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Responding to the HIV Epidemics among Men who Have Sex with Men |
MOAC01 |
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| Organiser: |
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| Type:
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Oral Abstract Session |
Back
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| Venue: |
SR 7 (450) |
| Interpretation: |
None |
| Time: |
11:00 - 12:30, 04.08.2008 |
| Code: |
MOAC01 |
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Co-Chairs: |
Suben Dhakal, Nepal
Jorge Sanchez, Peru
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Presentations in this session:
11:00
MOAC0101
Abstract
Powerpoint (1.01 MB) | High risk sexual behaviour in men who have sex with men: the development of a sexual risk behaviour screening tool
Presented by Tania Mary Gibbie, Australia
T.M. Gibbie1, M. Hellard2, S. Ellen3, T. Read4, C. Fairley5, J. Lewis2, A. Mijch6
1The Alfred Hospital Infectious Diseases Dpt/Monash University, School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Melbourne, Australia, 2Burnet Institute, Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health Research, Melbourne, Australia, 3The Alfred Hospital/Monash University, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry/School of Psychiatry, Psychology and Psychological Medicine, Melbourne, Australia, 4Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia, 5Melbourne Sexual Health Centre/Melbourne University, School of Population Health, Melbourne, Australia, 6Monash University, School of Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| 11:15
MOAC0102
Abstract
Powerpoint (1.1 MB) | HIV prevention with men who have sex with men (MSM) in Togo, West Africa: an ethnographic study
Presented by Michelle Geiss, Togo
M. Geiss1, S. Kassegne1, V. Capo-Chichi2
1Population Services International/Togo, Lome, Togo, 2Population Services International, West & Central Africa Region, Cotonou, Benin
| 11:30
MOAC0103
Abstract
Powerpoint (2.71 MB) | Using a mobile van to provide voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) to high-risk and closeted MSM
Presented by Edward Smith, Peru
E. Smith, J. Vasquez, C. Anton, R. Cabello, M. Blas
Via Libre, Lima, Peru
| 11:45
MOAC0104
Abstract
Powerpoint (938 KB) | Reducing non-premeditated risk-taking in MSM: a new intervention protocol to increase vigilance and control tested for efficacy in a prospective RTC
Presented by John De Wit, Australia
J. De Wit, P. Adam
University of New South Wales, National Centre in HIV Social Research, Sydney, Australia
| 12:00
MOAC0105
Abstract
Powerpoint (813 KB) | Successful start of a preparatory HIV cohort study among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bangkok, Thailand: preliminary baseline, follow-up and HIV incidence data
Presented by Wipas Wimonsate, Thailand
W. Wimonsate1, S. Chaikummao1, J. Tongtoyai1, C. Kittinunvorakoon1, A. Sriporn1, A. Varangrat1, P. Akarasewi1, P. Sirivongrangson2, J. McNicholl3, F. van Griensven3
1Thailand MOPH - U.S. CDC Collaboration, Behavioral Research, Nonthaburi, Thailand, 2Thailand Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand, 3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, United States
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Rapporteur reports
Track C report by Eve Mokotoff
This session presented projects from Peru, Uganda, Togo, France and Thailand
1) Australia: Described the development of a sexual risk behavior (SRB) screening tool for rapidly screening MSM at increased risk of SRB in order to target them with prevention interventions. The study identified five key questions with high accuracy in predicting MSM likely to engage in SRB: casual partners, low personal skills to negotiate safe sex, HAART beliefs, marijuana use and saying yes to the question ”I enjoy sex without condoms.”
2) HIV prevention in Togo, West Africa; study purpose is found in the abstract. In the discussion it was interesting that, even though homosexual behavior is illegal the police did not enforce it and the group was able to hold community activities. Future: this project reached younger gay-identified men. They would like to reach older more closeted men. They also pointed out the use of research as an advocacy tool- it legitimized their existence and helped identify their needs.
3) Using a mobile van to provide VCT to high risk closeted men in Peru: testing was done both at gay venues as well as in a poor neighborhood where indigenous MSM live. Most men did not have the information provided and >43% had never tested. 9% tested + for HIV and 12% + for syphilis. Business owners of venues allowed activity because they themselves were MSM.
4) French MSM –population was well-intended to not engage in high risk behaviors but intention does not equal doing. ~40% had unplanned, unprotected anal sex. See abstract for details. This very brief intervention- e-animation- decreased unplanned risk by 17%.
5) Thailand- reported on the establishment of an HIV cohort study to evaluate prevention interventions. See abstract for details. Interesting discussion included the fact that none of those positive at baseline knew their status; given the relatively young group with high HIV + rates the presenter was asked about getting them into the study at younger ages but it is illegal for them to interview people under 18.
Community report by Glen Brown
Innovation is alive and well in responses to the HIV epidemics confronting MSM. This session provided a variety of new tools, knowledge and approaches that illustrate innovation.
From T.M. Gibbie in Australia, we learned of a research project that helped identify a number of variables that were predictive of high-risk sexual behaviour among the study subjects. The variables - such as number of casual partners, risk negotiation skills, attitudes towards HAART, sensation seeking and drug use - have been used to create a five question, five minute assessment tool that providers can use to determine risk potential and design appropriate interventions.
MSM are so marginalized in Togo that government representatives told the research team headed by M. Geiss that there were none to be found in the country. Geiss and her team from PSI designed an innovative community-based research approach which began by recruiting 20 MSM peer researchers who then engaged an additional 102 participants, proving that research itself can be a powerful tool. As a result of the project and data collected, there are now outreach workers providing information, condoms, and support to MSM in Togo. The local organization, "Seven Days", also now hosts gay-positive events.
An innovative mobile health unit and mobile health van has reached many MSM in Peru who would otherwise not have accessed HIV testing, counselling or support. The project, presented by E. Smith, made services to MSM accessible - in gay venues, in poor neighbourhoods, and at unconventional hours. Over 2000 rapid HIV tests have been administered, including 40% from the mobile van, along with counselling and referrals to those testing positive.
A five-minute interactive web program designed for MSM in France helped many of its users reduce their risk taking by helping them identify and prepare for situations where they might take unpremeditated risks. The web quiz helped users commit and recommit to risk reduction despite the "heat of the moment." RTC research on the project, presented by J. De Wit, showed that the relatively inexpensive and quick tool proved more effective than a postcard variation. De Wit noted that the initiate illustrates the continued potential of behavioural interventions, and the need for continued investment and innovation in behavioural approaches and research.
W. Wimonsate concluded the session with an update on a longitudinal cohort study of MSM in Bangkok. Although the study population is at high-risk for HIV and other STDs, researchers were able to successfully recruit nearly 1300 participants. This illustrates both the need for and feasibility of MSM related research. The audience that packed the room for this session would no doubt strongly agree.
Track D report by Mario Pecheny
MOAC01
Five papers were presented on the AIDS epidemic and MSM in several countries: Australia, Togo, Peru, France and Thailand.
HIV among MSM is still an important topic in all regions: the epidemic is persistent, emerging and /or reemerging.
Behavioral and biomedical prevention approaches were described, with (sometimes) innovative instruments (outreach van, Internet).
Studies focused on information, testing and counseling. Cultural aspects were secondary in the analysis; an ethnographic work in Togo referred to a “MSM community” but few mention of local identities and practices. Interestingly, some heteronormative clichés worked as barriers to preventive male-male sexual practices: Prejudice: “How could we be infected by HIV if we don’t sleep with a woman?” “We’re virgins”
Valuable information was provided, mostly from biomedical and behavioral approaches. Cultural, social and structural aspects were secondary.
An interesting instrument on predictors of sexual risk behavior was proposed by Tania Mary Gibbie, from Australia, short and quick but comprehensive and replicable.
Worrying preliminary data on HIV prevalence and incidence among MSM in Bangkok were presented, from a cohort of MSM.
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