Online Sex-Seeking, Substance Use, and Risky Behaviors in Taiwan: Results from the 2010 Asia Internet MSM Sex Survey

We conducted an online behavioral survey to estimate the prevalence of online sex-seeking and substance use behaviors and to compare risky behaviors among men using different venues to seek sex with men. A cross-sectional online survey, the Asia Internet MSM Sex Survey, was conducted online from January 1 to February 28, 2010. Of the 1,645 participants enrolled from Taiwan, 72.4% reported the Internet as the main way of seeking sexual partners, 73.9% had had sex with partners found online, and 16% had used recreational drugs in the previous 6 months. There was no evidence to suggest that men who looked for sex through the Internet were more likely to engage in unprotected anal intercourse with their casual partners than those using other gay venues. Having had online sex partners in the previous 6 months was significantly associated with being young [adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99], having had no steady partners in the previous year (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.15–0.39), having had more than five partners in the previous 6 months (AOR = 4.57, 95% CI: 2.95–7.11), having used recreational drugs in the previous 6 months (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.30–3.87), and having had an STI in the previous 6 months (AOR = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.59–11.30). In conclusion, because the Internet is a popular meeting place for MSM in Taiwan, effective and targeted prevention programs should be developed to minimize the HIV transmission risk in the Internet era.     

Risk Reduction Practices in Men Who Have Sex with Men in Switzerland: Serosorting, Strategic Positioning, and Withdrawal Before Ejaculation

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of intentional use of the HIV risk reduction practices of serosorting, strategic positioning, and withdrawal before ejaculation during unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with casual partners. A cross-sectional survey pertaining to the Swiss HIV behavioral surveillance system, using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, was conducted in 2007 in a self-selected sample of men having sex with other men (MSM). Analysis was restricted to participants with UAI with casual partner(s) (N = 410). Logistic regression was used to estimate factors associated with intentional use of serosorting, strategic positioning, and withdrawal before ejaculation. In the previous 12 months, 71% of participants reported having UAI with a casual partner of different or unknown HIV-status. Of these, 47% reported practicing withdrawal, 38% serosorting, and 25% strategic positioning. In the 319 participants with known HIV-status, serosorting was associated with frequent Internet use to find partners (OR = 2.32), STI (OR = 2.07), and HIV testing in the past 12 months (OR = 1.81). Strategic positioning was associated with HIV-status (OR = 0.13) and having UAI with a partner of different or unknown HIV-status (OR = 3.57). Withdrawal was more frequently practiced by HIV-negative participants or participants reporting high numbers of sexual partners (OR = 2.48) and having UAI with a partner of unknown or different serostatus (OR = 2.08). Risk reduction practices are widely used by MSM, each practice having its own specificities. Further research is needed to determine the contextual factors surrounding harm reduction practices, particularly the strategic or opportunistic nature of their use.     

The Association Between Men’s Concern About Demonstrating Masculine Characteristics and Their Sexual Risk Behaviors: Findings from the Dominican Republic

Quantitative analyses exploring the relationship between masculinities and men’s sexual risk behaviors have most commonly used one dimension of masculinities: men’s gender ideology. Examining other dimensions may enhance our understanding of and ability to intervene upon this relationship. In this article, we examined the association between gender role conflict/stress (GRC/S)—men’s concern about demonstrating masculine characteristics—and three different sexual risk behaviors (having two or more sex partners in the last 30 days; never/inconsistent condom use with non-steady partners; and drinking alcohol at last sex) among a sample of heterosexual men in the Dominican Republic who were participating in an HIV prevention intervention (n = 293). The GRC/S Scale we used was adapted for this specific cultural context and has 17 items (α = 0.75). We used logistic regression to assess the relationship between GRC/S and each sexual behavior, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. In adjusted models, a higher GRC/S score was significantly associated with increased odds of having two or more sex partners in the past 30 days (AOR 1.33, 95 % CI 1.01–1.74), never/inconsistent condom use with non-steady partners (AOR 1.45, 95 % CI 1.04–2.01), and drinking alcohol at last sex (AOR 1.56, 95 % CI 1.13–2.17). These results highlight the importance of expanding beyond gender ideology to understanding the influence of GRC/S on men’s sexual risk behaviors. Interventions should address men’s concern about demonstrating masculine characteristics to reduce the social and internalized pressure men feel to engage in sexual risk behaviors.     

High-Risk Sexual Behavior, HIV/STD Prevalence, and Risk Predictors in the Social Networks of Young Roma (Gypsy) Men in Bulgaria

Roma (Gypsies), the largest and most disadvantaged ethnic minority group in Europe, are believed to be vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. This study’s aim was to examine HIV risk in 6 Roma male sociocentric networks (n = 405 men) in Bulgaria. Participants were interviewed concerning their risk practices and tested for HIV/STDs. High-risk sexual behaviors were common. Over 57% of men had multiple sexual partners in the past 3 months. Over one-third of men reported both male and female partners in the past year. Condom use was low. Greater levels of sexual risk were associated with lower intentions and self-efficacy for using condoms, drug use, having male partners, knowing HIV-positive persons, and having higher AIDS knowledge but no prior HIV testing. Two men had HIV infection, 3.7% gonorrhea, and 5.2% chlamydia. HIV prevention interventions directed toward high-risk social networks of Roma are needed before HIV infection becomes more widely established.     

Use of the Internet to Meet Sexual Partners,Sexual Risk Behavior,and Mental Health in Transgender Adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of the internet to meet sexual partners among transgender individuals and examine correlates of this use, including sexual risk behavior, discrimination experiences, and mental health. A sample of 166 transgender adults (112 male-to-female transgender women and 54 female-to-male transgender men) were recruited in community venues and anonymously completed measures assessing these variables. Most participants (64.5 %) were HIV-negative, 25.2 % were HIV-positive, and 10.3 % did not know their HIV status. Overall, 33.7 % of participants reported having met a sexual partner over the internet, which did not differ significantly between transgender women and men. Among these individuals, transgender women reported significantly more lifetime internet sexual partners (median = 3) than transgender men (median = 1). Use of the internet to meet sexual partners was associated with lower self-esteem but not with depression, anxiety, somatic distress or discrimination experiences. Among transgender women, use of the internet to meet sexual partners was associated with each of the 11 sexual risk behaviors examined, including having multiple partners, sex under the influence of drugs, number of unprotected anal or vaginal sex acts, and history of commercial sex work. The use of the internet to meet partners was not associated with sexual risk behavior among transgender men (0/11 variables assessed). Although the internet is a common mode of meeting sexual partners among some transgender adults, it may also be a potential venue for prevention interventions targeting transgender individuals at particularly high risk for HIV acquisition.     

Circumcision and HIV Infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Britain: The Insertive Sexual Role

The objective was to examine the association between circumcision status and self-reported HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Britain who predominantly or exclusively engaged in insertive anal intercourse. In 2007–2008, a convenience sample of MSM living in Britain was recruited through websites, in sexual health clinics, bars, clubs, and other venues. Men completed an online survey which included questions on circumcision status, HIV testing, HIV status, sexual risk behavior, and sexual role for anal sex. The analysis was restricted to 1,521 white British MSM who reported unprotected anal intercourse in the previous 3 months and who said they only or mostly took the insertive role during anal sex. Of these men, 254 (16.7 %) were circumcised. Among men who had had a previous HIV test (n = 1,097), self-reported HIV seropositivity was 8.6 % for circumcised men (17/197) and 8.9 % for uncircumcised men (80/900) (unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95 % confidence interval [95 % CI], 0.56, 1.67). In a multivariable logistic model adjusted for known risk factors for HIV infection, there was no evidence of an association between HIV seropositivity and circumcision status (adjusted OR, 0.79; 95 % CI, 0.43, 1.44), even among the 400 MSM who engaged exclusively in insertive anal sex (adjusted OR, 0.84; 95 % CI, 0.25, 2.81). Our study provides further evidence that circumcision is unlikely to be an effective strategy for HIV prevention among MSM in Britain.     

Early Sexual Debut: A Risk Factor for STIs/HIV Acquisition Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Adults in Nepal

While early sexual debut is highly prevalent in Nepal, its link to sexually transmitted infections (STIs/HIV) risk factors has not been explored at a national level. The objective of this study was to assess potential association between early sexual debut and risk factors for STIs/HIV acquisition, including sexual risk behaviors, sexual violence, and teenage pregnancy among adults in Nepal. Data were taken from the nationally representative Nepal Demographic Health Survey (2011), which employed a two-stage complex design to collect data. A sample of 12,756 adults (ages 15–49 years) were included. Multivariate logistic models were conducted, adjusted for demographic characteristics, to assess the association between early sexual debut and STIs/HIV-related risk factors. The prevalence of early sexual debut in this sample was 39.2 %, with a mean age of coital debut at 17.9 years. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals with early sexual debut were significantly more likely to report a history of STIs (aOR 1.19; 95 % CI 1.06–1.35) and had a significantly higher risk profile, including having multiple sex partner (aOR 2.14; 95 % CI 1.86–2.47), inconsistent condom use (aOR 0.72; 95 % CI 0.61–0.86), paid for sex (aOR 1.61; 95 % CI 1.14–2.27), a history of sexual violence (aOR 1.99; 95 % CI 1.63–2.43), and teenage pregnancy (aOR 12.87; 95 % CI 11.62–14.26). Individuals who have early sexual debut are more likely to engage in risk behaviors that place them at increased risk of STIs/HIV acquisition. STIs/HIV prevention strategies should aim at delaying sexual debut to decrease the disproportionate burden of adverse health outcomes, including STIs/HIV, among individuals in Nepal.     

广州市青年学生HIV感染相关行为的风险感知情况及影响因素分析

目的 了解青年学生对自身HIV感染相关行为的风险感知情况,分析其影响因素。方法 2021年9-11月根据国家统一方案,采用方便抽样在广州市5所不同类型高校中,按照每个年级至少抽取1个班级,每所学校完成不少于600名青年学生的方法,开展横断面调查。无序多分类logitsic回归用于构建风险感知模型,分析不同风险感知情况及其影响因素。结果 共调查青年学生7 346名,自评HIV感染风险较低者占90.58%（6 654/7 346）。风险感知与行为相符者占89.10%（6 545/7 346）。风险感知与行为不符者占10.90%（801/7 346）,其中低估风险者占19.10%（153/801）,高估风险者占80.90%（648/801）。无序多分类logitsic回归分析结果显示,控制其他因素后,相比于未发生过性行为组,有性经历且首次性行为年龄<18岁是低估风险的危险因素（OR=129.39,95%CI：73.28~228.48）,同时也是高估风险的危险因素（OR=1.76,95%CI：1.04~2.99）;有性经历且首次性行为年龄≥18岁是低估风险的危险因素（OR=70.56,95%CI：42.72~116.53）,但与高估风险无关;女性、其他学校类型、非异性恋取向、自评艾滋病相关知识知晓情况为一般或不了解是高估风险的危险因素,但与低估风险无关。结论 广州市高校青年学生总体风险感知情况良好。个体因素、教育因素和性行为经历均是HIV感染相关行为风险感知的影响因素,提高艾滋病相关知识知晓率,推迟首次性行为的年龄,有利于提高青年学生风险感知能力,进而主动寻求健康服务措施。     

泰安市男男性行为大学生艾滋病感染及相关行为状况

了解泰安市大中专院校大学生男男性行为者(men sho have sex with men,MSM)的艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染状况及其相关危险行为,为制定适宜的健康干预措施提供依据.方法 采用横断面调查研究,对泰安市大中专院校在校MSM人群通过自愿咨询检测(VCT)的方式获得方便样本,采用自填式问卷调查收集人口学特征和行为学信息,并采集血液样本进行HIV、梅毒和单纯疱疹病毒Ⅱ型(HSV-Ⅱ)的血清学检测.结果 共有127例男男性行为者参与研究.性行为角色以“肛交性行为的被插入方”为主的占42.5%.最常用的寻找性伴的方式是网络(89.0%),其中69人通过男同交友软件Blued,占54.3%.有79.4%的被试存在多性伴,近6个月与固定性伴、临时性伴发生无保护肛交的比例分别为60.4%(55/91),50.7%(37/73).最近一次肛交的安全套使用率仅为61.4%,未使用安全套的原因主要是认为和性伴彼此忠诚(18.4%)、身边没有(18.4%)、认为自己不会感染HIV(16.3%).大学生艾滋病知识知晓率为96.1%,但8题全部答对的比例仅为58.3%.大学生HIV感染率为3.1%,4.7%曾感染过梅毒,HSV-Ⅱ血清阳性率为3.1%.单因素分析显示,主要性行为方式以“肛交性行为的插入方”角色为主、使用Blued软件作为寻找性伴的主要方式、与固定性伴发生无保护性行为是HIV感染的危险因素,但Logistic回归分析均无统计学意义.结论 泰安市大中专院校学生MSM艾滋病流行已经显现.急需采取针对性措施提高感染风险意识,改变普遍存在的高危性行为.     

Social and psychological correlates of unprotected anal intercourse among Hispanic-American women: implications for STI/HIV prevention

Heterosexual anal intercourse is associated with increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Research on the social and psychological risk factors associated with heterosexual unprotected anal intercourse among Hispanic women in the USA is limited. We examined demographic, mental health, relationship power, sexual self-efficacy, self-esteem, acculturation and HIV knowledge as correlates of unprotected anal intercourse among 514 HIV-negative Hispanic women, 18 to 59 years of age, residing in one urban county in southern Florida. In both unadjusted and adjusted results, the likelihood of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse was associated with food insecurity in the past 30 days (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 2.40) and more interpersonal power attributed to the male partner (AOR = 1.63, 95%CI 1.08, 2.45). Not significant, yet of possible importance, were ever having engaged in exchange sex (AOR = 1.96, 95%CI = 0.97, 3.98) and lower HIV knowledge (AOR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.63, 1.01). Interventions aimed at reducing heterosexual unprotected anal intercourse risk for HIV infection among Hispanic women may benefit by addressing socioeconomic and interpersonal issues, and assessing HIV knowledge and comprehension.     

The Characteristics and Risk Factors of Web-Based Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Eastern China: Cross-sectional Study

BackgroundFinding casual sex partners on the internet has been considered a huge challenge for HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the characteristics and risk factors of finding causal sex partners on the internet among MSM in Zhejiang Province, China.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. Participants were enrolled by 4 community-based organizations (CBOs) and 10 Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) clinics through advertisements in bathrooms, bars, and gay hook-up apps from June to December 2018. A CBO- or physician-assisted survey was conducted to collected information on finding casual sex partners, perceived HIV infection, and HIV risk behaviors.ResultsAmong 767 participants, 310 (40.4%) reported finding causal sex partners on the internet. Factors associated with finding casual sex partners on the internet included watching pornographic videos on the internet more than once a week (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.881, 95% CI 1.201-2.948), discussing “hooking-up online” with friends (aOR=4.018, 95% CI 2.910-5.548), and perceiving that the likelihood of HIV infection among casual sex partners sought on the internet was “medium” (aOR=2.034, 95% CI 1.441-2.873) or “low” (aOR=2.548, 95% CI 1.524-4.259). Among the participants who reported finding casual sex partners on the internet, 30.2% (91/310) reported having unprotected sex with casual sex partners encountered on the internet in the past 6 months. On multivariate logistic regression analyses, knowing the HIV infection status of casual sex partners sought on the internet was significantly associated with performing inserted intercourse (aOR=1.907, 95% CI 1.100-3.306) and a decreased risk of inconsistent condom use (aOR=0.327, 95% CI 0.167-0.642).ConclusionsWeb-based casual sexual behavior is becoming more prevalent, and the rate of unprotected sex among MSM in Zhejiang Province is high. Future HIV prevention approaches should emphasize the importance for MSM to proactively determine the HIV infection status of potential casual sex partners sought on the internet.     

Latent Classes of Sexual Risk Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women

Black men who have sex with men and women (BMSMW) are at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite knowing that HIV/STI risk varies by sexual positioning practices, limited data have characterized the risk profiles of BSMW. This study utilized latent class analysis (LCA) to explore BMSMW’s sexual risk profiles regarding condomless sexual positioning practices. Participants were BMSMW in intervention studies in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia. LCA was used to characterize their sexual risk profiles. Age, study location, HIV status, social support, and internalized homophobia were used as covariates in a multinomial regression model predicting the likelihood of class membership. Among the 546 participants, three latent classes of risk were identified: Seropositive Serosorters, Seronegative/unknown Serosorters, and Main Partners Only. All groups had the greatest probabilities of condomless sex with main partners. Seropositive Serosorters had the highest probabilities of condomless sex with HIV-positive partners. Seronegative/unknown Serosorters had the highest probabilities of condomless sex with HIV-negative or unknown status partners. HIV-positive BMSMW had 87% lower odds of being classified as Seronegative/unknown Serosorters than Seropositive Serosorters than HIV-negative/unknown status BMSMW (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.06, 0.28). HIV-positive BMSMW had 71% lower odds of being classified as Main Partners Only than Seropositive Serosorters than HIV-negative/unknown status BMSMW (AOR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.16, 0.51). Findings highlight opportunities for clinicians to promote condom use and risk reduction among BMSMW with differing sexual risk profiles. Increased understanding of sexual positioning practices among BMSMW might help address HIV/STIs among this group.     

Social Network Characteristics and HIV Sexual Risk Behavior among Urban African American Women

HIV/AIDS has emerged as a significant health threat for African American women with well-documented disparities. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between social network characteristics and high-risk sexual behaviors among a sample of urban African American women at risk of heterosexually acquired HIV/STIs. We performed a cross-sectional study of baseline data collected from the CHAT study, a randomized HIV-prevention trial targeting urban HIV-at-risk women in Baltimore, MD. Our primary outcomes were risky sexual behaviors defined as either (a) two or more sexual partners or (b) having a risky sex partner within the past 90 days. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression examining the associations between individual and social network factors and our two outcomes of interest were conducted. The study population included 513 sexually active African American women with a mean age of 41.1 years. High levels of unemployment (89.5%), depressive symptoms (60.0%), and drug use (68.8%) were present among this high-risk urban cohort. Controlling for individual factors including participant drug use, age, and depression, having two or more sex partners within the past 90 days was associated with having a larger personal network (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06 and 1.17); more network members who pitched in to help (OR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04 and 1.44), provided financial support (OR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.11 and 1.60), or used heroin or cocaine (OR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14 and 1.40). Having a risky sexual partner within the past 90 days was associated with having a larger social network (OR = 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00 and 1.12) and having more social networks who used heroin or cocaine (OR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.14 and 1.49).In summary, social network characteristics are associated with HIV sexual risk behaviors among African American urban women. Social-network-based interventions that promote norms pertaining to HIV risk reduction and provide social support are needed for African American women at risk of heterosexually acquired HIV/STIs.     

Experiences of Racial Discrimination and Relation to Sexual Risk for HIV among a Sample of Urban Black and African American Men

This study aimed to examine racial discrimination and relation to sexual risk for HIV among a sample of urban Black and African American men. Participants of this cross-sectional study were Black and African American men (N = 703) between the ages of 18 and 65 years, recruited from four urban clinical sites in the northeast. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the relation of reported racial discrimination to the following: (1) sex trade involvement, (2) recent unprotected sex, and (3) reporting a number of sex partners in the past 12 months greater than the sample average. The majority of the sample (96 %) reported racial discrimination. In adjusted analyses, men reporting high levels of discrimination were significantly more likely to report recent sex trade involvement (buying and/or selling) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) range = 1.7–2.3), having recent unprotected vaginal sex with a female partner (AOR = 1.4, 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.1–2.0), and reporting more than four sex partners in the past year (AOR = 1.4, 95 % CI, 1.1–1.9). Findings highlight the link between experiences of racial discrimination and men''s sexual risk for HIV.     

基于Andersen模型探讨自评HIV感染风险高的学生接受检测服务的影响因素

目的 研究自评HIV感染风险高的青年学生接受HIV检测服务的影响因素。方法 基于Andersen卫生服务利用行为模型及相关文献设计学生HIV检测服务利用行为影响因素的研究框架。采用阶段模型分步骤对2019年3-4月使用青年学生性健康和HIV感染风险评估干预工具（"熊探"）自评HIV感染风险高的学生进行多因素分析。结果 共526名研究对象，年龄（19.30±1.19）岁，其中96.2%（506/526）知道发生高危行为后应主动寻求HIV检测；发生过插入式性行为比例为56.7%（298/526），HIV检测率为11.0%（58/526）；发生过和未发生过插入式性行为的学生HIV检测率分别为13.42%（40/298）和7.89%（18/228）。多因素logistic回归分析结果显示，倾向性特征模块中的性取向为其他（与异性恋相比，OR=7.88，95%CI：3.98~15.61）、艾滋病知识知晓程度较高（与知晓程度较低的相比，OR=2.05，95%CI：1.07~3.93），需要因素模块中的有危险性行为（与未发生过危险性行为的相比，OR=2.66，95%CI：1.41~5.03）、在医院确诊感染过STD （与未感染者相比，OR=6.35，95%CI：2.21~18.27），能力因素模块中的最近1年接受过艾滋病预防知识的宣传（与未接受的相比，OR=0.29，95%CI：0.11~0.76）、最近1年接受过艾滋病自愿咨询检测服务的宣传（与未接受的相比，OR=3.67，95%CI：1.71~7.90）是HIV检测行为的影响因素。结论 学生的检测行动力亟待提高，其知识得分和性取向等倾向因素，以及是否有高危性行为和感染过STD等需要因素对HIV检测服务的利用均有较大的影响。但相比之下，接受过艾滋病预防和咨询检测服务相关知识政策教育等能力因素显得更重要，提示今后要进一步加强自愿咨询检测服务知识政策的教育，尤其是重点关注女生、有危险性行为者的教育。     

Sex-related alcohol expectancies and high-risk sexual behaviour among drinking adults in Kampala,Uganda

Alcohol consumption, a risk factor for HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa, is considered high in Uganda. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine whether sex-related expectations about the effects of alcohol explain the association between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviours in a population-based sample of adults in Kampala. Associations between alcohol use (current and higher risk drinking) and high-risk sexual behaviours (multiple regular partners and casual sex) were tested. In age–sex-adjusted models, having multiple regular partners was associated with current drinking (odds ratio [OR] = 2.76, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] = 1.15, 6.63) and higher risk drinking (OR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.28, 8.71). Associations were similar but not statistically significant for having a causal sex partner. Sex-related alcohol outcome expectancy was associated with both alcohol use and high-risk sexual behaviour and attenuated relationships between multiple regular partners and both current drinking (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 0.57, 6.73) and higher risk drinking (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 0.68, 8.80). In this setting sexual behaviours related with alcohol consumption were explained, in part, by sex-related expectations about the effects of alcohol. These expectations could be an important component to target in HIV education campaigns.     

Epidemiology, Sexual Risk Behavior, and HIV Prevention Practices of Men who Have Sex with Men Using GRINDR in Los Angeles, California

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are at alarming risk for HIV acquisition, demonstrating the highest rates of incident infection of any age-risk group. GRINDR is a global positioning service-based social networking application popular with YMSM for sexual partnering. To assess the characteristics of YMSM who use GRINDR, we conducted a computer-assisted self-interview-based survey of 375 YMSM using GRINDR in metropolitan Los Angeles, recruited using the GRINDR platform. The median age was 25 (interquartile range, 22–27) years old, 42.4 % caucasian, 6.4 % African American, 33.6 % Latino, and 14.1 % Asian/Pacific Islander. Participants reported high rates of sexual partnering and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). The majority (70 %) of those reporting unprotected anal intercourse reported low perception of HIV-acquisition risk. Of the participants, 83.1 % reported HIV testing within the past 12 months; 4.3 % had never been HIV tested. Of the participants, 4.5 % reported HIV-positive serostatus; 51.7 % indicated that they would be interested in participating in a future HIV prevention trial. Latinos were more likely than either caucasians or African Americans to endorse trial participation interest (odds ratio, 1.9; 95 % confidence interval [1.1–3.3]). HIV-positive test results were associated with increased number of anal sex partners in the past 3 months (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.53 [0.97–2.40]), inconsistent inquiry about partners’ serostatus (AOR, 3.63 [1.37–9.64]), reporting the purpose for GRINDR use including “friendship” (AOR, 0.17 [0.03–1.06), and meeting a sexual partner in a bookstore in the past 3 months (AOR, 33.84 [0.99–1152]). Men recruited via GRINDR were high risk for HIV acquisition or transmission and interested in clinical trial participation, suggesting potential for this method to be used for recruitment of YMSM to HIV prevention trials.     

Mental representation of self in relationships indirectly affects young Black women’s engagement in risky sexual behaviors through psychosocial HIV/STI risk factors

Black females are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infections (STIs), though individual-level sexual risk factors do not appear to explain racial/ethnic HIV incidence rate disparities. The current study examined the roles of attachment representations, working models of self and others, with psychosocial risk factors related to population-level sexual network features in association with risky sexual behaviors. A total of 560 Black emerging adult females (M age = 20.58, SD = 1.89) enrolling in a behavioral HIV prevention intervention trial completed the baseline assessment used in the current analyses. A series of multiple mediator models examined indirect effects of working models of self and others on sexual risk engagement through the following psychosocial HIV/STI risk factors: (a) partner communication self-efficacy, (b) fear of condom negotiation, (c) peer norms for risky sexual behavior, (d) partner trust and (e) sex-related alcohol expectancies. Results indicated an indirect effect of working model of self on the following: condom use with boyfriend/main partner through peer norms for risky sex (ab = .08, 95% CI [.02, .17]), any alcohol use prior to sex through peer norms for risky sex (ab = ?.06, 95% CI [?.12, ?.02]) and alcohol use prior to sex through sex-related alcohol expectancies (ab = ?.13, 95% CI [?.21, ?.05]). Findings provided evidence of a direct association between working model of self and each psychosocial HIV/STI risk factor included in the mediation models. Working model of self may help identify Black females at elevated risk for HIV/STI through these psychosocial risk factors.     

Lifetime exposure to self-reported occupational noise and prevalent rheumatoid arthritis in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2012)

Multiple risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been studied, but there is a dearth of research on occupational noise, which is highly prevalent in the United States (U.S.). This study aimed to determine whether occupational noise exposure was associated with an elevated risk of prevalent RA in the U.S. general population. Data from the 2011 to 2012 cross-sectional, population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used for secondary analysis. Self-reported lifetime exposure to very loud noise was linked to self-reported doctor-diagnosed RA in a sample of 4192 participants. Weighted logistic regression was used to obtain nationally representative prevalence odds ratios (OR). The main and fully adjusted models yielded OR = 3.98 (95% CI: 1.74, 9.11) and OR = 2.84 (95% CI: 1.23, 6.57) for participants exposed for ≥ 15 years compared to never exposed participants. Excluding those diagnosed with RA more than five years before the interview, the effect dropped to OR = 3.67 (95% CI: 1.06, 12.75) in the main model, and was no longer significant in the fully adjusted model (OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 0.80, 8.96). The only significant effect modifier was race/ethnicity, with higher risk in Non-Hispanic whites. To conclude, long-term occupational noise exposure might be a modifiable risk factor for RA, but currently, the evidence base is very thin and tenuous.     

Drivers of Sexual Inactivity Among Women Living with HIV and AIDS: Findings of the GENIH Study in São Paulo,Brazil

The advances on HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment have enabled people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) better quality of life. However, the persistence of HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and the risks triggered by HIV disclosure, may be a barrier to the sexual exercise of PLHA. We investigated the prevalence of sexual inactivity and the reasons given for it among a representative sample of women of reproductive age living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) in the municipality of São Paulo, Brazil. We surveyed 918 WLWHA with probability proportional to average number of visits in each of the 18 referral HIV/AIDS services. Sexual inactivity was defined as not having had vaginal sexual intercourse in the year prior to research. Statistical modeling of the factors associated with sexual inactivity was carried out by way of bivariate and multivariate analysis. In all, 22.2% (n = 200) of the women did not have sexual relations in the year prior to the interview. The majority reported a reduction in desire (64.5%) and sexual activity (68%). Among the women not in a relationship, the predictors of sexual inactivity were: being older (35–49) (ORa = 2.25); not being Catholic (ORa = 2.91); having kept the diagnosis secret from their partner (ORa = 2.45); having had up to five sexual partners throughout life (ORa = 3.81). The diagnosis of HIV seems to have more of an effect on the desire for and frequency of sexual activity than on its interruption. Sexual inactivity was influenced by the stigma of HIV/AIDS, by age, and by moral-religious values.