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Biomedical subjects

Joseph A Catania

Publications and source records attributed to Joseph A Catania.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Knowledge of sexual partner's HIV serostatus and serosorting practices in a California population-based sample of men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVES: To describe knowledge of primary and secondary sexual partner's HIV serostatus and sexual practices, including serosorting, among men who have sex with men (MSM) living in California. METHODS: Men who self-identified as gay/bisexual in the 2001 California Health Interview Survey, a statewide biennial random-digit-dial survey interviewing more than 50,000 adults on a variety of health topics, were recontacted in 2002 and interviewed by telephone about injection drug use, their own and partner's HIV serostatus, and sexual risk behaviors. RESULTS: Among 220 men who reported a primary partner, 86% [95% confidence interval (CI): 77-92] knew their primary partner's serostatus; 62% (95% CI, 52-70) of the 250 men who reported a secondary partner knew their most recent secondary partner's HIV serostatus. Knowledge of one's most recent secondary partner's HIV serostatus was inversely related to history of injecting recreational drugs (odds ratio, 0.22; P < 0.01), and reporting a primary partner in the past year (odds ratio, 0.37; P < 0.05). Two-fifths (41%) of HIV-positive men and three-fifths (62%) of HIV-negative men engaged in serosorting (serocordant unprotected anal intercourse) with their primary partners, whereas 33% HIV-positive men and 20% HIV-negative men did so with their most recent secondary partners. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based survey documented the extent to which MSM know their partners' serostatus and practice serosorting behaviors. The findings emphasize the need for studies to report serocordant and serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse separately, as the former presents significant lower risk of HIV transmission.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

HIV prevalence and sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men: results from a statewide population-based survey in California.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate HIV prevalence, sexual risk behaviors, and HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) between 18 and 64 years old living in California. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of a statewide population-based sample of MSM. METHODS: Using data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2001), 398 men who self-identified as gay or bisexual were recontacted and interviewed by telephone for a follow-up study in 2002. Study participants were interviewed regarding their demographic characteristics and sexual behavior, HIV testing history, and HIV infection status. Those who self-reported as HIV-negative or of unknown status were offered an HIV test using a home urine specimen collection kit. RESULTS: HIV prevalence among MSM in California was 19.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.8% to 25.3%) with higher rates seen among the following subgroups: high school or less education (40.4%), annual income less than dollar 20,000 (35.0%), or history of ever injecting recreational drugs (40.3%). Young age and Hispanic or African-American race/ethnicity were associated with higher proportions of risky sexual behavior and lower HIV testing rates. CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevalence among MSM living in California continues to be high across the whole state, and population-based studies are needed periodically to complement findings from surveys using other sampling designs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

The effect of venue sampling on estimates of HIV prevalence and sexual risk behaviors in men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate differences in HIV prevalence and sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) according to their gay venue visit patterns. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, a population-based sample of men aged 18 to 64 years who self-identified as gay or bisexual were interviewed by telephone regarding their sexual behaviors, HIV serostatus, and gay venue visit patterns. RESULTS: A total of 398 men were recruited for the study. The results showed that frequent gay venue visitors were more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. Among gay venue attendees who visited different types of gay venues, men who visited sex clubs/bathhouses reported the highest rates of 5 or more male sexual partners and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with secondary partners (62.6% and 34.6%, respectively), gay bar/club attendees and cruisers reported higher rates of having sex with women (8.5% and 14.8%, respectively), and circuit party attendees reported the highest HIV prevalence (40.4%) and serodiscordant UAI (30.2%). CONCLUSIONS: MSM who visited different types of gay venues and with varied visit frequency showed marked differences in sexual risk behaviors, and the differences suggest the importance of weighting procedure to obtain unbiased estimates in venue-based studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

The Bolger conference on PDE-5 inhibition and HIV risk: implications for health policy and prevention.

INTRODUCTION: Recent reports have linked the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors with increased rates of high-risk sexual behavior and HIV transmission in some individuals. AIM: A National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-funded, multidisciplinary conference was convened to evaluate scientific research, clinical and ethical considerations, and public policy implications of this topic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Published and unpublished findings on effects of PDE-5 inhibitors on sexual behavior; published guidelines and management recommendations. METHODS: Leading investigators in relevant disciplines (e.g., public health, epidemiology, medical ethics, urology, psychology) participated in a 2-day meeting, including representatives of government, scientific, and regulatory agencies (the Centers for Disease Control, Food and Drug Administration, NIMH, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse). Panelists provided critical reviews of substantive areas of research, followed by question and answer sessions on each topic. On the second day, working groups were convened to identify critical gaps and priorities in three major areas: (i) research and evaluation needs; (ii) prevention strategies and clinical management issues; and (iii) policy and prevention implications. RESULTS: Research needs and priorities were categorized into four specific areas: (i) basic and clinical/laboratory research; (ii) epidemiology and risk factors; (iii) social-behavioral processes and interventions; and (iv) prevention/policy and educational needs. Identified gaps in the available data include populations at risk (e.g., risk among heterosexuals, risk profiles among subpopulations of men who have sex with men) and the specific role of PDE-5 inhibitors in HIV seroconversion. Specific areas of emphasis were the need for safer sex counseling, comprehensive sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and follow-up when indicated, avoidance of potentially dangerous drug interactions, and potential benefits of testosterone replacement for HIV-positive men with decreased androgen and other symptoms of hypogonadism. Conclusions. A conference was convened on the topic of PDE-5 inhibition and HIV risk. This "white paper" summarizes the findings of the conference and recommendations for future research.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed2006

Understanding the demographic characteristics of urban men who have sex with men.

We examined migration, closetedness, and family structure explanations of demographic profiles of urban men who have sex with men (MSM) using data from the Urban Men's Health Study and the Public Use Microdata Sample of the U.S. Census. The data suggested that the demographic profiles of urban MSM reflect a large in-migrating white, often young adult, population without children. Closetedness, an oft-cited bias in MSM population studies, did not significantly impact demographic patterns with minor exceptions. MSM urban subpopulations have demographics that differ substantially from the general population of the cities in which they reside.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Higher prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among Latino men who have sex with men than non-Latino men who have sex with men: data from the Urban Men's Health Study.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among Latino adult men who have sex with men who live in the US was estimated because a history of childhood sexual abuse increases HIV sexual risk behaviors and other negative health outcomes in adulthood. METHOD: The Urban Men's Health Study is a random-digit telephone probability survey of 2881 adult men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 18 years or older residing in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Self-reported history of childhood sexual abuse was the main outcome measure gathered from 2692 MSM. RESULTS: A significantly higher proportion of Latino MSM reported sexual abuse before age 13 (22%) than did non-Latino MSM (11%). CONCLUSIONS: Latino MSM are twice as likely to report a history of childhood sexual abuse than are non-Latino MSM. Given the association between childhood sexual abuse and increased risk for HIV and other negative health outcomes, health providers must remain vigilant to the possibility of childhood sexual abuse histories among their Latino patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Friends in the 'hood: Should peer-based health promotion programs target nonschool friendship networks?

PURPOSE: To examine the characteristics of inner city African-American adolescents nonschool-based and school-based friendship networks and to explore the influence of these networks on health risk behavior. METHODS: We assessed close friendships networks in a probability sample of inner city African-American youth living in a single neighborhood and describe the networks and health risk behavior of network members. The initial probability sample was obtained via telephone (Random Digit Dialing [RDD] sampling) and followed up with in-person interviews with telephone respondents (seeds). Subsequently, seeds' friends were recruited and completed an in-person interview. RESULTS: A majority of friendship networks included some nonschool friends (57%) and 24% of networks were composed exclusively of nonschool friends. As expected, youth were more likely to spend time with school-based friends on weekdays. On weekends, youth were equally likely to spend time with both school and nonschool networks. Youth in the same friendship group tended to engage in similar behaviors. Health risk behaviors were high regardless of whether networks were nonschool based, mixed, or school based. CONCLUSIONS: The high proportion of nonschool friendships suggests that out-of-school networks may be an important influence in this population. Youth spend time with their friends, regardless of network type, on weekends, and weekends are a high-risk period for health-damaging behaviors. Levels of experience with health risk behaviors suggest that both school and nonschool environments require intervention. Future social influence prevention efforts that are broad-based are likely to have maximal impact.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Viagra (sildenafil) use in a population-based sample of U.S. men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVE/GOAL: The objective of this study was to examine sildenafil (Viagra) use and its relationship to sexual risk behavior for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases among men who have sex with men (MSM). STUDY: A population-based telephone sample of MSM in San Francisco was interviewed about sexual behavior, substance use, HIV and health status, and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Recent Viagra use was reported by 29% of the sample and was associated with HIV serostatus, greater numbers of male sexual partners, higher levels of unprotected anal sex, and higher levels of illicit recreational drug use. Viagra use was not associated with age, race, or socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: Viagra use appears to have become a stable fixture of the sexual culture of MSM, crossing age, race, and socioeconomic subgroups. Its use is associated with a general behavioral risk pattern for HIV/STD transmission.

HIV Infections↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's HIV behavioral surveillance of men who have sex with men: sampling issues.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is embarking on a program of biannual venue-based time-space sampling surveys to monitor prevalence and incidence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM). GOAL: We examine the efficacy of the suggested methodology in terms of population coverage, sample period, range of venues, and representativeness. STUDY: The 2002 Urban Men's Health Study (N = 879) is a telephone interview of a household probability sample of adult MSM living in San Francisco. RESULTS: A 6-month bar/club sample would capture 79% of the adult MSM population and yield an accurate estimate of HIV prevalence. Using a longer sample period or sampling other less-frequented venues yields marginal improvement. Risk behavior, when broadly defined, is overestimated. CONCLUSIONS: The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance of MSM protocol may be satisfactory for sampling urban MSM within defined limits, but could be conducted at significantly less cost by reducing the types of venues and fielding time. However, bias in the venue sample with respect to risk behavior and other key correlates argues for validity checks based on household probability samples conducted at infrequent intervals.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.↗
PubMed2005

Tobacco use and cessation among a household-based sample of US urban men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVES: We examined tobacco use and cessation among a probability sample of urban men who have sex with men (MSM) living in 4 large US cities. METHODS: Of the 2402 men who were eligible for follow-up from a previously recruited probability sample, 1780 (74%) completed tobacco surveys between January and December 1999. RESULTS: Current smoking rates were higher for urban MSM (31.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]=28.6%, 34.3%) than for men in the general population (24.7%; 95% CI=21.2%, 28.2%). Among MSM, 27% were former smokers. A complex set of sociodemographic, tobacco-related, and other factors were associated with cessation. CONCLUSIONS: Results support earlier reports that smoking rates are higher for MSM compared with men in the general population. Findings related to cessation underscore the need to target tobacco control efforts for MSM.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The role of close friends in African American adolescents' dating and sexual behavior.

This study examined the role of close friends in the sexual lives of African American adolescents. Fifteen African American adolescents residing in an urban neighborhood participated in individual in-depth qualitative interviews. The findings suggest that close friends play a critical role in the dating and sexual behaviors of inner-city African American adolescents, as they appear to serve as socializing agents that impact how adolescents conceptualize and socially construct dating and sexual roles and behaviors. Close friends also play a significant role in acquiring new dating and sexual partners and in determining the course of dating and sexual relationships. Although females and males expressed similar expectations regarding sexual fidelity and condom use, they differed with regard to their method and process of talking with friends about dating and sex, their shared social constructions about dating and sexual roles and expectations, and their perceptions of the meaning of dating. We discuss the implications of the findings in terms of involving close friends in interventions focused on improving the sexual health of African American adolescents. Future directions for research with African American adolescents and sexuality are also discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Distress and depression in men who have sex with men: the Urban Men's Health Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study estimates the prevalence of depression and describes the correlates and independent associations of distress and depression among U.S. men who have sex with men. METHOD: A household-based probability sample of men who have sex with men (N=2,881) was interviewed between 1996 and 1998 in four large American cities. With cutoff points of 15 and 22 for the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, individual correlates and predictors of distress and depression were examined, and multinomial logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: The 7-day prevalence of depression in men who have sex with men was 17.2%, higher than in adult U.S. men in general. Both distress and depression were associated with lack of a domestic partner; not identifying as gay, queer, or homosexual; experiencing multiple episodes of antigay violence in the previous 5 years; and very high levels of community alienation. Distress was also associated with being of other than Asian/Pacific Islander ethnicity and experiencing early antigay harassment. Depression was also associated with histories of attempted suicide, child abuse, and recent sexual dysfunction. Being HIV positive was correlated with distress and depression but not significantly when demographic characteristics, developmental history, substance use, sexual behavior, and current social context were controlled by logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of distress and depression are high in men who have sex with men. These high rates have important public health ramifications. The predictors of distress and depression suggest prevention efforts that might be effective when aimed at men who have sex with men.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

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

The authors present HIV prevalence and risk behavior data for urban men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 50 years or older. Data are based on a probability sample of MSM conducted in 1997 (n = 2881 total; 507 older MSM) in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. The authors determined HIV status through self-report and biologic measures. Risk behavior was assessed through self-report. The authors found that HIV prevalence was 19% (95% CI: 14, 25) for men in their 50s and 3% (95% CI: 1, 10) for men in their 60s. No men in their 70s were HIV-positive. Prevalence was at high levels for older blacks (30%), MSM who are injection drug users (21%), moderately heavy drug users (35%), and less closeted men (21%). High-risk sex between serodiscordant partners was relatively constant (4%-5%) across age groups older than 30 years of age and decreased among MSM in their 70s. Current levels of HIV among older urban MSM in the United States are very high, particularly among those in their 50s. High mortality rates among MSM with AIDS up to 1996 (before highly active antiretroviral therapy [HAART]) would account for the lower levels among men in their 60s and 70s. Because of HAART, we would expect HIV levels to increase in these age groups. Given high levels of risk behavior among MSM through the sixth decade of life, the authors would expect an older MSM epidemic of substantially larger proportion than that observed in the 1980s and 1990s.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

Public policy regulating private and public space in gay bathhouses.

Public policies prohibiting either public or private space in gay bathhouses vary across cities. New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago all have different policies. The objective of this study was to assess reported risk behavior as an indicator of success of one policy over another. Data are from a telephone survey of a probability sample of men living in the four cities who reported having sex with men. Analyses focused on city differences in behavior of adult men who, in the past year, were sexually active with a male and visited a bathhouse ( n= 827). Respondents reported numbers of sex partners, one-night stands, visits to bathhouses in the past year, and casual sex partners with whom they had engaged in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) as well as whether they had UAI in a public setting. Among men who visit bathhouses, no significant city differences were observed except that there were city differences in where UAI occurred-i.e., San Francisco men were significantly less likely to report UAI in a public place than were men in other cities. The data suggest that different city policies may affect where, but not whether, UAI occurs.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Recalling sexual behavior: a methodological analysis of memory recall bias via interview using the diary as the gold standard.

This study examined the effect of time lag on the validity of retrospective self-reports of sexual behavior. Seventy-five heterosexual students (44 women, 31 men) made daily recordings of sexual behavior, condom use, and alcohol or substance use for 1 month. Ability of respondents to recall sexual behavior recorded during this period was assessed at 1, 2, and 3 months after diary completion using recall interviews (25 interviewed at each interval). For vaginal intercourse, total recall error was significantly greater at 3 months than at 1 month post-diary. For all other variables assessed, the 2- and 3-month time intervals did not produce significant increase in total recall error. Higher frequency of vaginal intercourse, orgasm, and alcohol use prior to sexual activity were associated with total recall error for some but not all behaviors and outcomes. The results provide a partial validation of the diary-interview recall model as a method for studying recall error.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Association of co-occurring psychosocial health problems and increased vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among urban men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVES: We measured the extent to which a set of psychosocial health problems have an additive effect on increasing HIV risk among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional household probability telephone sample of MSM in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. RESULTS: Psychosocial health problems are highly intercorrelated among urban MSM. Greater numbers of health problems are significantly and positively associated with high-risk sexual behavior and HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: AIDS prevention among MSM has overwhelmingly focused on sexual risk alone. Other health problems among MSM not only are important in their own right, but also may interact to increase HIV risk. HIV prevention might become more effective by addressing the broader health concerns of MSM while also focusing on sexual risks.

Adolescent↗