Children and adolescents who sell sex: a community study

Adolescents who reported to have given sexual favors for payment were investigated. The sample consisted of all adolescents in the public and private school systems in Oslo, the capital in Norway (age group 14-17, response rate 94.3%, N=10,828).Adolescents who had sold sex form 1.4%, three times as many boys as girls. Half the group had done it more than 10 times. Most were under the legal age of sex in Norway (16 years) when this first happened. We found no associations with sociodemographic variables or residential area in Oslo. However, sex sale was associated with low intercourse debut age, conduct problems, alcohol problems, use of drugs (including heroin) and violent victimization.The conclusion is that a small group in the general adolescent population sells sex, and many of the clients are assumed to be homosexual or bisexual men. Adolescents who take part in these activities are often heavily involved in delinquent behaviors and use of drugs, and many probably are in a risk zone for sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV), drug abuse and a delinquent and criminal development.     

Awakening as a change process among women at risk for HIV who engage in survival sex

Women who exchange sex for survival requirements risk exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This grounded theory study was conducted to better understand these women's concerns, attitudes, and behaviors related to HIV, with the goal of informing prevention research. Interviews with 11 women engaged in survival sex were analyzed. Women described sliding into survival sex as a result of economic crises. Survival sex exposed women to violence, drug use, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV. Mitigating these risks is a process of awakening in which women reconstruct risk and survival and make changes in their behavior. These findings highlight the complexity of the problem of survival sex and suggest interventions to help women protect themselves against HIV.     

Human rights protections and HIV prevalence among MSM who sell sex: Cross-country comparisons from a systematic review and meta-analysis

Laws and policies can affect the HIV risk of key populations through a number of direct and indirect pathways. We investigated the association between HIV prevalence among men who engage in transactional sex and language in the penal code protecting sexual minorities, including men who have sex with men (MSM), and sex workers. HIV prevalence among men who engage in transactional sex was assessed through meta-analysis of published literature and country surveillance reports. Meta-regression was used to determine the association between HIV prevalence and protective laws for sexual minorities and sex workers. Sixty-six reports representing 28 countries and 31,924 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. Controlling for multiple study- and country-level variables, legal protection for sexual minorities was associated with a 10.9% (95% CI: 3.8–18.0%) and sex workers associated with a 7.0% (95% CI: 1.3–12.8%) decrease in country-level HIV prevalence among men who engage in transactional sex. Laws that seek to actively protect sex workers and MSM may be necessary to decrease HIV risk for this key population.     

Using population attributable risk to choose HIV prevention strategies in men who have sex with men

Background  

In Australia, HIV is concentrated in men who have sex with men (MSM) and rates have increased steadily over the past ten years. Health promotion strategies should ideally be informed by an understanding of both the prevalence of the factors being modified, as well as the size of the risk that they confer. We undertook an analysis of the potential population impact and cost saving that would likely result from modifying key HIV risk factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sydney, Australia.     

HIV risk among drug-using men who have sex with men, men selling sex, and transgender individuals in Vietnam

Knowledge about drug use and its association with HIV risk among men who have sex with men is limited. Although the HIV epidemic among this population in Vietnam is increasingly acknowledged, understanding the impact of drug use on the spread of HIV is largely lacking. Using qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 93 drug users, 15 non-drug users and 9 community stakeholders, this analysis explores emerging patterns of drug use and risk factors for engaging in risk behaviours among drug-using men having sex with men, men selling sex and transgender individuals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Findings revealed that drug use is shifting from heroin to ecstasy and ice. Drug users reported unsafe sex associated with drug use and men selling sex were particularly at elevated risk because of using drugs as a tool for sex work and trading sex for drugs. These findings are guiding development of programmes addressing unmet HIV-prevention needs in Vietnam.     

Misrepresentation on the Internet and in real life about sex and HIV: a study of Latino men who have sex with men

Experiences of men who have internet sex with men were studied to determine the level of misrepresentation in real life and on the Internet of physical, relationship, sexual interests, and HIV status. An internet-based questionnaire in English and Spanish ($20 compensation) recruited 1,026 Latino MISM over 3 weeks. Four 'fib' scales were created to measure misrepresentation by the respondent and to the respondent on the Internet and IRL. Overall, respondents rated being misrepresented to on the Internet significantly highest, followed by being misrepresented to IRL and misrepresenting themselves to others on the Internet, and misrepresenting themselves to others IRL lowest. For HIV status there were no differences between Internet and IRL misrepresentation by others and Internet and IRL misrepresentation by self, but a significant difference between HIV status misrepresentation by self and others. Misrepresenters were more likely to have had cybersex before meeting their last partner and to prefer cybersex, to be more sexually compulsive, and to speak and think more in Spanish. Social desirability considerations account for the higher misrepresentation on physical characteristics and sexual interests by others, and higher misrepresentation on the Internet. However, misrepresentation of HIV status was the lowest category and while it was misrepresented more often by others than self, there were no internet/IRL differences. Data suggest that HIV misrepresentation occurred for 20% of men and was lower than other forms of misrepresentation. Implications for HIV prevention are discussed, along with the concept of levels of accuracy in internet communications.     

Subjectivity and a clinical approach in primary healthcare: narratives, life histories and social reality

The focus of this article is on oral healthcare in Primary Healthcare. We discuss the issue taking the relationship of listening-host-link as a focus debating on the existence of a dichotomy between clinical-collective health. This investigation, took place in Cotia, S?o Paulo State between July and December 2007, based on the following assumptions: 1) answer the user's relevant oral care problem; 2) remove the dental focus; 3) establish the case through anamnesis; and 4) use electronic scheduling, medical files and sterilization of the health unit. Listening to the complaint, the oral clinical examination and compilation of the clinic history were recorded in the medical file, without using dental records. To discuss the approaches in the clinical area, we list 8 `Patographic Histories.' The objectives of communication during consultation are to listen, perform an accurate diagnosis and interfere to alleviate suffering by restoring the corporal homeostasis and creating a bond by modifying technical references and clinical language. The bond is the result of dialogue, the acceptance of responsibilities of both the professional and the user and the resolution of their complaints and needs.     

Migration and HIV risk: life histories of Mexican-born men living with HIV in North Carolina

Latino men in the Southeastern USA are disproportionately affected by HIV, but little is known about how the migration process influences HIV-related risk. In North Carolina, a relatively new immigrant destination, Latino men are predominantly young and from Mexico. We conducted 31 iterative life history interviews with 15 Mexican-born men living with HIV. We used holistic content narrative analysis methods to examine HIV vulnerability in the context of migration and to identify important turning points. Major themes included the prominence of traumatic early-life experiences, migration as an ongoing process rather than a finite event, and HIV diagnosis as a final turning point in migration trajectories. Findings provide a nuanced understanding of HIV vulnerability throughout the migration process and have implications including the need for bi-national HIV-prevention approaches, improved outreach around early testing and linkage to care, and attention to mental health.     

Survival now versus survival later: immediate and delayed HIV risk assessment among young Jamaican men who have transactional sex with men

This study explored the experiences of young Jamaican men who have sex with men who engaged in transactional sex as a result of homelessness, family neglect or limited financial resources. It further examined the circumstances that affect their immediate or delayed decisions around sexual risk and increased vulnerability for HIV infection. Barriers experienced when accessing condoms, healthcare, HIV testing and other prevention services are also described. Twenty in-depth interviews and one focus group with 10 participants in various parishes in Jamaica were conducted. Findings from this study reveal how stigma and discrimination in the form of pervasive homophobia-influenced participation in the street economy via transactional sex. Socio-structural factors at family and commity level led to diminished social/economic prospects, which extended into adulthood. Sexual decision making was based on immediate needs for protection, food or shelter; concerns about acquiring HIV were considered only after meeting those immediate needs. Future HIV prevention strategies must take seriously the socio-structural factors that influence HIV risk behaviours among young men who have sex with men in Jamaica.     

AIDS-related risk among adolescent males who have sex with males, females, or both: evidence from a statewide survey

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the prevalence of AIDS-related risk behaviors among adolescent males with female, male, and both-sex sexual partners and explored factors related to these behaviors. METHODS: Three waves of a population-based survey provided data on male high school students: 3065 with only female sexual partners, 94 with only male partners, and 108 with both. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine AIDS-related outcomes. RESULTS: Youths with any same-sex experience reported less school AIDS education. Bisexual experience predicted multiple sexual partners, unprotected intercourse, sexually transmitted disease, and injection drug use. School AIDS education and condom instruction predicted less AIDS-related risk. CONCLUSIONS: Bisexually active adolescent males report especially high levels of AIDS risk behavior. School-based AIDS prevention should address the needs of all sexually active youths.     

新型毒品滥用对男男性行为人群高危性行为的影响

目的 了解新型毒品滥用对MSM高危性行为及HIV感染的影响,为制订有针对性的艾滋病防治对策和干预措施提供依据。方法 2019年4-7月在山东省3个MSM监测哨点,收集当地MSM人口学特征、相关行为信息,采集血样做HIV和梅毒检测。结果 共调查MSM 1 203人,年龄（30.2±8.9）岁,未婚815人（67.7%）,大专及以上文化程度805人（66.9%）;曾经使用过新型毒品的比例为54.2%（652/1 203）;最近6个月发生过无保护肛交和群交行为的比例分别为62.2%（721/1 160）和16.3%（189/1 160）;HIV和梅毒抗体阳性率分别为3.1%（37/1 203）和4.7%（56/1 203）。多因素logistic回归分析结果显示,MSM最近6个月发生无保护性肛交的影响因素中,来自青岛市是济南市的1.59倍（95% CI：1.13～2.23）、高中及以下文化程度是大专及以上文化程度的1.61倍（95% CI：1.20～2.16）、从酒吧/歌舞厅等场所寻找男性性伴的是互联网/交友软件的1.69倍（95% CI：1.06～2.69）、艾滋病知识得分<6分是≥6分的1.55倍（95% CI：1.01～2.37）、最近1周同性性伴数≥2人是<2人的1.48倍（95% CI：1.12～1.95）、最近6个月发生群交行为是无群交行为的2.43倍（95% CI：1.61～3.67）,曾使用新型毒品是未使用毒品的1.46倍（95% CI：1.11～1.91）。MSM最近6个月发生群交行为的影响因素中,来自青岛市是济南市的2.21倍（95% CI：1.45～3.38）、外省户籍是本省户籍的2.13倍（95% CI：1.28～3.55）、艾滋病知识得分≥6分是<6分的3.11倍（95% CI：1.55～6.25）、最近6个月肛交未坚持使用安全套是坚持使用安全套的2.60倍（95% CI：1.71～3.96）、最近6个月有同性商业性行为是无同性商业性行为的3.38倍（95% CI：1.92～5.95）、曾经使用过新型毒品是未使用毒品的2.71倍（95% CI：1.82～4.04）、最近1年未检测HIV是检测HIV的2.66倍（95% CI：1.59～4.43）。结论 山东省MSM人群中使用新型毒品现象普遍,新型毒品滥用促进该人群无保护性行为和群交行为的发生,应重点加强对吸毒MSM监测和干预力度。     

HIV risk among young African American men who have sex with men: a case-control study in Mississippi

Objectives. We conducted a case–control study in the Jackson, Mississippi, area to identify factors associated with HIV infection among young African American men who have sex with men (MSM).Methods. During February to April 2008, we used surveillance records to identify young (16–25 years old) African American MSM diagnosed with HIV between 2006 and 2008 (case participants) and recruited young African American MSM who did not have HIV (controls). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with HIV infection.Results. In a multivariable analysis of 25 case participants and 85 controls, having older male partners (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8, 17.3), engaging in unprotected anal intercourse with casual male partners (adjusted OR = 6.3; 95% CI = 1.8, 22.3), and being likely to give in to a partner who wanted to have unprotected sex (adjusted OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 1.2, 20.6) were associated with HIV infection.Conclusions. Given the high prevalence of risk behaviors among the young African American MSM in our study, HIV prevention efforts must begin before or during early adolescence and need to focus on improving negotiation and communication regarding sex.African American men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of HIV infection.^1,2 In the United States, half of all prevalent and incident HIV infections occur among MSM,^3,4 and Black MSM account for a disproportionate number of new HIV infections among MSM.⁵ Data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System show that the HIV prevalence among Black MSM in 21 US cities in 2008 was 28% and that 59% of Black MSM with HIV surveyed in these cities were unaware of their infection.⁶ HIV prevalence was also high among young Black MSM, who had a prevalence of 17% by the age of 18 to 24 years.⁶Furthermore, the number of new HIV diagnoses is increasing among MSM, particularly young Black MSM. From 2001 to 2006, the number of HIV/AIDS cases among Black MSM aged 13 to 24 years in 33 states with long-term, confidential, name-based HIV reporting increased by 93%.⁷In the fall of 2007, clinicians at a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in Jackson, Mississippi, noted that diagnoses of HIV infection were increasing among young African American MSM. A subsequent review of surveillance data revealed a 38% rise in newly diagnosed HIV infections among African American MSM aged 16 to 25 years in the Jackson area during 2006–2007 relative to 2004–2005.Although many studies have assessed the prevalence of HIV risk behaviors among young African American MSM,^8,9 few have focused on young African American MSM in Mississippi. Between February and April 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mississippi State Department of Health conducted an investigation that included, among other components, a case–control study designed to identify demographic characteristics and behavioral factors associated with HIV infection among young African American MSM in the Jackson area.¹⁰     

Jumping off and being careful: children's strategies of risk management in everyday life

This article addresses the complexity of children's risk landscapes through an ethnography of 10- to 12-year-old Danish children. The data revealed how children individually and collectively engaged with risk in their everyday activities. The children assessed risks in relation to their perceptions of their health as strength and control, negotiated the conditions of playing, and attuned their responses to situations of potential social and physical conflict. In the paper this risk engagement is illustrated in a variety of contexts: children's decisions to wear or not to wear a bicycle helmet; playing and games and routine pushing and shoving at school. In looking after themselves, children negotiate rules of participation and they safeguard personal and collective interests. Gender differences in these processes are addressed and discussed. The article argues that risk engagement is an important resource through which children also learn from their own mistakes. This is a necessary learning process when children engage with their personal health and safety. The article critically discusses different sociological frameworks and shows the significance of the study for the growing literature on understanding the meaning of risk in childhood.     

Substance use and sexual risk: a participant- and episode-level analysis among a cohort of men who have sex with men

Prior reports associating substance use with sexual risk behavior have generally used summary measures and have not adjusted for participants' background levels of substance use. In this 1999-2001 US study (the EXPLORE study), the authors determined whether substance use during sex was independently associated with sexual risk during recent sexual episodes, as reported by 4,295 human immunodeficiency virus-negative men who have sex with men. The main outcome measure was serodiscordant unprotected anal sex (SDUA). The influence of participant-level characteristics was examined by using repeated-measures logistic models. In assessing the influence of episode-level predictors on SDUA, the influence of participant-level characteristics, including 6-month substance use, was removed by using conditional logistic regression, in effect making each participant his own control. The authors also adjusted for partner characteristics. Eleven percent of participants reported heavy alcohol use, 37% used poppers, 19% sniffed cocaine, and 13% used amphetamines. In the participant-level analysis, use of poppers, amphetamines, and sniffed cocaine as well as heavy alcohol use in the prior 6 months were independently associated with SDUA. In the conditional analysis, consumption of > or = 6 alcoholic drinks or use of poppers, amphetamines, or sniffed cocaine just before or during sex was independently associated with SDUA. The authors concluded that programs aimed at preventing human immunodeficiency virus transmission should emphasize the influence of substance use during sex on increased risk behavior.     

"No strength": sex and old age in a rural town in Ghana.

This article is part of a larger project on social and cultural meanings of growing old in a rural community of Ghana, the fieldwork for which was carried out between 1994 and 2000. It deals with ideas and practices concerning sex among the elderly. Informal conversations were held with individual elders and with groups of people that were, middle-aged and young. Sex was generally regarded as a matter of "strength", which was diminishing at old age. For men the concept of strength specifically referred to sexual potency, whereas for women "strength" was part of a more general feeling of physical power and the ability to perform the many activities expected from being a man's sexual partner. Sex at old age is looked at with a considerable amount of ambivalence. On the one hand, it is something that the elderly should have left behind them. On the other hand, sex confirms the vitality and status of the elder. If sex is practised at old age, it should be orderly and restrained, "respectful".     

Assessing gender stereotypes and sexual risk practices in men who have sex with men

ObjectiveTo analyze the construct validity and the internal consistency of the 12-item Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI-12) questionnaire and to study the association between gender stereotypes and sexual risk practices in men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsCross-sectional study of 601 MSM who voluntarily and anonymously responded to an online survey on risk practices and gender stereotypes. The BSRI-12 was used to obtain gender stereotypes (masculine, feminine, undifferentiated and androgynous). For data analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the BSRI-12 and logistic regression were performed.ResultsTwo main factors (Cronbach alpha 0.95 and 0.81) were obtained from the EFA. Using the androgynous roles as the reference category, we found lower odds of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among those who endorse feminine roles (OR: 0.53; 95%CI: 0.29-0.95). Endorsing masculine roles with alcohol consumption (OR: 1.92; 95%CI: 1.15-3.20) or the undifferentiated when not knowing the partner's serological status (OR: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.02-2.35) were associated with higher odds of UAI compared to those endorsing the androgynous roles. Undifferentiated participants also perform receptive UAI using poppers (OR: 2.19; 95%CI: 1.24-3.87), and insertive UAI not knowing the serological status of the sexual partner (OR: 1.69; 95%CI: 1.04-2.76) compared to androgynous participants.ConclusionThe BSRI is a valid and consistent instrument for identifying gender stereotypes in MSM. A greater proportion of participants within the undifferentiated and the masculine category engage in risk practices with the influence of substance consumption and unawareness of their sexual partner's serological status. The information obtained may be useful to define intervention and prevention programs.