PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D Binson

Publications and source records attributed to D Binson.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Screening for sexually transmitted diseases and hepatitis in 18-29-year-old men recently released from prison: feasibility and acceptability.

Men entering prisons have high rates of sexually transmitted disease (STD), hepatitis, and HIV. This study sought to determine the acceptability and feasibility of screening for STD and hepatitis in young men released from prison. Participants were interviewed six months after release and offered free screening. Of 42 (56%) eligible men who participated in the qualitative interview, 33 (79%) provided at least a blood or urine specimen. Eight of 33 (24%) men tested had chlamydia, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV). Three of 32 (9%) had chlamydia, three of 32 (9%) had trichomoniasis, two of 28 (7%) had prior syphilis, and two of 28 (7%) had HCV. Of 28 tested for HBV, six (21%) were immune, two (7%) had chronic infection, and 20 (71%) were susceptible. Barriers to screening included lack of forewarning, inconvenience, and insufficient incentive. In conclusion, screening for STD and hepatitis among former inmates can be acceptable and feasible. Forewarning, reducing the time burden, and providing monetary incentives may increase screening rates.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Bringing HIV/STI testing programmes to high-risk men.

The aim of this study was to examine the meaning of significantly higher proportions of positive test results through outreach HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing programmes at gay bathhouses compared with clinic programmes among high-risk men who have sex with men. We conducted a random digit dial survey of men who have sex with men in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. Half of the men in the sample did not test in the past year. Among those who did not test, a sizeable minority (17%) reported engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour with a casual or secondary partner. Over half of these non-testing, high-risk men went to bathhouses. These findings strongly support the potential value of locating outreach-testing programmes in bathhouses. Although further studies are necessary, such programmes have the potential to increase testing among the high-risk segment of the population. This is particularly noteworthy given that many men among those who do not test regularly engage in high-risk behaviours.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed2001

Deciding where and how to be tested for HIV: what matters most?

This study examined preferences for specific types of HIV tests as well as for test attributes such as cost, counseling, and privacy. A survey was administered to 354 clients of public testing services. Nonparametric tests and logistic regression were used to compare test preferences and attribute ratings, and to assess differences by demographic and risk groups. Nearly two thirds of respondents chose a public clinic test as their first choice, whereas 24% chose a home self-test, 12% chose a test at a doctor's office, and 1% chose a home specimen-collection test. Three attributes (accuracy/timeliness, privacy of test disclosure, and linking of test results) were rated equally-and most-important. In-person counseling was endorsed as the fourth most important attribute. Availability of in-person counseling was the strongest predictor of "loyalty" to public clinic tests-a consistent preference for that type of test even when the other tests were offered as additional no-cost options. There was also substantial interest in home self-tests. The results suggest specific attributes of testing that may be particularly important to individuals from diverse demographic and risk backgrounds.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed2001

National trends in condom use among at-risk heterosexuals in the united states.

Based on national level surveys, we examined data relevant to the United States' overall effort to prevent the spread of HIV among heterosexual adults. We examined changes in condom use among at-risk heterosexuals over the past decade. The observed increases over time in condom use across all heterosexual at-risk population segments are consistent with the observed (declines) trends in HIV and syphilis in the 1990s. These results and findings from prior studies suggest that U.S. efforts to facilitate condom use and contain HIV and related sexually transmitted disease (STD)-cofactors among adult at risk heterosexuals was succeeding over most of the 1990s. The absence of national level behavioral trend data after 1996, and the ambiguities of HIV spread suggest some caution in projecting trends into this century. National and local efforts need to be directed at sustaining behavioral change and conducting more rigorous studies on population trends in HIV/STD-related behaviors/pathogens.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Alcohol use, drug use and alcohol-related problems among men who have sex with men: the Urban Men's Health Study.

AIMS: To measure the prevalence and independent associations of heavy and problematic use of alcohol and recreational drugs among a household-based sample of urban MSM (men who have sex with men). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS: Men who identified as being gay or bisexual or who reported sex with another man in the prior 5 years were included in this analysis (n = 2172). SETTING: A probability telephone sample of MSM was taken within Zip Codes of four large American cities (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco) estimated to have total concentrations of at least 4% of all households with one resident MSM. MEASUREMENTS: Standard measures of alcohol use, problems associated with alcohol use, and recreational drug use were administered by trained telephone interviewers. FINDINGS: Both recreational drug (52%) and alcohol use (85%) were highly prevalent among urban MSM, while current levels of multiple drug use (18%), three or more alcohol-related problems (12%), frequent drug use (19%) and heavy-frequent alcohol use (8%) were not uncommon. The associations of heavy and/or problematic substance use are complex, with independent multivariate associations found at the levels of demographics, adverse early life circumstances, current mental health status, social and sexual practices and connection to gay male culture. CONCLUSIONS: The complex pattern of associations with heavy and/or problematic substance use among urban MSM suggests that heavy and/or problematic substance use is grounded in multiple levels: the individual, the interpersonal and the socio-cultural.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Use of antiretroviral therapies among HIV-infected men who have sex with men: a household-based sample of 4 major American cities.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the prevalence and determinants of use of recommended antiretroviral regimens among urban seropositive men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: A probability telephone sample of MSM was taken within regions of Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Analysis focused on use of antiretroviral therapies. RESULTS: Although the majority of seropositive MSM with CD4 counts below 500 per microliter were using recommended antiretroviral regimens, 26% of seropositive MSM were not receiving such care. Men who were younger, who reported a sexual orientation other than homosexual, who had a more recent interview date, who were at middle levels of affiliation with the gay community, and who reported higher levels of perceived exclusivity on the part of the gay community were less likely to be using recommended antiretroviral regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Although current efforts to make antiretroviral therapies available to HIV-seropositive MSM are reasonably effective, additional efforts are needed for MSM characterized by relative youth and lower social support.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The continuing HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVES: This study characterized the AIDS epidemic among urban men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: A probability sample of MSM was obtained in 1997 (n = 2881; 18 years and older) from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco, and HIV status was determined through self-report and biological measures. RESULTS: HIV prevalence was 17% (95% confidence interval = 15%, 19%) overall, with extremely high levels in African Americans (29%), MSM who used injection drugs (40%), "ultraheavy" noninjection drug users (32%), and less educated men (< high school, 37%). City-level HIV differences were non-significant once these other factors were controlled for. In comparing the present findings with historical data based on public records and modeling, HIV prevalence appears to have declined as a result of high mortality (69%) and stable, but high, incidence rates (1%-2%). CONCLUSIONS: Although the findings suggest that HIV prevalence has declined significantly from the mid-1980s, current levels among urban MSM in the United States approximate those of sub-Saharan countries (e.g., 14%-25%) and are extremely high in many population subsegments. Despite years of progress, the AIDS epidemic continues unabated among subsegments of the MSM community.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Health-related characteristics of men who have sex with men: a comparison of those living in "gay ghettos" with those living elsewhere.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the limitations of probability samples of men who have sex with men (MSM), limited to single cities and to the areas of highest concentrations of MSM ("gay ghettos"). METHODS: A probability sample of 2881 MSM in 4 American cities completed interviews by telephone. RESULTS: MSM who resided in ghettos differed from other MSM, although in different ways in each city. Non-ghetto-dwelling MSM were less involved in the gay and lesbian community. They were also less likely to have only male sexual partners, to identify as gay, and to have been tested for HIV. CONCLUSIONS: These differences between MSM who live in gay ghettos and those who live elsewhere have clear implications for HIV prevention efforts and health care planning.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed2001

Differential HIV risk in bathhouses and public cruising areas.

OBJECTIVES: This report investigates differences in risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) who went to gay bathhouses, public cruising areas, or both. METHODS: We used a probability sample of MSM residing in 4 US cities (n = 2,881). RESULTS: Men who used party drugs and had unprotected anal intercourse with nonprimary partners were more likely to go to sex venues than men who did not. Among attendees, MSM who went to public cruising areas only were least likely, and those who went to both public cruising areas and bathhouses were most likely to report risky sex in public settings. CONCLUSIONS: Distinguishing between sex venues previously treated as a single construct revealed a significant association between pattern of venue use and sexual risk. Targeting HIV prevention in the bathhouses would reach the segment of men at greatest risk for HIV transmission.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

HIV testing in gay sex clubs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a programme of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing at gay sex clubs. Conducting secondary analyses with 2 datasets, we evaluated HIV-testing preferences of patrons at 2 sex clubs and compared their risks to testers at a standard testing clinic. Sex club testers had significantly more partners and were significantly older than their clinic peers. Sixteen per cent of sex club testers reported that they would not test if testing were not available at the sex club. Gay sex clubs offer an opportunity to reach men at high risk for HIV, some who otherwise may not test.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

How many HIV infections cross the bisexual bridge? An estimate from the United States.

OBJECTIVE: Most heterosexual women with AIDS have been infected by male sex partners who acquired HIV via injecting drug use or sex with men. The contribution of bisexuality to heterosexual HIV however, has been poorly quantified. In this paper, we estimate the number of HIV infections that spread from the homosexual community to women who have sex with bisexual men. METHODS: We developed an HIV transmission model and assigned values to the model's parameters using data from a probability survey of US cities with a high risk of HIV. RESULTS: We estimated that these are about 400 HIV infections transmitted annually from HIV-infected bisexual men in high-risk cities to their female sex partners; two-thirds of these infections are transmitted to main female partners and one-third to casual partners. Uncertainties in the value of model parameters lead to variation in expected HIV infections mostly within the range 200 to 600, and for one parameter up to nearly 800. CONCLUSION: We conclude that transmission via bisexuality is a relatively minor component of the estimated 40,000 annual HIV infections in the USA.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Relationship of sexual mixing across age and ethnic groups to herpes simplex virus-2 among unmarried heterosexual adults with multiple sexual partners.

Sexual mixing is important to understanding how sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) spread in the general population, and, identifying people who mix across social groups aids HIV-STD prevention. The authors examined (a) the extent to which people have sexual partners from other sexual networks (disassortative mixing) in a probability sample of unmarried heterosexual adults reporting multiple sexual partners (N = 545) and (b) the relationship between mixing and Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2). After demographic variables and number of lifetime sexual partners were controlled for, heavy mixers were significantly more likely to be HSV-2 positive. Degree of mixing down produced the most powerful relationship to HSV-2. Age, education, ethnicity, and a history of incarceration or IV drug use were found to distinguish between light and heavy mixers, although differences between ethnic and age mixing were observed. The results have implications for understanding HIV-STD transmission and for directing interventions toward population segments at high risk for transmitting HIV-STDs.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Risk factors for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and prevention practices among US heterosexual adults: changes from 1990 to 1992.

OBJECTIVES: The National AIDS Behavioral Survey (1990-1992) of heterosexual adults (18-49 years) measured human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk factors, condom use, and HIV antibody testing, with a focus on major "high-risk" cities. METHODS: A longitudinal survey was conducted. RESULTS: There was little reduction in the overall prevalence of HIV risk factors in the national or high-risk cities cohorts over time. Despite this picture of stability, approximately 39% of the population at risk for HIV because of multiple sexual partners turns over annually. There was little change in HIV test-seeking or in consistent condom use with primary sexual partners. Although the majority of at-risk respondents used condoms sporadically or not at all (65%), a significant increase in condom use was found among those reporting multiple sexual partners in both waves, particularly among Black heterosexuals. Data from other surveys and condom sales nationally support the findings. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for a series of surveys in this area to assess the reliability of the present findings and to monitor the general US population's response to prevention programs.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Correlates of HIV risk in a random sample of street youths in San Francisco.

In a random sample of 203 street youths recruited in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, the authors found significant differences between those who reported that they could go home if they wanted to compared to those who perceived that they could not go back home. Those who could not go home were significantly more likely to report having been away from home for more than 3 years, having run away before age 13, having been kicked out of their home, and not being in touch with their parents compared to the other group. Those who could not go home reported significantly more-injection drug use, which puts them at high risk for HIV. Health care providers can identify street youths at highest risk by asking the question "Could you go back home today if you wanted to do so?"

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

AIDS-related risk behaviors and safer sex practices of women in midlife and older in the United States: 1990 to 1992.

Women in midlife and older represent over 25% of all women with AIDS and 4% of all reported AIDS cases in the United States. We present prevalence estimates and demographic correlates of AIDS-related risk behavior and safer sex practices among women in midlife and older from the National AIDS Behavioral Surveys (NABS). Data are of women aged 40 to 75 in the (a) NABS 1 national sample (n = 887), (b) NABS 1 urban sample (n = 2,111), and (c) NABS 2 national sample (n = 624). Data from the baseline survey (NABS 1) revealed that approximately 8% or 4.5 million women aged 40 to 75 engaged in behaviors that might expose them to HIV. Data from the follow-up survey (NABS 2) indicated that the proportion of women who reported a risk factor remained at about 8%. Overall safer sex practices among older women who reported sexual risk behaviors were minimal. Between 90% and 100% had not used condoms in the previous 6 months. Moreover, almost 90% of the women who reported a risk behavior did not perceive themselves to be at risk.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Data from the National AIDS Behavioral Surveys. I. Sexual risk for human immunodeficiency virus infection among women in high-risk cities.

Data from 3,482 women aged 18-49 living in 23 urban areas of the United States who participated in the 1990-1991 National AIDS Behavioral Surveys show that in the preceding year, approximately 15% engaged in sexual behavior that might expose them to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Risk behaviors include having multiple sexual partners, having a risky main sexual partner or having both multiple partners and a risky main partner. An additional 17% of women with no other risk factor report that they do not know their main partner's HIV risk status. Predictors of risk factors vary by ethnicity, and having multiple partners and having a risky main partner appear to have distinct sets of predictors. Single women are more likely than others to have multiple partners, and among white women, those with more than 12 years of education are more likely to have multiple partners. Among blacks and Hispanics, younger women are more likely than older women to have multiple partners. Among Hispanic women, married respondents and those with more than 12 years of education are more likely than others to have a risky main sexual partner; the latter pattern is reversed among white women, however, with those having less than 12 years of education being more likely to have a risky main sexual partner. In general, women with a risky main partner are the least likely to use condoms consistently.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Data from the National AIDS Behavioral Surveys. IV. Multiple sexual partners among young adults in high-risk cities.

Among a sample of 1,334 urban heterosexuals aged 18-25 from the 1990-1991 National AIDS Behavioral Surveys, 24% report having had more than one sexual partner during the past year. Young men are more than twice as likely as young women, and unmarried respondents are eight times as likely as married respondents, to have multiple partners. A multiple regression analysis of the interaction between race or ethnicity and education indicates that among whites, young people with 12 or more years of education are four times as likely to have multiple partners as are those with less than a high school education; among Hispanics and blacks, educational level is not related to having more than one partner. Among those with multiple partners, approximately 40% never use condoms with primary or secondary partners, and condom use decreases with increasing number of partners.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗