Population-Specific Correlates of Sexual Arrangements and Communication in a National Sample of Latinx Sexual Minority Men

Effects of Subjective Orgasm Experience in Sexual Satisfaction: A Dyadic Analysis in Same-Sex Hispanic Couples

Subjective orgasm experience (SOE) is a component of sexual health that refers to the perception, sensation and/or appraisal of orgasm at a psychological level. This construct has scarcely been studied in non-heterosexual individuals and couples, and never before from a dyadic perspective. In this study, in which 104 same-sex Hispanic couples participated (48 male-male and 56 female-female), we explored the dyadic influence of SOE dimensions on sexual satisfaction, the mediating role of relationship satisfaction on the association of both phases of sexual response, as well as the explanatory capacity that discrepancies in these dimensions had on sexual satisfaction. The results indicated that the orgasmic dimensions that gained more prominence were Affective and Sensory. A dyadic influence of both on sexual satisfaction was observed only in male couples, as well as a detriment of sexual satisfaction when there were discrepancies in them, especially in women. Moreover, relationship satisfaction was a significant mediator between all dimensions of SOE and sexual satisfaction in both types of couples. This work highlights the need to take into account the SOE of both partners and how this individual experience can affect other dimensions of a more interpersonal nature, such as sexual or relationship satisfaction.

Men who have sex with men experience low anxiety and few barriers to performing anal self or companion examinations: a qualitative study of the Prevent Anal Cancer Palpation Study

While rare in the larger population, anal cancer incidence is significantly higher in groups such as sexual minority men and people living with HIV. This qualitative analysis examined participants' experiences and perceptions of barriers to anal self-examination and anal companion examination through interviews completed as a part of a larger clinical trial. Interviews were conducted online with participants (n = 131) within a week of their baseline appointment between January 2020 and October 2021. Content analysis denoted participants' thoughts and perceptions about anal self-examination and anal companion examinations. Of the 131 cisgender men interviewed (mean age 49.9 years, SD 12.7), 92.4% identified as gay, 54.9% identified as white, 22.1% identified as Black, 19.9% identified as Latino, and 44.3% of participants were living with HIV. Participants did not report feelings of excessive anxiety when an abnormality was detected. However, three salient themes emerged as to why participants may not perform an anal self-examination or anal companion examination: (1) physical limitation(s), (2) potential sexualisation of the examination, and (3) level of comfort discussing anal health. Future work must continue to explore methods that not only decrease stigma surrounding anal health but also bolster feelings of accessibility to perform self and couple examinations.

Intersecting Communities and PrEP Uptake among US-based Latinx Sexual Minority Men

The Latinx community in the USA continues to be disproportionately burdened by the HIV epidemic, especially among Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM). Research indicates that up to two-thirds of new HIV infections occur among men who have sex with men (MSM) within primary partnerships. One promising biomedical approach for HIV prevention includes community scale-up of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among LSMM. We examine the relationship between community connectedness (with the Latinx and gay communities) and PrEP uptake among 307 partnered LSMM who reported casual partner sex (i.e., non-monogamous relationships). Within the sample, approximately thirty percent (29.7%) of participants were on PrEP, and 43.3% reported partner approval for PrEP (i.e., my partner is in favor of PrEP generally), while only 7.2% were opposed to PrEP. Insurance status and income levels were significantly associated with PrEP uptake. There was a significant interaction term (gay community connectedness and Latinx group membership), which was positively associated with PrEP uptake (OR = 2.18; p = .007). Findings suggest that there may be structural barriers preventing this population from seeking and initiating PrEP care. Results point to the utility of integrating culturally relevant content related to intersecting identities and their corresponding communities when conceptualizing community-based and culturally informed interventions to improve the PrEP care cascade among LSMM.

Factors associated with individual and couple participation in online sexual health research with Latinx sexual minority men

Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) have higher rates of HIV incidence than most other ethnic and racial groups. Given that transmission risk is higher among primary partners, it is critical to identify factors that would facilitate partner recruitment into couples-based sexual health research studies. The present study utilizes a sample of index participants (n= 625), which includes 530 LSMM who did not recruit their partner and 95 LSMM who successfully did so (N = 625). Participants completed measures of communication styles and cultural values of masculinity. Findings suggest that caballerismo (chivalry/nurturing) and constructive communication were significantly and positively associated with the odds of recruiting one's partner in an interaction model. Consideration of cultural factors and communication style may enhance the efficiency of recruitment of LSMM and facilitate partner engagement.