Challenges and impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on men that have sex with men in accessing healthcare services in Nigeria

Background: Men with sex with men (MSM) may face obstacles in accessing culturally competent and quality healthcare services since current medical practice does not often promote discussing sexual habits. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has further affected this group. This study assessed the impacts of COVID-19 and the general challenges of MSM in Benue State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study was a quantitative cross-sectional survey conducted across three geopolitical zones of Benue State using a multistage cluster sampling method to collect data from MSM. The data collected were analyzed using IBM-Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) version 25.0 for Windows IBM Corp., Armonk, New York. Result: More than half (59.2%) of respondents said they were not denied healthcare services, and 78.4% were not afraid to seek them. Most (88%) were comfortable seeking medical help, and 61.6% did not experience stigmatization from healthcare providers. Many (68.0%) were not exposed to violence after sharing their status with healthcare providers. About half (50.4%) said COVID-19 did not affect their general quality of life. Over half (51.2%) said there was a decline in access to resources like food and money during the pandemic, 49.6% experienced difficulties accessing HIV testing, and 52.0% could not access PrEP. More than half (53.6%) reported challenges getting viral load or other laboratory tests, but 57.5% had no trouble getting HIV medication prescriptions. Conclusion: The Federal Government, and the Ministry of Health, Nigeria, should support intervention programs, peer educators, and outreach workers providing services to MSM

Sexual Practice and Perception of HIV/AIDS And Health Seeking Behaviour Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hyderabad

Introduction: The Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) are a vulnerable population and need special at-tention in fight against the HIV/AIDS. The HIV trend has been an increasing trend among MSM. Methodology: It’s a facility based cross sectional study undertaken in the Targeted Intervention sites in Hyderabad, Telangana. A total of 300 Men who have Sex with Men who are above 18 years of age and registered were included. All the MSM visiting the TI centers during the study period were interviewed by using a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi structured and pre-coded proforma. Results: Majority of participants 119(39.66%) had their first sexual encounter at the age of 15-17 years. 130(43.33%) visited the Target Intervention centers 1-2 times during the last month. About half of the participants i.e., 141(47.00%) belongs to Kothi Group and most of the MSM i.e., 198(66.00%) used con-dom during the sex with male last time. Conclusions: Stigma and cultural intolerance of same-sex relations are often largely to blame for rising epidemics, and until these issues are addressed it will be difficult to make headway in reducing HIV in-fection levels among MSM - which, in turn, will hinder the wider global efforts to manage HIV and AIDS.

Eficacia de un programa para disminuir conductas sexuales de riesgo en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres / Efficacy of a program to reduce sexual risk behaviors in men who have sex with men

Resumen Antecedentes: las infecciones de transmisión sexual son un problema de salud pública y los programas para reducir su contagio se abordan mayoritariamente por el enfoque de riesgos y no desde una intervención integral. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia del programa de intervención biográfico profesional con técnicas cognitivas conductuales para disminuir las conductas sexuales de riesgo en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). Método: se aplicó un diseño cuasi experimental con pretest y postest de dos bloques. El primer bloque se conformó por HSH con alguna infección de transmisión sexual (ITS), 9 en el grupo experimental y 8 en el de control; mientras que, en el segundo bloque, los HSH no presentaron ITS y hubo 11 en ambos grupos. Los participantes respondieron a una escala ad-hoc, cuya validez y confiabilidad fueron evaluadas previamente. Resultados: existen diferencias entre el pretest y postest del grupo experimental y de control, con un tamaño de efecto grande, a favor del grupo experimental. Conclusiones: el programa reduce las conductas sexuales de riesgo en HSH; sin embargo, en quienes padecen alguna ITS, las conductas disminuyeron, sin extinguirse.

Abstract Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a public health problem and the programs to reduce their transmission are mostly addressed from the risk approach and not from a comprehensive intervention. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a biographical-professional intervention program with cognitive behavioral techniques to reduce sexual risk behaviors in men who have sex with men (MSM). Method: A two-group pretest-posttest quasi- experimental design was used in the research. The first group consisted of MSM with an STD, nine of whom were in the experimental group and eight in the control group, whereas the second group consisted of MSM with no STD distributed into two groups of 11 men each. The participants answered the questions of an ad hoc scale, whose validity and reliability were previously evaluated. Results: Differences between the experimental and control groups' pretests and posttests were found, with the experimental group showing a large effect size. Conclusions: The program reduces sexual risk behaviors in MSM; however, in those who suffer from any STD, such behaviors decreased but did not disappear.

Genetic characteristics of human pegivirus-1 (HPgV-1) in HIV-1-infected MSM in Zhuhai and the influence of HPgV-1 genotypes on the course of AIDS / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To analyze the prevalence and genotypes of human pegivirus-1 (HPgV-1) among HIV-1-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in Zhuhai, aiming to elucidate the impact of HPgV-1 on the progression of AIDS.Methods:This study collected 934 serum specimens positive for antibodies against HIV-1 for viral RNA extraction from MSM in Zhuhai from 2012 to 2020. HPgV-1 5′UTR was amplified by nested PCR and then E gene was amplified by nested PCR and sequenced in the 5′UTR-positive specimens. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to analyze genotype distribution. The influence of HPgV-1 infection on the progression of AIDS was evaluated through analyzing HIV-1 viral load and CD4 + cell counts in patients in the early stage of AIDS before antiviral treatment. Results:The positive rate of HPgV-1 in MSM with HIV-1 infection in Zhuhai was 31.05%. A total of 273 valid sequences were obtained after amplification. The main genotype of HPgV-1 was G3 (252, 92.31%), which was highly homologous to the epidemic strains in China and Japan in recent years, followed G2 (21, 7.69%), which was highly homologous to the epidemic strains in France and America. HPgV-1 strains of G1, G4, G5, G6 and G7 genotypes were not detected. There was no significant difference in HIV-1 virus load or CD4 + cell counts between patients with HIV-1 infection alone and those with HIV-1 and HPgV-1 (G3 or G2 genotype) co-infection. Conclusions:According to the data of this study, HPgV-1 infection could not delay the progression of AIDS in MSM in the early stage of AIDS before antiviral therapy. The widespread HPgV-1 of G3 genotype in China did not have a significant impact on the progression of AIDS. Therefore, a systematic in-depth research on various genotypes of HPgV-1 and further study on the pathogenic mechanism of HPgV-1, especially in patients with HPgV-1 and HIV co-infection, were needed to understanding the interaction mechanism between different genotypes of HPgV-1 and HIV-1.

Aceptabilidad a usar profilaxis pre-exposición para VIH en hombres gay y otros hombres que tienen sexo con hombres: indagación en LAMIS 2018 Chile / Acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among gay men and other men who have sex with men: analysis of LAMIS 2018-Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: Chile enfrenta una reemergencia de la epidemia del VIH concentrada en hombres gay y otros HSH. La profilaxis pre exposición (PrEP) es una intervención biomédica que ha resultado ser efectiva en la prevención del VIH en el grupo de HSH. OBJETIVO: Estimar niveles de aceptabilidad del uso de PrEP en hombres gay y otros HSH participantes en estudio LAMIS 2018 - Chile, identificando características y factores asociados a la aceptabilidad del uso de PrEP. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio basado en datos de LAMIS-2018 Chile, encuesta transversal por internet dirigida a hombres gay, bisexual, trans y otros HSH. La submuestra de este estudio consiste en 3.976 participantes que se auto-reportaron ser VIH negativos o desconocer su estado serológico, quienes respondieron preguntas sociodemográficas, de comportamiento, sobre su aceptabilidad a usar PrEP y otros aspectos relacionados. Se realizó análisis bivariados y regresión logística multivariable para identificar los factores asociados a la aceptabilidad a usar PrEP. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIÓN: Se identificó que 55,7% de la muestra reportó una alta aceptabilidad a usar la PrEP. La regresión logística multivariable mostró que tener relaciones sexuales sin condón (ORa = 1,67, IC 95% 1,42-1,97) y haber intentado usar PrEP (ORa = 1,99, IC 95% 1,41-1, 62) se asociaron positivamente a la aceptabilidad a usar PrEP mientras que tener una relación con pareja estable, se asoció negativamente. Se identificó una aceptabilidad a usar la PrEP relativamente alta en los participantes. No obstante, se hace necesario considerar intervenciones relacionada a aumentar el conocimiento y promover la demanda de la PrEP. Además, el presente estudio muestra la necesidad de considerar la participación de las organizaciones de la sociedad civil en su implementación, fenómenos emergentes y la pertinencia territorial.

BACKGROUND: Chile is facing a re-emergence of the HIV epidemic, concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a biomedical intervention that effectively prevents HIV transmission among MSM. AIM: The study was designed to estimate acceptability of PrEP and identify factors associated with PrEP-related attitudes and behaviors among MSM using LAMIS 2018 - Chile study data. Methods: Data were taken from the LAMIS 2018 - Chile study, a cross-sectional study of gay, bisexual, transgender, and other MSM. Our subsample included 3976 participants with self-reported HIV-negative or unknown status who responded to sociodemographic questions and items related to PrEP. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with acceptability of PrEP. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 55.7% of the sample reported high PrEP acceptability. Logistic regression indicated that engaging in sex without a condom (ORa = 1.67, IC 95% 1.42-1.97) and having previously used PrEP (ORa = 1.99, IC 95% 1.41-1.62) were associated with high acceptability to use PrEP, while having a stable partner was associated with low acceptability. The estimate of PrEP acceptability was relatively high among participants. However, interventions to increase awareness and promote demand for PrEP may be beneficial. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the need for non-governmental organizations to participate in such strategies and for measures that address regionally-relevant emerging phenomena.

Utilization of facility-based HIV testing and associated factors among men who have sex with men in Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective:To determine the prevalence of facility-based HIV testing and its associated factors among men who have sex with men （MSM） in Shanghai. Methods:From June 2018 to December 2020， MSM were recruited by a community organization “Shanghai CSW&MSM Center （SCMC）”. A total of 3 251 MSM were included as follows： being 18 years old and above， being HIV-negative or with unknown HIV status， living in Shanghai， had homosexual behavior in the past year， and completed informed consent. Using a self-designed questionnaire， we performed an online survey powered by www.wjx.cn to collect information on demographics， sexual behavior， and facility-based HIV testing. A total of 3 240 valid questionnaires were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the factors associated with facility-based HIV testing. Results:A total of 3 240 MSM participated in the study with mean age of （29.7±6.2） years .The prevalence of facility-based HIV testing was 63.2% （2 049/3 240）， Multivariate logistic regression showed that the participants with a college degree or above were less likely to have facility-based HIV testing（OR=0.73，P=0.008）， compared to those with lower educational background. The proportion of the MSM who sought sexual partners through the internet received facility-based testing was 68.7%. Compared to the participants with the sexual role being 0 （only be penetrated）， those being 0.5 （both penetrated and be penetrated） and 1 （only penetrated） were both more likely to have the HIV testing （both P<0.05）. Those who used condoms during the last homosexual behavior were more likely to be tested than those who did not （OR=1.39， P=0.001）. Those who had been diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases were more likely to be tested than those who did not （OR=2.05， P<0.001）. The participants who had used HIV self-testing kits in the past were more likely to be tested than those who did not （OR=2.31， P<0.001）. Conclusion:MSM in Shanghai have lower utilization of facility-based HIV testing， which may be improved by strengthening the advocacy of facility-based HIV testing services through the internet and peer education， and innovating service models.

HIV testing and HIV knowledge among men who have sex with men in Natal, Northeast Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the highest prevalence of HIV in Brazil. HIV testing allows to implement preventive measures, reduces transmission, morbidity, and mortality. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate HIV testing during lifetime, factors associated with the decision to test, knowledge about HIV transmission, and use of condoms between MSM from the city of Natal, northeast Brazil. Results: Out of 99 participants, 62.6% had been tested for HIV during lifetime, 46.2% in the last year. The most frequent reported reason to be tested for HIV infection was curiosity (35.5%). Correct knowledge about HIV was observed in only 9.2% of participants. In multivariate analysis, age (PR 0.95; 95%CI, 0.91-0.99; p = 0.041) and previous syphilis test (PR 4.21; 95%CI, 1.52-11.70; p = 0.006) were associated with HIV testing. Conclusions: The frequency of HIV testing among MSM from Natal is rather low, especially in younger MSM, and knowledge about HIV transmission is inappropriate.

Vulnerabilidade programática e cuidado público: Panorama das políticas de prevenção do HIV e da Aids voltadas para gays e outros HSH no Brasil / Programmatic vulnerability and public care: Overview of HIV and Aids prevention policies for gay and other MSM in Brazil / Vulnerabilidad programática y cuidad público: Panorama de las políticas de prevención de VIH y Sida enfocadas en gays y otros HSH en Brasil

Resumo: O recrudescimento da epidemia de HIV entre gays e outros homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) é revelador de limitações ou fracasso nas políticas de prevenção direcionadas a este grupo. Com base nas abordagens teóricas da vulnerabilidade e do Cuidado, analisamos o panorama das políticas de prevenção do HIV/aids voltados a gays e outros HSH, recorrendo a documentos nacionais que fundamentam políticas de prevenção do HIV/aids e a documentos produzidos por organizações não governamentais e pelas Conferências Nacionais LGBT. Identificamos, nos documentos analisados, três leituras acerca das políticas de prevenção: a) epidemiológica; b) da responsabilidade preventiva; c) baseada nos direitos humanos e na vulnerabilidade. A disputa, a negação e a hegemonia de cada uma dessas perspectivas nos diferentes momentos permitem compreender parte dos desafios e das barreiras enfrentados na prevenção do HIV e da aids entre gays e outros HSH. A análise efetivada mostra mudanças na intensidade e na qualidade do diálogo socioestatal. A frágil formalização e a abrangência restrita dos documentos destacam-se como limitações na efetuação de uma abordagem de prevenção efetivamente fundamentada na vulnerabilidade e nos direitos humanos, bem como na incorporação da perspectiva do Cuidado público. Reiteramos a importância do diálogo qualificado com os sujeitos implicados nas políticas para audição de suas necessidades, de seus anseios e críticas.

Abstract: The resurgence of the HIV epidemic among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) is indicative of limitations or failures in prevention policies directed to this group. Based on the theoretical approaches of vulnerability and Care, we analyze the panorama of HIV/AIDS prevention policies for gays and other MSM in Brazil using national documents that support prevention policies of HIV/AIDS and documents produced by nongovernmental organizations and by the LGBT National Conferences. We identified, in the documents analyzed, three readings that support prevention policies: a) epidemiological; b) preventive responsibility; c) based on human rights and vulnerability. The dispute, denial and hegemony of each of these perspectives at different times allows us to understand some of the challenges and barriers faced in preventing HIV and AIDS among gays and other MSM. Our analysis shows changes in the intensity and quality of the dialogue between state and society. The fragile formalization and restricted scope of the documents stand out as limitations in the effectuation of a prevention approach based on vulnerability and human rights, as well as the incorporation of the Public Care perspective. We reiterate the importance of a qualified dialogue with the individuals involved in the policies to hear their needs, aspirations and critics.

Resumen: El recrudecimiento de la epidemia de VIH entre gays y otros hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) revela limitaciones o fracasos de las políticas de prevención dirigidas a ese grupo. Con base en los enfoques teóricos de la vulnerabilidad y del Cuidado, analizamos el panorama de las políticas de prevención del VIH / Sida dirigidas a gays y otros HSH, recurriendo a documentos nacionales que fundamentan políticas de prevención del VIH / Sida y documentos producidos por organizaciones no- gubernamentales y las Conferencias Nacionales LGBT. Identificamos, en los documentos analizados, tres lecturas acerca de las políticas de prevención: a) epidemiológica; b) de la responsabilidad preventiva; c) basada en los derechos humanos y la vulnerabilidad. La disputa, la negación y la hegemonía de cada una de esas perspectivas en los diferentes momentos permiten comprender parte de los desafíos y barreras enfrentados en la prevención del VIH y del Sida entre gays y otros HSH. El análisis efectuado muestra cambios en la intensidad y la calidad del diálogo socio-estatal. La frágil formalización y el alcance restringido de los documentos se destacan como limitaciones en la realización de un abordaje de prevención efectivamente fundamentado en la vulnerabilidad y los derechos humanos, así como a la incorporación de la perspectiva del Cuidado público. Reiteramos la importancia del diálogo calificado con los sujetos implicados en las políticas para la audición de sus necesidades, anhelos y críticas.

Characteristics of sexual partner network and high-risk sex behaviors among men who have sex with men / 上海预防医学

[Objective]To ascertain characteristics of sexual partner network and high-risk sex behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) , providing references for intervention of high risk behavior in MSM. [Methods] Face-to-face questionnaire interview was conducted among MSM recruited by voluntary counseling and testing clinics, peer mobilization, internet mobilization, outreach intervention, and so on.Descriptive statistics, χ2test, logistic regression analysis were applied for statistical analysis. [Results]A total of 334 MSM was investigated. Over the past 6 months, proportion of female partners, fixed male partners, multiple male partners, occasional and business male partners was 37.13％, 43.11％, 52.69％, 56.29％, and 4.19％ respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that respondents who were married, less educated, non-Shanghai domicile, and non-homosexual had more female partners in proportion, those with high income and homosexuality had more fixed male partners in proportion, and those who were married, non-Shanghai domicile had more multiple or occasional male partners in proportion. In the past 6 months, MSM who had unprotected sexual behaviors with female partners, fixed male partners, multiple or occasional male partners accounted for 75.21％, 65.97％, 59.66％, and 48.40％respectively. And analysis showed that respondents had more high-risk sexual behaviors with multiple male partners with their age increasing. [Conclusion] Sexual partner network of MSM is complex. MSM has a variety of sexual partners. Multiple sexual partners and unprotected sexual behaviors exist extensively among MSM. Related factor of sexual behaviors with multiple sexual partners is age.

Review of high-risk sexual behaviors in men who have sex with men: influencing factors and theoretical models / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

The disproportionately high prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with the prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), which has been the predominant high-risk behavior of HIV acquisition and transmission. MSM have become a target population for HIV prevention. The aspects affecting the high-risk sexual behaviors of MSM mainly include personal factors, environmental factors, and social psychological factors. Currently widely applied models of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) behavioral intervention include KABP (knowledge, attitude, belief, and practice) model, health belief model, theory of reasoned action, social network theory, and so on. These theories provide a reference for studying various influential factors and elaborating the occurrence of high-risk sexual behaviors of MSM. Exploring and building the comprehensive model and integrating the influencing factors of high-risk sexual behaviors of MSM can help us to predict their ultimate actions in the future. Similarly, it will also provide ideas for the further preventions and interventions in MSM.

Características relacionadas en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) con diagnóstico positivo de VIH en Cali-Colombia, 2012-2015 / Related Characteristics in men who have sex with men (MSM) that have an HIV+ Diagnostic in Cali Colombia, 2012-2015 / Características relacionadas em homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) com diagnose positivo de VIH em Cali-Colômbia, 2012-2015

Resumen En Colombia la toma voluntaria de pruebas para VIH en poblaciones de mayor riesgo oscila entre 20% y 50%. El conocimiento de características en personas recién diagnosticadas podría direccionar estrategias para tamizaje y educación. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de VIH+ y su relación con factores sociodemográficos, conocimientos y comportamientos en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). Metodología: entre 2012 y 2015 se hizo en Cali-Colombia un estudio descriptivo mediante tamizaje para VIH con participación voluntaria de 503 HSH mayores de 18 años. Previo consentimiento informado se usó cuestionario estructurado y prueba rápida para VIH. Se hicieron análisis descriptivos, de comparación de grupos según diagnóstico de VIH y regresión logística multivariada. Resultados: edad promedio 27,3±8,9 años. El 63% tuvo prueba previa de VIH; frecuencia de VIH+ 13,9% I.C95%(10,9%-17%). Se observó mayor frecuencia de diagnóstico VIH+ en >25 años (OR=3,1; IC95%[1,5-6,6]), con escolaridad media (OR=2,8; IC95%[1,3-6.0]), consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (OR=2,0; IC95%[1,0-4,1]), tatuajes/piercing (OR=2,4; IC95%[1,1-5]), antecedente de infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) (OR=2,6; IC95%[1,3-5,4]) y en quienes se creían en riesgo (OR=3,2; IC95%[1,5-6,9]). Conclusión: los resultados sugieren características que pueden direccionar la búsqueda de VIH en personas con factores de riesgo adicionales a su vulnerabilidad por prácticas sexuales.

Abstract In Colombia, voluntary HIV testing in high-risk populations ranges from 20% to 50%. Knowing the characteristics of people who have recently been diagnosed could direct screening and education strategies. Objective: to determine the hiv+ frequency and its relation with social demographic factors, knowledge, and behavior in men who have sex with men (msm). Methodology: From 2012 to 2015, a descriptive study was conducted in Cali Colombia using HIV screening with the participation of 503 MSM over 18 years of age. Prior informed consent, we used a structured questionnaire and a quick HIV test. The study conducted descriptive analyses comparing groups depending on their HIV diagnosis and used multivariate logistic regression. Results: Average age 27.3±8.9 years old. Sixty/three percent had been previously tested for HIV; HIV positive frequency was 13.9%, 95% CI (10.9%-17.0%). There was a higher frequency of HIV positive diagnostic in people >25 (OR=3.1; 95% CI ); with mid-school education (OR=2.8, 95% CI ); use of psychoactive substances (OR=2.0; CI 95%); tattoos/piercings (OR=2.4; , 95% CI ); history of STIs (OR=2.6; , 95% CI ); and those who believed they were at risk (OR=3.2; , 95% CI ). Conclusions: The results of the study suggest characteristics that could lead an HIV search in people who have risk factors in addition to their vulnerability because of their sexual practices.

Resumo Na Colômbia a toma voluntária de provas para VIH em populações de major risco varía entre 20% e 50%. O conhecimento de características em pessoas recém diagnosticadas poderia direcionar estratégias para tamisado e educação. Objetivo: determiar a frequência de vih+ e a sua relação com fatores sócio demográficos, conhecimentos e comportamentos em homens que praticam sexo com outros homens (hsh). Metodologia: Entre 2012 e 2015 se realizou em Cali-Colômbia um estudo descritivo mediante tamisado para VIH com participação voluntaria de 503 HSH majores de 18 anos. Prévio consentimento informado se usou questionário estruturado e prova rápida para VIH. Se fizeram análises descritivos, de comparação de grupos segundo diagnose de VIH e regressão logística multivariada. Resultados: Idade termo médio 27.3±8.9 anos. O 63% teve prova prévia de VIH; frequência de VIH+ 13.9% I.C95%(10.9%-17.0%). Se observou major frequência de diagnose VIH+ em >25 anos (OR=3.1; IC95%), com escolaridade media (OR=2.8; IC95%), consumo de sustâncias psicoativas (OR=2.0; IC95%), tatuagens/piercing (OR=2.4; IC95%), antecedente de infecções de transmissão sexual (ITS) (OR=2.6; IC95%) e daqueles que se creiam em risco (OR=3.2; IC95%). Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem características que podem direcionar a busca de VIH em pessoas com fatores de risco adicionais a sua vulnerabilidade por práticas sexuais.

Detección de Chlamydia trachomatis en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres en Bogotá: un estudio piloto / Detection of chlamydia trachomatis in men that have sex with men in Bogotá: a pilot study

Objetivo. Optimizar una técnica PCR que permita evaluar la presencia de C. trachomatis en hisopados anorrectales provenientes de HSH. En Colombia se notifican anualmente más de 70.000 casos nuevos de ITS, de los cuales se estima que aproximadamente el 9.3% corresponde a uretritis entre las que se encuentran las causadas por C. trachomatis. Métodos. Uno de los problemas en el método de detección de C. trachomatis por PCR en muestras de hisopado anorrectal es la extracción de ADN, el uso de equipos automatizados dispuestos en el mercado resulta costoso y en muchos de los casos no están disponibles en el laboratorio clínico de rutina. En este estudio se realizó una PCR para detección de C. trachomatis, estableciendo un protocolo para la toma de muestra y extracción de ADN a partir de hisopos anorrectales. Resultados. Se procesaron 27 muestras correspondientes a HSH voluntarios pertenecientes al Grupo de apoyo y estudio de la Diversidad Sexual (GAEDS) de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Se encontraron 5 muestras positivas para C. trachomatis en hombres sintomáticos y asintomáticos relacionado con el riesgo de adquirir infección por sus prácticas sexuales.

Objective. optimize a PCR technique to evaluate the presence of C. trachomatis in anorectal swabs from MSM. In Colombia there are reported each year more than 70,000 new cases of STIs, of which it is estimated that approximately 9.3% is urethritis among which are those caused by C. trachomatis. Methods. DNA extraction is one of the problems in the method of detecting C. trachomatis by PCR anorectal swab samples. Besides, the use of automated equipment arranged on the market is expensive and in many cases the samples are not available in the clinical laboratory routine. In this study it was performed PCR for detection of C. trachomatis protocol establishing the sampling and DNA extraction from anorectal swabs. Results. 27 samples were processed corresponding HSH volunteers belonging to the Support group and study of Sexual Diversity (GAEDS) of the National University of Colombia. 5 samples positive for C. trachomatis associated with both symptomatic and asymptomatic men at high risk of acquiring infection because of their sexual practices were found.

Relationship of personality traits,self-esteem and social support between men who have sex with men (MSM) / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To understand the relationship of personality characteristics,self-esteem and social sup-port between men who have sex with men (MSM).Methods:Totally 402 cases aged 18-77 years were selected by snowball sampling method in Mianyang City and evaluated with the Chinese version of Eysenck Personality Ques-tionnaire short form scale (EPQ-RSC),Self-Esteem Scale (SES)and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS).Re-sults:Objective support score was negatively correlated with psychoticism and neuroticism score (standard β=-0.18,-0.28),and positively correlated with introversion-extroversion score (standard β=0.14).Subjective sup-port score was negatively correlated with introversion-extroversion score (standard β=-0.15),and positively cor-related with lie score (standard β=0.22).The utilization degree of social support score was negatively correlated with psychoticism and neuroticism score (standard β=0.16,0.15),and positively correlated with lie score (stand-ard β=-0.15).Self-esteem score was negatively correlated with psychoticism and neuroticism score (standard β=0.10,0.21),and positively correlated with the utilization degree of social support score (standard β=-0.26). Conclusion:The relationships of personality,self-esteem and social support in MSM may be close.

Prevalence rates of depression and anxiety in HIV-infected men who have sex with men / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To know about the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety and its related factors a-mong human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM)in China.Methods:Under the help of MSM group,totally 600 HIV-infected MSM were recruited by snowballing sample among HIV-positive MSM,and 541 effective electronic questionnaire were received.Participants completed self-made question-naire of HIV-positive MSM healthy condition which included social demographic and health behavior et al.The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale(CES-D)and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS)were used to survey the condition of depression (CES-D score ≥16)and anxiety (SAS score ≥50)respectively.Results:The percentage of having depression and anxiety symptoms was 44.7% (242 /541)and 25.1% (136 /541)respective-ly.Multiple unconditioned logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of having depressive symptoms included considered suicide in the past year (OR =3.31,95%CI:1.73 -5.34),nondisclosure their HIV infection to male primary sexual partners (OR =0.47,95%CI:0.30 -0.73),discrimination experience (OR =1.19,95%CI:1.11 -1.29).Compared with monthly income of 1500 yuan or less,participants who earned >5000 yuan monthly were less likely to have depressive symptoms (OR =0.34,95%CI:0.17 -0.71).Factors associated with anxiety symp-toms included considered suicide in the past year (OR =2.43,95%CI:1.40 -4.21),accepted antiviral therapy (OR=1.74,95%CI:1.06 ~2.84),discrimination experience (OR =1.12,95%CI:1.05 ~1.20).Participants earned >5000 yuan monthly (OR =0.44,95%CI:0.20 ~0.94)could decrease the risk of having anxiety symptom compared with whose monthly income of 1500 yuan or less.Conclusion:The prevalence rate of depression and anxiety symp-tom among HIV-infected MSM is high and need more attention.It may be helpful to call for the strategy of promo-ting mental health on decreasing social discrimination,communicating with sexual partners,and improving their eco-nomic status.

Analysis on the genetic characteristics of HIV-1 infected MSM individuals in Zhejiang province / 预防医学

Objective To analyze the subtypes and characteristics of HIV-1 among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Zhejiang province from the year 2004 to 2011.Methods Blood DNA/RNA was extracted from the MSM HIV -1 infected individuals and then HIV-1 gag and pol fragments were amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR)or RT-PCR.The positive PCR products were sequenced and the obtained sequences were analyzed by phylogenetic inference.Results A total of 117 HIV-1 infected MSMindividuals were analyzed,covering 21 provinces according to their household registry.Totally,three major strains were identified including CRF01_AE (84.62%,n =99 ),B (5.98%,n=7)and CRF07_BC (5.13%,n=6). Moreover,3 novel 01B recombinant stains,1 CRF59_01B and 1 CRF08_BC were found.According to the neighbor-joining tree by pol fragments,there were more than 30 sub clusters with bootstrap value higher than 70% among the 84 CRF01_AE sequences.Conclusion CRF01_AE is the major HIV-1 infection strain among MSMin Zhejiang province.CRF59_01B and other novel 01B recombinant stains are first reported among MSM individuals in Zhejiang province.

The impact of different markers regarding the estimation of population size under capture-recapture method on men who have sex with men / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To discuss the impact of different markers on the estimation of MSM using the capture-recapture method.Methods From March to July 2013,MSM were captured from the their related network to estimate the site of this population,under the capture-recapture method.Two different markers were set in the process of first ‘capture'.Results The estimated numbers of MSM in Beijing were 239 258 (95％CI:48 932-429 584) and 115 731 (95％CI:78 153-153 309) when using the two markers under capture-recapture method.Conclusion The estimated size of MSM population varied greatly under different markers which called for the right selection on markers when using the capture-recapture method to estimate the size of specific population.

An Asian perspective on HIV/AIDS

Almost 5 million Asians are currently living with HIV. Without good prevention efforts, HIV prevalence in the region could double by 2020. AIDS is estimated to be the largest cause of death and morbidity due to disease for Asian adults aged between 15 and 44 years. HIV transmission in Asia is driven by three high risk behaviours, and these are unprotected commercial sex, injecting drug use and unprotected sex between men. Approximately three quarters of the people living with HIV in Asia are men, and in many countries, the men who buy sex are a powerful driving force in Asia’s HIV epidemics. These men and others exhibiting high risk behaviours can transmit HIV to their female sexual partners, who can in turn pass HIV onto their unborn or newly born children through mother to child transmission of HIV. Regionally relevant, effective prevention programmes now provide good evidence for changing the course of HIV epidemics: Thailand and Cambodia have demonstrated that even in the face of a severe epidemic, targeted interventions are successful if implemented both with high coverage and intensity. Some countries in the region have seemingly been protected to date, but risk serious epidemics if prevention services are denied to those who need them. When designing intervention strategies, it is important to consider the social, political and cultural contexts which shape risk behaviours in any particular country, so that appropriate and effective prevention strategies can be implemented. The provision of effective antiretroviral treatment must be seen as a complimentary strategy to other behavioural and risk reduction interventions. Commitment and integrated action by country leaders, health care providers and all sectors of the community are essential so that effective prevention and treatment programmes can become a reality for all Asian countries.