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Long-acting injectable regimens for HIV treatment have been developed which are less frequent, more discreet, and more desirable for some people living with HIV (PLHIV) and may help reduce stigma-related barriers to HIV treatment. However, there is little information on the relationship between reported stigma and preference for these newer treatments. We characterized anticipated, experienced, and internalized HIV stigma and examined the associations with treatment preferences among an international sample of PLHIV. Data came from the international, web-based, cross-sectional study called "Positive Perspectives" conducted among PLHIV aged ≥ 18 years in 25 geographic locations during 2019 (n = 2389). Descriptive analyses were stratified among East Asian (n = 230) vs. non-Asian (n = 2159) participants. Results showed that prevalence of anticipated stigma was significantly higher among East Asian than non-Asian participants (72.2%[166/230] vs. 63.8%[1377/2159], p = 0.011). A significantly higher percentage of East Asian (68.7%[158/230]) than non-Asian participants (43.3%[935/2159] indicated that someone finding their HIV pills would cause them much "stress or anxiety" (p < 0.001). Actions taken by some PLHIV to prevent unwanted disclosure included restricting who they shared their HIV status with, hiding their HIV pills, or even skipping a dose altogether because of privacy concerns. Overall, 50.0%[115/230] East Asian participants believed HIV would reduce their lifespan and 43.0%[99/230] no longer planned for their old age because of HIV. Anticipated stigma was strongly associated with receptivity to non-daily regimens. Concerted efforts to reduce stigma and deliver flexible treatment options that address the unmet treatment needs of PLHIV, including confidentiality concerns, may improve their health-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migration-flows pose the risk of poliovirus reintroduction from endemic countries to Greece. This study aims to evaluate serologic-immunity/vaccination against poliomyelitis in newly-arriving migrant children. Methods: Demographic-immunisation data and blood-serum were obtained from migrants 1-14years-old, referred to a hospital-clinic in Athens-Greece within three months from arrival. Immunity to polioviruses-1-3 was determined by serum-neutralizing-antibodies(WHO guidelines). Titers ≥ 1:8 were considered positive. Results: From 9/2010 to 9/2013, 274 children(150 refugees/124 immigrants), mean age 7.1years-old, were enrolled. Only 57(20.8%) of them presented with vaccination-records. Children originated mainly from Asia(n = 198), Eastern Europe(n = 28), Middle East(n = 24) and Africa(n = 24) with 160(58.4%) from polio-endemic-countries(Afghanistan-112(40.8%), Pakistan-24(8.8%) and India-24(8.8%)). Seropositivity against polio-1-2&3 was 84.3%, 86.1% and 74.5%, respectively. Immigrants, had higher seroprotective rates against polioviruses-1-2&3 than refugees(polio-1:p = 0.002;polio-2:p = 0.004,polio-3:p < 0.001). Seronegativity to 1PVs-2PVs and all three polio serotypes was found in 37(13.5%),12 (4.4%), and 30 children(10.9%) respectively. Increasing number of vaccine-doses, and younger-age, were positively-associated with seropositivity. Discussion: A remarkable fraction of newly-arrived migrant-children were seronegative to one or more polioviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that within the context of collectivistic minority groups, familial pride may function largely as a family-based emotion. We examined whether emotions derived from achieving on behalf of ones' family were associated with positive psychological functioning in Asian American college students. The sample for this cross-sectional design included 219 Asian Americans (M = 19.4, SD = 2.0, 66% women) at a minority serving university in Southern California. Participants completed a self-report survey assessing familial cultural values, depression, self-esteem, family-responsive joy, and the recently articulated construct of familial pride. Along with other familial cultural values (i.e., support, obligation, respect, and family as referent), factor-analytic results supported the use of the novel familial pride measure in this sample. Path analyses revealed familial pride was uniquely associated with lower depressive symptoms, higher self-esteem, and higher family responsive joy. In addition to assessing commonly conceptualized familial cultural values, researchers should seek to understand how the emotional correlates of familial pride are related to psychosocial functioning in Asian American adolescents and emerging adults. Practices aimed at fostering these experiences are likely to promote adaptive development for this population. Highlights: Familial pride is related to family values but functions uniquely in its impact. Familial pride is associated to lower depression, higher self-esteem, and higher joy. Pride is beneficial when embedded within family context for Asian American youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with at least 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Once associated with high-income countries, obesity is now also prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Not only an individual suffers from ill health, but also family members and organizations bear its consequences. The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of obesity and overweight and its association with five risk factors, namely unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, stress, alcohol consumption and smoking, in corporate organizations. Methods: High expenses born by corporations because of high BMIs, which lead to overweight and obesity, are a problem. Descriptive research based on a cross-sectional study is used to target office workers in three different groups: group A is people aged 20–30 years old, group B is people 30–40 years old, and group C is people aged > 40 years. This study was conducted in West Asia, using a questionnaire as the instrument for the survey. Results: The data were analyzed using regression and the Simple Lifestyle Index (SLSI). The higher the index, the healthier the person's lifestyle is. The professional's working hours in the office were observed. The results indicated that the more working hours in a day, the greater the chances of becoming obese or overweight. Discussion: It is found that of the five risk factors, only two, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, were found to have significant relationships (p < 5%) with overweight and obesity. The other three factors, stress, alcohol consumption and smoking, did not play a significant role in increasing an individual's weight. As a person's BMI increases, the number of sick days, medical claims and health care costs increase. To reduce the burden of high medical costs on individuals and businesses, it is essential to have a health care awareness program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many contexts, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, especially immigrants, have a higher burden of negative alcohol-related consequences and a higher probability of receiving a psychiatric diagnosis. This study aimed at exploring sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with harmful use of alcohol (HUA) among immigrant patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Rome (Italy) on a sample of 330 immigrant patients admitted to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic of the INMP (March 2013–October 2014). HUA was evaluated through the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire. The presence of psychiatric disorders was diagnosed through SCID I–II interviews. The association between sociodemographic characteristics and psychiatric disorders and HUA was evaluated through a multivariate log-binomial regression model. HUA was associated with unemployment, longer stay in Italy, mood disorder and not being married, especially among African immigrants. We provide original findings about a selected, hard-to-investigate population, suggesting priorities in interventions on HUA among specific vulnerable subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

The article discusses a study which examined the effects of age, gender and ethnicity and indirect aggression among children and adolescents in Trinidad, which is known to have the second highest crime rate in the Caribbean region.

Suicide rates are higher at high altitudes, and some hypothesize that hypoxia is the cause. There may be a significant correlation between rates of depression and altitude, but little data exist outside the United States. The purpose of the present study is to conduct a survey of depression among the elderly highlanders in Asia. We enrolled 114 persons aged 60 years or older (mean, 69.2 ± 6.7 years; women, 58.8%) in Domkhar (altitude, 3800 m), Ladakh, India and 173 ethnic Tibetans (mean, 66.5 ± 6.1 years; women, 61.3%) in Yushu (altitude, 3700 m), Qinghai Province, China. The two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) and the geriatric depression scale were administered. A psychiatrist interviewed the subjects who had a positive score on the PHQ-2. The results of the interview with the residents conducted by the specialist showed that two cases (1.8%) from Domkhar and four (2.3%) from Qinghai had depression. Despite the high altitude, the probability of depression was low in elderly highlander in Ladakh and Qinghai. Our finding seems to indicate that cultural factors such as religious outlook and social/family relationship inhibit the development of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate heavy drinking and social and health correlates in university students in low, middle income and emerging economy countries. Using anonymous questionnaires, data were collected in a cross-sectional survey of 17,590 undergraduate university students (mean age 20.8, SD 2.9) from 25 universities in 24 countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas. Overall, 71.6 % were non-drinkers, 17.1 % moderate and 11.3 % heavy alcohol drinkers (14.2 % in men and 9.2 % in women) in the past 2 weeks. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age, poorer family background, living in a higher income country, weak beliefs in the importance of limiting alcohol use, higher country per capita alcohol consumption, other substance use (tobacco and illicit drug use), and poor life satisfaction was associated with heavy drinking. Addressing health beliefs and co-occurring addictive behaviors may be crucial in the prevention of heavy drinking in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of heterosexual populations across the globe and men who have sex with men (MSM) in a few developed countries showed that earlier sexual debut (sexarche) was associated with higher levels of co-occurring and subsequent HIV risk behaviors. We examined the relationships between earlier anal sexarche, unprotected earlier anal sexarche and current HIV risks among MSM from Asia. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among MSM (N = 10,826) in Asia in 2010. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify co-occurring (i.e., sexual experiences during sexarche) and current HIV-related risk factors (i.e., past 6 months) associated with earlier anal sexarche (before the age of 18) and unprotected earlier anal sexarche, respectively. Earlier anal sexarche was significantly associated with lack of condom use, being anal receptive or both receptive and insertive, and having a partner who were older during sexarche. It was also associated with current HIV-related risk behaviors including having multiple male sexual partners, having been paid for sex, and increased frequencies of recreational drug use. Unprotected earlier anal sexarche was significantly associated with inconsistent condom use in the past the 6 months. Improved and culturally sensitive sex education at schools should be included in national and regional HIV/AIDS prevention programming and policies in Asia. Such sex education programs should incorporate curriculum that address sexuality, sexual orientation, and sexual behaviors beyond those related to reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing use of the Internet to seek sex partners is accompanied by rising HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in East and South-East Asia. We examined whether the Internet facilitates greater HIV risk taking among MSM in the region. A cross-sectional sample of 9,367 MSM was recruited via the Internet in 2010. We compared socio-demographic and HIV-related behavioral characteristics among MSM who met sex partners on the Internet only, who met sex partners offline only, and who met sex partners through both. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify independent correlates that were associated with differences in where participants met their male sex partners. Compared to MSM who met partners offline only, those who met partners online only were less likely to have multiple male sex partners, have paid for sex, have consumed recreational drugs, and have used alcohol before sex. MSM who met partners both online and offline appeared to be the riskiest group that they were more likely to have multiple male sex partners, have engaged in UIAI, and have consumed alcohol before sex. These findings suggest that social networking websites alone do not facilitate greater HIV risk taking among MSM. Rather, they provide additional venues for MSM who already engage in HIV-related high risk behaviors to seek sex partners. The Internet offers incredible opportunities to reach large numbers of MSM in East and South-East Asia for HIV prevention and research. Web-based outreach and prevention activities are needed to reach these men. In addition, mobile and application-based interventions should also be developed and disseminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of Sikkim is a unique blend of multi-tribal and metropolitan culture. However, till date, no data regarding prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (henceforth abbreviated as STDs) among this population is available and hence requires attention. Hence the objective is to determine the prevalence of STDs in Sikkim and to describe associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study involving 'Questionnaire-based anonymous feedback system' was followed to collect data from 2,000 individuals across the society. The four most common STDs, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and HIV, were considered for the study. Total 69 (3.6 %) cases of STDs were found in 1,918 individuals was affected by at least one of the STDs, out of which 43 were males and 26 were females. Cases of gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydiasis and HIV were 25, 22, 4 and 18 respectively. Out of total 69 cases of STDs, 20 individuals were also suffering from some kind of hepatitis. Addictions like alcoholism, smoking and drugs were also found in significant number, with 1,019 (>50 %) individuals with at least one of these addictions. Relative risk analysis indicates that gender-wise females are more vulnerable to STDs than males. The number of partners, addictions, especially alcohol and drug abuse, also contribute to STD cases. STDs act as a significant risk factor in transmitting some of the types of hepatitis. In such cases, females are more vulnerable than males. The results suggest that new community health programs are essential for both, HIV and non-HIV STDs in Sikkim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between HIV disclosure and sexual transmission behaviors, and factors that influence disclosure are unknown among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Asia. We describe disclosure practices and sexual transmission behaviors, and correlates of disclosure among this group of MSM in Asia. A cross-sectional multi-country online survey was conducted among 416 HIV-positive MSM. Data on disclosure status, HIV-related risk behaviors, disease status, and other characteristics were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify significant correlates of disclosure. Only 7.0% reported having disclosed their HIV status to all partners while 67.3% did not disclose to any. The majority (86.5%) of non-disclosing participants had multiple partners and unprotected insertive or receptive anal intercourse with their partners (67.5%). Non-disclosure was significantly associated with non-disclosure from partners (AOR = 37.13, 95% CI: 17.22, 80.07), having casual partners only (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.53), drug use before sex on a weekly basis (AOR: 6.48, 95% CI: 0.99, 42.50), being diagnosed with HIV between 1 and 5 years ago (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.74), and not knowing one's viral load (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.00, 7.83). Given the high HIV prevalence and incidence among MSM in Asia, it is imperative to include Prevention with Positives for MSM. Interventions on disclosure should not solely focus on HIV-positive men but also need to include their sexual partners and HIV-negative men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]