University Library
  • Login
A gateway to Melbourne's research publications
Minerva Access is the University's Institutional Repository. It aims to collect, preserve, and showcase the intellectual output of staff and students of the University of Melbourne for a global audience.
View Item 
  • Minerva Access
  • University Services
  • University General - Research Publications
  • View Item
  • Minerva Access
  • University Services
  • University General - Research Publications
  • View Item
JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Disparities in characteristics in accessing public Australian sexual health services between Medicare-eligible and Medicare-ineligible men who have sex with men

    Thumbnail
    Download
    Published version (158.2Kb)

    Citations
    Altmetric
    Author
    Walia, AM; Fairley, CK; Bradshaw, CS; Chen, MY; Chow, EPF
    Date
    2020-08-31
    Source Title
    Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
    Publisher
    WILEY
    University of Melbourne Author/s
    Chow, Eric; Fairley, Christopher
    Affiliation
    University General
    Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Document Type
    Journal Article
    Citations
    Walia, A. M., Fairley, C. K., Bradshaw, C. S., Chen, M. Y. & Chow, E. P. F. (2020). Disparities in characteristics in accessing public Australian sexual health services between Medicare-eligible and Medicare-ineligible men who have sex with men. AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, 44 (5), pp.363-368. https://doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.13029.
    Access Status
    Open Access
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/11343/252550
    DOI
    10.1111/1753-6405.13029
    Abstract
    OBJECTIVES: Accessible health services are a key element of effective human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) control. This study aimed to examine whether there were any differences in accessing sexual health services between Medicare-eligible and Medicare-ineligible men who have sex with men (MSM) in Melbourne, Australia. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of MSM attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between 2016 and 2019. Demographic characteristics, sexual practices, HIV testing practices and STI diagnoses were compared between Medicare-eligible and Medicare-ineligible MSM. RESULTS: We included 5,085 Medicare-eligible and 2,786 Medicare-ineligible MSM. Condomless anal sex in the past 12 months was more common in Medicare-eligible compared to Medicare-ineligible MSM (74.4% vs. 64.9%; p<0.001) although the number of partners did not differ between groups. There was no difference in prior HIV testing practices between Medicare-eligible and Medicare-ineligible MSM (76.1% vs. 77.7%; p=0.122). Medicare-ineligible MSM were more likely to have anorectal chlamydia compared to Medicare-eligible MSM (10.6% vs. 8.5%; p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Medicare-ineligible MSM have less condomless sex but a higher rate of anorectal chlamydia, suggesting they might have limited access to STI testing or may be less willing to disclose high-risk behaviour. Implications for public health: Scaling up access to HIV and STI testings for Medicare-ineligible MSM is essential.

    Export Reference in RIS Format     

    Endnote

    • Click on "Export Reference in RIS Format" and choose "open with... Endnote".

    Refworks

    • Click on "Export Reference in RIS Format". Login to Refworks, go to References => Import References


    Collections
    • Minerva Elements Records [45770]
    • Melbourne School of Population and Global Health - Research Publications [4369]
    • University General - Research Publications [290]
    Minerva AccessDepositing Your Work (for University of Melbourne Staff and Students)NewsFAQs

    BrowseCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects
    My AccountLoginRegister
    StatisticsMost Popular ItemsStatistics by CountryMost Popular Authors