scholarly journals The development of an online risk calculator for the prediction of future syphilis among a high-risk cohort of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz ◽  
Kelika A. Konda ◽  
Silver K. Vargas ◽  
Xiaoyan Wang ◽  
Eddy R. Segura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Risk Calculator ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Online Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Syphilis incidence worldwide has rebounded since 2000, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). A predictive model for syphilis infection may inform prevention counselling and use of chemoprophylaxis. Methods: Data from a longitudinal cohort study of MSM and transgender women meeting high-risk criteria for syphilis who were followed quarterly for 2 years were analysed. Incidence was defined as a four-fold increase in rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titres or new RPR reactivity if two prior titres were non-reactive. Generalised estimating equations were used to calculate rate ratios (RR) and develop a predictive model for 70% of the dataset, which was then validated in the remaining 30%. An online risk calculator for the prediction of future syphilis was also developed. Results: Among 361 participants, 22.0% were transgender women and 34.6% were HIV-infected at baseline. Syphilis incidence was 19.9 cases per 100-person years (95% confidence interval (CI) 16.3–24.3). HIV infection (RR 2.22; 95% CI 1.54–3.21) and history of syphilis infection (RR 2.23; 95% 1.62–3.64) were significantly associated with incident infection. The final predictive model for syphilis incidence in the next 3 months included HIV infection, history of syphilis, number of male sex partners and sex role for anal sex in the past 3 months, and had an area under the curve of 69%. The online syphilis risk calculator based on those results is available at: www.syphrisk.net. Conclusions: Using data from a longitudinal cohort study among a population at high risk for syphilis infection in Peru, we developed a predictive model and online risk calculator for future syphilis infection. The predictive model for future syphilis developed in this study has a moderate predictive accuracy and may serve as the foundation for future studies.

scholarly journals 1630. Voluntary HIV Testing and Self-Realization of Risk of HIV Infection Among Young Men-Who-Have-Sex-with-Men in the Miami-Dade Area

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S595-S595
Author(s):  
Hampton Ocon ◽  
Samir Sabbag
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Public Health Initiatives

Abstract Background According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Miami-Dade County has the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the Nation. So far, a large focus of public health initiatives has been spreading awareness of HIV testing locations, but this form of voluntary testing relies on individuals realizing that they are at risk of HIV infection in the first place. Consequently, a major obstacle to encouraging young men-who-have-sex-with-men (YMSM) to test themselves for HIV is their own self-perceived risk of having an undetected infection. Methods In an effort to better understand the discordance between high-risk sexual behavior and HIV testing among this high-risk population, YMSM (18–24) were surveyed through smartphone applications that facilitate sexual encounters in the Miami-Dade area (eg Grindr, Scruff). Users were asked about their history of condomless anal intercourse (CAI), their HIV testing habits, and whether or not they believe it possible that they are currently infected with HIV. An analysis of the relationship between CAI and self-perception of possible HIV infection was performed using Cochran-Mantel–Haenszel testing. Results Of the 843 eligible responses, 667 reported a history of voluntary HIV testing while 176 had never voluntarily tested. 726 respondents reported a history of CAI and 131 of these have never voluntarily tested. Of the 843 total participants, 1.6% were in the highest HIV risk group, which is those who have engaged in CAI with an exchange/casual partner, have never voluntarily tested for HIV, and have no self-perceived risk of being currently infected. According to data analysis, YMSM who have engaged in CAI but have never been tested for HIV were not more likely to have a self-perceived possibility of infection when compared with those who have voluntarily tested (P < 0.595). Conclusion This suggests that many high-risk YMSM are not voluntarily testing themselves for HIV not because they do not have access to testing, but rather because they do not perceive themselves as being possibly infected in the first place. Therefore, in addition to increasing access to HIV testing, new public health initiatives must be designed to facilitate YMSM understanding their own personal HIV risk. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Low sexually transmissible infection knowledge, risk perception and concern about infection among men who have sex with men and transgender women at high risk of infection

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 580
Author(s):  
Iván C. Balán ◽  
Javier Lopez-Rios ◽  
Curtis Dolezal ◽  
Christine Tagliaferri Rael ◽  
Cody Lentz
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Amidst an increase in STI rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), there is little research on STI knowledge, risk perception and concern about infection in these populations. Methods: This mixed-methods study explored these constructs among 60 racially and ethnically diverse MSM and TGW who regularly engage in condomless anal intercourse with multiple partners. Results: Participants had a mean age of 40.63 years. Most (95%) identified as a man and as gay or homosexual (73%); 55% were college graduates. Almost half the respondents reported a prior STI. Participants correctly answered a mean of 55.36% and 76.90% STI and HIV knowledge items respectively. STI knowledge was positively correlated with education and prior HIV tests, and was higher among those with a prior STI. During in-depth interviews, some participants expressed concerns about limited knowledge of STIs and syphilis. Half reported low concern about syphilis infection, due to prior treatment that was perceived as relatively simple, lack of STI infection in the past, erroneous information about transmission routes or simply not thinking about it. Conclusions: Among this high-risk sample who perceived themselves to be at low risk of infection, knowledge was primarily gained through being diagnosed and treated for an STI rather than from acquiring knowledge to prevent STI infection. Participants expressed interest in increasing their STI knowledge and recognised the importance of regular STI testing. Dissemination of targeted information about STI prevention, routinising of STI testing and STI self-testing might contribute to decreasing STI infection rates among this population.

scholarly journals The cost-effectiveness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men and transgender women at high risk of HIV infection in Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. e25096 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula M Luz ◽  
Benjamin Osher ◽  
Beatriz Grinsztejn ◽  
Rachel L Maclean ◽  
Elena Losina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
The Cost

scholarly journals Use of multiple recreational drugs is associated with new HIV infections among men who have sex with men in China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Mao ◽  
Sequoia I. Leuba ◽  
Qinghai Hu ◽  
Hongjing Yan ◽  
Zhe Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Recreational Drugs ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
High Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Recent Hiv Infection

Abstract Background There is limited information about the types of recreational drugs used by men who have sex with men (MSM) in China or the consequent impact on sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Methods We recruited MSM from seven cities in China between 2012 and 2013 using multiple approaches including advertisements on gay websites, collaborating with local MSM community-based organizations, peer referrals, and venues such as gay bars and bathrooms visited by MSM. We divided participants into four subgroups based on the number of recreational drugs (RDs) used in the previous 6 months. We defined use of multiple RDs as use of ≥2 types of RDs. Demographics and HIV-related high-risk behaviors were collected, and blood samples were tested for recent HIV infection by the HIV-1 subtypes B, E, and D immunoglobulin G capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA). We used multivariable logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographics to determine the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the subgroups of RD use for recent or established HIV infection. Results A total of 4496 Chinese MSM participated; 28.4% used RDs, and 5% used multiple types of RDs. The prevalence of each RD use was as follows: poppers (25.9%), ecstasy (2.4%), ketamine (1.2%), amphetamine (0.6%), tramadol (0.4%), methamphetamine (3.8%), and codeine (1.9%). Users of multiple RDs commonly used poppers combined with one or more other types of RDs. Multiple RD users were likely to be aged 26–30 years (vs. 18–25 and > 30 years), live in non-local cities (vs. local cities), never married (vs. married), have a high monthly income (vs. no income and 1–599 USD), use versatile positions during anal intercourse (vs. top or bottom), and have inadequate HIV-related prevention knowledge (vs. adequate). As the number of RDs used in the previous 6 months increased, the prevalence of HIV-related high-risk behaviors increased (P < 0.05 for all). The odds of recent HIV infection were higher among those who used one type (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5–3.0) or two types of RD (aOR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.0-5.2) in the previous 6 months compared to the odds among those who did not use RDs. Conclusion The level and pattern of multiple RD use among Chinese MSM were different from high-income countries. MSM who used more RDs are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, and these behaviors may be associated with increases in new HIV infections.

Triple site sexually transmitted infection testing as a crucial component of surveillance for men who have sex with men: A prospective cohort study

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110474
Author(s):  
Roy Zucker ◽  
Michael Gaisa ◽  
Keith Sigel ◽  
Ilan Singer ◽  
Amos Adler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Prospective Cohort Study ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Sexual Risk Taking ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Crucial Component ◽  
Sex With Men

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections are common among men who have sex with men (MSM). Many oropharyngeal and anorectal infections remain asymptomatic. We aimed to evaluate triple-site screening following PrEP introduction. We enrolled a prospective cohort study including 210 asymptomatic MSM during 2019–2020, analyzed by groups: HIV positive (HIV+), HIV−uninfected using PrEP (HIV−/PrEP+), or HIV-uninfected not using PrEP (HIV−/PrEP−). A self-administered questionnaire captured demographic information and sexual risk-taking behaviors. CT/NG testing results were compared between study groups and predictors of infection were evaluated. We included 59 HIV+, 70 HIV−/PrEP+, and 81 HIV−/PrEP− subjects. 30% ( n = 62) of participants tested positive for CT/NG. HIV−/PrEP+ group had highest proportion of infections ( n = 33, 47%) followed by HIV−/PrEP− ( n = 16, 22%) and HIV+ ( n=13, 20%; p < .001). Importantly, 98% (80/82) of pharyngeal/anorectal CT/NG infections were missed in genitourinary tract screening alone. PrEP use and previous syphilis infection were the strongest risk factor for CT/NG. Extra-genital asymptomatic CT/NG infections were prevalent among MSM. These data highlight the importance of routine extra-genital CT/NG testing in asymptomatic sexually active MSM. The study describes the consequences for three-site testing lack of implementation in the PrEP era.

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