HIV-negative Men Research Articles

Infection and Persistent Infection of Human Papillomavirus Among HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex with Men in Xinjiang, China: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Anal HPV infection is particularly prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). The purpose of this study was to understand the status and influencing factors of HPV infection in MSM in Urumqi, Xinjiang, in order to provide suggestions for policy formulation. A prospective cohort study was conducted among HIV-negative MSM in Urumqi Xinjiang between April 2016 and June 2023. 824 MSM were recruited. Data were collected anal swab results from self-administered questionnaires and laboratory tests. A Cox regression model was employed to analyze factors associated with HPV infection. The prevalence rates of high-risk HPV and low-risk HPV were 37.99% and 25.97%. Receptive anal intercourse is a well-established risk factor for both incident and persistent HPV infections among MSM. For new high-risk HPV infections, the adjusted hazard ratio is 1.55 (95% CI: 1.28-1.89), and for persistent high-risk HPV infections, the aHR is 1.95 (95% CI: 1.48-2.57). Similarly, for low-risk HPV, receptive anal intercourse increases the risk of incidence (aHR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.07-1.67) and persistent infection (aHR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.18-2.29). Seeking sexual partners in bathhouses raised the risk of low-risk HPV infections (aHR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05-1.76). Young MSM may face a higher risk of HPV infection. Implementing targeted HPV vaccination catch-up programs for the MSM population in Urumqi could offer significant societal benefits.

Clinical observations of skin Kaposi’s sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma is an angioproliferative disease of endothelial origin associated with human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8), or Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus. The disease was first described in 1872 by Moritz Kaposi as a pigmented cutaneous sarcoma localized on the lower extremities. The disease is considered quite rare, but at present there is an increase in the incidence worldwide, due to which there is a growing interest in this problem. Today, it remains the leading skin pathology among HIV-positive patients, occurring in 20%. However, the assessment of the pathological process can be difficult, and the diagnosis may not be made at all, due to atypical clinical manifestations (especially in HIV-negative patients), so the problem of Kaposi's sarcoma diagnostics remains relevant for doctors of any specialty, especially dermatovenerologists and oncologists. Kaposi's sarcoma can affect almost any organ, including the skin. The most common localization is on the skin of the extremities and face. Clinical manifestations are rashes in the form of spots, nodules, plaques, nodes. Kaposi's sarcoma is classified according to clinical and epidemiological forms: classical, endemic, epidemic and iatrogenic. Recently, a fifth form has been described, called non-epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma, which is observed in HIV-negative men who have sex with other men. The persistence of HHV-8 alone in the human body is not sufficient for Kaposi's sarcoma to occur, as the development of the disease is dependent on immunosuppressive conditions such as HIV infection, cytostatic drugs, and chronic systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). The interaction between human immune dysfunction and the local inflammatory response to herpesvirus creates a favourable environment for the onset and progression of the disease. These clinical cases demonstrate an atypical clinical course of Kaposi's sarcoma of the skin with the absence of HIV-1, HIV-2 and HHV-8 in the blood of the presented patients.

Uptake and perceptions of voluntary medical male circumcision among HIV-negative men in serodiscordant relationships in Zambia (2012-2015).

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a recommended HIV prevention strategy that few studies have promoted to HIV-negative men in serodiscordant relationships. We conducted a cross-sectional study on uptake and perceptions of VMMC among serodiscordant couples between 2012 and 2015. Heterosexual couples attending couples voluntary counselling and testing for HIV who had discordant results (M-, F+) were referred for VMMC. At least one month after counselling and referral, 343 men were surveyed on uptake and perceptions of VMMC. A subset of 134 uncircumcised men responded to another survey assessing their intention to uptake VMMC and reasons for not getting circumcised. Forty percent (n = 62) of men eligible for VMMC either up took (n = 22) or planned to uptake circumcision (n = 40). The most cited reasons for not getting circumcised were the inability to get time off work (34%) and culture/traditions (26%). These findings support integrated approaches, pairing evidence-based HIV prevention interventions such as couples voluntary counselling and testing with VMMC, and targeting men at highest risk for HIV. Additional counselling may be needed for couples whose cultural backgrounds do not support VMMC.

HIV risk perception and PrEP uptake among black MSM in Mississippi.

Rates for HIV are disproportionately higher for Black men who have sex with men (MSM) compared to other MSM in the U.S. While there is evidence that low perceived risk of HIV infection may increase HIV vulnerability, few studies have examined this relationship among Black MSM in the Southern U.S. where the HIV rates are the highest in the country. This study examined the association between perceived HIV risk and PrEP adoption among Black MSM in a medium-size city in Mississippi. Data were drawn from a subsample of the "ACCELERATE!" intervention, an innovative and sustainable community-driven project to improve health outcomes among Black MSM. The outcome of interest was PrEP uptake, a binary variable derived from responses to the question "Have you taken PrEP in the last year?". The perceived risk of HIV, an independent variable, is measured by self-report of an individual's assessment of their vulnerability of contracting HIV defined as low versus high risk. Covariates included age and socio-environmental factors (health insurance, incarceration and discrimination) Sample characteristics were provided using means and standard deviations for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Exact logistic regression was used to assess the association between perceived HIV risk and PrEP adoption, adjusting for covariates. A total of 84 HIV negative Black men with a median age of 30 (min = 18, max = 69) years were available for analyses. Approximately 16% of participants reported experiencing incarceration and 57% reported experiencing discrimination. Seven out of ten respondents reported having low perceived risk, and 28.6% (24/84) reported having high perceived risk for HIV. There were 73 participants (86.9%) who reported PrEP use in the last year. We observed a higher proportion of participants with high perceived risk that reported lower uptake of PrEP. After adjusting for age, socioeconomic variables, and risky sexual behaviors, higher levels of perceived risk of HIV were associated with decreased odds of PrEP uptake (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04-0.94, p = 0.040). The role of HIV risk perception on PrEP adoption is complex among Black MSM in Mississippi. Higher levels of perceived risk of HIV were associated with lower odds of PrEP adoption among Black MSM. This inverse relationship between HIV risk perception and PrEP adoption suggests social- and structural- factors play a critical role in decision-making on PrEP initiation among Black MSM in Jackson. In addition, further longitudinal studies are needed to understand the complex interactions between perceived risk and PrEP use.

HPV Vaccination Status in HIV-Negative MSM and Its Association with High-Risk HPV Detection Using HPV Serology and Anorectal Swabs

Background/Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) types by HPV vaccination status and the feasibility of using HPV L1 serology to identify HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) who may be at risk for anal cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited HIV-negative MSM from a US metropolitan area. The prevalence of HR, quadrivalent, and nonavalent anorectal HPV DNA and HPV L1 serum antibodies was estimated. McNemar’s chi-square and kappa statistics were used to determine significant differences in HPV detection between anorectal DNA swabs and HPV L1 serology. Results: Eighty-two men had adequate anorectal swabs and serology samples for analysis. Men who self-reported receipt of the HPV vaccine (35.6%) had detectable L1 HPV antibodies (93.1%) and a lower prevalence of active anal HPV infections (20.7%) compared to those who reported none. Conclusions: If confirmed in larger prospective studies, a combination of HPV vaccination status or HPV L1 serology and anorectal swabs for HR HPV types could identify HIV-negative MSM who do not need to undergo follow-up anal testing.

Condomless anal intercourse among HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men in Zimbabwe.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where condomless anal intercourse (CAI) is a major driver of HIV transmission among this hidden subpopulation. To determine CAI drivers and prevalence among HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM. Data from 1538 MSM who participated in a biobehavioural survey in Zimbabwe were used. Secondary statistical data analysis methods were used to determine prevalences and drivers of CAI. A high prevalence of CAI, of at least 30%, among HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM was found. Factors that led to a statistically significant higher CAI among HIV-positives compared to HIV-negatives included drunkenness (35% vs. 25%, P = 0.01), fear of partner (13% vs. 9%, P = 0.017), trusting the partner (10% vs. 6%, P = 0.008), and being offered more money (10% vs. 6%, P = 0.003). Our findings indicate that economic, socio-behavioural and perceptual dimensions increase men's likelihood to engage in risky sexual behaviour, suggesting the need for HIV prevention efforts that provide tailored education regarding HIV risk among MSM in SSA. This is the first large biobehavioural survey that generated valuable information useful for analysing condomless anal sex among MSM in Zimbabwe.

Association between non-injection drug use and hepatitis C infection among HIV-negative men who have sex with men

BackgroundPrior research predominantly examined the association between HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) or those using injection drugs and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, limited attention has been given to understanding the association among HIV-negative MSM who do not inject drugs. This gap leaves apportion of the population unexamined, potentially overlooking important factor that may contribute to the transmission and prevalence of HCV. This study aims to investigate the relationship between non-injection drug use and HCV infection in this population.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data on 118 MSM who reported use of non-injection drugs. The participants were recruited from two inner-city communities in Houston, TX, between 2004 and 2007 and were negative for both HIV and hepatitis B virus infection. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify drug use latent classes. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between drug use latent class and HCV infection.ResultsFour distinct latent classes of drug use were identified: class 1, persons ≥ 42 years of age who used only crack cocaine; class 2, persons approximately 42 years of age who used > 2 drugs; class 3, persons < 42 years of age who used > 5 drugs; and class 4, persons ≥ 42 years of age who used > 6 drugs. Class 4 was significantly associated with HCV infection. The odds of HCV infection in members of class 4 was 17 times higher than in class 2 members (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 16.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–205.4) and almost 22 times higher than in class 3 members (aOR = 21.8, 95% CI: 1.5–322.8).ConclusionsAmong MSM with non-injection drug use, the subgroup of individuals who were ≥ 42 years of age and used multiple drugs (including heroin, speedball, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana) had a high probability of HCV infection. Public health and education programs, as well as drug treatment and rehabilitation programs, should be developed for this high-risk subgroup of individuals to prevent HCV acquisition and transmission.

Changes in HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Awareness and Use Among Males Who Inject Drugs Who Have Sex with Men by Sexual Identity, 19 US Urban Areas, 2018 & 2022.

Men who inject drugs who have sex with men (MWIDSM) may acquire HIV through injecting drugs or sex. Interventions to increase awareness of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have focused on gay/bisexual MSM and may not be reaching heterosexual-identifying men or people who inject drugs (PWID). We explored changes in PrEP awareness and use among MWIDSM from 2018 to 2022 by sexual identity. We used data from the 2018 and 2022 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance among PWID recruited via respondent-driven sampling in 19 urban areas in the US. We examined changes in PrEP awareness and use over time by sexual identity among HIV-negative men who inject drugs and who had sex with another man in the past 12 months using log-linked Poisson regression models with robust standard errors with an interaction term between year and sexual identity. Among 758 HIV-negative MWIDSM (463 in 2018; 295 in 2022), nearly all sample participants were likely indicated for PrEP (94.2 and 92.9%, respectively). PrEP awareness increased from 2018 to 2022 among gay/bisexual-identifying MWIDSM [45.5-65.5%; aPR = 1.49, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.30-1.70] but remained stable for heterosexual-identifying MWIDSM (39.4-40.8%; aPR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.75-1.36). PrEP use remained low among all MWIDSM (2.5-7.7%, among heterosexually identifying; 15.3 to 10.2% among gay/bisexual-identifying). PrEP awareness increased among gay/bisexual-identifying MWIDSM but not among heterosexual-identifying. PrEP use was low for all MWIDSM. Public health initiatives catered to MWIDSM should focus on improved campaigns and expanding PrEP accessibility in existing healthcare, harm reduction, and social services.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and HIV-Related Stigma: A Quantitative Survey of Tanzanian Men, June 2019

Experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may impact personal opinions, attitudes, and judgments, which can further result in HIV-related stigma. HIV-related stigma consequentially may impact HIV preventive measures such as HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake, and condom use. The extent to which ACEs influence HIV-related stigma perception has not been well studied. Therefore, the study aimed to examine the association between ACEs and perceived and interpersonal HIV-related stigma among Tanzanian HIV-negative men. Quantitative survey data were obtained from the Tanzania STEP (Self-Testing Education and Promotion) project established in four wards: Mabibo, Manzese, Tandale, and Mwanyanamala. A total of 507 men responded to the ACEs and HIV-related stigma questionnaires. ACEs were operationalized as types of ACEs (environmental, physical/psychological, sexual abuse) and ACE score (0 (reference) vs. 1, 2, 3, ≥ 4). Perceived HIV-related stigma was analyzed both as a binary (HIV stigma vs. no HIV stigma) and a continuous variable. Unadjusted and adjusted multinomial logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the associations between ACEs and HIV-related stigma. ACE types were associated with HIV stigma (b = 0.237, 95% CI [0.122–0.352], p = < .0001). Findings of the adjusted multinomial logistic regression model show that experiencing one ACE (aOR = 1.9; p-value = 0.023), two ACEs (aOR = 1.8; p-value = 0.044), four or more ACEs (aOR = 4.1; p-value = < 0.0001) were associated with greater perceived HIV-related stigma. Moreover, experiencing environmental (aOR = 8.6; p-value = 0.005), physical/psychological (aOR = 2.5; p-value = 0.004), and sexual abuse (aOR = 3.4; p-value = < 0.0001) were associated with higher odds of HIV-related stigma. Our study findings suggest that those who experience childhood trauma are more likely to have a higher perception of HIV-related stigma. Intervention programs targeting HIV stigma should consider addressing ACEs entailing the behavioral and psychological impact of childhood trauma.

Condom Failure Among HIV-Negative Men in Serodiscordant Relationships in Australia, Brazil, and Thailand

Condoms continue to be used by many gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. However this is impacted by condom failure events, defined here as condom breakage and slippage. In a prospective, observational cohort study of 343 HIV serodiscordant male couples recruited through high HIV caseload clinics and hospitals between 2012 and 2016 in Australia, Brazil, and Thailand, condom failure rates and associated factors were analysed, including with the study partner versus other sexual partners. There were 717 reported instances of condom failure from an estimated total of 25,831 sex acts with condoms, from over 588.4 participant years of follow up. Of the HIV-negative partners (n = 343) in the study, more than a third (n = 117, 36.7%) reported at least one instance of condom failure with any partner type during study follow-up. Condom failure with their study partner was reported by 91/343 (26.5%) HIV-negative partners, compared with 43/343 (12.5%) who reported condom failure with other partners. In total, there were 86 events where the HIV-negative partner experienced ano-receptive condom failure with ejaculation, representing 12.0% of all failure events. In multivariable analysis, compared to Australia, HIV-negative men in Brazil reported a higher incidence risk rate of condom failure (IRR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.01–2.68, p = 0.046) and HIV-negative men who reported anal sex with other partners reported an increased risk of condom failure compared with men who only had sex with their study partner (IRR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.08–3.33, p = 0.025). Although at least one event of condom failure was reported by a significant proportion of participants, overall condom failure events represented a small proportion of the total condom protected sex acts.

Leveraging A Digital Pill System to Understand Prevention-Effective Adherence to Oral Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men with Substance Use.

Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for HIV prevention, though efficacy depends on adherence. Digital pill systems (DPS) can enable direct, real-time adherence measurement. HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) with substance use (excluding alcohol) utilized a DPS over 90 days and completed weekly surveys reporting sexual activity, condom use, and substance use. Responses indicating (1) any sexual activity and substance use or (2) condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in the prior week were categorized as high risk for HIV acquisition. PrEP adherence data for the 7-day period preceding each response was dichotomized as ≤ 3 and ≥ 4 doses/week, indicating prevention-effective adherence, and compared by HIV risk level. Thirteen MSM were analyzed (median age: 32). Of 113 surveys, 48.7% indicated high HIV risk, with 12.4% reporting CAI alone, 16.8% any sexual activity and substance use, and 19.5% both CAI and substance use. Weekly mean PrEP adherence was 90.3% (6.3 of 7 doses/week), with ≥ 4 doses/week recorded during 92.0% of weeks. The proportion of participants with ≥ 4 recorded doses/week was 88.9% during weeks with CAI alone, 89.5% during weeks with any sexual activity and substance use, 92.0% during weeks with both CAI and substance use, and 92.8% during lower risk weeks. Participants ingested ≥ 4 doses/week during 89.1% of all high-risk weeks and 94.8% of low-risk weeks. Overall, participants maintained high levels of PrEP adherence while engaging in HIV risk behaviors. DPS can be deployed concurrently with data collection tools to assess ingestion patterns during periods of elevated risk.

Growing up in the shadow of HIV: post-AIDS generation of HIV-negative men who have sex with men in Sweden and their perceptions of HIV and stigma

Despite growing understanding and acceptance of the concept of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) among gay men, HIV stigma remains a burden for people living with HIV. This study explored perceptions of HIV among HIV seronegative gay men in Sweden in this new context. Using snowball sampling, 15 gay men born between 1980 and 2000 were recruited to the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were subjected to reflexive thematic analysis. Men grew up experiencing gay stigma and were repeatedly informed by parents, schools, communities, peers, and popular culture about the dangers of HIV, and that gay men were a high-risk group. As men grew older, and the premise of HIV shifted dramatically due to U = U, some remained emotionally anchored to the pre-U = U era, while others realigned their perceptions, often after a process of reconciling emotional responses (e.g. HIV = death) with the logical-rational claims made about U = U. The study highlights key areas for future efforts, namely establishing a balance between HIV education strategies and stigma reduction initiatives. Study findings underscore the need to care for the memory of those lost during the crisis years, while also addressing the stigma faced by those currently living with HIV.

Behavior Change Among HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex with Men Not Using PrEP in the United States.

This study measures changes in condomless anal sex (CAS) among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) who are not taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It considers the 2014-2019 cycles of the American Men's Internet Survey, a serial, cross-sectional web-based survey of US cisgender MSM aged ≥ 15years, in which ~ 10% of each year's sample is drawn from the previous year. Among those surveyed for 2years who remained HIV-negative and off PrEP, reports of having any CAS and of CAS partner number were compared across years. We disaggregated by partner HIV status, and considered demographic predictors. The overall population saw a significant 2.2 percentage-point (pp) increase in reports of any CAS year-over-year. Sub-populations with the largest year-on-year increases were 15-24-year-olds (5.0-pp) and Hispanic respondents (5.1-pp), with interaction (young Hispanic respondents = 12.8-pp). On the relative scale, these numbers correspond to 3.2%, 7.2%, 7.3% and 18.7%, respectively. Absolute increases were concentrated among partners reported as HIV-negative. Multivariable analyses for CAS initiation found effects concentrated among Hispanic and White youth and residents of fringe counties of large metropolitan areas. CAS partner number increases were similarly predicted by Hispanic identity and young age. Although condom use remains more common than PrEP use, increasing CAS among MSM not on PrEP suggests potential new HIV transmission pathways. Concentration of increases among 18-24-year-old MSM portends future increases in the proportion of newly diagnosed HIV that occur among youth. Concentration among young Hispanic MSM will likely expand existing disparities. Although reducing barriers to PrEP remains vital, condom promotion for MSM remains a key public health practice and appears to be missing key audiences. LGBTQ+-inclusive sex education is one avenue for enhancing these efforts.

Engagement of HIV-negative MSM and partners of people with HIV in HIV cure (research): exploring the influence of perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits, and concerns

ABSTRACT As the prospect of an HIV cure is gaining prominence, engaging key populations affected by an HIV cure becomes essential. This study examined the engagement of HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) and/or partners of people with HIV (PHIV) in the Netherlands. Interviews were conducted with 19 MSM not in relationships with a partner with HIV and 16 partners of PHIV and were thematically analyzed. Perspectives on the importance of an HIV cure were shaped by the perceived severity of HIV and the level of susceptibility to the virus. Despite concerns about potential new HIV infections and treatment intensity, most participants believed that an HIV cure could reduce HIV burden. Both HIV eradication and HIV suppression were regarded as acceptable outcomes. Engagement was demonstrated through actions like accessing information, participating in research, and showing support for partners or community members involved in HIV cure research. In conclusion, we found that most participants were engaged due to their heightened perception of HIV's severity. However, this engagement tended to remain passive due to their perceived low susceptibility to HIV, resulting in a scenario where the perceived importance of an HIV cure is high, while personal relevance remains low.

Syphilis epidemic among men who have sex with men: A global systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, incidence, and associated factors.

We aimed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of syphilis at global, regional and national levels for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) and explore the association between demographic and social behavioural factors and syphilis infection. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2022 for studies of reported crude syphilis prevalence or incidence in MSM or with sufficient data to calculate prevalence or incidence rate in MSM. We included 376 articles reporting on 409 records from 62 countries to calculate syphilis prevalence and incidence in MSM. The pooled prevalence of syphilis in MSM was 10.4%, with substantial differences between countries and regions. Syphilis prevalence was substantially higher in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative MSM. The pooled incidence of syphilis in MSM was 76.4 per 1000 person-years. Older age, lower education, nitrite or recreational drug use, group sex, and multiple sexual partners were identified as risk factors for syphilis infection. A disproportionate geographic pattern of syphilis infection in MSM and significant threats of syphilis infection were revealed. The 'hidden risk' in specific regions and the inadequately elucidated drivers of high-risk behaviours, need to be fully acknowledged and addressed. PROSPERO: CRD42023422218.

Acceptability and performance of dual HIV/syphilis testing in male circumcision clients, 2021.

Dual HIV/syphilis testing may be an acceptable intervention to identify men with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and at risk of HIV acquisition. We sought to determine the acceptability, and performance of dual HIV/syphilis testing among men attending voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services at six public sector facilities in Gauteng. This was a cross-sectional study at VMMC facilities. Men ≥ 18 years were enrolled. The men had (1) a questionnaire administered, (2) on-site dual HIV/syphilis testing with First Response HIV1+2/Syphilis Combo Card Test by routine lay counsellors, and (3) a blood specimen collected for centralised laboratory testing for HIV and syphilis serology. We evaluated pre-test and post-test acceptability and performance compared to serological testing. Of the 679 men analysed (median age 32.1 years), 96.7% of HIV-negative men preferred testing for HIV and syphilis simultaneously. Of the 675 men tested for syphilis, 28 (4.7%) tested positive (past or recent). In the laboratory, 43/609 (7.1%) had syphilis infection detected, with 9/609 (1.5%) having recent syphilis. There was sub-optimal sensitivity for HIV detection (90.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.5% - 93.3%), and for past/recent syphilis (55.8%; 95% CI: 51.9% - 59.8%), improving to 88.9% (95% CI: 86.4% - 91.4%) for recent syphilis. Specificities were > 99% for HIV and syphilis (past or recent). Post-test acceptability was 96.6% and willingness to pay for future testing was 86.1%. Dual HIV/syphilis testing was acceptable but had sub-optimal sensitivity for HIV and syphilis. Syphilis detection was adequate for recent infection.

Inconsistent use of male condoms among HIV-negative men who have sex with other men.

to analyze the factors associated with inconsistent use of male condoms among HIV-negative men who have sex with other men. a cross-sectional, analytical and nationwide study conducted online in all the Brazilian regions in 2020, via networks and in dating websites. Inconsistent condom use was defined as occasional use or as never using it. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, as well as association and binary logistic regression tests. inconsistent condom use was reported by 1,222 (85%) of all 1,438 participants. The "homosexuals" (ORAdj: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.14-3.59; p=0.016), "having a fixed partner" (ORAdj: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.55-3.09; p<0.001), "oral sex" (ORAdj: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.31-4.43; p=0.005), "insertive anal" (ORAdj: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.10-3.58; p=0.023) and "STI diagnosis" (ORAdj: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.13-2.24; p=0.007) variables were independently associated with inconsistent use of male condoms. The "receiving advice on HIV test from a friend" (ORAdj: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52-0.96; p=0.028) and "sex worker" (ORAdj: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.11-0.60; p=0.002) variables were protective factors. the variables under study pointed to a strong relationship between steady partners and increased trust and low adherence to condom use, corroborating other studies.

Uso inconsistente do preservativo masculino entre homens HIV negativos que fazem sexo com homens

Objective: to analyze the factors associated with inconsistent use of male condoms among HIV-negative men who have sex with other men. Method: a cross-sectional, analytical and nationwide study conducted online in all the Brazilian regions in 2020, via networks and in dating websites. Inconsistent condom use was defined as occasional use or as never using it. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, as well as association and binary logistic regression tests. Results: inconsistent condom use was reported by 1,222 (85%) of all 1,438 participants. The “homosexuals” (ORAdj: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.14-3.59; p=0.016), “having a fixed partner” (ORAdj: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.55-3.09; p&lt;0.001), “oral sex” (ORAdj: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.31-4.43; p=0.005), “insertive anal” (ORAdj: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.10-3.58; p=0.023) and “STI diagnosis” (ORAdj: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.13-2.24; p=0.007) variables were independently associated with inconsistent use of male condoms. The “receiving advice on HIV test from a friend” (ORAdj: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52-0.96; p=0.028) and “sex worker” (ORAdj: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.11-0.60; p=0.002) variables were protective factors. Conclusion: the variables under study pointed to a strong relationship between steady partners and increased trust and low adherence to condom use, corroborating other studies.

Prevalence and determinants of high-risk human papilloma virus among men who have sex with men in Benin: a cross-sectional study embedded in a demonstration project on pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with anal high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV).DesignA cross-sectional study conducted from 24 August 2020 to 24 November 2020.SettingPrimary care, Cotonou,...

HCV knowledge and attitudes among HIV-negative MSM and MSM living with HIV in China: results from a cross-sectional online survey

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, especially for those living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Learning about knowledge of and attitudes towards HCV is essential to inform health promotion interventions development. This is one of very limited studies to examine the level of knowledge and attitudes towards HCV and their determinants among HIV-negative MSM and MSM living with HIV in China.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted across seven provinces in China from December 2021 to January 2022. All the MSM living with HIV were recruited offline, whereas the recruitment ratio for HIV-negative MSM was half online and half offline. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, knowledge about HCV, and attitude towards HCV from participants were collected through the online survey. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine the associated factors.ResultsOnly 39.3% (33/84) of HIV-negative men and 44.0% (37/84) of men living with HIV had a good level knowledge about HCV. Nearly one-third (32.1%, 27/84) of HIV-negative men and 41.7% (35/84) of men living with HIV reported a positive attitude towards HCV. For HIV-negative men, positive attitude towards HCV was associated with the multiple sexual partners (aOR: 5.8, 95%CI:1.9–18.1) and the use of recreational substances (aOR: 3.1, 95%CI: 1.0-9.4). For men living with HIV, knowledge about HCV was associated with disclosing sexual orientation to healthcare providers, family or friends (aOR: 7.0, 1.9–26.0), the multiple sexual partners (aOR: 0.2, 0.1-1.0), the use of recreational substances (aOR: 3.7, 95%CI: 1.1–13.1) and the HBV testing history (aOR: 7.3, 95%CI: 1.6–32.7); positive attitude towards HCV was associated with the use of recreational substances (aOR: 3.1, 95%CI: 1.1-9.0).ConclusionsThe majority of Chinese MSM showed an inadequate knowledge of and negative attitude towards HCV irrespective of HIV infection status. More tailored education campaigns and multicomponent interventions are required to be targeted on MSM, and more researches are also needed to inform how best to address the negative attitudes of this population towards HCV.