Sexual and Gender Minorities' Vaccine Uptake and Behavioral Change in Response to the Mpox Outbreak in the United States: August 2022 Through November 2022.

BACKGROUND: In the summer of 2022, the United States faced a nationwide outbreak of mpox, with cases concentrated in sexual and gender minorities who have sex with men. Understanding rates of mpox vaccine uptake and concomitant behavioral change is essential to guide the implementation of targeted public health responses to the potential reemergence of mpox. METHODS: Between August 2022 and November 2022, 8551 individuals recruited via geosocial networking apps completed a brief survey that assessed mpox vaccine uptake, intentions to get a mpox vaccine, and behavioral change. RESULTS: In August, 17.4% of participants reported having received at least 1 dose of the mpox vaccine. By November, this prevalence estimate was 35.0%. Black participants were significantly less likely to be vaccinated, and vaccine hesitancy increased among Black participants over time. Among those who had not yet received a vaccination, the intention to get vaccinated decreased over time. We observed trends that coincided with the evolving outbreak, such as decreased worry about mpox and less engagement in risk reduction behaviors over time. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a 2-fold increase in mpox vaccine uptake between August 2022 and November 2022 in sexual and gender minorities who have sex with men, disparities in vaccine uptake were observed among Black participants. Findings will guide the implementation of public health responses to the potential reemergence of mpox and other viral infectious diseases (eg, meningitis) with a specific focus on optimizing vaccine uptake in Black communities.

Perceptions about doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) as an STI-prevention strategy among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in the United States: Results from a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To leverage qualitative data to explore gay and bisexual men's (GBM) perceptions about doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP). Doxy-PEP is a novel biomedical STI-prevention strategy that helps reduce the risk of acquiring bacterial STIs. Little is known about Doxy-PEP's acceptability in the U.S., nor how best to engage those most vulnerable to STIs in taking up this nascent prevention strategy. METHOD: Between July and September of 2023, 24 GBM from across the U.S. completed qualitative interviews about their perceptions regarding Doxy-PEP. Interviews were analyzed using a codebook approach to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants were generally interested in using Doxy-PEP, but were concerned about the potential for antibiotic resistance, side-effects, medication interactions to occur, along with stigmatizing discourse around its use. Meanwhile, participants were motivated by the simplicity of Doxy-PEP and the protection it could confer on both an individual and community-level- as well as its potential to reduce STI-related anxiety. Finally, participants desired additional information on Doxy-PEP to address their concerns. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for clear guidelines and expanded public health messaging on Doxy-PEP in the U.S.

PrEP Uptake and Methamphetamine Use Patterns in a 4-Year U.S. National Prospective Cohort Study of Sexual and Gender Minority People, 2017-2022.

Methamphetamine use is on the rise among sexual and gender minority people who have sex with men (SGMSM), escalating their HIV risk. Despite pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) being an effective biomedical HIV prevention tool, its uptake in relation to methamphetamine use patterns in SGMSM has not been studied. In a U.S. cohort study from 2017 to 2022, 6,253 HIV-negative SGMSM indicated for but not using PrEP were followed for four years. Methamphetamine use was categorized (i.e., newly initiated, persistently used, never used, used but quit), and PrEP uptake assessed using generalized estimating equation (GEE), adjusted for attrition. Participants had a median age of 29, with 51.9% White, 11.1% Black, 24.5% Latinx, and 12.5% other races/ethnicities. Over the four years, PrEP use increased from 16.3 to 27.2%. GEE models identified risk factors including housing instability and food insecurity. In contrast, older age, health insurance, clinical indications, and prior PrEP use increased uptake. Notably, Latinx participants were more likely to use PrEP than Whites. Regarding methamphetamine use, those who newly initiated it were more likely to use PrEP compared to non-users. However, those who quit methamphetamine and those who persistently used it had PrEP usage rates comparable to those of non-users. Though PrEP uptake increased, it remained low in SGMSM. Methamphetamine use was associated with PrEP uptake. Healthcare providers should assess methamphetamine use for harm reduction. Prioritizing younger, uninsured SGMSM and addressing basic needs can enhance PrEP uptake and reduce HIV vulnerabilities.

Psychosocial Distress Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: Psychosocial distress negatively impacts coping and adaptation among young men (aged 18 to 44 years) who have sex with men (YMSM) with, or at risk of acquiring, HIV. However, the stressors and risky behaviors associated with psychosocial distress that impair viral suppression have not been clearly explicated. The current scoping review was conducted to explore the extant literature and identify research gaps. METHOD: PubMed and CINAHL were searched for peer-reviewed publications, with a total of eight articles meeting inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Stressors that contributed to psychosocial distress included HIV+ status, stigma, discrimination, insufficient resources, exposure to community violence, and incarceration. Risky behaviors impacting viral suppression were condomless anal sex, drug use, and medication nonadherence. CONCLUSION: Understanding and addressing psychosocial distress is imperative for providing holistic care tailored to the unique health care needs of YMSM. A better understanding of stressors and associated risky behaviors will aid efforts to mitigate psychosocial distress and reduce viral load among YMSM. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(9), 11-17.].

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Incidence and Risk Factors in a National, Community-Based Prospective Cohort of US Adults.

BACKGROUND: Prospective cohort studies of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) incidence complement case-based surveillance and cross-sectional seroprevalence surveys. METHODS: We estimated the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a national cohort of 6738 US adults, enrolled in March-August 2020. Using Poisson models, we examined the association of social distancing and a composite epidemiologic risk score with seroconversion. The risk score was created using least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) regression to identify factors predictive of seroconversion. The selected factors were household crowding, confirmed case in household, indoor dining, gathering with groups of ≥10, and no masking in gyms or salons. RESULTS: Among 4510 individuals with ≥1 serologic test, 323 (7.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.5%-8.1%]) seroconverted by January 2021. Among 3422 participants seronegative in May-September 2020 and retested from November 2020 to January 2021, 161 seroconverted over 1646 person-years of follow-up (9.8 per 100 person-years [95% CI, 8.3-11.5]). The seroincidence rate was lower among women compared with men (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.69 [95% CI, .50-.94]) and higher among Hispanic (2.09 [1.41-3.05]) than white non-Hispanic participants. In adjusted models, participants who reported social distancing with people they did not know (IRR for always vs never social distancing, 0.42 [95% CI, .20-1.0]) and with people they knew (IRR for always vs never, 0.64 [.39-1.06]; IRR for sometimes vs never, 0.60 [.38-.96]) had lower seroconversion risk. Seroconversion risk increased with epidemiologic risk score (IRR for medium vs low score, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.03-2.81]; IRR for high vs low score, 3.49 [2.26-5.58]). Only 29% of those who seroconverted reported isolating, and only 19% were asked about contacts. CONCLUSIONS: Modifiable risk factors and poor reach of public health strategies drove SARS-CoV-2 transmission across the United States.

Psychosocial Stressors and Maternal Mental Health in the U.S. During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID pandemic has had widespread impacts on maternal mental health. This research aims to examine the relationship between psychosocial stressors and symptoms of depression and anxiety and the extent to which emotional support or resilient coping moderates the relationship between psychosocial stressors and maternal mental health during the first wave of the COVID pandemic. METHODS: This analysis includes data collected in October and November 2020 from a geographically and sociodemographically diverse sample of 776 mothers in the U.S. with children ≤ 18 years of age. Log binomial models were used to estimate the association between moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety and depression and psychosocial stressors. RESULTS: Symptoms of moderate or severe anxiety and depression were reported by 37.5% and 37.6% of participants, respectively. Moderate (aRR 2.76 [95% CI 1.87, 4.07]) and high (aRR 4.95 [95% CI 3.40, 7.20]) levels of perceived stress were associated with greater risk of moderate or severe anxiety symptoms. Moderate and high levels of parental burnout were also associated with greater prevalence of moderate or severe anxiety symptoms in multivariable models. Results were similar when examining the relationship among stress, parental burnout, and depressive symptoms. Neither resilient coping nor social support modified the relationship between psychosocial stressors and mental health. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Evidence-based strategies to reduce stress and parental burnout and improve the mental health of mothers are urgently needed. Strategies focused on bolstering coping and social support may be insufficient to improve maternal mental health during acute public health emergencies.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Exposure, Disease Susceptibility, and Clinical Outcomes during COVID-19 Pandemic in National Cohort of Adults, United States.

We examined racial/ethnic disparities for COVID-19 seroconversion and hospitalization within a prospective cohort (n = 6,740) in the United States enrolled in March 2020 and followed-up through October 2021. Potential SARS-CoV-2 exposure, susceptibility to COVID-19 complications, and access to healthcare varied by race/ethnicity. Hispanic and Black non-Hispanic participants had more exposure risk and difficulty with healthcare access than white participants. Participants with more exposure had greater odds of seroconversion. Participants with more susceptibility and more barriers to healthcare had greater odds of hospitalization. Race/ethnicity positively modified the association between susceptibility and hospitalization. Findings might help to explain the disproportionate burden of SARS-CoV-2 infections and complications among Hispanic/Latino/a and Black non-Hispanic persons. Primary and secondary prevention efforts should address disparities in exposure, vaccination, and treatment for COVID-19.

Determinants and Trends of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Vaccine Uptake in a National Cohort of US Adults: A Longitudinal Study.

We estimated the trends and correlates of vaccine hesitancy and its association with subsequent vaccine uptake among 5,458 adults in the United States. Participants belonged to the Communities, Households, and SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology COVID (CHASING COVID) Cohort, a national longitudinal study. Trends and correlates of vaccine hesitancy were examined longitudinally in 8 interview rounds from October 2020 to July 2021. We also estimated the association between willingness to vaccinate and subsequent vaccine uptake through July 2021. Vaccine delay and refusal decreased from 51% and 8% in October 2020 to 8% and 6% in July 2021, respectively. Compared with non-Hispanic (NH) White participants, NH Black and Hispanic participants had higher adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for both vaccine delay (for NH Black, aOR = 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5, 2.7), and for Hispanic, 1.3 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.7)) and vaccine refusal (for NH Black, aOR = 2.5 (95% CI: 1.8, 3.6), and for Hispanic, 1.4 (95% CI: 1.0, 2.0)) in June 2021. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, compared with vaccine-willingness, was associated with lower odds of subsequent vaccine uptake (for vaccine delayers, aOR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.18; for vaccine refusers, aOR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.03 ), adjusted for sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 history. Vaccination awareness and distribution efforts should focus on vaccine delayers.

Examining inequities in rates of undiagnosed HIV and rectal STIs in a large nationwide cohort study of sexual minority men.

OBJECTIVE: Sexual minority men (SMM) of colour are disproportionately impacted by HIV and bacterial STIs (bSTIs). To better understand within-group heterogeneity and differential risk factors by race and ethnicity, we sought to examine rates of undiagnosed HIV and rectal bSTI at the intersection of racial and ethnic identity with other sociodemographic factors. METHODS: We examined data from 8105 SMM conducting home-based self-testing at enrolment in a nationwide cohort study collected from November 2017 to August 2018. We conducted analyses stratified by racial and ethnic groups to examine within-group (ie, subgroup) unadjusted rates of HIV and rectal bSTI infection across a range of characteristics. RESULTS: Rates of undiagnosed HIV were highest among Black (4.3%, n=39) and Latino (2.4%, n=38) SMM, with lower rates among those identified as multiracial (1.6%, n=15), white (1.3%, n=56) and other races (1.3%, n=6). Across the stratified analyses of HIV infection, 15 significant associations emerged showing that age, region, insurance type, sexual positioning and incarceration history had differential impacts across racial and ethnic groups. In particular, private and public insurance were protective against HIV for white but not Black and Latino SMM, and incarceration was associated with substantially higher rates of HIV infection for Black and Latino SMM relative to white SMM. We found significant co-occurrence of HIV and bSTI rates for participants who identified as Latino (OR=7.5, 95% CI 2.12 to 26.54), white (OR=3.19, 95% CI 1.14 to 8.98) and multiracial (OR=5.5, 95% CI 1.08 to 27.90), but not those who identified as Black (OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.10 to 6.56) or other races (OR=3.56 95% CI 0.31 to 40.80). CONCLUSIONS: Stratified analyses showed differential rates of HIV infection at the intersection of racial and ethnic groups with other characteristics, particularly insurance status and incarceration history, pointing to structural inequities rather than individual behaviours underlying disproportionately high rates of HIV for Black and Latino SMM.

Sex in the Era of COVID-19 in a U.S. National Cohort of Cisgender Men, Transgender Women, and Transgender Men Who Have Sex with Men: April-May 2020.

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increasing body of research focused on the effects that measures like stay-at-home orders and social distancing are having on other aspects of health, including mental health and sexual health. Currently, there are limited extant data on the effects of the pandemic on sexual and gender minorities. Between April 15, 2020, and May 15, 2020, we invited participants in an ongoing U.S. national cohort study (Together 5000) to complete a cross-sectional online survey about the pandemic, and its effects on mental and sexual health and well-being (n = 3991). Nearly all (97.7%) were living in an area where they were told they should only leave their homes for essentials. Most (70.1%) reported reducing their number of sex partners as a result of the pandemic. Among the 789 participants prescribed HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), 29.9% said they stopped taking their PrEP entirely, and 14.2% started selectively skipping doses. For those who had been taking PrEP, discontinuing PrEP was associated with having no new sex partners (ß = 0.90, 95% CI 0.40-1.40). Among the 152 HIV-positive participants, 30.9% said they were unable to maintain an HIV-related medical appointment because of the pandemic and 13.8% said they had been unable to retrieve HIV medications. Additionally, 35.3% of participants were experiencing moderate to severe anxiety because of the pandemic and 36.7% reported symptoms of depression. In a multivariable logistic regression, reporting a new sex partner in the prior 30 days was significantly associated with being aged 30 or older (vs. not, AOR = 1.21), being Black (AOR = 1.79) or Latinx (AOR = 1.40, vs. white), and being unsure if they had been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (AOR = 1.32, vs. no contact). It was unassociated with COVID-19-induced anxiety, depression, or knowing someone hospitalized with COVID-19. The pandemic has caused disruptions in sexual behavior (partner reduction) as well as difficulties navigating PrEP and HIV care continua. Findings will guide more comprehensive public health responses to optimize HIV prevention and treatment in the era of COVID-19.

Leveraging Technology to Blend Large-Scale Epidemiologic Surveillance With Social and Behavioral Science Methods: Successes, Challenges, and Lessons Learned Implementing the UNITE Longitudinal Cohort Study of HIV Risk Factors Among Sexual Minority Men in the United States.

The use of digital technologies to conduct large-scale research with limited interaction (i.e., no in-person contact) and objective endpoints (i.e., biological testing) has significant potential for the field of epidemiology, but limited research to date has been published on the successes and challenges of such approaches. We analyzed data from a cohort study of sexual minority men across the United States, collected using digital strategies during a 10-month period from 2017 to 2018. Overall, 113,874 individuals were screened, of whom 26,000 were invited to the study, 10,691 joined the study, and 7,957 completed all enrollment steps, including return of a human immunodeficiency virus-negative sample. We examined group differences in completion of the steps towards enrollment to inform future research and found significant differences according to several factors, including age and race. This study adds to prior work to provide further proof-of-concept for this limited-interaction, technology-mediated methodology, highlighting some of its strengths and challenges, including rapid access to more diverse populations but also potential for bias due to differential enrollment. This method has strong promise, and future implementation research is needed to better understand the roles of burden, privacy, access, and compensation, to enhance representativeness and generalizability of the data generated.

Awareness and Acceptability of Undetectable = Untransmittable Among a U.S. National Sample of HIV-Negative Sexual and Gender Minorities.

While the "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) message is widely endorsed, little is known about its breadth and reach. Our study describes socio-demographic characteristics and sexual behaviors associated with having heard of and trusting in U =U in a U.S. national sample of HIV-negative participants. Data were derived from the Together 5,000 cohort study, an internet-based U.S. national cohort of cis men, trans men and trans women who have sex with men. Approximately 6 months after enrollment, participants completed an optional survey included in the present cross-sectional analysis (n = 3286). Measures included socio-demographic and healthcare-related characteristics; questions pertaining to knowledge of and trust in U=U (dependable variable). We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic models to identify characteristics associated with these variables and explored patterns in willingness to engage in condomless anal sex (CAS) with regard to trust in U=U. In total, 85.5% of participants reported having heard of U=U. Among those aware of U=U, 42.3% indicated they trusted it, 19.8% did not, and 38.0% were unsure about it. Latinx, Asian, lower income, and Southern participants were less likely to have heard of U=U. Having had a recent clinical discussion about PrEP or being a former-PrEP user were associated with trust in U=U. Willingness to engage in CAS was positively associated with trust in U=U, and varied based on the partner's serostatus, PrEP use and viral load. Although we found high rates of awareness and low levels of distrust, our study indicated that key communities remain unaware and/or skeptical of U=U.

RESUMEN: Mientras que el mensaje de "Indetectable=Intransmisible" (I=I) es ampliamente respaldado, poco se conoce acerca de su alcance y amplitud. Nuestro estudio describe características socio-demográficas y los comportamientos sexuales asociados con haber escuchado de y confiar en I=I en una muestra nacional Estadounidense de participantes VIH-negativos. Los datos se derivaron de Together 5,000, un estudio cohorte en donde se recopiló datos de un cohorte basado en internet de hombres cis, hombres trans y mujeres trans que tienen sexo con otros hombres. Aproximadamente 6 meses después de la inscripción, los participantes completaron una encuesta opcional cuyos datos son presentados en este análisis transversal (n = 3286). Los instrumentos incluyeron características socio-demografías y relacionadas al cuidado de la salud; preguntas pertinentes al conocimiento de y confianza en I=I (variable dependiente). Usamos estadísticas descriptivas y modelos logísticos multivariables para identificar características asociadas a estas variables y exploramos los patrones en la disposición a participar de sexo anal sin condones (CAS) con respecto a la confianza en I=I. En total, 85.5% de los participantes reportaron haber escuchado de I=I. Entre esos, 42.3% indicó que confiaban en el mensaje, 19.8% no confiaban, y 38.0% estaban inseguros. Los participantes latinx, asiáticos, de bajos recursos y del sur tenían menos probabilidad de haber escuchado de I=I. El haber tenido una discusión clínica reciente sobre PrEP o el ser un ex usuario de PrEP se asociaron con la confianza en I=I. La disposición a participar de CAS se asoció positivamente con la confianza en I=I, y varió en función del estado serológico de las parejas, el uso de PrEP y la carga viral. Aunque encontramos altas tasas de conciencia y bajos niveles de desconfianza, nuestro estudio indicó que comunidades clave siguen sin conocer y/o escépticas de I=I.

Marketing of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) Lawsuits and Social Media Misinformation Campaigns' Impact on PrEP Uptake Among Gender and Sexual Minority Individuals.

There has been an influx of ads on social media seeking plaintiffs in lawsuits for harms/side-effects caused by tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/Emtricitabine (TDF/FTC, Truvada) for PrEP. Community groups and researchers have suggested these ads may be undermining efforts to disseminate PrEP to key populations. In October 2019, we began assessing the impact of injury lawsuit ads on social media platforms in an ongoing U.S. national cohort study of HIV-negative cis men, trans men, and trans women who have sex with men. Although assessments are ongoing, given the alarming nature of our findings, we report data collected as of March 2020 (n = 2078). Most (59.9%) said they had seen ads for TDF-related lawsuits on social media. Twenty-eight percent said they would probably or definitely not start PrEP and 22.1% said they would not stay on PrEP (were they on it) as a result of seeing these ads. Next, 38.2% agreed or strongly agreed that seeing these ads made them think that TDF/FTC for PrEP was not safe. Black, Latinx, and/or multiracial individuals were most likely to be negatively impacted by the ads including perceptions that these ads made them think PrEP is not safe. In contrast, past year experience taking PrEP was positively associated with intentions to start and/or stay on PrEP despite seeing the ads. Due to forthcoming affordable/generic options, TDF/FTC is projected to become the most scalable option for disseminating PrEP to key populations. Results suggest that ads for TDF lawsuits on social media are having a negative impact on individual PrEP decision-making. Our findings highlight the urgency for accurate and balanced messaging on the benefits and risks of PrEP, so that individuals can make informed choices about whether PrEP is right for them.

PrEP Uptake and Discontinuation Among a U.S. National Sample of Transgender Men and Women.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has revolutionized HIV prevention efforts by effectively preventing the sexual transmission of HIV infection. Few studies have examined PrEP uptake and discontinuation among transgender individuals who are underserved in HIV prevention efforts. An online U.S. nationwide survey screened 294 HIV-negative transgender people for participation in a larger cohort study. We analyzed associations between demographic characteristics and PrEP use and discontinuation. We conducted thematic analyses of open-ended responses to identify reasons for PrEP discontinuation. Fifty-one participants (17.4%) reported ever receiving a PrEP prescription. Transgender men reported higher PrEP use than transgender women (χ2 = 18.06; p < 0.0001). PrEP discontinuation was reported by 49.0% of individuals who reported PrEP use. Reasons for PrEP discontinuation were related to side effects, insurance coverage, relationship status, and access to providers. HIV prevention efforts to increase PrEP should include mechanisms for PrEP uptake and re-initiation among transgender individuals.

RESUMEN: La profilaxis pre-exposición (PrEP) ha revolucionado la prevención del VIH al prevenir efectivamente la transmisión del VIH. Pocos estudios han examinado la adopción y descontinuación de PrEP entre las personas transgénero quienes son desatendidas en los esfuerzos de prevención del VIH. Una encuesta nacional en-línea de EEUU calificó a 294 personas transgénero VIH-negativas para participar en un estudio cohorte más grande. Analizamos las asociaciones entre las características demográficas y el uso y descontinuación de PrEP. Realizamos análisis temáticos de las respuestas a preguntas abiertas para identificar razones para la descontinuación de PrEP. Cincuenta y uno participantes (17.4%) reportaron haber tomado PrEP alguna vez. Los hombres transgénero reportaron mayor uso de PrEP que las mujeres transgénero (χ2 = 18.06; p < 0.0001).  La descontinuación de PrEP fue reportada por 49.0% de los individuos que reportaron haber usado PrEP. Las razones por la descontinuación se relacionaron a los efectos secundarios, la cobertura del seguro medico, el estado civil, y el acceso a proveedores de salud. Los esfuerzos de prevención del VIH para aumentar el uso de PrEP deben incluir mecanismos para la adopción y reinicio entre las personas transgénero.

Factors Associated with Being PrEP-Naïve Among a U.S. National Cohort of Former-PrEP and PrEP-Naïve Participants Meeting Objective Criteria for PrEP Care.

There is an urgent need to increase uptake and persistence in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in PrEP-eligible candidates. Little is known about the similarities and differences between groups of PrEP-naïve and former users, an important consideration for future interventions. We explored factors associated with being PrEP-naïve in a U.S. national cohort of naïve and former-PrEP users, all of whom met objective criteria for PrEP care at enrollment. Data were derived from the Together 5000 cohort study, an Internet-based U.S. national cohort of cisgender and trans men and trans women who have sex with men. Participants were recruited via ads on men-for-men geosocial networking apps. All participants were not on PrEP at the time of enrollment. We conducted bivariate analysis to explore differences between the two groups and used multivariable logistic regression to assess factors associated with being PrEP-naïve. Of the 6283 participants, 5383 (85.7%) were PrEP-naïve and 900 (14.3%) were former-PrEP users. There were significant differences between PrEP-naïve and former-PrEP users across multiple demographic variables, in addition to PrEP-related and psychosocial variables. Factors associated with being PrEP-naïve included younger age, sexual identity other than gay/queer, lower perception of candidacy for PrEP care, less willingness to take PrEP, lower access to PrEP care, and individual-level barriers such as health- and provider-related concerns. Programs and policies designed to address uptake and persistence of PrEP should be aware of these differences. Providing care in non-traditional LGBTQ-care settings, home-based PrEP interventions, and provision by healthcare providers other than physicians could improve uptake. Future research should investigate mechanisms that can improve uptake and persistence in communities in need of PrEP.

Getting Clear About Rectal Douching Among Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Receptive anal sex is the primary means through which HIV is transmitted among men who have sex with men (MSM). Recently, researchers have begun investigating the role that rectal douching may play in amplifying risk for transmission. Yet, there is limited research on the frequency with which MSM douche, the products they use, and how this may vary across sociodemographic characteristics. A U.S. national sample of 4745 MSM completed an online survey that assessed their douching behavior, demographic characteristics, sexual behavior, and their anal sexual positioning (i.e., top, bottom, versatile). Nearly two-thirds (65.8%) had engaged in rectal douching in the last three months. Among those who douched, water was commonly reported (84.2%) and 20.1% reported using commercial enemas (e.g., Fleet), as well as water and soap (15.0%)-numbers exceed 100% as some participants reported more than one. Men who douched reported significantly more receptive and insertive condomless anal sex acts in the prior 3 months. One-in-ten men reported rectal bleeding after douching. Compared to HIV-negative participants who had not taken PrEP, participants had higher odds of reporting douching in the past 3 months if they were HIV-negative and currently on PrEP (AOR = 1.82), HIV-negative and previously used PrEP (AOR = 1.58), and HIV-positive (AOR = 1.83). Douching was common in this sample. Given that douching could amplify risk for HIV transmission, healthcare providers should discuss douching safety with their patients, with a focus on harm reduction (e.g., reduce risk of bleeding, as opposed to abstinence from douching).

Individual and Partnership Factors Associated with Heterosexual Anal Intercourse Among Attendees of Public Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics in Los Angeles County.

Heterosexual anal intercourse (HAI) is an understudied sexual behavior and poses unique challenges to the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This study aimed to explore individual and partnership characteristics associated with HAI. This study used data collected from 243 young people who attended STD clinics in Los Angeles County between April 2012 and May 2014. Participants reported on sexual behaviors with their last three sexual partners. Hierarchical, mixed effects, repeated-measures analyses were used to assess partner-level (demographic) and individual-level (demographic and behavioral) factors associated with recent (past 6 months) HAI. Thirty-two percent of participants (n = 243) reported HAI with at least one recent sex partner, and 49% reported ever having anal intercourse (AI). After adjusting for demographic characteristics, HAI was more than twice as likely to occur in relationships (n = 503) lasting more than a year compared to relationships lasting less than one month. HAI was also more likely to occur in relationships where intimate partner violence (IPV) was reported either as IPV initiated by the respondent (aOR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.08-4.41) or IPV initiated by the partner (aOR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.27-4.47). Among our participants, a substantial proportion reported HAI in the recent past 6 months and nearly half reported lifetime AI. Notably, our results indicate the importance of relationship contexts for people engaging in HAI and highlight the increased risk of STD/HIV transmission in the context of relationships with intimate partner violence victimization and perpetration.

Higher and Higher? Drug and Alcohol Use and Misuse among HIV-Vulnerable Men, Trans Men, and Trans Women Who Have Sex with Men in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Substance use (SU) and misuse are disproportionately more common among sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals compared to their heterosexual peers. Yet, little is known about regional and demographic differences in use and misuse among SGM. In this study, we investigated regional and demographic differences in SU and misuse in a U.S. national, internet-based cohort (n = 6,280) of men and trans persons who have sex with men. Methods: Data collected included the WHO ASSIST (substance) and AUDIT (alcohol) SU scales to estimate recent (≤ 3 months) non-problematic use (≤ 3 ASSIST, ≤ 10 AUDIT) and misuse (≥4 ASSIST, ≥11 AUDIT). We used bivariate and multivariable logistic models to examine demographic and regional factors associated with SU and misuse. Results: Participants reported using alcohol (85.6%), cannabis (53.9%), and inhalants (39.1%) in the past three months. More than one-third self-reported misuse of cannabis, Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), inhalants, methamphetamines, and prescription sedatives. We observed regional differences in substance use for cannabis (Southeast aOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63-0.93; West aOR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02-1.59, ref. Northeast) and prescription Stimulants (Midwest aOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.00-1.93), as well as for cannabis misuse (Southeast aOR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69-0.99). We also observed significant associations between socioeconomic factors with use and misuse. Conclusions: Findings suggest geographic differences in misuse of certain substances among men and trans persons who have sex with men in the US, and that socio-economic factors, also play a key role in indicating risk.

Demographic, Behavioral, and Geographic Differences Between Men, Transmen, and Transwomen Currently on PrEP, Former PrEP Users, and Those Having Never Used PrEP.

Many recent studies have compared men currently taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to men not taking PrEP. However, less is known about demographic, behavioral, and geographic characteristics of men formerly, but not currently, taking PrEP. Using a 2017-2018 U.S. national, internet-based sample (n = 10,504) of men, transmen, and transwomen who have sex with men, we compared three groups based on their PrEP experiences. Results highlight individual-level financial and geo-contextual barriers to PrEP use that can inform prevention efforts to improve PrEP initiation and continuation for both PrEP-naïve and PrEP-experienced individuals, respectively.

Are we on the precipice of a new epidemic? Risk for hepatitis C among HIV-negative men-, trans women-, and trans men- who have sex with men in the United States.

Emerging data from Europe have documented increases in diagnoses of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among HIV-negative men who have sex with men. We investigated risk factors for HCV and their correlates in the Together 5000 study, a U.S. national cohort study of HIV-negative men (n = 6089), transgender women (n = 40), and transgender men (n = 42) who have sex with men. We used bivariate and multivariable analyses to determine demographic and behavioral factors associated with high risk for acute HCV infection (using the HCV-MOSAIC risk indicator with a score ≥ 2.0). Mean HCV risk score was 1.38 (SD = 1.09) and 27.3% of participants had HCV risk scores ≥ 2.0. In multivariable modeling, being cisgender male (vs. not) was associated with having a lower HCV-MOSAIC risk score. Meanwhile, being white, having been incarcerated, prior use of HIV pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis, having ever been tested for HIV, and recent methamphetamine use were associated with high risk for HCV. More than one-in-four participants exceeded the threshold score for HCV risk. Those with high HCV-MOSAIC risk scores were more likely to have been in settings where they could be tested for acute HCV (i.e., HIV testing, PrEP care, PEP care, incarceration), suggesting opportunities to engage them in HCV screening, prevention, and treatment.