Article
Immunology
Maria C. Geba, Samuel Powers, Brooke Williams, Kathryn R. Dort, Elizabeth T. Rogawski McQuade, Kathleen A. McManus
Summary: This study examined the implementation of multisite screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in HIV-infected individuals. The results indicated that there were deficiencies in the documentation of sexual history and the rate of STI screening. STIs were more frequently diagnosed in Hispanic males and those with detectable HIV viral loads. Multisite screening identified a higher number of extragenital STIs compared to screening at genital sites only.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Megan Clare Craig-Kuhn, Norine Schmidt, Alyssa Lederer, Gerard Gomes, Shannon Watson, Glenis Scott, David H. Martin, Patricia Kissinger
Summary: The study found that institution-delivered sex education under real-world conditions has beneficial effects on STI risk factors among young African American men, reducing STI fatalism and increasing previous STI testing.
SEX EDUCATION-SEXUALITY SOCIETY AND LEARNING
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Vanessa M. Van Doren, S. Abigail R. Smith, Yi-Juan K. Hu, Gregory A. Tharp, Steven Bosinger, Cassie F. Ackerley, Phillip R. Murray, Rama C. Amara, Praveen R. Amancha, Robert C. Arthur, H. Richard R. Johnston, Colleen C. Kelley
Summary: Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV and asymptomatic bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI) including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. This study examined the immunologic effects of these infections on the rectal mucosa among YMSM, and found that HIV was associated with differences in the cellular make-up of the rectal tissues, while STI was associated with an increase in the detection of potentially dangerous bacteria in the rectum. Asymptomatic bacterial STI may contribute to inflammation particularly among YMSM with HIV, and further research should examine potential harms and interventions to reduce the health impact of these syndemic infections.
Article
Immunology
Charles Stoecker, Alisha Monnette, Zhuolin Qu, Norine Schmidt, Megan Clare Craig-Kuhn, Patricia J. Kissinger
Summary: A synthetic cohort study conducted in New Orleans shows that a community-based chlamydia screening program with expedited partner treatment for young Black men is cost-effective. The program saves on medical costs and improves quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), making it a viable option for other communities with high Chlamydia trachomatis rates.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Louise Jackson, Hareth Al-Janabi, Tracy Roberts, Jonthan Ross
Summary: The study demonstrates that comprehensive testing and a perceived 'non-judgemental' attitude are particularly important to young people when making decisions about STI screening. Other factors such as convenience and staff attitudes also play a significant role in determining screening preferences.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Oriol Yuguero, Jose Manuel Fernandez-Armenteros, Alvaro Vilela, Jesus Aramburu, Raquel Lain, Pere Godoy
Summary: The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the asymptomatic young population is higher than expected, with individuals having two or more sexual partners and those infected with ureaplasma at a greater risk. Additionally, 50% of participants do not use barrier methods.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Melody Wang, Kenneth Tapia, Lynda M. Oluoch, Murugi Micheni, Stacy Selke, Catherine Kiptinness, Bhavna Chohan, Anna Wald, Kenneth Ngure, Nelly R. Mugo, Alison C. Roxby
Summary: The study found that adolescent girls and young women with bacterial vaginosis, new sexual partners, and those who did not disclose sexual activity were at a higher risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially chlamydia.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Jaron Smith, Paul Broker, Melony Chakrabarty, Jason Santiago, Jennifer Farabaugh, Janice Piatt, Kristen Samaddar
Summary: By educating and reminding the multidisciplinary team, creating a standardized workflow, introducing rapid HIV antibody testing, and implementing protocols, the rate of routine HIV screening during preventative visits for adolescents aged 15 to 21 was successfully increased. After four improvement cycles, the screening rate increased from 5.16% to 41.5%.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ulrich Marcus, Massimo Mirandola, Susanne B. Schink, Lorenzo Gios, Axel J. Schmidt
Summary: Between 2010 and 2017, overall diagnoses with gonorrhoea/chlamydia and syphilis increased by 76% and 83% across countries. The increase was more pronounced for asymptomatic infections. The proportion of respondents screened and the frequency of screening grew considerably. Condomless anal intercourse with the last non-steady partner rose by 62%, and self-reported partner numbers grew.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sagar Kumar, Laura T. Haderxhanaj, Ian H. Spicknall
Summary: While PrEP can prevent HIV acquisition, it does not offer protection against bacterial sexually transmitted infections. Use of PrEP may increase the risk of STI acquisition, but this can be mitigated by regular STI screening. Studies show varied changes in condom use post-PrEP initiation, with partner acquisition decreasing in most cases and serodiscordance increasing in the PrEP group compared to non-PrEP group. STI screening among MSM was found to be low within a month of PrEP initiation. Monitoring trends in sexual risk compensation and STI screening will be crucial in understanding the impact of PrEP on STI burden.
Article
Pediatrics
Tomoko Lee, Sachi Tokunaga, Naoko Taniguchi, Tetsuro Fujino, Midori Saito, Hideki Shimomura, Yasuhiro Takeshima
Summary: The general population in Japan mostly supports screening newborns for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), despite having little knowledge about the disease. They believe that early diagnosis is important and that treatments are available for SMA.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rein Willekens, Irene Sanchez, Lucia Miguel, Juliana Esperalba, Judit Serra-Pladevall, Mario Martin, Jordi Navarro, Vicenc Falco, Joaquin Burgos, Esteban Ribera, Estrella Caballero, Adrian Curran
Summary: This study focused on asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) and found that illicit drug use during sex was significantly associated with the presence of an STI. The findings support routine screening for all HIV-infected MSM regardless of their self-reported sexual history.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Olivia M. Man, Wilson E. Ramos, Gabriella Vavala, Cameron Goldbeck, Manuel A. Ocasio, Jasmine Fournier, Adriana Romero-Espinoza, M. Isabel Fernandez, Dallas Swendeman, Sung-Jae Lee, Scott Comulada, Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus, Jeffrey D. Klausner
Summary: Sexual behavior and gender identity can impact the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections at specific anatomic testing sites. Guidelines for testing should take into account sexual behavior and gender identity.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jason J. Ong, Luanqi Ruan, Aaron G. Lim, Catriona S. Bradshaw, David Taylor-Robinson, Magnus Unemo, Patrick J. Horner, Peter Vickerman, Lei Zhang
Summary: The study utilized a mathematical model to investigate MG transmission among MSM and found that expanding screening to more MSM groups may reduce the prevalence of MG, but results in a higher proportion of macrolide-resistant MG.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Dalmacio D. Flores, J. Lloyd Allen, Jacqueline A. Bannon
Summary: This study examined how GBQ youth conceptualized inclusive sex communication with parents and the value of open sexuality discussions. Most of the sampled GBQ youth discussed sexual health with their parents and perceived its significance for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation. These findings can inform interventions promoting inclusive sex communication to foster acceptance of sexual and gender diversity and sexual health among youth.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEALTH CARE
(2022)
Article
Family Studies
Louise Bourchier, Helen Bittleston, Jane Hocking, Jacqueline Coombe
Summary: Pubic hair grooming is associated with body image and sexual behavior. COVID-19 restrictions have impacted access to sexual partners and beauty salons. Female participants were more likely to change their grooming practices. Changes in oral sex frequency were associated with changes in grooming practices. Most individuals who changed their grooming practices reported a decrease, attributed to lack of partners, inability to access beauticians, and the mental health effects of the pandemic. Partner expectations played a role in the negative consequences of reduced grooming, with women being more affected.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2023)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Kelsey Hegarty, Konstancja Densley, Gail Gilchrist, Peter Elliott, Jane Gunn
Summary: This study examined the trajectories of intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by women over time and its impact on their mental health and quality of life. The findings suggest that IPV has a significant burden on women's mental health, except when the violence decreases. The study highlights the importance of clinical identification of IPV and tailored interventions to reduce the disease burden.
JOURNAL OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xianglong Xu, Eric P. F. Chow, Christopher K. Fairley, Marcus Chen, Ivette Aguirre, Jane Goller, Jane Hocking, Natalie Carvalho, Lei Zhang, Jason J. Ong
Summary: This study aimed to identify determinants and predict re-testing and re-infection within 1 year among heterosexuals with chlamydia, in order to identify potential candidates for patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT). The results showed a low re-testing rate and high re-infection rate. Further interventions are needed to improve re-testing rates, reduce re-infection rates, and better target individuals suitable for PDPT.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Carol El-Hayek, Siamak Barzegar, Noel Faux, Kim Doyle, Priyanka Pillai, Simon J. Mutch, Alaina Vaisey, Roger Ward, Lena Sanci, Adam G. Dunn, Margaret E. Hellard, Jane S. Hocking, Karin Verspoor, Douglas I. R. Boyle
Summary: This study evaluated the suitability of four automated de-identification tools for Australian general practice progress notes and found that existing off-the-shelf solutions required modification to be applicable in this context. Philter showed the most promise with high recall and flexibility, but extensive revisions of its pattern matching rules and dictionaries are necessary.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INFORMATICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Jane M. Gunn, Alison Flehr
MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amelia Margaret Wardley, Henrietta Williams, Jacqueline Coombe, Cassandra Caddy, Christopher Kincaid Fairley, Jane Simone Hocking
Summary: This study assessed the attitudes of MSM towards 3-monthly chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening through interviews. While participants were hesitant about reducing the screening frequency, changes may be acceptable if transparent communication, presenting the benefits and harms of screening and treatment, was delivered by a trusted healthcare professional.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sibel Saya, Patty Chondros, Anastasia Abela, Cathrine Mihalopolous, Mary Lou Chatterton, Jane Gunn, Timothy F. Chen, Thomas M. Polasek, Elise Dettmann, Rachel Brooks, Michelle King, Luke Spencer, Pavithran Alphonse, Shakira Milton, Georgia Ramsay, Zoe Siviour, Jamie Liew, Philip Ly, Matthew Thoenig, Raushaan Seychell, Floriana La Rocca, Luke B. Hesson, Nydia Mejias, Terri Sivertsen, Melanie Anne Galea, Chad Bousman, Jon Emery
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the impact of genomic-guided antidepressant prescribing on clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness. It will be conducted in primary care settings and will primarily measure changes in depressive symptoms after 12 weeks, along with other secondary outcomes. The results will provide evidence to guide clinical practice.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ethan Trey Cardwell, Teralynn Ludwick, Christopher Fairley, Christopher Bourne, Shanton Chang, Jane S. Hocking, Fabian Y. S. Kong
Summary: This study systematically identified and assessed web-based STI/HIV testing services in Australia. The study found considerable variability in the quality and reliability of these services, and it is important for Australia to develop national standards to ensure the standard of care offered by these services is appropriate to protect users from the impact of inappropriate tests.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Melis Gezer, Barbara Hunter, Jane S. S. Hocking, Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis, Jane L. L. Goller
Summary: This study explored clinicians' views towards a proposed digital intervention for supporting STI care in Australian general practice. The results showed that the clinicians generally had a positive attitude towards the digital intervention, believing that it could improve care and support management. However, factors such as insensitivity to patient context and time constraints were identified as barriers to the use and implementation of the intervention.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jane S. Hocking, Cathy Watson, Patty Chondros, Susan M. Sawyer, Jemimah Ride, Meredith Temple-Smith, Douglas Boyle, Rachel Skinner, George C. Patton, Megan S. C. Lim, Jane Pirkis, Caroline Johnson, Sara Newton, Amelia Wardley, Grant Blashki, Rebecca Guy, Kim Dalziel, Lena Sanci
Summary: Adolescence is a critical period for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development, as well as the onset of mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and sexual and reproductive health risks. This trial aims to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a fee-for-service for annual health assessments for young people in detecting and managing health risk behaviors and conditions. The study will be conducted in Australian general practices and will involve 42 practices randomly assigned to either receive a rebate payment or no rebate. The primary outcome will be the annual rate of recorded risk behaviors and health conditions, while secondary outcomes include patient management activities and cost-effectiveness evaluation.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Michelle Raggatt, Cassandra J. C. Wright, Rachel Sacks-Davis, Paul M. Dietz, Margaret E. Hellard, Jane S. Hocking, Megan S. C. Lim
Summary: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a web-based peer network survey in recruiting adolescent peer networks by comparing two reimbursement strategies. The experimental group will receive additional vouchers for each referred participant who completes the study, while the control group will only be reimbursed for their own survey completion. The outcomes of this trial will improve the recruitment of young people to web-based network studies of sensitive health issues.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wen Fang, Jacqueline Coombe, Jane S. Hocking, Helen Bittleston
Summary: In early 2020, the Australian government implemented lockdown restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The study investigates the impact of these lockdowns on sexual desire and enjoyment of sex among Australian women. An online survey was conducted in August 2020, with respondents asked about the impact of COVID-19 on their sexual desire and/or enjoyment. Factors associated with desire were analyzed using statistical tests, while free-text responses were analyzed qualitatively. Results showed that lockdowns had a significant impact on sexual desire, with mental health, living arrangements, and reduced ability to meet sexual partners being key reasons for this impact.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Helen Bittleston, Jane S. Hocking, Jacqueline Coombe, Meredith Temple-Smith, Jane L. Goller
Summary: This research examines the receptiveness of young Australians to discussing sexual health with general practitioners (GPs). The study found that school-based sex education and GP-patient relationships are key factors in promoting sexual health among young people.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PRIMARY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Amy Coe, Jane Gunn, Susan Fletcher, Elizabeth Murray, Catherine Kaylor-Hughes
Summary: This study aimed to describe the self-reported reasons primary care patients have for reducing or stopping their antidepressant medication. The findings revealed several factors, including depression, medication, healthcare system, psychosocial, and financial reasons. These results can inform the development and implementation of discussions about antidepressant deprescribing in clinical practice.
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Kelsey Hegarty, Konstancja Densley, Gail Gilchrist, Peter Elliott, Jane Gunn
Summary: This study examines the trajectories of women's experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) over time and identifies different groups based on these trajectories. The results show that a significant proportion of women have experienced IPV in the past year. Different patterns of IPV trajectories are associated with varying levels of mental health, quality of life, and social support outcomes.
JOURNAL OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
(2023)
