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Journal of the International AIDS... Mar 2022Integrated knowledge regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and willingness to use PrEP can be useful for HIV prevention in high incidence groups. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Increasing awareness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and willingness to use HIV PrEP among men who have sex with men: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global data.
INTRODUCTION
Integrated knowledge regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and willingness to use PrEP can be useful for HIV prevention in high incidence groups. This review summarizes the awareness of PrEP and willingness to use PrEP among men who have sex with men (MSM).
METHODS
Online electronic databases were searched before 31 August 2021. A meta-analysis was conducted to pool studies analysing PrEP awareness and willingness to use PrEP. LOESS regression and linear regression were applied to fit the trends over time for the proportion of MSM aware of PrEP and willing to use PrEP. Dose-response meta-analysis (DRMA) was conducted by a restricted cubic spline model to explore the relationship between willingness to use PrEP and selected factors.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A total of 156 articles involving 228,403 MSM were included. The pooled proportions of MSM aware of PrEP and willing to use PrEP were 50.0 (95% CI: 44.8-55.2) and 58.6% (95% CI: 54.8-62.4), respectively. PrEP awareness varied among countries with different economic status and different WHO regions, among different publication and research years, PrEP types and support policies. PrEP willingness differed among countries with different economic status and groups with different risks of HIV. The awareness of PrEP increased from 2007 to 2019 with a slope of 0.040260 (p<0.0001), while the proportion of MSM willing to use PrEP decreased from 2007 to 2014 (slope = -0.03647, p = 0.00390) but increased after 2014 (slope = 0.04187, p = 0.03895). The main facilitators of willingness to use PrEP were PrEP awareness, condomless sexual behaviours, high perceived risk of HIV infection and influence of social network. The main barriers were doubts about the efficacy and side effects of PrEP. DRMA results indicated that MSM with more sexual partners and lower level of education were more willing to use PrEP. No publication bias was observed.
CONCLUSIONS
The proportions of PrEP awareness and willingness to use PrEP among MSM have increased since 2014, although the awareness was low and the willingness was moderate. Improving awareness of PrEP through increasing access to PrEP-related health education and enhancing risk perceptions of HIV infection could have positive effects on the willingness to use PrEP among MSM.
Topics: Female; HIV Infections; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; Sexual Partners; Sexual and Gender Minorities
PubMed: 35255193
DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25883 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2021Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people present poorer mental and physical health results compared to the heterosexual and cisgender population. There are...
BACKGROUND
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people present poorer mental and physical health results compared to the heterosexual and cisgender population. There are barriers in the healthcare system that increase these health inequities.
OBJECTIVE
To synthesise the available evidence on how nurses can intervene in reducing health inequities in LGBT people, identifying their specific health needs and describing their experiences and perceptions of the barriers they face in the healthcare system.
METHODS
Systematic review. Between March and April 2021, a bibliographic search was carried out in the Cuiden, LILACS, PubMed, Dialnet, SciELO, Trip Database, and Web of Science databases and metasearch engines.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
Articles published in the last 5 years that address the specific health needs of LGBT people, their experiences and perceptions, or interventions in this group in which nurses may engage.
RESULTS
A total of 16 articles were selected. Health disparities were detected in the LGBT community, which exhibited higher rates of mental health problems, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviours, self-harm, and suicide. These inequalities were related to minority stress, and each of them differently impacted individual populations within the broader LGBT community depending on their sexual orientations and gender identities. The impact of these factors was, in turn, modified by the intersections of race/ethnicity, geographic region, and socioeconomic factors. LGBT people described discriminatory experiences by health professionals, as well as their distrust and fear in this setting. Nurses can carry out interventions such as inclusive education about sex and sexual and gender diversity and bullying and suicide prevention programmes, and can provide gender-affirming and family-centred care.
CONCLUSIONS
LGBT people experience health inequities and discrimination in the healthcare system. Nurses can implement diverse interventions to reduce these problems and, moreover, these health professionals are obliged to acquire cultural competence regarding LGBT health.
Topics: Bisexuality; Female; Health Inequities; Homosexuality, Female; Humans; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 34831556
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211801 -
International Journal of Cancer Dec 2022To inform optimal approaches for detecting anal precancers, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of anal cancer screening tests... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To inform optimal approaches for detecting anal precancers, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of anal cancer screening tests in different populations with elevated risk for anal cancer. We conducted a literature search of studies evaluating tests for anal precancer and cancer (anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse, AIN2+) published between January 1, 1997 to September 30, 2021 in PubMed and Embase. Titles and abstracts were screened for inclusion and included articles underwent full-text review, data abstraction and quality assessment. We estimated the prevalence of AIN2+ and calculated summary estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of test positivity, sensitivity and specificity and predictive values of various testing strategies, overall and among population subgroups. A total of 39 articles were included. The prevalence of AIN2+ was 20% (95% CI, 17-29%), and ranged from 22% in men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV to 13% in women and 12% in MSM without HIV. The sensitivity and specificity of cytology and HPV testing were 81% and 62% and 92% and 42%, respectively, and 93% and 33%, respectively for cytology and HPV co-testing. AIN2+ risks were similar among those testing positive for cytology, HPV, or co-testing. Limited data on other biomarkers (HPV E6/E7 mRNA and p16/Ki-67 dual stain), suggested higher specificity, but lower sensitivity compared with anal cytology and HPV. Our findings provide important evidence for the development of clinical guidelines using anal cytology and HPV testing for anal cancer screening.
Topics: Anus Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Ki-67 Antigen; Male; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; RNA, Messenger; Sexual and Gender Minorities
PubMed: 35793241
DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34199 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Sep 2022Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are at higher risk of poor mental health and well-being. Social media platforms can provide LGBTQ... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are at higher risk of poor mental health and well-being. Social media platforms can provide LGBTQ youths with a space that counters heteronormative environments and potentially supports mental health and well-being. Mental health includes an individual's state of psychological and emotional well-being and not merely the absence of mental disorders.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to identify how LGBTQ youths and adolescents use social media for connection with other LGBTQ peers and groups, identity development, and social support and how these affect mental health and well-being.
METHODS
PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) procedures were used to guide this review. Searches were conducted in ACM Digital Library, CINAHL, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science in March 2021. This review focused on LGBTQ youths aged 10 to 24 years. Included peer-reviewed studies must comprise social media; explore peer connection, identity development, or social support; and be published from 2012 onward. In total, 2 researchers extracted data and performed quality assessments independently using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for quantitative articles and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for qualitative articles. Qualitative synthesis was performed on articles that satisfied the eligibility criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 26 studies (n=15, 58% qualitative; n=8, 31% quantitative; n=3, 12% mixed methods) met the inclusion criteria. Of the 8 quantitative studies, 6 (75%) were cross-sectional, and 2 (25%) were cohort studies. All studies ranged from moderate to high quality. Social media was a popular tool used by LGBTQ youths to connect with LGBTQ communities. In qualitative data, we found that LGBTQ youths negotiated and explored identity and obtained support from peers on social media. Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter were commonly used to access LGBTQ content owing to ease of anonymity. Identity management was the most studied social media affordance, important to LGBTQ youths for strategic disclosure. Key strategies for managing identities included being anonymous, censoring locations or content, restricting audiences, and using multiple accounts. Quantitative studies (3/8, 38%) showed that social media was associated with reduced mental health concerns and increased well-being among LGBTQ youths. Mental health concerns arising from social media use were attributed to discrimination, victimization, and policies that did not accommodate changed identities.
CONCLUSIONS
We found that social media may support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ youths through peer connection, identity management, and social support, but findings were limited by weaknesses in the evidence. More robust and longitudinal studies are needed to determine the relationship between social media use and LGBTQ mental health, particularly among adolescents. The findings may inform interventions to promote social media health literacy and the mental health and well-being of this vulnerable group.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42020222535; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=222535.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Sexual Behavior; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Social Media; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 36129741
DOI: 10.2196/38449 -
Journal of Hepatology Sep 2020There are uncertainties about the epidemic patterns of HDV infection and its contribution to the burden of liver disease. We estimated the global prevalence of HDV... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
There are uncertainties about the epidemic patterns of HDV infection and its contribution to the burden of liver disease. We estimated the global prevalence of HDV infection and explored its contribution to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among HBsAg-positive people.
METHODS
We searched Pubmed, EMBASE and Scopus for studies reporting on total or IgG anti-HDV among HBsAg-positive people. Anti-HDV prevalence was estimated using a binomial mixed model, weighting for study quality and population size. The population attributable fraction (PAF) of HDV to cirrhosis and HCC among HBsAg-positive people was estimated using random effects models.
RESULTS
We included 282 studies, comprising 376 population samples from 95 countries, which together tested 120,293 HBsAg-positive people for anti-HDV. The estimated anti-HDV prevalence was 4.5% (95% CI 3.6-5.7) among all HBsAg-positive people and 16.4% (14.6-18.6) among those attending hepatology clinics. Worldwide, 0.16% (0.11-0.25) of the general population, totalling 12.0 (8.7-18.7) million people, were estimated to be anti-HDV positive. Prevalence among HBsAg-positive people was highest in Mongolia, the Republic of Moldova and countries in Western and Middle Africa, and was higher in injecting drug users, haemodialysis recipients, men who have sex with men, commercial sex workers, and those with HCV or HIV. Among HBsAg-positive people, preliminary PAF estimates of HDV were 18% (10-26) for cirrhosis and 20% (8-33) for HCC.
CONCLUSIONS
An estimated 12 million people worldwide have experienced HDV infection, with higher prevalence in certain geographic areas and populations. HDV is a significant contributor to HBV-associated liver disease. More quality data are needed to improve the precision of burden estimates.
LAY SUMMARY
We combined all available studies to estimate how many people with hepatitis B also have hepatitis D, a viral infection that only affects people with hepatitis B. About 1 in 22 people with hepatitis B also have hepatitis D, increasing to 1 in 6 when considering people with liver disease. Hepatitis D may cause about 1 in 6 of the cases of cirrhosis and 1 in 5 of the cases of liver cancer that occur in people with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D is an important contributor to the global burden of liver disease.
Topics: Adult; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Coinfection; Female; Genotype; Hepatitis Antibodies; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis D; Hepatitis Delta Virus; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Prevalence; RNA, Viral; Renal Dialysis; Sex Workers; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Substance Abuse, Intravenous
PubMed: 32335166
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.04.008 -
European Journal of Cancer Prevention :... May 2023The risk of developing breast cancer in transgender individuals [male-to-female (MtF) or female-to-male (FtM)] is still inadequately quantified. We aimed to evaluate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The risk of developing breast cancer in transgender individuals [male-to-female (MtF) or female-to-male (FtM)] is still inadequately quantified. We aimed to evaluate the impact of breast cancer in this population.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature search and review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines through the PUBMED and SCOPUS databases. We identified six cohort studies (for both populations) plus 35 case reports. Incidence and breast cancer risk quantification were the main outcomes considered.
RESULTS
FtM individuals had a higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men [standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 63.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 32.2-124.9] but a lower risk than cisgender women (SIR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.07-2.41). Similarly, MtF individuals were at higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men (SIR = 22.5; 95% CI, 5.54-91.8) and at lower risk than cisgender women (SIR = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.22-0.42).
CONCLUSION
In this systematic study and meta-analysis, we identified that FtM and MtF individuals are at substantially higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men, though at lower risk than cisgender women. These individuals, in the absence of defined guidelines for breast cancer prevention, should periodically undergo breast or chest examinations.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Transgender Persons; Breast Neoplasms; Incidence; Risk; Cohort Studies
PubMed: 36789830
DOI: 10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000784 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Apr 2017Whether transgender people should be able to compete in sport in accordance with their gender identity is a widely contested question within the literature and among... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Whether transgender people should be able to compete in sport in accordance with their gender identity is a widely contested question within the literature and among sport organisations, fellow competitors and spectators. Owing to concerns surrounding transgender people (especially transgender female individuals) having an athletic advantage, several sport organisations place restrictions on transgender competitors (e.g. must have undergone gender-confirming surgery). In addition, some transgender people who engage in sport, both competitively and for leisure, report discrimination and victimisation.
OBJECTIVE
To the authors' knowledge, there has been no systematic review of the literature pertaining to sport participation or competitive sport policies in transgender people. Therefore, this review aimed to address this gap in the literature.
METHOD
Eight research articles and 31 sport policies were reviewed.
RESULTS
In relation to sport-related physical activity, this review found the lack of inclusive and comfortable environments to be the primary barrier to participation for transgender people. This review also found transgender people had a mostly negative experience in competitive sports because of the restrictions the sport's policy placed on them. The majority of transgender competitive sport policies that were reviewed were not evidence based.
CONCLUSION
Currently, there is no direct or consistent research suggesting transgender female individuals (or male individuals) have an athletic advantage at any stage of their transition (e.g. cross-sex hormones, gender-confirming surgery) and, therefore, competitive sport policies that place restrictions on transgender people need to be considered and potentially revised.
Topics: Exercise; Female; Health Policy; Humans; Male; Sports; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 27699698
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-016-0621-y -
Clinical Psychology Review Aug 2020Gender dysphoria is distress due to a discrepancy between one's assigned gender and gender identity. Adults who wish to access gender clinics are assessed to ensure they... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Gender dysphoria is distress due to a discrepancy between one's assigned gender and gender identity. Adults who wish to access gender clinics are assessed to ensure they meet the diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria. Therefore, the definition of gender dysphoria has a significant impact on the lives of individuals who wish to undergo physical gender transition. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize all existing qualitative research literature about the lived experience of gender dysphoria in adults. A pre-planned systematic search identified 1491 papers, with 20 of those meeting full inclusion criteria, and a quality assessment of each paper was conducted. Data pertaining to the lived experience of gender dysphoria were extracted from each paper and a meta-ethnographic synthesis was conducted. Four overarching concepts were identified; distress due to dissonance of assigned and experienced gender; interface of assigned gender, gender identity and society; social consequences of gender identity; internal processing of rejection, and transphobia. A key finding was the reciprocal relationship between an individual's feelings about their gender and societal responses to transgender people. Other subthemes contributing to distress were misgendering, mismatch between gender identity and societal expectations, and hypervigilance for transphobia.
Topics: Adult; Female; Gender Dysphoria; Gender Identity; Humans; Male; Qualitative Research; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 32629301
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101875 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Aug 2021We systemically reviewed the literature to assess how long-term testosterone suppressing gender-affirming hormone therapy influenced lean body mass (LBM), muscular area,...
How does hormone transition in transgender women change body composition, muscle strength and haemoglobin? Systematic review with a focus on the implications for sport participation.
OBJECTIVES
We systemically reviewed the literature to assess how long-term testosterone suppressing gender-affirming hormone therapy influenced lean body mass (LBM), muscular area, muscular strength and haemoglobin (Hgb)/haematocrit (HCT).
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
Four databases (BioMed Central, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched in April 2020 for papers from 1999 to 2020.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Eligible studies were those that measured at least one of the variables of interest, included transwomen and were written in English.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were identified and reviewed. Transwomen experienced significant decreases in all parameters measured, with different time courses noted. After 4 months of hormone therapy, transwomen have Hgb/HCT levels equivalent to those of cisgender women. After 12 months of hormone therapy, significant decreases in measures of strength, LBM and muscle area are observed. The effects of longer duration therapy (36 months) in eliciting further decrements in these measures are unclear due to paucity of data. Notwithstanding, values for strength, LBM and muscle area in transwomen remain above those of cisgender women, even after 36 months of hormone therapy.
CONCLUSION
In transwomen, hormone therapy rapidly reduces Hgb to levels seen in cisgender women. In contrast, hormone therapy decreases strength, LBM and muscle area, yet values remain above that observed in cisgender women, even after 36 months. These findings suggest that strength may be well preserved in transwomen during the first 3 years of hormone therapy.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Androgen Antagonists; Athletic Performance; Body Composition; Cyproterone Acetate; Estradiol; Female; Hematocrit; Hemoglobin A; Humans; Male; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Sports; Testosterone; Time Factors; Transgender Persons; Transsexualism
PubMed: 33648944
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103106 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Feb 2022Injections with intramuscular (IM) testosterone esters have been available for almost 8 decades and not only result in predictable serum testosterone levels but are also...
CONTEXT
Injections with intramuscular (IM) testosterone esters have been available for almost 8 decades and not only result in predictable serum testosterone levels but are also the most inexpensive modality. However, they are difficult to self-administer and associated with some discomfort. Recently, subcutaneous (SC) administration of testosterone esters has gained popularity, as self-administration is easier with this route. Available data, though limited, support the feasibility of this route. Here we review the pharmacokinetics and safety of SC testosterone therapy with both long- and ultralong-acting testosterone esters. In addition, we provide guidance for clinicians on how to counsel and manage their patients who opt for the SC route.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Systematic review of available literature on SC testosterone administration including clinical trials, case series, and case reports. We also review the pharmacology of testosterone absorption after SC administration.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Available evidence, though limited, suggests that SC testosterone therapy in doses similar to those given via IM route results in comparable pharmacokinetics and mean serum testosterone levels. With appropriate training, patients should be able to safely self-administer testosterone esters SC with relative ease and less discomfort compared with the IM route.
CONCLUSION
Although studies directly comparing the safety of SC vs IM administration of testosterone esters are desirable, clinicians should consider discussing the SC route with their patients because it is easier to self-administer and has the potential to improve patient adherence.
Topics: Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Hypogonadism; Injections, Intramuscular; Injections, Subcutaneous; Male; Self Administration; Sex Reassignment Procedures; Testosterone; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 34698352
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab772