Abstract
BackgroundThe annual number of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) has risen in the United Kingdom and, of those who are HIV positive, the proportion undiagnosed is high.ObjectiveThe prospective AURAH2 study aims to assess factors associated with HIV acquisition among MSM in the United Kingdom and to investigate changes over time within individuals in sexual behavior and HIV-testing practices.MethodsAURAH2 is a prospective study among MSM without diagnosed HIV, aiming to recruit up to 1000 sexually active MSM attending sexual health clinics in London and Brighton in the United Kingdom. Participants complete an initial paper-based questionnaire, followed by online follow-up questionnaires every 4 months collecting sociodemographic, health and behavioral data, including sexual behavior, recreational and other drug use, HIV testing practices, and pre-exposure prophylaxis use, over a planned 3-year period.ResultsThe study is ongoing.ConclusionsThe results from AURAH2 study will provide important insight into established and emerging risk behaviors that may be associated with acquisition of HIV in MSM in the United Kingdom, changes over time within individuals in sexual behavior, and information on HIV testing practices. These data will be crucial to inform future HIV prevention strategies.
Highlights
BackgroundIn 2014, the number of men who have sex with men (MSM) that were newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continued to rise with 3360 new diagnoses in the United Kingdom [1]
It is thought that MSM unaware of their HIV infection disproportionately contribute to onward transmission (60-82% of new transmissions come from people not diagnosed [3,4]) and that delay in diagnosis and treatment is associated with increased risk to health [5]
The study will provide data highly relevant to HIV prevention efforts among MSM and will help inform national policies aimed at reducing HIV incidence and increasing HIV testing in the United Kingdom
Summary
BackgroundIn 2014, the number of men who have sex with men (MSM) that were newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continued to rise with 3360 new diagnoses in the United Kingdom [1]. The AURAH2 study will build on the work of the AURAH study and is the first large prospective observational study of MSM in the United Kingdom It will provide longitudinal data on HIV transmission risk in a group of HIV negative (at enrollment) MSM using online questionnaires for data collection over a 3-year period. Conclusions: The results from AURAH2 study will provide important insight into established and emerging risk behaviors that may be associated with acquisition of HIV in MSM in the United Kingdom, changes over time within individuals in sexual behavior, and information on HIV testing practices. These data will be crucial to inform future HIV prevention strategies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
