Use of geosocial networking applications is independently associated with diagnosis of STI among men who have sex with men testing for STIs: findings from the cross-sectional MSM Internet Survey Ireland (MISI) 2015.

OBJECTIVES: MSM Internet Survey Ireland (MISI) 2015 was an anonymous, self-completed, cross-sectional internet survey assessing sexual behaviours and health needs among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ireland. We explored factors associated with self-reported STI diagnosis among MSM who were sexually active and had an STI test in the previous year. METHODS: We compared the study population (n=1158; 37% of total population), with the sexually active MISI population not testing for STIs (n=1620; 52% of total population). Within the study population, we identified sociodemographics and sexual behaviours associated with self-reporting STI diagnosis. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs). RESULTS: The sociodemographics, lifestyle and sexual behaviours of the study population differed significantly from the sexually active MISI population who did not test for STIs. Within the study population, 65% met a sexual partner via geosocial networking smartphone application (GSNa) and 21% self-reported an STI diagnosis in the previous year. On univariable analysis, factors associated with STI diagnosis included: older age, identifying as gay, HIV-positive status, increasing number of sexual partners in the previous year, condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with ≥2 non-steady partners and using GSNa to meet a new sexual partner in the previous year or most recent sexual partner. On multivariable analysis, STI diagnosis was associated with: being aged 25-39 years (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.15), CAI with ≥2 non-steady partners (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.84 to 4.34), total number of sexual partners (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.03) and using GSNa to meet a new sexual partner (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.39). CONCLUSIONS: STI diagnosis among MSM testing for STIs is associated with GSNa use, as well as sexual behaviours. GSNas are key settings for STI prevention interventions, which should prioritise men with high numbers of sexual partners and those with multiple CAI partners

Potential alcohol use disorder among MSM in Ireland - Findings from the European MSM internet survey (EMIS 2017)

Background Alcohol consumption is a major public health concern in Ireland. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). However, little is known about the prevalence of AUD in this group in Ireland specifically, and the characteristics of MSM who may struggle with this. Methods The European MSM Internet Survey 2017 was an online, self-completed, anonymous questionnaire among MSM in Ireland. Standardised questions were used to explore a variety of topics. The validated CAGE-4 questionnaire was used to screen for potential AUD, defined as a CAGE-4 score of ≥2 out of 4. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with potential AUD. Results In total, 1793 MSM met inclusion criteria. 31 % screened positive for AUD. We observed higher odds of possible AUD among MSM who were bisexual (vs. gay/homosexual) (aOR 1.48 95 %CI 1.01-2.18), native to Ireland (vs. non-native) (aOR 1.49 95 %CI 1.12-1.96), unemployed (vs. employed) (aOR 1.80 95 %CI 1.02-3.16), had used illicit drugs in the previous year (vs. none) (cannabis only, aOR 1.74 95 %CI 1.14-2.63) (other illicit drugs, aOR 2.28 95 %CI 1.67-3.09), reported anxiety/depression (vs. none) (aOR 1.73 95 %CI 1.12-2.66), and MSM who experienced homophobic abuse (vs. never) (aOR 1.55 95 %CI 1.09-2.22). Student MSM were less likely to screen positive for AUD (vs. employed) (aOR 0.65 95 %CI 0.46-0.93). Conclusions The prevalence of AUD appears to be higher in the MSM population compared to the general male population in Ireland. Targeted interventions may be warranted to reduce the burden of AUD among MSM

Trends in HIV surveillance data in the EU/EEA, 2005 to 2014: New HIV diagnoses still increasing in men who have sex with men

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission remains significant in Europe. Rates of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have declined, but not in all countries. New HIV diagnoses have increased among native and foreign-born men who have sex with men. Median CD4+T-cell count at diagnosis has increased, but not in all groups, and late diagnosis remains common. HIV infection and AIDS can be eliminated in Europe with resolute prevention measures, early diagnosis and access to effective treatment

Review of the epidemiology of AIDS in Ireland (1983-1999): a report by the National Disease Surveillance Centre.

This report is based on AIDS cases diagnosed from 1983 - 1999 including cases reported up to the year ending 2000. Statistics include age group, gender, year of diagnosis, transmission, incidence amongst injecting drug users, mortality and indicator diseases

An evaluation of the completeness of the surveillance data in CIDR in 2012 and 2013. Technical report.

HIV is an important public health issue, and warrants prioritisation for surveillance. Accurate and complete surveillance information on new HIV diagnoses is essential, in order to monitor the epidemiology of HIV over time, and evaluate the effect of prevention strategies and interventions. This report describes the completeness of the HIV enhanced surveillance system in Ireland over a two year period from January 1st 2012 to December 31st 2013. It is the first report to examine the completeness of HIV reporting since it became a notifiable disease in Ireland, and was included in the national Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting System, CIDR. Data were extracted from CIDR on 23rd July 2014 and were correct at the time of publication

The epidemiology of AIDS in Ireland from 1983 to 1999.

While the annual incidence of AIDS in Ireland decreased from the mid-1990s there was been a marked increase in new HIV infections during the same period. The major group affected by AIDS was intravenous drug users (IDUs), which accounted for 40.6% of the total. IDU was the highest transmission category for the virus. Decreases in the numbers of perons with AIDS can largely be explained by improvements in medical care and the effect of HAART

HIV in Ireland: 2012 report.

In 2012, 341 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in Ireland (crude notification rate of 7.4 per 100,000 population). The annual number of newly diagnosed HIV infections had been decreasing since 2008; however in 2012 there has been a slight increase (7%) compared with 2011. A rate of 5.7 per 100,000 population (ranging from 0.9 to 27.3) was reported in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) in 2011. Four percent of new diagnoses were among Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) and this proportion has been declining since 2004. However, recent HIV outbreaks among IDU in Greece and Romania demonstrate how infection can spread rapidly among this population, and highlight the need to maintain preventive services (2). In 2012, 69% of IDUs newly diagnosed with HIV infection were co‐infected with Hepatitis C. In 2012, 4% (13 cases) of the new diagnoses were among IDUs. The number of new diagnoses among IDUs has been steadily decreasing from 74 in 2004 to 13 in 2012 (a decline of 82%) Of the 13 IDU cases, • 10 were men and 3 were women • Median age was 34 years (range 22 to 50 years) • 5 were born in Ireland, 3 were born in Central and Eastern Europe and 2 were born in Western Europe. • Where CD4 count was reported, 63% of IDUs in 2012 were diagnosed late including 38% who were severely immuno‐compromised. • 69% of IDUs newly diagnosed with HIV infection were co‐infected with Hepatitis C. • Two IDUs (15%) were diagnosed with an AIDS defining illness at the time of their HIV diagnosis in 2012

Update on the epidemiology of HIV in Ireland and the EU/EEA .

December 1st 2018 marked the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The theme for this year is “Know Your Status” with a focus on the importance of HIV testing in tackling the worldwide HIV epidemic. In time for World AIDS Day, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) published a new report describing the latest epidemiology of HIV in Ireland and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) released a report detailing HIV in Europe. The key points relating to the epidemiology of HIV in Ireland and the EU/EEA are described. There were 17 diagnoses among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Ireland in 2017, similar to the number of diagnoses in 2016. Transmission due to injecting drug use also accounted for 4% of HIV diagnoses in the EU/EEA overall but was the probable route of transmission for one quarter or more of the cases in Lithuania (62%), Iceland (33%) and Latvia (33%)

Quarterly report on HIV, quarter 2, 2012. (provisional data).

This report presents data on new HIV diagnoses notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in Quarter 2 2012. Since 1st January, 2012, HIV cases have been reported to HPSC on a weekly basis using the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting (CIDR) system. HIV data for this report were extracted from the CIDR system on 7th August 2012. A detailed annual HIV report will be published in 2013. Key Points – Quarter 2 2012 • There were 68 new diagnoses of HIV infection notified to the HPSC in Quarter 2 2012. • Of the 68 new diagnoses in Quarter 2 o 31 (45.6%) were men who have sex with men (MSM), 21 (30.9%) were heterosexuals and 1 (1.5%) was an Injecting Drug User (IDU). No Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) cases were reported in Quarter 2. o 71% (48) were male and 29% (20) were female. o Median age was 34 years (range 19‐71 years). • The total number of new HIV diagnoses notified in Quarter 1&2 2012 is 157. • Up to the 30th August, 2012, 114 enhanced forms (72%) had been received by Departments of Public Health