Risk behaviors and HIV infection among homosexual men in St. Petersburg
- Authors: Piskarev I.G.1, Eritsyan K.Y.2, Shagina A.B.3, Petrova V.G.1, Vinogradova T.N.1, Usacheva N.M.4
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Affiliations:
- Center for AIDS and Infectious Diseases
- Herzen State Pedagogical University
- St. Petersburg Charitable Foundation «Humanitarian Action»
- St. Petersburg State University
- Issue: Vol 13, No 3 (2023)
- Pages: 43-48
- Section: Original Investigations
- URL: https://journals.eco-vector.com/2226-6976/article/view/625015
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.18565/epidem.2023.13.3.43–8
- ID: 625015
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Abstract
Objective. Assessment of the epidemiological significance of a group of homosexual men in the spread of HIV infection in St. Petersburg.
Materials and methods. An integrated biobehavioral study among 400 homosexual men was conducted in 2022 during outreach visits to leisure places specialized for the group and in medical clinics in St. Petersburg.
Results. HIV prevalence was 7.8%, which is comparable to previous studies among homosexual men. The incidence is estimated at 2.1%. The group is characterized by high levels of awareness about HIV infection, coverage with testing and preventive interventions, as well as self-treatment. At the same time, every fourth HIV-positive man is not informed about his status. At the same time, the homosexual group is still characterized by a wide range and high prevalence of various risky sexual practices.
Conclusion. Prevention programs for homosexual men should take into account their behavioral and cognitive characteristics, focus on gaps in awareness of specific prevention opportunities and behavior change. It is also advisable to include services in the field of mental health and addictive behavior in preventive programs.
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About the authors
Igor G. Piskarev
Center for AIDS and Infectious Diseases
Author for correspondence.
Email: igor-doctor@mail.ru
Head, Department of Prevention and Medical and Social Work
Russian Federation, Saint PetersburgKsenia Yu. Eritsyan
Herzen State Pedagogical University
Email: ksenia.eritsyan@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-4400-0593
Cand. Psychol, Sci., Researcher, Laboratory of Cognitive Research in Education
Russian Federation, Saint PetersburgAlesya B. Shagina
St. Petersburg Charitable Foundation «Humanitarian Action»
Email: sagina@haf-spb.org
Program Manager
Russian Federation, Saint PetersburgVeronika G. Petrova
Center for AIDS and Infectious Diseases
Email: veronikaepid@yandex.ru
Methodologist, Department of Prevention and Medical and Social Work
Russian Federation, Saint PetersburgTatyana N. Vinogradova
Center for AIDS and Infectious Diseases
Email: vino75@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1995-4755
Cand. Med. Sci., Chief Physician
Russian Federation, Saint PetersburgNina M. Usacheva
St. Petersburg State University
Email: n.usacheva@spbu.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8722-3976
Chief Specialist, RC «Center for Applied Sociology»
Russian Federation, Saint PetersburgReferences
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