A qualitative assessment of barriers to healthcare and HIV prevention services among men who have sex with men in non-metropolitan areas of the south.

HIV cases are increasing in the rural Southern United States, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). To facilitate healthcare access and encourage HIV prevention for non-metropolitan MSM, it is essential to examine their barriers to care. This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 MSM living in non-metropolitan areas of the South.

High proportions of rectal and pharyngeal chlamydia and gonorrhoea cases among cisgender men are missed using current CDC screening recommendations.

Objectives: Pharyngeal and rectal (CT) and (NG) infections are often undiagnosed due to their asymptomatic nature. This study aims to determine (1) the prevalence of CT/NG infections by anatomical site among cisgender men; (2) the proportion of missed CT/NG rectal/pharyngeal infections if urogenital testing alone was performed or screening depended on self-reported behaviour alone; and (3) the predictive probability of self-reported behaviours for rectal CT/NG.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used electronic health records collected at a sexual health clinic in Los Angeles from 18 November 2018 until 28 February 2020.