AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Dec · PMID 34874760
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In the United States, gay, bisexual men, and men who have sex with men (MSM) represent 86% of new HIV infections among males. Approximately 1 in 7 men with HIV are unaware of their HIV status (CDC, 2017, 2019a, 2020a). T...In the United States, gay, bisexual men, and men who have sex with men (MSM) represent 86% of new HIV infections among males. Approximately 1 in 7 men with HIV are unaware of their HIV status (CDC, 2017, 2019a, 2020a). To explore influences on MSM HIV risk behavior, the authors performed a systematic review of quantitative studies conducted in the U.S. assessing what is purported as masculinity. From 30 identified studies, significant findings were framed within the Social Ecological Model (SEM) levels (e.g., Individual, Relationship, Community). SEM level themes were applied to create the Masculinity 10, a preliminary 10-item assessment to explore the influence of masculinity on MSM HIV risk behavior. To increase MSM engagement in HIV prevention and treatment, the influences of masculinity (e.g., attitude toward sexual minorities, appearance, emotion, temperament, substance use, sexual activity, social support, intimate relationships, health care) on HIV risk behavior should be further explored.
Lu X, Gao P, Wang X
… +12 more, Wang X, Zhao X, He Q, Zhang H, Wang J, Sun Y, Liu T, Sun S, Yang C, Zaller N, Zhang Z, Operario D
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Dec · PMID 34874759
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This research qualitatively explored user preferences for an app-based mHealth approach to support HIV self-testing and linkage to HIV prevention or care services developed for men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. W...This research qualitatively explored user preferences for an app-based mHealth approach to support HIV self-testing and linkage to HIV prevention or care services developed for men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. We conducted 12 online focus group discussions with MSM participants (N = 48) about their preferences for using an app to meet their HIV self-testing and service linkage needs. Data were examined using thematic analysis. Participants specified four domains to align program delivery with their preferences for app-based intervention: (1) expanding HIV prevention/antiretroviral therapy concepts beyond basic knowledge; (2) enhancing the style and presentation of app-based messages; (3) incorporating interactive and dynamic app-engagement features; and (4) creating a "one station" app that covers the continuum of HIV services. Given the changing landscapes of HIV knowledge and community/user preferences for app-based interaction, findings underscore how engagement with end-user participants is essential to optimize mHealth interventions for HIV.
Kisler KA, Fletcher JB, Fehrenbacher AE
… +1 more, Reback CJ
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Dec · PMID 34874757
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Little is known about how HIV risk varies among trans women of different ages. From January 2010 to February 2021, 2,242 trans women were assessed via outreach encounters consisting of health education and risk reduction...Little is known about how HIV risk varies among trans women of different ages. From January 2010 to February 2021, 2,242 trans women were assessed via outreach encounters consisting of health education and risk reduction information, and queries of recent sexual behaviors. Generalized linear models provide adjusted rates of engagement in condomless anal intercourse (CAI), in exchange sex, and CAI with exchange partners in the past 30 days for each year from age 18 to 60. Most participants identified as Hispanic/Latina (52%) and most were HIV negative (80%). Engagement in exchange sex remained prevalent from participants' early 20s through their mid-40s, though CAI with such partners never exceeded an average estimated prevalence of 15%. Condomless behaviors with non-exchange partners was more common, with at least 20% reporting engagement in non-exchange CAI regardless of age. The need for trans-specific sexual risk reduction interventions that take age into account is underscored.
Guigayoma J, Bermudez AN, Palatino M
… +4 more, Nazareno J, Cu-Uvin S, Operario D, Restar A
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Dec · PMID 34874756
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Transgender women and cisgender men who have sex with men (trans-WSM and cis-MSM) comprise the majority of new HIV infections in the Philippines. There is limited research in the Philippines on the relationship between h...Transgender women and cisgender men who have sex with men (trans-WSM and cis-MSM) comprise the majority of new HIV infections in the Philippines. There is limited research in the Philippines on the relationship between having a provider responsive to the needs of these populations and recent engagement in HIV medical services such as HIV testing and treatment. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the relationship between having a responsive medical provider and engagement in HIV medical services in the past 12 months among an online sample of 318 trans-WSM and cis-MSM in the Philippines. Participants without a responsive medical provider had lower adjusted odds of recent HIV medical service engagement than those who did (aOR = 0.32, 95% CI [0.16, 0.62], = .00). In stratified analyses, this relationship was significant for trans-WSM but not cis-MSM. Increasing access to responsive providers in the Philippines could bolster recent engagement with HIV medical services.
Ayuttacorn A, Tangmunkongvorakul A, Jirattikorn A
… +3 more, Kelly M, Banwell C, Srithanaviboonchai K
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Dec · PMID 34874755
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This study aimed to investigate HIV risks among female sex workers (FSWs) who were from the Shan ethnic group, and how they relate to complex relationships with inconsistent condom use. The study was conducted using in-d...This study aimed to investigate HIV risks among female sex workers (FSWs) who were from the Shan ethnic group, and how they relate to complex relationships with inconsistent condom use. The study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 17 Shan FSWs (aged 18-45 years old) in Chiang Mai. Intimate relationships between participants and regular clients/steady partners were found to facilitate inconsistent condom use. Participating Shan FSWs sustained intimacy with regular clients not only for economic ends but also for emotional support. Gender norms and male power dominated condom use decision making. Some participants lacked proper HIV preventive knowledge regarding condom breakage and HIV risks. Effective intervention and proper HIV preventive practices should address these intimate contexts. Capacity building among women would assist FSWs to make choices that protect them from HIV/STDs infections. Couples-based HIV interventions addressing emotional intimacy is an urgent need for HIV communication and service delivery in Thailand.
Tarantino N, Matthews C, Sun S
… +6 more, Orchowski L, Harrison A, Abrahams N, Berkowitz A, Akande M, Kuo C
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Oct · PMID 34596432
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Associations between sexual risk behavior (SRB) and sexual violence perpetration (SVP) contribute to the intersecting HIV and sexual violence epidemics in South Africa. We examined SVP and SRB, and their potential correl...Associations between sexual risk behavior (SRB) and sexual violence perpetration (SVP) contribute to the intersecting HIV and sexual violence epidemics in South Africa. We examined SVP and SRB, and their potential correlates among South African boys (N = 80; ages 15-17). Fifty-one percent endorsed SVP in the past year; 61% engaged in past-3-month SRB. Whereas most unique correlates were socio-structural, family, or community factors, correlates shared across behaviors were behavior-specific social norm perceptions and cognitive factors. In final multivariate models, food insecurity and positive attitudes toward delaying sex were associated with SVP (odds ratios [ORs] = 3.05 and 0.37, respectively), and community violence exposure, gender equitable social norm perceptions, positive attitudes toward delaying sex, and intentions to obtain sexual consent were associated with SRBs (ORs = 1.56-1.57, 0.90-0.38, 0.58-0.60, respectively). Interventions to address HIV/sexual violence risk among adolescents in South Africa should be integrated and multilevel.
Gagliano N, Black S, Mniszak C
… +3 more, Morgan J, Lachowsky N, Knight R
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Oct · PMID 34596431
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This study explores how universal access to and taking no-cost preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which effectively prevents HIV acquisition, may impact the mental health-related experiences of sexual minority men, includin...This study explores how universal access to and taking no-cost preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which effectively prevents HIV acquisition, may impact the mental health-related experiences of sexual minority men, including HIV-related anxiety. We employed community-based and participatory methods to conduct and analyze 27 interviews with sexual minority men in British Columbia, Canada. Before starting PrEP, participants' experiences with sex were highly associated with HIV-related anxiety. Participants stated they did not explicitly initiate PrEP to reduce HIV-related anxiety, yet many described significant reductions of HIV-related anxiety after starting PrEP. Participants described feeling that the sex they were having was safer following their initiation of PrEP, which resulted in increased ability to access heightened experiences of pleasure, desire, and intimacy. PrEP's capacity to impact HIV stigma and health broadly should continue to be explored, particularly given the mental health inequities faced by those who may acquire HIV.
Burns PA, Hall CDX, Poteat T
… +2 more, Mena LA, Wong FY
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Oct · PMID 34596429
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Utilizing the Andersen Healthcare Utilization Model, we examined the role of neighborhood context on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization among a sample of Black men who have sex with men (MSM) residing in a mediu...Utilizing the Andersen Healthcare Utilization Model, we examined the role of neighborhood context on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization among a sample of Black men who have sex with men (MSM) residing in a medium-sized city in the Deep South. Data were derived from a sample of 142 Black MSM aged 18-64 years who were eligible for PrEP from a community-based study known as "ACCELERATE!" We used multilevel structural equation modeling to assess PrEP use. Social support, sexual risk, and health care access were predictive of PrEP use. Notably, residing in a neighborhood with concentrated poverty was associated with decreased PrEP use. Our findings reveal neighborhood structural disadvantage is associated with decreased PrEP use among Black MSM, after adjusting of individual-level sociodemographic characteristics. There is an urgent need to develop HIV prevention interventions and programs that explicitly address structural-level factors to eliminate racial/ethnic differences in HIV.
Nguyen TT, Luong AN, Dao TDT
… +4 more, Nagot N, Laureillard D, Visier L, Le MG
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Oct · PMID 34596428
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Late HIV treatment remains a global public health issue despite significant efforts. To better understand what shapes this issue, we interviewed 36 Vietnamese ART-naive patients who came to HIV treatment in 2017. Half of...Late HIV treatment remains a global public health issue despite significant efforts. To better understand what shapes this issue, we interviewed 36 Vietnamese ART-naive patients who came to HIV treatment in 2017. Half of them had intake CD4 counts fewer than 100 cells/mm, the others had intake CD4 counts of 350 cells/mm and above. Late diagnosis was the reason of late treatment in our sample. Most late presenters were not members of the key populations at increased risk of HIV (e.g., people who inject drugs, commercial sex workers, and men who have sex with men). Individual-level factors included low risk appraisal, habit of self-medication, and fear of stigma. Network and structural-level factors included challenges to access quality health care, normalization of HIV testing in key populations and inconsistent provider-initiated HIV testing practices. Structural interventions coupled with existing key population-targeted strategies would improve the issue of late HIV diagnosis.
Bauermeister JA, Tingler RC, Johnson S
… +15 more, Macagna N, Lucas J, Dominguez-Islas C, Szydlo D, Ngo J, Jacobson CE, Kramzer L, Singh D, Dezzutti CS, Kunjara Na Ayudhya RP, Piper J, Devlin B, Hendrix CW, Ho K, MTN-033 Protocol Team
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Oct · PMID 34596427
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We triangulated quantitative and qualitative assessments to evaluate participants' acceptability of 0.05% dapivirine rectal microbicide (RM) gel administered via two separate modalities (a rectal applicator and an artifi...We triangulated quantitative and qualitative assessments to evaluate participants' acceptability of 0.05% dapivirine rectal microbicide (RM) gel administered via two separate modalities (a rectal applicator and an artificial phallus for use as a coital simulation device) as part of a Phase I trial (N = 14) among men who have sex with men (MSM) randomized using a 1:1 ratio. Overall, participants reported favorable acceptability of the gel (n = 11; 78.6%), the same or more at the end of the study compared to when they started the study. Additionally, when discussing their preferred administration modality, they noted that both methods had positive qualities but also potential areas of improvement. Our findings underscore the need to create multiple delivery methods for a future microbicide gel (i.e., with and without the need for an applicator) and highlight the importance of offering MSM choices in how biomedical HIV prevention strategies are delivered.
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Oct · PMID 34596426
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The CDC recommends that everyone have at least one HIV test in their lifetime. However, analyses of California Health Interview Survey data showed that in 2017 only half of Californians had ever received an HIV test. Non...The CDC recommends that everyone have at least one HIV test in their lifetime. However, analyses of California Health Interview Survey data showed that in 2017 only half of Californians had ever received an HIV test. Non-Hispanic Black (64.8%) and Hispanic adults (54.7%) had higher lifetime testing rates than non-Hispanic White adults (48.8%). In multivariable analyses non-Hispanic African American adults had twice and Hispanic adults 1.2 times the odds of lifetime HIV testing as non-Hispanic White adults. The CDC recommends annual HIV testing for higher-risk individuals. Independent of race/ethnicity, heterosexual men with multiple sex partners had lower annual testing rates than other high-risk individuals. Annual testing was unrelated to education level and poverty, but was related to number of doctor visits. HIV screening rates among heterosexual men with multiple partners could be increased by targeting HIV screening to non-medical settings in California's eight Ending the HIV Epidemic counties.
Storholm ED, Ober AJ, Mizel ML
… +5 more, Matthews L, Sargent M, Todd I, Zajdman D, Green H
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Aug · PMID 34370571
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Increasing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in primary care settings for patients who may be at risk for HIV could help to increase PrEP uptake, which has remained low among certain key risk populations. The cur...Increasing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in primary care settings for patients who may be at risk for HIV could help to increase PrEP uptake, which has remained low among certain key risk populations. The current study conducted interviews with primary care providers identified from national claims data as having either high or low likelihood of serving PrEP-eligible patients based on their prescribing practices for other sexually transmitted infections. The study yielded important information about primary care providers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about PrEP, as well as the barriers and facilitators to prescribing PrEP. Key recommendations for a provider-focused intervention to increase PrEP prescribing among primary care providers, including increasing patient education to increase demand from providers, enhancing provider education, leveraging technology, and instituting standardized sexual health checks, are provided with the goal of informing network-based interventions.
Reif S, Cooper H, Wilson E
… +3 more, Brown G, Beckwith N, Ward D
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Aug · PMID 34370570
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HIV-related stigma is pervasive in the U.S. South and has potential negative effects on health outcomes and emotional well-being, and may act as a barrier to HIV-related advocacy among people living with HIV (PLWH). This...HIV-related stigma is pervasive in the U.S. South and has potential negative effects on health outcomes and emotional well-being, and may act as a barrier to HIV-related advocacy among people living with HIV (PLWH). This article reports on the preliminary outcomes associated with participation in an HIV advocacy training for PLWH, LEAD, that included education and skills building for reducing HIV-related stigma. Fifty-seven PLWH at four sites in the U.S. South participated in the retreat-style training and completed a survey measuring stigma and comfort engaging in advocacy prior to and after the worshop. Participation was associated with statistically significant reduction in internalized HIV stigma and increase in comfort with participation in advocacy; however, participants reported a need for ongoing training and support to further increase comfort with advocacy participation. Although more research is needed on the LEAD Workshop, it shows promise as an option for reducing HIV-related stigma among PLWH.
Ruegsegger LM, Stockton M, Go VF
… +8 more, Piscalko H, Davis D, Hoffman IF, Hosseinipour MC, Zalira E, Lungu T, Bula A, Lancaster KE
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Aug · PMID 34370569
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Lack of social support and sex work stigma may hinder STI/HIV prevention for female sex workers (FSW). We explored the associations between sex work stigma and social support with sexual behaviors in Malawi. In 2017, 150...Lack of social support and sex work stigma may hinder STI/HIV prevention for female sex workers (FSW). We explored the associations between sex work stigma and social support with sexual behaviors in Malawi. In 2017, 150 HIV-negative, venue-based FSW completed a behavioral survey containing sex work stigma items and social support. Linear binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence differences of inconsistent condom use and substance use before sex by social support and stigma. A majority (93%) reported sex work-related internalized stigma. About 50% reported family or friend isolation. Social support was high (mean index: 86.53). Inconsistent condom use and substance use before sex had little to no association with stigma and social support. Malawian FSW largely internalize stigma and experience isolation from family and friends yet have high levels of social support. Large-scale evaluations should investigate the role of stigma and social support in STI/HIV prevention for FSW.
Crepaz N, Mullins MM, Higa D
… +2 more, Gunn JKL, Salabarría-Peña Y
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Aug · PMID 34370568
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In the United States, Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (HLMSM) are disproportionally affected by HIV. We conducted a rapid review of national surveillance data to examine disparities in HIV prevention and care o...In the United States, Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (HLMSM) are disproportionally affected by HIV. We conducted a rapid review of national surveillance data to examine disparities in HIV prevention and care outcomes among HLMSM. Thirteen reports provided relevant data from 2011 to 2018. Compared to White MSM, a higher percentage of HIV-negative HLMSM reported not taking PrEP and engaging in condomless sex; a lower percentage of HIV-negative HLMSM at risk for HIV reported PrEP awareness and use; and a lower percentage of HIV-positive HLMSM were aware of their status, linked to HIV care, and virally suppressed. Viral suppression rates in HLMSM were better among Ryan White clients than the national rates, suggesting that access to comprehensive care/services reduces disparities. Findings also call for identifying individual, social, and structural factors contributing to condomless sex without PrEP use and HIV status unawareness and identifying best approaches for scaling up comprehensive care/services.
Nguyen AL, Davtyan M, Taylor J
… +4 more, Christensen C, Plankey M, Karpiak S, Brown B
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Aug · PMID 34370567
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We conducted surveys in March 2020 with 100 older adults living in Palm Springs, CA, to (1) report the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their day-to-day well-being and (2) describe the factors related to missing HIV me...We conducted surveys in March 2020 with 100 older adults living in Palm Springs, CA, to (1) report the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their day-to-day well-being and (2) describe the factors related to missing HIV medication during the pandemic. Respondent's mean age was 64.2 and the majority identified as White, men, and gay. The majority stated that the pandemic had impacted their lives "much," "very much," or "extremely." One-third experienced financial challenges and 46.0% experienced disruptions to health care. Almost a quarter (24.0%) reported missing a dose of their HIV medication during the pandemic. Compared to those ages 64+, younger respondents were more likely to report some negative impacts like changes in sleep patterns, financial challenges, and missed HIV medication doses, and had higher PTSD severity scores. In adjusted logistic regression, higher PTSD severity scores and disruption to health care were associated with missed doses of medications (s < .05).
Sanabria G, Scherr T, Garofalo R
… +5 more, Kuhns LM, Bushover B, Nash N, Davis R, Schnall R
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Aug · PMID 34370566
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Improving access to HIV testing among youth at high risk is essential for reaching those who are most at risk for HIV and least likely to access health care services. This study evaluates the usability of mLab, an app wi...Improving access to HIV testing among youth at high risk is essential for reaching those who are most at risk for HIV and least likely to access health care services. This study evaluates the usability of mLab, an app with image-processing feature that analyzes photos of OraQuick HIV self-tests and provides real-time, personalized feedback. mLab includes HIV prevention information, testing reminders, and instructions. It was developed through iterative feedback with a youth advisory board ( = 8). The final design underwent heuristic ( = 5) and end-user testing ( = 20). Experts rated mLab following Nielsen's heuristic checklist. End-users used the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale. While there were some usability problems, overall study participants found mLab useful and user-friendly. This study provides important insights into using a mobile app with imaging for interpreting HIV test results with the goal of improving HIV testing and prevention in populations at high risk.
Rhodes SD, Kuhns LM, Alexander J
… +21 more, Alonzo J, Bessler PA, Courtenay-Quirk C, Denson DJ, Evans K, Galindo CA, Garofalo R, Gelaude DJ, Hotton AL, Johnson AK, Mann-Jackson L, Muldoon A, Ortiz R, Paul JL, Perloff J, Pleasant K, Reboussin BA, Refugio Aviles L, Song EY, Tanner AE, Trent S
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Aug · PMID 34370565
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In the United States, transgender women are disproportionately affected by HIV. However, few evidence-based prevention interventions exist for this key population. We describe two promising, locally developed interventio...In the United States, transgender women are disproportionately affected by HIV. However, few evidence-based prevention interventions exist for this key population. We describe two promising, locally developed interventions that are currently being implemented and evaluated through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Combination HIV Prevention for Transgender Women Project: (a) ChiCAS, designed to promote the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), condom use, and medically supervised hormone therapy among Spanish-speaking transgender Latinas, and (b) TransLife Care, designed to address the structural drivers of HIV risk through access to housing, employment, legal services, and medical services, including HIV preventive care (e.g., PrEP use) among racially/ethnically diverse urban transgender women. If the evaluation trials determine that these interventions are effective, they will be among the first such interventions for use with transgender women incorporating PrEP, thereby contributing to the evidence-based resources that may be used to reduce HIV risk among this population.
Munck HNM, Qvist T, Helleberg M
… +3 more, Kaye PS, Pichon F, Cowan S
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Oct · PMID 34369829
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This study evaluates whether the community-based HIV testing clinic Checkpoint could reach at-risk groups of men who have sex with men (MSM) and link patients to care. A prospective observational study of all Checkpoint...This study evaluates whether the community-based HIV testing clinic Checkpoint could reach at-risk groups of men who have sex with men (MSM) and link patients to care. A prospective observational study of all Checkpoint visits during 2013-2016 and a retrospective registry study of all MSM diagnosed with HIV in Denmark during the same period were conducted. One percent of the 9,074 tests in Checkpoint were HIV-positive, accounting for 19% of all new HIV diagnoses among MSM in Denmark. Checkpoint testers reported frequent condomless anal sex. Two percent of migrant Checkpoint testers were HIV-positive compared to 1 % among Danish MSM. HIV-positive MSM identified through Checkpoint were significantly younger, more of them were migrant, and a smaller proportion were late testers compared to those testing through the conventional health care system. Checkpoint reaches at-risk populations of MSM and links patients successfully to care.
Patrão AL, McIntyre TM, Costa ECV
… +2 more, Matediane E, Azevedo V
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2021 Jun · PMID 34014113
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two psychosocial interventions (Didactic and ACCENT) on socio-cognitive risk factors, in vulnerable Mozambican women at risk for HIV/AIDS infection. The study d...The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two psychosocial interventions (Didactic and ACCENT) on socio-cognitive risk factors, in vulnerable Mozambican women at risk for HIV/AIDS infection. The study design was a randomized controlled trial on Mozambican women at HIV/AIDS risk ( = 150). The participants were randomized into three groups: Didactic Intervention (experimental group), ACCENT intervention (experimental group), and control group. We used an adapted version of the Women's Health Questionnaire, which includes a series of scales and questionnaires assessing psychosocial relevant dimensions to female protection towards HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS knowledge, condom use negotiation self-efficacy, and perceived barriers against safer sex. Both interventions were equally effective in increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge. The ACCENT intervention was especially effective in promoting condom use negotiation self-efficacy and in decreasing perceived barriers against safer sex, essential variables for sexual protection. These results support the adaptation of Western interventions to the African context.