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The term “Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) tourists” refers to individuals who obtain PrEP in other countries and use it in their home countries. A prospective observational cohort study was conducted among a group of men who have sex with men (MSM) who obtained PrEP in private clinics in Thailand and used it in Hong Kong. Participants completed two web-based self-administered surveys when obtaining PrEP in Thailand and three months afterwards. Out of 110 participants at baseline, 67 completed the follow-up. The prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing was 47.8% during the follow-up period. Eleven participants received an STI diagnosis, and seven of them were incident infections in the past three months. Participants who perceived a higher chance for STI infection (adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 1.90, 95% CI: 1.00, 3.75) and reported higher intention to take up STI testing at baseline (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.50) were more likely to receive STI testing during the follow-up period. Baseline perceptions that service providers would think they were having risky behaviors because of PrEP use was negatively associated with the dependent variable (AOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.86). Service planning and health promotion related to STI testing is needed for MSM “PrEP tourists”.

Western studies suggest that perceived pressure from family members, peers, and the media to achieve muscularity ideals are associated with higher muscle dissatisfaction and that such associations are mediated through different psychological processes. However, how such findings apply to young Chinese men has not been explored. Using an online survey, this study examined if perceived pressure from family, peers, and the media to achieve muscularity ideals was associated with muscle dissatisfaction among 319 male college students in Hong Kong and investigated the potential mechanisms explaining such associations (social comparison, uncompassionate self-responding, and body surveillance). Structural equation modeling results indicated that pressure from peers was associated with higher muscle dissatisfaction through increased uncompassionate self-responding (β = 0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.01, 0.09]). Pressure from the media was associated with higher muscle dissatisfaction through increased social comparison (β = 0.12, 95% CI [0.01, 0.22]) and uncompassionate self-responding (β = 0.05, 95% CI [0.01, 0.09]). Contrary to our hypotheses, pressure from family members was not associated with muscle dissatisfaction and the mediating psychological processes. Moreover, the direct effect from perceived peer pressure to muscle dissatisfaction remained significant after considering the mediators (β = 0.18, 95% CI [0.02, 0.33]). The mediation models were supported by satisfactory model fit indices. This study revealed that different sources of muscularity-related pressure were associated with Chinese male college students’ muscle dissatisfaction through varied psychological processes. Practitioners may consider different intervention strategies to reduce the potential impacts of peer and media pressures on muscle dissatisfaction among young Chinese men

Next to its benefits for HIV prevention, PrEP may have psychosocial benefits relating to improved quality of sex life. The aim of the current study was to investigate the onset of changes in the quality of sex life and sexual pleasure of PrEP users in the first months of commencing PrEP use. Moreover, we investigated what factors were related to the quality of sex life of PrEP users. We recruited 145 participants via the Dutch PrEP-advocacy website PrEPnu.nl, and they received follow-up questionnaires after three and six months. We found that PrEP users reported an increase in the quality of their sex life, which was related to reduced fear of HIV since they started using PrEP but not to decreased condom use. PrEP users were more interested in experimenting with sex practices, but they did not always feel more desirable as a sex partner because of PrEP use. Health-care providers and health promotion campaigns could emphasize the positive effects of PrEP on the quality of sex life, in addition to the HIV-preventive effects of PrEP, to decrease PrEP stigma and increase PrEP uptake.

An online assessment among social media-using young men who have sex with men found that 87% were willing to use HIV self-testing with online supervision. Correlates included never tested, having higher numbers of sexual partners, and seeking partners online. HIV self-testing with online supervision may be appropriate for young men who have sex with men who have high risks and may not access venue-based settings.

LGBT-related hate crime is a conscious act of aggression against an LGBT citizen. The present research investigates associations between hate crime, psychological well-being, trust in the police and intentions to report future experiences of hate crime. A survey study was conducted among 391 LGBT respondents in the Netherlands. Sixteen percent experienced hate crime in the 12 months prior. Compared to non-victims, victims had significant lower psychological well-being, lower trust in the police and lower intentions to report future hate crime. Hate crime experience and lower psychological well-being were associated with lower reporting intentions through lower trust in the police. Helping hate crime victims cope with psychological distress in combination with building trust in the police could positively influence future reporting.

Introduction The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus can currently pose a serious health threat and can lead to severe COVID‐19 outcomes, especially for populations suffering from comorbidities. Currently, the data available on the risk for severe COVID‐19 outcomes due to an HIV infection with or without comorbidities paint a heterogenous picture. In this meta‐analysis, we summarized the likelihood for severe COVID‐19 outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) with or without comorbidities. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we utilized PubMed, Web of Science and medRxiv to search for studies describing COVID‐19 outcomes in PLHIV with or without comorbidities up to 25 June 2021. Consequently, we conducted two meta‐analyses, based on a classic frequentist and Bayesian perspective of higher quality studies. Results and discussion We identified 2580 studies (search period: January 2020–25 June 2021, data extraction period: 1 January 2021–25 June 2021) and included nine in the meta‐analysis. Based on the frequentist meta‐analytical model, PLHIV with diabetes had a seven times higher risk of severe COVID‐19 outcomes (odd ratio, OR = 6.69, 95% CI: 3.03–19.30), PLHIV with hypertension a four times higher risk (OR = 4.14, 95% CI: 2.12–8.17), PLHIV with cardiovascular disease an odds ratio of 4.75 (95% CI: 1.89–11.94), PLHIV with respiratory disease an odds ratio of 3.67 (95% CI: 1.79–7.54) and PLHIV with chronic kidney disease an OR of 9.02 (95% CI: 2.53–32.14) compared to PLHIV without comorbidities. Both meta‐analytic models converged, thereby providing robust summative evidence. The Bayesian meta‐analysis produced similar effects overall, with the exclusion of PLHIV with respiratory diseases who showed a non‐significant higher risk to develop severe COVID‐19 outcomes compared to PLHIV without comorbidities. Conclusions Our meta‐analyses show that people with HIV, PLHIV with coexisting diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and chronic kidney disease are at a higher likelihood of developing severe COVID‐19 outcomes. Bayesian analysis helped to estimate small sample biases and provided predictive likelihoods. Clinical practice should take these risks due to comorbidities into account and not only focus on the HIV status alone, vaccination priorities should be adjusted accordingly.

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake has remained low among men who have sex with men (MSM) eligible for PrEP in the Netherlands, which could partly be due to stigma associated with taking PrEP. Perceptions about PrEP users (e.g., PrEP users have an increased rate of (condomless) sexual encounters) may modify mixing behavior and subsequently affect dynamics of HIV and STIs. We investigated whether HIV and STI risk perception, risk behavior, and partner selection depend on PrEP usage. Methods We analyzed sexual behavior and PrEP data from 426 HIV-negative MSM who participated in the Flash! PrEP in Europe survey in the Netherlands in 2016. We distinguished between current PrEP users (n=29), men interested in PrEP (n=267), and men not interested in PrEP (n=130). We tested differences between these 3 groups in risk perception and sexual behavior variables using ANOVA and Chi-squared test. Results Mean age of participants was 42 yrs (range= 18–75); 85% were born in the Netherlands. PrEP users and men not interested in PrEP consider their risk of acquiring HIV low, while men interested in PrEP consider their risk higher (p Conclusion PrEP users engage in sexual behavior with higher risk of STI acquisition than non-PrEP users. Men not interested in PrEP are less open for sexual encounters with PrEP users than men in other groups. Therefore, perceptions of PrEP users and non-PrEP users may change mixing patterns and thus STI dynamics.

Background Since its formal introduction in 2019, PrEP uptake in the Netherlands is growing, but remains at suboptimal levels. Hence, the analysis of determinants is paramount. Given the initial focus of PrEP provision among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) via a demonstration project, AmPrEP in Amsterdam, and pharmacies in the main urban areas (so called ‘Randstad’, entailing Amsterdam, Utrecht, Leiden, The Hague and Rotterdam), investigating regional discrepancies is necessary. We seek to unravel regional differences jointly with known predictors of PrEP use, intention and awareness. Method This cross-sectional study included 3,232 HIV-negative Dutch MSM recruited via the EMIS survey in late 2017. Prevalence and standardized prevalence ratio (SPR) of PrEP use, awareness and intention were measured on a regional level (Randstad vs. the rest of the country). Multi-level logistic modeling was conducted to identify the association of PrEP use with PrEP awareness and intention, sociodemographic, behavioral, psychological/cognitive determinants, and random effects from regional differences. Results MSM from Randstad used more PrEP (SPR=1.4 vs. 0.7) compared to the rest of the country, but there were minor differences for awareness and intention. The regional distinction was estimated to explain 4.6% of the PrEP use variance (adjusted ICC=0.046). Greater influence from intention to use (OR=4.5, 95%CI 2.0–10.1) and knowledge of PrEP (OR=7.0, 95%CI 4.1–12.0), while limited influence from the awareness of PrEP was observed (OR=0.4, 95%CI 0.04–4.4). Lower education (OR=0.4, 95%CI 0.2–0.9) was negatively associated with PrEP use, however, no significant difference was found between middle and high education (OR=1.2, 95%CI 0.7- 2.0). Conclusion We showed that regional differences – MSM in non-urban regions – and with a low educational background account for lower PrEP use and intention. Based on these findings more fine-tuned PrEP access with a focus on non-urban regions can be implemented, and tailored campaigns increasing intention/use can be conducted among target populations.

Sexual healthcare aims to reduce HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by promoting testing and prevention. To better reach men who have sex with men (MSM), additional strategies are needed. Here, we describe development of an intervention, which is part of a broader HIV/STI home-care program, targeted to reach MSM and motivate them to use self-sampling tests. Self-sampling includes blood sampling (finger prick) for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis, and a urine sample and oral and anorectal swab samples for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Intervention mapping, a systematic six-step approach, was used to guide the development process: (1) needs assessment including interviews with MSM, (2) create a matrix of change, (3) selection of theory-based methods and practical strategies, (4) intervention development, (5) implementation plan, and (6) evaluation (not included in this paper). Stakeholders were involved to increase program support and feasibility. The needs assessment revealed that testing barriers among MSM related to stigma, time, and privacy concerns. Barriers among healthcare providers related to time, competing priorities, lack of expertise, and guideline restrictions. Included intervention components are designed to overcome these barriers, e.g., engaging role models, with a website with a role model story, and providing tailored information. Methods to reach MSM were a variety of information channels (posters, flyers, and audio-visual displays) and delivery modes, such as advertisements on websites and invitational cards (online and paper) distributed by healthcare providers and MSM themselves (social network testing/peer testing). Our intervention aims to encourage MSM to engage in testing, re-testing, and providing a test to peer MSM. Evidence-based methods to overcome barriers were included to reach and motivate an increased number of MSM. Using intervention mapping stimulated systematic evidence-based decision making and adapting the intervention to the target audience and setting. The next step (step 6) is to implement and evaluate the intervention.

The World Health Organization recommends pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for all populations at substantial risk of HIV infection, including women. However, data regarding PrEP interest among women is lacking, particularly in Europe. Factors associated with interest in using PrEP were assessed among women respondents to the Flash! PrEP in Europe (FPIE) survey. This community-based cross-sectional study, conducted in 12 European countries, aimed to assess PrEP knowledge and interest. “High objective risk” (HOR) was assessed using established risk criteria following EACS and CDC guidelines. Factors associated with interest in using PrEP were assessed in univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Among 678 women, 12.5% (n = 85) were considered at HOR, 46.8% (n = 317) indicated prior PrEP knowledge and 18.0% (n = 122) reported interest in using PrEP. Among women at HOR, 40.0% (n = 34) were interested in PrEP. Factors significantly associated with PrEP interest in the final multivariable model were: younger age (18–29 years) (aOR 1.91[95CI: 1.07; 3.41]), bad self-perceived financial status (1.84[1.09; 3.11]), migrant status (south to north) (2.87[1.05; 7.89]), single or dating relationship status (1.93[1.23; 3.03]), sexual abuse history (1.86[1.17; 2.97]), “rather high”/ “high” self-perceived HIV risk (3.21[1.32; 7.81]), and HOR (2.49[1.42; 4.35]). These results show that women at HOR and those who perceived themselves to be at high risk are interested in using PrEP. There is a critical need for targeted information and improved access to PrEP to increase uptake of this HIV prevention tool to meet PrEP interest among women, KJJ received a grant from Dutch AIDS Fonds (Grant P-11302)

Background Sexual minority men are at greater risk of depression and suicidality than heterosexuals. Stigma, the most frequently hypothesized risk factor for this disparity, operates across socioecological levels-structural (e.g., laws), interpersonal (e.g., discrimination), and individual (e.g., self-stigma). However, there is limited data on whether changes in structural stigma, such as when a stigmatized person moves to a lower stigma context, affect mental health, and on the mechanisms underlying this association Methods The current study uses data from the 2017/18 European Men-who-have-sex-with-men Internet Survey (n = 123,428), which assessed mental health and psychosocial mediators. We linked these data to an objective indicator of structural stigma related to sexual orientation in respondents’ countries of origin (N = 178) and receiving (N = 48) countries Results Among respondents who moved from higher-to-lower structural stigma countries (n = 11,831), longer exposure to the lower structural stigma environments of their receiving countries was associated with a significantly: 1) lower risk of depression and suicidality; 2) lower odds of concealment, internalized homonegativity, and social isolation; and 3) smaller indirect effect of structural stigma on mental health through these mediators. Conclusions This study provides evidence that structural stigma is associated with the mental health of sexual minority men, both through proximal experiences and as a function of length of exposure to structurally diverse contexts, at least for those who move higher-to-lower structural stigma contexts. Findings suggest the importance of routinely assessing life-course structural influences on mental health and deploying interventions to address those influences.

HIV-related factors and suicide-risk status were assessed among YMSM aged 18-24 years recruited through various MSM-related online social apps in Bangkok (N = 1394). The online survey assessed demographic characteristics, sexual behaviours and suicide-risk status. Measure of suicide risk was taken from the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (cut-off score of seven or higher). Among participants, 249 (17.9%) reported suicide-risk. In multivariable logistic regression, correlates of suicide-risk status included having sometimes or often ever participated in group sex (AOR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.17-2.14), having received money or opportunities for sex (AOR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.09-2.17), often seeking partners online (AOR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.05-2.39), inconsistent condom use (AOR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.26-2.21), and self-assessed as having "medium" or "high" HIV risk (AOR=2.53, 95% CI: 1.61-3.98 and AOR=3.35, 95% CI: 1.92-5.82, respectively). Findings suggest that HIV risk behaviours shown by YMSM are significantly associated with higher risk of suicide.

Introduction Transgender individuals are at risk for HIV. HIV risks are dynamic and there have been substantial changes in HIV prevention (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]). It is thus time to revisit HIV prevalence and burden among transgender individuals. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was thus to examine worldwide prevalence and burden of HIV over the course of the epidemic among trans feminine and trans masculine individuals. Methods We conducted an updated systematic review by searching PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, for studies of any research design published in in a peer-reviewed journal in any language that reported HIV prevalence among transgender individuals published between January 2000 and January 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed methodological quality. We then conducted a meta-analysis, using random-effects modelling, to ascertain standardized prevalence and the relative burden of HIV carried by transgender individuals by country and year of data collection, and then by geographic region. We additionally explored the impact of sampling methods and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Results Based on 98 studies, overall standardized HIV prevalence over the course of the epidemic, based on weights from each country by year, was 19.9% (95% CI 14.7% - 25.1%) for trans feminine individuals (n = 48,604) and 2.56% (95% CI 0.0% - 5.9%) for trans masculine individuals (n = 6460). Overall OR for HIV infection, compared with individuals over age 15, was 66.0 (95% CI 51.4–84.8) for trans feminine individuals and 6.8 (95% CI 3.6–13.1) for trans masculine individuals. Prevalence varied by geographic region (13.5% - 29.9%) and sampling method (5.4% - 37.8%). Lastly, PrEP effects on prevalence could not be established. Conclusion Trans feminine and trans masculine individuals are disproportionately burdened by HIV. Their unique prevention and care needs should be comprehensively addressed. Future research should further investigate the impact of sampling methods on HIV prevalence, and monitor the potential impact of PrEP.

Background Indonesia has the fourth-largest number of new HIV diagnoses per year worldwide, is the only country in the Asia-Pacific region where HIV prevalence is increasing, and the WHO aims of 90–90–90 has not yet been reached. It is therefore important to investigate barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy initiation and adherence. This study set out to delineate these barriers and facilitators from the perspective of health care providers. Methods Between March and May 2020, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with health care providers in Indonesia. Thematic analyses were subsequently conducted to ascertain categories of barriers and facilitators to initiation and adherence. Results Main facilitators to ARV initiation and adherence were social support; good client-provider communication; less bureaucracy or easy access to ARV; and sufficient HIV and ARV knowledge among people with HIV. Additionally, the use of euphemistic terminology for ARV was a facilitator for adherence, but not for initiation; whereas having sufficient self-care motivation, a desire to live or having health goals, and HIV status acceptance were facilitators to initiation but not adherence. Barriers to initiation and adherence included stigma; complicated bureaucracy; insufficient health care facilities, health care coverage or ARV supply; and distance to clinics. Side effects and experiencing regimens as tedious were additional barriers to adherence; and being in denial, being asymptomatic, fatalism, and the influence of anti-ARV social media were additional barriers to initiation. Conclusion Barriers and facilitators to initiation and adherence occur on various socio-ecological levels and should therefore be targeted on structural, interpersonal, and individual levels. Health care providers can play a key role in promoting facilitators and reducing barriers, but must be supported by national and organizational level efforts that increase access to HIV clinics and health care coverage, and decrease bureaucracy and community-level initiatives that correct myths and misinformation.

Background Despite public-health efforts, men who have sex with men (MSM) are still not sufficiently reached with current HIV/STI care. We developed a regional MSM home-care program, used by public-health STI care, hospital HIV care, and general practitioners. The program combines home-based self-sampling testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea (anorectal, genital and oropharyngeal) with counselling, treatment and sexual health care after positive diagnosis. We developed this program using the systematic intervention mapping (IM) protocol (six steps). Here, we describe the development process. Methods Step1 (needs assessment): we conducted a literature review and interviews with 18 MSM and 19 healthcare professionals from public-health and hospital care. Step 2–5: specific objectives were formulated to achieve the program goal and methods were selected to address determinants that needed to be changed. Program production was done with evidence-based methods to overcome barriers identified in the needs assessment. A plan was made for implementation. Results Step 1 (needs assessment): Healthcare professionals and MSM expressed a positive attitude towards home-based self-sampling. Care providers raised concerns to missing face-to-face counselling and expected that MSM may experience difficulties with blood drawing (finger prick). Steps 2–4: Identified target change behaviors were 1) testing in MSM and 2) adoption of the program in care-providers. Solutions to decrease testing barriers in MSM in the program include: 1) home-based self-sampling 2) reminders (text messaging) 3) social network peer-dissemination of tests and 4) re-testing opportunities. To improve adoption and implementation, a sustainable collaborative infrastructure is set up between public-health service, hospital care providers and general practitioners. Conclusion The regional homecare program to motivate MSM to HIV/STI testing and to motivate care providers to use it was systematically developed for effective behavioral change. In the program, evidence-based methods to overcome barriers are included to reach an increased number of MSM and motivate care providers. The next step is to pilot implementation of the program. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Background In Europe and the Americas, men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) are heavily affected by HIV. Having traditionally relied mainly on condoms and sero-adaptive behaviours to prevent HIV transmission, more recently biomedical prevention strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among HIV-negative and viral suppression among HIV-diagnosed men have been adopted. We analysed the choice of HIV prevention behaviour (HIV-PB) and determinants of the lack of defined HIV-PB during sex among MSM across 66 countries. Methods Between October 2017 and May 2018, self-reported data were collected online: EMIS-2017 in 48 European countries (including Lebanon and Israel), and LAMIS in 18 predominantly Latin American countries. Here we focus on men who reported on their last anal sex with a non-steady partner. We used a multilevel multivariate regression model (MMRM) to identify demographic and contextual factors associated with the lack of HIV-PB such as condom use, undetectable viral load, PrEP use or serostatus disclosure. Results Our analysis included 71,123 MSM from EMIS-2017 and 41,834 MSM from LAMIS. Condom use remained the primary HIV-PB, followed by sero-adaptive behaviours. Using antiretrovirals as HIV-PB accounted for 14.9% (HIV-diagnosed men: 83.4%; other MSM: 3.1%). No HIV-PB as defined above was reported by 20.5%, ranging from 12.1 to 39.7% across countries. In the MMRM, increasing age, false assumptions about HIV recognisability, struggling financially, living in smaller settlements, having intercourse in a gay sex venue, a group-sex setting, and receiving money for sex were associated with increased odds for lack of HIV-PB. The strongest associations were observed among those who had never been tested for HIV (OR=1.86, 95%CI: 1.79–1.94) and those who had not bought or received condoms in the last 12 months (OR=2.75; 95%CI: 2.60–2.91). Conclusion About 1-in-5 MSM did not use HIV-PB. While antiretrovirals for treatment and prophylaxis gain importance, HIV-testing and condom promotion remain essential to encourage HIV-PB. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Factors such as race, masculinity, and sexually transmitted infections have been documented to influence partner selection in men who have sex with men (MSM). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has received mixed evaluations as a responsible step in HIV prevention and as an enabler of risker sexual practices. PrEP may consequently serve as an additional factor in partner choice. We examine the role that PrEP use and "promiscuity" play in affiliation and dating decisions by men who have sex with men with different HIV and PrEP stati. We invited 450 MSM across the United States from a smartphone geo-locating sex application to complete a survey of which 339 successfully finished the task. The survey contained vignettes of fictional men who were promiscuous or monogamous and either taking PrEP or not. Participants provided responses on whether to affiliate with these characters in three social domains: as friends, dates, or sex partners. Neither PrEP nor promiscuity influenced friendship choices. There was a preference for dating monogamous characters. Critically, PrEP influenced sexual affiliations for HIV negative individuals who showed a preference for PrEP-using characters. The pattern of results provides quantitative evidence for PrEP-based sexual sorting aimed at reducing risk of HIV transmission.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in combination with emtricitabine (FTC) is a highly effective form of HIV prevention. Endeavors of health-care providers and activists in many countries over the world are directed at making access to PrEP possible, or increasing PrEP use among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). We argue while this effort is necessary, we also need to consider modes of HIV prevention after a period of PrEP use. PrEP uptake is not a one-way street, meaning that individuals may discontinue PrEP use, either voluntarily and involuntarily. Voluntary discontinued PrEP use in conjunction with decreased or no HIV risk exposure is unproblematic, but involuntary discontinuations with continuous high level of HIV risk exposure calls for tailored post-PrEP use HIV prevention. We present a case study of an MSM individual who discontinued PrEP for medical reasons (renal function) and seroconverted soon afterward, to illustrate the need for tailored HIV prevention post-PrEP. Furthermore, we provide additional contexts of PrEP discontinuation leading to populations that are in need for post-PrEP types of HIV prevention. Subsequently, we present suggestions for modes of post-PrEP HIV prevention based on knowledge-communication-choice model. Community organization and health-care providers should consider and prepare their HIV prevention consulting protocols for such types of clients and add post-PrEP HIV prevention measures to their consulting offer.

Little is known about mobile application (app)-based behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand. A cross-sectional online assessment of app users in Bangkok found that more than a quarter have never tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 1 in 3 never tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI). STI testing patterns and HIV testing frequency were highly associated with each other in multinomial logistic regression. In the midst of an escalating epidemic where HIV incidence among MSM is highest in Asia, apps can serve to engage those least likely to be reached by traditional methods of recruitment and outreach in Thailand.

Men having sex with men (MSM) commonly consume ``bareback'' pornography, which includes scenes of unprotected anal intercourse. Prior research on human imitative behavior suggests that these media might counteract efforts to promote safe-sex behaviors. To date, no studies have demonstrated a causal link between bareback pornography consumption and reduced safe-sex intentions. Study 1 utilized a correlational design conducted as an online survey. Study 2 was set in an actual MSM sex club, using a 2 x 2 mixed-factorial design to compare type of pornography (unprotected vs. protected anal intercourse) and age of actors (younger vs. older). As the main dependent variable in both studies, participants self-reported their inclinations toward unprotected versus protected intercourse, using a 100-point sliding scale (1 = unprotected, 100 = protected). In Study 1, more attention to unprotected sex acts on actual DVD film covers predicted lower safe-sex intentions, as compared to other elements of the film cover. In Study 2, safe-sex intentions after viewing unprotected-sex films were lower than after viewing protected-sex films. The results provide novel and ecologically valid evidence that ``bareback'' pornography consumption impacts viewer's inclinations toward sexual risk-taking by lowering their intentions to use protected sex measures. Suggestions are given as to how these findings can be utilized for purposes of intervention and prevention of STI and HIV infections.

Perceiving and interpreting social information richness is something that humans do automatically whenever they engage in social interactions. Numerous studies have identified neural substrates, including mirror neurons that may enable such social perception. In this study, we temporarily disrupted activity in the left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). We investigated whether this cortical region, that is hypothesized to include mirror neurons, plays a central role in social perception. The LIFG was stimulated in the experimental condition (n=18), the vertex was targeted in the control condition (n=19). Disrupting LIFG, but not vertex, increased reaction times during an emotion recognition task, and eliminated the suppression of the 8-12 Hz EEG mu rhythm, postulated as an index of mirroring activity. The results of this study provide further evidence for the role of the human mirror neuron system (MNS) in social perception, and indicate that the MNS can be measured with EEG. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new era of HIV has dawned. It presents us with new social scientific challenges alongside biomedical and psychological prevention opportunities, and the task of discovering how best to integrate ...

The effects of social exclusion are far-reaching, both on an emotional and behavioral level. The present study investigates whether social exclusion also directly influences basic cognitive functions, specifically the ability to exert cognitive control. Participants were either excluded or included while playing an online game. To test whether exclusion altered cognitive control, we measured the electrophysiological responses to a Go/No Go task. In this task participants had to withhold a response (No Go) on a small number of trials while the predominant tendency was to make an overt (Go) response. Compared to Go trials the event-related potential evoked by No Go trials elicited an increased N2, reflecting the detection of the response conflict, followed by an increased P3, reflecting the inhibition of the predominant response. The N2 effect was larger for participants who had experienced exclusion, while the P3 effect was smaller. This indicates that exclusion leads to an increased ability to detect response conflicts, while at the same time exclusion decreases the neural processes that underlie the inhibition of unwanted behavior.

International audience; Any large dataset can be analyzed in a number of ways, and it is possible that the use of different analysis strategies will lead to different results and conclusions. One way to assess whether the results obtained depend on the analysis strategy chosen is to employ multiple analysts and leave each of them free to follow their own approach. Here, we present consensus-based guidance for conducting and reporting such multi-analyst studies, and we discuss how broader adoption of the multi-analyst approach has the potential to strengthen the robustness of results and conclusions obtained from analyses of datasets in basic and applied research.