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Xie L, Mo PKH, Wang Z, Tian X, Lau JTF. Men who have sex with men were more depressed than their counterparts because of lower social support and higher loneliness: A comparative survey among Chinese university students. J Affect Disord 2024; 353:11-18. [PMID: 38373515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor mental health is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM), including MSM university students (MSMUS), causing a significant burden on their health and society. The study aimed to compare the difference in levels of depressive symptoms between Chinese MSMUS and non-MSMUS and test the mediating roles of social support and loneliness in the relationship between MSM status and depressive symptoms among male university students. METHODS From June to October 2018, a total of 305 MSMUS and 2447 non-MSMUS from two cities in Sichuan province (China) were investigated using questionnaires. RESULTS The proportion of depression in the MSMUS and non-MSMUS groups was 54.1 % and 36.4 %, respectively. MSM status, social support, and loneliness were all significantly associated with depressive symptoms among Chinese university students. Structural equation modelling showed that the association between MSM status and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by three indirect paths, including 1) via social support (mediated proportion = 19.4 %), 2) via loneliness (mediated proportion = 19.3 %), and 3) via social support and then loneliness (mediated proportion = 16.1 %). CONCLUSIONS Depression was prevalent among university students in China, especially MSMUS. The findings increased our understanding of the mediating roles of social support and loneliness in the link between MSM status and depressive symptoms among Chinese male university students, which have great implications for designing interventions to improve their mental health. LIMITATION The cross-sectional study design limited causal inferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Xie
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Phoenix K H Mo
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Zixin Wang
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xiaobing Tian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, North Sichuan Medical University, Nanchong, China
| | - Joseph T F Lau
- Public Mental Health Center, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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2
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Ferrand J, Walsh-Buhi E, Dodge B, Svetina D, Herbenick D. Variations in Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Healthcare Provider Interactions in a Nationally Representative Sample of American Men Aged 15-49 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-04016-0. [PMID: 36786940 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04016-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Awareness of and discussions with a healthcare provider (HCP) around pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an effective HIV prevention method, are associated with PrEP uptake, yet few studies utilize representative samples or report on these outcomes using distinct behavioral risk subgroups. This cross-sectional study utilized responses given by men on the 2017-2019 National Survey of Family Growth, a nationally representative survey of Americans aged 15-49 years. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine how respondents' sociodemographic characteristics and HIV risk behaviors were related to PrEP awareness and HCP discussions. PrEP awareness was low (29.40%) as was the proportion who reported ever discussing PrEP with an HCP (4.48%). Odds of being PrEP aware and discussing PrEP with an HCP varied significantly within sexual behavior subgroups based on sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics highlighting the differential risks within distinct behavioral subgroupings of men. Sexual behavior subgroupings should be considered when promoting PrEP awareness and discussions as HIV risk behaviors vary considerably and sexual identity alone may not sufficiently capture one's HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ferrand
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, School of Public Health-Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Eric Walsh-Buhi
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, School of Public Health-Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Brian Dodge
- Health Sciences, Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Dubravka Svetina
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Indiana University, School of Education, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, School of Public Health-Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
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3
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Berman M, Eaton LA, Watson RJ, Earnshaw VA, Wiginton JM, Layland E. Factors Associated with Disclosure of Sexual Orientation Among Black Sexual Minority Men. LGBT Health 2023; 10:51-61. [PMID: 36099207 PMCID: PMC10039276 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study evaluated the characteristics associated with sexual orientation disclosure among HIV-negative Black sexual minority men (BSMM) in the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. Survey data were collected from 475 HIV-negative BSMM from 2017 to 2019 as part of a larger behavioral intervention study focused on stigma, prejudice, and HIV-testing uptake. Methods: Participants reported their levels of sexual orientation disclosure globally, to their community, and to their family. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and multinomial logistic regression to determine whether demographic, minority stress, substance use, and mental health were associated with sexual orientation disclosure globally, to community members, and to family members. Results: Findings revealed that participants with older age, bisexual identity, and higher levels of internalized homophobia had higher odds of global, community, and family sexual orientation nondisclosure. Furthermore, participants with higher levels of resilience had lower odds of partial sexual orientation disclosure compared with their fully disclosed counterparts. Conclusions: These findings reveal variations associated with sexual orientation disclosure across varying contexts among HIV-negative BSMM, particularly among family member disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcie Berman
- Department of Psychological Science, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Valerie A Earnshaw
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - John Mark Wiginton
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric Layland
- Department of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Hanna-Walker V, Simon KA, Lawrence SE, Driver R, Kalinowski J, Watson RJ, Eaton LA. Black Sexual Minority Men's Stigma-Based Experiences Surrounding Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the Southern United States. LGBT Health 2022; 10:245-251. [PMID: 36516136 PMCID: PMC10079246 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Intersecting experiences of stigma related to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) influence PrEP uptake among Black sexual minority men (BSMM) living in the southern United States; however, it is unclear what stigmatized identities and behaviors are impacted when accessing human immunodeficiency virus prevention options. To inform identity-specific PrEP interventions, this study examined stigma in BSMM's lives relating to intersecting experiences of PrEP stigma. Methods: We conducted 32 virtual, semistructured qualitative interviews with BSMM residing in the southeastern United States between February and April 2019. Results: We identified three themes (anticipated stigma, experiences of prejudice and stereotyping, and negative attitudes) and one subtheme within negative attitudes (othering social/sexual groups). Across all themes, PrEP stigma was often manifested through stigma against BSMM's sexual orientation or sexual behavior. BSMM in othering social/sexual groups displayed instances of cognitive dissonance by regularly expressing negative attitudes about and explicitly distancing themselves from social/sexual groups based on sexual orientation and sexual behavior. BSMM's race and gender were rarely mentioned as being stigmatized. Conclusions: Interventions focused on PrEP use could benefit from expanding their definition of PrEP stigma to include a stronger emphasis on intersecting identities and work to reduce cognitive dissonance in BSMM in the form of internalized homophobia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Hanna-Walker
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kay A Simon
- Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Samantha E Lawrence
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Redd Driver
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Jolaade Kalinowski
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Abstract
Stigma changes over time: it waxes and wanes through history, is manifested within humans who develop over time and is tied to statuses (such as attributes, illnesses and identities) that have varying courses. Despite the inherent fluidity of stigma, theories, research and interventions typically treat associations between stigma and health as stagnant. Consequently, the literature provides little insight into when experiences of stigma are most harmful to health and when stigma interventions should be implemented. In this Perspective, we argue that integrating time into stigma research can accelerate progress towards understanding and intervening in associations between stigma and health inequities. We situate time in relation to key concepts in stigma research, identify three timescales that are relevant for understanding stigma (historical context, human development and status course), and outline a time-based research agenda to improve scientists’ ability to understand and address stigma to improve health. Associations between stigma and health are typically treated as stagnant. In this Perspective, Earnshaw et al. argue that considering stigma in relation to historical, human development and status course timescales can advance progress in understanding and addressing stigma to improve health.
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Watson RJ, Morgan E, Sherman J, Caba A, Wheldon CW, Chan PA, Eaton LA. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, anticipated PrEP stigma, and bisexual identity among a Black and Hispanic/Latino sexual and gender diverse sample. Behav Med 2022:1-9. [PMID: 35465800 PMCID: PMC9592674 DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2022.2048249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Black and Hispanic/Latino sexual minority men and gender diverse (SMMGD) individuals are disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic. Uptake and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suboptimal among SMMGD Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals, but most research has approached this population as homogenous (e.g., a group operationalized as men who have sex with men). Bisexual men are less likely to disclose their sexual identity and report more mental health problems than their gay counterparts, but there is less attention to the impact of different sexual identities on PrEP use over time. We utilized data from three waves of a national longitudinal study (2020-2021) to characterize Black and Hispanic/Latino SMMGD participants' PrEP use including: 1) PrEP uptake during the study; 2) consistent PrEP use across the study; and 3) discontinuation of PrEP use since study baseline. We found bisexual men were significantly less likely than gay men to be consistent PrEP users and were more likely to discontinue PrEP use over the course of the study. Of the sample who reported PrEP use across surveys, 10% initiated PrEP during the study period, 0% of whom were bisexual. Additionally, bisexual participants reported statistically significantly higher anticipated PrEP stigma relative to gay participants. These findings have implications for HIV prevention interventions. Given the differences in PrEP experiences as a function of sexual identity, researchers and clinicians should consider the disruptive role of stigma (both biphobia and anticipated PrEP stigma) in PrEP care and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US
| | - Ethan Morgan
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH,Infectious Disease Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Antonia Caba
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US
| | - Christopher W. Wheldon
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, US
| | - Philip A. Chan
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, US
| | - Lisa A. Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US
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Watson RJ, Collibee C, Maksut JL, Earnshaw VA, Rucinski K, Eaton LA. High levels of undiagnosed rectal STIs suggest that screening remains inadequate among Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Sex Transm Infect 2022; 98:125-127. [PMID: 33790050 PMCID: PMC8481425 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand rectal STI screening practices for Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (BGBMSM). FINDINGS Although 15% of BGBMSM lab tested positive for a rectal STI, the majority of these (94%) were asymptomatic. Though all participants reported their status as HIV negative/unknown, 31 of 331 (9.4%) tested positive on HIV rapid tests. Neither condomless anal intercourse nor the number of male sex partners was associated with rectal STI or HIV diagnosis, although rectal STI diagnosis was positively related to testing HIV positive. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that substantial numbers of BGBMSM have asymptomatic STIs but are not tested-an outcome that is likely a strong driver of onward HIV acquisition. Therefore, we must address the asymptomatic STI epidemic among GBMSM in order to reduce HIV transmission, as well as temper STI transmission, among this key population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US
| | - Charlene Collibee
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, US
| | - Jessica L. Maksut
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Valerie A. Earnshaw
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, US
| | - Katherine Rucinski
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Lisa A. Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US
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8
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Freeman JQ, Trujillo L, Baugher AR. Prevalence of and racial/ethnic differences in sexuality disclosure among men who have sex with men in 23 U.S. cities-National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, 2017. JOURNAL OF HIV/AIDS & SOCIAL SERVICES 2022; 21:76-89. [PMID: 37583578 PMCID: PMC10425776 DOI: 10.1080/15381501.2021.2015504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Sexuality disclosure among men who have sex with men (MSM) is key in access to HIV prevention services. We used weighted 2017 data from National HIV Behavioral Surveillance to investigate prevalence of, and racial/ethnic differences in, sexuality disclosure among MSM. Of 10,753 MSM, 89.4% (95% CI: 88.5-90.3%) had disclosed their sexuality to any non-lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) friends, 85.9% (95% CI: 84.8-87.0%) had disclosed their sexuality to any family members, and 82.8% (95% CI: 81.6-83.9%) had disclosed their sexuality to any health care providers. Although most MSM had disclosed, 23.8% (95% CI: 22.4-25.1%) had not disclosed to at least one of the three groups. Black, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian MSM were less likely than White MSM to have disclosed their sexuality to any non-LGB friends, any family members, or any health care providers, after adjusting for age and region. We found high prevalence of sexuality disclosure among MSM, but racial/ethnic differences persist. Strategies and interventions to promote sexuality disclosure among MSM are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincong Q Freeman
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | | | - Amy R Baugher
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Timmins L, Schneider JA, Chen YT, Goedel WC, Brewer R, Callander D, Knox J, Eavou R, Hanson H, Duncan DT. Sexual Identity, Sexual Behavior and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in Black Cisgender Sexual Minority Men: The N2 Cohort Study in Chicago. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3327-3336. [PMID: 33852095 PMCID: PMC8419005 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03246-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated sexual identity and behavior and their potential associations with PrEP use and attitudes in cisgender Black gay and bisexual men. A total of N = 173 (mean age 25.2) participants from the Neighborhoods and Networks (N2) Study in Chicago were included. Of these, 104 were gay-identified and reported sex with men only (GSMO), 26 were gay-identified and reported sex with men and women (GSMW), 8 were bisexual-identified and reported sex with men only (BSMO), and 35 were bisexual-identified and reported sex with men and women (BSMW). Reporting sex with men and women in the past 6 months, RR = 0.39, 95% CI [0.17, 0.89], identifying as bisexual, RR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.29, 0.92], and the combination of the two, RR = 0.24, 95% CI [0.07, 0.76] were significantly associated with lower rates of current oral PrEP use. Black bisexual-identifying men who reported sex with men and women were significantly more likely to have discontinued oral PrEP, RR = 2.50, 95% CI [1.14, 5.50], than Black gay-identified men who reported sex with men only. Participants who had not used oral PrEP before reported lower levels of interest in long-acting injectable PrEP than those who were currently using oral PrEP, RR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.40, 0.79]. No other significant differences were found. Overlooking the combination of sexual identity and behavior may mischaracterize PrEP rates and miss uniquely vulnerable subgroups. Black gay and bisexual men who had not used oral PrEP may be particularly disinterested in long-acting injectable PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liadh Timmins
- Columbia Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, Room 729, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - John A Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yen-Tyng Chen
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne, NJ, USA
| | - William C Goedel
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Russell Brewer
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Denton Callander
- Columbia Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, Room 729, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Justin Knox
- Columbia Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, Room 729, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Rebecca Eavou
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hillary Hanson
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- Columbia Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, Room 729, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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