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Willi Mcfarland - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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high hiv prevalence among men who have sex with men in a time location Sampling Survey sao paulo brazil
Aids and Behavior, 2015Co-Authors: Maria Amelia De Sousa Mascena Veras, Gabriela Junqueira Calazans, Manoel Carlos Sampaio De Almeida Ribeiro, Carmem Aparecida De Freitas Oliveira, Marcia Regina Giovanetti, Regina Facchini, Isadora Lins Franca, Willi McfarlandAbstract:We conducted a time-location Sampling sero-behavioral surveillance Survey of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the largest city in Latin America and the Southern Hemisphere (N = 1,217 interviewed with serological results for 771). HIV prevalence was 15.4 % (95 % CI 11.6–20.1), with only 45.8 % previously aware of their infection. HIV prevalence achieved 6.4 % among youth 18–24 years and was higher among MSM with lower socio-economic status. In multivariate analysis, correlates of HIV were older age, gay identity, lower socio-economic status, social networks with HIV-positive MSM, receptive anal sex, and internet sex partners. Policy change towards increasing avenues for HIV testing coupled with antiretroviral treatment regardless of CD4 count or stage of disease stand to benefit the MSM community if scaled up fast enough
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high hiv prevalence in a respondent driven Sampling Survey of injection drug users in tehran iran
Aids and Behavior, 2015Co-Authors: Mohsen Malekinejad, Minoo Mohraz, Willi Mcfarland, Gholamreza Akbari, Nooshin Razani, Parastoo Khairandish, Housien Malekafzali, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, Asieh Zarghami, George W RutherfordAbstract:Iran is facing unprecedented dual drug use and HIV epidemics. We conducted a cross-sectional Survey to obtain HIV prevalence and risk behavior data from injection drug users (IDU) in Tehran. We used respondent-driven Sampling (RDS) to recruit IDU through successive waves starting with 24 “seeds,” conducted anonymous face-to-face interviews and HIV testing and counseling, and used RDSAT to adjust data. During 44 weeks, 1,726 study referral coupons resulted in 645 (37 %) IDU referrals, of whom 548 (85 %) were enrolled. From those enrolled, 84 % were incarcerated, 47 % employed, 55 % single, 27 % under 30 years of age, and 26 % homeless. The adjusted HIV prevalence was 26.6 % (95 % confidence interval 21.3–32.1), and was higher among certain IDU subgroups (e.g., those who sharing injection paraphernalia). Our estimates of HIV prevalence were higher than some other estimates; however, repeated Surveys using similar methodology are needed to monitor the trend of HIV epidemic over time.
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access to harm reduction programs among persons who inject drugs findings from a respondent driven Sampling Survey in tehran iran
International Journal of Drug Policy, 2014Co-Authors: Ruyan Rahnama, Minoo Mohraz, Ali Mirzazadeh, George W Rutherford, Willi Mcfarland, Gholamreza Akbari, Mohsen MalekinejadAbstract:Background Over the past two decades, drug injection-related risk behaviors have been the major drivers of the HIV epidemic in Iran. This study assesses the access of people who injected drugs (PWID) to harm reduction services (needle-exchange programs [NEP] and methadone maintenance treatment [MMT]) in Tehran, Iran in 2007, almost five years after the large-scale implementation of these programs.
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hiv prevalence and related risk factors among male sex workers in shenzhen china results from a time location Sampling Survey
Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2010Co-Authors: Wende Cai, Willi Mcfarland, Jinkou Zhao, Jin Zhao, Henry F Raymond, Yuji Feng, Jie Liu, Yongxia Gan, Zhengrong Yang, Yan ZhangAbstract:Background HIV transmission among men who have sex with men has recently become a major concern in China. Little is known, however, about HIV transmission among male sex workers (MSW). This study aimed to investigate HIV infection prevalence and risk factors among MSW in Shenzhen, China. Materials and methods Following formative research, a cross-sectional study was conducted using time–location Sampling among MSW in Shenzhen, from April to July 2008. Behavioural and serological data on HIV and syphilis were collected. The risk factors for HIV infection were analysed using a logistic regression model. Results In total, 394 MSW were recruited for the Survey. The prevalence of HIV and syphilis among these workers was 5.3% and 14.3%, respectively. Only a quarter of the MSW self-identified as homosexual. More than 70% had sex with both men and women. HIV-related knowledge levels were high regardless of HIV serostatus. Consistent condom use was low (37.1%) and varied by type of sexual partner. Factors including more non-commercial male partners, working in small home-based family clubs, being drunk before sexual intercourse, having a history of HIV tests, syphilis infection and a short period of residence in Shenzhen were associated with an increased risk of HIV infection. Conclusions High-risk sexual practices were common among MSW regardless of their high level of HIV awareness. The working venues were associated with HIV infection and a recent test for HIV was a potential predictor of HIV infection. The time–location Sampling method was found to be an appropriate way of recruiting MSW for this study, especially those without fixed working places.
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correlates of unprotected receptive anal intercourse among gay and bisexual men kampala uganda
Aids and Behavior, 2009Co-Authors: Fisher H Raymond, George W Rutherford, Phoebe Kajubi, Moses R Kamya, Jeffrey S Mandel, Willi McfarlandAbstract:We conducted a respondent-driven Sampling Survey (N = 215) to characterize correlates of risk for HIV infection among gay and bisexual men in Kampala, Uganda. We used RDSAT software to produce population estimates for measures and created exportable weights for multivariable analysis. Overall, 60.5% of gay/bi men identify as gay and 39.5% as bisexual; 91.6% are Ugandans. Unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI) was associated with identifying as gay, being younger and having had an HIV test in the past 6 months. Perceptions of being low risk to acquire or transmit HIV infection were paradoxically associated with higher likelihood of URAI. Programs to address risk of HIV infection among gay and bisexual men in Kampala need to address perceptions of risk among gay identified men.
Greta R Bauer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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sexual inactivity among transfeminine persons a canadian respondent driven Sampling Survey
Journal of Sex Research, 2019Co-Authors: Ayden I Scheim, Greta R BauerAbstract:Sexual health research with transfeminine persons (individuals assigned male at birth who identify as female or feminine) has focused on HIV infection and sexual function following medical treatments. Yet, approximately half of transfeminine persons in Ontario, Canada, reported no partnered sex in the previous year. Therefore, we identified sociodemographic, social, and psychosocial factors associated with past-year sexual inactivity among transfeminine Ontarians. A multi-mode respondent-driven Sampling Survey of transgender people was conducted in 2009–2010 (N = 433), including 173 transfeminine individuals who had ever been sexually active. Frequencies and regression models were weighted using RDS II methods; prevalence ratios were estimated from logistic regression models using average marginal predictions. Of sexually experienced transfeminine persons, 43% (95% CI [31, 55]) reported no past-year sex partners. Sexual inactivity was independently associated with older age, childhood sexual abuse, and re...
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sociodemographic differences by Survey mode in a respondent driven Sampling study of transgender people in ontario canada
LGBT health, 2016Co-Authors: Ayden I Scheim, Greta R Bauer, Todd ColemanAbstract:Abstract Purpose: To describe Survey mode uptake and sociodemographic differences by mode among respondents to a respondent-driven Sampling Survey of transgender people in Ontario, Canada. Survey mode was left to participant choice. Methods: Data were collected from 433 transgender Ontarians in 2009–2010 through a self-administered questionnaire, available online, by paper copy, or by telephone with language interpretation. Results: Paper respondents (9.5%) were significantly more likely to be Aboriginal or persons of color, underhoused, sex workers, and unemployed or receiving disability benefits. Conclusion: In Canada and similar high-income countries, Sampling transgender populations that are diverse with respect to social determinants of health may be best carried out with multimode Surveys.
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factors impacting transgender patients discomfort with their family physicians a respondent driven Sampling Survey
PLOS ONE, 2015Co-Authors: Greta R Bauer, Ayden I Scheim, Xuchen Zong, Rebecca Hammond, Amardeep ThindAbstract:Background Representing approximately 0.5% of the population, transgender (trans) persons in Canada depend on family physicians for both general and transition-related care. However, physicians receive little to no training on this patient population, and trans patients are often profoundly uncomfortable and may avoid health care. This study examined factors associated with patient discomfort discussing trans health issues with a family physician in Ontario, Canada. Methods 433 trans people age 16 and over were Surveyed using respondent-driven Sampling for the Trans PULSE Project; 356 had a family physician. Weighted logistic regression models were fit to produce prevalence risk ratios (PRRs) via average marginal predictions, for transmasculine (n = 184) and transfeminine (n = 172) trans persons. Results Among the 83.1% (95% CI = 77.4, 88.9) of trans Ontarians who had a family physician, approximately half reported discomfort discussing trans health issues. 37.2% of transmasculine and 38.1% of transfeminine persons reported at least one trans-specific negative experience. In unadjusted analysis, sociodemographics did not predict discomfort, but those who planned to medically transition sex, but had not begun, were more likely to report discomfort (transmasculine: PRR = 2.62 (95% CI = 1.44, 4.77); transfeminine: PRR = 1.85 (95% CI = 1.08, 3.15)). Adjusted for other factors, greater perceived physician knowledge about trans issues was associated with reduced likelihood of discomfort, and previous trans-specific negative experiences with a family physician with increased discomfort. Transfeminine persons who reported three or more types of negative experiences were 2.26 times as likely, and transmasculine persons 1.61 times as likely, to report discomfort. In adjusted analyses, sociodemographic associations differed by gender, with being previously married or having higher education associated with increased risk of discomfort among transfeminine persons, but decreased risk among transmasculine persons. Conclusions Within this transgender population, discomfort in discussing trans health issues with a family physician was common, presenting a barrier to accessing primary care despite having a regular family physician and “universal” health insurance.
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sex and gender diversity among transgender persons in ontario canada results from a respondent driven Sampling Survey
Journal of Sex Research, 2015Co-Authors: Ayden I Scheim, Greta R BauerAbstract:Recent estimates suggest that as many as 1 in 200 adults may be trans (transgender, transsexual, or transitioned). Knowledge about dimensions of sex and gender in trans populations is crucial to development of inclusive policy, practice, and research, but limited data have been available, particularly from probability samples. The Trans PULSE community-based research project Surveyed trans Ontarians (n = 433) in 2009–2010 using respondent-driven Sampling. Frequencies were weighted by recruitment probability to produce estimates for the networked Ontario trans population. An estimated 30% of trans Ontarians were living their day-to-day lives in their birth gender, and 23% were living in their felt gender with no medical intervention. In all, 42% were using hormones, while 15% of male-to-female spectrum persons had undergone vaginoplasty and 0.4% of female-to-male spectrum persons had had phalloplasty. Of those living in their felt gender, 59% had begun to do so within the past four years. A minority of trans Ontarians reported a linear transition from one sex to another, yet such a trajectory is often assumed to be the norm. Accounting for this observed diversity, we recommend policy and practice changes to increase social inclusion and service access for trans persons, regardless of transition status.
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reported emergency department avoidance use and experiences of transgender persons in ontario canada results from a respondent driven Sampling Survey
Annals of Emergency Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Greta R Bauer, Ayden I Scheim, Madeline B Deutsch, Carys MassarellaAbstract:Study objective Transgender, transsexual, or transitioned (trans) people have reported avoiding medical care because of negative experiences or fear of such experiences. The extent of trans-specific negative emergency department (ED) experiences, and of ED avoidance, has not been documented. Methods The Trans PULSE Project conducted a Survey of trans people in Ontario, Canada (n=433) in 2009 to 2010, using respondent-driven Sampling, a tracked network-based method for studying hidden populations. Weighted frequencies and bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the trans population in Ontario and for the subgroup (n=167) reporting ED use in their felt gender. Results Four hundred eight participants completed the ED experience items. Trans people were young (34% aged 16 to 24 years and only 10% >55 years); approximately half were female-to-male and half male-to-female. Medically supervised hormones were used by 37% (95% CI 30% to 46%), and 27% (95% CI 20% to 35%) had at least 1 transition-related surgery. Past-year ED need was reported by 33% (95% CI 26% to 40%) of trans Ontarians, though only 71% (95% CI 40% to 91%) of those with self-reported need indicated that they were able to obtain care. An estimated 21% (95% CI 14% to 25%) reported ever avoiding ED care because of a perception that their trans status would negatively affect such an encounter. Trans-specific negative ED experiences were reported by 52% (95% CI 34% to 72%) of users presenting in their felt gender. Conclusion This first exploratory analysis of ED avoidance, utilization, and experiences by trans persons documented ED avoidance and possible unmet need for emergency care among trans Ontarians. Additional research, including validation of measures, is needed.
George W Rutherford - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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high risk motorcycle taxi drivers in the hiv aids era a respondent driven Sampling Survey in kampala uganda
International Journal of Std & Aids, 2015Co-Authors: Christina Lindan, George W Rutherford, Wolfgang Hladik, Joseph Barker, John M Ssenkusu, Alex Opio, Andrew Anglemyer, George Lubwama, James D CampbellAbstract:We evaluated motorcycle taxi (‘boda-boda’) drivers in Kampala for the prevalence of HIV/sexually transmitted infections. We used respondent-driven Sampling to recruit a cross-sectional sample of boda-boda drivers. We collected data through audio computer-assisted self-administered interviews. Men were tested for HIV, syphilis serology using Rapid Plasma Reagin and enzyme immunoassay, and Chlamydia and gonorrhoea using urine polymerase chain reaction. We recruited 683 men. Median age was 26 years; 59.4% were single. The prevalence of HIV was 7.5% (95% CI 5.2–10.0), of positive syphilis serology was 6.1% (95% CI 4.3–8.1), of Chlamydia was 1.1% (95% CI 0.4–2.0), and of gonorrhoea was 1.2% (95% CI 0.1–1.2). Many men (67.8%) had both casual and regular partners, sex with other men (8.7%), and commercial sex (33.1%). Factors associated with having HIV included reporting a genital ulcer (odds ratio [OR] =2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.4), drinking alcohol during last sex (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.7), having 4–6 lifetime partners...
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high hiv prevalence in a respondent driven Sampling Survey of injection drug users in tehran iran
Aids and Behavior, 2015Co-Authors: Mohsen Malekinejad, Minoo Mohraz, Willi Mcfarland, Gholamreza Akbari, Nooshin Razani, Parastoo Khairandish, Housien Malekafzali, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, Asieh Zarghami, George W RutherfordAbstract:Iran is facing unprecedented dual drug use and HIV epidemics. We conducted a cross-sectional Survey to obtain HIV prevalence and risk behavior data from injection drug users (IDU) in Tehran. We used respondent-driven Sampling (RDS) to recruit IDU through successive waves starting with 24 “seeds,” conducted anonymous face-to-face interviews and HIV testing and counseling, and used RDSAT to adjust data. During 44 weeks, 1,726 study referral coupons resulted in 645 (37 %) IDU referrals, of whom 548 (85 %) were enrolled. From those enrolled, 84 % were incarcerated, 47 % employed, 55 % single, 27 % under 30 years of age, and 26 % homeless. The adjusted HIV prevalence was 26.6 % (95 % confidence interval 21.3–32.1), and was higher among certain IDU subgroups (e.g., those who sharing injection paraphernalia). Our estimates of HIV prevalence were higher than some other estimates; however, repeated Surveys using similar methodology are needed to monitor the trend of HIV epidemic over time.
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access to harm reduction programs among persons who inject drugs findings from a respondent driven Sampling Survey in tehran iran
International Journal of Drug Policy, 2014Co-Authors: Ruyan Rahnama, Minoo Mohraz, Ali Mirzazadeh, George W Rutherford, Willi Mcfarland, Gholamreza Akbari, Mohsen MalekinejadAbstract:Background Over the past two decades, drug injection-related risk behaviors have been the major drivers of the HIV epidemic in Iran. This study assesses the access of people who injected drugs (PWID) to harm reduction services (needle-exchange programs [NEP] and methadone maintenance treatment [MMT]) in Tehran, Iran in 2007, almost five years after the large-scale implementation of these programs.
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correlates of unprotected receptive anal intercourse among gay and bisexual men kampala uganda
Aids and Behavior, 2009Co-Authors: Fisher H Raymond, George W Rutherford, Phoebe Kajubi, Moses R Kamya, Jeffrey S Mandel, Willi McfarlandAbstract:We conducted a respondent-driven Sampling Survey (N = 215) to characterize correlates of risk for HIV infection among gay and bisexual men in Kampala, Uganda. We used RDSAT software to produce population estimates for measures and created exportable weights for multivariable analysis. Overall, 60.5% of gay/bi men identify as gay and 39.5% as bisexual; 91.6% are Ugandans. Unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI) was associated with identifying as gay, being younger and having had an HIV test in the past 6 months. Perceptions of being low risk to acquire or transmit HIV infection were paradoxically associated with higher likelihood of URAI. Programs to address risk of HIV infection among gay and bisexual men in Kampala need to address perceptions of risk among gay identified men.
Huey-ming Lee - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Fuzzy assessment for Sampling Survey defuzzification by signed distance method
Expert Systems with Applications, 2010Co-Authors: Lily Lin, Huey-ming LeeAbstract:Since traditional Sampling Survey via questionnaire is difficult in reflecting interviewee's incomplete assessment and uncertain thought, we use fuzzy sense of Sampling to express the degree of interviewee's feelings, and find that the result is closer to interviewee's real thought. In this study, we propose two algorithms to do aggregative assessment for Sampling Survey by signed distance method with the linear order character of symmetric fuzzy linguistics instead of using previous centroid method. As the result that if the membership function of the triangular fuzzy number is not an isosceles triangle, then, based on the maximum membership grade principle, to defuzzify triangular fuzzy number by the signed distance is better than by the centroid method. The proposed fuzzy assessment method on Sampling Survey analysis is easily to assess the Sampling Survey and make the aggregative evaluation. Since the proposed model in this study is to measure the group evaluation, the final value is more objective than just one evaluator's assessment. Moreover, if there is only one evaluator existing, the proposed model is also appropriate to assess.
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Fuzzy assessment method on Sampling Survey analysis
Expert Systems with Applications, 2009Co-Authors: Lily Lin, Huey-ming LeeAbstract:Developing a well-designed market Survey questionnaire will ensure that Surveyors get the information they need about the target market. Traditional Sampling Survey via questionnaire, which rates item by linguistic variables, possesses the vague nature. It has difficulty in reflecting interviewee's incomplete and uncertain thought. Therefore, if we can use fuzzy sense to express the degree of interviewee's feelings based on his own concept, the Sampling result will be closer to interviewee's real thought. In this study, we propose the fuzzy sense on Sampling Survey to do aggregated assessment analysis. The proposed fuzzy assessment method on Sampling Survey analysis is easily to assess the Sampling Survey and evaluate the aggregative evaluation.
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ISDA (1) - Fuzzy Assessment for Sampling Survey Defuzzification by Signed Distance Method
2008 Eighth International Conference on Intelligent Systems Design and Applications, 2008Co-Authors: Lily Lin, Huey-ming LeeAbstract:Traditional Sampling Survey via questionnaire is difficult in reflecting interviewee's incomplete assessment and uncertain thought. Therefore, if we can use fuzzy sense of Sampling to express the degree of interviewee's feelings based on his own concept, the result will be closer to interviewee's real thought. In this study, a new method for the defuzzification of fuzzy assessment for Sampling Survey is developed in this paper. We propose a model to do aggregative assessment for Sampling Survey by signed distance method with the linear order character of symmetric fuzzy linguistics. The proposed fuzzy assessment method on Sampling Survey analysis is easily to assess the Sampling Survey and make the aggregative evaluation.
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Aggregative Assessment Method for Sampling Survey with the Linear Order Character of Symmetric Fuzzy Linguistics
2008 3rd International Conference on Innovative Computing Information and Control, 2008Co-Authors: Lily Lin, Huey-ming Lee, Tsung-yen Lee, Shu-yen LeeAbstract:Traditional Sampling Survey via questionnaire is difficult in reflecting interviewee's incomplete and uncertain thought. Therefore, if we can use fuzzy sense of Sampling to express the degree of interviewee's feelings based on his own concept, the result will be closer to interviewee's real thought. In this study, we propose a model with the linear order character of symmetric fuzzy linguistics for Sampling Survey to do aggregated assessment analysis. The proposed fuzzy assessment method on Sampling Survey analysis is easily to assess the Sampling Survey and make the aggregative evaluation.
Mohsen Malekinejad - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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high hiv prevalence in a respondent driven Sampling Survey of injection drug users in tehran iran
Aids and Behavior, 2015Co-Authors: Mohsen Malekinejad, Minoo Mohraz, Willi Mcfarland, Gholamreza Akbari, Nooshin Razani, Parastoo Khairandish, Housien Malekafzali, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, Asieh Zarghami, George W RutherfordAbstract:Iran is facing unprecedented dual drug use and HIV epidemics. We conducted a cross-sectional Survey to obtain HIV prevalence and risk behavior data from injection drug users (IDU) in Tehran. We used respondent-driven Sampling (RDS) to recruit IDU through successive waves starting with 24 “seeds,” conducted anonymous face-to-face interviews and HIV testing and counseling, and used RDSAT to adjust data. During 44 weeks, 1,726 study referral coupons resulted in 645 (37 %) IDU referrals, of whom 548 (85 %) were enrolled. From those enrolled, 84 % were incarcerated, 47 % employed, 55 % single, 27 % under 30 years of age, and 26 % homeless. The adjusted HIV prevalence was 26.6 % (95 % confidence interval 21.3–32.1), and was higher among certain IDU subgroups (e.g., those who sharing injection paraphernalia). Our estimates of HIV prevalence were higher than some other estimates; however, repeated Surveys using similar methodology are needed to monitor the trend of HIV epidemic over time.
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access to harm reduction programs among persons who inject drugs findings from a respondent driven Sampling Survey in tehran iran
International Journal of Drug Policy, 2014Co-Authors: Ruyan Rahnama, Minoo Mohraz, Ali Mirzazadeh, George W Rutherford, Willi Mcfarland, Gholamreza Akbari, Mohsen MalekinejadAbstract:Background Over the past two decades, drug injection-related risk behaviors have been the major drivers of the HIV epidemic in Iran. This study assesses the access of people who injected drugs (PWID) to harm reduction services (needle-exchange programs [NEP] and methadone maintenance treatment [MMT]) in Tehran, Iran in 2007, almost five years after the large-scale implementation of these programs.
