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AIDS and Behavior

06-09-2024 | Syphilis | Original Paper

Longitudinal Modeling of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV

Authors: Felix David Rozenberg, Elias Preciado, Michael Silver, Sabina Hirshfield

Published in: AIDS and Behavior

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Abstract

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (BSTIs) are largely preventable, yet their rates remain high across the U.S., particularly among sexual minority men (SMM) living with HIV (LWH). We explored longitudinal factors associated with BSTI acquisition in a national online sample of SMM LWH with recent suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) or virologic non-suppression, such as spread within sexual networks, drug use in a sexual context (chemsex), and mental health issues. Participants completed online surveys over 12 months as part of an eHealth intervention. Over 12 months, 30% of participants self-reported at least one BSTI, with 28–45% reporting recurrent infections in consecutive surveys. Using generalized estimating equations with a binomial distribution and an exchangeable correlation structure, we found that BSTI accumulation was associated with chemsex, a higher number of anal sex partners, participation in exchange sex, and depressive symptoms. To reduce the burden of BSTIs among SMM LWH, public health initiatives and clinical settings should adopt a comprehensive sexual health approach, addressing chemsex, exchange sex, and associated mental health conditions. Addressing these factors can mitigate BSTI recurrence and improve overall sexual health among SMM LWH.
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Metadata
Title
Longitudinal Modeling of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV
Authors
Felix David Rozenberg
Elias Preciado
Michael Silver
Sabina Hirshfield
Publication date
06-09-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04480-2

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