Changes in sexually transmitted infections-related sexual risk-taking among young Croatian adults: a 2005-2021 three-wave population-based study.

AIM: To assess the prevalence and dynamics of risky sexual behaviors among Croatian emerging adults in the 2005-2021 period. METHODS: Three surveys were conducted on large-scale national samples of young adults aged 18-24 in 2005 (N=1092) and 18-25 in 2010 and 2021 (N=1005 and N=1210, respectively). The 2005 and 2010 studies were conducted with face-to-face interviews on stratified probabilistic samples. The 2021 study was conducted by computer-assisted web-interviewing on a quota-based random sample from the largest national online panel. RESULTS: Compared with 2005 and 2010, the age at coital debut increased for both genders in 2021 (by a median of one year, to 18 years, and by a mean of half a year, to 17.5 years, in men and to 17.9 in women). In the 2005-2021 period, condom use increased by about 15% both at first intercourse (to 80%) and in consistent use (to 40% in women and 50% in men). When we controlled for basic socio-demographics, Cox and logistic regressions indicated that, for both genders, in 2005 and 2010 compared with 2021, the risks/odds were significantly higher for reporting an earlier sexual debut (adjusted hazard ratio 1.25-1.37), multiple sexual partners (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.62-3.31), and concurrent relationships (AOR 3.36-4.64), while the odds were lower for condom use at first sexual intercourse (AOR 0.24-0.46) and consistently (AOR 0.51-0.64). CONCLUSION: Risky sexual behaviors decreased in the 2021 survey compared with the previous two waves, in both genders. Nonetheless, sexual risk-taking is still frequent among young Croatian adults. The introduction of sexuality education and other national-level public health interventions to reduce sexual risk-taking thus remains a public health imperative.

HIV testing among incarcerated people with a history of HIV-related high-risk behaviours in Iran: Findings from three consecutive national bio-behavioural surveys.

BACKGROUND: Incarcerated people are at a disproportionate risk of contracting HIV. We estimated the prevalence and correlates of HIV testing among incarcerated people with a history of HIV-related high-risk behaviours in Iran. METHODS: Data for this analysis were obtained from three consecutive nationwide bio-behavioural surveillance surveys of a random sample of incarcerated people in 2009 (n = 5953), 2013 (n = 5490), and 2017 (n = 5785). History of testing for HIV in the last 12 months was the primary outcome variable. HIV testing was examined among those with a history of HIV-related high-risk behaviours (i.e., having multiple sex partnerships, injection drug use practices, or a history of having a tattoo). The outcome variable was divided into three categories: Never tested for HIV, ever tested for HIV inside the prison in the last 12 months, and ever tested for HIV outside the prison in the last 12 months. We used multivariable multinomial logistic regression models to examine factors associated with HIV testing. RESULTS: Overall, 8,553 participants with a history of HIV-related high-risk behaviors with valid responses to the HIV testing question were included in the analysis. Although HIV testing inside prison has increased (23% [2009], 21.5% [2013], and 50.3% [2017]: P-value < 0.001), the prevalence of HIV testing outside prison has decreased (7.7% [2009], 7.5% [2013], 4.1% [2017]: P-value < 0.001) over time. Our multivariable multinomial regression model showed older age (Relative-risk ratio [RRR]: 1.24, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 1.05, 1.47), history of the previous incarceration (RRR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.71), currently receiving methadone maintenance therapy inside prison (RRR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.81, 2.43), having access to condoms inside prison (RRR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.68) and sufficient HIV knowledge (RRR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.05) were significantly associated with an increased probability of having an HIV test in the last 12 months inside prison. CONCLUSION: HIV testing among high-risk Iranian prisoners has increased from 2009 to 2017. However, HIV testing remains considerably low, and half of the incarcerated people with a history of HIV-related high-risk behaviours had never tested for HIV inside prison. Evidence-based programs are needed to optimize HIV testing inside and outside prisons and identify those at greater risk of HIV.

Surveillance and epidemiology of syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia in the non-European Union countries of the World Health Organization European Region, 2015 to 2020.

BackgroundEpidemics of sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a major public health challenge in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region.AimWe aimed to provide an overview of case reporting and other surveillance data for syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia for the non-European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries of the Centre and East part of the WHO European Region as per classification used by the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.MethodsData were provided by the surveillance agencies of the Member States for the period 2015 to 2019 through the WHO/Europe Communicable Diseases Annual Reporting Form. We analysed reported cases, explored data reported to the WHO Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (GASP) and performed a review of publications on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in gonorrhoea in the period 2015 to 2020 using systematic methodology.ResultsFrom 2015 to 2019, in most of the countries with three or more data points, there was a pattern of decrease in reported syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases, which is in contrast to the EU/EEA. The number of reported cases per 100,000 population was 0.4-26.5 for syphilis, 0-18.5 for gonorrhoea and 0-43.3 for chlamydia. Four countries reported recent data on AMR in gonorrhoea to GASP, and we identified further publications from Georgia, Russia and Ukraine.ConclusionWe found wide heterogeneity in reported rates of STI. There is a strong need to improve availability and quality of STI surveillance data in the non-EU/EEA countries.

HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B prevalence, related risk behaviours and correlates of condom use among transgender women in two cities in Sri Lanka: findings from respondent-driven sampling surveys.

Background Biobehavioural data on transgender women (TGW) are limited globally. METHODS: We used data collected as part of the 2017-18 National Integrated HIV Biobehavioural Survey, which included 254 TGW in Colombo and 252 in Jaffna, for structured questionnaire interviews and biological testing. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to explore factors associated with condom use. RESULTS: We found low HIV prevalence in Colombo (0.6%) and no HIV infections in Jaffna. TGW in Colombo had higher positivity on the Treponema pallidum-particle agglutination test (2.5%) compared with TGW in Jaffna (0.4%). We found no hepatitis B infections. In both cities, <25% of TGW have comprehensive knowledge about HIV prevention. In Colombo 54.4%, but only 21.4% of TGW in Jaffna, have ever been tested for HIV. Drug-injecting behaviours are uncommon in both cities (prevalence <1%), whereas 7.4% reported sharing equipment for injecting feminising hormones in Colombo. Greater proportions of TGW in Colombo compared with Jaffna used condom at last sex (82.3% vs 37.7%). Multivariable analysis showed lower odds of condom use at last sex in TGW aged >30 years and those who did not test for HIV in the past 12 months in Colombo, and for TGW with higher income in Jaffna, TGW not visiting outdoor sites to find partners, and TGW who sold sex. CONCLUSIONS: Current burden of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B among TGW in Sri Lanka is low. Although risk behavioural patterns vary between the cities, a substantial sexually transmitted infection vulnerability is a common denominator, calling for strengthening of the capacity to respond to specific TGW needs.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Prevalence, Temporal Dynamics and Association with Abnormal Cervical Cytology Findings in Women from Croatia: Is there a Compounding Effect of Low-Risk/High-Risk HPV Co-Infection?

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major risk factor for cervical dysplasia and invasive cervical cancer; therefore, regular screening by cervical smear cytology or HPV testing is recommended. We aimed to determine the overall and risk group-specific HPV prevalence, age distribution, and temporal trends and to appraise the correlation of HPV positivity with abnormal cervical cytological findings. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study involved a total of 751 women (aged 18 - 67) concurrently subjected to HPV DNA testing and cervical cytology evaluation over a 10-year period in Zagreb, Croatia. Digene HC2 HPV DNA test (Qiagen Corporation, USA) was employed in screening specimens for both low-risk and high-risk HPV risk groups. The cytology was reported using the Bethesda system and in accordance with uniform classification of uterine cervix cytological findings in Croatia "Zagreb 2002". Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The overall HPV prevalence in our study population was 48.6%, and the 18 - 30 age group presented with the highest infection burden (p = 0.046). A decrease in low-risk and high-risk mono-positivity has been observed over the 10-year period; conversely, there was a significant increase in low-risk/high-risk co-positivity (p = 0.007). Low-risk/high-risk HPV co-infection resulted in a compounding effect which increased the occurrence of abnormal cells, HPV-associated changes and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL/cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade I) in cervical cytology when compared to mono-infection with either low-risk or high-risk HPV. On the other hand, such effect has not been demonstrated for high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL/ cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades II and III). CONCLUSIONS: The overall HPV prevalence in female outpatients was high, underscored with rising co-positivity rates. Such co-infection with both low-risk and high-risk HPV (predominantly seen in women younger than 30) can exhibit a compounding effect in the occurrence of cytological abnormalities and low grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions (LSIL), which has to be considered in future diagnostic and screening algorithms.

Beach boys in Galle, Sri Lanka: multiple HIV risk behaviours and potential for HIV bridging.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data globally on HIV in men who engage in casual and transactional sex with female tourists. METHODS: In 2018 we carried out a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey among beach boys in Galle, Sri Lanka, to determine prevalence of HIV and other infections, HIV risk behaviours and utilisation of HIV prevention services. Eligibility criteria included men who cruise in and around beach areas and who had anal and/or vaginal sex with female or male tourists in the 12 months before the survey. RESULTS: We recruited 373 beach boys. Approximately 49.6% of the participants were married, while 45.7% were single and 4.7% divorced, separated or widowed. A lower percentage of beach boys reported regular partners in the past 12 months (52.3%) compared to casual partners (95.4%). Condom use at last sex with a casual partner was higher (76.7%) compared to condom use with regular partners (58.3%). Condom use at last sex with a tourist was reported by 75.3%. Ever receiving money, goods or services in exchange for sex was reported by 39.7%. For 85.5% of beach boys who sold sex, the last paying partner was a tourist (85.5%) and a woman (82.0%). In the past 12 months before the survey, 32.3% of beach boys paid money for sex, and 99.5% did so from women. Ever been tested for HIV was reported by 35.3, and 69.1% of those were tested in the 6 months before the survey. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, significant correlates of never testing for HIV were lack of comprehensive knowledge about HIV and unprotected last sexual intercourse with tourists. The prevalent infections were: HIV, 0.3% (95% CI 0.0-0.4%); syphilis, 0.5% (0.0-1.2%); herpes virus type-2, 5.0% (2.5-7.5%). CONCLUSIONS: There are low level HIV and syphilis prevalence among beach boys in Galle but a high level of sexual risk taking. Beach boys may be acting as a bridge for HIV transmission between higher-risk groups (paying female tourists, men who have sex with men) and lower-risk heterosexual female population in Sri Lanka. More research is needed in South-East Asia on men who trade sexual services to female and male tourists.

HIV prevalence and related risk behaviours in female seasonal farm workers in Souss Massa Draa, Morocco: results from a cross-sectional survey using cluster-based sampling.

OBJECTIVES: To determine prevalence of HIV and HIV-related behaviours in female seasonal farm workers (FSFWs) in two provinces of Souss Massa Draa (SMD) region in Morocco. SMD has a higher burden of HIV compared with other parts of Morocco and is characterised by a substantial aggregation of FSFW. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional HIV biobehavioural survey using cluster-based sampling of farms in the provinces Chtouka Aït Baha and Taroudant Ouled Teïma in 2014. HIV testing was done using the Determine HIV-1/2 rapid test and reactive specimens were tested using ELISA and western blot. Collected data were post hoc weighted for region-based stratification and adjusted for clustering effects using complex survey functions of SPSS (V.21). RESULTS: Among those eligible to participate, the response rate was 92.8%. HIV prevalence was 0.9% (95% CI 0.4% to 2.4%) among 520 recruited participants. A high proportion of respondents (67.7%) had no education. Ever having sex was reported by 79.8% and among these, 12.7% ever exchanged sex for money or goods. Sixty-one per cent reported condom use at most recent commercial vaginal sex in the past 12 months. STI symptom recognition was found to be low because 62.4% and 46.8% of FSFW could not report any STI symptoms in men and women, respectively. Twenty-seven per cent of respondents had an HIV test in the past 12 months. In multivariable analysis, those with primary or higher education (adjusted OR (aOR)=2.38, 95% CI 1.33 to 4.27) and those who participated in an HIV educational session at their workplace (aOR=11.00, 95% CI 3.99 to 30.31) had higher odds of ever been tested for HIV. CONCLUSIONS: Although we found a relatively low HIV prevalence among FSFW in SMD, HIV interventions should be intensified, in particular, in a subgroup of women who are involved in sex work.

Misclassification of men with reported HIV infection in Ukraine.

We analyzed data on reported mode of transmission in case reports of HIV-infections among men in Ukraine. The number of men who were reported to have acquired HIV through heterosexual transmission increased substantially in 2006-2011. However, we estimate that up to 40 % of reported cases of heterosexual transmission among men may actually represent misclassified men who have sex with men or persons who inject drugs. These findings indicate a need to improve the quality of data on reported mode of HIV transmission. Accurate information has important public health implications in planning prevention and treatment services.

HIV risks and HIV prevention among female sex workers in two largest urban settings in Croatia, 2008-2014.

Harm reduction-based HIV prevention has been in place among female sex workers (FSWs) in Croatia for more than a decade. However, little is known about how well the existing programs meet the needs of FSWs in an environment where sex work remains criminalized and highly stigmatized. This study aims to assess changes in FSWs' vulnerability to HIV infection in the 2008-2014 period. Using convenience samples of FSWs in Croatia's two largest urban settings, behavioral data were collected in 2007-2008 and 2014. Outreach workers interviewed 154 FSWs in the first wave of the survey and 158 in the second. The period under observation was characterized by a stable prevalence of most HIV-relevant risk behaviors and experiences. Significant changes in client-based victimization and HIV knowledge were observed only among FSWs in the capital city. Substantial and mostly sustained levels of sexual and nonsexual victimization call for more research into the limits of the current behavior-based harm reduction approach to HIV prevention in the country.

Prevalence of HIV and other infections and correlates of needle and syringe sharing among people who inject drugs in Podgorica, Montenegro: a respondent-driven sampling survey.

BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs (PWID) have significantly higher rates of blood borne and sexually transmitted infections due to unsafe injecting practices and risky sexual behaviors. METHODS: We carried out an HIV bio-behavioral survey using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in people who use drugs (PWID) in Podgorica, Montenegro in 2013 in order to determine the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and risk behaviors. Data were analyzed using RDS Analyst and SPSS 12.0 to obtain prevalence estimates of key bio-behavioral indicators and assess correlates of needle and syringe sharing using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 402 PWID were recruited. HIV prevalence was 1.1%, while the prevalence of HCV and HBsAg was 53.0% and 1.4%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, significant correlates of needle and syringe sharing in the past month were being older than 26 years, female, injecting drugs more than once per day, injecting in parks or on streets, not being able to obtaining free-of-charge sterile needles and syringes and reporting more than four partners in the past 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the HIV epidemic in PWID in Montenegro might still be at a low level, though the HCV epidemic is well-established.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus in adolescent girls before reported sexual debut.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are recommended for girls prior to sexual debut because they are most effective if administered before girls acquire HPV. Little research has been done on HPV prevalence in girls who report not having passed sexual debut in high HPV-prevalence countries. METHODS: Using attendance registers of randomly selected primary schools in the Mwanza region of Tanzania, we enrolled girls aged 15-16 years who reported not having passed sexual debut. A face-to-face interview on sexual behavior and intravaginal practices, and a nurse-assisted self-administered vaginal swab were performed. Swabs were tested for 13 high-risk and 24 low-risk HPV genotypes. RESULTS: HPV was detected in 40/474 (8.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.9-11.0) girls. Ten different high-risk and 21 different low-risk genotypes were detected. High-risk genotypes were detected in 5.3% (95% CI, 3.5-7.8). In multivariable analysis, only intravaginal cleansing (practiced by 20.9%) was associated with HPV detection (adjusted odds ratio = 2.19, 95% CI, 1.09-4.39). CONCLUSION: This cohort of adolescent Tanzanian girls had a high HPV prevalence prior to self-reported sexual debut, and this was associated with intravaginal cleansing. This most likely reflects underreporting of sexual activity, and it is possible that intravaginal cleansing is a marker for unreported sexual debut or nonpenetrative sexual behaviors.

HIV surveillance in MENA: recent developments and results.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of the current level of development and results from the national HIV surveillance systems of the 23 countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and to assess the quality of HIV surveillance systems in the period 2007-2011. METHODS: A questionnaire was used to collect the information about the structure, activities and the results of HIV surveillance systems from the National AIDS Programmes. Assessment of the quality was based on four indicators: timeliness of data collection, appropriateness of populations under surveillance, consistency of the surveillance sites and groups measured over time, and coverage of the surveillance system. RESULTS: Only in four countries did surveillance systems enable assessment of epidemic trends in the same populations and locations over time, such as in pregnant women (Morocco, Iran), injecting drug users (Iran, Pakistan), female sex workers (Djibouti, Morocco) and male sex workers (Pakistan). There is increasing evidence of HIV infection being firmly established in at least one of the populations most at risk of HIV in nine MENA countries, while lower risk populations show elevated HIV prevalence in South Sudan, Djibouti and some parts of Somalia. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of HIV surveillance systems in several of the MENA countries has improved in recent years. The extent of HIV epidemics in the populations most at risk of HIV is still largely unknown in 10 countries. Multiple data sources that most of the countries still lack would enable indirectly estimation not only of the patterns of HIV epidemics but also the effectiveness of HIV responses.

Integrated bio-behavioural HIV surveillance surveys among female sex workers in Sudan, 2011-2012.

OBJECTIVES: To assess HIV and syphilis prevalence, HIV-related behaviours and testing for HIV in female sex workers (FSW) in Sudan. DESIGN: Bio-behavioural surveys using respondent-driven sampling were carried out among FSW in the capital cities of 14 states in Sudan in 2011-2012. HIV and syphilis testing was done by rapid tests. RESULTS: 4220 FSW aged 15-49 years were recruited. The median age of recruited women varied from 21 to 28 years per site. The highest HIV prevalence was measured at two sites in the eastern zone (5.0% and 7.7%), while in the other zones it ranged from 0% to 1.5%. Syphilis prevalence ranged from 1.5% in the northern zone to 8.9% in the eastern zone. Ever having been tested for HIV was reported by 4.4%-23.9% of FSW across all sites. Condom use at last sex with a client varied from 4.7% to 55.1%, while consistent condom use with clients in the month preceding the surveys was reported by 0.7%-24.5% of FSW. The highest reporting of ever injecting drugs was measured at a site in the western zone (5.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The surveys' findings indicate that the highest burden of HIV in FSW is in the eastern states of the country. Condom use and HIV testing data demonstrate the need for HIV interventions that should focus on HIV testing and risk reduction strategies that include stronger condom promotion programmes in FSW and their clients.

Determinants of risky sexual behavior among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Georgia.

Injection risk practices and risky sexual behaviors place injection drug users (IDUs) and their sexual partners particularly vulnerable to HIV. The purpose of the study was to describe and understand determinants of high-risk sexual behavior among IDUs in Georgia. A cross-sectional, anonymous survey assessed knowledge, behavior and HIV status in IDUs in five Georgian cities (Tbilisi, Gori, Telavi, Zugdidi, Batumi) in 2009. The study enrolled in total 1,127 (1,112 males, 15 females) IDUs. Results indicate that occasional sexual relationships are common among male IDUs, including married ones. A subsample of 661 male IDUs who reported having occasional and paid sex partners during the last 12 months was analyzed. Multivariate analysis shows that not having a regular partner in the last 12 month (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.57, 95 % CI 1.04 2.37), and using previously used needles/syringes at last injecting (aOR 2.37, 95 % I 1.10-5.11) are independent correlates of inconsistent condom use with occasional and paid sexual partners among IDUs. Buprenorphine injectors have lower odds of inconsistent condom use with occasional and paid sexual partners compared to heroin injectors (aOR 0.47, 95 % CI 0.27-0.80), and IDUs who live in Telavi are twice more likely to engage in such risky sexual behavior than capital city residents (aOR 2.55, 95 % CI 1.46-4.48). More effective programs focused on sexual risk behavior reduction strategies should be designed and implemented.

Self-reported HPV vaccination status and HPV vaccine hesitancy in a nationally representative sample of emerging adults in Croatia.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine self-reported human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination status among emerging adults in Croatia, intention to get the HPV vaccine among unvaccinated individuals and correlates of HPV vaccine hesitancy. Methods: Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey based on a probabilistic national sample. The sample included 1,197 individuals aged 18-25 years (50.6% were women) who were recruited from November 2021 to February 2022 as part of the commercial online panel. Analyses included 981 participants who correctly answered two "attention trap" questions using descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses. The data were post-hoc weighted for gender and age and adjusted for clustering effect. To adjust standard errors for the sampling design, multivariate analyses were carried out using the complex samples module in the IBM SPSS 27 statistical software package. Results: Overall, 18.3% of participants (25.0% of women and 11.7% of men) reported that they were HPV vaccinated, while 21.9% did not know their HPV vaccination status. Of those vaccinated, 65.6% were women. The odds of being HPV-vaccinated were significantly higher among female participants. Among the unvaccinated, 35.4% expressed a willingness to get the vaccine. The odds of vaccination hesitancy were significantly lower among women, participants who reported a higher perceived risk of STIs, those who recognized that HPV could result in cervical cancer, and significantly higher among those who were more religious. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a need to increase HPV vaccination uptake in Croatia through raising awareness about HPV vaccine effectiveness and also through the implementation of strategies to make vaccination more available.

Knowledge about and prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in a population-based sample of emerging Croatian adults.

To determine the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) infection, knowledge about chlamydia and experience of previous testing for chlamydia, we carried out a national probability-based survey in emerging adults aged 18-25 years in Croatia in 2021-2022. Participants (n = 1197), members of a national online panel, completed a web-based questionnaire that collected information on socio-demographics, sexual behaviours and knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Urine specimens from a sample of sexually experienced participants were self-collected and tested for chlamydia using Cobas 4800 CT/NG test. To achieve broad representativeness of the emerging adult population in the country, we applied post-hoc weighting for gender and age. Multivariable ordinary least squares linear regression was used to determine correlates of knowledge about chlamydia infection and binomial logistic regression to assess correlates of the willingness to test for chlamydia. Among 448 participants who sent in their urine specimens chlamydia prevalence was 2.5% (95% CI 1.2-5.1) in women and 1.0% (0.3-3.2%) in men. A total of 8.0% of women and 4.7% men reported testing for chlamydia prior to the survey. About a quarter of the sample was characterized by not answering correctly any of the six questions related to knowledge about chlamydia, while only 9.6% had five or six correct answers. In the multivariable analysis, significantly higher odds of willingness to test for chlamydia were found in females compared to males (OR = 1.34, p = 0.024), those with better knowledge about the infection (OR = 1.11, p = 0.005), and those with lower religiosity (OR = 0.91, p = 0.017). In conclusion, prevalence of chlamydia in emerging adults in Croatia is considerable. Efforts to control this infection should focus on primary prevention and targeted testing combined with effective case management strategies.

HIV case reporting and HIV treatment outcomes in Qatar.

Aim: The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of available HIV case reporting and treatment data for in Qatar for the period 2015-2020. Methods: HIV case reporting data were analyzed by sex and mode of transmission. To construct HIV care continuum from the data available, we obtained information on the total number of HIV diagnosed patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2020, number of patients on ART who had an HIV viral load test and the number who were virally suppressed (defined as having the viral load of less than 1,000 copies/mL). Results: A total of 515 HIV cases were reported to the Ministry of Public Health since beginning of reporting in 1986, and that included Qatari nationals and expatriate residents diagnosed in Qatar. There was an increase in the annual number of newly reported HIV cases from 16 cases in 2015 (of these, 14 were males) to 58 cases in 2020 (of these, 54 were males). The total number of HIV diagnosed people on ART increased from 99 in 2015 to 213 in 2020. During 2020 the overall viral load testing coverage and viral load suppression among those tested for viral load in men were 72.5% and 93.1%, respectively, while in women these values were 60.4% and 84.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Due to increase in newly reported HIV cases, there is a need to develop an effective HIV strategic information system in Qatar and data-driven and targeted national HIV response.

Prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections and patterns of recent HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Zagreb, Croatia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Zagreb, Croatia, and assess correlates of testing for HIV in the past 12 months. METHODS: The authors carried out a bio-behavioural survey using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) from September 2010 to February 2011. Participants completed a questionnaire and were asked to provide blood, urine, oropharyngeal and rectal swabs for the detection of infections. Data were analysed using RDS Analysis Tool 6.0.1 and STATA V.8.0. RESULTS: A total of 387 MSM were recruited at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases. The age range of recruited men was 18-57 years. HIV prevalence was 2.8% (95% CI 1.1% to 5.1%) (3.6%, unadjusted), lower than that found in the first RDS survey carried out in 2006 (4.5%, 95% 2.2% to 7.3%) (4.9%, unadjusted). The seroprevalence of herpes virus type 2 was 5.9% (6.9, unadjusted) and that of syphilis measured by Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay was 7.6% (6.7%, unadjusted). The authors found urethral and/or rectal infections with Chlamydia trachomatis in 7.2% (8.5%, unadjusted) of men and gonoccocal in 2.7% (2.1%, unadjusted). HIV testing in the past 12 months was reported by 32.7% (38.9%, unadjusted). In the multivariate analysis, significant correlates of recent HIV testing were having more than three partners in the past 12 months and the knowledge of HIV status of a regular partner. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that there might have not been a progression of an HIV and STI epidemic in the past 5 years among MSM in Croatia. Prevention should expand by providing better uptake of HIV and STI testing services, thus enabling timely treatment.

Is religiosity a barrier to sexual and reproductive health? Results from a population-based study of young Croatian adults.

Following the demise of socialism in 1989, religious identification substantially increased in most countries of Central, East, and Southeast Europe. Considering that there is evidence that religiosity is associated with reduced sexual risk taking among young people, this study explored associations between religiosity--assessed at three different levels (religious upbringing, personal religiosity, and social network religiosity)--and sexual risks among young Croatian adults. In addition, we examined whether religiosity predicted chlamydial infection among women and men aged 18-25. The data were collected in a national probability survey carried out in 2010 (n = 1,005). Overall, the effects of religiosity were sporadic, present primarily among women, and of small size. This lack of a sizeable impact of religiosity on young adults' sexuality was likely related to a particular type of religiosity, characterized by individualized morality, found among young people in the country. Although Croatia seems to be one of the most religious countries in Europe, our findings suggest that promoting religious morality--as recently attempted by an abstinence-based educational program--may not be an efficient tool in reducing sexual risks.

Availability of HIV surveillance data in key populations in the countries of the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region.

OBJECTIVES: To present an assessment of key components and results of HIV surveillance activities relevant for understanding HIV epidemics in the countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region among key populations (KPs), which include men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, people who inject drugs and transgender people. METHODS: We examined HIV surveillance data submitted by the National AIDS Programmes of all 22 countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region via an online database hosted by the WHO since 2011. We also examined journal articles available on PubMed and technical reports on surveillance activities. RESULTS: Recent (i.e., since 2017) estimates of HIV indicators from integrated bio-behavioral surveys (IBBS) were available from only four countries (Lebanon, Morocco, Somalia, and Tunisia) and population size estimates from two (Afghanistan and Morocco). IBBS indicated an increase in HIV prevalence among KPs in Pakistan, among people who inject drugs and female sex workers in Tunisia, and among MSM in Lebanon. Information on size estimations of KPs was available from 11 countries, and population size estimation data since 2017 had been collected in only Afghanistan and Morocco. CONCLUSION: Although some countries have been able to progressively expand HIV strategic information systems, there were still few or no HIV data on KPs in almost a third of the countries.