Estimating the Number of Men Who Have Sex with Men by Race/Ethnicity at the County Level in Texas

This analysis presents a method for estimating the population of men who have sex with men (MSM) at the county and metropolitan area level in Texas. Surveillance data consistently demonstrate that MSM experience a high burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Numerous studies have shown that MSM are also vulnerable to many other health concerns such as suicide, substance abuse, domestic violence and assault, homelessness, and mental illness. However, compilation of rates of HIV, STIs, and other health issues is dependent on estimation of population denominators. In the absence of systematic, consistent, and direct assessment of sexual orientation and gender identity in national surveys, it is difficult to estimate the size of at-risk populations. Previous estimates at the national and state level have been calculated using varied methodologies. However, to date, statewide estimates at the county level have only been produced for the state of Florida. County-level and metropolitan area estimates of MSM population were produced using three modified models developed by Lieb et al. These models used data on population and same-sex households from the US Census, along with estimates of sexual behavior from the National Survey on Family Growth. These models produce an estimate of 599,683 MSM in Texas (6.4 % of the adult male population). Metropolitan areas with the highest percentage of MSM population include Dallas and Austin (10.3 and 9.8 %, respectively). County-level estimates of MSM population range from 1.0 to 12.9 %. These local estimates are critical to targeting vulnerable populations and effective allocation of resources for prevention and treatment programs.     

Significant gaps in hepatitis B vaccination in adults in Viet Nam: Important targets toward hepatitis B elimination by 2030

BackgroundGaps in adult hepatitis B vaccination were undefined in Vietnam, a lower-middle-income country. To address these gaps, this study defined hepatitis B vaccine coverage in adults and its associated factors in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Viet Nam. We also proposed interventional strategies, prioritizing gap identification to facilitate hepatitis B elimination by 2030 and beyond.MethodDuring 2019–2020, a multi-stage cluster serosurvey with probability proportional to size was conducted to representatively invite 20,000 adults (18 years or older) throughout HCMC for hepatitis B screening (HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc). Serologic results defined two dependent variables: vaccine-induced immunity (i.e., isolated anti-HBs) and susceptibility (i.e., HBV naive). Associations of dependent variables with surveyed demographics, socioeconomic statuses, behaviors, and medical history at risk for hepatitis B were evaluated using weighted Poisson regression.ResultsThe prevalence was 18.5% (95%CI, 17.3-20.0%) for vaccine-induced immunity and 37.7% (35.6-39.8%) for susceptibility. Even though analyses in the general population revealed a falling trend in vaccine-induced immunity prevalence from younger to older age groups, sensitivity analyses in the non-infected population (i.e., those who were both negative for HBsAg and anti-HBc) showed that younger age groups, especially those aged 30 to 50 years, had the lowest prevalence. Social inequalities existed in different ethnicities, residence areas, education levels, house ownership, and health insurance statuses. There was no significant association between vaccine-induced immunity or susceptibility and risky behaviors and medical histories.ConclusionThis study depicts a significant unmet need for hepatitis B vaccination in the general adult population in HCMC, Viet Nam. Indeed, the lack of vaccination was unevenly distributed regarding age groups, geographical areas, and socioeconomic statuses, which reveals profound social disparities. Therefore, to achieve hepatitis B elimination goals, besides the current recommendations for infants and risk-based strategies, hepatitis B vaccination should be recommended for the broader population.     

If You Are Not Counted,You Don’t Count: Estimating the Number of African-American Men Who Have Sex with Men in San Francisco Using a Novel Bayesian Approach

African-American men who have sex with men (AA MSM) have been disproportionately infected with and affected by HIV and other STIs in San Francisco and the USA. The true scope and scale of the HIV epidemic in this population has not been quantified, in part because the size of this population remains unknown. We used the successive sampling population size estimation (SS-PSE) method, a new Bayesian approach to population size estimation that incorporates network size data routinely collected in respondent-driven sampling (RDS) studies, to estimate the number of AA MSM in San Francisco. This method was applied to data from a 2009 RDS study of AA MSM. An estimate from a separate study of local AA MSM was used to model the prior distribution of the population size. Two-hundred and fifty-six AA MSM were included in the RDS survey. The estimated population size was 4917 (95 % CI 1267–28,771), using a flat prior estimated 1882 (95 % CI 919–2463) as a lower acceptable bound, and a large prior estimated 6762 (95 % CI 1994–13,863) as an acceptable upper bound. Point estimates from the SS-PSE were consistent with estimates from multiplier methods using external data. The SS-PSE method is easily integrated into RDS studies and therefore provides a simple and appealing tool to rapidly produce estimates of the size of key populations otherwise difficult to reach and enumerate.     

Collaborative activities and treatment outcomes in patients with HIV-associated tuberculosis in Viet Nam

Setting: The National Tuberculosis (TB) Programme in Viet Nam and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).Objectives: To determine 1) at national level between 2011 and 2013, the relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, uptake of TB-HIV interventions and adverse treatment outcomes among TB-HIV patients; and 2) in HCMC in 2013, patient characteristics associated with adverse outcomes.Design: An ecological study reviewing aggregate nationwide data and a retrospective cohort review in HCMC.Results: Nationwide, from 2011 to 2013, HIV testing increased in TB patients from 58% to 68% and antiretroviral therapy (ART) increased in TB-HIV patients from 54% to 63%. Adverse treatment outcomes in TB-HIV patients increased from 24% to 27%, largely due to transfer out (5–9% increase) and death. The Northern and Highland regions showed poor uptake of TB-HIV interventions. In HCMC, 303 (27%) of 1110 TB-HIV patients had adverse outcomes, with higher risks observed in those with previously treated TB, those diagnosed as HIV-positive before TB onset and those never placed on cotrimoxazole or ART.Conclusion: Despite improving HIV testing rates and TB-HIV interventions, adverse outcomes in TB-HIV patients remain at about 26%. Characteristics predicting higher risk of adverse outcomes must be addressed if Viet Nam wishes to end the TB epidemic by 2030.     

Patterns and risk factors of inconsistent condom use among men who have sex with men in Viet Nam: Results from an Internet-based cross-sectional survey

Survey data from men who have sex with men (MSM) in Asian cities indicate drastic increases in HIV prevalence. It is unknown which factors are most important in driving these epidemics. The objective of this study was to identify patterns of condom use among MSM Internet users living in Viet Nam, as well as risk factors associated with inconsistent condom use and non-condom use. A national Internet-based survey of sexual behaviours was administered in 2011. Results showed that 44.9% of MSM reported not using a condom during their last anal sex encounter with a male partner. MSM were less likely to report condom use during anal sex with long-term partners than with casual partners. Twenty-three and a half per cent of MSM surveyed had ever taken an HIV test and received the results. Study findings highlight the urgent need for targeted strategies focused on increasing the rate of consistent condom use during anal sex with male partners among MSM in Viet Nam.     

采用乘数法结合社交软件估计南京市MSM人群规模

目的 估计南京市MSM规模,为艾滋病疫情估计和防治策略制定提供科学依据.方法 基于乘数法原理结合Blued社交软件,并同时采用现场调查和网络调查对南京市的MSM规模进行估计,通过男同社交软件Blued的后台统计连续7d在南京市范围内登录人数的平均值作为记录数(record,r),通过网络和现场调查了解MSM同时期内登录...     

Relationship Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and HIV-Related Risks Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Findings from Mainland China

Men who have sex with men (MSM) carry the burden of HIV infection in China. Outside of China, a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been associated with HIV-related risks (behavioral, sexual, and mental health outcomes) among MSM. We therefore evaluated the relationship between CSA and these HIV-related risks among MSM in China. Cross-sectional data were collected via a survey from gay websites and social networking applications from MSM in 30 provinces in mainland China during a 3-month period in 2014 and 2015. Overall, 999 screened MSM who responded to questions on CSA were included. Multinomial logistic regression models—adjusted for sociodemographic confounders—showed that men who reported experiencing regular CSA and contact CSA, respectively, were more likely to use substances (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39–2.62 and AOR, 1.70; 95% CI 1.25–2.31), had a history of sexually transmitted infections (AOR, 1.81; 95% CI 1.29–2.55 and AOR, 1.65; 95% CI 1.18–2.96), had more male sexual partners (AOR, 1.06; 95% CI 1.04–1.09 and AOR, 1.05; 95% CI 1.03–1.08), engaged in more condomless sex with men (AOR, 1.89; 95% CI 1.39–2.56 and AOR, 1.72; 95% CI 1.29–2.30), and experienced more psychological distress (AOR, 1.05; 95% CI 1.02–1.08 and AOR, 1.05; 95% CI 1.03–1.08). Both frequent and contact forms of CSA were positively associated with HIV-related risks among MSM, suggesting that general CSA prevention strategies and interventions are needed to support this population.     

Estimating the Size of the MSM Population in Metro Vancouver,Canada, Using Multiple Methods and Diverse Data Sources

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV globally, regionally in Canada, and locally in Vancouver. Lack of reliable population size estimates of MSM impedes effective implementation of health care services and limits our understanding of the HIV epidemic. We estimated the population size of MSM residing in Metro Vancouver drawing on four data sources: the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), a cross-sectional bio-behavioural MSM survey, HIV testing services data from sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics serving MSM, and online social networking site Facebook. Estimates were calculated using (1) direct estimates from the CCHS, (2) “Wisdom of the Crowds” (WOTC), and (3) the multiplier method using data from a bio-behavioural MSM survey, clinic-based HIV testing, and online social media network site Facebook. Data sources requiring greater public disclosure of sexual orientation resulted in our mid-range population estimates (Facebook 23,760, CCHS 30,605). The WOTC method produced the lowest estimate, 10,000. The multiplier method using STI clinic HIV testing data produced the largest estimate, 41,777. The median of all estimates was 27,183, representing 2.9% of the Metro Vancouver census male adult population, with an interquartile range of 1.1–4.5%. Using multiple data sources, our estimates of the MSM population in Metro Vancouver are similar to population prevalence estimates based on population data from other industrialized nations. These findings will support understanding of the HIV burden among MSM and corresponding public health and health services planning for this key population.     

Men who have sex with men who do not access sexual health clinics nor disclose sexual orientation are unlikely to receive the HPV vaccine in the UK

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) are recommended the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination due to their higher risk of genital warts and anal cancer.PurposeTo examine HPV vaccine acceptability amongst MSM in the UK.MethodsUsing advertisements via Facebook, MSM were recruited to an online survey measuring motivations for HPV vaccination. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of HPV vaccine acceptability.ResultsOut of 1508 MSM (median age = 22, range: 14–63 years) only 19% knew about HPV. Overall, 55% of MSM were willing to ask for the HPV vaccine and 89% would accept it if offered by a healthcare professional (HCP). Access to sexual health clinics (SHCs) [OR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.29–2.89], the disclosure of sexual orientation to a HCP [OR = 2.02, CI 1.39–3.14] and HIV-positive status [OR = 1.96, CI 1.09–3.53] positively predicted HPV vaccine acceptability. After receiving information about HPV, perceptions of HPV risk [OR = 1.31, CI 1.05–1.63], HPV infection severity [OR = 1.89, CI 1.16–3.01), HPV vaccination benefits [OR = 1.61, CI 1.14–3.01], HPV vaccine effectiveness [OR = 1.54, CI 1.14–2.08], and the lack of perceived barriers to HPV vaccination [OR = 4.46, CI 2.95–6.73] were also associated with acceptability.ConclusionsAlthough nearly half of MSM would not actively pursue HPV vaccination, the vast majority would accept the vaccine if recommended by HCPs. In order to achieve optimal uptake, vaccine promotion campaigns should focus on MSM who do not access SHCs and those unwilling to disclose their sexual orientation.     

Endemic diphtheria in Ho Chi Minh City; Viet Nam: a matched case-control study to identify risk factors of incidence

From 1999 to 2004, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vie Nam reported 401 clinically suspected and 90 laboratory-confirmed diphtheria. To identify risk factors, a matched case-control study was conducted during 2005 and 2006. In total, 88 cases that occurred in 2003 and 2004 and 352 age- and sex-matched controls were studied. No DPT/DT immunisation (odds ratio, 9.9 [95% CI, 1.9-52.3]) and bathing only once a day or less (OR 1.7 [95% CI, 1.0-2.9]) were associated with diphtheria incidence. Estimated vaccine efficacy of three or more DPT/DT doses was 88%. Immunising children with zero-dose status of diphtheria toxoid inoculation, rather than the introduction of booster doses, and the promotion of skin hygiene were considered to be the priority interventions in controlling the endemic diphtheria in HCMC.     

Finding Sex Partners Through Social Media Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hanoi,Vietnam

Many men who have sex with men (MSM) in low and middle income countries search for male sexual partners via social media in part due to societal stigma and discrimination, yet little is known about the sexual risk profiles of MSM social media users. This cross-sectional study investigates the prevalence of social media use to find male sex partners in Hanoi, Vietnam and examines associations between social media use and sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, including levels of internalized, perceived and enacted stigma, high-risk sexual behaviors, and HIV testing. 205 MSM were recruited from public venues where MSM congregate as well as through snowball sampling and completed an anonymous survey. MSM who found their male sexual partners using social media in the last year were more likely to have completed a university or higher degree (aOR 2.6; 95% CI 1.2–5.7), experience high levels of MSM-related perceived stigma (aOR 3.0; 95% CI 1.1–8.0), and have more than ten lifetime male sexual partners (aOR 3.2; 95% CI 1.3–7.6) compared to those who did not use social media. A niche for social media-based interventions integrating health and stigma-reduction strategies exists in HIV prevention programs for MSM.     

A study on methods of estimating the population size of men who have sex with men in Southwest China

Objective: To ascertain practical methods of estimating the population size of men who have sex with men (MSM) by field application. Methods: Nine public places were selected, where men who have sex with men (MSM) frequented. Capture--recapture method and multiplier method were used to count the number of men who have sex with men (MSM) in the assigned places in 10 days. Results: The population size estimated using multiplier method counted 877. Three estimates produced by capture--recapture method were 1408 (95% CI: 1116--1908), 1207 (95% CI: 932--1712) and 949 (95% CI: 757--1272), respectively. Conclusions: Multiplier method was easy and smooth in practice and produced highly reliable results, which yet was expensive. The application of capture--recapture method cost less in both time and funds, and the three results produced could verify each other, which was fit for the estimation.     

Implementation of GINA guidelines in Ho Chi Minh City: a model for Viet Nam

Setting:

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines have not been implemented effectively in primary care settings in Viet Nam.

Objectives:

To estimate the proportion of patients with controlled asthma and the direct health care costs of managing asthma according to GINA guidelines at four out-patient clinics in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Viet Nam.

Methods:

One hundred and six patients with asthma were treated and followed up according to GINA guidelines for 12 months. Clinical and pulmonary function responses and direct health care costs were evaluated every 3 months during the study.

Results:

The proportion of patients with controlled asthma rose from 1.0% at the start of the study to 36.8% by the end of the study (P < 0.0001). The proportion of patients who had at least one hospitalisation per year decreased significantly, from 32.1% to 5.7% (P < 0.0001). The annual per patient median direct health care cost was US$169. Using asthma controllers continuously gave better asthma control than using them intermittently (OR 12.9, 95%CI 4.7–35.7).

Conclusions:

The implementation of GINA guidelines at out-patient clinics in HCMC, Viet Nam, improved asthma control with modest direct health care costs.     

Cost of providing the expanded programme on immunization: findings from a facility-based study in Viet Nam, 2005

OBJECTIVE: To estimate and analyse the costs for providing the expanded programme on immunization (EPI) in a rural community in the north of Viet Nam in 2005. METHODS: An ingredient approach was used to collect cost data from the perspective of the service providers. FINDINGS: The total annual cost of EPI in Bavi district was US$58,460 [purchasing power parity (PPP) 282,076]. Vaccines and supplies were the largest cost category (33%), followed by personnel costs (30.2%). The largest share of the total cost was due to activities at commune level (38%). The average cost per fully vaccinated child (FVC) was US$4.81 (PPP 23.21), much lower than the figure of US$15 that is generally accepted as the cost-effective threshold for EPI in developing countries. CONCLUSION: This empirical study indicates that EPI has been implemented efficiently in rural Viet Nam, but that opportunities exist to make it even more efficient.     

某区男男性行为人群性伴网络特征与高危行为分析

[目的]了解男男性行为（MSM）人群性伴网络特征及该人群中高危性行为的发生情况,探讨性病（STDs）、人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）在该人群中传播及向普通人群传播的模式,为开展性病、艾滋病预防控制提供依据。[方法]通过艾滋病自愿咨询检测门诊、同性恋人群活动场所、同性恋QQ群内动员、＂滚雪球＂等途径寻找MSM人群,招募151人,采用面对面匿名问卷调查方式收集信息。[结果]151名被调查者中最近6个月有30人（19.9%）与异性发生过性行为,高危性行为的发生率为53.3%;与同性性活动情况,其中91人（60.3%）有同性固定性伴,76人（50.3%）与非固定同性性伴的人发生过多次男男性行为（简称有多次男性伴）,77人（51.0%）发生过偶遇性行为（简称有偶遇男性伴）,10人（6.6%）从事商业性行为。而在与固定性伴、多次男性伴、偶遇男性伴、商业性行为中高危性行为的发生率依次是69.2%、57.9%、50.6%、70.0%。与固定男性伴高危性行为的发生率高于与偶遇男性伴高危性行为的发生率（P=0.014）。最近6个月有2种及以上性伴类型占58.9%。30名已感染HIV者中有多次男性伴及偶遇男性伴类型的比例分别为53.3%和63.3%;有过多次男性伴、偶遇男性伴性行为者中发生高危性行为的比例分别为50.0%和63.2%。感染HIV者与固定男性伴发生高危性行为的率低于未感染HIV者（P=0.029）。[结论]MSM人群性伴网络复杂多样,高危性行为发生率高。不仅使HIV在该人群中容易传播,且该人群已成为向普通人群传播HIV的＂桥梁＂人群。     

乘数法与捕获-标记-再捕获法在男性同性恋人群基数估计中的比较应用

目的 通过调查估计广东省某地男性同性恋人群规模,探讨适合男性同性恋人群的基数估计方法.方法 按场所分层,确定6家活动场所为目标机构,分别应用乘数法与捕获-标记-再捕获法对广东省某地男性同性恋人群规模进行估计.结果 乘数法估计结果为24 893(95% CI:22 042～28 561)人;捕获-标记-再捕获法估计结果为30 978(95% CI:12 249～49 698)人.结论 运用乘数法对男性同性恋人群规模进行估计经济易行、结果可信;捕获-标记-再捕获法用时短,花费较低,但满足应用条件较困难.     

Estimating Populations of Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Southern United States

Population estimates of men who have sex with men (MSM) by state and race/ethnicity are lacking, hampering effective HIV epidemic monitoring and targeting of outreach and prevention efforts. We created three models to estimate the proportion and number of adult males who are MSM in 17 southern states. Model A used state-specific census data stratified by rural/suburban/urban area and national estimates of the percentage MSM in corresponding areas. Model B used a national estimate of the percentage MSM and state-specific household census data. Model C partitioned the statewide estimates by race/ethnicity. Statewide Models A and B estimates of the percentages MSM were strongly correlated (r = 0.74; r-squared = 0.55; p < 0.001) and had similar means (5.82% and 5.88%, respectively) and medians (5.5% and 5.2%, respectively). The estimated percentage MSM in the South was 6.0% (range 3.6–13.2%; median, 5.4%). The combined estimated number of MSM was 2.4 million, including 1,656,500 (69%) whites, 339,400 (14%) blacks, 368,800 (15%) Hispanics, 34,600 (1.4%) Asian/Pacific Islanders, 7,700 (0.3%) American Indians/Alaska Natives, and 11,000 (0.5%) others. The estimates showed considerable variability in state-specific racial/ethnic percentages MSM. MSM population estimates enable better assessment of community vulnerability, HIV/AIDS surveillance, and allocation of resources. Data availability and computational ease of our models suggest other states could similarly estimate their MSM populations.     

江苏省部分城市男男性接触者行为学特征分析

目的:了解江苏省男男性行为者(men who have sex with men,MSM)人群的基本情况,为科学防治决策提供依据。方法:采用匿名横断面调查设计,在酒吧等场所对MSM进行现场问卷调查,收集相关信息。结果:222份有效问卷结果表明,最近6个月内94.12%的MSM与男性有过性交行为,45.95%的MSM与女性有性接触,13.57%的MSM的人在近6个月内曾经“买过”性,21.27%的人在6个月内曾经“卖过”性;80.19%的调查对象已经采用了一些预防方法,63.06%的调查对象考虑过应查一下自己是否感染艾滋病。结论:江苏省MSM人群中高危行为普遍存在,如果不及时采取有效的干预措施,艾滋病极有可能在此人群中流行。     

History of Arrest and Associated Factors among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Incarceration has been proposed to be a driving factor in the disproportionate impact of HIV in African-American communities. However, few data have been reported on disparities in criminal justice involvement by race among men who have sex with men (MSM). To describe history of arrest and associated factors among, we used data from CDC’s National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system. Respondents were recruited by time–space sampling in venues frequented by MSM in 15 US cities from 2003 to 2005. Data on recent arrest (in the 12 months before the interview), risk behaviors, and demographic information were collected by face-to-face interview for MSM who did not report being HIV-positive. Six hundred seventy-nine (6.8%) of 10,030 respondents reported recent arrest. Compared with white MSM, black MSM were more likely to report recent arrest history (odds ratio (OR), 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3–2.1). Men who were less gay-identified (bisexual [OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–1.9] or heterosexual [OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2–3.5]) were more likely to report recent arrest than homosexually identified men. In addition, men who reported arrest history were more likely to have used non-injection (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.4–3.6) and injection (OR, 4.7; 95%, 3.3–6.7) drugs, exchanged sex (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 2.1–3.4), and had a female partner (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2–2.0) in the 12 months before interview. Recent arrest was associated with insertive unprotected anal intercourse in the 12 months before interview (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2–1.7). Racial differences in arrest seen in the general US population are also present among MSM, and history of arrest was associated with high-risk sex. Future research and interventions should focus on clarifying the relationship between criminal justice involvement and sexual risk among MSM, particularly black MSM.     

Mental health and suicidal ideation among Chinese women who have sex with men who have sex with men (MSM)

ABSTRACT

In China, men who have sex with men (MSM) are the fastest growing population at risk for HIV. They face social stigma due to both MSM behavior and HIV. In addition, concern has been raised about the mental health of wives of MSM. In this cross-sectional study, the authors examine the mental health status of a sample of 135 of these women. Participants completed an Internet-administered questionnaire in Xi’an from April to June, 2012. Most were unaware at the time of marriage that their husbands were MSM. Physical abuse was frequently reported; depressive symptom and mental health (Symptom Checklist, SCL–90) scores were significantly higher than those of the general Chinese adult female population. A majority (59.8%) of women reported suicidal thoughts after discovering their husbands’ MSM behavior; about 10% had attempted suicide. Multiple logistic regression revealed that women’s experience with anal sex was associated with 7.8 times (95% CI: 1.3–65.9) greater odds of suicidal ideation. Also, women who demonstrated mental symptoms on the SCL–90 had 2.3 times (95% CI: 1.04–5.2) the odds of suicidal ideation. These results suggest that wives of MSM have a significant need for mental health care, suicide prevention, HIV education, and social support.