Reliability of self-reported sexual behavior risk factors for HIV infection in homosexual men

This study was undertaken to determine the reliability of self-reported sexual behavior using the test and retest technique when used with self-reported sexual behavior. The subjects were 116 asymptomatic homosexual men who participated in another study (an examination of behavioral and demographic determinants of HIV antibody status). The subjects were asked to complete two questionnaires. The first contained demographic and sexual behavior questions. The second, administered an average of 6 weeks later, used a subset of the questions in the first questionnaire. The reliability of the test-retest procedure was measured by the Kappa statistic, which assesses the proportion of agreement between two data items, accounting for the amount of agreement expected by chance. The highest degree of reliability as measured by Kappa was found with demographic information, smoking history, and sexual orientation. Self-reported sexual behaviors for the previous 6 months generally had the next highest degree of reliability as measured by Kappa. Questions examining change over the previous 5 years had the lowest reliability. Behavior changes during the time between questionnaires, subjectivity of the answer categories, and social desirability of the answers are three factors that may result in a lack of reliability in this self-reported sexual behavior questionnaire. This raises methodological concerns about the measurement of behavioral risk factors for AIDS and the ability to assess meaningfully subjective reports of behavioral change.     

The San Francisco Men''s Health Study: continued decline in HIV seroconversion rates among homosexual/bisexual men.

The incidence of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been monitored since 1984 in an area probability sample of homosexual/bisexual men drawn from a six-kilometer square area of San Francisco where the epidemic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been most severe. Annualized HIV seroconversion rates in previously uninfected cohort members have declined by 88 per cent from 5.9 per cent during the first six months of 1985 to 0.7 per cent during the last six months of 1987. Concurrent declines of approximately 80 per cent in the prevalence of sexual behaviors associated with HIV transmission were also observed in the sample.     

Changes in HIV rates and sexual behavior among homosexual men, 1984 to 1988/92.

Data were collected from 1614 homosexual and bisexual men in 1984 through 1985 and from 1988 to 1992 in Pittsburgh. Of the men entering the study since 1988, 16% reported engaging in unprotected anal receptive intercourse with more than one partner during the 6 months before their visit. Approximately 7% of the younger men and 18% of the men over 22 years of age in the recent cohort were already infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, the same rates as those described 8 years ago. Aggressive risk-reduction programs are needed in high schools and existing networks in the gay community.     

Patterns of sexual behavior and condom use in a cohort of homosexual men.

To measure the magnitude of risk reduction within a cohort of homosexual men, questionnaire responses in April 1984-March 1985 were compared to those in October 1986-September 1987. A total of 361 subjects were eligible (231 seronegative, 130 seropositive). The annual number of sex partners declined significantly from a median of 8.0 to 5.0 with no difference between the serologic groups. The number of subjects reporting no receptive anal intercourse increased as did condom use during anal receptive intercourse. More seronegatives than seropositives subjects reported no condom use during receptive anal intercourse with regular partners (45.7 per cent versus 23.4 per cent), and with casual partners (14.9 per cent versus 1.5% percent). Among subjects with the most casual sexual contact at the second visit, 33.3 per cent of seronegatives and 29.2 per cent of seropositives did not report usual condom use during receptive anal intercourse with casual partners. Although we have documented marked risk reductions, safe sex practices are still not universal, and a few individuals continue to put themselves at extremely high risk.     

HIV seroconversion in two homosexual men after receptive oral intercourse with ejaculation: implications for counseling concerning safe sexual practices.

Seroconversion for HIV antibody occurred in two homosexual men who reported no anal intercourse for greater than or equal to 5 years and multiple episodes of receptive oral intercourse with ejaculation. Neither man reported intravenous drug use or receipt of blood products. The last antibody-negative specimen was also negative by the polymerase chain reaction and p24 antigen assays. All sexually active persons should be clearly counselled that receptive oral intercourse with ejaculation carries a potential risk of HIV transmission.     

Time of exposure and risk of HIV infection in homosexual partners of men with AIDS.

We interviewed, and tested for HIV antibody, 117 homosexual men who had been regular sexual partners of men who developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); 85 tested seropositive. Receptive anal intercourse with the index AIDS case and number of different sexual partners with whom subjects were anally receptive were both risk factors. Controlling for the number of partners with whom subjects were anally receptive, we found that the odds ratio of receptive anal intercourse with the case was infinite (95% confidence intervals, 3.3-infinity) if sexual contact continued up to or beyond the time of diagnosis, while the odds ratio was 1.0 (95% CI 0.3-3.2) if contact ceased before the case's AIDS diagnosis. Risk was not associated with the duration or frequency of contact. Our data suggest that the potential for sexual transmission from an HIV-infected person may be greater close to or after the onset of disease.     

History of childhood sexual abuse and HIV risk behaviors in homosexual and bisexual men

OBJECTIVES: We examined the prevalence and frequency of childhood sexual abuse and their association with sexual risk among a sample of gay and bisexual men. Methods. Cross-sectional data were collected by survey from randomly selected gay and bisexual men who attended the 1997 and 1998 Minneapolis/St. Paul Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Festivals. Data included demographics, sexual activity, history of childhood sexual abuse, HIV status, history of sexually transmitted infection, use of sex-related drugs (such as crack, cocaine, Ecstasy, amyl nitrate, crystal methamphetamine, and Special K), and history of exchanging sex for payment. Results. childhood sexual abuse was reported by 15.5% of the survey respondents (n = 134). Those who reported experiencing abuse regularly were more likely to (1) be HIV positive, (2) have exchanged sex for payment, and (3) be a current user of sex-related drugs. Neither unsafe sex nor sexually transmitted infections were associated with childhood sexual abuse. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that more than 1 in 7 gay and bisexual men in a non-clinical, festival-based setting were victims of childhood sexual abuse and that childhood sexual abuse was associated with alarmingly high rates of men who were HIV infected and antecedent risk behaviors.     

北京市男男性行为者HIV和梅毒螺旋体血清抗体阳转率及影响因素

目的 了解北京市男男性行为者(MSM)的HIV和梅毒螺旋体血清抗体阳转情况及其影响因素. 方法 在北京市以社区为基础招募HIV阴性的MSM共525名,以一对一的方式进行问卷调查,收集人口学和行为学情况资料,在第6、12个月进行随访,并采集血样进行HIV和梅毒螺旋体抗体检测,初筛均采用ELISA法,确证分别采用蛋白印迹(WB)和凝集法. 结果 基线共调查550名,HIV和梅毒螺旋体血清抗体阳性率分别为4.5%(25/550)和29.3%(161/550),HIV血清抗体阴性队列525名,随访12个月,队列保持率为87.0%(457/525),HIV和梅毒螺旋体血清抗体阳转率分别为3.37/100人年和9.32/100人年.近3个月同性性行为后冲洗直肠者阳转率为7.11/100人年,未冲洗者为0.76/100人年,冲洗与HIV血清抗体阳转相关(HR=9.23,95%CI=2.08～40.88).近3个月在公园、公厕或浴池寻找男性性伴者阳转率为41.77/100人年,无该行为者阳转率为7.97/100人年;近3个月同性性行为后冲洗直肠者阳转率为16.17/100人年,无该行为者阳转率为4.92/100人年;近3个月在公园、公厕或浴池寻找男性性伴(HR=4.67,95%CI=1.77～12.34)和近3个月同性性行为后冲洗直肠(HR=3.09,95%CI=1.40～6.83)与梅毒螺旋体血清抗体阳转相关. 结论 北京市MSM的HIV和梅毒螺旋体血清抗体阳转情况十分严重,主要影响因素为同性性行为后冲洗直肠、到公园等场所寻找男性性伴.

Abstract：

Objective To study the incidence and risk factors of HIV and syphilis seroconversion among men who have sex with men(MSM) in Beijing. Methods A total of 550 MSM were recruited on the basis of community and followed up after 6 and 12 months in Beijing.Each subject was investigated by only one investigator at one time to collect information on demographics and behaviors.Blood samples were collected to test HIV and syphilis seroconversion.ELISA was used for screening test,west blotting(WB) and Particle agglutination were used for confirmatory test. Results A total of 550 MSM investigated,among which 4.5% (25/550) were HIV-positive and 29.3% (161/550) were syphilis-positive.For 525 HIVnegative MSM,87.0% (457/525) retained during the 12-month investigation.Seroincidences for HIV and syphilis were 3.37/100 person-years (95% CI = 1.66-5.08) and 9.32/100 person-years (95% CI =5.87-12.77) respectively.HIV seroconversions for those who performed and did not perform rectal douching after homosexual anal intercourse in the past 3 months were 7.11/100 and 0.76/100 person-years respectively.Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that rectal douching after homosexual anal intercourse in the past 3 months(HR=9.23,95%CI =2.08-40.88) was significantly associated with HIV seroconversion.Syphilis seroconversions for those who met male sex partners in parks,public washrooms or bathhouses in the past 3 months were 41.77/100 and 7.97/100 person-years respectively.Syphilis seroconversions for those who performed and did not perform rectal douching after homosexual anal intercourse in the past 3 months were 16.17/100 and 4.92/100 person-years respectively.In the past 3 months,meeting male sex partners in parks,public washrooms or bathhouses (HR=4.67,95% CI = 1.77-12.34) and performing rectal douching after homosexual anal intercourse (HR = 3.09,95% CI=1.40-6.83) were significantly associated with syphilis seroconversion. Conclusion The seroconversions of HIV and syphilis during the follow-up visits in this MSM cohort study in Beijing were very serious,and that the associated factors for seroconversions were rectal douching after homosexual anal intercourse and meeting male sex partners in parks,public washrooms or bathhouses.     

Impact of HIV antibody testing on changes in sexual behavior among homosexual men in The Netherlands.

Between October 1984 and May 1986, 746 homosexual men, living in and around Amsterdam, The Netherlands, were surveyed at three consecutive six months periods regarding their sexual behavior. At the start of the study all subjects, of whom 234 (31 per cent) were HIV-Ab seropositive, were informed about their HIV antibody status. Seropositives initially reported more sexual partners than seronegatives; they also showed a greater reduction in the number of sexual partners and the number of partners with whom all forms of sexual practices were performed than did seronegatives. In both groups subjects were more likely to terminate orogenital intercourse than anogenital intercourse and masturbation.     

HIV prevention in young homosexual men. A medical ethical challenge

Although considerable progress in the treatment of patients with AIDS has been achieved over the recent years, AIDS remains a non-curative disease. Therefore the prevention of new infections with HIV is an important goal for medicine and public health. However, during recent years the number of new HIV-infections in young gay men increased. New empirical data from the U.S. and the U.K. suggest that the traditional prevention methods fail to reach young gay men in Western countries who become HIV-infected by unsafe sex within intimate relationships. The paper discusses these problems from the perspective of medical ethics. New approaches to sex education and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases are developed and the importance of personal values, responsibility, intimacy and emotions are emphasized.     

Avoidance coping and HIV risk behavior among gay men

This study describes how coping strategies are related to unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among gay men, and provides support for a new theoretical underpinning for HIV prevention practice and research with this population. A sample of 470 gay and bisexual men completed a self-administered questionnaire that included a measure of coping strategies used in relation to a recent problem. More participants who reported recent UAI endorsed avoidance strategies than did those who did not report UAI. There was a positive relationship between avoidance coping scores and odds for reported UAI. Among the study's implications was the importance of the larger context in which prevention efforts with this population occur, one that is marked by stigmatization, discrimination, loneliness, and other stresses. In addition, prevention practice and research must attend to the meaning and purpose of sex in gay men's lives.     

Inappropriate lubricant use with condoms by homosexual men.

Use of condoms has been advocated as an important method of reducing the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission among high-risk groups such as homosexual and bisexual men, prostitutes, intravenous drug users, adolescents, and hemophiliacs. Despite risk-reduction education campaigns directed to gay men since the early 1980s, evidence shows continued deficits in condom-use skills and knowledge among gay men. Because most failures in the use of condoms are attributed to errors in use, increasing knowledge and skills in condom use is important in preventing HIV infection. Two groups of homosexual and bisexual men were sampled, those entering a risk-reduction education program and participants in a Gay Pride event. They were surveyed on their current sex practices and their efforts to reduce their risk of HIV infection. They were asked about their numbers of sex partners, specific sexual behaviors, use of condoms, types of condoms used, and lubricants used for genital-anal sex. The characteristics of those surveyed were similar to those of respondents in other studies of risk reduction among gay men. The use of an oil-based lubricant with condoms has been shown to weaken latex and to increase the likelihood of condom breakage, which use of water-based lubricants does not. Among respondents who reported having genital-anal sex, 60 percent reported use of an oil-based lubricant with a condom at least once during the year before the survey. Gay men in sexually exclusive relationships engaged in less consistent use of condoms for receptive genital-anal sex than did single gay men.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Decreased incidence in HIV infection and changed sex behavior in a cohort of homosexual men in Amsterdam

Prevalence and incidence of HIV were studied in two cohorts of homosexual men in Amsterdam between 1980 and 1987. The cumulative incidence of HIV infection increased from a weighted 2.2% in 1980 to 39% in 1987. In that year the observed incidence was less than 1%. The estimated annual HIV incidence was 3% in 1981, rose to 8.8% in 1984 and decreased gradually to 0% in 1987. This decline was assumed to be linked to a strong reduction of high risk sexual behaviour among the men under study.     

Behavioral risk factors for HIV infection among homosexual men at a Boston community health center.

Social and behavioral factors associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection were analyzed using cross-sectional data from homosexual and bisexual male clients of a Boston community health center. Partners from California, and a previous period of greater sexual activity (a "high period"), were independently associated with positive HIV antibody status, as were the frequency of receptive anogenital contact, both during the "high period" and during the last six months.     

Risk factors for human herpesvirus 8 seropositivity and seroconversion in a cohort of homosexual men

Sexual and nonsexual modes of transmission of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) have been suggested, but specific routes remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess risk factors for HHV8 seropositivity and determine specific sexual practices associated with HHV8 seroconversion. Sera from 1,458 homosexual men (Amsterdam Cohort Study, 1984-1996) were tested for antibodies to HHV8 with a modified version of an enzyme immunoassay, using recombinant HHV8 lytic phase capsid (ORF65) and latent phase nuclear (ORF73) proteins. HHV8 seroprevalence at study entry was 20.9% (305/1,458); was highest among those with positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, no steady partner, and southern European or Latin American nationality; and increased with older age and higher number of sexual partners. During follow-up, 215 men seroconverted for HHV8 (incidence: 3.6/100 person-years). Both prevalence and incidence rates remained more or less stable during the study period. Orogenital insertive sex (odds ratio (OR) = 5.95; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.88, 12.29) or orogenital receptive sex (OR = 4.29; 95% CI: 2.11, 8.71) with more than five partners in the past 6 months, older age (OR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.13, 7.34, when older than 45 years), and preceding HIV infection (OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.53, 3.99) were independent predictors for HHV8 seroconversion. The authors found strong evidence for orogenital transmission of HHV8 among homosexual men.     

Risk factors for AIDS and HIV seropositivity in homosexual men

The authors compared cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) diagnosed in San Francisco, California, during 1983-1984 with human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) antibody-negative neighborhood and clinic controls, looking for risk factors for clinical AIDS. They also compared antibody-positive with antibody-negative neighborhood and clinic controls for risk factors for HIV infection. Odds ratios were 52.0 for AIDs and 7.8 for seropositivity for more than 100 sexual partners versus 0-5 partners when antibody-negative neighborhood controls were compared with cases and with antibody-positive neighborhood controls, respectively. Odds ratios were only 2.9 and 3.4 when antibody-negative clinic controls were compared with cases and with antibody-positive clinic controls, respectively. Odds ratios of 4.6-7.3 for rectal receptivity with most or all partners versus none or one partner were statistically significant, independent of the number of partners. Douching before sex was independently associated with odds ratios of 2.2-2.8. There was no evidence for oral-genital, oral-anal, or other sexual transmission of AIDS. In multivariate analysis, independent odds ratios of 2.4-6.0 for prior syphilis and 10.8-27.9 for prior giardiasis were statistically significant or marginally significant in all comparisons. There was a moderate association with nitrite use. No other drugs were consistently associated with clinical AIDS or HIV seropositivity. Odds ratios associated with AIDS and seropositivity were closely comparable except for number of partners.     

HIV and hepatitis B infection and risk behavior in young gay and bisexual men.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of and identify risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and unprotected anal intercourse among young homosexual and bisexual men. METHODS: The authors performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from a prospective cohort of 508 young gay and bisexual men ages 18-29. RESULTS: HIV-1 seroprevalence was 2.4%, with five (1.3%) of 390 college students and seven (6.0%) of 117 non-students infected. After adjusting for confounders, HIV-1 infection was associated with having a history of a sexually transmitted disease other than HIV-1 or hepatitis B. The prevalence of hepatitis B markers in unvaccinated men was 12.9%. The presence of hepatitis B markers in unvaccinated men was significantly associated with Asian ethnicity, off-campus residence, and history of a sexually transmitted disease other than HIV-1 or hepatitis B and inversely associated with recent non-intravenous drug use. Eighteen percent of the participants reported having had sex with women during the previous 12 months, and 26.4% reported a history of unprotected anal intercourse during the previous six months. Men who reported unprotected anal intercourse were more likely to have at least one steady partner, to have met their partners in anonymous settings, and to be identified as probably alcohol dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of HIV-1 infection among young homosexual and bisexual men in Boston was relatively low, the high rates of unprotected anal intercourse suggest a potential for future HIV-1 and hepatitis B transmission. Interventions should focus on young men with histories of sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol abuse, and depression.