Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
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Query Trace: Sullivan PS[original query] |
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Equity of PrEP uptake by race, ethnicity, sex and region in the United States in the first decade of PrEP: a population-based analysis
Sullivan PS , DuBose SN , Castel AD , Hoover KW , Juhasz M , Guest JL , Le G , Whitby S , Siegler AJ . Lancet Reg Health Am 2024 33 100738 BACKGROUND: PrEP was approved for HIV prevention in the US in 2012; uptake has been slow. We describe relative equity with the PrEP Equity Ratio (PER), a ratio of PrEP-to-Need Ratios (PnRs). METHODS: We used commercial pharmacy data to enumerate PrEP users by race and ethnicity, sex, and US Census region from 2012 to 2021. We report annual race and ethnicity-, sex-, and region-specific rates of PrEP use and PnR, a metric of PrEP equity, to assess trends. FINDINGS: PrEP use increased for Black, Hispanic and White Americans from 2012 to 2021. By 2021, the rate of PrEP use per population was similar in Black and White populations but slightly lower among Hispanic populations. PnR increased from 2012 to 2021 for all races and ethnicities and regions; levels of PrEP use were inconsistent across regions and highly inequitable by race, ethnicity, and sex. In all regions, PnR was highest for White and lowest for Black people. Inequity in PrEP use by race and ethnicity, as measured by the PER, grew early after availability of PrEP and persisted at a level substantially below equitable PrEP use. INTERPRETATION: From 2012 to 2021, PrEP use increased among Americans, but PrEP equity for Black and Hispanic Americans decreased. The US South lagged all regions in equitable PrEP use. Improved equity in PrEP use will be not only just, but also impactful on the US HIV epidemic; persons most at-risk of acquiring HIV should have the highest levels of access to PrEP. Prevention programs should be guided by PrEP equity, not PrEP equality. FUNDING: National Institutes of Health, Gilead Sciences. |
A Decision Analytics Model to Optimize Investment in Interventions Targeting the HIV PrEP Cascade of Care (preprint)
Jenness SM , Knowlton G , Smith DK , Marcus JL , Anderson EJ , Siegler AJ , Jones J , Sullivan PS , Enns E . medRxiv 2021 2020.12.10.20247270 Objectives Gaps between recommended and actual levels of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use remain among men who have sex with men (MSM). Interventions can address these gaps, but it is unknown how public health initiatives should invest prevention funds into these interventions to maximize their population impact.Design We used a stochastic network-based HIV transmission model for MSM in the Atlanta area paired with an economic budget optimization model.Methods The model simulated MSM participating in up to three real-world PrEP cascade interventions designed to improve initiation, adherence, or persistence. The primary outcome was infections averted over 10 years. The budget optimization model identified the investment combination under different budgets that maximized this outcome given intervention costs from a payer perspective.Results From the base 15% PrEP coverage level, the three interventions could increase coverage to 27%, resulting in 12.3% of infections averted over 10 years. Uptake of each intervention was interdependent: maximal use of the adherence and persistence interventions depended on new PrEP users generated by the initiation intervention. As the budget increased, optimal investment involved a mixture of the initiation and persistence interventions, but not the adherence intervention. If adherence intervention costs were halved, the optimal investment was roughly equal across interventions.Conclusions Investments into the PrEP cascade through initiatives should account for the interactions of the interventions as they are collectively deployed. Given current intervention efficacy estimates, the total population impact of each intervention may be improved with greater total budgets or reduced intervention costs.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.Funding StatementThis work was supported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cooperative agreement number U38 PS004646 and National Institutes of Health grant R01 AI138783. Dr. Marcus is supported in part by National Institutes of Health grant K01 AI122853.Author DeclarationsI confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.YesThe details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:Emory University Institutional Review Board approved the study protocols for the primary empirical data collection yielding model parameters for the current study.All necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived.YesI understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).YesI have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable.YesThe model code and parameters are all open and availability at the Github repository linked below. https://github.com/EpiModel/PrEP-Optimize |
The PrEP Care Continuum and Racial Disparities in HIV Incidence among Men Who Have Sex with Men (preprint)
Jenness SM , Maloney KM , Smith DK , Hoover KW , Goodreau SM , Rosenberg ES , Weiss KM , Liu AY , Rao DW , Sullivan PS . bioRxiv 2018 249540 Background HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could reduce the disparities in HIV incidence among black men who have sex with men (BMSM) compared to white MSM (WMSM), but this may depend on progression through the PrEP care continuum.Methods We expanded our network-based mathematical model of HIV transmission for MSM, which simulates PrEP based on CDC’s clinical practice guidelines, to include race-stratified transitions through the PrEP continuum steps of awareness, access, prescription, adherence, and retention. Continuum parameters were estimated based on published incidence cohorts and PrEP open-label studies. Counterfactuals included a no-PrEP reference scenario, and intervention scenarios in which the BMSM continuum step parameters were modified.Results Implementing PrEP according to the observed BMSM continuum was projected to result in 8.4% of all BMSM on PrEP at year 10, yielding a 23% decline in incidence (HR = 0.77). On an absolute scale, the racial disparity in incidence in this scenario was 4.95 per 100 person-years at risk (PYAR), a 19% decline from the 6.08 per 100 PYAR disparity in the reference scenario. If BMSM continuum parameters were equal to WMSM values, 17.7% of BMSM would be on PrEP, yielding a 47% decline in incidence (HR = 0.53) and a disparity of 3.30 per 100 PYAR (a 46% decline in the disparity).Conclusions PrEP could lower HIV incidence overall and reduce absolute racial disparities between BMSM and WMSM. Interventions addressing the racial gaps in the PrEP continuum will be needed to further decrease these HIV disparities. |
The Role of HIV Partner Services in the Modern Biomedical HIV Prevention Era: A Network Modeling Study (preprint)
Jenness SM , Le Guillou A , Lyles C , Bernstein KT , Krupinsky K , Enns EA , Sullivan PS , Delaney KP . medRxiv 2022 21 (12) 801-807 Background HIV partner services can accelerate the use of antiretroviral-based HIV prevention tools (ART and PrEP), but its population impact on long-term HIV incidence reduction is challenging to quantify with traditional PS metrics of partner identified or HIV-screened. Understanding the role of partner services within the portfolio of HIV prevention interventions, including using it to efficiently deliver antiretrovirals, is needed to achieve HIV prevention targets. Methods We used a stochastic network model of HIV/STI transmission for men who have sex with men (MSM), calibrated to surveillance-based estimates in the Atlanta area, a jurisdiction with high HIV burden and suboptimal partner services uptake. Model scenarios varied successful delivery of partner services cascade steps (newly diagnosed "index" patient and partner identification, partner HIV screening, and linkage or reengagement of partners in PrEP or ART care) individually and jointly. Results At current levels observed in Atlanta, removal of HIV partner services had minimal impact on 10-year cumulative HIV incidence, as did improving a single partner services step while holding the others constant. These changes did not sufficiently impact overall PrEP or ART coverage to reduce HIV transmission. If all index patients and partners were identified, maximizing partner HIV screening, partner PrEP provision, partner ART linkage, and partner ART reengagement would avert 6%, 11%, 5%, and 18% of infections, respectively. Realistic improvements in partner identification and service delivery were estimated to avert 2-8% of infections, depending on the combination of improvements. Conclusions Achieving optimal HIV prevention with partner services depends on pairing improvements in index patient and partner identification with maximal delivery of HIV screening, ART, and PrEP to partners if indicated. Improving the identification steps without improvement to antiretroviral service delivery steps, or vice versa, is projected to result in negligible population HIV prevention benefit. Copyright The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license. |
Factors associated with mobile app-based ordering of HIV self-test kits among men who have sex with men in Atlanta, Detroit and New York City: an exploratory secondary analysis of a randomized control trial
Mancuso N , Mansergh G , Stephenson R , Horvath KJ , Hirshfield S , Bauermeister JA , Chiasson MA , Downing MJ Jr , Sullivan PS . J Int AIDS Soc 2023 26 (5) e26100 INTRODUCTION: The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends HIV screening at least annually among sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), but only half report being tested in the past year in the United States. As HIV self-test kits are becoming more available around the United States via web and app-based interventions, it is important to understand who is willing and able to order them. This analysis sought to better understand predictors of free HIV self-test kit utilization among MSM in M-cubed, an HIV prevention mobile app intervention trial in Atlanta, Detroit and New York City. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory secondary analysis of self-report and in-app data collected from the intervention arm of the M-Cubed study from 24 January 2018 to 31 October 2019. Behavioural, demographic and other potential predictors of HIV self-test ordering were identified from Social Cognitive Theoretical underpinnings of the app, and from the literature. Significant predictor variables in bivariate analyses were considered for inclusion in the empiric multivariable model. Demographic variables chosen a priori were then added to a final model estimating adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR). RESULTS: Over half of the 417 intervention participants ordered an HIV self-test kit during the study. In bivariate analyses, ordering a kit was associated with HIV testing history, plans to get tested and reported likelihood of getting tested. In the final model, participants were more likely to order a kit if they reported plans to get tested in the next 3 months (aPR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.18-2.11) or had not tested for HIV in the past 3 months (aPR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.13-1.70). There was no difference in HIV self-test kit ordering by income, race/ethnicity or age. CONCLUSIONS: HIV testing is an important tool in ending the HIV epidemic and must be accessible and frequent for key populations. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of HIV self-test kits in reaching populations with suboptimal testing rates and shows that self-testing may supplement community-based and clinical testing while helping overcome some of the structural barriers that limit access to annual HIV prevention services for MSM. |
Video selection and assessment for an app-based HIV prevention messaging intervention: formative research
Downing MJ Jr , Wiatrek SE , Zahn RJ , Mansergh G , Olansky E , Gelaude D , Sullivan PS , Stephenson R , Siegler AJ , Bauermeister J , Horvath KJ , Chiasson MA , Yoon IS , Houang ST , Hernandez AJ , Hirshfield S . Mhealth 2023 9 2 BACKGROUND: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) continue to be overrepresented in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the United States. HIV prevention and care interventions that are tailored to an individual's serostatus have the potential to lower the rate of new infections among GBMSM. Mobile technology is a critical tool for disseminating targeted messaging and increasing uptake of basic prevention services including HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Mobile Messaging for Men (M-Cubed) is a mobile health HIV prevention intervention designed to deliver video- and text-based prevention messages, provide STI and HIV information, and link GBMSM to prevention and healthcare resources. The current report describes an iterative process of identifying and selecting publicly available videos to be used as part of the M-Cubed intervention. We also conducted interviews with GBMSM to assess the acceptability, comprehension, and potential audience reach of the selected video messages. METHODS: The selection of videos included balancing of specific criteria [e.g., accuracy of scientific information, video length, prevention domains: HIV/STI testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART), PrEP, engagement in care, and condom use] to ensure that they were intended for our GBMSM audiences: HIV-negative men who engage in condomless anal sex, HIV-negative men who do not engage in condomless anal sex, and men living with HIV. This formative study included in-person interviews with 26 GBMSM from three U.S. cities heavily impacted by the HIV epidemic-New York City, Detroit, and Atlanta. RESULTS: Following a qualitative content analysis, the study team identified five themes across the interviews: participant reactions to the video messages, message comprehension, PrEP concerns, targeting of video messaging, and prompted action. CONCLUSIONS: Study results informed a final selection of 12 video messages for inclusion in a randomized controlled trial of M-Cubed. Findings may serve as a guide for researchers who plan to develop HIV prevention interventions that utilize publicly available videos to promote behavioral change. Further, the findings presented here suggest the importance of developing videos with broad age and gender diversity for use in interventions such as M-Cubed, and in other health promotion settings. |
Estimation of HIV-1 incidence using a testing history-based method; analysis from the population-based HIV impact assessment survey data in 12 African countries
Gurley SA , Stupp PW , Fellows IE , Parekh BS , Young PW , Shiraishi RW , Sullivan PS , Voetsch AC . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023 92 (3) 189-196 BACKGROUND: Estimating HIV incidence is essential to monitoring progress in sub-Saharan African nations toward global epidemic control. One method for incidence estimation is to test nationally representative samples using laboratory-based incidence assays. An alternative method based on reported HIV testing history and the proportion of undiagnosed infections has recently been described. METHODS: We applied an HIV incidence estimation method which uses history of testing to nationally representative cross-sectional survey data from 12 sub-Saharan African nations with varying country-specific HIV prevalence. We compared these estimates with those derived from laboratory-based incidence assays. Participants were tested for HIV using the national rapid test algorithm and asked about prior HIV testing, date and result of their most recent test, and date of antiretroviral therapy initiation. RESULTS: The testing history-based method consistently produced results that are comparable and strongly correlated with estimates produced using a laboratory-based HIV incidence assay (ρ = 0.85). The testing history-based method produced incidence estimates that were more precise compared with the biomarker-based method. The testing history-based method identified sex-, age-, and geographic location-specific differences in incidence that were not detected using the biomarker-based method. CONCLUSIONS: The testing history-based method estimates are more precise and can produce age-specific and sex-specific incidence estimates that are informative for programmatic decisions. The method also allows for comparisons of the HIV transmission rate and other components of HIV incidence among and within countries. The testing history-based method is a useful tool for estimating and validating HIV incidence from cross-sectional survey data. |
Engaging Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino men who have sex with men for HIV testing and prevention services through technology: Protocol for the iSTAMP comparative effectiveness trial
Dana R , Sullivan S , MacGowan RJ , Chavez PR , Wall KM , Sanchez TH , Stephenson R , Hightow-Weidman L , Johnson JA , Smith A , Sharma A , Jones J , Hannah M , Trigg M , Luo W , Caldwell J , Sullivan PS . JMIR Res Protoc 2023 12 e43414 BACKGROUND: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly Black or African American MSM (BMSM) and Hispanic or Latino MSM (HLMSM), continue to be disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic in the United States. Previous HIV self-testing programs have yielded high testing rates, although these studies predominantly enrolled White, non-Hispanic MSM. Mobile health tools can support HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. This protocol details an implementation study of mailing free HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) nested within a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the benefit of a mobile phone app for increasing the uptake of HIV prevention and other social services. OBJECTIVE: This study was a comparative effectiveness trial of innovative recruitment and testing promotion strategies intended to effectively reach cisgender BMSM and HLMSM. We evaluated the use of a mobile app for increasing access to care. METHODS: Study development began with individual and group consultations that elicited feedback from 3 core groups: HIV care practitioners and researchers, HIV service organization leaders from study states, and BMSM and HLMSM living in the study states. Upon completion of the formative qualitative work, participants from 11 states, based on the observed areas of highest rate of new HIV diagnoses among Black and Hispanic MSM, were recruited through social networking websites and smartphone apps. After eligibility was verified, participants consented and were randomized to the intervention arm (access to the Know@Home mobile app) or the control arm (referral to web resources). We provided all participants with HIVSTs. The evaluation of the efficacy of a mobile phone app to support linkage to posttest prevention services that included sexually transmitted infection testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation, antiretroviral treatment, and acquisition of condoms and compatible lubricants has been planned. Data on these outcomes were obtained from several sources, including HIVST-reporting surveys, the 4-month follow-up survey, laboratory analyses of dried blood spot cards returned by the participant, and data obtained from the state health department surveillance systems. Where possible, relevant subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS: During the formative development phase, 9 consultations were conducted: 6 in-depth individual discussions and 3 group consultations. From February 2020 through February 2021, we enrolled 2093 MSM in the randomized controlled trial from 11 states, 1149 BMSM and 944 HLMSM. CONCLUSIONS: This study was designed and implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment strategies to reach BMSM and HMSM and of a mobile app with regard to linkage to HIV prevention or treatment services. Data were also obtained to allow for the analyses of cost and cost-effectiveness related to study enrollment, HIV testing uptake, identification of previously undiagnosed HIV, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, and linkage to HIV prevention or treatment services. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04219878); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04219878. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/43414. |
Estimated number of incident HIV infections in men who have sex with men attributable to gonorrhea and chlamydia, per gonococcal or chlamydial infection, in the United States
Jones J , Jenness SM , Le Guillou A , Sullivan PS , Gift TL , Delaney KP , Chesson H . Sex Transm Dis 2023 50 (2) 83-85 Using a network model, we simulated transmission of HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia among men who have sex with men to estimate the number of HIV infections that can be attributed to gonorrhea and chlamydia, per gonococcal and chlamydial infection. This metric can inform future modeling and health economic studies. | eng |
Pre-exposure prophylaxis in the era of emerging methods for men who have sex with men in the USA: the HIV Prevention Cycle of Care model
Mansergh G , Sullivan PS , Kota KK , Daskalakis D . Lancet HIV 2022 10 (2) e134-e142 Expanding on previous work, we present an HIV Prevention Cycle of Care model to facilitate understanding of the complexity of issues involved in pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA, including individual, client-provider, and overarching issues such as health equity, stigma, and prevention nomenclature. The HIV prevention cycle of care applies to MSM who test negative for HIV. The Prevention Cycle of Care model includes seven steps: prevention knowledge, prevention self-awareness and preferences, prevention motivation, health-care access and cost, provider issues, adherence and persistence, and periodic reassessment and adjustment. HIV prevention is complex in an era of emerging multiple modalities, and more research is needed to successfully implement pre-exposure prophylaxis options over time and across diverse communities of MSM who are sexually active. |
Distribution of HIV self-tests by men who have sex with men (MSM) to social network associates
Patel SN , Chavez PR , Borkowf CB , Sullivan PS , Sharma A , Teplinskiy I , Delaney KP , Hirshfield S , Wesolowski LG , McNaghten AD , MacGowan RJ . AIDS Behav 2022 1-10 Internet-recruited gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) were offered HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) after completing baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-up surveys. The surveys asked about the use and distribution of these HIVSTs. Among 995 who reported on their distribution of HIVSTs, 667 (67.0%) distributed HIVSTs to their social network associates (SNAs), which resulted in 34 newly identified HIV infections among 2301 SNAs (1.5%). The main reasons participants reported not distributing HIVSTs included: wanting to use the HIVSTs themselves (74.9%); thinking that their SNAs would get angry or upset if offered HIVSTs (12.5%); or not knowing that they could give the HIVSTs away (11.3%). Self-testing programs can provide multiple HIVSTs and encourage the distribution of HIVST by MSM to their SNAs to increase awareness of HIV status among persons disproportionately affected by HIV. |
The role of HIV partner services in the modern biomedical HIV prevention era: A network modeling study
Jenness SM , Le Guillou A , Lyles C , Bernstein KT , Krupinsky K , Enns EA , Sullivan PS , Delaney KP . Sex Transm Dis 2022 49 (12) 801-807 BACKGROUND: HIV partner services can accelerate the use of antiretroviral-based HIV prevention tools (ART and PrEP), but its population impact on long-term HIV incidence reduction is challenging to quantify with traditional PS metrics of partner identified or HIV-screened. Understanding the role of partner services within the portfolio of HIV prevention interventions, including using it to efficiently deliver antiretrovirals, is needed to achieve HIV prevention targets. METHODS: We used a stochastic network model of HIV/STI transmission for men who have sex with men (MSM), calibrated to surveillance-based estimates in the Atlanta area, a jurisdiction with high HIV burden and suboptimal partner services uptake. Model scenarios varied successful delivery of partner services cascade steps (newly diagnosed "index" patient and partner identification, partner HIV screening, and linkage or reengagement of partners in PrEP or ART care) individually and jointly. RESULTS: At current levels observed in Atlanta, removal of HIV partner services had minimal impact on 10-year cumulative HIV incidence, as did improving a single partner services step while holding the others constant. These changes did not sufficiently impact overall PrEP or ART coverage to reduce HIV transmission. If all index patients and partners were identified, maximizing partner HIV screening, partner PrEP provision, partner ART linkage, and partner ART reengagement would avert 6%, 11%, 5%, and 18% of infections, respectively. Realistic improvements in partner identification and service delivery were estimated to avert 2-8% of infections, depending on the combination of improvements. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving optimal HIV prevention with partner services depends on pairing improvements in index patient and partner identification with maximal delivery of HIV screening, ART, and PrEP to partners if indicated. Improving the identification steps without improvement to antiretroviral service delivery steps, or vice versa, is projected to result in negligible population HIV prevention benefit. |
Effect of screening and treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia on HIV incidence among men who have sex with men in the United States: A modeling analysis
Jones J , Le Guillou A , Gift TL , Chesson H , Bernstein K , Delaney K , Lyles C , Berruti A , Sullivan PS , Jenness SM . Sex Transm Dis 2022 49 (10) 669-676 BACKGROUND: Previous models have estimated the total population attributable fraction of NG/CT on HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM), but this does not represent realistic intervention effects. We estimated the potential impact of screening for NG/CT on downstream incidence of HIV among MSM. METHODS: Using a network model, we estimated the effects of varying coverage levels for STI screening among different priority populations: all sexually active MSM regardless of HIV serostatus, MSM with multiple recent (past 6 months) sex partners regardless of serostatus, MSM without HIV, and MSM with HIV. Under the assumption that all screening events included a urethral test, we also examined the effect of increasing of the proportion of screening events that include rectal screening for NG/CT on HIV incidence. RESULTS: Increasing annual NG/CT screening among sexually active MSM by 60% averted 4.7% of HIV infections over a 10-year period (interquartile range (IQR): 2.3, 7.3). More HIV infections were averted when screening was focused on MSM with multiple recent sex partners: 60% coverage among MSM with multiple recent sex partners averted 9.8% of HIV infections (IQR: 8.1, 11.6). Increased STI screening among MSM without HIV averted more new HIV infections compared to the transmissions averted due to screening MSM with HIV, but fewer NG/CT tests were needed among MSM with HIV to avert a single new HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: NG/CT screening among MSM is expected to lead to modest but clinically relevant reductions in HIV incidence among MSM. |
Transactional sex, HIV and health among young cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men in Thailand
Weir BW , Dun C , Wirtz AL , Mon SHH , Qaragholi N , Chemnasiri T , Pattanasin S , Wukwicha W , Varangrat A , DunneEF , Holtz TH , Janyam S , Jin H , Linjongrat D , Mock PA , Thigpen MC , Rooney JF , Sullivan PS , Hickey AC , Sirivongrangson P , Beyrer C , Poonkasetwattana M . Ann Epidemiol 2022 72 1-8 PURPOSE: To examine how recent sex work is identified and the HIV risk factors and service needs among Thai cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) who exchange sex. METHODS: MSM and TGW in Bangkok and Pattaya who exchanged sex in the last year (n= 890) were recruited through social media, outreach, and word-of-mouth. Recent sex exchange was based on the primary question, "in the last 30 days, have you sold or traded sex"; secondary questions (regarding income source and client encounters) were also investigated. RESULTS: Overall, 436 (48%) participants engaged in sex work in the last 30 days; among those, 270 (62%) reported exchanging sex by the primary question, and 160 (37%) based on secondary questions only. Recent sex exchange was associated with gonorrhea, syphilis, discussing PrEP with others, and using condoms, alcohol, methamphetamine, amyl nitrate, and Viagra®. Exchanging sex based on secondary questions only was associated with being in a relationship, social media recruitment, less recent anal intercourse, and not discussing PrEP. CONCLUSIONS: Thai MSM and TGW who exchange sex need regular access to HIV/STI prevention, testing, and treatment services, and multiple approaches to assessing sex work will help identify and serve this diverse and dynamic population. |
Assessing the cost-utility of universal hepatitis B vaccination among adults
Hall EW , Weng MK , Harris AM , Schillie S , Nelson NP , Ortega-Sanchez IR , Rosenthal E , Sullivan PS , Lopman B , Jones J , Bradley H , Rosenberg ES . J Infect Dis 2022 226 (6) 1041-1051 BACKGROUND: Although effective against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination is only recommended for infants, children and adults at higher risk. We conducted an economic evaluation of universal HepB vaccination among US adults. METHODS: Using a decision analytic model with Markov disease progression, we compared current vaccination recommendations (baseline) with either 3-dose or 2-dose universal HepB vaccination (intervention strategies). In simulated modeling of one million adults distributed by age and risk groups, we quantified health benefits (quality-adjusted life years, QALYs) and costs for each strategy. Multivariable probabilistic sensitivity analyses identified key inputs. All costs reported in 2019 US dollars. RESULTS: With incremental base-case vaccination coverage up to 50% among persons at lower risk and 0% increment among persons at higher risk, each of two intervention strategies averted nearly one quarter of acute HBV infections (3-dose strategy: 24.8%; 2-dose strategy: 24.6%). Societal incremental cost per QALY gained of $152,722 (Interquartile range: $119,113, $235,086) and $155,429 (Interquartile range: $120,302, $242,226) were estimated for 3-dose and 2-dose strategies, respectively. Risk of acute HBV infection showed the strongest influence. CONCLUSIONS: Universal adult vaccination against HBV may be an appropriate strategy for reducing HBV incidence and improving resulting health outcomes. |
Behavioral Efficacy of a Sexual Health Mobile App for Men who have Sex with Men: The M-cubed Randomized Controlled Trial.
Sullivan PS , Stephenson R , Hirshfield S , Mehta CC , Zahn RJ , Bauermeister J , Horvath KJ , Chiasson MA , Gelaude D , Mullin S , Downing MJ , Olansky E , Wiatrek S , Rogers EQ , Rosenberg ES , Siegler AJ , Mansergh G . J Med Internet Res 2021 24 (2) e34574 BACKGROUND: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) face the highest burden of HIV in the United States, and there is a paucity of efficacious mobile health (mHealth) HIV prevention and care interventions tailored specifically for GBMSM. We tested a mobile app combining prevention messages and access to core prevention services for GBMSM. OBJECTIVE: To measure the efficacy of the Mobile Messaging for Men (M-cubed) app and related service to increase HIV prevention and care behaviors in diverse US GBMSM. METHODS: We conducted a randomized open label study with a waitlist control group among GBMSM (in three groups: lower-risk HIV-negative, higher-risk HIV negative, and living with HIV) recruited online and in venues in Atlanta, Detroit and New York. Participants were randomly assigned to receive access to the app immediately or at 9 months after randomization. The app provided prevention messages in six domains of sexual health and offered ordering of at-home HIV and STI test kits, receiving PrEP evaluations and navigation, and service locators. Serostatus- and risk-specific prevention outcomes were evaluated at baseline, at the end of the intervention period, and at 3, 6 and 9 months after the intervention period. RESULTS: 1226 GBMSM were enrolled and randomized; 611 were assigned to and 608 were analyzed in the intervention group, and 615 were assigned to and 611 were analyzed in the control group. For higher-risk GBMSM, allocation to the intervention arm was associated with a higher odds of HIV testing during the intervention period (aOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.11-3.66) and with a higher odds of using PrEP in the 3 months after the intervention period (aOR 2.41, CI:1.00-5.76, p<0.05). No changes in HIV prevention or care were associated with allocation to the intervention arm for the lower-risk HIV-negative or living with HIV groups. CONCLUSIONS: Access to the M-cubed app was associated with increased HIV testing and PrEP use among higher-risk HIV-negative GBMSM in three US cities. The app could be made available through funded HIV prevention providers; additional efforts are needed to understand optimal strategies to implement the app outside of the research setting. CLINICALTRIAL: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03666247. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT: RR2-10.2196/16439. |
Increasing Access to HIV Testing Through Direct-to-Consumer HIV Self-Test Distribution - United States, March 31, 2020-March 30, 2021.
Hecht J , Sanchez T , Sullivan PS , DiNenno EA , Cramer N , Delaney KP . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (38) 1322-1325 During 2019, approximately 34,800 new HIV infections occurred in the United States (1), and it is estimated that approximately 80% of HIV transmission occurs from persons who either do not know they have HIV infection or are not receiving regular care (2). Since 2006, CDC has recommended that persons who are disproportionately affected by HIV (including men who have sex with men [MSM]) should test for HIV at least annually (3,4). However, data from multiple sources indicate that these recommendations are not being fully implemented (5,6). TakeMeHome, a novel public-private partnership to deliver HIV self-testing kits to persons seeking HIV testing in the United States, was launched during March 2020 as home care options for testing became increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiation of the program coincided with the national COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration, issuance of stay-at-home orders, and other restrictions that led to disruption of traditional HIV testing services. During March 31, 2020-March 30, 2021, 17 state and local health departments participating in the program allowed residents of their jurisdictions to order test kits. Marketing for TakeMeHome focused on reaching gay, bisexual, and MSM through messages and embedded links in gay dating applications. Most participants in the program reported that they had either never tested for HIV (36%) or that they had last tested >1 year before receiving their self-test kit (56%). After receiving the self-test kit, >10% of respondents reported accessing additional prevention services. Health departments can increase options for HIV testing by distributing publicly funded self-test kits to persons without proximate access to clinic-based testing or who prefer to test at home. Increased and regular HIV testing among MSM will help meet annual testing goals. |
Effects of condom use on HIV transmission among adolescent sexual minority males in the United States: a mixed epidemiology and epidemic modeling study
Katz DA , Hamilton DT , Rosenthal EM , Wang LY , Dunville RL , Aslam M , Barrios LC , Zlotorzynska M , Sanchez TH , Sullivan PS , Rosenberg ES , Goodreau SM . Sex Transm Dis 2021 48 (12) 973-980 PURPOSE: We examined condom use patterns and potential population-level effects of a hypothetical condom intervention on HIV transmission among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM). METHODS: Using three datasets: national Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2015-2017 (YRBS-National), local YRBS data from 8 jurisdictions with sex of partner questions from 2011-2017 (YRBS-Trends), and American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS) 2014-2017, we assessed associations of condom use with year, age, and race/ethnicity among sexually-active ASMM. Using a stochastic agent-based network epidemic model, structured and parameterized based on the above analyses, we calculated the percent of HIV infections averted over 10 years among ASMM ages 13-18 by an intervention that increased condom use by 37% for 5 years and was delivered to 62% of ASMM at age 14. RESULTS: In YRBS, 51.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 41.3-62.3%) and 37.9% (32.7-42.3%) reported condom use at last sexual intercourse in national and trend datasets, respectively. In AMIS, 47.3% (95%CI = 44.6-49.9%) reported condom use at last anal sex with a male partner. Temporal trends were not observed in any dataset (p > 0.1). Condom use varied significantly by age in YRBS-National (p < 0.0001) and YRBS-Trends (p = 0.032) with 13-15-year-olds reporting the lowest use in both; age differences were not significant in AMIS (p = 0.919). Our hypothetical intervention averted a mean of 9.0% (95% simulation interval = -5.4%-21.2%) of infections among ASMM. CONCLUSIONS: Condom use among ASMM is low and appears to have remained stable during 2011-2017. Modeling suggests that condom use increases consistent with previous interventions have potential to avert 1 in 11 new HIV infections among ASMM. |
A decision analytics model to optimize investment in interventions targeting the HIV PrEP cascade of care
Jenness SM , Knowlton G , Smith DK , Marcus JL , Anderson EJ , Siegler AJ , Jones J , Sullivan PS , Enns E . AIDS 2021 35 (9) 1479-1489 OBJECTIVES: Gaps between recommended and actual levels of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use remain among men who have sex with men (MSM). Interventions can address these gaps, but it is unknown how public health initiatives should invest prevention funds into these interventions to maximize their population impact. DESIGN: We used a stochastic network-based HIV transmission model for MSM in the Atlanta area paired with an economic budget optimization model. METHODS: The model simulated MSM participating in up to three real-world PrEP cascade interventions designed to improve initiation, adherence, or persistence. The primary outcome was infections averted over 10 years. The budget optimization model identified the investment combination under different budgets that maximized this outcome given intervention costs from a payer perspective. RESULTS: From the base 15% PrEP coverage level, the three interventions could increase coverage to 27%, resulting in 12.3% of infections averted over 10 years. Uptake of each intervention was interdependent: maximal use of the adherence and persistence interventions depended on new PrEP users generated by the initiation intervention. As the budget increased, optimal investment involved a mixture of the initiation and persistence interventions, but not the adherence intervention. If adherence intervention costs were halved, the optimal investment was roughly equal across interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Investments into the PrEP cascade through initiatives should account for the interactions of the interventions as they are collectively deployed. Given current intervention efficacy estimates, the total population impact of each intervention may be improved with greater total budgets or reduced intervention costs. |
Epidemiology of HIV in the USA: epidemic burden, inequities, contexts, and responses
Sullivan PS , Satcher Johnson A , Pembleton ES , Stephenson R , Justice AC , Althoff KN , Bradley H , Castel AD , Oster AM , Rosenberg ES , Mayer KH , Beyrer C . Lancet 2021 397 (10279) 1095-1106 The HIV epidemic in the USA began as a bicoastal epidemic focused in large cities but, over nearly four decades, the epidemiology of HIV has changed. Public health surveillance data can inform an understanding of the evolution of the HIV epidemic in terms of the populations and geographical areas most affected. We analysed publicly available HIV surveillance data and census data to describe: current HIV prevalence and new HIV diagnoses by region, race or ethnicity, and age; trends in HIV diagnoses over time by HIV acquisition risk and age; and the distribution of HIV prevalence by geographical area. We reviewed published literature to explore the reasons for the current distribution of HIV cases and important disparities in HIV prevalence. We identified opportunities to improve public health surveillance systems and uses of data for planning and monitoring public health responses. The current US HIV epidemic is marked by geographical concentration in the US South and profound disparities between regions and by race or ethnicity. Rural areas vary in HIV prevalence; rural areas in the South are more likely to have a high HIV prevalence than rural areas in other US Census regions. Ongoing disparities in HIV in the South are probably driven by the restricted expansion of Medicaid, health-care provider shortages, low health literacy, and HIV stigma. HIV diagnoses overall declined in 2009-18, but HIV diagnoses among individuals aged 25-34 years increased during the same period. HIV diagnoses decreased for all risk groups in 2009-18; among men who have sex with men (MSM), new diagnoses decreased overall and for White MSM, remained stable for Black MSM, and increased for Hispanic or Latino MSM. Surveillance data indicate profound and ongoing disparities in HIV cases, with disproportionate impact among people in the South, racial or ethnic minorities, and MSM. |
Modeling the impact of PrEP programs for adolescent sexual minority males based on empirical estimates for the PrEP continuum of care
Hamilton DT , Rosenberg ES , Sullivan PS , Wang LY , Dunville RL , Barrios LC , Aslam M , Mustanski B , Goodreau SM . J Adolesc Health 2020 68 (3) 488-496 PURPOSE: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-an effective and safe intervention to prevent HIV transmission-was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use by adolescents. Informed by studies of sexual behavior and PrEP adherence, retention, and promotion, we model the potential impact of PrEP use among at-risk adolescent sexual minority males. METHODS: We simulate an HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 13-39. We assume adult MSM ages 19-39 have had PrEP available for 3 years with 20% coverage among eligible MSM based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. PrEP interventions for ages 16-18 are then simulated using adherence and retention profiles drawn from the ATN113 and Enhancing Preexposure Prophylaxis in Community studies across a range of uptake parameters (10%-100%). Partnerships across age groups were modeled using parameterizations from the RADAR study. We compare the percent of incident infections averted (impact), person-years on PrEP per infection averted (efficiency), and changes in prevalence over 10 years. RESULTS: As compared to no PrEP use, baseline PrEP adherence and retention among adolescent sexual minority males drawn from the ATN113 and Enhancing Preexposure Prophylaxis in Community studies averted from 2.8% to 41.0% of HIV infections depending on the fraction of eligible adolescent sexual minority males that initiated PrEP at their annual health-care visit. Improved adherence and retention achieved with an array of focused interventions from real-world settings increased the percent of infections averted by as much as 26%-70%. CONCLUSIONS: Empirically demonstrated improvements in the PrEP continuum of care in response to existing interventions can substantially reduce incident HIV infections among adolescent sexual minority males. |
Evidence of an association of increases in pre-exposure prophylaxis coverage with decreases in human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis rates in the United States, 2012-2016
Smith DK , Sullivan PS , Cadwell B , Waller LA , Siddiqi A , Mera-Giler R , Hu X , Hoover KW , Harris NS , McCallister S . Clin Infect Dis 2020 71 (12) 3144-3151 BACKGROUND: Annual human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses in the United States (US) have plateaued since 2013. We assessed whether there is an association between uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and decreases in HIV diagnoses. METHODS: We used 2012-2016 data from the US National HIV Surveillance System to estimate viral suppression (VS) and annual percentage change in diagnosis rate (EAPC) in 33 jurisdictions, and data from a national pharmacy database to estimate PrEP uptake. We used Poisson regression with random effects for state and year to estimate the association between PrEP coverage and EAPC: within jurisdictional quintiles grouped by changes in PrEP coverage, regressing EAPC on time; and among all jurisdictions, regressing EAPC on both time and jurisdictional changes in PrEP coverage with and without accounting for changes in VS. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2016, across the 10 states with the greatest increases in PrEP coverage, the EAPC decreased 4.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], -5.2% to -2.9%). On average, across the states and District of Columbia, EAPC for a given year decreased by 1.1% (95% CI, -1.77% to -.49%) for an increase in PrEP coverage of 1 per 100 persons with indications. When controlling for VS, the state-specific EAPC for a given year decreased by 1.3% (95% CI, -2.12% to -.57%) for an increase in PrEP coverage of 1 per 100 persons with indications. CONCLUSIONS: We found statistically significant associations between jurisdictional increases in PrEP coverage and decreases in EAPC independent of changes in VS, which supports bringing PrEP use to scale in the US to accelerate reductions in HIV infections. |
Hepatitis C virus prevalence in 50 U.S. states and D.C. by sex, birth cohort, and race: 2013-2016
Bradley H , Hall EW , Rosenthal EM , Sullivan PS , Ryerson AB , Rosenberg ES . Hepatol Comm 2020 4 (3) 355-370 Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality, and more than 2 million adults in the United States are estimated to be currently infected. Reducing HCV burden will require an understanding of demographic disparities and targeted efforts to reduce prevalence in populations with disproportionate disease rates. We modeled state-level estimates of hepatitis C prevalence among U.S. adults by sex, birth cohort, and race during 2013-2016. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were used in combination with state-level HCV-related and narcotic overdose-related mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System and estimates from external literature review on populations not sampled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Nationally, estimated hepatitis C prevalence was 1.3% among males and 0.6% among females (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.3). Among persons born during 1945 to 1969, prevalence was 1.6% compared with 0.5% among persons born after 1969 (PR = 3.2). Among persons born during 1945 to 1969, prevalence ranged from 0.7% in North Dakota to 3.6% in Oklahoma and 6.8% in the District of Columbia. Among persons born after 1969, prevalence was more than twice as high in Kentucky, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and West Virginia compared with the national average. Hepatitis C prevalence was 1.8% among non-Hispanic black persons and 0.8% among persons of other races (PR = 2.2), and the magnitude of this disparity varied widely across jurisdictions (PR range: 1.3-7.8). Overall, 23% of prevalent HCV infections occurred among non-Hispanic black persons, whereas 12% of the population was represented by this racial group. These estimates provide information on prevalent HCV infections that jurisdictions can use for understanding and monitoring local disease patterns and racial disparities in burden of disease. |
Estimating the costs and cost-effectiveness of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men, United States
Shrestha RK , Chavez PR , Noble M , Sansom SL , Sullivan PS , Mermin JH , MacGowan RJ . J Int AIDS Soc 2020 23 (1) e25445 INTRODUCTION: HIV testing is an essential prerequisite for accessing treatment with antiretroviral therapy or prevention using pre-exposure prophylaxis. Internet distribution of HIV self-tests is a novel approach, and data on the programmatic cost of this approach are limited. We analyse the costs and cost-effectiveness of a self-testing programme. METHODS: Men who have sex with men (MSM) reporting unknown or negative HIV status were enrolled from March to August 2015 into a 12-month trial of HIV self-testing in the United States. Participants were randomly assigned either to the self-testing arm or the control arm. All participants received information on HIV testing services and locations in their community. Self-testing participants received up to four self-tests each quarter, which they could use themselves or distribute to their social network associates. Quarterly follow-up surveys collected testing outcomes, including number of tests used and new HIV diagnoses. Using trial expenditure data, we estimated the cost of implementing a self-testing programme. Primary outcomes of this analysis included total programme implementation costs, cost per self-test completed, cost per person tested, cost per new HIV diagnosis among those self-tested and cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) saved. RESULTS: A total of 2665 men were assigned either to the self-testing arm (n = 1325) or the control arm (n = 1340). HIV testing was reported by 971 self-testing participants who completed a total of 5368 tests. In the control arm, 619 participants completed 1463 HIV tests. The self-testing participants additionally distributed 2864 self-tests to 2152 social network associates. Testing during the trial identified 59 participants and social network associates with newly diagnosed HIV infection in the self-testing arm; 11 control participants were newly diagnosed with HIV. The implementation cost of the HIV self-testing programme was $449,510. The cost per self-test completed, cost per person tested at least once, and incremental cost per new HIV diagnosis was $61, $145 and $9365 respectively. We estimated that self-testing programme potentially averted 3.34 transmissions, saved 14.86 QALYs and nearly $1.6 million lifetime HIV treatment costs. CONCLUSIONS: The HIV self-testing programme identified persons with newly diagnosed HIV infection at low cost, and the programme is cost saving. |
Age- and race/ethnicity-specific sex partner correlates of condomless sex in an online sample of Hispanic/Latino, Black/African-American, and white men who have sex with men
Mizuno Y , Borkowf CB , Hirshfield S , Mustanski B , Sullivan PS , MacGowan RJ . Arch Sex Behav 2019 49 (6) 1903-1914 We sought to identify and compare correlates of condomless receptive anal intercourse with HIV-positive or unknown status partners (CRAI) for younger (< 25 years) and older (>/= 25 years) Hispanic/Latino, black/African-American, and white men who have sex with men (MSM). Baseline data from the Evaluation of Rapid HIV Self-Testing among MSM Project (eSTAMP), a randomized controlled trial with MSM (n = 2665, analytical sample size = 2421), were used. Potential correlates included participants' sociodemographic characteristics and HIV status as well as the characteristics of participants' partners. Younger Hispanic/Latino and black men were most likely to report having older sex partners (>/= 50% of partners being at least 5 years older), and having older partners was a significant correlate of CRAI among younger Hispanic/Latino and white men. Regardless of race/ethnicity, not knowing one's HIV status was a significant correlate of CRAI among younger men, whereas having a black sex partner was a significant correlate among older men. HIV prevention initiatives could address these and other correlates specific to race/ethnicity groups to target their prevention resources and messaging. |
Cost-effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis among adolescent sexual minority males
Wang LY , Hamilton DT , Rosenberg ES , Aslam MV , Sullivan PS , Katz DA , Dunville RL , Barrios LC , Goodreau SM . J Adolesc Health 2019 66 (1) 100-106 PURPOSE: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been proven safe and effective in preventing HIV among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM), but the cost-effectiveness of PrEP in ASMM remains unknown. Building on a recent epidemiological network modeling study of PrEP among ASMM, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of PrEP use in a high prevalence U.S. setting with significant disparities in HIV between black and white ASMM. METHODS: Based on the estimated number of infections averted and the number of ASMM on PrEP from the previous model and published estimates of PrEP costs, HIV treatment costs, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained per infection prevented, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of PrEP use in black and white ASMM over 10 years using a societal perspective and lifetime horizon. Effectiveness was measured as lifetime QALYs gained. Cost estimates included 10-year PrEP costs and lifetime HIV treatment costs saved. Cost-effectiveness was measured as cost/QALY gained. Multiple sensitivity analyses were performed on key model input parameters and assumptions used. RESULTS: Under base-case assumptions, PrEP use yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $33,064 per QALY in black ASMM and $427,788 per QALY in white ASMM. In all sensitivity analyses, the cost-effectiveness ratio of PrEP use remained <$100,000 per QALY in black ASMM and >$100,000 per QALY in white ASMM. CONCLUSIONS: We found favorable cost-effectiveness ratios for PrEP use among black ASMM or other ASMM in communities with high HIV burden at current PrEP costs. Clinicians providing services in high-prevalence communities, and particularly those serving high-prevalence communities of color, should consider including PrEP services. |
Effect of internet-distributed HIV self-tests on HIV diagnosis and behavioral outcomes in men who have sex with men: A randomized clinical trial
MacGowan RJ , Chavez PR , Borkowf CB , Owen SM , Purcell DW , Mermin JH , Sullivan PS . JAMA Intern Med 2019 180 (1) 117-125 Importance: Undiagnosed HIV infection results in delayed access to treatment and increased transmission. Self-tests for HIV may increase awareness of infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). Objective: To evaluate the effect of providing HIV self-tests on frequency of testing, diagnoses of HIV infection, and sexual risk behaviors. Design, Setting, and Participants: This 12-month longitudinal, 2-group randomized clinical trial recruited MSM through online banner advertisements from March through August 2015. Those recruited were at least 18 years of age, reported engaging in anal sex with men in the past year, never tested positive for HIV, and were US residents with mailing addresses. Participants completed quarterly online surveys. Telephone call notes and laboratory test results were included in the analysis, which was completed from August 2017 through December 2018. Interventions: All participants had access to online web-based HIV testing resources and telephone counseling on request. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the control group or a self-testing (ST) group, which received 4 HIV self-tests after completing the baseline survey with the option to replenish self-tests after completing quarterly surveys. At study completion, all participants were offered 2 self-tests and 1 dried blood spot collection kit. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were HIV testing frequency (tested >/=3 times during the trial) and number of newly identified HIV infections among participants in both groups and social network members who used the study HIV self-tests. Secondary outcomes included sex behaviors (eg, anal sex, serosorting). Results: Of 2665 participants, the mean (SD) age was 30 (9.6) years, 1540 (57.8%) were white, and 443 (16.6%) had never tested for HIV before enrollment. Retention rates at each time point were more than 54%, and 1991 (74.7%) participants initiated 1 or more follow-up surveys. More ST participants reported testing 3 or more times during the trial than control participants (777 of 1014 [76.6%] vs 215 of 977 [22.0%]; P < .01). The cumulative number of newly identified infections during the trial was twice as high in the ST participants as the control participants (25 of 1325 [1.9%] vs 11 of 1340 [0.8%]; P = .02), with the largest difference in HIV infections identified in the first 3 months (12 of 1325 [0.9%] vs 2 of 1340 [0.1%]; P < .01). The ST participants reported 34 newly identified infections among social network members who used the self-tests. Conclusions and Relevance: Distribution of HIV self-tests provides a worthwhile mechanism to increase awareness of HIV infection and prevent transmission among MSM. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02067039. |
HIV prevention via mobile messaging for men who have sex with men (M-Cubed): Protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Sullivan PS , Zahn RJ , Wiatrek S , Chandler CJ , Hirshfield S , Stephenson R , Bauermeister JA , Chiasson MA , Downing MJJr , Gelaude DJ , Siegler AJ , Horvath K , Rogers E , Alas A , Olansky EJ , Saul H , Rosenberg ES , Mansergh G . JMIR Res Protoc 2019 8 (11) e16439 BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be the predominately impacted risk group in the United States HIV epidemic and are a priority group for risk reduction in national strategic goals for HIV prevention. Modeling studies have demonstrated that a comprehensive package of status-tailored HIV prevention and care interventions have the potential to substantially reduce new infections among MSM. However, uptake of basic prevention services, including HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, condom distribution, condom-compatible lubricant distribution, and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is suboptimal. Further, stronger public health strategies are needed to promote engagement in HIV care and viral load suppression among MSM living with HIV. Mobile health (mHealth) tools can help inform and encourage MSM regarding HIV prevention, care, and treatment, especially among men who lack access to conventional medical services. This protocol details the design and procedures of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a novel mHealth intervention that comprises a comprehensive HIV prevention app and brief, tailored text- and video-based messages that are systematically presented to participants based on the participants' HIV status and level of HIV acquisition risk. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the RCT was to test the efficacy of the Mobile Messaging for Men (M-Cubed, or M3) app among at least 1200 MSM in Atlanta, Detroit, and New York. The goal was to determine its ability to increase HIV testing (HIV-negative men), STI testing (all men), condom use for anal sex (all men), evaluation for PrEP eligibility, uptake of PrEP (higher risk HIV-negative men), engagement in HIV care (men living with HIV), and uptake of and adherence to antiretroviral medications (men living with HIV). A unique benefit of this approach is the HIV serostatus-inclusiveness of the intervention, which includes both HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM. METHODS: MSM were recruited through online and venue-based approaches in Atlanta, Detroit, and New York City. Men who were eligible and consented were randomized to the intervention (immediate access to the M3 app for a period of three months) or to the waitlist-control (delayed access) group. Outcomes were evaluated immediately postintervention or control period, and again three and six months after the intervention period. Main outcomes will be reported as period prevalence ratios or hazards, depending on the outcome. Where appropriate, serostatus/risk-specific outcomes will be evaluated in relevant subgroups. Men randomized to the control condition were offered the opportunity to use (and evaluate) the M3 app for a three-month period after the final RCT outcome assessment. RESULTS: M3 enrollment began in January 2018 and concluded in November 2018. A total of 1229 MSM were enrolled. Data collection was completed in September 2019. CONCLUSIONS: This RCT of the M3 mobile app seeks to determine the effects of an HIV serostatus-inclusive intervention on the use of multiple HIV prevention and care-related outcomes among MSM. A strength of the design is that it incorporates a large sample and broad range of MSM with differing prevention needs in three cities with high prevalence of HIV among MSM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03666247; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03666247. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/16439. |
Population and individual-level effects of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on STI epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM)
Grey JA , Torrone EA , Sullivan PS , Weiss KM , Aral SO . Sex Transm Dis 2019 46 (12) 759-761 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preexposure prophylaxis (HIV PrEP)1 provides substantial individual-level HIV risk reduction and may confer a population-level decrease in HIV incidence among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) when high HIV PrEP coverage is obtained.2 Unfortunately, the effect of HIV PrEP on sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemics among MSM is less clear. We review recent trends in reported STIs among MSM in the United States, discuss the mechanisms by which HIV PrEP may impact STI rates, and consider the resulting population and individual-level effects of HIV PrEP on STI epidemics. |
Optimizing coverage vs frequency for sexually transmitted infection screening of men who have sex with men
Weiss KM , Jones JS , Anderson EJ , Gift T , Chesson H , Bernstein K , Workowski K , Tuite A , Rosenberg ES , Sullivan PS , Jenness SM . Open Forum Infect Dis 2019 6 (10) ofz405 Background: The incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased substantially despite availability of effective antibiotics. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual screening for all sexually active (SA) MSM and more frequent screening for high-risk (HR) MSM. The population-level benefits of improved coverage vs increased frequency of STI screening among SA vs HR MSM are unknown. Methods: We used a network transmission model of gonorrhea (NG) and chlamydia (CT) among MSM to simulate the implementation of STI screening across different scenarios, starting with the CDC guidelines at current coverage levels. Counterfactual model scenarios varied screening coverage and frequency for SA MSM and HR MSM (MSM with multiple recent partners). We estimated infections averted and the number needed to screen to prevent 1 new infection. Results: Compared with current recommendations, increasing the frequency of screening to biannually for all SA MSM and adding some HR screening could avert 72% of NG and 78% of CT infections over 10 years. Biannual screening of 30% of HR MSM at empirical coverage levels for annual SA screening could avert 76% of NG and 84% of CT infections. Other scenarios, including higher coverage among SA MSM and increasing frequency for HR MSM, averted fewer infections but did so at a lower number needed to screen. Conclusions: The optimal screening scenarios in this model to reduce STI incidence among MSM included more frequent screening for all sexually active MSM and higher coverage of screening for HR men with multiple partners. |
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