partners (88% vs 74%; p&lt; 0.001), alcohol use (86% vs 80%; p=0.04), and bachelor’s degree completion (71% vs 49%; p&lt; 0.001). Race, gender, and risk behavior showed no correlation. Conclusion A clear understanding of mechanisms of retention is high priority for forming care protocol interventions. Given trends with age, education, and PrEP indication, targeted interventions are needed to improve retention in HIV PrEP care and reduce incidence in at-risk communities. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Hepatitis A outbreak in HIV-infected MSM and in PrEP-using MSM despite a high level of immunity, Lyon, France, January to June 2017

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (48) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Charre ◽  
Christophe Ramière ◽  
Anne-Marie Roque-Afonso ◽  
Christian Chidiac ◽  
Fabien Zoulim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Attack Rate ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
High Level ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Hiv Negative

Since 2016, an increase in the number of hepatitis A cases affecting mainly men who have sex with men (MSM) has been reported in low endemic countries in Europe. We calculated the attack rate in Lyon, France, in populations considered at high-risk: HIV-infected MSM and HIV-negative MSM receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In these populations, high level of immunity did not prevent the outbreak, indicating that vaccination should be reinforced, particularly in younger individuals.

scholarly journals Chemsex and diagnoses of syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia among men who have sex with men in the UK: a multivariable prediction model using causal inference methodology

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054629
Author(s):  
Louis MacGregor ◽  
Manik Kohli ◽  
Katharine J Looker ◽  
Ford Hickson ◽  
Peter Weatherburn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Causal Inference ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Hiv Diagnosis ◽  
Inference Models ◽  
Stimulant Use ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

IntroductionIn the last decade diagnoses of most STIs have risen among men who have sex with men (MSM). Although a significant proportion of this is likely due to increased STI screening, understanding the role of behavioural drivers remains critical. We measure the associations between stimulant use to enhance and prolong sexual experiences (chemsex) and bacterial STI diagnoses in UK MSM, individually considering HIV-diagnosed MSM, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users and other MSM.MethodsWe used the UK 2017–2018 European MSM Internet Survey data (n=9375). We constructed causal inference models using multivariable logistic regression, calculating adjusted OR (aOR) and 95% CI of the associations between participation in recent (≤12 months) exclusively dyadic or multipartner chemsex versus no chemsex and recent self-reported diagnoses of syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.ResultsAmong MSM with an HIV diagnosis, 25% of users indicated recent multipartner chemsex, vs 28% of PrEP users and 5% of other MSM. Adjusting for age, ethnicity, UK birth, cis-trans status, sexual identity, education, settlement size and relationship status, participation in recent multipartner chemsex versus no chemsex was associated with greater odds of recent syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia diagnosis. aORs for recent syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia diagnoses were 2.6 (95% CI 1.7 to 4.1), 3.9 (95% CI 2.6 to 5.8) and 2.9 (95% CI 1.9 to 4.3), respectively, in HIV-diagnosed MSM; 1.9 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.3), 2.9 (95% CI 2.0 to 4.2) and 1.9 (95% CI 1.3 to 2.8), respectively, in PrEP users; and 4.0 (95% CI 2.3 to 6.9), 2.7 (95% CI 1.9 to 3.8) and 2.3 (95% CI 1.6 to 3.4), respectively, in other MSM. Conversely, exclusively dyadic chemsex had no significant associations with bacterial STI diagnoses among HIV-diagnosed MSM, only gonorrhoea (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.7) among PrEP users and syphilis (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4 to 5.6) among other MSM.DiscussionMultipartner chemsex may drive the association between chemsex and bacterial STI diagnoses and thus should be the focus of future tailored chemsex interventions. Additionally, PrEP acceptability among MSM and particularly chemsex participants has generated an emergent group suitable for such interventions.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in a Sample of Italian Men Who Have SEX with MEN (MSM)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4772
Author(s):  
Gianluca Voglino ◽  
Maria Rosaria Gualano ◽  
Stefano Rousset ◽  
Pietro Forghieri ◽  
Isabella Fraire ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Immune Deficiency Syndrome ◽  
Deficiency Syndrome ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suitable for high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection risk people, foremost among whom are males who have sex with other males (MSM). This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding PrEP in a sample of Italian MSM, in order to hypothesize strategies to implement PrEP awareness and use. No previous study has assessed this issue; Methods: An online survey was given to an opportunistic sample of Italian MSM. The questionnaire investigated sexual behaviour and habits, HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge and PrEP awareness, attitudes and practices. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with PrEP knowledge; Results: A total of 196 MSM participated in this survey. Overall data showed that 87.2% of participants knew what PrEP is, but only 7.5% have ever used it. The main reason for not using PrEP was the cost of the therapy (26.9%). The principal source of PrEP information was the Internet (68.4%). Being regularly tested for HIV was significantly associated with PrEP knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AdjOR) = 3.16; confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–9.29); Conclusions: Knowledge regarding PrEP was well established, but PrEP use was not equally widespread. It is necessary to improve research on PrEP usage in order to PrEP access to be granted.

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