Depression and anxiety among HIV-positive men who have sex with men and men who have sex with women in China

ABSTRACT

China is experiencing an emerging HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM). Minority stress theory posits that marginalized populations experience additional stress, which influences experiences of psychological distress and health outcomes. This study aimed to understand psychological distress of MSM relative to men who have sex with women (MSW) in an urban Chinese setting. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 162 HIV-positive Chinese men receiving HIV treatment at Beijing’s Ditan Hospital. Multiple linear regression with imputation was used to identify correlates of psychological distress. Relative to MSW, MSM were younger, more educated, and less likely to be in a relationship or have children. While both groups reported clinically elevated levels of depression and anxiety, sexual behavior was not associated with either outcome. Higher endorsement of depression symptomology was associated with worse reported physical health (β?=??1.37, p?<?.05) and greater endorsement of maladaptive coping (β?=?2.39, p?<?.05), whereas higher endorsement of anxiety symptomology was associated with greater endorsement of adaptive coping (β?=?0.78, p?<?.05), diminished physical health (β?=??0.86, p?<?.05), and a high school or greater level of education (β?=?4.13, p?<?.05). These findings suggest that interventions targeting coping strategies may address psychological distress among HIV-positive Chinese men.     

Sexual behaviors of racial/ethnic minority young men who have sex with men

We assessed changes in sexual behaviors from baseline to 12-month follow-up among a multisite cohort of HIV-positive racial/ethnic minority young men who have sex with men enrolled in an outreach, linkage, and retention study. In the 3 months prior to their baseline interview, more than three-quarters of participants (78.5%) reported sex with at least one man (mean: 2.3 partners). Among sexually active participants, 44.2% had one partner; 50.5% had 2-9 partners; and 5.3% had 10 or more partners. Over three-quarters (77.5%) reported engaging in sex with at least one steady partner, 43.5% with at least one casual partner, and 29.5% with both casual and steady partners. Exchanging sex for money, drugs, or other needs was reported by 13.2%. Use of condoms during oral and anal sex increased significantly from baseline to 12-month follow-up (oral sex: 29.1-42.5%, p=0.02; anal sex: 67.8-76.2%, p=0.05). While unprotected anal sex significantly decreased among individuals who were new to care (34.8-18.3%, p<0.0001), it significantly increased among individuals who were previously in care (26.7-37.5%, p=0.03). Overall, exchange sex decreased from 13.3% at baseline to 5.0% at 12 months (p=0.001). Despite reductions in unprotected sexual encounters and exchange sex through one year of follow-up, many participants continued to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. Retention within this study appeared to be associated with decreases in high-risk sexual behaviors, especially among participants who were new to care, although more research is needed. Future studies should investigate sexual network characteristics and the prevalence of behaviors such as serosorting.     

Psychological distress,drug use,sexual risks and medication adherence among young HIV-positive Black men who have sex with men: exposure to community violence matters

In the USA, Black males are disproportionately affected by community violence and HIV. The aim of this study was to assess whether exposures to community violence are related to psychological distress, drug use, sexual risk behaviors, and medication adherence among a sample of HIV-positive young Black men who had sex with men (YBMSM). Data are from 98 YBMSM ages 18–29 years recruited from Chicago who completed measures on demographics, exposures to community violence, psychological distress, drug use, condomless anal intercourse, and medication adherence. Rates of exposure to community violence were high and youth reported victimization and witnessing numerous types of violence in their lifetime. In adjusted logistic regression analyses, models indicate that YBMSM reporting higher levels of exposure to community violence had significantly higher rates of condomless anal intercourse in the previous 6 months (AOR: 5.33, 95%CI: 1.38–20.55). Additionally, exposure to community violence was positively associated with psychological distress, hard drug use, and use of marijuana as a sex drug. Adherence to HIV antiretroviral medication was negatively associated with community violence (AOR: 0.36, 95%CI: 0.13–0.97). Rates of exposure to community violence are especially high in urban communities. Overall findings suggest that treatment, intervention, and programmatic approaches that include initiatives to address exposure to community violence might correlate with better health-related outcomes for HIV-positive YBMSM.     

Optimism,community attachment and serostatus disclosure among HIV-positive men who have sex with men

This study investigated the relationship between HIV health optimism (HHO) (the belief that health will remain good after HIV infection due to treatment efficacy), HIV-positive community attachment (HCA), gay community attachment (GCA) and serostatus disclosure to casual sex partners by HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Cross-sectional questionnaire data were gathered from 97 HIV-positive MSM attending an HIV treatment clinic in Dublin, Ireland. Based on self-reported disclosure to casual partners, participants were classified according to their pattern of disclosure (consistent, inconsistent or non-disclosers). Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess HHO, HCA and GCA as predictors of participants' pattern of disclosure. Classification as a non-discloser (compared to a consistent discloser) was associated with higher HHO, less HCA and greater GCA. Classification as an inconsistent discloser (compared to a consistent discloser) was associated with higher GCA. The study provided novel quantitative evidence for associations between the constructs of interest. The results suggest that (1) HHO is associated with reduced disclosure, suggesting optimism may preclude individuals reaping the benefits of serostatus disclosure and (2) HCA and GCA represent competing attachments with conflicting effects on disclosure behaviour. Limitations and areas for future research are discussed.     

Stigma,discrimination, violence,and HIV testing among men who have sex with men in four major cities in Ghana

ABSTRACT

LGBTQ populations experience human rights abuses worldwide; data need to document the health impact of these experiences in Africa. In Ghana, we measured events of sexuality-based stigma, discrimination, and violence among men who have sex with men (MSM) and the impact on HIV testing behavior. Data are from respondent-driven sampling surveillance surveys in Accra/Tema, Kumasi, Cape Coast/Takoradi, and Koforidua. Discrimination was common among MSM: 6.2%–30.6% were refused services, 29.0%–48.9% experienced verbal/symbolic violence, 2.8%–12.8% experienced physical violence, 12.3%-30.0% experienced sexual violence due to their sexuality in the preceding year. MSM who experienced sexual violence in their first male sexual encounter were less likely to ever test for HIV in Accra/Tema and Cape Coast/Takoradi. Further studies are needed to examine the impact of stigma and violence on MSM's HIV health-seeking behavior in Ghana. Structural interventions are needed to mitigate the consequences of stigma and discrimination on MSM health and well-being.     

男男性行为人群艾滋病防治网络干预效果评价

目的评价利用网络平台对男男性行为人群(MSM)在艾滋病知识的认知、态度及行为学方面的干预效果。方法主要采用网络调查及网络干预的模式,对MSM人群进行艾滋病预防知识、态度、行为干预进行评价,包括两次横断面调查和为期2个月的3期网络干预。结果共调查1 293人,平均年龄为(27.6±6.0)岁,其中75%年龄在18～30岁之间;86.2%为专科或本科以上学历;64.8%目前居住在北京。干预前后,MSM人群艾滋病知识知晓情况、安全套使用及HIV检测情况等方面的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。但在减少过去6个月中的肛交行为、消除阻碍接受HIV检测的因素等方面,网络干预不具有显著效果(P>0.05)。结论针对MSM人群,可以尝试采用网络干预的方法来提高艾滋病防治知识,减少HIV感染的高危行为,促进接受HIV检测。     

苏州市男男性行为人群HIV/STD感染状况

目的了解苏州市男男性行为人群（MSM）艾滋病病毒/性传播疾病（HIV/STD）感染状况。方法采用滚雪球方法,开展两轮调查,对MSM进行问卷调查、体检和标本采集,了解HIV、梅毒等性传播疾病的感染情况。结果 2007年5月至2008年1月共调查237人,其中90人（38.0%）只有同性性行为,147人（62.0%）与同性和异性均有性行为。最近6个月内,230人（97.0%）有同性性行为,其中78.9%有2个及以上同性性伴,性行为以插入肛交（63.3%）和被插入肛交（58.9%）为主;最近一次肛交、口交安全套使用比例为46.1%、24.8%。两轮调查HIV/STD阳性检出率分别为：HIV：0.9%、4.2%,梅毒：11.2%、9.1%,肛管/尿道淋球菌：1.0%、0.6%,肛管/尿道沙眼衣原体：12.5%、14.6%,尖锐湿疣：2.9%、3.7%。第二轮调查中疥疮检出率为1.9%,未检出生殖器疱疹和阴虱。结论 MSM中HIV/STD感染率较高,临床医生应将HIV检测和安全套推广纳入MSM人群常规诊疗中。     

204例MSM人群HIV／梅毒感染状况及行为学特征分析

目的了解天津市部分男男同性性行为人群（MSM）艾滋病相关危险行为,以及艾滋病病毒（HIV）、梅毒（SP）感染状况,为预防性病、艾滋病传播提供依据。方法采用横断面调查,对进入酒吧的男同性恋者进行问卷调查,同时抽取血样进行梅毒和HIV的实验室检测。结果调查的204人中,HIV感染率为5．9％,梅毒感染率为18．7％。艾滋病知识知晓率为81．4％,近6个月每次性行为均使用安全套的比例为47．9％,HIv感染者安全套使用率低,仅为11．1％,71．4％的HIV感染者最近6个月存在多性伴现象。结论天津市MSM人群危险性行为普遍存在,安全套使用率低,HIV、梅毒感染率较高,应加强对该人群艾滋病性病相关的宣传教育及干预工作,控制HIv的传播。     

深圳市男男性行为人群HIV／梅毒发病密度研究

目的了解深圳市男男性行为人群（MSM）的艾滋病病毒（HIV）/梅毒发病密度,探索防治性病对预防控制艾滋病的作用。方法知情同意原则下,招募符合纳入标准的MSM;建立并保持队列,收集社会人口学、性行为和安全套使用等资料;抽血检测HIV/梅毒,随访观察HIV/梅毒转归结局。结果 609例入选队列,HIV阴转阳19例,观察总人年数249.7人年,发病密度7.6[95%可信区间（CI）：4.6～11.9]/100人年;梅毒酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）阴转阳18例,观察总人年数134.9人年,发病密度13.3（95%CI：7.9～21.1）/100人年;梅毒ELISA阳性队列HIV发病密度是梅毒ELISA阴性队列HIV发病密度的2.2倍。结论梅毒对HIV传播具有协同作用,有必要在该人群中实施有效的性病预防措施以控制HIV传播     

东北某地男同性恋者性行为及HIV感染流行病学研究

目的 了解男同性恋者HIV感染的流行状况及潜在危险因素。方法 采用匿名横断面调查设计,对进出酒吧的男同性恋者进行问卷调查,并收集尿液进行HIV抗体检测。结果 共收集尿液标本153份,其中2例经尿ELISA初筛及尿WB确认试剂检测均为阳性,HIV感染率为1.31％。首次性行为年龄中位数为18岁。所有调查对象均与男性发生过性行为,67.1％的调查对象既与男性又与女性发生过性行为。89.9％（18/208）的调查对象在半年内有肛交性行为,无保护肛交性行为的发生率为 84.5％。79.8％在近半年内肛交时曾主动插入过对方,58.7％曾接受过对方插入。31.9％的调查对象有性病史。多因素分析显示有性病史者肛交时安全套使用率显著低于无性病史者,OR值为13.5,95％CI为1.75～103.50。结论 同性恋人群中已经有较高的HIV感染率,并且艾滋病相关的危险行为普遍存在,如不采取有效措施加强控制,艾滋病极有可能在同性恋人群中广泛流行。     

Willingness to use couples voluntary counseling and testing services among men who have sex with men in seven countries

The willingness of male-male dyads to use couples voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) has not been previously investigated globally among men who have sex with men (MSM). Using online advertisements, data were collected from 3245 MSM in seven countries who were ≥18 years of age and had ≥1 male sex partner in the previous 12 months. The analysis examined associations between individual characteristics and willingness to utilize CVCT. The willingness to utilize CVCT was compellingly high, ranging from 79% in Australia and UK to 90% in Brazil. Older MSM and those who reported not knowing their sero-status reported lower odds of willingness to use CVCT. The relationship between being in a relationship and willingness to use CVCT varied across countries, perhaps reflecting varied local understandings of the nature and content of CVCT. Further work is required to examine willingness to use CVCT among a more heterogeneous population of MSM, and to examine how CVCT services are locally perceived in order to provide information vital for the development of locally appropriate messages to promote CVCT for MSM.     

Vengeance,sexual compulsivity and self-efficacy among men who have sex with men living with HIV

Vengeance is defined as a continuum of thoughts and/or actions ranging from harmless thoughts to destruction or death, due to feelings of hurt or anger, as a result of a perceived personal attack. Studies assessing the association between vengeance and HIV risk behavior are extremely lacking. The primary aims of this study were to examine the associations between vengeance and sexual compulsivity (SC), and self-efficacies (SEs) for condom use, HIV disclosure, and negotiation of safer sex practices. Data were obtained from 266 men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. Simple and multiple linear regression were used to explore the associations between vengeance, SC and SE. After adjusting for sociodemographic and HIV-related factors, there was a negative association between vengeance and SE for HIV disclosure: (most vengeful: β?=??1.49; 95% CI: ?2.40, ?0.58; more vengeful: β?=??1.17; 95% CI: ?2.12, ?0.22; vengeance (continuous: β?=??0.03; 95% CI: ?0.05, ?0.01). Intervention programs geared towards improving SE for HIV disclosure among MSM living with HIV should endeavor to reduce vengeful feelings.     

两代酶联免疫试剂在男男性行为人群HIV检测中的应用

目的通过使用第四代与第三代艾滋病病毒(HIV)抗体酶联免疫试剂检测结果及核酸检测结果的比较,评估其在天津市男性性行为人群(MSM)HIV感染筛查中的应用效果。方法对天津市某区自愿咨询检测点进行咨询检测的男男性行为人群用EDTA抗凝管采集血液样品,同时使用两代HIV抗体筛查试剂进行检测,阳性者进行确证检测,两种筛查试剂检测结果均为阴性的样品,采用集合核酸检测方法进行检测。结果共计检测MSM人群血液样本2 065份,共对87份样品进行了确证试验,1 978份HIV抗体筛查阴性样品经核酸检测,有1份集合样品呈阳性。HIV抗体确证试验为阴性和不确定的6份样品,进行单份核酸检测,有4份HIV-1RNA阳性,病毒载量检测结果均符合HIV急性感染特征。此次研究中的MSM人群HIV感染率为4.16%(86/2 065),95%可信区间3.34%～5.12%。发现5例HIV急性感染者,估计该人群年发病率为3.16%,95%可信区间1.01%～7.35%。使用第三代抗体试剂进行筛查时,总费用为148 360元,其敏感性为94.2%(81/86)、特异性为100%,发现HIV感染者的单位成本为1 832.6元。使用第四代抗体试剂进行筛查时,总费用为166 080元,其敏感性为98.8%(85/86)、特异性为99.9%(1 977/1 979),发现HIV感染者的单位成本为1 953.9元。结论此次研究估测该人群的HIV感染年发病率为1.01%～7.35%,提示其高危性行为程度较高。在该人群中,使用第四代试剂筛查时,HIV感染者发现数比使用第三代试剂增加4.9%,发现HIV感染者的单位成本增加6.2%,提示具有推广应用价值。     

HIV testing practices among men who have sex with men in Buenos Aires,Argentina

The objective of the study was to explore HIV-testing practices among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in light of current international health guidelines that recommend frequent HIV testing for MSM who engage in high-risk behavior. Participants, who were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), were 500 mostly young, nongay-identified MSM of low socioeconomic status, high levels of unemployment, living mainly in the less-affluent areas surrounding Buenos Aires, and lacking health insurance. They provided blood samples for HIV testing and responded to a Computer Assisted Self Interview. Fifty-two percent had never been tested for HIV, and 20% had been tested only once; 17% were found to be HIV infected, of whom almost half were unaware of their status. Main reasons for never having tested previously were: not feeling at risk, fear of finding out results, and not knowing where to get tested. Among those previously tested, men had been tested a median of 2 times with their most recent test having occurred a median of 2.7 years prior to study enrollment. Of those who had not tested positive before entering the study, only 41% returned for their results. HIV testing was infrequent and insufficient for early detection of infection, entry into treatment, and protection of sexual partners. This was particularly the case among nongay-identified MSM. Testing campaigns should aim to help MSM become aware of their risk behavior, decrease fear of testing by explaining available treatment resources and decreasing the stigma associated with HIV, and by publicizing information about free and confidential testing locations. Rapid HIV testing should be made available to eliminate the need for a return visit and make results immediately available to individuals who are tested.     

Correlates of frequency of HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Washington,DC

In Washington, DC, the leading mode of HIV transmission is through men who have sex with men (MSM) behavior. This study explored differences between frequent HIV testers (men testing at least twice a year) and annual or less frequent testers (men testing once a year or less) in DC. Nearly, one-third of MSM reported testing for HIV at least four times in the prior two years. In the multivariable model, frequent testers had significantly higher odds of being aged 18–34 (aOR =1.94), knowing their last partner's HIV status (aOR=1.86), having 5+ partners in the last year (aOR=1.52), and having seen a health-care provider in the last year (aOR=2.28). Conversely, frequent testers had significantly lower odds of being newly HIV positive (aOR=0.27), and having a main partner at last sex (vs. casual/exchange partner; aOR=0.59). Medical providers need to be encouraged to consistently offer an HIV test to their patients, especially those who are sexually active and who have not tested recently.     

沈阳市男男性行为人群HIV感染率及其影响因素分析

目的了解沈阳市男男性行为人群（MSM）艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染率及其影响因素,进一步做好MSM的艾滋病防治工作。方法采用同伴推动法（RDS）招募900名MSM,由经过专业培训的调查员进行面对面的问卷调查,主要内容包括社会人口学特征、艾滋病知识知晓水平、性行为状况、接受干预服务情况和HIV/梅毒感染状况,并抽取静脉血检测HIV及梅毒,对影响HIV感染的相关因素进行χ2检验。结果调查了900名MSM,艾滋病知识知晓率达到91.3%。86.9%的调查对象最近6个月有同性肛交性行为,最近6个月与男性发生肛交性行为时每次都使用安全套的比例为57.5%。HIV感染率为9.3%,梅毒感染率为11.0%。分析显示,年龄较大、文化程度在初中及以下、最近6个月与男性发生肛交性行为时未坚持使用安全套、梅毒感染是感染HIV的危险因素。结论 MSM人群高危性行为发生率、HIV和梅毒感染率均高,可能成为当前HIV流行的重要人群和重要因素,应采取积极有效的宣传教育和行为干预活动。     

Exposure to community violence and substance use among Black men who have sex with men: examining the role of psychological distress and criminal justice involvement

Young Black MSM (YBMSM) are disproportionately affected by violence, criminal justice involvement, and other structural factors that also increase vulnerability to HIV. This study examined associations between exposure to community violence (ECV) and substance use, psychological distress, and criminal justice involvement (CJI) among YBMSM in Chicago, IL. Respondent driven sampling was used to recruit a sample of 618 YBMSM (aged 16–29) from the South Side of Chicago between June 2013 and July 2014. Weighted logistic regression assessed the direct effects of ECV, CJI, and psychological distress on substance use outcomes. Indirect effects were assessed via path analysis with mean and variance adjusted weighted least squares estimation and sampling weights. Over 90% reported lifetime exposure to violence, 41% had history of CJI, and substance use was common. Almost one-third reported daily or more frequent marijuana use; 17% reported substance use related problems and drug use other than marijuana. ECV was directly and positively associated with CJI, psychological distress, and problematic substance use, with significant indirect effects from ECV to? problematic substance use via CJI and psychological distress. HIV prevention interventions for YBMSM should address the underlying contextual drivers of substance use and psychological distress, including violence exposure and criminal justice involvement.     

长沙市男男性行为者HIV和梅毒感染现状及影响因素分析

目的 了解长沙地区男男性行为者(MSM)艾滋病病毒(HIV)和梅毒感染状况及其影响因素.方法 2018年10月至2019年6月期间,委托非政府组织(NGOs)应用滚雪球的方法招募MSM,开展问卷调查和HIV及梅毒检测.采用多因素Logistic回归模型分析HIV和梅毒感染的影响因素.结果 共招募1 220名MSM,其中...     

HIV testing and HIV knowledge among men who have sex with men in Natal,Northeast Brazil

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the highest prevalence of HIV in Brazil. HIV testing allows to implement preventive measures, reduces transmission, morbidity, and mortality.

Sexual health knowledge and stigma in a community sample of HIV-positive gay,bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Puerto Rico

ABSTRACT

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are at increased risk for HIV infection and disease progression. Also, HIV-positive GBMSM are among those less likely to be retained in care. In this study we analyzed sexual health knowledge (SHK) and various manifestations of stigma in a community sample of HIV-positive GBMSM in Puerto Rico. The sample reports overall low SHK scores, and lower scores were associated with low educational attainment, unemployment, low income, and with self-identifying heterosexual participants. Almost half of the sample reported moderate to severe perceived gay stigma, 68.4% reported moderate to severe hidden-gay stigma, and 30.6% reported moderate to severe HIV-felt stigma. Further research is recommended to obtain culturally congruent information and develop interventions addressing the multiple layers of stigma in the social context where the interventions will be delivered.