scholarly journals HIV Education, Empathy, and Empowerment (HIVE3): A Peer Support Intervention for Reducing Intersectional Stigma as a Barrier to HIV Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13103
Author(s):  
Gamji M’Rabiu Abubakari ◽  
Francis Owusu-Dampare ◽  
Adedotun Ogunbajo ◽  
Joseph Gyasi ◽  
Michael Adu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Culturally Relevant ◽  
Hiv Education ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Support Intervention ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Peer Support Intervention

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana remain at heightened risk of HIV infection, and face challenges in accessing HIV prevention and care services. Previous research in Ghana shows that MSM face intersectional stigma across ecological levels (family, peers, healthcare settings, and community level) and the criminalization of same-gender sexual behaviors in the country. To protect their wellbeing from exposure to stigma, many MSM avoid interactions with healthcare systems and services, which inadvertently inhibits their opportunities for early detection and treatment of HIV. Consequently, MSM in Ghana carry a disproportionate burden of HIV prevalence (18%) compared to the general population (2%), highlighting the need for culturally relevant processes in HIV/STI prevention, and care communication to optimize sexual health and wellness among MSM in Ghana. To this effect, we collaborated with community partners to use the Assessment, Decision, Adaptation, Production, Topical Experts, Training, Testing (ADAPT-ITT) model to modify a theory-driven smartphone-based peer support intervention to enhance its focus on intersectional stigma reduction, and improve HIV health-seeking behaviors among MSM, including HIV testing and linkage to care. We used the Dennis Peer Support Model to develop the peer support components (emotional, informational, and appraisal support) to increase peer social support, decrease social isolation, and minimize intersectional stigma effects on HIV-related healthcare-seeking behaviors. This paper shows the preliminary acceptability and effectiveness of employing culturally relevant techniques and communication strategies to provide secure peer support to improve HIV prevention and care among key populations in highly stigmatized environments.

scholarly journals Willingness to Use Mobile Phone Apps for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in London: Web-Based Survey (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
William C Goedel ◽  
Jason W Mitchell ◽  
Paul Krebs ◽  
Dustin T Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Behavioral Characteristics ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Club Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Encounters ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Willingness To Use

BACKGROUND Many men who have sex with men (MSM) use apps to connect with and meet other MSM. Given that these apps are often used to arrange sexual encounters, it is possible that apps may be suitable venues for messages and initiatives related to HIV prevention such as those to increase HIV testing rates among this population. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess willingness to use a new app for reminders of when to be tested for HIV infection among a sample of MSM in London who use apps to arrange sexual encounters. METHODS Broadcast advertisements targeted users of a popular social-networking app for MSM in London. Advertisements directed users to a Web-based survey of sexual behaviors and sexual health needs. Willingness to use apps for reminders of when to be tested for HIV was assessed. In addition, participants responded to items assessing recent sexual behaviors, substance use, and demographic characteristics. Exploratory analyses were undertaken to examine differences in willingness to use an app by demographic and behavioral characteristics. RESULTS Broadcast advertisements yielded a sample of 169 HIV-negative MSM. Overall, two-thirds (108/169, 63.9%) reported willingness to use an app to remind them when to be tested for HIV. There were no significant differences in willingness to use these apps based on demographic characteristics, but MSM who reported recent binge drinking and recent club drug use more frequently reported willingness to use this app compared to their nonusing counterparts. CONCLUSIONS MSM in this sample are willing to use a new app for HIV testing reminders. Given the high levels of willingness to use them, these types of apps should be developed, evaluated, and made available for this population.

Love and Intimacy as Vulnerability to HIV Infection: A Case Study of MSM

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Archana Kaushik
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Structural Barriers ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Sex With Men

Sexual minorities are among the most marginalized groups in the society. Sero-positivity accentuates social exclusion among the sexual minorities. The paper aims to appraise the factors that make Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) vulnerable to HIV infection and influence their health seeking behaviors. It highlights two major domains socio-cultural and interpersonal variables. Qualitative in nature and based on ten in-depth case studies of HIV infected MSM, the study is located in Delhi, India. Factors such as age, marital status, child sexual abuse, multiple sex partners, are crucial in influencing their vulnerability. Socio-cultural milieu puts structural barriers restricting integration of MSM in the society. Cultural values do not allow talking about sex, which hampers healthy sexual behaviors. Exhibiting aggression, sexual violence, visiting sex-workers etc. are considered as important aspects to prove manhood. At the interpersonal level, possessiveness, betrayal, infidelity, heartbreak, strong emotional whirlpool when love-relations go incongruent, all takes a heavy toll of their mental and physical health. These variables socially exclude the sexual minorities from the mainstream life. Findings show positive (disclosing to family, abstinence, spiritual growth) and negative (suicide-attempts, drug-use) ways of coping among the MSM respondents. Critical areas of concern for service-providers while planning interventions for empowering people with sexual minority are delineated.

Time trends in the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Chiang Mai, Thailand: an observational study

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110213
Author(s):  
Amaraporn Rerkasem ◽  
Nuntisa Chotirosniramit ◽  
Pongpun Saokhieo ◽  
Antika Wongthanee ◽  
Kittipan Rerkasem
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Chiang Mai ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Receptive Anal Sex ◽  
Sex With Men

A cross-sectional study on men who have sex with men (MSM) for the HIV prevention project was conducted to assess the prevalence of HIV infection–related behaviors among 551 MSM recruited in 2008–2009 and 1910 MSM in 2014–2018 for voluntary counseling and testing at a HIV clinic in Chiang Mai. Overall, the study found that the prevalence of HIV infection was significantly decreased from 12.9% (71/551) in the earlier study (2008–2009) to 8.2% (157/1910) in the recent study (2014–2018) ( p = 0.001). By comparison, in 2008–2009 and 2014–2018, there was no statistically significant difference in consistent condom use (39.0% [186/477] vs. 38.9% [591/1512], p = 0.969), while unprotected anal sex with casual partners significantly increased (44.5% [159/357] vs. 51.9% [645/1242], p = 0.014) and receptive anal sex significantly increased (37.7% [180/477] vs. 45.1% [860/1905], p = 0.004). However, previous HIV testing within 1 year increased significantly from 64.6% (197/305) to 74.7% (677/906, p = 0.001). In exploratory multivariate analysis, the factors associated with HIV infection included gay men, age below 20 years, being self-employed, being an employee, having only receptive anal sex, having both receptive/insertive anal sex, being a former substance user, using online dating, having a history of sexually transmitted infection symptoms, self-perception as being at high risk for HIV, last HIV testing >1 year, and never previously testing for HIV. The data represent the trend of health-seeking behavior improvements. The findings demonstrated the need for a novel sexual health service in an endemic setting and health promotion for online partner-seeking.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Electronic Health Interventions for Promoting HIV-Preventive Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Meta-Analysis Based on an Integrative Framework of Design and Implementation Features (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meiqi Xin ◽  
Kasisomayajula Viswanath ◽  
Angela Yuen-Chun Li ◽  
Wangnan CAO ◽  
Yuhong HU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Treatment Duration ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Intervention Effects ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Intervention Adherence ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The disproportionately high prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) is a global concern. Despite the increasing utilization of electronic health (eHealth) technology in the delivery of HIV prevention interventions, few studies have systematically explored its effectiveness and association with various intervention characteristics. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of eHealth technology–based interventions for promoting HIV-preventive behaviors among MSM and to determine effectiveness predictors within a framework integrating design and implementation features. METHODS A systematic literature search using terms related to eHealth technology, HIV, the MSM population, and an experimental study design was performed using 5 databases (ie, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations &amp; Theses) and other sources (eg, bibliographies of relevant reviews and JMIR Publications). First, primary meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the effectiveness of eHealth interventions (<i>d</i><sub>+</sub>) in changing 3 HIV-preventive behaviors among MSM: unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), HIV testing, and multiple sex partnership (MSP). Moderation analyses were then conducted to examine a priori effectiveness predictors including behavioral treatment components (eg, theory use, tailoring strategy use, navigation style, and treatment duration), eHealth technology components (eg, operation mode and modality type), and intervention adherence. RESULTS A total of 46 studies were included. The overall effect sizes at end point were small but significant for all outcomes (UAI: <i>d</i><sub>+</sub>=−.21, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; HIV testing: <i>d</i><sub>+</sub>=.38, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; MSP: <i>d</i><sub>+</sub>=−.26, <i>P</i>=.02). The intervention effects on UAI were significantly larger when compared with preintervention groups than with concurrent groups. Greater UAI reductions were associated with the increased use of tailoring strategies, provision of feedback, and tunneling navigation in interventions with a concurrent group, whereas reductions were associated with the use of self-paced navigation in interventions with a preintervention group. Greater uptake of HIV testing was associated with longer treatment duration; computer-mediated communication; and the use of messaging, social media, or a combined technology modality. Higher intervention adherence consistently predicted larger effects on UAI and HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS This study provided empirical evidence for the effectiveness of eHealth interventions in promoting HIV-preventive behaviors among MSM. Features of treatment content and eHealth technology might best predict the intervention effects on UAI and HIV testing, respectively. Most importantly, intervention adherence tended to play an important role in achieving better effectiveness. The findings could help inform the development of efficacious interventions for HIV prevention in the future.

Factors Associated With HIV Testing in Teenage Men Who Have Sex With Men

2021 ◽  
pp. 31-39
Author(s):  
Brian Mustanski ◽  
David A. Moskowitz ◽  
Kevirj O. Moran ◽  
H. Jonathon Rendina ◽  
Michael E. Newcomb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Hiv Prevention Intervention ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sexual Health Communication ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Regular Doctor

BACKGROUND Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) have a high rate of HIV diagnoses. An estimated 14.5% of HIV infections in the United States are undiagnosed; but among 13- to 24-year-olds, the rate is 51.4%. We describe HIV testing rates and identifies salient individual, family, school, and health care influences among AMSM. METHODS Data were collected as part of SMART, an ongoing pragmatic trial of an online HIV prevention intervention for AMSM (N = 699). Measures included lifetime HIV testing, demographics, sexual behaviors, condom use, HIV education from school and family, sexual health communication with doctors, HIV knowledge, and risk attitudes. RESULTS Only 23.2% of participants had ever had an HIV test. Rates of testing increased with age (5.6% in 13- to 14-year-olds; 15.8% in 15- to 16-year-olds; 37.8% in 17- to 18-year-olds), and sexual experience was a strong predictor of testing (odds ratio: 6.54; 95% confidence interval: 3.95–11.49; P &lt; .001). Most participants had a regular doctor (67.5%), but few had conversations about same-sex sexual behaviors (21.3%), HIV testing (19.2%), or sexual orientation (29.2%). Speaking to a doctor about HIV testing had a large effect (odds ratio: 25.29; confidence interval: 15.91–41.16; P &lt; .001), with 75.4% who had such conversations having been tested, compared to only 10.8% of those who had not had such conversations. CONCLUSIONS Despite higher risk, few participants reported ever having received an HIV test. Data indicate pediatricians are an important, but largely untapped, source of testing and could be integral to achieving testing rates needed to end the epidemic.

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