Rectal Douching Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Paris: Implications for HIV/STI Risk Behaviors and Rectal Microbicide Development.

Rectal douching is a common but potentially risky practice among MSM; MSM who douche may be ideal candidates for rectal microbicides as HIV prevention. Herein we explored rectal douching and its association with condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI), group sex, rates of HIV and other STIs, and likelihood to use rectal microbicide gels. We recruited a sample of 580 MSM from a geosocial-networking smartphone application in Paris, France in 2016. Regression models estimated adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) for associations between rectal douche use and (1) engagement in CRAI, (2) group sex, (3) self-reported HIV and STI diagnoses, and (4) likelihood to use rectal microbicide gels for HIV prevention. 54.3% of respondents used a rectal douche or enema in the preceding 3 months. Douching was significantly associated with CRAI (aRR: 1.77), participation in group sex (aRR: 1.42), HIV infection (aRR: 3.40), STI diagnosis (aRR: 1.73), and likelihood to use rectal microbicide gels (aRR: 1.78). Rectal douching is common among MSM, particularly those who practice CRAI, and rectal microbicide gels may be an acceptable mode of HIV prevention for MSM who use rectal douches.

A Pilot Randomized Trial of Financial Incentives or Coaching to Lower Serum Phosphorus in Dialysis Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Among chronic hemodialysis patients, hyperphosphatemia is common and associated with mortality. Behavioral economics and complementary behavior-change theories may offer valuable approaches to achieving phosphorus (PO4) control. The aim was to determine feasibility of implementing financial incentives and structured coaching to improve PO4 in the hemodialysis setting. DESIGN AND METHODS: This pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in 3 urban dialysis units for 10 weeks among 36 adults with elevated serum PO4 (median >5.5 mg/dL over 3 months). INTERVENTIONS: Twelve participants each were randomized to: (1) financial incentives for lowering PO4, (2) coaching about dietary and medication adherence, or (3) usual care. PO4 was measured during routine clinic operations. Each incentives arm participant received the equivalent of $1.50/day if the PO4 was ≤5.5 mg/dL or >5.5 mg/dL but decreased ≥0.5 mg/dL since the prior measurement. The coach was instructed to contact coaching arm participants at least 3 times per week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures included: (1) enrollment rate, (2) dropout rate, and (3) change in PO4 from beginning to end of 10-week intervention period. RESULTS: Of 66 eligible patients, 36 (55%) enrolled. Median age was 53 years, 83% were black race, and 78% were male. Median baseline PO4 was 6.0 (interquartile range 5.6, 7.5). Using stratified generalized estimation equation analyses, the monthly decline in PO4 was -0.32 mg/dL (95% CI -0.60, -0.04) in the incentives arm, -0.40 mg/dL (-0.60, -0.20) in the coaching arm, and -0.24 mg/dL (-0.60, 0.08) in the usual care arm. No patients dropped out. All intervention arm participants expressed interest in receiving similar support in the future. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot trial demonstrated good feasibility in enrollment and implementation of novel behavioral health strategies to reduce PO4 in dialysis patients.