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Thunnissen E, Buffel V, Campbell L, Vuylsteke B, Bos P, Wouters E. Viability of Web-Based Respondent-Driven Sampling of Belgian Men Who Have Sex With Men: Process Evaluation. J Med Internet Res 2025; 27:e60884. [PMID: 40324174 DOI: 10.2196/60884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obtaining a representative sample is a substantial challenge when undertaking health research among hidden and hard-to-reach populations such as men who have sex with men Web-based respondent-driven sampling (WEB RDS) was developed to overcome such sampling challenges and to create population estimates based on network and sampling characteristics. Despite a decade of research, it remains unclear whether WEB RDS is suitable for sampling hidden populations such as men who have sex with men. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate how viable the WEB RDS methodology is for obtaining a nationwide sample of men who have sex with men, suitable for population inference of sexual health characteristics, in Belgium. METHODS We adapted the Medical Resource Council process evaluation framework for interventions, to evaluate an empirical WEB RDS. Viewing "WEB RDS" as a complex intervention with respondent-driven recruitment as the aim, we evaluated indicators of context, implementation, mechanisms of impact, and performance. We analyzed the data using a mixed methods approach that integrated findings from quantitative analysis, such as RDS diagnostics, and qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS Sampling did not reach a sufficient sample size (n=193) to compensate for an RDS design effect of 3 and the number of recruitment waves was low (waves=7). A visual examination of the convergence and bottleneck plots indicates that many more waves of recruitment would be needed for population estimates to become independent of the seeds. However, producing further waves was impeded by challenges inherent to the research context and process. Men who have sex with men and their community organization representatives indicated that, in Belgium, men who have sex with men are overresearched, with low motivation for the topic of sexual health and digital etiquette dictating not sharing survey links. A moderate reward of €10-€30 (US $11.2-$33.6) with a dual incentive structure was insufficient to overcome these barriers. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that WEB RDS, even with a moderate incentive, is not a viable sampling strategy for obtaining valid population estimates of sexual health traits of men who have sex with men in Belgium. The study emphasizes the need to understand men who have sex with men research motivation and topic saliency. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of digital etiquette. Finally, the study showcases the use of the adapted Medical Research Council framework for evaluating WEB RDS methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estrelle Thunnissen
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Veerle Buffel
- Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Linda Campbell
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Philippe Bos
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Edwin Wouters
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Griffiths HA, Fairley CK, Ong JJ, Chow EPF, Phillips TR. Sexual mixing in bisexual activity in male-male partnerships in Melbourne, Australia. Sex Health 2024; 21:SH23190. [PMID: 39208209 DOI: 10.1071/sh23190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Background The patterns of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in populations may be influenced by the sexual mixing within the population. We aimed to investigate the assortative sexual mixing pattern by bisexuality in male-male partnerships. Methods This was a retrospective repeated cross-sectional study of men with mostly regular male partners attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between 2011 and 2019. Data on sexual practices, including their sexual practices, presence of other male/female sex partners and the gender of sexual partners in the previous 3 and 12months, were collected using computer-assisted self-interview. We calculated the proportion of male partnerships where at least one man in the partnership reported a female sex partner. Results A total of 2056 male-male partnerships (i.e. 4112 individuals) with a median age of 29 years (IQR 25 to 35) were included. Overall, in 94.4% (1941/2056) of male-male partnerships both men had male partners only; however, in 5.5% (113/2056) of partnerships, one man had both male and female partners, and in 0.1% (2/2056) partnerships, both men had both male and female partners. No assortative relationship was found on the sexual mixing by bisexuality in male-male partnerships due to the low assortativity coefficient (r =0.006, 95% CI: -0.004 to 0.016). Conclusion One in 20 male-male partnerships had at least one man who had both male and female partners within the preceding year. Individuals were not selective by bisexuality, suggesting that partnerships of bisexual individuals are mixed proportionately to the distribution of their characteristics. Still, these sexual mixing practices may affect STI transmission dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden A Griffiths
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; and School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; and School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Jason J Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; and School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; and School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; and Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Tiffany R Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; and School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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English D, Smith JC, Scott-Walker L, Lopez FG, Morris M, Reid M, Lashay C, Bridges D, Rosales A, Cunningham DJ. iTHRIVE 365: A Community-Led, Multicomponent Health Promotion Intervention for Black Same Gender Loving Men. ANNALS OF LGBTQ PUBLIC AND POPULATION HEALTH 2023; 4:363-383. [PMID: 39055282 PMCID: PMC11268836 DOI: 10.1891/lgbtq-2022-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Although health inequities among Black same gender loving men (SGLM) are well documented (e.g., chronic psychological disorders, HIV, suicide), there are few accessible, culturally affirming, and community-led interventions designed to reduce these inequities. The present manuscript describes the process through which we developed iTHRIVE 365, a multicomponent health-promotion intervention designed by Black SGLM for Black SGLM. We utilized a community-based participatory research approach (CBPR) that included collaboration between THRIVE SS, a Black SGLM-run community-based organization, and a multisectoral team of public health, research, and digital design professionals to develop the intervention. A five-phase development process included four phases of focus groups and a technical pilot to assess community priorities and incorporate input on each feature of the intervention. Directed content analysis indicated that participants wanted a multicomponent and technology-mediated intervention that promotes health knowledge and motivation, Black SGLM social support, access to affirming healthcare, and housing and economic resources. iTHRIVE 365 combines multilevel and culturally affirming intervention features to combat the effects of oppression and ultimately promote Black SGLM's biopsychosocial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin English
- Devin English, Justin C. Smith, and Larry Scott-Walker contributed equally to this manuscript and are co-first authors
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Justin C. Smith
- Devin English, Justin C. Smith, and Larry Scott-Walker contributed equally to this manuscript and are co-first authors
- Positive Impact Health Centers, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Larry Scott-Walker
- Devin English, Justin C. Smith, and Larry Scott-Walker contributed equally to this manuscript and are co-first authors
- THRIVE Social Services (THRIVE SS), Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Michael Morris
- THRIVE Social Services (THRIVE SS), Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Malcolm Reid
- THRIVE Social Services (THRIVE SS), Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Dwain Bridges
- THRIVE Social Services (THRIVE SS), Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
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Clement ME, Lovett A, Caldwell S, Beckford J, Hilgart M, Corneli A, Flickinger T, Dillingham R, Ingersoll K. Development of an mHealth App to Support the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men Engaged in Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Care in New Orleans, Louisiana: Qualitative User-Centered Design Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e43019. [PMID: 36848209 PMCID: PMC10011974 DOI: 10.2196/43019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual health disparities exist for Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are high for both BMSM and those taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). OBJECTIVE In this study, we introduced an existing PrEP adherence app to new potential users-BMSM engaged in PrEP care in New Orleans-to guide app adaptation with STI prevention features and tailoring for the local context. METHODS Using a user-centered design, we conducted 4 focus group discussions (FGDs), with interim app adaptations from December 2020 to March 2021. During the FGDs, a video of the app, app website, and mock-ups were shown to participants. We asked about facilitators of and barriers to STI prevention in general, current app use, impressions of the existing app, new app features to potentially facilitate STI prevention, and how the app should be tailored for BMSM. We used applied qualitative thematic analysis to identify themes and needs of the population. RESULTS Overall, 4 FGDs were conducted with 24 BMSM taking PrEP. We grouped themes into 4 categories: STI prevention, current app use and preferences, preexisting features and impressions of the prep'd app, and new features and modifications for BMSM. Participants noted concern about STIs and shared that anxiety about some STIs was higher than that for others; some participants shared that since the emergence of PrEP, little thought is given to STIs. However, participants desired STI prevention strategies and suggested prevention methods to implement through the app, including access to resources, educational content, and sex diaries to follow their sexual activity. When discussing app preferences, they emphasized the need for an app to offer relevant features and be easy to use and expressed that some notifications were important to keep users engaged but that they should be limited to avoid notification fatigue. Participants thought that the current app was useful and generally liked the existing features, including the ability to communicate with providers, staff, and each other through the community forum. They had suggestions for modifications for STI prevention, such as the ability to comment on sexual encounters, and for tailoring to the local context, such as depictions of iconic sights from the area. Mental health emerged as an important need to be addressed through the app during discussion of almost all features. Participants also stressed the importance of ensuring privacy and reducing stigma through the app. CONCLUSIONS A PrEP adherence app was iteratively adapted with feedback from BMSM, resulting in a new app modified for the New Orleans context and with STI prevention features. Participants gave the app a new name, PCheck, to be more discreet. Next steps will assess PCheck use and STI prevention outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Edwards Clement
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center- New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Aish Lovett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center- New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Sylvia Caldwell
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jeremy Beckford
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Michelle Hilgart
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Amy Corneli
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Tabor Flickinger
- Division of General, Geriatric, Palliative, and Hospital Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Karen Ingersoll
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Sharma A, Gandhi M, Sallabank G, Merrill L, Stephenson R. Study Evaluating Self-Collected Specimen Return for HIV, Bacterial STI, and Potential Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Testing Among Sexual Minority Men in the United States. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221115591. [PMID: 35950608 PMCID: PMC9380227 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221115591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Web-based HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention studies are
increasingly requesting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
(GBMSM) to return self-collected specimens for laboratory processing. Some
studies have solicited self-collected extragenital swabs for gonorrhea and
chlamydia testing, but to date, none have solicited self-collected hair samples
for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence testing. Project Caboodle! offered
100 racially/ethnically diverse GBMSM aged 18 to 34 years residing across the
United States a choice to self-collect at home and return by mail any of the
following: a finger-stick blood sample (for HIV testing), a pharyngeal swab, a
rectal swab and a urine specimen (for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing), and a
hair sample (to visually assess its adequacy for PrEP drug level testing).
Despite not incentivizing specimen return, 51% mailed back at least one type of
specimen within 6 weeks (1% returned three specimens, 11% returned four
specimens and 39% returned all five specimens). The majority of returned
specimens were adequate for laboratory processing. Significantly more
participants without a college education (p = .0003) and those
who were working full-time or part-time (p = .0070) did not
return any specimens. In addition, lower levels of HIV-related knowledge
(p = .0390), STI-related knowledge (p =
.0162), concern about contracting HIV (p = .0484), and concern
about contracting STIs (p = .0108) were observed among
participants who did not return any specimens. Self-collection of specimens
holds promise as a remote monitoring strategy that could supplement testing in
clinical settings, but a better understanding of why some GBMSM may choose to
fully, partially, or not engage in this approach is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Sharma
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gregory Sallabank
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Leland Merrill
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Nation A, Dawson-Rose C, Waters C. Substance use experiences of HIV-positive and HIV-negative black, non-hispanic men who have sex with men (msm) ages 18-34 in the Bay Area: A qualitative narrative perspective. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2022:1-16. [PMID: 35767381 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2022.2090043] [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: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Young Black men who have sex with men (MSM) represent the majority of individuals with new HIV infections in the U.S. Substance use is related to risk and acquisition t of HIV. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences about the role substance use plays in the lives HIV-positive and HIV-negative young Black MSM between the ages of 18-34. METHODS Using a qualitative, narrative perspective, we recruited and then interviewed participants in partnership with AIDS Service Organizations. Narrative and thematic analysis was used to analyze these Black men's personal stories with harm reduction used as the conceptual approach. RESULTS Nine HIV-positive and 3 HIV-negative participants(n = 12) shared stories about their own personal experiences with family relationships and substance use. Themes related to family included early exposure and initiation of substance use, substance use as a response to stigma around sexual orientation, kicked out of house, asked to leave or left home so they could be themselves and perceived benefits and advantages of methamphetamine. CONCLUSIONS The participants are subjected to adverse and stressful childhood experiences. These are important stories to understand if we expect to mount an adequate response, utilizing harm reduction, to the growing number of young Black MSM at-risk for HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Nation
- California State University, Fullerton, California, USA
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7
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Murphy M, Tao J, Goedell WC, Berk J, Chu CT, Nunn A, Sosnowy C, Chan P. Characterizing substance use among men who have sex with men presenting to a sexually transmitted infection clinic. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:314-321. [PMID: 33292093 PMCID: PMC11978230 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420965076] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Illicit substance use poses a significant public health challenge in the United States. Certain populations are disproportionately impacted by substance use disorders. Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been shown to be three to four times more likely to report substance use compared to the general population. MSM also make up a disproportionate number of new cases of STIs. The impact of substance use disorders on STI and HIV infection risk has been well documented among this vulnerable population. Understanding the intersection of substance use and sexual risk is important to design effective interventions to reduce substance use and risk of STIs. However, little is known about the relationship between venues used to arrange sexual encounters including hook-up apps and substance use. This study describes the demographics and social network characteristics of MSM who presented to an STI clinic in Rhode Island including reported substance use and the primary hook-up venues used for meeting sexual partners. The results show that individuals using online venues to meet sexual partners were more likely to report substance use, indicating the possible utility of interventions using social media to address the unique vulnerability of STI and HIV infection for substance using MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jun Tao
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Justin Berk
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Christina T Chu
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Amy Nunn
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Collette Sosnowy
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Philip Chan
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Dong ZL, Gao GF, Lyu F. Advances in research of HIV transmission networks. Chin Med J (Engl) 2020; 133:2850-2858. [PMID: 33273335 PMCID: PMC10631577 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission network analysis is a crucial evaluation tool aiming to explore the characteristics of the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic, develop evidence-based prevention strategies, and contribute to various areas of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome prevention and control. Over recent decades, transmission networks have made tremendous strides in terms of modes, methods, applications, and various other aspects. Transmission network methods, including social, sexual, and molecular transmission networks, have played a pivotal role. Each transmission network research method has its advantages, as well as its limitations. In this study, we established a systematic review of these aforementioned transmission networks with respect to their definitions, applications, limitations, recent progress, and synthetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Long Dong
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - George Fu Gao
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Fan Lyu
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
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9
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Abstract
Black men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately burdened by the HIV epidemic. Although there has been an increased focus on reducing HIV prevalence in Black MSM, little attention has been given to how and why Black MSM are able to remain HIV-negative, beyond believing that they are lucky. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how Black MSM try to stay HIV-negative. Guided by constructivist grounded theory and a strengths-based approach, we conducted in-depth interviews to explicate how Black MSM demonstrate resilience by staying seronegative amidst high seroprevalence. Results from this study suggest that it is their perceptions of HIV risk that translate into protective strategies that enable them to prevent infection. Our study offers insight into their reasoning processes that guide their efforts to stay HIV-negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagadisa-Devasri Dacus
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Theo G M Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Bonett S, Meanley S, Stevens R, Brawner B, Bauermeister J. The Role of Networks in Racial Disparities in HIV Incidence Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2781-2796. [PMID: 31980994 PMCID: PMC7222153 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02798-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Network factors have been proposed as potential drivers of racial disparities in HIV among Black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). This review aimed to synthesize the extant literature on networks and racial disparities in HIV among MSM and identify potential directions for future research. We searched databases for peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2008 and July 1, 2018. Articles were included if the sample was comprised primarily of racial/ethnic minority MSM and measured one or more network characteristics. (n = 25). HIV prevalence in networks, social support, and structural barriers were linked to disparities in HIV for Black MSM. Future research should focus on intervention development around social support and other strategies for risk reduction within networks. Given the contribution of structural factors to racial/ethnic HIV disparities, network-level interventions should be paired with policies that improve access to housing, jobs, and education for MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Bonett
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Suite 222L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Steven Meanley
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Suite 222L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Robin Stevens
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Suite 222L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Bridgette Brawner
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Suite 222L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - José Bauermeister
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Suite 222L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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11
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Binge Drinking, Non-injection Drug Use, and Sexual Risk Behaviors among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males, 3 US Cities, 2015. J Urban Health 2020; 97:739-748. [PMID: 32918154 PMCID: PMC7560636 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-020-00479-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In 2016, more than 90% of HIV diagnoses among young men aged 13-19 years were attributed to male-male sexual contact. Little is known about how binge drinking and non-injection drug use may be associated with risky sexual behavior among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM). Using data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, we examined how binge drinking and non-injection drug use may be associated with sexual risk among ASMM. ASMM were recruited for interviews in 3 cities: Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia. Among 16-18-year-olds (N = 488), we evaluated the association between binge drinking (≥ 5 drinks in one sitting in the past 30 days), non-injection drug use (past 12-month use of methamphetamines, powder cocaine, downers, painkillers, ecstasy, poppers, and "other"), and two past 12-month sexual risk outcomes: condomless anal intercourse with a casual partner and having multiple sex partners. We used log-linked Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Overall, 26% of 16-18-year-old ASMM binge drank, and 21% reported non-injection drug use. Among ASMM who binge drank, 34% reported condomless anal intercourse with a casual partner compared with 22% of those who did not (PR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.04-2.26). Similarly, 84% of ASMM who binge drank reported having multiple partners compared with 61% of those who did not (PR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.09-1.76). Among ASMM who used non-injection drugs, 37% reported condomless anal intercourse compared with 22% of those who did not (PR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.09-2.50), while 86% of those who used non-injection drugs had multiple partners compared with 62% of those who did not (PR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.06-1.80). Our findings suggest that the prevalence of substance misuse is high among sexual minority youth and is associated with sexual risk in this population. Our findings highlight the need for high-quality HIV prevention programs for ASMM especially as HIV prevention programs for this population are scarce.
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12
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Laborde ND, Kinley PM, Spinelli M, Vittinghoff E, Whitacre R, Scott HM, Buchbinder SP. Understanding PrEP Persistence: Provider and Patient Perspectives. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2509-2519. [PMID: 32048078 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02807-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PrEP persistence, or PrEP use over time, has been shown to be short, with most PrEP users stopping within 6-12 months. Furthermore, those most vulnerable to HIV often use PrEP for shorter periods. This qualitative study explores patient, provider, and contextual factors that influence PrEP persistence. In interviews with 25 PrEP users and 18 PrEP providers in San Francisco's safety net clinics, we analyze the perceived benefits and difficulties of taking PrEP, including structural barriers. We identify different steps in receipt of PrEP care (clinic visits and lab tests, pharmacy interactions, and medication adherence), and describe barriers and facilitators for providers and patients at each step. Our findings suggest that drop-in visits, streamlined testing, standing orders for labs, and 90-day PrEP prescriptions are highly desirable for many PrEP users. Also important are the proactive provision of adherence support and counseling, and referrals for housing, substance use, and mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick M Kinley
- Disease Prevention and Control, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Spinelli
- Division of HIV, ID, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Vittinghoff
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Whitacre
- Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hyman M Scott
- Division of HIV, ID, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Susan P Buchbinder
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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13
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Mizuno Y, Borkowf CB, Hirshfield S, Mustanski B, Sullivan PS, MacGowan RJ. Age- and Race/Ethnicity-Specific Sex Partner Correlates of Condomless Sex in an Online Sample of Hispanic/Latino, Black/African-American, and White Men Who Have Sex with Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1903-1914. [PMID: 31845149 PMCID: PMC7295651 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01534-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We sought to identify and compare correlates of condomless receptive anal intercourse with HIV-positive or unknown status partners (CRAI) for younger (< 25 years) and older (≥ 25 years) Hispanic/Latino, black/African-American, and white men who have sex with men (MSM). Baseline data from the Evaluation of Rapid HIV Self-Testing among MSM Project (eSTAMP), a randomized controlled trial with MSM (n = 2665, analytical sample size = 2421), were used. Potential correlates included participants' sociodemographic characteristics and HIV status as well as the characteristics of participants' partners. Younger Hispanic/Latino and black men were most likely to report having older sex partners (≥ 50% of partners being at least 5 years older), and having older partners was a significant correlate of CRAI among younger Hispanic/Latino and white men. Regardless of race/ethnicity, not knowing one's HIV status was a significant correlate of CRAI among younger men, whereas having a black sex partner was a significant correlate among older men. HIV prevention initiatives could address these and other correlates specific to race/ethnicity groups to target their prevention resources and messaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Mizuno
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE Mail Stop US8-5, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| | - Craig B Borkowf
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE Mail Stop US8-5, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Robin J MacGowan
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE Mail Stop US8-5, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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14
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English D, Hickson DA, Callander D, Goodman MS, Duncan DT. Racial Discrimination, Sexual Partner Race/Ethnicity, and Depressive Symptoms Among Black Sexual Minority Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1799-1809. [PMID: 32222852 PMCID: PMC7340340 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01647-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Although racial sexual exclusivity among Black gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (SMM) is frequently framed as a cause of HIV inequities, little research has examined how these sexual relationships may be driven by and protective against racism. This study examined associations between general racial discrimination, Black sexual exclusivity, sexual racial discrimination, and depressive symptoms among Black SMM. We conducted analyses on cross-sectional self-report data from 312 cisgender Black SMM in the U.S. Deep South who participated in the MARI study. Measures included general racial and sexual identity discrimination, race/ethnicity of sexual partners, sexual racial discrimination, and depressive symptoms. We estimated a moderated-mediation model with associations from discrimination to Black sexual exclusivity, moderated by discrimination target, from Black sexual exclusivity to sexual racial discrimination, and from sexual racial discrimination to depressive symptoms. We tested an indirect effect from racial discrimination to depressive symptoms to examine whether Black sexual exclusivity functioned as an intervening variable in the associations between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms. Results indicated that participants who experienced racial discrimination were more likely to exclusively have sex with Black men. Men with higher Black sexual exclusivity were less likely to experience sexual racial discrimination and, in turn, reported lower depressive symptoms. The indirect pathway from racial discrimination to depressive symptoms through Black sexual exclusivity and sexual racial discrimination was significant. Our results suggest that one of the drivers of sexual exclusivity among Black SMM may be that it helps to protect against the caustic psychological effects of racial discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin English
- Rutgers School of Public Health, One Riverfront Plaza, Suite 1020 (10th Floor), Newark, NJ, 07102-0301, USA.
| | | | | | - Melody S Goodman
- New York University College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Ogunbajo A, Iwuagwu S, Williams R, Biello KB, Kahler CW, Sandfort TGM, Mimiaga MJ. Validation of depressive symptoms, social support, and minority stress scales among gay, bisexual, and other men who have with men (GBMSM) in Nigeria, Africa: a mixed methods approach. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1023. [PMID: 32600303 PMCID: PMC7325044 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Nigeria experience social marginalization, discrimination and violence due to their sexual identity, which may negatively impact physical, mental, and sexual health outcomes. Studies on GBMSM in Africa utilize measurement scales developed largely for populations in the Global North. The validity and reliability of these instruments-to our knowledge-have never been thoroughly investigated among GBMSM in Nigeria. The aim of the current study was to determine the validity and reliability of the English versions of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-R), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and LGBT Minority Stress Measure among a large multi-state sample of GBMSM Nigeria. METHODS Between January and June 2019, we conducted cognitive interviews (N = 30) and quantitative assessments (N = 406) with GBMSM in Nigeria. The cognitive interviews assessed comprehension of scale items and elicited suggestions for scale modifications. The quantitative assessment was used to gather psychosocial health data and to evaluate psychometric properties and construct validity of the modified scales. We utilized confirmatory factor analysis to assess factor structure, correlation coefficients, and Cronbach's alpha to examine scale validity and internal consistency. RESULTS Based on participant feedback from the cognitive interviews, we made slight modifications (i.e., culturally appropriate word substitutions) to all three scales. Results of quantitative analyses indicated good psychometric properties including high factor loadings, internal consistency and construct validity among the CESD-R, MSPSS, and LGBT Minority Stress Measure among GBMSM in Nigeria. CONCLUSION These results suggests that modifying research scales to be more culturally relevant likely do not jeopardize their validity and reliability. We found that modified scales measuring depressive symptoms, perceived social support, and minority stress among GBMSM in Nigeria remained valid. More research is needed to explore whether the psychometric properties remain if the scales are translated into broken English (Pidgin) and other traditional Nigerian languages (Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adedotun Ogunbajo
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St., Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI 02912 USA
- Center for Health Equity, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
| | | | - Rashidi Williams
- Equality Triangle for Health and Peoples Development Initiative, Warri, Delta Nigeria
| | - Katie B. Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St., Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI 02912 USA
- Center for Health Equity, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Christopher W. Kahler
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St., Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Theodorus G. M. Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Matthew J. Mimiaga
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St., Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI 02912 USA
- Center for Health Equity, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI USA
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16
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Abdallah I, Conserve D, Burgess TL, Adegbite AH, Oraka E. Correlates of HIV-related risk behaviors among self-identified heterosexual men who have sex with men (HMSM): national survey of family growth (2002, 2006-2010, and 2011-2017). AIDS Care 2020; 32:1529-1537. [PMID: 32024380 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1724254] [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: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Self-identified heterosexual men who have sex with men (HMSM) have unique sexual behaviors that may increase their risk of HIV infection. We assessed the correlates of recent sex with other men and HIV-related risk behaviors among HMSM by sex of their sex partners. We analyzed data from the 2002 and 2006-2017 National Survey of Family Growth limited to men who self-identified as heterosexual and reported any anal/oral sex with another man (N = 787). Prevalence ratios based on logistic regression models determined the association between sociodemographic and behavior variables with reporting a same-sex partner or at least one HIV-related risk behavior with a female sex partner in the last 12 months. Approximately 17.7% and 42.5% of HMSM with recent same-sex partners reported HIV-related risk behaviors with male and female sex partners, respectively. HMSM who reported a recent same-sex partner and an HIV-related risk behavior reported more annual male (Ave = 2.6:95%CI;1.6-3.7) and female (Ave = 5.0:95%CI;3.3-6.8) sex partners than HMSM with a recent same-sex partner who did not report an HIV-related risk behavior [male (Ave = 1.7:95%CI;1.2-2.1) and female (Ave = 1.6:95%CI;1.1-2.1)]. HMSM with recent same-sex partners may engage in HIV-related risk behaviors with men and women concurrently. Further studies should assess gender-specific risk of infection.
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17
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Understanding HIV risk and vulnerability among cisgender men with transgender partners. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e201-e208. [PMID: 32032535 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(19)30346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In the HIV pandemic, cisgender (ie, non-transgender) men with transgender partners are an underserved population. Complexities of sexuality and gender affect HIV vulnerability for this group, including not identifying with conventional sexual orientation categories (eg, bisexual, heterosexual, or gay) and having attractions based on gender role or expression rather than genital anatomy. Only one HIV prevention interventional study in this population was identified, and one study that assessed the perceived acceptability of an intervention. We found no data for interventions using pre-exposure prophylaxis, interventions for cisgender men with transgender men partners, or cisgender men with casual or transactional sexual partnerships with transgender people. Cisgender men with transgender partners are not easily categorised using traditional HIV risk categories. Additional research is needed to understand stigma and other structural drivers of HIV vulnerability, sexual networks and practices, substance use patterns, and biomedical prevention interest and uptake for this group. Studies that use an intersectional lens and syndemic framework could offer key insights.
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18
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Sun S, Whiteley L, Brown LK. HIV Testing Among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men: The Roles of HIV Knowledge, Online Social Life, and Sexual Identity Concerns. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:437-449. [PMID: 30924064 PMCID: PMC6765462 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02471-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
HIV testing is critical for timely care and controlling the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly for regions with increasing infection rates such as China. This study investigated HIV testing and associated demographic, psychosocial, and risk behavior factors among internet-using Chinese MSM (n = 332). Most participants received HIV testing before (74.1%), which was associated with more HIV knowledge, online social life, and more frequent condomless anal sex. Among MSM who tested previously (n = 246), 48.4% reported regular HIV testing, which was associated with a greater online social life and less sexual identity concerns (internalized homonegativity and concealment motivation). Findings suggest a two-step approach to engage MSM who never tested for HIV and who do not undergo regular testing. Strategies to promote testing should enhance HIV knowledge, sex education, and online MSM community building. Interventions to increase acceptance and positivity of sexual identity are crucial to regular testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Sun
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 167 Point Street, Providence, RI, 02901, USA.
| | - Laura Whiteley
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 167 Point Street, Providence, RI, 02901, USA
| | - Larry K Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 167 Point Street, Providence, RI, 02901, USA
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bradley and Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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19
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Development and Validation of the Personalized Sexual Health Promotion (SexPro) HIV Risk Prediction Model for Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:274-283. [PMID: 31352633 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02616-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Accurate HIV risk assessment among men who have sex with men (MSM) is important to help providers assess risk, and target HIV prevention interventions. We sought to develop an evidence-based HIV risk assessment tool for US MSM that is inclusive of Black MSM. Data from four large longitudinal cohorts of MSM were used to develop (EXPLORE), and validate (VAX004, HPTN061, and HVTN505). These data included visits in which participants self-reported HIV risk behavior and underwent HIV testing. We developed a pooled logistic model for incident HIV infection based on self-reported risk behaviors during the 6 months before each study visit. A total of 4069 MSM were used for the development cohort, and 8047 MSM in the three validation cohorts through 2013. The final model includes age (< 35, ≥ 35); Black race and Latino ethnicity; numbers of HIV-negative anal sex partners; number of insertive or receptive anal intercourse episodes; having 1 HIV-negative partner only; self-reported substance use; and bacterial sexually transmitted infection diagnosis. The model showed good discrimination in internal validation (C-statistic = 79.5). The external validation cohorts also showed good discrimination, with C-statistics of 73.1, 71.0, 71.9 in VAX004, HPTN061, and HVTN505 respectively, and acceptable calibration. We developed and validated an HIV risk assessment tool for MSM, which showed good predictive ability, including among the largest cohort of HIV-uninfected Black MSM in the US. This tool is available online (mysexpro.org) and can be used by providers to support targeting of HIV prevention interventions such as pre-exposure prophylaxis for MSM.
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20
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Vincent W, Peterson JL, Storholm ED, Huebner DM, Neilands TB, Calabrese SK, Rebchook GM, Tan JY, Pollack L, Kegeles SM. A Person-Centered Approach to HIV-Related Protective and Risk Factors for Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: Implications for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and HIV Treatment as Prevention. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:2803-2815. [PMID: 31407211 PMCID: PMC7299803 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02630-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV, they may be more heterogeneous as a group than is typically appreciated. Thus, the present study used a person-centered data-analytic approach to determine profiles of HIV-related risk among YBMSM and whether these profiles could be distinguished by age, HIV status, and socioeconomic risk (i.e., socioeconomic distress). YBMSM (N = 1808) aged 18 to 29 years completed a survey of sociodemographic characteristics, HIV status, and HIV-related behavioral and attitudinal factors (i.e., safer-sex self-efficacy, negative condom attitudes, being in difficult sexual situations, being in difficult sexual relationships, HIV treatment optimism, perceived HIV stigma). Latent profile analysis was used to identify HIV risk profiles and whether age, HIV status, and socioeconomic distress were associated with these profiles. Four profiles emerged: low-, medium-, and high-risk profiles, respectively, and a mixed profile characterized by a tendency to be in difficult sexual situations and relationships while also reporting high safer-sex self-efficacy and low negative attitudes toward condom use. Difficult sexual situations emerged as the key defining indicator of whether a profile reflected higher or lower risk. Younger age, being HIV-positive, and socioeconomic distress were associated with having a higher-risk profile. Given that unique risk profiles emerged that were differentially predicted by sociodemographic characteristics and HIV status, these findings have implications for tailoring interventions to the needs of different subgroups of YBMSM. Also, disempowering or risky sexual situations and relationships among YBMSM must be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Vincent
- University of California, UCSF Mailcode 0886, 550 16th St., 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Torsten B Neilands
- University of California, UCSF Mailcode 0886, 550 16th St., 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | | | - Gregory M Rebchook
- University of California, UCSF Mailcode 0886, 550 16th St., 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Judy Y Tan
- University of California, UCSF Mailcode 0886, 550 16th St., 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Lance Pollack
- University of California, UCSF Mailcode 0886, 550 16th St., 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Susan M Kegeles
- University of California, UCSF Mailcode 0886, 550 16th St., 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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21
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Abuelezam NN, Reshef YA, Novak D, Grad YH, Seage Iii GR, Mayer K, Lipsitch M. Interaction Patterns of Men Who Have Sex With Men on a Geosocial Networking Mobile App in Seven United States Metropolitan Areas: Observational Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e13766. [PMID: 31516124 PMCID: PMC6746104 DOI: 10.2196/13766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The structure of the sexual networks and partnership characteristics of young black men who have sex with men (MSM) may be contributing to their high risk of contracting HIV in the United States. Assortative mixing, which refers to the tendency of individuals to have partners from one's own group, has been proposed as a potential explanation for disparities. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify the age- and race-related search patterns of users of a diverse geosocial networking mobile app in seven metropolitan areas in the United States to understand the disparities in sexually transmitted infection and HIV risk in MSM communities. METHODS Data were collected on user behavior between November 2015 and May 2016. Data pertaining to behavior on the app were collected for men who had searched for partners with at least one search parameter narrowed from defaults or used the app to send at least one private chat message and used the app at least once during the study period. Newman assortativity coefficient (R) was calculated from the study data to understand assortativity patterns of men by race. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess assortativity patterns by age. Heat maps were used to visualize the relationship between searcher's and candidate's characteristics by age band, race, or age band and race. RESULTS From November 2015 through May 2016, there were 2,989,737 searches in all seven metropolitan areas among 122,417 searchers. Assortativity by age was important for looking at the profiles of candidates with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.284 (Birmingham) to 0.523 (San Francisco). Men tended to look at the profiles of candidates that matched their race in a highly assortative manner with R ranging from 0.310 (Birmingham) to 0.566 (Los Angeles). For the initiation of chats, race appeared to be slightly assortative for some groups with R ranging from 0.023 (Birmingham) to 0.305 (Los Angeles). Asian searchers were most assortative in initiating chats with Asian candidates in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. In Birmingham and Tampa, searchers from all races tended to initiate chats with black candidates. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the age preferences of MSM are relatively consistent across cities, that is, younger MSM are more likely to be chatted with and have their profiles viewed compared with older MSM, but the patterns of racial mixing are more variable. Although some generalizations can be made regarding Web-based behaviors across all cities, city-specific usage patterns and trends should be analyzed to create targeted and localized interventions that may make the most difference in the lives of MSM in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia N Abuelezam
- William F Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Yakir A Reshef
- Department of Computer Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - David Novak
- DSN Consulting, LLC, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yonatan Hagai Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - George R Seage Iii
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Marc Lipsitch
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Zarwell M, Robinson WT. Network Properties Among Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Vary by Race. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1315-1325. [PMID: 30725398 DOI: 10.1007/s/10461-019-02416-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The HIV burden among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) may be related to variations in network characteristics of the individual's social and sexual network. This study investigates variations in network properties among 188 Black and 295 White GBM recruited in New Orleans during the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance in 2014. Participants described up to five people who provided social support and five sex partners in the past 3 months. Network properties and network dissimilarity indicators were aggregated to the participant level as means or proportions and examined using PROC GLM. White participants reported larger networks (p = 0.0027), had known network members longer (p = 0.0033), and reported more substance use (p < 0.0001) within networks. Black participants reported networks with fewer men (p = 0.0056) and younger members (p = 0.0110) than those of White GBM. Network properties among GBM differ by race in New Orleans which may inform prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan Zarwell
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N Summit Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA.
- School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - William T Robinson
- School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Louisiana Office of Public Health STD/HIV Program, New Orleans, LA, USA
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23
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Abstract
The HIV burden among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) may be related to variations in network characteristics of the individual's social and sexual network. This study investigates variations in network properties among 188 Black and 295 White GBM recruited in New Orleans during the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance in 2014. Participants described up to five people who provided social support and five sex partners in the past 3 months. Network properties and network dissimilarity indicators were aggregated to the participant level as means or proportions and examined using PROC GLM. White participants reported larger networks (p = 0.0027), had known network members longer (p = 0.0033), and reported more substance use (p < 0.0001) within networks. Black participants reported networks with fewer men (p = 0.0056) and younger members (p = 0.0110) than those of White GBM. Network properties among GBM differ by race in New Orleans which may inform prevention interventions.
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24
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Mimiaga MJ, Hughto JMW, Reisner SL. A Randomized Pilot Study of a Group-Delivered HIV Risk Reduction Intervention for At-Risk Urban Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Regularly Attend Private Sex Events. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1059-1071. [PMID: 30805830 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1326-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Across HIV prevention studies, as many as 25% of men who have sex with men (MSM) report meeting male partners at private sex events and attendance is associated with increased number of sexual partners, condomless anal sex (CAS), and HIV infection. Despite the need for effective HIV prevention interventions, no risk reduction interventions have been tested to reduce HIV sexual risk of MSM that regularly engage in sexual risk at private sex events. This randomized pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of an HIV risk reduction intervention to reduce CAS among urban MSM (N = 14) reporting risk at a private sex event in the prior 12 months. The intervention arm received four group sessions (2 h/session) focusing on HIV risk reduction education and skills building. Both the intervention (n = 8) and control (n = 6) conditions received HIV testing and pre- and posttest risk reduction counseling and completed a sexual risk and psychosocial assessment visit at baseline and 3 months post-intervention. In addition, intervention participants completed a brief exit interview post-intervention. Mean age was 37 years, and 57% were racial/ethnic minorities. At follow-up, the intervention group reported greater reductions in sexual risk behavior in the past 3 months including number of CAS episodes, number of partners at private sex events, and CAS episodes at private sex events. The intervention group also reported reduced sexual compulsivity, increases in HIV disclosure, and reduced drug use at private sex events over study follow-up. Exit interviews revealed that participants found the intervention to be highly acceptable. Findings demonstrate feasibility of procedures, participant acceptability, and initial promise of a group-delivered HIV risk reduction intervention for MSM who attend and engage in CAS at private sex events. Further testing of this intervention in a larger pilot randomized controlled trial is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Mimiaga
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Departments of Behavioral and Social Health Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Jaclyn M W Hughto
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Departments of Behavioral and Social Health Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sari L Reisner
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School/Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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25
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Wiersema JJ, Santella AJ, Dansby A, Jordan AO. Adaptation of an Evidence-Based Intervention to Reduce HIV Risk in an Underserved Population: Young Minority Men in New York City Jails. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2019; 31:163-178. [PMID: 30917011 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2019.31.2.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
To address HIV-risk among justice-involved minority men, New York City Health + Hospitals Correctional Health Services implemented a modified version of Choosing Life: Empowerment, Action Results (CLEAR), an evidence-based intervention to influence behavior. A total of 166 young (i.e., 20-29 years old) minority (e.g., non-Hispanic Black or Latinx) men at risk for HIV and incarcerated in New York City jails completed the adapted group-format intervention and corresponding evaluation assessments. Participants showed significantly improved HIV knowledge on the 18-item HIV-KQ-18 scale (mean increase = 3.11 correct, from 13.23 [SD = 3.80] pre-intervention to 16.34 [SD = 2.29] post-intervention). Similarly, participant summary scores for substance use risk, sexual risk, and health promotion improved significantly. At 90 days after jail release, participants reported improved "CLEAR thinking," reduced risk behaviors and improved health-promoting behaviors. Health and HIV-prevention education programs implemented in the jail setting may help reduce health inequities and improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet J Wiersema
- New York City Health + Hospitals Correctional Health Services (CHS), New York, New York
| | | | - Allison Dansby
- New York City Health + Hospitals Correctional Health Services (CHS), New York, New York
| | - Alison O Jordan
- New York City Health + Hospitals Correctional Health Services (CHS), New York, New York
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Boyer CB, Greenberg L, Korelitz J, Harper GW, Stewart-Campbell R, Straub D, Sanders R, Reid LH, Futterman D, Lee S, Ellen JM. Sexual Partner Characteristics, Relationship Type, and HIV Risk Among a Community Venue-based Sample of Urban Adolescent and Young Adult Men Who Have Sex with Men. YOUTH & SOCIETY 2019; 51:219-246. [PMID: 30983642 PMCID: PMC6456077 DOI: 10.1177/0044118x16669259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have examined sexual partnerships and HIV risk in diverse samples of African American/black and Hispanic/Latino adolescent and young adult men who have sex with men (YMSM), a group that have a high burden of HIV in the U.S. A community-venue recruitment approach was used, which identified significant differences in HIV risk by sexual partner type among 1215 YMSM. Those with casual partners had a higher number of sexual partners, had more STIs, and were more likely to engage in transactional sex, to use alcohol, marijuana, or other substances compared with those with main partners only. Among those with female sexual partners, many used condoms "every time" when engaging in vaginal sex with casual partners, but a sizeable proportion "never/rarely" used condoms with their main partners. Our findings demonstrate a need for tailored HIV prevention education and counseling with necessary skills regarding consistent and correct condom use with all sexual partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherrie B Boyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Diane Straub
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Renata Sanders
- Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Donna Futterman
- Adolescent AIDS Program, Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Sonia Lee
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute on Child Health and Human Development/Maternal and Pediatric Infectious Disease Branch, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jonathan M Ellen
- Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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An Investigation of Racial and Ethnic Homophily on Grindr Among an Ongoing Cohort Study of YMSM. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:302-311. [PMID: 30141150 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2262-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM), and especially MSM of color, are disproportionately affected by HIV. Previous research shows that MSM have high levels of racial/ethnic homophily (the tendency for people to have sex with others who share the same racial/ethnic identification) in sexual dyads, which may help explain HIV disparities. This study fills a gap in previous research by grounding network data from a cohort study of young MSM in Chicago (RADAR) in the contexts of virtual spaces (VSs) and examining differences in levels of racial/ethnic homophily using multilevel-logistic-regression models. Results show that Grindr differs from other VSs in proportions of racially/ethnically homophilous dyads and by partner racial/ethnic identification. After controlling for general homophily trends, sex partnerships formed on Grindr by Black MSM were significantly less likely to be homophilous than those of White MSM. While racial/ethnic groups differ in likelihood to form homophilous partnerships, this trend varies by VS.
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Santos GM, Rowe C, Hern J, Walker JE, Ali A, Ornelaz M, Prescott M, Coffin P, McFarland W, Raymond HF. Prevalence and correlates of hazardous alcohol consumption and binge drinking among men who have sex with men (MSM) in San Francisco. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202170. [PMID: 30118495 PMCID: PMC6097698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To describe heavy alcohol use patterns and correlates in a diverse sample of MSM. Methods We used respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to enroll 252 alcohol-using MSM in San Francisco from March 2015-July 2017. We examined heavy alcohol use patterns and conducted RDS-adjusted multivariable analyses to characterize correlates of hazardous alcohol consumption and binge drinking. Results RDS-adjusted prevalence of weekly and at least weekly binge drinking was 24.9% and 19.3%, respectively. Hazardous consumption was common; prevalence of mid- and high-levels of hazardous drinking was 11.4% and 29.9%, respectively. In multivariable analyses, identifying as Hispanic/Latino or mixed/other race; being moderately or extremely interested in reducing alcohol use; ever receiving alcohol treatment; using ecstasy; reporting syphilis diagnosis; and having more than 5 male partners were independently associated with hazardous alcohol consumption. Less hazardous consumption was associated with having a bachelor's degree or completing post-graduate studies; and not being in a relationship. Reporting chlamydia infection; being somewhat, moderately or extremely interested in reducing alcohol use; and having multiple male sex partners were associated with higher odds of at least weekly binge drinking. Lower odds of binge drinking were associated with completing post-graduate studies. Moreover, for the outcomes of hazardous alcohol consumption and binge-drinking, we observed significant interaction effects between race/ethnicity and interest in reducing alcohol, past receipt of alcohol treatment, use of ecstasy, syphilis diagnosis, and number of male partners. Conclusion Among alcohol-using MSM in San Francisco, heavy drinking patterns were common and independently associated with greater number of male sexual partners and sexually transmitted infections (STI). Moreover, significant racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities related to heavy alcohol use were observed and race/ethnicity modified the effect of the risk factors associated with these outcomes. These findings underscore the need to develop more MSM-specific interventions that jointly address heavy alcohol use and HIV/STI risk, as well as culturally-tailored and targeted strategies to alleviate health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn-Milo Santos
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Christopher Rowe
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Jaclyn Hern
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - John E. Walker
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Arsheen Ali
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Marcial Ornelaz
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Maximo Prescott
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Phillip Coffin
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Division of HIV, ID & Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Willi McFarland
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - H. Fisher Raymond
- Department of Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
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Yang C, Latkin C, Tobin K, Seal D, Koblin B, Chander G, Siconolfi D, Flores S, Spikes P. An Event-Level Analysis of Condomless Anal Intercourse with a HIV-Discordant or HIV Status-Unknown Partner Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men from a Multi-site Study. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2224-2234. [PMID: 29779160 PMCID: PMC6021207 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2161-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite the high HIV incidence and prevalence among black men who have sex with men (BMSM), little research has examined partner characteristics, partner seeking venue, sexual position, substance use, and sexual risk behavior at the sex event-level among BMSM. Using the baseline data from a multi-site study of 807 BMSM stratified by their HIV status, the goal of this study was to conduct a detailed event-level analysis of 1577 male anal sex events to assess the factors associated with condomless anal intercourse (CLAI) with a HIV-discordant or HIV status-unknown partner. We found CLAI with an HIV-discordant or unknown HIV status partner among HIV-negative BMSM was negatively associated with having sex with a main partner, and was positively associated with taking both receptive and insertive sexual positions during sex. As compared to a sex partner met at bar, night club or dance club, HIV-positive BMSM were less likely to engage in CLAI with HIV-discordant and unknown HIV status partner met at party or friend's house or at community organizations. HIV-positive BMSM had lower odds of engaging in CLAI with HIV-discordant and unknown HIV status partner if they had insertive sexual position or both receptive and insertive sexual positions. These results underscore the importance of delineating unique sex event-level factors associated with sexual risk behavior depending on individuals' HIV status. Our findings suggest event-level partner characteristics, sexual position, and partner seeking venues may contribute to disparities in HIV incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Yang
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry Street, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry Street, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Karin Tobin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry Street, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - David Seal
- Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Beryl Koblin
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Geetanjali Chander
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Stephen Flores
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pilgrim Spikes
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Pingel ES, Bauermeister JA. 'Church hurt can be the worst hurt': community stakeholder perceptions of the role of Black churches in HIV prevention among young Black gay and bisexual men. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2018; 20:218-231. [PMID: 28662610 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2017.1338756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Black gay and bisexual men aged 15-29 are disproportionately represented among new cases of HIV in the USA. Researchers have argued that community-based prevention cannot succeed without the participation of faith-based organisations, particularly given the salience of religion and spirituality in the lives of young Black gay and bisexual men. Yet some Black churches may be hesitant to engage in HIV prevention efforts given their beliefs about same-sex behaviour. It is less clear, however, whether and how public health practitioners in the field of HIV prevention have approached church inclusion. We therefore explored how community stakeholders describe the involvement of Black churches with the HIV continuum of care. We draw on a qualitative dataset of 50 in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in Detroit, USA. Participants offered multiple perspectives on the response of Black churches to the HIV epidemic, from overt stigma to gradual acceptance and action. Nevertheless, participants agreed that when stigma was present in the pews and the pulpit, young Black gay and bisexual men were at potential risk of social isolation. Furthermore, tensions may exist between Black churches and secular community-based organisations that are attributable to histories of mistrust. These findings have important implications for future community-based intervention strategies among young Black gay and bisexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Pingel
- a Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , USA
- b Department of Sociology , Emory University , Atlanta , USA
| | - José A Bauermeister
- a Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , USA
- c Department of Family and Community Health , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , USA
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Lei Y, Zhang K, Xiao X, Tang C, Li X, Wang H. Sexual Roles, Risk Sexual Behaviours, and HIV Prevalence among Men who Have Sex with Men Seeking HIV Testing in Changsha, China. Curr HIV Res 2018; 16:174-181. [PMID: 29992887 PMCID: PMC6182933 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x16666180711101643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV infection is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM), and sexual roles may be important factors related to it. This study aims to describe the sexual roles, risky sexual behaviors and HIV prevalence among MSM, and to determine associated factors for HIV prevalence. METHODS A convenient sampling method was used to recruit participants in a non-government organization in Changsha, China. The participants were asked to complete a 38-item self-administered questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics and risky sexual behaviours before collecting blood samples for HIV testing. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were conducted with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 18.0 and other indexes were statistically described. RESULTS A total of 601 MSMs who came to a local non-government organization for voluntary counseling and testing completed a pencil-and-paper survey and were tested for HIV. The overall HIV prevalence of this sample was 13.3%, and that of the bottoms (16.3%) was similar to the versatiles (15.9%) but higher than the tops (6.1%). Bivariate analyses showed that there were significant differences in age, marital status, monthly income, sexual orientation, age at first sex, sex of the first sex partner, sex with a woman in the last 6 months, oral sex with a man in the last 6 months and role of oral sex among 3 subgroups of MSM (p < 0.05). Multivariate analyses indicated that MSMs who played the role of either the bottoms or the versatiles were more likely to be HIV positive than the tops. While MSMs who used condoms in anal sex in the last 6 months, had sex with a woman in the last 6 months or had oral sex with a man in the last 6 months were less likely to be HIV positive. CONCLUSION Different sexual roles are associated with high-risk sexual behaviors among MSMs and their HIV infection status. Further research should target preventive interventions, and improve the effectiveness of the intervention according to the characteristics of the subgroups to reduce the HIV transmission among Chinese MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Honghong Wang
- Address correspondence to this author at Xiangya School of Nursing of Central South University, 172 Tong Zi Po Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Tel: 86-731-82650270; Fax: 86-731-82650266; E-mail:
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Joseph HA, Pan Y, Mendoza M, Harawa NT, Lauby J, Hosek SG, Bluthenthal RN, Milnamow M, Fernandez MI, Jeffries WL, Belcher L, Millett GA. HIV Acquisition and Transmission Potential Among African American Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women in Three U.S. Cities. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:183-194. [PMID: 29124541 PMCID: PMC8386249 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-1052-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Black men who have sex with men and women (BMSMW) are at increased HIV risk, but few efficacious interventions meet their unique needs. Three HIV prevention interventions were evaluated with a common protocol. Baseline data were pooled to describe sexual behavior involving transmission risk with male, female, and male-to-female transgender partners and identify factors associated with transmission risk. BMSMW from Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Chicago who reported sexual risk and bisexual behavior in the past year were recruited via modified chain referral sampling and community recruitment. Baseline assessments were conducted via audio computer-assisted interview and sexual behaviors assessed over the past 3 months. From December 2010 to November 2012, 584 BMSMW were enrolled across the three cities. More than half (55%) were recruited by other participants. Overall, the mean age was 43 years. Seventy-five percent reported an annual income <$10,000 and selling sex was prevalent (31%). Three-quarters identified as bisexual. Thirty-nine percent were HIV-positive. Among HIV-positive participants, 46% reported sex without condoms with HIV-negative or unknown male partners and 45% with HIV-negative or unknown female partners. Overall, factors associated with sex without condoms included network size, education, income, sexual orientation identification, HIV status, exchange sex, homonegativity, and social support. Findings support the need for enhanced HIV prevention efforts for this population. Future studies should examine contextual factors in addition to individual risk behaviors to inform the development and implementation of promising strategies to prevent HIV and promote the overall health and wellness of BMSMW and their sexual partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Joseph
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
| | - Yi Pan
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Maria Mendoza
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Nina T Harawa
- College of Medicine, Charles Drew University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Lauby
- Public Health Management Corporation, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sybil G Hosek
- Research Department of Psychiatry, Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mary Milnamow
- Public Health Management Corporation, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Lisa Belcher
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
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Online Sex Partner Meeting Venues as a Risk Factor for Testing HIV Positive Among a Community-Based Sample of Black Men Who Have Sex With Men. Sex Transm Dis 2017; 43:360-4. [PMID: 27200520 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the United States, black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. The elevated estimates of HIV among BMSM suggest that to slow rates of HIV infections, a range of factors that may contribute to transmission must be researched. Use of online venues for seeking out sex partners is one such area that may further advance our understanding of risks for HIV among BMSM. METHODS Black men who have sex with men residing in Atlanta, GA, reporting HIV-negative/unknown status completed survey assessments and HIV antibody testing. Logistic regression using generalized linear modeling was used to conduct both bivariate and multivariable analyses of psychosocial variables-that is, substance use, sexually transmitted infection symptoms/diagnoses, sexual risk behavior, online sex partner meeting, and HIV test results. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-two BMSM tested HIV negative and 39 BMSM tested HIV positive (14% new diagnoses). Reporting symptoms of a rectal sexually transmitted infection (odds ratio, 4.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-15.41) and use of sexual networking apps (odds ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-4.36) were both associated with testing HIV positive in a multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS The use of sexual networking apps is associated with risks for HIV infection above and beyond what is captured by sexual risk behavior alone. Evaluating how sexual networking apps affect sexual networks and social norms regarding sexual risk taking and HIV transmission is an important and novel area for HIV prevention and intervention development.
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Dyer TV, Khan MR, Sandoval M, Acheampong A, Regan R, Bolyard M, Mateu-Gelabert P, Friedman SR. Drug Use and Sexual HIV Transmission Risk Among Men Who have Sex with Men and Women (MSMW), Men Who have Sex with Men only (MSMO), and Men Who have Sex with Women Only (MSWO) and the Female Partners of MSMW and MSWO: A Network Perspective. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:3590-3598. [PMID: 28229245 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We described drug use, sex risk, and STI/HIV among men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) and their female partners. We used the Network, Norms and HIV/STI Risk among Youth (NNAHRAY) study to evaluate drug use, sex risk, and biologically-confirmed STI/HIV in (1) MSMW and men who had sex with men only (MSMO) versus men who had sex with women only (MSWO) and (2) female partners of MSMW versus female partners of MSWO (N = 182 men, 152 women). MSMW versus MSWO had 30 to 60% increased odds of substance use, over twice the odds of multiple partnerships, and almost five times the odds of sex trade and HIV infection. Female partners of MSMW versus female partners of MSWO had approximately twice the odds of substance use and 1.5-2 times the odds of multiple partnerships and sex trade. Interventions should address STI/HIV risk among MSMW and their female partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Typhanye V Dyer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Maryland, 2234FF School of Public Health, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Maria R Khan
- Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Milagros Sandoval
- National Development and Research Institutes Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - Abenaa Acheampong
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rotrease Regan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melissa Bolyard
- Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Samuel R Friedman
- National Development and Research Institutes Inc., New York, NY, USA
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Brignol S, Kerr L, Amorim LD, Dourado I. Factors associated with HIV infection among a respondent-driven sample of men who have sex with men in Salvador, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2017; 19:256-71. [PMID: 27532750 DOI: 10.1590/1980-5497201600020004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to disproportionately affect men who have sex with men (MSM); therefore, we investigated the sociodemographic, biological, and sexual behavioral risk factors associated with HIV infection in the city of Salvador, Bahia. This study is part of the national survey Behavior, Attitudes, Practices and Prevalence of HIV and Syphilis among men who have sex with men in 10 Brazilian Cities, which is a cross-sectional survey whose participants were selected by means of the respondent-driven sampling. Exact logistic regression analysis was used to measure the association of potential risk factors with HIV infection due to an HIV prevalence lower than 10% and a small sample size (383). The prevalence of HIV was 6.3% (95%CI 3.9-8.8) and the risk factors associated with HIV infection in our adjusted final model included having never been tested for syphilis (OR = 3.1; 95%CI 1.3 - 7.3) and having more than eight sexual partners (OR = 3.3; 95%CI 1.4 - 8.1). This study highlights the high prevalence of HIV among MSM in the sample compared with the general population and confirms the importance of testing for syphilis in the context of the HIV epidemic as early detection may provide opportunities to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Brignol
- Departamento de Epidemiologia e Bioestatística, Universidade Federal Fluminense - Niterói (RJ), Brasil
| | - Ligia Kerr
- Departamento de Saúde Comunitária, Universidade Federal do Ceará - Fortaleza (CE), Brasil
| | - Leila Denise Amorim
- Instituto de Matemática, Universidade Federal da Bahia - Salvador (BA), Brasil
| | - Inês Dourado
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia - Salvador (BA), Brasil
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Hickson DA, Mena LA, Wilton L, Tieu HV, Koblin BA, Cummings V, Latkin C, Mayer KH. Sexual Networks, Dyadic Characteristics, and HIV Acquisition and Transmission Behaviors Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in 6 US Cities. Am J Epidemiol 2017; 185:786-800. [PMID: 28402405 PMCID: PMC5860251 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kww144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of sexual networks in the epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among black men who have sex with men (MSM) is poorly understood. Using data from 1,306 black MSM in the BROTHERS Study (2009-2010) in the United States, we examined the relationships between multiple sexual dyadic characteristics and serodiscordant/serostatus-unknown condomless sex (SDCS). HIV-infected participants had higher odds of SDCS when having sex at least weekly (odds ratio (OR) = 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37, 4.23) or monthly (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.24) versus once to a few times a year. HIV-uninfected participants had higher odds of SDCS with partners met offline at sex-focused venues (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.78) versus partners met online. In addition, having sex upon first meeting was associated with higher odds of SDCS (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.83) than was not having sex on first meeting, while living/continued communication with sexual partner(s) was associated with lower odds of SDCS (weekly: OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.85; monthly: OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.81; yearly: OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.85) versus discontinued communication. Persons with primary/steady nonprimary partners versus commercial partners had lower odds of SDCS regardless of HIV serostatus. This suggests the need for culturally relevant HIV prevention efforts for black MSM that facilitate communication with sexual partners especially about risk reduction strategies, including preexposure prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- DeMarc A. Hickson
- Correspondence to Dr. DeMarc A. Hickson, My Brother's Keeper Inc., Center for Research, Evaluation, and Environmental and Policy Change, 510 George Street, Jackson, MS 39202 (e-mail: )
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Lindong I, Edwards L, Dennis S, Fajobi O. Similarities and Differences Matter: Considering the Influence of Gender on HIV Prevention Programs for Young Adults in an Urban HBCU. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14020133. [PMID: 28146047 PMCID: PMC5334687 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) disproportionately burdens African American youth and young adults. In studies conducted in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) settings, African American youth generally perceive themselves as having a low risk of contracting HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) despite having higher rates of unprotected sexual encounters, multiple sex partners, and particularly low rates of HIV testing and awareness of HIV status. These findings position HBCUs in a pivotal role for theory-based research and practice to modify behaviors in order to decrease HIV acquisition risk. Get Students Mobilized and Retooled to Transform (SMART) is an interventional research project in an urban HBCU in a northeastern metropolitan area in the US. The project is designed to assess and then address irresponsible behavior among students on college campuses that leads to illicit drug use, excessive alcohol consumption and underage drinking, and risky sexual behaviors that increase the likelihood of acquiring HIV and STDs. As gender plays a critical role in interventions, this article explores gender similarities and differences to inform the planning and implementation of Get SMART and any subsequent projects that address substance and alcohol use and HIV in an HBCU setting. Survey research was conducted to find similar and different factors that may be valuable in implementing and tailoring evidence-based interventions in a predominantly African American campus setting. Survey results revealed that more young adult women consume alcohol and use marijuana than young adult men. Young adult men were also more likely to be tested for HIV when compared to young adult women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Lindong
- School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, 1700 E Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA.
| | - Lorece Edwards
- School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, 1700 E Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA.
| | - Sabriya Dennis
- School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, 1700 E Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA.
| | - Olaoluwa Fajobi
- School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, 1700 E Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA.
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Crosby RA, Mena L, Ricks JM. Correlates of sexual-risk behaviors among young black MSM: implications for clinic-based counseling programs. AIDS Care 2016; 29:718-723. [PMID: 27875903 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1259449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study applied an 8-item index of recent sexual-risk behaviors to young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) and evaluated the distribution for normality. The distribution was tested for associations with possible antecedents of sexual risk. YBMSM (N = 600), aged 16-29 years, were recruited from a sexually transmitted infection clinic, located in the southern US. Men completed an extensive audio computer-assisted self-interview. Thirteen possible antecedents of sexual risk, as assessed by the index, were selected for analyses. The 8-item index formed a normal distribution with a mean of 4.77 (SD = 1.77). In adjusted analyses, not having completed education beyond high school was associated with less risk, as was having sex with females. Conversely, meeting sex partners online was associated with greater risk, as was reporting that sex partners were drunk during sex. The obtained normal distribution of sexual-risk behaviors suggests a corresponding need to "target and tailor" clinic-based counseling and prevention services for YBMSM. Avoiding sex when partners are intoxicated may be an especially valuable goal of counseling sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Crosby
- a Department of Health, Behavior & Society , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
| | - Leandro Mena
- b Division of Infectious Diseases , University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson , MS , USA
| | - JaNelle M Ricks
- c Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion , The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
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Cepeda A, Frankeberger J, Bailey JL, Nowotny KM, Natera-Rey G, Valdez A. HIV and STI knowledge, testing, and risk among adult crack users in Mexico city: baseline findings from a feasibility study. AIDS Care 2016; 29:350-354. [PMID: 27832703 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1255707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has documented crack cocaine's increasing spread in Mexico, which is likely to contribute to the rapid transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In Mexico, crack use is increasing most rapidly in vulnerable, hard-to-reach populations, where little is known about risk behaviors. This report aims to present baseline data regarding HIV and STI knowledge and testing prevalence from an innovative projection mapping HIV intervention, in which 3-D illusions, animation, and visual text graphics and sound are projected onto buildings with health messages that were designed to disrupt everyday life and connect with the target population. Fifty-eight men and women who used crack in the past month without receiving drug treatment were recruited and interviewed before the projection mapping intervention took place. Testing instruments included a sociodemographic assessment, drug use and treatment profile, HIV and STI knowledge questionnaires, and a sex and drug risk assessment. The mean scores for respondents on the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire (10.5 out of 18, 58.3%) and STD Knowledge Questionnaire (9.5 out of 27, 35.2%) were both low. Respondents also reported high rates of sexual risk behaviors, with 73% reporting never using a condom and 64% never being tested for HIV. This report provides a portrait of STI and HIV risk among a vulnerable population in Mexico City and the need for urgent interventions to prevent the spread of STIs and HIV. The associated projection mapping intervention will seek to increase HIV and STI knowledge and reduce risk in this hard-to-reach population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Cepeda
- a School of Social Work , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Jessica Frankeberger
- b Department of Preventive Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Jennifer L Bailey
- c Department of Psychology , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Kathryn M Nowotny
- d Department of Sociology , University of Miami , Coral Gables , FL , USA
| | | | - Avelardo Valdez
- f School of Social Work & Sociology , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
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Morgan E, Khanna AS, Skaathun B, Michaels S, Young L, Duvoisin R, Chang M, Voisin D, Cornwell B, Coombs RW, Friedman SR, Schneider JA. Marijuana Use Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men and the HIV Care Continuum: Findings From the uConnect Cohort. Subst Use Misuse 2016; 51:1751-9. [PMID: 27556866 PMCID: PMC5031235 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2016.1197265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are at highest risk for HIV seroconversion in the United States. Successful movement through the HIV care continuum is an important intervention for limiting onwards HIV transmission. OBJECTIVE Little data exists on how substances most commonly used by YBMSM, such as marijuana, are related to the HIV continuum, which represents the primary aim of this study. METHODS A cohort of YBMSM (n = 618) was generated through respondent-driven sampling. Frequency of marijuana use and marijuana use as a sex-drug were assessed across the HIV care continuum using weighted logistic regression models. RESULTS Study participants reported more intermittent marijuana use (n = 254, 56.2%) compared to heavy use (n = 198, 43.8%). Our sample contained 212 (34.3%) HIV seropositive participants of which 52 (24.5%) were unaware of their HIV positive status. Study participants who were heavy marijuana users were more likely to be unaware of their HIV seropositive status (AOR: 4.18; 95% CI 1.26, 13.89). All other stages in the care continuum demonstrated no significant differences between those who use marijuana intermittently or heavily or as a sex-drug and nonusers. CONCLUSIONS YBMSM who used marijuana heavily were more likely to be HIV-positive unaware than those who never used marijuana. Findings were inconclusive regarding the relationships between marijuana use and other HIV care continuum metrics. However, knowledge of ones' HIV status is a critical requirement for engaging in care and may have implications for onwards HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Morgan
- a Department of Public Health Sciences , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Aditya S Khanna
- b Department of Medicine , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Britt Skaathun
- a Department of Public Health Sciences , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Stuart Michaels
- c NORC at the University of Chicago, University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Lindsay Young
- b Department of Medicine , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Rebeccah Duvoisin
- c NORC at the University of Chicago, University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Ming Chang
- d Department of Laboratory Medicine , University of Washington , Seattle , Washington , USA
| | - Dexter Voisin
- e School of Social Service Administration , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Benjamin Cornwell
- f Department of Sociology , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York , USA
| | - Robert W Coombs
- d Department of Laboratory Medicine , University of Washington , Seattle , Washington , USA
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- g National Development and Research Institutes , New York , New York , USA
| | - John A Schneider
- a Department of Public Health Sciences , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
- b Department of Medicine , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
- c NORC at the University of Chicago, University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
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Siembida EJ, Eaton LA, Maksut JL, Driffin DD, Baldwin R. A Comparison of HIV-Related Risk Factors Between Black Transgender Women and Black Men Who Have Sex with Men. Transgend Health 2016; 1:172-180. [PMID: 28861530 PMCID: PMC5549536 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2016.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Rates of HIV infection among transgender women (TW) are higher than rates observed among men who have sex with men (MSM), and black or African American individuals are at a disproportionately higher risk for HIV than individuals of other races. Limited information, however, is available regarding the needs of black TW and their risk for HIV. Numerous scholarly works and surveillance reports have combined TW with MSM, which has stymied our ability to understand the unique needs of black TW. Methods: To identify patterns of HIV risk among black TW and black MSM, the current study utilized a cross-sectional, convenience sample to compare sociodemographic risk factors, HIV prevention tools, HIV-related risk factors, and psychosocial and sexual risk factors in a sample of 58 black TW and 764 black MSM. Participants were recruited between 2012 and 2014 from Atlanta, GA. Results: Findings demonstrated that black TW were significantly more likely to report lower educational attainment (odds ratio [OR]=0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42-0.85, p=0.005), greater likelihood of being homeless (OR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.30-4.78, p=0.006), lower HIV testing knowledge (OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.52-0.83, p=0.001), and higher likelihood of having engaged in transactional sex (OR=1.95, 95% CI: 0.99-3.83, p=0.052) compared to black MSM. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need to understand how risk factors for HIV present themselves similarly and differently for both black TW and black MSM, and for HIV prevention programs and interventions to incorporate evidence-based content for each group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. Siembida
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Lisa A. Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- SHARE Project, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica L. Maksut
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
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Johnston LG, Hakim AJ, Dittrich S, Burnett J, Kim E, White RG. A Systematic Review of Published Respondent-Driven Sampling Surveys Collecting Behavioral and Biologic Data. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:1754-76. [PMID: 26992395 PMCID: PMC6620785 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1346-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Reporting key details of respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey implementation and analysis is essential for assessing the quality of RDS surveys. RDS is both a recruitment and analytic method and, as such, it is important to adequately describe both aspects in publications. We extracted data from peer-reviewed literature published through September, 2013 that reported collected biological specimens using RDS. We identified 151 eligible peer-reviewed articles describing 222 surveys conducted in seven regions throughout the world. Most published surveys reported basic implementation information such as survey city, country, year, population sampled, interview method, and final sample size. However, many surveys did not report essential methodological and analytical information for assessing RDS survey quality, including number of recruitment sites, seeds at start and end, maximum number of waves, and whether data were adjusted for network size. Understanding the quality of data collection and analysis in RDS is useful for effectively planning public health service delivery and funding priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa G Johnston
- University of California, San Francisco, Global Health Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Avi J Hakim
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samantha Dittrich
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Janet Burnett
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Evelyn Kim
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richard G White
- CMMID and Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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43
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Roman Isler M, Golin C, Wang J, Hughes J, Justman J, Haley D, Kuo I, Adimora A, Chege W, Hodder S. Venues for Meeting Sex Partners and Partner HIV Risk Characteristics: HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN064) Women's HIV Seroincidence Study (ISIS). AIDS Behav 2016; 20:1208-18. [PMID: 25863466 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1057-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Identifying venues where women meet sexual partners, particular partners who increase women's risk of acquiring HIV, could inform prevention efforts. We categorized venues where women enrolled in HPTN 064 reported meeting their last three sex partners as: (1) Formal, (2) Public, (3) Private, and (4) Virtual spaces. We used multinomial logistic regression to assess the association between these venues and women's individual characteristics and reports of their partners' HIV risk characteristics. The 2099 women reported meeting 3991 partners, 51 % at Public, 30 % Private, 17 % Formal and 3 % at Virtual venues. Women meeting partners at Formal venues reported more education and condom use than women meeting partners at other venues. Fewer partners met through Formal venues had "high" risk characteristics for HIV than through other venues and hence may pose less risk of HIV transmission. HIV prevention interventions can help women choose partners with fewer risk characteristics across all venue types.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Roman Isler
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7240, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7064, USA.
| | - C Golin
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - J Wang
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention (SCHARP), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J Hughes
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J Justman
- Department of Epidemiology and Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Haley
- FHI360, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - I Kuo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - A Adimora
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - W Chege
- Prevention Sciences Program, DAIDS, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - S Hodder
- New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
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Noor SW, Wilkerson JM, Schick V, Iantaffi A. Non-monosexual Partnerships: Information, Motivation and Self-Efficacy among Methamphetamine-Using Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Also Have Sex with Women or Transgender Persons. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2016; 28:205-215. [PMID: 28255423 PMCID: PMC5328189 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2016.1168903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sex with more than one gender is associated with higher substance use, and sexual HIV risk. METHODS We examined knowledge, motivation, and self-efficacy to engage in safer substance use and sexual behavior among methamphetamine-using U.S. men who have sex with more than one gender (N=343). RESULTS Almost half(46.2%) of the men reported having sex with a man and a woman or transgender partner in the last 30 days. Compared to monosexual MSM, non-monosexual MSM reported greater condom use self-efficacy however, they reported more sexual partners who inject drugs. CONCLUSION We observed distinct differences between men who do or do not have sex with more than one gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Wb Noor
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Michael Wilkerson
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health) School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vanessa Schick
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health) School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alex Iantaffi
- Program in Human Sexuality, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Tobin KE, Yang C, King K, Latkin CA, Curriero FC. Associations Between Drug and Alcohol Use Patterns and Sexual Risk in a Sample of African American Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:590-9. [PMID: 26558629 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1214-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are the largest risk group in the US HIV epidemic and African American MSM (AA MSM) are disproportionately affected. Substance-abusing sexual minorities warrant attention as they are at elevated risk for HIV, yet are not a homogeneous risk group. The purpose of this study was to use latent class analysis to identify patterns of drug and alcohol use in a sample of 359 AA MSM and examine associations with sexual risk. Three classes were identified: Individuals who used multiple substances (poly-users) (18 %), alcohol/marijuana users (33 %) and individuals who had low probability of reporting drug or problematic alcohol use (50 %). Results from multivariate analysis indicate that poly-users were older and more likely to report sex exchange and recent sexually transmitted infection compared to the other classes. Alcohol and poly-users were more likely to report sex under the influence. Identifying and defining substance use patterns can improve specification of risk groups and allocation of prevention resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E Tobin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 2213 McElderry Street, Second Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Cui Yang
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 2213 McElderry Street, Second Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kelly King
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 2213 McElderry Street, Second Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 2213 McElderry Street, Second Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Frank C Curriero
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Matthews DD, Smith JC, Brown AL, Malebranche DJ. Reconciling Epidemiology and Social Justice in the Public Health Discourse Around the Sexual Networks of Black Men Who Have Sex With Men. Am J Public Health 2016; 106:808-14. [PMID: 26890175 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2015.303031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have implicated the sexual networks of Black men who have sex with men (MSM) as facilitating disproportionally high rates of new HIV infections within this community. Although structural disparities place these networks at heightened risk for infection, HIV prevention science continues to describe networks as the cause for HIV disparities, rather than an effect of structures that pattern infection. We explore the historical relationship between public health and Black MSM, arguing that the current articulation of Black MSM networks is too often incomplete and counterproductive. Public health can offer a counternarrative that reconciles epidemiology with the social justice that informs our discipline, and that is required for an effective response to the epidemic among Black MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick D Matthews
- Derrick D. Matthews is with the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Justin C. Smith is with the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Andre L. Brown is with the Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. David J. Malebranche is with Student Health Service, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Justin C Smith
- Derrick D. Matthews is with the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Justin C. Smith is with the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Andre L. Brown is with the Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. David J. Malebranche is with Student Health Service, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Andre L Brown
- Derrick D. Matthews is with the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Justin C. Smith is with the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Andre L. Brown is with the Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. David J. Malebranche is with Student Health Service, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - David J Malebranche
- Derrick D. Matthews is with the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Justin C. Smith is with the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Andre L. Brown is with the Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. David J. Malebranche is with Student Health Service, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Nelson LE, Wilton L, Moineddin R, Zhang N, Siddiqi A, Sa T, Harawa N, Regan R, Dyer TP, Watson CC, Koblin B, Del Rio C, Buchbinder S, Wheeler DP, Mayer KH. Economic, Legal, and Social Hardships Associated with HIV Risk among Black Men who have Sex with Men in Six US Cities. J Urban Health 2016; 93:170-88. [PMID: 26830422 PMCID: PMC4794466 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-015-0020-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We assessed whether economic, legal, and social hardships were associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk among a sample of Black men who have sex with men (MSM) and whether associations were moderated by city of residence. The study analyzed baseline and follow-up data from HIV Prevention Trials Network 061 (N = 1553). Binary logistic regression assessed associations between hardships and HIV risk indicators. Multivariate regressions were used to test if city of residence had a moderating effect for hardships and HIV risks. Adjusted analyses showed that Black MSM with recent job loss were more likely to engage in condomless insertive anal intercourse (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) = 1.37, 95% CI 1.01-1.87) and that those with recent financial crisis were more likely to have had two or more male sexual partners in the past 6 months (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.18-2.29). Black MSM with recent convictions were more likely to have a sexually transmitted infection at 6 months (AOR = 3.97; 95% CI 1.58-9.94), while those who were unstably housed were more likely to have a sexually transmitted infection at 12 months (AOR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.02 = 2.86). There were no city of residence and hardship interaction effects on HIV risks. Hardships are important factors that influence HIV risk for Black MSM. Integrating strategies that address structural factors that influence HIV risk may enhance HIV prevention interventions implementation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- LaRon E Nelson
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Leo Wilton
- College of Community and Public Affairs, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, USA
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rahim Moineddin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nanhua Zhang
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Arjumand Siddiqi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Divisions of Epidemiology and Social & Behavioural Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Gillings School of Public Health, Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ting Sa
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nina Harawa
- College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rotrease Regan
- David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Typhanye Penniman Dyer
- School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Carlos Del Rio
- Rollins School of Public Health, Hubert Department of Global Health and School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Susan Buchbinder
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, HIV Research Section, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Darrell P Wheeler
- School of Social Welfare, State University of New York Albany, Albany, NY, USA
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The Role of Syndemic in Explaining Health Disparities Among Bisexual Men: A Blueprint for a Theoretically Informed Perspective. SOCIAL DISPARITIES IN HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-34004-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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49
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Tieu HV, Nandi V, Hoover DR, Lucy D, Stewart K, Frye V, Cerda M, Ompad D, Latkin C, Koblin BA. Do Sexual Networks of Men Who Have Sex with Men in New York City Differ by Race/Ethnicity? AIDS Patient Care STDS 2016; 30:39-47. [PMID: 26745143 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2015.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The United States HIV epidemic disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic men who have sex with men (MSM). This disparity might be partially explained by differences in social and sexual network structure and composition. A total of 1267 MSM in New York City completed an ACASI survey and egocentric social and sexual network inventory about their sex partners in the past 3 months, and underwent HIV testing. Social and sexual network structure and composition were compared by race/ethnicity of the egos: black, non-Hispanic (N = 365 egos), white, non-Hispanic (N = 466), and Hispanic (N = 436). 21.1% were HIV-positive by HIV testing; 17.2% reported serodiscordant and serostatus unknown unprotected anal/vaginal intercourse (SDUI) in the last 3 months. Black MSM were more likely than white and Hispanic MSM to report exclusively having partners of same race/ethnicity. Black and Hispanic MSM had more HIV-positive and unknown status partners than white MSM. White men were more likely to report overlap of social and sex partners than black and Hispanic men. No significant differences by race/ethnicity were found for network size, density, having concurrent partners, or having partners with ≥10 years age difference. Specific network composition characteristics may explain racial/ethnic disparities in HIV infection rates among MSM, including HIV status of sex partners in networks and lack of social support within sexual networks. Network structural characteristics such as size and density do not appear to have such an impact. These data add to our understanding of the complexity of social factors affecting black MSM and Hispanic MSM in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Van Tieu
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, New York Blood Center, New York City, New York
| | - Vijay Nandi
- Laboratory of Analytical Sciences, New York Blood Center, New York City, New York
| | - Donald R. Hoover
- Department of Biostatistics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Debbie Lucy
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, New York Blood Center, New York City, New York
| | - Kiwan Stewart
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, New York Blood Center, New York City, New York
| | - Victoria Frye
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Social Sciences, New York Blood Center, New York City, New York
| | - Magdalena Cerda
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Danielle Ompad
- New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York City, New York
| | - Carl Latkin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Beryl A. Koblin
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, New York Blood Center, New York City, New York
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Scott HM, Irvin R, Wilton L, Van Tieu H, Watson C, Magnus M, Chen I, Gaydos C, Hussen SA, Mannheimer S, Mayer K, Hessol NA, Buchbinder S. Sexual Behavior and Network Characteristics and Their Association with Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0146025. [PMID: 26720332 PMCID: PMC4697821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Black men who have sex with men (MSM) have a high prevalence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and individual risk behavior does not fully explain the higher prevalence when compared with other MSM. Using the social-ecological framework, we evaluated individual, social and sexual network, and structural factors and their association with prevalent STIs among Black MSM. Methods The HIV Prevention Trials Network 061 was a multi-site cohort study designed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-component intervention for Black MSM in six US cities. Baseline assessments included demographics, risk behavior, and social and sexual network questions collected information about the size, nature and connectedness of their sexual network. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of having any prevalent sexually transmitted infection (gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis). Results A total of 1,553 Black MSM were enrolled in this study. In multivariate analysis, older age (aOR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.49–0.66, p<0.001) was associated with a lower odds of having a prevalent STI. Compared with reporting one male sexual partner, having 2–3 partners (aOR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.08–2.81, p<0.024) or more than 4 partners (aOR = 2.29; 95% CI 1.43–3.66, p<0.001) was associated with prevalent STIs. Having both Black and non-Black sexual partners (aOR = 0.67; 95% CI 0.45–0.99, p = 0.042) was the only sexual network factor associated with prevalent STIs. Conclusions Age and the number and racial composition of sexual partners were associated with prevalent STIs among Black MSM, while other sexual network factors were not. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of the individual, network, and structural factors on prevalent STIs among Black MSM to inform combination interventions to reduce STIs among these men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyman M. Scott
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Risha Irvin
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Leo Wilton
- Department of Human Development, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, United States of America
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hong Van Tieu
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Chauncey Watson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Manya Magnus
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Iris Chen
- Department of Pathology, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Charlotte Gaydos
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sophia A. Hussen
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sharon Mannheimer
- Department of Medicine, Harlem Hospital, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Mayer
- Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nancy A. Hessol
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Susan Buchbinder
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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