scholarly journals Sexual health influencer distribution of HIV/syphilis self-tests among men who have sex with men in China: A secondary analysis to inform community-based interventions (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Yang ◽  
Yi Zhou ◽  
Shanzi Huang ◽  
Xi He ◽  
Joseph Tucker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
College Education ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Male Sexual Partners ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
China Men

BACKGROUND Social network-based strategies can expand HIV/syphilis self-tests among men who have sex with men (MSM). Sexual health influencers (SHIs) are individuals especially capable of spreading HIV and STI information within their social networks. However, it remains unknown whether a SHI can encourage their peers to self-test for HIV/syphilis. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine MSM SHIs' impact on improving HIV/syphilis self-test uptake within their social networks compared to non-sexual health influencers. METHODS In Zhuhai, China, men 16 years or older, born biologically male, ever had sex with a man, and applying for HIV/syphilis self-tests were enrolled online as indexes and encouraged to distribute self-tests to individuals (alters) in their social network. Indexes scoring >3 on a sexual health influencer scale were considered SHIs (Cronbach alpha 0.87). The primary outcome was mean number of alters encouraged to test per SHI index compared to non-influencers. RESULTS Participants include 371 indexes and 278 alters. Among indexes, 77 (20.8%) were SHIs and 294 (79.2%) were non-influencers. On average, each SHI successfully encouraged 1.66 alters to self-test, compared to 0.51 alters encouraged by each non-influencer (aRR 2.07, 95% CI 1.59-2.69). More SHIs disclosed their sexual orientation (80.5% vs. 67.3%, P=.02) and were volunteers (18.2% vs. 2.7%, P<.001) than non-influencers. More alters of SHIs than non-influencers came from a rural area (45.5% vs. 23.8%, P<.001), had below-college education (57.7% vs. 37.1%, P<.001) and had multiple casual male sexual partners in the past 6 months (25.2% vs. 11.9%, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Being a SHI was associated with encouraging more peers with less testing access to self-test for HIV/syphilis. SHI can be engaged as seeds to expand HIV/syphilis testing coverage. CLINICALTRIAL NA

scholarly journals Sexual health norms and communication patterns within the close social networks of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru: a 2017 cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amrita Ayer ◽  
Eddy R. Segura ◽  
Amaya Perez-Brumer ◽  
Susan Chavez-Gomez ◽  
Rosario Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Trans Women ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background Social networks, norms, and discussions about sexual health may inform sexual practices, influencing risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. To better understand social networks of Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (trans women), we examined key social network members (SNMs), participant perceptions of these network members’ opinions toward sexual health behaviors, and associations between network member characteristics and condomless anal intercourse (CAI). Methods In a 2017 cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 565 MSM and trans women with HIV-negative or unknown serostatus was asked to identify three close SNMs; describe discussions about HIV and STI prevention with each; and report perceived opinions of condom use, HIV/STI testing, and partner notification of STIs. Generalized estimating equations evaluated relationships between SNM characteristics, opinions, and discussions and participant-reported CAI. Results Among participants who identified as MSM, 42.3% of key SNMs were perceived to identify as gay. MSM “never” discussed HIV and STI prevention concerns with 42.4% of heterosexual SNMs, but discussed them “at least once weekly” with 16.9 and 16.6% of gay- and bisexual- identifying SNMs, respectively. Among participants who identified as trans women, 28.2% of key SNMs were perceived as heterosexual; 25.9%, as bisexual; 24.7%, as transgender; and 21.2%, as gay. Trans women discussed HIV/STI prevention least with cis-gender heterosexual network members (40.2% “never”) and most with transgender network members (27.1% “at least once weekly”). Participants perceived most of their close social network to be completely in favor of condom use (71.2% MSM SNMs, 61.5% trans women SNMs) and HIV/STI testing (73.1% MSM SNMs, 75.6% trans women SNMs), but described less support for partner STI notification (33.4% MSM SNMs, 37.4% trans women SNMs). Most participants reported CAI with at least one of their past three sexual partners (77.5% MSM, 62.8% trans women). SNM characteristics were not significantly associated with participant-reported frequency of CAI. Conclusions Findings compare social support, perceived social norms, and discussion patterns of Peruvian MSM and trans women, offering insight into social contexts and sexual behaviors. Trial registration The parent study from which this analysis was derived was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03010020) on January 4, 2017.

scholarly journals Syphilis Self-testing: A Nationwide Pragmatic Study Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (10) ◽  
pp. 2178-2186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Wang ◽  
Weibin Cheng ◽  
Changchang Li ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Jason J Ong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Male Sexual Partners ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
First Time

AbstractBackgroundSyphilis self-testing may help expand syphilis testing among men who have sex with men (MSM). China has rapidly scaled up human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) self-testing, creating an opportunity for integrated syphilis self-testing. However, there is a limited literature on implementing syphilis self-testing.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Chinese MSM in 2018. Participants completed a survey instrument including sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, syphilis self-testing, and HIV self-testing history. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify correlates of syphilis self-testing. We also recorded potential harms associated with syphilis self-testing.ResultsSix hundred ninety-nine MSM from 89 cities in 21 provinces in China completed the study. A total of 361/699 (51.7%) men tested for syphilis, of whom 174/699 (24.9%) men used syphilis self-testing. Among 174 who had self-tested, 90 (51.7%) reported that the self-test was their first syphilis test and 161 (92.5%) reported that they undertook syphilis self-testing together with HIV self-testing. After adjusting for covariates, syphilis self-testing was correlated with disclosure of sexual orientation to family or friends (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–2.73), reporting 2–5 male sexual partners (aOR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.04–3.16), HIV self-testing (aOR, 39.90; 95% CI, 17.00–93.61), and never tested for syphilis in the hospital (aOR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.86–4.72). Self-reported harms associated with syphilis self-testing were minimal.ConclusionsScaling up syphilis self-testing could complement facility-based testing in China among MSM. Self-testing may increase first-time testing and has limited harms. Our findings suggest that syphilis self-testing could be integrated into HIV self-testing services.

scholarly journals Changes in sexual behavior, PrEP adherence, and access to sexual health services due to the COVID-19 pandemic among a cohort of PrEP-using MSM in the South

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjana Pampati ◽  
Kayla Emrick ◽  
Aaron J. Siegler ◽  
Jeb Jones
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Std Testing ◽  
Male Sexual Partners ◽  
Sex With Men

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had unforeseen consequences on the delivery of HIV and STD prevention services. However, little is known about how the pandemic has impacted PrEP-using men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsData come from an online cohort of PrEP-using MSM in the Southern United States from October 2019 to July 2020. Participants were administered ten surveys in total, including one ad hoc survey specifically on COVID-19. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of this ad hoc survey (n=56) and present changes in sexual behaviors and utilization of and access to sexual health services. Using linear mixed-effects regression models, we also analyzed data from the larger cohort (n=78) and document how sexual behaviors and PrEP use varied longitudinally focusing on three months: February (pre-pandemic), April (early pandemic), and June (later in the pandemic).ResultsA fifth of participants discontinued or changed how often they take PrEP because of COVID-19. A quarter of the cohort documented challenges when attempting to access PrEP, HIV testing, or STD testing. For all sexual behaviors examined longitudinally—number of male sexual partners, anal sex acts, condomless anal sex, oral sex (all measured in the past 2 weeks)—there was a significant decrease from February to April followed by a significant increase from April to June.DiscussionOur findings suggest reduced access to and utilization of STD and HIV services coupled with a continuation of behaviors which confer STD/HIV risk. Ensuring appropriate delivery of STD/HIV prevention services during this pandemic is imperative.

scholarly journals P558 Sexual health, syndemics and assets among men who have sex with men: secondary analysis of multi-national surveys

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Mcdaid ◽  
Paul Flowers ◽  
Olivier Ferlatte ◽  
Kareena Mcaloney-Kocaman ◽  
Mark Gilbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
National Surveys ◽  
Sex With Men

scholarly journals Use of Social Network Strategy Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men for HIV Testing, Linkage to Care, and Reengagement in Care, Tennessee, 2013-2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 133 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 43S-51S ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanell L. McGoy ◽  
April C. Pettit ◽  
Melissa Morrison ◽  
Leah R. Alexander ◽  
Phadre Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Black Men ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Sex With Men

Objectives: Tennessee was 1 of 8 states that received funding from the Care and Prevention in the United States Demonstration Project, which aimed to reduce HIV-related morbidity and mortality among racial/ethnic and sexual minority populations. The objective of this study was to describe implementation of a social network strategy (SNS) program, which leverages personal connections in social networks, to reach people with undiagnosed HIV infection for HIV testing. We targeted young black men who have sex with men (MSM) at 3 agencies in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, during 2013-2016. Methods: Specialists at the 3 agencies identified MSM with and without diagnosed HIV infection (ie, recruiters) who could recruit members from their social networks for HIV testing (ie, network associates). Both recruiters and network associates received OraQuick rapid and confirmatory HIV tests. We used χ2 and Fisher exact tests to assess differences in demographic characteristics, HIV testing, and care engagement status by agency. Results: Of 1752 people who were tested for HIV in the SNS program, 158 (9.0%) tested positive; of these, 80 (50.6%) were newly diagnosed with HIV. Forty-seven of the 78 (60.3%) people who were previously diagnosed with HIV were not in care in the previous 12 months; of these, 27 (57.4%) were reengaged in medical care. Of 80 people newly diagnosed with HIV, 44 (55.0%) were linked to care. Conclusions: The SNS program ascertained HIV status among a high-risk population in a heavily burdened region. Further program evaluation is needed to understand how to improve linkage to care among people with newly diagnosed HIV.

scholarly journals Leading by Example: Web-Based Sexual Health Influencers Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Have Higher HIV and Syphilis Testing Rates in China (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Wu ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Haidong Lu ◽  
Tiange P. Zhang ◽  
Bolin Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
College Education ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Syphilis Testing ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The spread of healthy behaviors through social networks may be accelerated by influential individuals. Previous studies have used lay health influencers to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among internet-using men who have sex with men (MSM). However, there is a lack of understanding of the characteristics of this key subset of MSM. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine sociodemographic characteristics, HIV and syphilis testing, and sexual behaviors of Web-based MSM sexual health influencers (SHIs) in China, defined as individuals with relatively stronger influence on spreading HIV and STI information online. METHODS A Web-based survey of MSM was conducted in August 2017 as a final follow-up of a randomized controlled trial promoting HIV testing in 8 Chinese cities. Men were recruited through a gay social networking mobile phone app and were included if they were born biologically male, aged 16 years and above, ever had sex with another man, and HIV negative or with unknown HIV status. Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and HIV and syphilis testing was obtained. We assessed men’s Web-based sexual health influence using a standardized 6-item opinion leadership scale focused on HIV and STI information. Influencers were defined as those whose mean score ranked within the top 13% (a higher score means greater influence). We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models to measure Web-based sexual health influence’s association with HIV and syphilis testing, controlling for intervention trial effects, age, education, income, and marital status. RESULTS Overall, 1031 men completed the survey. Most men were younger than 30 years (819/1031, 79.43%) and had at least college education (667/1031, 64.69%). Influencers were more likely to get tested for HIV (73/132, 55.3% vs 337/899, 37.5%; P<.001) and syphilis (35/132, 26.5% vs 137/899, 15.2%; P=.001) in the last 3 months compared with noninfluencers. There were no significant differences in condomless sex with male partners (26/132, 19.7% vs 203/899, 22.6%; P=.46), mean number of male sex partners (1.32 vs 1.11; P=.16) in the last 3 months, and mainly meeting male sex partners online in the last 12 months (97/132, 73.5% vs 669/899, 74.4%; P=.82) between influencers and noninfluencers. Regression analyses showed that influencers had higher odds of HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio, AOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.48-3.17) and syphilis testing (AOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.28-3.10) in the last 3 months. CONCLUSIONS We identified Web-based SHIs who might be more likely to help promote healthy HIV and syphilis testing behaviors through MSM populations. Leveraging existing influencers may help improve HIV and syphilis testing among their networks.

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