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Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

HIV self-testing allows people to collect samples and test themselves at home, addressing known barriers to facility-based testing. We aimed to measure the uptake of home HIV testing among Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM). Using national cross-sectional data from the Australian Gay Community Periodic Surveys, we assessed trends in home HIV testing among non-HIV positive GBM between 2018 and 2020. Overall, the use of home HIV testing was low, but slightly increased during 2018–2020 (from 0.3 to 0.8%, RR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.23–1.92, p-trend < 0.001). Testing at home was more likely among non-HIV-positive GBM who were born overseas and recently arrived in Australia, at higher risk of HIV, and infrequent HIV testers. Given the greater use of home testing by men at higher risk of HIV, recent migrants and infrequent testers, all priority groups in Australia's HIV epidemic, we recommend increasing access to HIV self-testing to enhance uptake in these and other groups of GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coherent imaging techniques provide an unparalleled multi-scale view of materials across scientific and technological fields, from structural materials to quantum devices, from integrated circuits to biological cells. Driven by the construction of brighter sources and high-rate detectors, coherent imaging methods like ptychography are poised to revolutionize nanoscale materials characterization. However, these advancements are accompanied by significant increase in data and compute needs, which precludes real-time imaging, feedback and decision-making capabilities with conventional approaches. Here, we demonstrate a workflow that leverages artificial intelligence at the edge and high-performance computing to enable real-time inversion on X-ray ptychography data streamed directly from a detector at up to 2 kHz. The proposed AI-enabled workflow eliminates the oversampling constraints, allowing low-dose imaging using orders of magnitude less data than required by traditional methods. Next-generation light sources and fast detectors enable unparalleled materials characterization, but increased data rates and compute needs preclude real-time analysis. Here, Babu et al. leverage high-performance computing and AI@Edge to achieve real-time, low-dose imaging on streaming data at 2 KHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to impact the attitudes gay and bisexual men (GBM) who consequently choose to take PrEP have towards treatment as prevention (TasP), and the extent to which they are willing to have condomless anal intercourse (CLAI) with an HIV-positive sexual partner who has an undetectable viral load (UVL). Using a cross-sectional sample from an observational cohort study conducted from August 2018 to March 2020, we examined the extent to which PrEP-experienced GBM are willing to have CLAI with a partner who has a UVL. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify associated variables. Of the 1386 participants included in the analyses, 79.0% believed in the effectiveness of TasP, and 55.3% were willing to have CLAI with a partner who has a UVL. Wiling participants were less worried about getting HIV when taking PrEP and more likely to believe in TasP. Further research is needed to better understand the gap between belief in TasP and willingness to have CLAI with a partner who has a UVL among PrEP-experienced GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In 2018, following government policy changes to Australia's national electronic health record system, 'My Health Record', consumer advocates—including organisations representing people living with HIV, people who use drugs and sex workers—raised concerns about privacy and data security. Responding to these controversies, this study explores the practical, ethical and political complexities of engaging stigmatised communities with digital health systems. Methods: We conducted 16 qualitative semi-structured interviews in 2020 with key informants representing communities who experience stigma, discrimination and marginalisation in Australia. These communities included people living with HIV, sex workers, people who inject drugs, gay and bisexual men and transgender and gender diverse people. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Key informants were sceptical of proposed benefits of electronic health records for their communities, and concerned about privacy risks and the potential for discrimination. Meaningful consultation, consent mechanisms and tackling structural stigma were raised as solutions for engaging communities. Conclusions: Although communities could benefit from being included in digital health systems, significant cultural, legal and social reforms from government were believed to be necessary to build trust in digital health systems. We argue that these forms of data justice are necessary for effective future systems. Policy Implications: Engaging stigmatised communities—including in relation to gender, sexuality, sex work, drug use, HIV—requires a commitment to data justice. The design and implementation of digital health systems requires investment in ongoing and meaningful consultation with communities and representative organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: COVID-19 related lockdowns have impacted the sexual activity of gay and bisexual men (GBM). We investigated trends in sexual behaviors and the COVID-19 context in which they occurred (COVID-notification rates and jurisdictional restrictions) to understand changes in the duration and severity of periods of lockdown on the sexual behavior of Australian GBM. Methods: In an online, prospective observational study of 831 GBM from May 2020 to May 2021, we investigated associations between changes in sexual behavior among Australian GBM, lockdowns, and COVID-19 notification rates through weekly surveys from May 2020 to May 2021. Results: The mean age was 45.71 years (SD: 13.93). Most identified as gay (89.0%) and 10.2% were living with HIV. There was an overall increase in the mean weekly number of non-committed relationship partners (0.53–0.90, p < 0.001). The state of Victoria experienced a significant extended COVID-19 outbreak, accompanied by severe lockdown restrictions. In response, Victorian men's partner numbers shifted three times, while elsewhere there was an overall gradually increasing trend. Conclusions: Less severe outbreaks with shorter lockdown periods, involving fewer and geographically contained, COVID-19 notifications were accompanied by non-significant changes in sex with non-relationship partners than more severe outbreaks over extended periods and larger geographical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) have developed community norms for regular HIV/STI testing. We investigated factors associated with self-reported COVID-19 testing in response to reported COVID-19 cases and public health restrictions. Participants responded to weekly cohort surveys between 10th May 2021 and 27th September 2021. We used the Andersen-Gill extensions to the Cox proportional hazards model for multivariable survival data to predict factors influencing COVID-19 testing. Mean age of the 942 study participants was 45.6 years (SD: 13.9). In multivariable analysis, GBM were more likely to report testing during periods of high COVID-19 caseload in their state of residence; if they were younger; university educated; close contact of someone with COVID-19; or reported coping with COVID-19 poorly. COVID-19 testing was higher among men who: were more socially engaged with other GBM; had a higher proportion of friends willing to vaccinate against COVID-19; and were willing to contact sexual partners for contact tracing. Social connection with other gay men was associated with COVID-19 testing, similar to what has been observed throughout the HIV epidemic, making community networks a potential focus for the promotion of COVID-19 safe practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Relationship agreements are important for HIV prevention among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in relationships, with research earlier in the HIV epidemic often finding that agreements specified monogamy or condom use with casual partners. There is evidence that HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has shifted sexual practices among some men in relationships, such as allowing condomless sex with casual partners, but there has been little attention paid to relationship agreements among GBM who use PrEP. In this paper, we analyzed national, Australian, cross-sectional data from an online survey completed by non-HIV-positive GBM in 2021 (N = 1,185). Using logistic regression, we identified demographic characteristics, sexual practices and the types of relationship agreement that were associated with PrEP use among GBM in relationships. Using Pearson's chi-squared tests, we explored whether PrEP users in relationships reported similar sexual practices to PrEP users not in relationships. PrEP use among GBM in relationships was independently associated with older age, identifying as gay, being in a non-monogamous relationship, having a spoken (explicit) relationship agreement, having a primary HIV-negative partner taking PrEP or a primary partner living with HIV, reporting recent condomless casual sex, reporting an STI diagnosis in the past year, and knowing at least one other PrEP user. We found that PrEP users in relationships had similar sexual practices to PrEP users not in relationships. GBM in relationships who have casual sex and who meet PrEP suitability criteria may be good candidates for PrEP. Our findings suggest that explicit relationship agreements remain important for HIV prevention, and they support PrEP use among GBM in relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Changes to how gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) connect with each other and with their communities have implications for HIV prevention. Social engagement with gay men (defined as having friends who are gay men and spending time with them) has been associated with HIV related outcomes over time among Australian GBM. Using data collected in national, repeated, cross-sectional surveys of GBM between 1998 and 2020 (N = 161,117), analyses of trends in the prevalence of gay social engagement (GSE) in Australia were conducted using linear regression. To assess changing associations with GSE at different time points in the HIV epidemic, three cross-sectional analyses were conducted on factors associated with high and low GSE in 1999/2000, 2009/2010, and 2019/2020 using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. GSE (scored from 0 to 7) declined among all participants from 4.76 in 1998 to 4.04 in 2020 (p < 0.001) with a steeper decline among GBM aged under 25 years from 4.63 in 1998 to 3.40 in 2020 (p < 0.001). In all timepoints, high GSE was associated with older age, being university educated, full time employment, identifying as gay, recent HIV testing, and PrEP uptake. While mostly associated with protective behaviors, high GSE was also associated with some practices that may put GBM at risk of HIV infection such as drug-enhanced sex and group sex in the most recent timepoint. Changing levels of GSE have implications for health promotion among GBM, particularly how to engage GBM less connected to gay social networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite an increase in the range of effective HIV risk reduction strategies that are available, some gay and bisexual men (GBM) do not use any of them consistently. Understanding why GBM do not always use a protective strategy may help develop more effective responses. Semi-structured interviews with 24 sexually active GBM in Sydney, Australia were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. The main characteristics of encounters featuring little or no use of HIV risk reduction strategies were familiarity and trust with partners, pleasure and intoxication, expectations that partners were using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis or treatment as prevention, and in some cases feelings of inevitability about acquiring HIV. An increase in pleasure and a reduction in anxiety about sex were noted by some GBM who had commenced PrEP. Encouraging GBM to adopt a strategy such as PrEP and to use it consistently may be easier by emphasizing benefits to mental health and the quality of sex and intimacy it can offer. However, even with the increased availability of effective biomedical HIV risk reduction strategies, not all GBM are able to consistently manage HIV risk and some continue to hold optimistic and potentially inaccurate beliefs about sexual partners that may increase HIV risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternatives to daily dosing of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are continuing to emerge. From October 2019 to March 2020, we conducted an online survey of PrEP-experienced gay and bisexual men in Australia about interest in and preference for four different PrEP modalities: daily dosing, event-driven dosing, long-acting injectable (LAI)-PrEP and subdermal PrEP implants. Using data from 1477 participants, we measured interest and preference of different modalities using multivariate logistic regression. High proportions of participants were interested in LAI-PrEP (59.7%), daily PrEP (52.0%), PrEP implants (45.3%) and event-driven PrEP (42.8%). LAI-PrEP was the most frequently selected preference (30.5%), followed by PrEP implants (26.3%), daily PrEP (21.4%) and event-driven PrEP (21.2%). Higher interest and preference for non-daily PrEP modalities were associated with being concerned about side effects and perceived difficulties with daily adherence. As novel modalities emerge, attitudes to them should be considered in public health messaging to facilitate informed decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined depression and anxiety prior to and during COVID-19 restrictions in Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM). In an online cohort, a COVID-19-focused survey was conducted in April 2020. During 2019 and in April 2020, 664 GBM completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, measuring depression) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7, measuring anxiety). Increased depression and anxiety were defined as a ≥ 5 point increase on the respective scales. Mean PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores increased between 2019 and 2020 (PHQ-9: from 5.11 in 2019 to 6.55 in 2020; GAD-7: from 3.80 in 2019 to 4.95 in 2020). The proportion of participants with moderate-severe depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) increased from 18.8% (n = 125) to 25.5% (n = 169), while the proportion of participants with moderate-severe anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 10) increased from 12.7% (n = 84) to 17.3% (n = 115). Almost one-quarter of participants (n = 158, 23.8%) had increased depression; in these men, mean PHQ-9 increased from 2.49 in 2019 to 11.65 in 2020 (p < 0.001). One-in-five (20.6%) participants (n = 137) had increased anxiety; among these men, mean GAD-7 increased from 2.05 in 2019 to 10.22 in 2020 (p < 0.001). Increases were associated with concerns about job security, reduction in social and sexual connections and opportunities, and being personally concerned about COVID-19 itself. COVID-19 appeared to have a sudden and pronounced impact on depression and anxiety in Australian GBM, with a significant minority showing sharp increases. Ongoing monitoring is required to determine longer-term impacts and GBM need access to appropriate and sensitive supports both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have examined changes in sexual behaviour following HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in relationships. In a national, online, prospective study of GBM in Australia, we compared sexual behaviours prior to and after PrEP initiation among HIV-negative and unknown-HIV-status men (recruited 2014–2017) not taking PrEP at baseline and who completed at least one six-monthly follow-up by July 2018. Among men in relationships who did not initiate PrEP (n = 339), we compared their most recent survey to their prior one, while among men in relationships who initiated PrEP (n = 81), we compared follow-ups before and after PrEP initiation. Among the 81 PrEP-initiators who were in a relationship both before and after initiation, the proportion reporting their regular partner was on PrEP increased from 8.3 to 44.4% (p < 0.001) and the proportion reporting receptive CLAIC increased from 27.2 to 44.4% (p = 0.009). Overall, men who initiated PrEP were more likely to be in a relationship with a partner on PrEP, and it appeared they started PrEP around the same time. Receptive CLAIC also became more common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical integrity issues such as particle cracking are considered one of the leading causes of structural deterioration and limited long-term cycle stability for Ni-rich cathode materials of Li-ion batteries. Indeed, the detrimental effects generated from the crack formation are not yet entirely addressed. Here, applying physicochemical and electrochemical ex situ and in situ characterizations, the effect of Co and Mn on the mechanical properties of the Ni-rich material are thoroughly investigated. As a result, we successfully mitigate the particle cracking issue in Ni-rich cathodes via rational concentration gradient design without sacrificing the electrode capacity. Our result reveals that the Co-enriched surface design in Ni-rich particles benefits from its low stiffness, which can effectively suppress the formation of particle cracking. Meanwhile, the Mn-enriched core limits internal expansion and improve structural integrity. The concentration gradient design also promotes morphological stability and cycling performances in Li metal coin cell configuration. Mechanical integrity issues are one of the main causes of limited long-term cycle stability for Ni-rich cathode materials. Here the authors analyse the roles of cobalt and manganese and utilise a concentration gradient design to mitigate these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent increases in the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) internationally have widened the range of HIV prevention strategies available to gay and bisexual men. This paper aimed to quantify the use of different risk reduction strategies and compare characteristics of men who rarely use any strategies with those who regularly use condoms or PrEP. Using national cross-sectional data from the Gay Community Periodic Surveys in Australia, comparisons were made between regular condom users (37.1% of participants), PrEP users (50.1%), and men who infrequently used any risk reduction strategies (12.8%). The proportion of gay and bisexual men reporting infrequent use of HIV risk reduction strategies has decreased in recent years. These men reported less frequent high-risk sexual practices than PrEP users and also reported less recent HIV testing than either PrEP or condom users. Men who infrequently use HIV risk reduction strategies should be encouraged to test for HIV more regularly and to utilise prevention strategies that align with their infrequent high-risk behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing HIV testing frequency in gay and bisexual men (GBM) is critical to reducing the time between HIV infection and diagnosis. Using anonymous national behavioural surveillance data (2013–2018) from 43,753 surveys of Australian GBM, we examined HIV testing frequency trends and factors differentiating PrEP-users, non-PrEP-users reporting two or more tests in the previous year, and non-PrEP-users reporting less frequent testing. The proportion tested at least annually increased from 64.4% in 2013 to 70.8% in 2018 (p-trend < 0.001), and from 73.9% to 84.6% among the 51.6% of men classified as higher-risk. Among higher-risk men, having two or more tests in the previous year increased from 48.0% to 69.3% (p-trend < 0.001). Among higher-risk non-PrEP-users, it increased from 47.2% to 54.8% (p-trend < 0.001), however, there was a decrease since 2016 (p-trend < 0.001). Among PrEP-users, it increased from 82.1% in 2013 to 97.3% in 2018 (p-trend < 0.001). Non-PrEP-using higher-risk men having less frequent tests reported lower risk than PrEP-users and non-PrEP-using men reporting two or more tests in the previous year. However, recent risk behaviour was not uncommon: nearly half reported condomless sex; one-fifth reported receptive condomless sex with ejaculation; over half reported group sex; one-quarter used drugs for the purposes of sex; and one-fifth had more than ten sex partners. Efforts are needed to encourage frequent testing and PrEP use among non-PrEP-users who are at higher-risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on Australian gay and bisexual men's (GBM) perceptions of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Drawing on an online longitudinal cohort study, 1,404 free-text responses from HIV-negative or untested Australian GBM were qualitatively analysed. The chi-square statistic was then used to assess differences regarding PrEP-perceptions by participants' demographic and behavioral characteristics. Positive views of PrEP were twice more common than negative. Those with positive views thought PrEP helped overcome HIV fear and anxiety, enhanced sexual pleasure, and was a 'socially responsible' course of action. Those with negative views believed that people without medical conditions did not need medication and expressed concern that PrEP was replacing condoms, representing 'dangerous' behavior. Descriptive statistics revealed differences in PrEP-perceptions relating to age, recency of HIV testing, and PrEP eligibility. This study is the first to use free-text data to examine the frequency of Australian GBM's PrEP-perceptions, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges to its promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from repeated, national behavioural HIV surveillance was used to identify similarities and differences between young gay and bisexual men (YGBM) aged 16–24 (n = 1608) and older GBM aged 25–49 (n = 6266), in order to quantify risks and identify gaps in HIV prevention. Trend analyses from 2014 to 2018 are also reported. While there were similar rates of condomless anal intercourse with casual partners in both age groups, YGBM had lower rates of HIV testing and PrEP use but also fewer male partners. Our results suggest most YGBM have lower HIV risk than older GBM but a minority merit enhanced testing and prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In Australia, HIV testing services have become increasingly available in non-traditional settings such as peer-led, community-based services to expand access and increase uptake of HIV testing among gay and bisexual men (GBM). This study aimed to compare the socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics of GBM whose last HIV test was conducted at a community-based service to GBM whose last test was at a traditional clinical setting. We analysed behavioural surveillance data collected from 5988 participants in seven states and territories in the period 2016–2017. We found that non-HIV-positive GBM who attended community-based services were largely similar to men attending clinic-based settings, particularly in terms of sexual practice and risk of HIV. However, non-HIV-positive GBM who were younger, born in Asia, more socially engaged with other gay men but who had not recently used PrEP were more likely to attend community-based services for their last HIV test. This study points to the successful establishment of community-based HIV testing services in Australia as a way to attract subgroups of GBM at potentially higher risk of HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect-based quantum systems in wide bandgap semiconductors are strong candidates for scalable quantum-information technologies. However, these systems are often complicated by charge-state instabilities and interference by phonons, which can diminish spin-initialization fidelities and limit room-temperature operation. Here, we identify a pathway around these drawbacks by showing that an engineered quantum well can stabilize the charge state of a qubit. Using density-functional theory and experimental synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies, we construct a model for previously unattributed point defect centers in silicon carbide as a near-stacking fault axial divacancy and show how this model explains these defects’ robustness against photoionization and room temperature stability. These results provide a materials-based solution to the optical instability of color centers in semiconductors, paving the way for the development of robust single-photon sources and spin qubits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

HIV-negative and untested gay and bisexual men from Victoria, Australia (n = 771) were surveyed during August-September 2016 about their comfort having condomless sex with casual male partners in scenarios in which pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or treatment as prevention were used. Men not using PrEP were most comfortable with the idea of condomless sex with HIV-negative partners (31%), followed by partners using PrEP (23%). PrEP users were more comfortable with the idea of condomless sex with these partner types (64 and 72%, respectively). Very few men not taking PrEP were comfortable with condomless sex with HIV-positive partners (3%), even with undetectable viral loads (6%). PrEP users were more comfortable with condomless sex with HIV-positive partners (29%), and those with undetectable viral loads (48%). Being on PrEP, having recent condomless sex with casual partners or a HIV-positive regular partner were independently associated with comfort having condomless sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the relationship between methamphetamine use and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Of 622 MSM participants, 75.7% reported any CAI in the last three months, 23.2% reported engaging in sex work in the last three months, 21.1% reported group sex in the last twelve months (21.1%) and 14.3% had used methamphetamine for sex in the last three months. CAI was associated with living in Ho Chi Minh City vs. Hanoi, being versatile during anal sex, a greater degree of sexual sensation-seeking, and more strongly agreeing that withdrawal before ejaculation is effective in preventing HIV. Effect-modification analysis showed that recent sex-related methamphetamine use was related to a higher probability of CAI for men with low sexual sensationseeking scores. Methamphetamine assessment and/or interventions should be incorporated into HIV prevention and research with Vietnam's MSM population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review considers Australia's progress towards the elimination of HIV and AIDS, as specified in international targets. In particular, it considers the reaction to recent media reports that Australia has 'ended AIDS' and evaluates progress towards reducing HIV transmission. Recent surveillance data and research show significant improvements in HIV testing and treatment, but countervailing trends such as increased condomless sex between gay and other men who have sex with men. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is being implemented at scale in some jurisdictions, with the hope that this will significantly alter the trajectory of Australia's HIV epidemic, which has been stable for the last five years (at around 1000-1100 infections per year). The ongoing challenge in maintaining investment, while also considering how to respond to the diversification of the local epidemic, means that Australia has entered a critical period in which evidence of PrEP's impact is eagerly awaited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study we sought to identify the social and behavioural characteristics of Australian gay and bisexual men who had and had not tested for HIV during their current relationship. The results were based on 2012 and 2013 data collected from ongoing cross-sectional and community-based surveys held in six Australian states and territories. One thousand five hundred and sixty-one non-HIV-positive men reported that they were in a primary relationship. The majority of gay and bisexual men in primary relationships had tested for HIV during the relationship (73.4 %). Among men who had not tested during the relationship, almost half of these men had never tested for HIV. As untested men within relationships are potentially at risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV to their partners unknowingly, it is important to promote HIV testing to these men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual racism is a specific form of racial prejudice enacted in the context of sex or romance. Online, people use sex and dating profiles to describe racialized attraction through language such as 'Not attracted to Asians.' Among gay and bisexual men, sexual racism is a highly contentious issue. Although some characterize discrimination among partners on the basis of race as a form of racism, others present it as a matter of preference. In May 2011, 2177 gay and bisexual men in Australia participated in an online survey that assessed how acceptably they viewed online sexual racism. Although the men sampled displayed diverse attitudes, many were remarkably tolerant of sexual racism. We conducted two multiple linear regression analyses to compare factors related to men's attitudes toward sexual racism online and their racist attitudes more broadly. Almost every identified factor associated with men's racist attitudes was also related to their attitudes toward sexual racism. The only differences were between men who identified as Asian or Indian. Sexual racism, therefore, is closely associated with generic racist attitudes, which challenges the idea of racial attraction as solely a matter of personal preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to describe HIV risk practices of gay men who travel locally, regionally and overseas. We analysed data from the Sydney Gay Community Periodic Survey 2009 about high-risk sexual practices in four locations (locally, while travelling in NSW, Australia and overseas) and with partners of HIV positive, negative and unknown serostatus in each location. Analyses of associations used generalized log-binomial estimation procedures with Type I error of 5 %. Of 1,839 sexually active participants, 70.1 % reported having sex locally. 19.7 % elsewhere in NSW, 20.1 % interstate and 18 % overseas. Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) was reported by 29.9, 28.6, 21.3 and 19.3 % of men in each location respectively. There was no difference in the levels of UAI locally and elsewhere in NSW, but UAI levels were lower in other Australian locations [adjusted prevalence rate ratio (APRR) = 0.76; 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) 0.66-0.88] and overseas (APRR = 0.76; 95 % CI 0.65-0.89). UAI was more likely if partners were seroconcordant HIV positive (APRR = 1.67; 95 % CI 1.32-2.11) and less likely if partners were of different HIV serostatus (APRR = 0.39; 95 % CI 0.33-0.47) as compared to seroconcordant HIV negative partners. UAI was associated with group sex and use of party drugs. In this community sample, UAI levels were higher in the local context than in travel destinations, suggesting that familiarity between partners may play a role. High-risk sexual practices can nevertheless contribute to bridging different HIV epidemics and HIV transmission across borders. HIV prevention programs should develop effective approaches to target sexually adventurous gay men and HIV transmission associated with travel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Our aim was to clarify the role of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use in major depression among gay men attending general medical practices. A secondary analysis was conducted on survey data collected from 531 gay men attending high-HIV-caseload general practices in Adelaide and Sydney, Australia. The survey contained demographic, social, behavioural and AOD variables. Participants were classified into those with ( n = 130) and without major depression ( n = 401) using the PHQ-9 screening tool. Although rates of drug use were very high in the sample, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the majority of variables independently associated with major depression were social and behavioural factors. Only one AOD variable was associated with major depression: the use of three or more drug types in the past 6 months. Attending to specific patterns of AOD use may assist in the identification of gay men most at risk of major depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful antiretroviral treatments, achievements in gay acceptance and human rights, and internet use have prompted changes in gay socialising which create potential challenges for engaging with gay men for HIV surveillance and research. We used data from the Australian behavioural surveillance and explored (i) the relationship between community engagement and HIV related practices, and (ii) time trends in gay men's engagement with the gay community. Analyses were conducted using log-binomial regression and chi-square test for trend. The proportion of men who socialized mainly with gay men declined and the Internet use to connect with sex partners increased over time. Gay social engagement was associated with HIV positive serostatus, unprotected anal intercourse with regular partners and a high frequency of HIV/STI testing. Our findings indicate a shift in how gay men socialise and find partners. We discuss the challenges for ongoing engagement with gay men for behavioural surveillance and HIV research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is understood about the self-care activities undertaken by drug treatment clients. Using data from a qualitative study of drug treatment and mental health we identify the self-care practices of drug treatment clients diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Seventy-seven participants were interviewed in four sites across Australia. Participants described a range of self-care practices for mental health including: self-medication, seeking social support, physical exercise, counselling-derived techniques, keeping busy and other less common strategies. These findings show that drug treatment clients undertake similar self-care practices to the general population and illicit drug users and that these activities echo beneficial practices identified in the research literature. The results suggest opportunities for service providers to work with clients on self-care activities that may improve mental health. Tensions between consumer and professional views of self-care, and the limits to encouraging self-care as a substitute for treatment, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original version of this article unfortunately contained an error. The authors would like to correct the error with this erratum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]