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.

scholarly journals Casual sex among MSM during the period of sheltering in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19: Results of national, online surveys in Brazil and Portugal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvaro Francisco Lopes Sousa ◽  
Layze Braz de Oliveira ◽  
Artur Acelino Francisco Luz Nunes Queiroz ◽  
Hérica Emilia Felix de Carvalho ◽  
Guilherme Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
High Impact ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Public Health Messages ◽  
Group Sex ◽  
Lgbt Populations

ABSTRACTBackgroundSheltering in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 may have adverse effects on mental and sexual health, particularly for LGBT populations whose social support may be fragile. In this study, we investigated the extent to which Brazilian and Portuguese MSM had casual sex partners outside their homes during the period of sheltering in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was implemented nationally in Brazil and Portugal in April 2020, during the period of social isolation for COVID-19, with a sample of 2,361 MSM (1,651 in Brazil, 710 in Portugal). Recruitment was done through meeting apps and Facebook groups catering to MSM. Data collection was online via CASI.ResultsOver 95% of MSM were sheltering at least partially at the time of the survey. Nearly 50% said sheltering had a high impact on their lives. A majority (53.0%) had casual sex partners during sheltering. Factors that increased the odds of engaging in casual sex in Brazil were having group sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.4), living in a urban area (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.2), feeling that sheltering had high impact on daily life (aOR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1-8.3), having casual vs steady partners (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.8-3.5), and not decreasing the number of partners during the COVID-19 epidemic (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 during the COVID-19 epidemic (aOR 3.8, 95% CI 2.9-5.9), usually (pre-COVID-19) finding partners in physical venues (aOR 5.4, 95% CI 3.2-8.9), feeling that the isolation had 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). Surprisingly, taking PrEP/Truvada to prevent COVID-19 was reported by 12.7% of MSM.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 epidemic has not stopped the majority of Brazilian and Portuguese MSM from finding sexual partners outside their home, with high risk sexual behaviors continuing. Public health messages for the prevention of COVID-19 need to be crafted to explicitly link sexual behavior to reduce pandemics in the current moment.

scholarly journals Serodiscussion, Perceived Seroconcordance, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Dyads of Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Use Geosocial-Networking Smartphone Applications in London

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
William C. Goedel ◽  
John A. Schneider ◽  
Daniel Hagen ◽  
Dustin T. Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Receptive Anal Intercourse ◽  
Geosocial Networking ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Essential Prerequisite

Serodiscussion—the mutual discussion of HIV statuses between sexual partners—can be viewed as an essential prerequisite for risk-reduction behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM). The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of serodiscussion with one’s most recent sexual partner and its association with sexual behaviors with these partners. Broadcast advertisements were placed on a geosocial-networking smartphone application, encouraging users to complete an online survey. A total of 200 MSM completed the survey. Serodiscussion occurred in 43.5% of dyads, and it was most common in dyads where both partners were reported to be HIV positive, χ2(5) = 60.3, P < .001. Serodiscussion was associated with engagement in both condomless insertive, χ2(1) = 3.847, P = .046, and receptive anal intercourse, χ2(1) = 6.5, P = .011. However, there were no significant differences in how recently a respondent was tested for HIV, representing potentially high-risk scenarios.

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.

Feasibility of Indirect Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Test Kits via WeChat Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A National Cross-Sectional Study in China (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Shangcao ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Xiang Mao ◽  
Tianyi Lu ◽  
Yangyang Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Secondary Distribution ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The use of HIV self-test (HST) kits is commonplace in key sexually active populations. The direct secondary distribution of HST kits (DSDHK) is effective in improving the uptake of HIV self-testing. However, there are concerns about various limitations of DSDHK, including limited geographic location, payment problems, and face-to-face interaction. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the feasibility and characteristics of the indirect secondary distribution of HST kits (ISDHK) via WeChat (distributing HST application links and follow-up HST kits to partners) among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS From October 2017 to September 2019, an HIV self-testing (HIVST) recruitment advertisement was disseminated on the WeChat social media platform to invite MSM to apply for HST kits (referred to as “index participants” [Ips]). All of the MSM participants were encouraged to distribute the HST application link to their friends and sexual partners (referred to as “Alters”) through their social networks. All Alters were further encouraged to continue to distribute the HST application link. All participants paid a deposit (USD 7), refundable upon completion of the questionnaire and uploading of the test result via an online survey system. RESULTS 2,263 MSM met the criteria and successfully applied for HST. Of these, 1,816 participants returned their HST test results, including 1,422 (88.3%) IPs and 394 (21.7%) Alters. Compared with the IPs, the Alters practiced more condomless anal intercourse (CAI), a higher proportion of them never previously had an HIV test, and they had a greater willingness to distribute HST kits to sexual partners (all p < 0.05). After controlling for age, education, and income, the Alters had a greater proportion of MSM who had never tested for HIV before (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.00–1.68), were more willing to distribute the HST application link (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.21–2.40), had a lower number of sexual partners (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.90), and were less likely to search for sexual partners via online means (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.60–1.02). In comparison, the rates of reactive HST results, conducting HIV confirmatory tests, HIV seropositivity, and initiation of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) were similar for IPs and Alters. CONCLUSIONS The ISDHK mode of distributing HST application links via social media is feasible among the MSM population. The ISDHK mode should be used to supplement the DSDHK mode in order to enable a greater proportion of the MSM population to know their HIV infection status.

scholarly journals Sexually transmitted infections and sexual behaviors of men who have sex with men in an American Deep South PrEP clinic

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronnie M Gravett ◽  
Andrew O Westfall ◽  
Edgar T Overton ◽  
Kachina Kudroff ◽  
Christina A Muzny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Deep South ◽  
Multiple Sexual Partners ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sex With Men

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively prevents HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM), but PrEP uptake has been associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The effect of PrEP on STIs in MSM in the Deep South of the United States is unknown. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult MSM at an American Deep South PrEP clinic to calculate the prevalence and incidence rate of bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) and identify associated risk factors by linking incident STI to patient-reported outcomes; 139 MSM accessed the clinic between 2014 and 2018 with baseline bacterial STI prevalence of 11%. Twenty-six of 81 eligible MSM on PrEP had incident STIs with an incidence rate of 33.1 cases per 100 person-years. Significantly higher proportions of high PrEP adherence, multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent condom use were seen in those with incident STI, and we identified MSM with both high PrEP adherence and multiple sexual partners as being at especially high risk for bacterial STIs (hazard ratio: 7.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.75–32.74). Bacterial STIs are common after initiating PrEP in this clinic, and MSM reporting high PrEP adherence and multiple sexual partners have a significant risk for incident STI. High-risk sexual behaviors persisted after starting PrEP, highlighting the importance of ongoing, intensive sexual health screening and interventions.

scholarly journals Self-Reported Sexual Behavioral Similarities and Differences Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men With Childhood Sexual Abuse Histories: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 155798832094935
Author(s):  
Roberta E. Emetu ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Catherine M. Sherwood-Laughlin ◽  
Alexis S. Brandt
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sex With Men

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have the highest burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a risk factor for high-risk sexual behavior and STI acquisition. Studies that have explored sexual behavior based on the type of reported sexual abuse are limited. This study aimed to further understand current sexual behaviors and perceptions among YMSM that have experienced different types of CSA. Sixteen YMSM who were survivors of CSA were interviewed utilizing a phenomenological conceptual framework and methodology. Thematic findings were divided into two parts. Part I gave an overview of the entire sample, and themes were as follows: unprotected oral sex used to evaluate penile abnormalities, trust promoting unprotected sex, and alcohol and other drugs not cited as the reason for casual sex. Part II demonstrated the differences among those with a history of CSA involving non-penile–anal intercourse and those with a history of CSA involving penile–anal intercourse. The major themes in Part II were that victims of CSA involving penile–anal intercourse reported the following: a hypersexual self-definition, an STI diagnosis and noncondom use history, and a third sexual partner during sexual activity. Based on the findings, early life experiences such as CSA should be considered when developing preventative sexual health strategies and individuals who experienced penetrative sexual abuse may have different needs which should be further explored.

How can those engaging in chemsex best be supported? An online survey to gain intelligence in Greater Manchester

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Tomkins ◽  
Roberto Vivancos ◽  
Chris Ward ◽  
Merav Kliner
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Metropolitan Cities ◽  
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate ◽  
Sex With Men

Reports of sexualised drug taking (chemsex) have increased significantly in recent years. There is currently limited intelligence on chemsex outside of London. An anonymous survey was promoted via several sources including voluntary services and a sexual health clinic in order to establish the risks associated with chemsex, and how support services can best be tailored to meet the needs of those in Greater Manchester, UK. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected on demographics, drug use, sexual practices and barriers and facilitators to accessing support. Fifty-two men who have sex with men completed the online survey. Thirty-nine (75%) were HIV-positive and 11 (21%) were hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive, all of whom were HIV/HCV co-infected. The most commonly used drugs were mephedrone (81%) and gamma hydroxybutyrate/gamma butyrolactone (79%). Nineteen (37%) reported ever injecting drugs. High-risk sexual practices were reported by respondents. Barriers to accessing support included a fear of being recognised. Findings demonstrate those engaging in chemsex are participating in a number of high-risk sexual practices, taking substances with significant risks and administering these substances in potentially high-risk ways. Results demonstrate the need for promotion of existing services, with key areas to target where chemsex sessions are most commonly arranged. Results may be useful in other metropolitan cities, both for commissioning and tailoring of chemsex support services.

scholarly journals Sexual Roles, Risk Sexual Behaviours, and HIV Prevalence among Men who Have Sex with Men Seeking HIV Testing in Changsha, China

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunxiao Lei ◽  
Kaili Zhang ◽  
Xueling Xiao ◽  
Chulei Tang ◽  
Xianhong Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Oral Sex ◽  
Government Organization ◽  
Sexual Roles ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Sex With Men

Background: HIV infection is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM), and sexual roles may be important factors related to it. This study aims to describe the sexual roles, risky sexual behaviors and HIV prevalence among MSM, and to determine associated factors for HIV prevalence. Methods: A convenient sampling method was used to recruit participants in a non-government organization in Changsha, China. The participants were asked to complete a 38-item self-administered questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics and risky sexual behaviours before collecting blood samples for HIV testing. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were conducted with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 18.0 and other indexes were statistically described. Results: A total of 601 MSMs who came to a local non-government organization for voluntary counseling and testing completed a pencil-and-paper survey and were tested for HIV. The overall HIV prevalence of this sample was 13.3%, and that of the bottoms (16.3%) was similar to the versatiles (15.9%) but higher than the tops (6.1%). Bivariate analyses showed that there were significant differences in age, marital status, monthly income, sexual orientation, age at first sex, sex of the first sex partner, sex with a woman in the last 6 months, oral sex with a man in the last 6 months and role of oral sex among 3 subgroups of MSM (p < 0.05). Multivariate analyses indicated that MSMs who played the role of either the bottoms or the versatiles were more likely to be HIV positive than the tops. While MSMs who used condoms in anal sex in the last 6 months, had sex with a woman in the last 6 months or had oral sex with a man in the last 6 months were less likely to be HIV positive. Conclusion: Different sexual roles are associated with high-risk sexual behaviors among MSMs and their HIV infection status. Further research should target preventive interventions, and improve the effectiveness of the intervention according to the characteristics of the subgroups to reduce the HIV transmission among Chinese MSM.

scholarly journals Alcohol Use, Stigmatizing/Discriminatory Attitudes, and HIV High-Risk Sexual Behaviors among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meizhen Liao ◽  
Dianmin Kang ◽  
Xiaorun Tao ◽  
Jennifer Huang Bouey ◽  
Muktar H. Aliyu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
The Past ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Aids

Objective. This research was conducted to assess the correlates of alcohol consumption and HIV/AIDS-related stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shandong province, China.Methods. A cross-sectional survey provided demographics, sexual behaviors, illicit drug use, alcohol consumptions, and service utilization.Results. Of 1,230 participants, 82.8% were single, 85.7% aged <35 years, 47.2% had college or higher education, and 11.7% drank alcohol >3 times per week in the past six months. The average total score of stigmatizing and discriminatory attitude was 37.4 ± 4.4. More frequent episodes of alcohol use were independently associated with higher levels of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, unprotected anal sex, bisexual identity, multiple male sex partners, drug use, and lower levels of education. Expressing higher levels of HIV/AIDS-related stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes was independently associated with alcohol use, unprotected male anal sex, bisexuals, more male sex partners, commercial sex with men, and non-receipt of peer education in the past year.Conclusion. HIV/AIDS-related stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes are common and associated with alcohol use and unprotected sex among MSM. The finding highlights the needs to develop programs that would reduce HIV/AIDS-related stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes and strengthen alcohol use prevention and risk reduction initiatives among MSM.

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