Lloyd A Goldsamt

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The objective of this scoping review was to examine the range of published evidence on recruitment approaches and outcomes of US adolescents and young adults (AYA) ages (18–29 years) into human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–related behavioral research studies during the past 10 years. Recent Findings: Implementation of effective behavioral research strategies among HIV at-risk and infected AYA is key to ending the HIV epidemic and necessitates successful recruitment strategies. Summary: A comprehensive search was executed across four electronic databases. Of the 1697 identified studies, seven met inclusion criteria with six of these seven directed to HIV prevention. Most studies used online recruitment as part of a hybrid strategy, and combined field-based/in-person and online methods. Recruitment strategies and outcomes, resources and compensation, procedures for consent, and timelines varied among all seven studies. Our results highlight the need for development of recruitment models in alignment with behavioral strategies aimed to treat and prevent HIV among US AYA.

Abstract

Background: The dramatic increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among undergraduate students in China, especially among the male students, is alarming. This study aimed to describe sexual attitudes and behaviours and to examine the use of HIV prevention services and related factors among male undergraduate students in Hunan, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2017 to January 2018 among male students from three universities in Hunan, China. Self-administered questionnaires were uploaded online to collect data anonymously. HIV-related knowledge and sexual attitudes were assessed with the unified National AIDS Sentinel Surveillance Questionnaire and Sexual Attitude Scale, whereas sexual behaviours and use of HIV prevention services were examined with researcher-created questionnaires. HIV-related knowledge, sexual attitudes and behaviours, and use of HIV prevention services were described. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyse the factors associated with the use of HIV prevention education services. P values ≤0.05 were considered significant. Results: Of the 1431 respondents, 1068 (74.6%; 95% CI: 72.4-76.0%) used HIV prevention education services and 105 (7.3%) took HIV testing. The openness of sexual attitudes was moderate overall. About 299 (20.9%) of this sample had active sex partners, and 49 (16.4%) of them had sex with males. The consistent use of condoms was unsatisfactory among the sexually active students, especially among those with homosexual behaviours. Participants who were older in age (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.70-0.86), who were university seniors (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.70-0.91), who drank alcohol (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55-0.93), and who had open attitude towards paid sex (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54-0.95), were less likely to use HIV prevention education services. Conclusions: Although male undergraduate students show open attitude to premarital sex and engage in risky sexual behaviours, their use of HIV prevention education services is unsatisfactory, particularly in terms of HIV testing. More comprehensive and specific education on HIV prevention and testing services should be designed and offered on campus.

Abstract

Introduction: HIV epidemic is increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, yet HIV testing uptake remains low. As an emerging approach, HIV self-testing (HIVST) has the potential to promote HIV testing coverage and frequency in this population. However, evidence of the effectiveness on implementation of HIVST among Chinese MSM and their sexual partners is scarce. Methods and analysis: The randomised controlled trial will be performed in Changsha, Changde, Shaoyang and Yiyang, Hunan province, China, recruiting 184 recent testers (men who had at least one HIV test within the past 2 years) and 26 non-recent testers (men who did not have HIV tests within 2 years or never had an HIV test). Eligible men will be randomly divided 1:1 into two groups: intervention (with free HIVST kits plus site-based HIV testing services) and control (site-based HIV testing services only). Participants: in the intervention group will be provided with two free finger-prick-based HIVST kits, and can apply for two to four kits every 3 months for 1 year. Participants in both groups will complete questionnaires via WeChat at five separate times: baseline, third, sixth, ninth and twelfth month. The primary outcome is the mean number of HIV tests for MSM over the 12-month study period. The secondary outcome is the mean number of HIV tests for sexual partners of MSM over the 12-month study period. The tertiary outcomes are the self-reported proportion of consistent condom usage for anal sex, and the numbers of sexual partners during the 12-month study period. Ethics and dissemination: The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Behavioural and Nursing Research in Xiangya School of Nursing of Central South University, China (2018002). Study results will be disseminated through conferences and academic journals.

Abstract

Background: There is scarce research on male sex workers in the context of alcohol use. While heavy alcohol use has been established as a risk factor for HIV and STI infections among men who have sex with men (MSM), men who engage in sex work with other men, particularly from the Global South, have not been included in these studies. Moreover, studies among male sex workers in Asia often do not explore migration contexts of these men. Objectives: The objective of this exploratory study is to examine the prevalence and correlates of heavy alcohol use among migrant and non-migrant male sex workers in Bangkok and Pattaya, Central Thailand. Methods: Between August and October 2015, 18–24 year-old migrant and non-migrant male sex workers (n = 212) were recruited from various male sex work-identified venues (bars, clubs, massage parlors, and go-go bars) to take an interviewer-administered cross-sectional survey in Bangkok and Pattaya, Thailand. Measures were adapted from previous studies in similar populations and included structured questions across four domains, including demographic characteristics, alcohol use, stimulant use, and sexual behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the independent associations between heavy alcohol use (heavy versus not heavy) and demographic characteristics, stimulant use and sexual behavior. Results: Heavy alcohol use was prevalent among one-third of participants. Heavy alcohol use was positively associated with male sex workers who were non-migrant and Thai, currently using stimulants, having 15 or more male clients in the past month and having first consumed alcohol at age 15 years or younger. Conclusions: Current HIV prevention efforts should consider subpopulations of MSM, including male sex workers and migrants, as well as other risk behaviors like alcohol, as important contexts for HIV and STI risks.

Abstract

Male sex workers (MSWs) in Vietnam are at high risk for acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yet are extremely disengaged from the healthcare system. This contributes to large numbers of untreated or late-treated infections and increased secondary transmission. We enrolled 995 MSWs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in a Sexual Health Promotion intervention that included face-to-face delivery of seven content modules, a clinical examination and testing for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Onsite treatment was provided for STIs, and those who tested positive for HIV were referred to local treatment centers. While 64.6% of participants had never been to a health service and fewer than half (41.2%) had ever been tested for HIV, 67.1% returned for test results. This testing identified 109 (11.0%) participants who were HIV-positive and 312 (31.4%) who tested positive for at least one other STI. Substantive differences were seen in MSWs from different cities, with those from Hanoi more likely to have ever visited a health service (57.8% vs. 24.9%) and to have taken a prior HIV test (54.1% vs. 37.9%) than those in HCMC. Sexual health promotion is a promising approach to engaging MSWs in health services.

Abstract

Promoting HIV testing is an important strategy to end the HIV epidemic. HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased rapidly in China in recent years, but HIV testing rates are still low. Our cross-sectional study investigated HIV testing rates and analyzed associated factors in 565 MSM in Changsha between April and December 2014. In the previous year, 37.7% of participants had not been tested, 38.2% had had one test, and 24.1% had had two or more tests. Those who initiated sexual debut at an older age, had known someone infected with HIV, or had been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted illness (STI) were more likely to have had an HIV test. HIV intervention programs in China should focus on sexually active young MSM, integrate HIV testing and counseling services in STI clinics, and describe real experiences of living with HIV to improve HIV testing in MSM.

Abstract

Background: This article reports on the first implementation of an online opioid-overdose prevention, recognition and response training for laypeople. The training was disseminated nationally in November 2014. Between 2000 and 2014, U.S. opioid deaths increased by 200%. The importance of complementary approaches to reduce opioid overdose deaths, such as online training, cannot be overstated. Objectives: A retrospective evaluation was conducted to assess perceived knowledge, skills to intervene in an overdose, confidence to intervene, and satisfaction with the training. Measurements: Descriptive statistics were used to report sample characteristics, compare experiences with overdose and/or naloxone between subgroups, and describe participants’ satisfaction with the trainings. Z-ratios were used to compare independent proportions, and paired t-tests were used to compare participant responses to items pre- and posttraining, including perceived confidence to intervene and perceived knowledge and skills to intervene successfully. Results: Between January and October 2015, 2,450 laypeople took the online training; 1,464 (59.8%) agreed to be contacted. Of these, 311 (21.2% of those contacted) completed the survey. Over 80% reported high satisfaction with content, format and mode of delivery and high satisfaction with items related to confidence and overdose reversal preparedness. Notably, 89.0% of participants felt they had the knowledge and skills to intervene successfully posttraining compared to 20.3% pretraining (z = −17.2, p <.001). Similarly, posttraining, 87.8% of participants felt confident they could successfully intervene compared to 24.4% pretraining (z = −15.9, p <.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the GetNaloxoneNow.org online training for laypeople.

Abstract

Young male sex workers (YMSWs) in Vietnam have high rates of HIV and STIs, yet have poor access to health care due to low knowledge, stigma, and economic constraints. In the process of implementing a Sexual Health Promotion intervention to engage YMSWs in Ho Chi Minh City in health care, we identified a unique sex work venue, known as a “Shared House,” in which YMSWs provide sex under the direction of a manager who negotiates the terms of the transaction directly with the client. Survey data reveal that compared with YMSWs recruited in other locations, those interviewed in Shared Houses reported lower levels of substance use, less contact with the police, and fewer nights spent sleeping in public places. However, observational data and informal interviews with YMSWs in Shared Houses revealed that the majority were trafficked through third-party brokers who connect youth with Shared House managers for the explicit purpose of sex work. These YMSWs had little or no control over their sex-work transactions and very low levels of knowledge regarding transmission of HIV and STIs. Further research is needed in these and other venues in which young men are trafficked for sex work.

Abstract

Background This article reports on the first web-based implementation of an opioid-overdose prevention, recognition and response training for professional first responders. The training was disseminated nationally over one listserv in November 2014. The same year, following Act 139, which mandated the provision of an online training for police officers in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Health approved the training. It was subsequently adopted as the primary training tool for police and other first responders in Pennsylvania and has been used as a training tool by first responders nationally. Methods Analyses employed descriptive statistics to report characteristics of a sample of 387 professional first responders who completed a survey about their experience with the online training. Z-ratios were used to compare independent proportions related to overdose, naloxone, and satisfaction with the training between key subgroups, and paired t-tests were used to compare participant responses to a range of items pre- and post-participation in the training. Results Between January–October 2015, 4804 first responders took the training; 1697 (35.3%) agreed to be contacted; of these, 387 (22.8%) completed a survey about the training and subsequent overdose response experiences. The majority (86.4%) were from Pennsylvania, with police representing over half of the sample. Analysis of the post-training survey indicates high satisfaction with content, format and mode of delivery, and high satisfaction with items related to confidence and overdose reversal preparedness. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of implementing online training for first responders in overdose prevention, recognition and response.

Abstract

Little is known about the age of onset of sexual and drug risk and their association with complex patterns of recent drug use among male sex workers (MSW) in a developing country, such as Vietnam. The aim of this study was to determine whether latent class analysis (LCA) would aid in the detection of current individual and polydrug use combinations to predict how different trajectories of sexual and drug initiation contribute to different patterns of current illicit drug use. Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey administered to young MSWs between 2010 and 2011 in Vietnam (N = 710). LCA clustered participants into recent drug use groups, incorporating both the specific types and overall count of different drugs used. Men reported drug use within a 1 month period from an 11-item drug use list. LCA identified three distinct drug use classes: (1) alcohol use, (2) alcohol and tobacco use, and (3) high polydrug use. The current drug use classes are associated with sex worker status, housing stability, income level, educational attainment, marital status, sexual identity, and sexual preferences. High levels of drug use are strongly associated with being a recent sex worker, not having recent stable housing, higher than median income, more than a high school education, less likely to be currently in school and more likely to have non-homosexual preferences and heterosexual partners. An event history analysis approach (time-event displays) examined the timing of the age of onset of drug and sexual risks. Early ages of drug and sexual initiation are seen for all three classes. High current drug users show earlier onset of these risks, which are significantly delayed for moderate and low current drug users. LCA incorporating an overall count of different drugs detected three distinct current drug use classes. The data illustrates that the complexity of drug factors that must be accounted for, both in advancing our epidemiological understanding of the complexity of drug use and the use of drug and sexual risk initiation data to predict current drug use subtypes among high-risk populations.