Going beyond the clinic: confronting stigma and discrimination among men who have sex with men in Mysore through community-based participatory research

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) has gained considerable popularity in recent decades given its ability to address social inequities, improve health outcomes and enhance community participation and ownership with respect to various health-related interventions. This paper describes the engagements of a community of self-identified men who have sex with men, most of whom also identified as male sex workers, in a long-term iterative and systematic process of knowledge production, reflection, and action. The project took place in 2006 in Mysore, South India, under the larger umbrella of an HIV intervention formed by the University of Manitoba and the sex workers collective known as Ashodaya Samithi, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Avahan). CBPR is revealed as uniquely suited for tackling stigma and discrimination as subjects of scientific inquiry and as key methodological obstacles. As the community cultivated their own analysis around stigma, the concept became a key rallying point for increasing equity with respect to access to health services for this community. CBPR proved highly effective in mobilizing community participation and increasing access to sexual health services, over the long-term, because it was supported by and was able to feed community insights into a much larger infrastructure that sought to mobilize sexual minorities. More broadly, by highlighting various positive effects arising from CBPR, we have sought to further emphasize the greater possibilities of public health practitioners working more democratically with disenfranchised and highly stigmatized communities.     

男男性行为人群包皮环切术预防HIV意愿调查

目的 了解男男性行为人群进行包皮环切手术以预防艾滋病感染的意愿情况及其影响因素。方法 于2009年2月-3月,在北京市招募男男性行为者进行问卷调查,了解其对艾滋病及包皮环切术预防艾滋病感染的认知情况。结果 在参加调查的200名男男性行为者中,13人已经接受了包皮环切,3人不清楚是否做过包皮环切;在参加者184人未做过包皮环切的中,36.4%表示愿意参加今后的包皮环切预防男男性行为感染艾滋病的科学研究。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,其影响因素包括包皮过长(OR=2.82,95%CI=1.45～5.49)和认为包皮环切能增加自己/同伴性伴的同性性乐趣或性快感(OR=4.50,95%CI=1.77～11.49)。结论 应在该人群中加大包皮环切及艾滋病知识的普及力度,消除人们对包皮环切手术及相关预防艾滋病感染研究的担心和歧视。     

HPV vaccine uptake in men who have sex with men in Scotland

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are currently utilised globally in national immunisation programmes. In July 2017, a national HPV vaccine programme for men who have sex with men (MSM) was initiated across Scotland with vaccine being offered in the sexual health clinic setting. During the first year of this targeted vaccination programme, there were 5905 individuals who received at least one dose of HPV vaccine, representing 63.7% of eligible MSM attendees in this period. Vaccine uptake was relatively stable across all age groups (range 49.8–55.5%). The vaccination programme appears to have dovetailed well with pre-existing sexual health services and appears to be popular with MSM attending the service. The MSM HPV vaccine programme is a robust adjunct to the national girls programme but gender-neutral immunisation will reduce stigma and inequality in HPV-driven disease.     

Willingness to participate in HIV vaccine clinical trials among Chinese men who have sex with men

HIV vaccine trials require volunteers. Little is known about willingness to participate (WTP) in HIV vaccine trials among Chinese MSM. A survey of 550 MSM was conducted from March to June 2008, in Beijing, China. Data were collected on demographics, behaviors, perceptions about HIV/AIDS and HIV vaccines, and concerns about participation in HIV vaccine clinical trials. Of study participants, 35.8% were definitely willing to participate, 35.1% were probably willing, 16.4% were probably not willing, and 12.7% were definitely not willing. Analyses suggest that perceived family support, perceived protection against HIV infection and fear that participation would result in social distancing were associated with WTP. MSM in China may be good candidates for HIV vaccine trials. Further studies are needed to evaluate actual enrollment.     

天津市男男性行为人群艾滋病病毒感染情况 及影响因素调查

摘要:目的　了解天津市男男性行为人群（MSM）艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染情况,探讨该人群中HIV感染的影响因素,为进一步开展干预工作提供依据。方法　2013年7-12月,对天津市酒吧、浴池、KTV等活动场所的MSM开展问卷调查,同时进行HIV和梅毒抗体的快速检测。结果　在接受调查的1 000人中,20～39岁占89.8%,未婚占63.2%,本市户籍占65.8%,HIV感染率为1.4%,梅毒感染率为21.2%。多因素分析显示,与HIV感染有关的因素有年龄［比值比（OR）＝20.511,95%可信区间（CI）:2.446～171.995］、文化程度（OR＝6.274,95%CI:1.812～21.723）、艾滋病知识知晓情况（OR＝5.097,95%CI:1.407～18.468）、寻找性伴场所（OR＝4.734,95%CI:1.248～17.963）和最近一次肛交安全套使用情况（OR＝3.318,95%CI:1.063～10.356）。结论　年龄、文化程度、艾滋病知识知晓情况、寻找性伴场所和最近一次肛交安全套使用情况是天津市MSM人群HIV感染的主要影响因素。应针对MSM人群的特点开展有针对性的干预措施,控制HIV的传播。     

Expected epidemiological impact of the introduction of a partially effective HIV vaccine among men who have sex with men in Australia

A trial of the ALVAC-AIDSVAX HIV vaccine was recently found to be partially effective in preventing HIV transmission among study participants in Thailand. The success of this trial means that vaccination may become a viable intervention for the prevention of HIV infection in the medium-term future. Assuming that the vaccine has similar relative protective effectiveness per exposure event for reducing transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) in high-income settings we investigated the potential population-level impact of rolling out such a vaccine among MSM in New South Wales, Australia. Using a detailed individual-based transmission model that simulates a population of sexually active MSM it was found that one-off intervention of 60% or 30% coverage of a vaccine with characteristics like the ALVAX-AIDSVAX vaccine would likely reduce the cumulative incidence of HIV by 9.6% and 5.1%, respectively, over a 10-year period. Due to the waning of vaccine efficacy, a booster vaccination could be required to maintain this reduction in incidence over the long term. If the previously vaccinated population is given a booster vaccine, with the same protection conferred as with the initial vaccination, every 5 years or every 2 years then the cumulative incidence over 10 years for 60% coverage could be reduced by 14.4% and 22.8%, respectively. Such a weak vaccine, with boosting, may be a potential intervention strategy for the prevention of HIV infection in MSM in high-income countries if further trials show boosting to be safe, acceptable, and cost-effective. However, the moderately low population-level impact suggests that a public health strategy involving such a vaccine should be supplemented with other biomedical and educational strategies.     

Men who have sex with men in Southeastern Europe: Underground and at increased risk for HIV/STIs

This paper reports on research that aimed to identify risk factors and preventive behaviours for HIV/STIs among men who have sex with men in Bulgaria, Kosovo, Macedonia and Romania. Twelve peer researchers conducted interviews on sexual behaviour, condom use and HIV/STI awareness. Data analysis revealed common themes across countries. Sexual activity takes place both in public spaces and private homes. Many men believe that careful partner selection and closing sexual networks to outsiders mitigate risk. Risk behaviours include unprotected sex within multiple partnerships, inconsistent condom use and the use of oil‐based lubricants that compromise the integrity of condoms. Perceived susceptibility for infection is low and misconceptions exist about modes of transmission. Stigma and discrimination force men into clandestine settings and relationships where safer sexual behaviour is difficult. HIV prevention programmes should convey messages through the internet and peer networks, improve access to condoms and water‐based lubricant, raise awareness about STIs, link men who have sex with men to appropriate services and reduce stigma to enable safer behaviour.     

男男同性恋HIV感染者自我管理效果评价研究

目的  评估自我管理模式在感染艾滋病病毒(human immunodeficiency virus,HIV)的男男同性恋人群中的实践效果,为制定该人群HIV/艾滋病(acquired immune deficiency syndrome,AIDS)综合管理策略提供依据。 方法  依托男男同性恋非政府组织(non-governmental organizations,NGOs)采用同伴推动抽样方法(respondent-driven sampling,RDS)招募研究对象,并随机分为干预组和对照组。干预组实行自我管理模式,建立自我管理小组,在慢性病自我管理(chronic disease self-management,CDSM)的理论基础上以小组为单位开展健康教育课程和同伴教育;对照组实行常规随访管理模式,即以疾控中心为主体开展的医学随访等相关活动;1年后开展效果评估。 结果  自我管理小组在健康感受、角色功能、生活质量、健康转换、心理健康5个指标的得分上有不同程度的提高。自我管理小组有焦虑症状的比例从38.6%下降到22.6%,经常使用安全套的比例从43.3%提高到47.3%,坚持服药的比例从68.2%提升到78.8%。 结论  自我管理模式可有效突破目前男男同性恋人群艾滋病管理的瓶颈,可以改善该人群的生存质量。     

利用社交软件对MSM线上干预动员线下HIV检测的调查研究

目的  了解通过社交软件线上干预动员MSM参与线下HIV检测的效果,并调查分析线下接受检测者的特征。方法  分析比较通过不同社交软件线上所接触动员人数与线下实际检测人数,描述线下接受检测的MSM人群特征,并对感染风险高、低分组的MSM特征差异进行比较。结果  线上干预动员MSM参与线下检测比例为23.78% (229/963),使用Blued动员线下检测比例高于其他社交软件(χ²=3.958,P=0.047),总动员比为100∶2.4,总动员效率为1.01人/d。220名有肛交性行为的MSM根据是否坚持使用安全套分为高危行为组(n=96)与低危行为组(n=124),高危组的梅毒知识知晓合格比例低于低危组(χ²=6.308,P=0.009),而HIV检测阳性结果的比例高于低危组(χ²=11.299,P=0.001)。结论  使用社交软件线上干预动员线下检测能有效接触HIV感染风险较高的MSM和及时发现已感染的病例,在运用社交软件与目标人群建立联系并互动时,主动接触比被动响应更能提高MSM应答的比例。     

基于社交媒体的行为干预对促进青年男男性行为人群HIV/梅毒联合检测的效果研究

目的评价基于社交媒体的行为干预能否有效促进青年MSM进行HIV/梅毒联合检测(联检)。方法招募青年MSM作为研究对象, 将符合纳入标准的研究对象按照1∶1的比例随机分为两组:社交媒体干预组和对照组。仅给予对照组自愿咨询检测(VCT)服务, 给予干预组VCT服务并综合利用社交媒体定期发送健康教育和检测信息等手段加强其行为干预。随后对所有研究对象进行为期12个月的随访, 比较干预组和对照组的HIV/梅毒联检次数、检测比例和性病(STD)症状出现情况等指标的差异, 评价干预效果。结果共纳入315例青年MSM(干预组158例, 对照组157例), 共计248人完成12个月随访, 随访率为78.7%, 干预组和对照组基线特征差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。干预组联检≥1次的比例略高于对照组(53.2%比48.4%, 率差为4.8%, 95%CI:-7.5%～17.0%, P=0.448), 但差异无统计学意义。最近1次肛交使用安全套的青年MSM亚组中, 干预组联检≥1次的比例高于对照组(63.8%比46.1%, 率差为17.7%, 95%CI:1.5%～32.6%, P=0.035)。...     

男男性接触人群艾滋病干预效果分析与探讨

目的了解浙江省"全国男男性行为人群艾滋病综合防治试点"项目艾滋病预防干预效果,为寻找和完善男男性行为人群(MSM)艾滋病预防干预方法提供依据。方法在接受项目调查的MSM中,通过问卷中设置的变量挑选出先后接受过第一、二轮和第二、三轮调查的MSM(项目调查分三轮),并通过ID编号实现自身对照,比较干预前后MSM艾滋病/性病感染、行为、知识等情况,综合分析预防干预效果。结果接受第一、二轮调查的157名MSM中,最近6个月:6.25%的人出现性病症状(P<0.05),分别有2.55%、5.04%的人HIV抗体、梅毒抗体发生阳转(梅毒抗体阳转P<0.05)。接受第二、三轮调查的83名MSM中,最近6个月:15.07%的人发生性病症状(P<0.05),分别有1.23%、5.41%的人发生HIV抗体、梅毒抗体阳转。结论试点项目MSM艾滋病干预效果有待提高,有效的干预方法尚待进一步探索和完善。     

中国男男性行为人群HIV新发感染率和相关危险因素的Meta分析

目的 描述中国男男性行为(MSM)人群HIV新发感染率水平。方法 采用Meta分析方法对2010年1月至2015年2月公开发表的MSM人群HIV新发感染率相关研究进行汇总和定量分析;采用Stata 12.0软件进行异质性检验及合并新发感染率、发病风险比、计算发表偏倚和敏感性分析。结果 共纳入24篇队列研究文献。中国MSM人群HIV新发感染率为5.0/100人年; 病例报告疫情重的城市相对于其他城市HIV新发感染率较高(4.9/100人年 vs. 3.4/100人年)。文化程度低(HR=1.61,95%CI:1.21~2.15)、梅毒感染(HR=3.22,95%CI:2.21~4.70)、无保护性肛交(HR=2.92,95%CI:1.51~5.63)、少数民族(HR=4.01,95%CI:1.96~8.21)、商业性行为(HR=4.11,95%CI:1.47~11.46)和多性伴(HR=2.31,95%CI:1.60~3.34)均为MSM人群HIV新发感染的危险因素。结论 中国MSM人群HIV新发感染率为5.0%,文化程度低、梅毒感染、无保护性肛交、民族、商业性行为和多性伴是MSM人群HIV新发感染的危险因素。     

Adherence to HIV medications in a cohort of men who have sex with men: Impact of September 11th

Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens remains a challenge for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Severe traumas like that of September 11, 2001, can exacerbate the difficulties already associated with adherence. A community-based sample of 68 HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men (MSM) living in New York City who were on protease inhibitor HAART regimens completed quantitative assessments to examine adherence in the aftermath of September 11th. Data were drawn from a larger study of drug use and HIV medication adherence. Assessments conducted from September 24, 2001 to October 24, 2001 were compared to assessments taken 2–4 months prior to September 11th. Repeated measures analyses of variance were used to analyze the number of missed and suboptimal doses (doses taken outside the prescribed time by ±4 hours) reported in the 2 weeks prior to each respective assessment. The results indicated a significant increase in the number of missed doses and the number of suboptimal doses immediately after the events of September 11th. Differences in adherence were not influenced, however, by sociodemographic characteristics. These results suggest that the events of September 11th had an impact on adherence to HIV medications among MSM in New York City and provide further support for the notion that the events of September 11th may have adversely impacted the lives of seropositive individuals. Attention should be paid by clinicians working with HIV-positive individuals on how this event has been incorporated into lives of individuals already burdened by a chronic and demanding disease.     

Contributions of an intensive HIV prevention programme in increasing HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Andhra Pradesh,India

The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with uptake of HIV testing and to assess their relative contributions in increasing HIV testing. Data are drawn from two rounds of cross-sectional Integrated Behavioural and Biological Assessment (IBBA) surveys of self-identified men who have sex with men (MSM) from Andhra Pradesh, India, recruited through probability-based sampling in 2005–2006 and 2009–2010 (IBBA1, n = 1621; IBBA2, n = 1608, respectively). Logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviours, programme exposure and HIV testing. Significant factors were further parsed using decomposition analysis to examine the contribution of different components of that factor towards the change in HIV testing. There was a significant increase in the proportion of MSM reporting HIV testing from IBBA1 to IBBA2. Higher literacy levels, being 25–34 years old, being a kothi (predominantly receptive), engaging in both commercial and non-commercial sexual relationships and intervention programme exposure contributed the most to the increase in HIV testing.     

Behavioral and social science in HIV vaccine clinical research: Workshop report

In May 2009, a workshop was held in Washington DC to identify ways in which HIV vaccine clinical research could benefit from and better incorporate behavioral and social science (BSS) considerations. Seventy-one people from government, non-government, and private organizations participated, including HIV vaccine researchers, clinical trial scientists, BSS researchers, community representatives, and sponsors. This workshop elucidated the opportunities and challenges for integrating BSS in HIV vaccine research by highlighting insights gained from previous BSS research on HIV prevention and highlighting new BSS approaches and methodologies. Meeting participants identified priority areas where BSS methodologies could significantly impact HIV research and developed concrete recommendations for addressing current challenges encountered in HIV vaccine research relating to social impact, risk assessment, community engagement, informed consent, risk reduction, and special populations. These recommendations address the need for improving the accuracy of participant data; standardizing data collection to enable comparisons across studies; engaging the community at all levels; using evidenced-based counseling techniques; understanding the needs and concerns of target populations; and considering the impacts of macro-level forces and influences. The importance of establishing collaborations that can carry out these recommendations and facilitate necessary changes in thinking and practice was emphasized throughout the meeting.     

乌鲁木齐市男男性行为者HIV新发感染及危险因素研究

目的 获得乌鲁木齐市男男性行为者(MSM)HIV新发感染率,了解MSM人群新发感染的相关危险因素,为估计艾滋病流行趋势,判断疫情形势以及高危行为干预提供科学依据。 方法 对2015年乌鲁木齐市艾滋病哨点监测MSM人群866例样本纳入研究,用ELISA方法对所有研究对象血清样本进行HIV抗体初筛,对于HIV抗体初筛阳性者,使用免疫印迹法进行确证,符合条件的HIV抗体阳性血清再用HIV-1 BED捕获酶联法(BED方法)检测,从而估算该人群2015年的新发感染率;通过问卷调查,了解MSM人群与HIV感染相关的危险因素。 结果 共调查866例MSM人群,平均年龄(31.03±7.44)岁,其中汉族734(84.76%)例,维吾尔族54(6.24%)例,回族54(6.24%)例,其它少数民族24(2.76%)例;文化程度以大专及以上为主(83.60%);艾滋病防治知识知晓率为97.92%;最近6个月,95.84%(830例)发生过肛交行为,每次都使用安全套的占52.04%(432例);HIV抗体检出率为5.31%(46例),其中既往感染7例;进一步采用BED检测,结果表明其中14例为长期感染,25例为新发感染,利用McDougal法计算出新发感染率为5.95%(95%CI:4.37%~7.52%);多因素logistic回归显示年龄≥45岁(OR=3.105)、近6个月同性性行为安全套使用情况为每次都用(OR=0.205)、艾滋病防治知识知晓情况为知晓(OR=0.151)是乌鲁木齐MSM人群HIV新发感染的独立影响因素。 结论 乌鲁木齐市MSM人群HIV新发感染率较高,应继续加强干预力度,给予该人群中年龄较大者重点关注。     

男男性行为者未参加艾滋病抗体检测因素调查

目的 了解男男性行为人群(MSM)未参加艾滋病抗体检测的原因,为行为干预提供依据.方法 在南京市使用滚雪球法进行问卷调查,了解MSM人口学、高危行为特征,分析未参加艾滋病抗体检测的原因.结果 共调查766名MSM,有76.0％最近一年未参加艾滋病抗体检测.其HIV感染率为3.92％,梅毒感染率为10.97％;多因素Logistic回归分析显示:年龄＞20岁、最近一年进行性病检查治疗和接受过性病艾滋病宣传与未进行艾滋病抗体检测有统计学关联.结论 南京市MSM人群HIV检测率低,急需探索MSM检测咨询、后续服务等管理模式,提高MSM人群艾滋病抗体检测率.     

Facebook network structure and awareness of preexposure prophylaxis among young men who have sex with men

BackgroundYoung Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are the only population in the United States who have experienced rising human immunodeficiency virus incidence over the past decade. Consistent pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use can substantially reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus acquisition. What differentiates those who become aware of PrEP, and those who do not, remains largely unknown.MethodsThe social networks of YBMSM can impact their awareness of PrEP; to examine this impact, we used two waves of Facebook data from “uConnect”–a longitudinal cohort study of YBMSM in Chicago (n = 266).ResultsWhile PrEP awareness increased from 45% at baseline to 75% at follow-up, its use remained low (4% and 6%). There were 88 PrEP-unaware individuals at baseline who became aware (BA) by follow-up, and 56 who remained persistently unaware. While the persistently unawares had a higher median number of total Facebook friends, the BAs had a higher median numbers of friends who participated in uConnect, who were PrEP-aware, and who practiced behaviors previously found to be associated with individual-level awareness of PrEP at baseline. The BAs also had substantially more “influential” friends.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate the potential of social networks in raising PrEP awareness and use among YBMSM.     

中山市2010-2014年男男性行为人群HIV感染率及相关因素

目的获得中山市男男性行为人群HIV感染率,影响因素及流行趋势,为制定有针对性的干预策略提供依据。方法采用滚雪球抽样法招募MSM进行调查及HIV、梅毒血清学检测。采用SPSS分析数据。结果中山市2010-2014年MSM的HIV感染率分别为10.00%(21/210)、12.56%(27/215)、15.71%(44/280)、11.93%(34/285)和12.35%(31/251);梅毒TRUST阳性者的HIV感染率为20.41%(30/147),是梅毒阴性者HIV感染率11.61%(127/1 094)的1.76倍(95%CI:1.23~2.52);艾滋病知晓率为83.58%~90.95%;最近半年与同性肛交每次均使用安全套的比例为43.58%~57.42%。多因素Logistic回归模型提示,初中及以下文化程度、本地居住时间3个月者具有更高的HIV感染率(AOR分别为2.51和1.72,95%CI分别为:1.52~4.13和1.03~2.89);知晓艾滋病知识、最近一年接受过HIV检测者具有更低的HIV感染率(AOR分别为0.62和0.54,95%CI分别为0.40~0.97和0.37~0.78)。结论中山市MSM艾滋病流行形势严峻,人口流动对其流行具有重要影响。应加强低文化程度者的综合干预,推动更多的MSM接受HIV检测。     

男男性行为人群艾滋病病毒新发感染风险的队列研究

目的 了解与分析影响MSM人群HIV新发感染的危险因素。方法 通过MSM队列研究,随访调查目标人群在随访期间HIV相关行为暴露情况,进而通过广义估计方程,分析该人群HIV新发感染影响因素。结果 2013－2015年对4 305名HIV阴性MSM进行了随访观察。网络交友的MSM发生被动插入性肛交的比例和肛交坚持使用安全套的比例高于会所酒吧和浴池交友的MSM。随访研究期间HIV平均阳转密度为4.3/100人年,被动接受肛交性行为者发生HIV新发感染的风险是主动插入方的2.20倍（95%CI：1.49～3.24）;使用助性剂（aRR＝1.55, 95%CI：1.10～2.17）、不能坚持使用安全套（aRR＝2.24,95%CI：1.62～3.08）和梅毒感染（aRR＝2.95,95%CI：2.00～4.35）是HIV新发感染的主要危险因素;而控制了其他因素后,3种交友方式与HIV新发感染的关联不再有统计学意义。结论 MSM人群中造成HIV流行的因素较为复杂,亟需多角度开展研究,为制定有针对性的防治措施提供依据。