DIAGNOSIS OF HIV AND OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDS) IN HIGH-RISK POPULATION (MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN WHO USE CHEMSEX)
Background
Men who have sex with men (MSM) participating in Chemsex is a group identified at high risk of HIV infection in Catalonia and Spain. There is a need for a focused effort in the prevention of HIV transmission and other STDs. Detecting the prevalence of Chemsex in this area and performing rapid HIV tests systematically in this population could increase the number of new HIV diagnoses and lead to earlier treatment.
Design
The design of this project is a single centre, prospective cohort study. Patients will be assessed for Chemsex using a validated questionnaire. Users of Chemsex will be assessed every three months for HIV and other STDs. The sample includes an estimated 1610 patients during the first year. This includes 410 from ER, 600 from PEP clinic, 300 from an STD clinic and 300 from an NGO. The post program 2-year monitoring phase is expected to engage over 1000 patients.
Primary objectives
- To identify the prevalence of the use of Chemsex.
- Provide diagnostic screenings of HIV and other STDs in this high-risk population.
- To train health workers at the hospital in non-HIV-Infectious Diseases areas and local NGO in Chemsex and HIV-STD signs and symptoms, in order to suspect this high-risk population and contact the HIV Unit.
Conclusions
High prevalence of unprotected sexual risk practices, poly drug use and slamming are found in our MSM Chemsex users cohort. The prevalence of HCV and other asymptomatic STDs is very common in this population. Specific risk reduction strategies are necessary in this population.
Collaborators
Dr. Joseph Mallolas
Setting
The Hospital Clínic
Location
Spain
Duration
Jun 2018 – Mar 2021
Category
Retention in Care and Adherence
Key study materials
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In an effort to increase early diagnosis of HIV and improve linkage to care, this project evaluates the impact of a comprehensive training package to support opt out HIV testing.
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This study investigates barriers and facilitators specifically among foreign and US born Spanish and English-speaking Latino MSM.
Study focus areas
Our implementation research projects have a global reach and focus on improving the HIV prevention and care continuum.
NP-GBL-HVX-WCNT-220049 October 2023
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