Do young black men who have sex with men in the deep south prefer traditional over alternative STI testing?

Eaton, Ellen; Austin, Erika L.; Dodson, C Kelsie; Heudebert, Jose Pablo; Jackson, D N; Muzny, Christina A

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0209666

Cited by 5 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 22 publications

(25 reference statements)

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“…Convenience was a key attribute for MSM who preferred home self-sampling [ 14 , 15 ] or self-testing [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ] ( Table 1 ). A study conducted in the UK used focus groups and interviews with 44 MSM to explore the acceptability of home self-sampling kits [ 14 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thirty-three studies identified home-based self-testing or self-sampling as the preferred method of testing [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 26 , 29 , 31 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ] ( Table 2 ). Three randomised controlled trials (RCT) found that HIVST increased testing frequency, and therefore was preferred by MSM compared to usual testing [ 17 , 21 , 54 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Eight studies identified the importance of education and counselling with HIV/STI testing [ 18 , 36 , 48 , 59 , 71 , 76 , 77 , 78 ], with seven studies identifying the lack of these services in self-testing being a barrier to testing [ 14 , 20 , 24 , 50 , 60 , 81 , 82 ]. A study that used data from the 2011/2012 Sex Now Survey (a serial online survey of MSM in Canada) to explore perceived benefits and drawbacks of Internet-based testing found that the biggest concerns regarding self-testing were the inability to see a health professional or to discuss results, and receiving results online [ 75 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

HIV and STI Testing Preferences for Men Who Have Sex with Men in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Kularadhan

Gan

Chow

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Background: Regular testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) is recommended at least annually for sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) in most high-income countries. To encourage regular use of HIV and STI testing and treatment services for MSM, we reviewed the literature to summarise the attributes of an HIV/STI testing service that MSM prefer. Method: We conducted a scoping review, searching PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL in January 2020 for articles reporting primary data on the preferences of MSM (living in high-income countries) for HIV/STI testing services. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and any discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. We extracted data on the service attributes that MSM preferred and summarised these thematically using a socioecological framework. Results: In total, 1464 publications were identified, 220 full texts were read and 57 were included in the final analysis. We found 21 articles addressing ‘individual’ attributes, 50 articles addressing ‘service’ attributes and 17 articles addressing ‘societal’ attributes. The key themes of preferences for HIV/STI testing services were: (1) the appeal of self-testing due to convenience and privacy; (2) the need to provide a variety of testing options; and (3) the influence of the testing experience, including confidentiality and privacy, tester characteristics and stigma. There were distinct patterns of preferences for subpopulations of MSM across studies, such as the preference of self-testing for young MSM, and of in-clinic testing for those who perceived themselves as high risk (i.e., with symptoms of STIs or exposed to a partner living with HIV). Conclusion: To make HIV/STI testing more accessible for MSM and encourage regular screening, it is important to address ‘individual’, ‘service’ and ‘societal’ attributes, such as enhancing the convenience of testing through self-testing, and providing a service that men feel comfortable and safe accessing. Furthermore, services should accommodate the preferences of diverse sub-populations within the MSM community.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

HIV and STI Testing Preferences for Men Who Have Sex with Men in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Kularadhan

Gan

Chow

et al. 2022

IJERPH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…After completing the questionnaire participants provided an email address to study staff, were sent a link to a password protected Zoom meeting, and were informed of the time and date of their 60-minute VFG session. All VFGs were facilitated by the same moderator (author E.L.A), who has extensive experience in qualitative research involving sexual and gender minorities [ 23 – 25 ]. Each VFG was audio and video recorded via the Zoom platform.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“It’s behaviors, not identity”: Attitudes and beliefs related to HIV risk and pre-exposure prophylaxis among transgender women in the Southeastern United States

et al. 2022

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HIV prevalence is high among transgender women (TGW) in the Southeastern U.S. Uptake of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is low among TGW nationwide. We aimed to explore beliefs associated with PrEP among TGW in the Southeastern U.S., framed by the Health Belief Model. HIV-negative TGW ≥18 years old in Alabama participated in virtual focus group discussions. Authors coded and amended transcripts to explore emerging themes. Between July-December 2020, 17 TGW participated in 4 sessions. Mean age was 28.1±8.5 years. Several themes were identified: frustration with conflation of transgender identity and HIV risk, inappropriate transgender representation in PrEP advertising, concerns for interactions between PrEP and hormone therapy, perception that PrEP is meant for cisgender men who have sex with men and limited trans-affirming healthcare. Nuanced messaging is necessary to properly educate and engage TGW in HIV prevention strategies including PrEP given the diversity of this population.

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“…Before this study, we conducted focus groups exploring HIV/STI testing preferences among YBMSM in Birmingham, AL (n = 36). 23 Participants not only preferred physician-performed HIV/STI testing at doctors' offices but also having multiple options for testing locations and timing. Participants did not prefer nonphysician staff or at-home self-testing.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Preferences for Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Southeastern United States: Implications for a Post–COVID-19 Era

et al. 2021

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Background: Little is known regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing preferences for location, staffing, and hours of operation among Young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) in the Southeastern United States, a population at high risk for HIV/STIs. We used a discrete choice experiment to explore these preferences.Methods: Young Black men who have sex with men ages 16 to 35 years in Birmingham, AL and Jackson, MS completed online surveys evaluating their preferences (best/worst) for HIV/STI testing locations, staffing, hours, method of results notification, and cost. They also selected preferred combinations of these variables through choice tasks. Results were analyzed using joint best/worst and discrete choice experiment models.Results: Between June 2018 and December 2019, participants in Alabama (n = 54) and Mississippi (n = 159) completed online surveys. Both groups preferred stationary testing locations over mobile testing vans, with the most significant difference favoring STI testing-only clinics in Mississippi and local health departments in Alabama ( P < 0.001). Technician-performed tests or self-testing were significantly less preferred compared with clinicianperformed testing for both groups ( P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Free testing and phone results notification (versus text) were preferred by both groups. The most desirable combination among all participants was weekday clinician-performed testing at the health department for $5.Conclusions: Young Black men who have sex with men in the Southeastern United States prefer traditional testing locations staffed by experienced personnel. Combination choices are influenced by services that are low or no cost. More research is needed to inform the best way(s) to provide affordable, high-quality HIV/STI testing services for YBMSM, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era when sexual health care delivery models are evolving toward home-based and remote health-focused strategies.

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Do young black men who have sex with men in the deep south prefer traditional over alternative STI testing?

Cited by 5 publications

References 22 publications

HIV and STI Testing Preferences for Men Who Have Sex with Men in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

HIV and STI Testing Preferences for Men Who Have Sex with Men in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

“It’s behaviors, not identity”: Attitudes and beliefs related to HIV risk and pre-exposure prophylaxis among transgender women in the Southeastern United States

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Preferences for Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Southeastern United States: Implications for a Post–COVID-19 Era

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