Tag: MSM

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EMIS 2017 Journal Articles 2017 Published Articles

Prevalence and associated factors of selling sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Latin America: results from the Latin American MSM Internet Survey in 18 countries (LAMIS-2018)

BMJ Global Health, 10:e021058, 2025 (doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2025-021058).

Authors: Mariano Salazar, Nicolas Lorente, Axel J Schmidt, Kai Jonas, Signe Svallfors, Anna Mia Ekström, Torsten Berglund, Carlos F Cáceres, Susanne Strömdahl, Valeria Stuardo, Jordi Casabona

Introduction: Selling sex has been associated with negative social and health outcomes, but most studies have been limited geographically and have not distinguished between selling and buying sex. This study assesses prevalence and factors associated with selling sex in the last 12 months among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 18 Latin American countries.

Methods: Data were collected in 2018 through the Latin American MSM Internet Survey, a cross-­ sectional online survey. Of 64 655 participants, 9585 were excluded due to data inconsistencies on age and partner status, and 1728 due to missing outcome data, yielding an analytic sample of 53 342. Multivariable logistic regression was used for analysis.

Results: Overall, 6.9% (10.3% among MSM aged 18–24) reported selling sex in the previous year. Higher odds of selling sex were associated with younger age, low education, being born abroad, low financial coping, substance use, potential alcohol dependency, early sexual debut with a male partner, low sexual agency and sex with women. High educational level and having a steady male partner were associated with lower odds.

Conclusions: Key factors associated with selling sex among MSM in Latin America include socioeconomic, behavioural and relational variables. Harm reduction and preventive interventions may be particularly needed among younger MSM. Codeveloping these interventions with the MSM community can ensure sustainability, relevance and strengthen providers’ ability to offer individualised, respectful care. Longitudinal and qualitative studies are needed to monitor long-­ term health and tailor interventions to individual needs.

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EMIS 2017 Journal Articles 2017 Published Articles

Modelling the health and cost implications of expanded access to HIV, HCV and sexually transmitted infection testing in Switzerland

Swiss Medical Weekly, 155(12):4581, 2025 (doi:10.57187/s.4581).

Authors: Harsh Vivek Harkare, Marina Antillón, Axel J. Schmidt, Fabrizio Tediosi

Background: This study was conducted as part of the Swiss National Programme to Stop HIV, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infections (NAPS), which aims to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections in Switzerland. The goal was to identify the most effective and cost-efficient screening strategies to lower the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis by improving access to screening.

Methods: A Markov model was developed to assess the impact of various screening strategies among key populations over two years, including men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW) and people who inject drugs (PWID). The model further stratifies individuals based on partner number (MSM) and injection-equipment sharing (PWID). Comprehensive cost estimates for screening and treatment were derived from insurance data, literature and expert opinions. The effectiveness of screening interventions was evaluated by measuring reductions in disease incidence and cost savings, comparing the costs of screening to those of acute and chronic care for prevented infections.

Results: Increased screening frequency among key populations led to a reduction in incidence for all five infections studied. The largest effect was seen in people who inject drugs who share injecting equipment, where HCV incidence fell by up to 76% with four annual screens. However, only screening for HIV, HCV and syphilis proved to be cost-saving. Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae consistently incurred net costs due to the high screening costs and relatively low treatment costs.

Conclusion: Targeted expansion of screening among key populations can reduce the incidence of HIV, HCV and syphilis in Switzerland, with regular screening offering potential cost savings to insurers under specific coverage and treatment scenarios.

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EMIS 2017 Journal Articles 2017 Published Articles

PrEP Coverage in men who have sex with men in Germany across 95 regions

German-Austrian AIDS Conference (DÖAK) 2025. Poster Nr. 194.

Authors: Axel J Schmidt, Daniel Schmidt, Dirk Sander, Silke Klumb.

Abstract

Background. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective biomedical intervention for HIV prevention. 
Its adaption among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) is vital for achieving public health goals. 

This study assesses PrEP coverage across 95 postal code areas (PCAs) in Germany, identifying underserved regions and visualising supply-demand gaps using geographic data. 

Methods: We used geo data from the German Ministry of Health (gesund.bund.de) to locate physicians qualified to prescribe PrEP under statutory health insurance (supply). 

MSM populations (excluding HIV-diagnosed men) engaging in anal sex with multiple partners in the same regions (demand) were estimated (EMIS-2017 data). Standardisedsupply-demand ratios (SSDRs) were calculated, ranging from 0 to 1.

Postal code areas for Berlin (10,12,13), Hamburg (20,22), Munich (80,81), and Ruhr (44,45) were merged for the maps.

Findings: By Q3/2024, 455 physicians across Germany were prescribing PrEP. The highest MSM concentrations were in postal code areas 10xxx (Berlin; k=10.7), 20xxx (Hamburg; k=6.8), and 80xxx (Munich; k=4.0). Despite large prescriber numbers in these three cities (N=79, N=31, and N=32), SSDRs were moderate (0.39, 0.50, and 0.47). 

Conversely, the highest SSDRs were observed in areas with lower MSM concentrations, including PCAs 54xxx (Trier), 77xxx (Offenburg), 93xxx (Regensburg), and 39xxx (Magdeburg). Notably, 21 PCAs had no qualified prescribers, and 20 had only one.

Interpretation: PrEP supply is uneven across Germany, with better coverage in some regions with lower MSM concentrations but strong engagement from community organisations, while many major cities remain underserved. 

Addressing these disparities requires targeted efforts to increase the number of PrEP prescribers, particularly in urban hubs with significant MSM populations. Improved planning is crucial to ensure equitable access and reduce HIV transmission nationwide.

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EMIS 2017 Journal Articles 2017

Determinants of HIV Testing Among Migrant Men Who Have Sex With Men from Sub‐Saharan Africa and Other Regions Residing in 10 European Countries

AIDS and Behavior, 2024; 28:488–506 (doi: 10.1007/s10461-023-04239-1).

Authors: Oladipupo Shobowale, Axel J. Schmidt, Paula Meireles, Daniela Rojas Castro, Sandrine Detandt, Sarah E. Stutterheim, Peter Weatherburn, Kai J. Jonas.

Abstract

Migrant men who have sex with men (mMSM) from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and other regions outside Europe are highly vulnerable to HIV. However, research on the determinants of HIV testing among mMSM from SSA, and how these differ across the categories of mMSM living in Europe, is limited.

Using data from the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS- 2017), we assessed HIV testing prevalence and recency in mMSM from SSA and other mMSM residing in ten European countries, as well as the determinants of HIV testing across different mMSM categories with logistic regression analyses.

Ever-testing for HIV was slightly higher in mMSM from SSA (83%) compared to other mMSM categories (75–80%), except for mMSM from Latin America and Caribbean region (84%). Overall, 20% of mMSM had never tested. In multivariable analysis, higher age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.10), higher HIV knowledge (AOR 1.45, 95%-CI 1.11–1.90), and residence in smaller settlements (AOR 0.45, 95%-CI 0.21–0.96) were significantly associated with ever testing for HIV in mMSM from SSA. Comparing mMSM from SSA to mMSM from other regions, we found varying significant similarities (higher age, residence in smaller settlements and HIV knowledge) and differences (lower educational attainment, not identifying as gay, being a student, and limited disclosure of homosexual attraction) in the determinants of ever-testing for HIV.

Community-specific interventions addressing identified sociodemographic and behavioral determinants to increase HIV testing uptake in the different mMSM categories and better data for further research are warranted.

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EMIS 2010 Journal Articles 2010

What’s on the rise in Sexually Transmitted Infections?

Lancet Reg Health Eur, 2023 (doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100742).

Authors: Axel Jeremias Schmidt, Ulrich Marcus

Invited Commentary.

Several factors related to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) transmission and detection are on the rise. For example, there is increasing evidence that e.g., anal intercourse combined with drug use is becoming common among young heterosexuals, and the diversity of heterosexual practices has been on the rise for many years. Data from the European MSM Internet Survey (2010) illustrate how sexual repertoire diversity impacts STIs in MSM, independent of partner numbers (Fig. 1). Unfortunately, much research neglects these specific factors and persists in employing ambiguous terms like “high-risk behaviour” or “risk compensation”, which are poorly defined and often stigmatizing.

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EMIS 2017 Journal Articles 2017

Comparison of the burden of self-reported bacterial sexually transmitted infections among men having sex with men across 68 countries on four continents

BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1008 (doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15946-8)

Authors: Ulrich Marcus, Maria Veras, Jordi Casabona, Carlos F. Caceres, Nathan Lachowsky, Susanne B. Schink, Axel J. Schmidt

Abstract

Background 

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are in general more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than the heterosexual men population. However, surveillance data on STI diagnoses lack comparability across countries due to differential identification of MSM, diagnostic standards and methods, and screening guidelines for asymptomatic infections.

Methods 

We compared self-reported overall diagnostic rates for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia infections, and diagnostic rates for infections that were classified to be symptomatic in the previous 12 months from two online surveys. They had a shared methodology, were conducted in 68 countries across four continents between October 2017 and May 2018 and had 202,013 participants.

Results 

Using multivariable multilevel regression analysis, we identified age, settlement size, number of sexual partners, condom use for anal intercourse, testing frequency, sampling rectal mucosa for extragenital testing, HIV diagnosis, and pre-exposure prophylaxis use as individual-level explanatory variables. The national proportions of respondents screened and diagnosed who notified some or all of their sexual partners were used as country-level explanatory variables. Combined, these factors helped to explain differences in self-reported diagnosis rates between countries. The following differences were not explained by the above factors: self-reported syphilis diagnoses were higher in Latin America compared with Europe, Canada, Israel, Lebanon, and the Philippines (aOR 2.30–3.71 for symptomatic syphilis compared to Central-West Europe); self-reported gonorrhea diagnoses were lower in Eastern Europe and in Latin America compared with all other regions (aOR 0.17–0.55 and 0.34–0.62 for symptomatic gonorrhea compared to Central-West Europe); and self-reported chlamydia diagnoses were lower in Central East and Southeast Europe, South and Central America, and the Philippines (aOR 0.25–0.39 for symptomatic chlamydia for Latin American subregions compared to Central West Europe).

Conclusions 

Possible reasons for differences in self-reported STI diagnosis prevalence likely include different background prevalence for syphilis and syndromic management without proper diagnosis, and different diagnostic approaches for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

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EMIS 2017 Journal Articles 2017

Spatio-temporal changes in pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among MSM in mainland France between 2016 and 2021: a Bayesian small area approach with MSM population estimation

J. Int. AIDS Soc. 2023, 26:e26089 (doi: 10.1002/jia2.26089)

Authors: Haoyi Wang, Jean-Michel Molina, Rosemary Dray-Spira, Axel J. Schmidt, Ford Hickson, David van de Vijver, Kai J. Jonas

Abstract:

Introduction

In France, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention has been publicly available since 2016, mainly targeting at men who have sex with men (MSM). Reliable and robust estimations of the actual PrEP uptake among MSM on a localized level can provide additional insights to identify and better reach marginalized MSM within current HIV prevention service provision. This study used national pharmaco-epidemiology surveillance data and regional MSM population estimations to model the spatio-temporal distribution of PrEP uptake among MSM in France 2016–2021 to identify marginalized MSM at risk for HIV and increase their PrEP uptake.


Methods

We first applied Bayesian spatial analyses with survey-surveillance-based HIV incidence data as a spatial proxy to estimate the size of (1) regional HIV-negative MSM populations and (2) MSM who could be eligible for PrEP use according to French PrEP guidelines. We then applied Bayesian spatio-temporal ecological regression modelling to estimate the regional prevalence and relative probability of the overall- and new-PrEP uptake from 2016 to 2021 across France.


Results

HIV-negative and PrEP-eligible MSM populations vary regionally across France. Île-de-France was estimated to have the highest MSM density compared to other French regions. According to the final spatio-temporal model, the relative proba- bility of overall PrEP uptake was heterogeneous across France but remained stable over time. Urban areas have higher-than- average probabilities of PrEP uptake. The prevalence of PrEP use increased steadily (ranging from 8.8% [95% credible interval 8.5%;9.0%] in Nouvelle-Aquitaine to 38.2% [36.5%;39.9%] in Centre-Val-de-Loire in 2021).


Conclusions

Our results show that using Bayesian spatial analysis as a novel methodology to estimate the localized HIV- negative MSM population is feasible and applicable. Spatio-temporal models showed that despite the increasing prevalence of PrEP use in all regions, geographical disparities and inequalities of PrEP uptake continued to exist over time. We identified regions that would benefit from greater tailoring and delivery efforts. Based on our findings, public health policies and HIV prevention strategies could be adjusted to better combat HIV infections and to accelerate ending the HIV epidemic.

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EMIS 2010 Journal Articles 2010

Impact of Migration and Acculturation on Turkish Men Who have Sex with Men in Germany: Results from the 2010 European MSM Internet Survey

Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2022 (doi: 10.1007/s10508-022-02468-4).

Authors: Axel J. Schmidt, Michael W. Ross, Rigmor C. Berg, Peyman Altan

Abstract:

To examine the impact of migration and acculturation of Turkish men who have sex with men (MSM) to Germany, using data from the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS-2010), on measures of acculturation including circumcision status, internalized homonegativity (IH), HIV/STI knowledge, sexual orientation, outness, HIV-testing, and sexual behaviors.

We compared four groups of MSM: MSM born and residing in Germany who had completed the questionnaire in German (n = 38,915), MSM born and residing in Germany, with a father or mother born in Turkey (n = 97), MSM residing in Germany who were born in Turkey or whose parents were born in Turkey (n = 262), and MSM who were born and residing in Turkey and who completed the questionnaire in Turkish (n = 1,717).

Data showed that there were significant dose–response curves between level of migration and several outcome variables. As exposure to Germany increased, MSM had lower IH, higher HIV/STI knowledge, increased outness, and were less likely to be circumcised. There were similar significant findings with regard to sexual HIV risk behavior (condomless anal intercourse with partners of unknown (or sero-discordant) HIV status).

Data were consistent with acculturation over generations in immigrant groups in MSM migrating from Turkey to Germany. Integration includes both cultural aspects (circumcision) and integration into a more homopositive gay environment (IH, outness, increased HIV/STI knowledge), and sexual HIV risk behavior. Migration and associated acculturation may constitute a risk change for HIV/STI and mental health issues associated with IH and outness.

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EMIS 2017 Journal Articles 2017

Sexual happiness and satisfaction with sexual safety among German trans men who have sex with men: results from EMIS-2017

J Int AIDS Soc. 2022 Oct;25 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):e25992. doi: 10.1002/jia2.25992.

Authors: Max Nicolai Appenroth, Uwe Koppe, Ford Hickson, Susanne Schink, Alexander Hahne, Axel J Schmidt, Peter Weatherburn, Ulrich Marcus

Abstract

Introduction: The population of men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) includes people who are on the masculine spectrum but were assigned female at birth (AFAB), that is trans MSM. This study aims to identify current circumstances regarding sexual happiness and safety among German trans MSM. To date, there is no health information about trans MSM in Germany, limiting the ability of MSM sexual health programmes to meet their needs.

Methods: Data were used from the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS-2017), where people identifying as men and/or trans men were recruited through dating apps for MSM, community websites and social media to participate in an online survey. We analysed parameters on sexual happiness and satisfaction with sexual safety among Germany-based trans MSM and compared those to outcomes of MSM assigned male at birth (cis MSM) living in Germany using descriptive methods and logistic regression models adjusting for age.

Results: In total, 23,001 participants from Germany were included, of which 122 (0.5%) indicated to be AFAB (i.e. trans MSM). Trans MSM were markedly younger than cis participants (median age: 28.5 vs. 39 years). Trans MSM more often reported being unhappy with their current sex life (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.82, 95% CI 1.24-2.67), had higher odds of disagreeing with the statements “the sex I have is always as safe as I want” ([aOR] = 1.82, 95% CI 1.24-2.67) and “I find it easy to say no to sex that I don’t want” ([aOR] = 1.80, 95% CI 1.18-2.77). Trans MSM were more likely to not be living comfortably financially ([aOR] = 2.43, 95% CI 1.60-3.67) and to be living with severe anxiety and/or depression ([aOR] = 3.90, 95% CI 2.22-6.83). Trans MSM were less likely to have ever tested for HIV ([aOR] = 0.63, 95% CI 0.43-0.93).

Conclusions: Sexual happiness, control of sexual boundaries, satisfaction with sexual safety, financial security, mental wellbeing and HIV testing were all lower in German trans MSM compared with cis MSM. Tailored sexual health interventions, contextualized with regard to needs and vulnerabilities, could address this inequality.

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EMIS 2017 Journal Articles 2017

Social and behavioural determinants of syphilis: Modelling based on repeated cross-sectional surveys from 2010 and 2017 among 278,256 men who have sex with men in 31 European countries

Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2022 Aug 9;22:100483. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100483. eCollection 2022 Nov.

Authors: Ana Mendez-Lopez, David Stuckler, Ulrich Marcus, Ford Hickson, Teymur Noori, Robert N Whittaker, Klaus Jansen, Asuncion Diaz, Lukasz Henszel, Annie Velter, Jan C Semenza, Axel J Schmidt

Abstract

Background: Syphilis case notifications among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) have increased markedly over the past two decades in Europe. We tested several potential factors for this resurgence.

Methods: Self-reported data from two cross-sectional waves of the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS-2010 and EMIS-2017, N = 278,256 participants living in 31 European countries) were used to fit multivariable hierarchical logistic regression models designed to evaluate potential social, behavioural, and interventional determinants of syphilis diagnosis. Additional multivariable hierarchical negative binomial models investigated determinants of the number of non-steady male condomless anal intercourse (CAI) partners. We tested the hypothesis that more CAI and syphilis-screening are associated with syphilis resurgence, both linked to use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Findings: Between 2010 and 2017, incidence of syphilis diagnosis in the previous 12 months rose from 2.33% (95%CI: 2.26-2.40) of respondents reporting a syphilis diagnosis in 2010 compared with 4.54% (95%CI: 4.42-4.66) in 2017. Major factors contributing to syphilis diagnosis were living with diagnosed HIV (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.67, 95%CI: 2.32-3.07), each additional non-steady male CAI partner (aOR 1.01, 95%CI: 1.01-1.01), recency of STI-screening (previous month vs no screening, aOR 25.76, 95%CI: 18.23-36.41), selling sex (aOR 1.45, 95%CI: 1.27-1.65), and PrEP use (aOR 3.02, 95%CI: 2.30-3.96). Living with diagnosed HIV (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 3.91, 95%CI: 3.77-4.05), selling sex (aIRR 4.39, 95%CI: 4.19-4.59), and PrEP use (aIRR 5.82, 95%CI: 5.29-6.41) were associated with a higher number of non-steady male CAI partners. The association between PrEP use and increased chance of syphilis diagnosis was mediated by STI-screening recency and number of non-steady male CAI partners, both substantially higher in 2017 compared to 2010.

Interpretation: Syphilis cases are concentrated in three MSM population groups: HIV-diagnosed, PrEP users, and sex workers. Behavioural and interventional changes, particularly more non-steady male CAI partners and recency of STI-screening, are major contributing factors for increasing syphilis diagnoses among MSM in Europe.

Funding: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

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