A syndemic including cigarette smoking and sexual risk behaviors among a sample of MSM in Shanghai, China

Sexual knowledge based on Islamic values and sexual risk behaviors of HIV/STIs among Thai Muslim army conscripts: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are commonly associated with conflict areas. In Thailand, conflict situations have occurred from 2004 until the present in three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces, including Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. However, Islam provides strict guidelines on sexuality. Therefore, those who strictly practice Islam will have lower sexual risk behavior.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the relationship between Islamic values-based sexual knowledge, sociodemographic factors, and risk for HIV/STIs among Thai Muslim army conscripts in the unrest situation area.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2020. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire among 421 participants. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square were used to examine the association among variables.

RESULTS

57.5% of Muslim army conscripts had poor sexual knowledge based on Islamic aspects, and the participants showed high-risk profiles for HIV/STIs (32.5%). Marital status, hometown, smoking and drinking status, and Islamic values-based sexual knowledge were significantly associated with the risk of HIV/STIs (p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Participants with poor sexual knowledge according to Islamic values, smokers, single-status, alcoholic drinkers, and non-three southernmost provinces' hometowns had higher risks of HIV/STIs. Thus, it is suggested that nurses and public health professionals implement sexual health promotion and prevention for HIV/STIs. In addition, misperceptions of Islamic aspects toward sexual behavior should receive immediate adjustments.

Syndemic Conditions, Sexual Risk Behavior, and HIV Infection Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Taiwan

Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to constitute the majority of HIV incidence in Taiwan. This study examined the associations between five co-occurring psychosocial health conditions (PHCs)-childhood physical abuse (CPA), childhood sexual abuse (CSA), intimate partner violence (IPV), internalized homophobia (IH), and methamphetamine use (MU), and two outcomes (HIV infection and condomless anal sex) among a community sample of 1,000 Taiwanese MSM (mean age 28.5 years). Compared to MSM who had never experienced any PHC, MSM with one or more PHCs had greater than twofold higher odds of being HIV-positive, and those with three or more PHCs had twofold higher odds of having condomless anal sex. Interactive effects on HIV infection were identified from CPA + CSA + MU and CPA + IPV + MU. An interactive effect on condomless anal sex was detected between IH and MU. In order to control the escalating HIV epidemic among MSM in Taiwan, interventions are needed to address syndemic psychosocial health conditions.

Understanding Patterns of Healthy Aging Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for an Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

With the graying of sexual and gender minority communities and the growing number of people aged ≥50 years living with HIV, it is increasingly important to understand resilience in the context of the psychosocial aspects of aging and aging well.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to describe the methods and sample for the Understanding Patterns of Healthy Aging Among Men Who Have Sex With Men study.

METHODS

This observational cohort study was conducted within the Multisite AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) and was designed to explore resiliencies to explain patterns of health and illness among middle-aged and older sexual minority men. To be eligible, a participant had to be an active participant in the MACS, be at least 40 years of age as of April 1, 2016, and report any sex with another man since enrollment in the MACS.

RESULTS

Eligible participants (N=1318) completed six biannual surveys between April 2016 and April 2019. The mean age of the sample was 59.6 years (range 40-91 years). The sample was mostly White, educated, gay-identified, and included both HIV-positive (656/1318, 49.77%) and HIV-negative (662/1318, 50.23%) men.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding resiliencies in aging is a critical springboard for the development of more holistic public health theories and interventions that support healthy aging among older sexual minority men.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR1-10.2196/25750.

Minority stress, depression, and cigarette smoking among Chinese gay versus bisexual men: a two-group structural equation model analyses

Background

Literature in the West suggested that bisexual men have a higher smoking rate compared to gay men. Data on patterns of smoking among gay and bisexual men are limited in Eastern Asian countries like China. This study examined the cigarette smoking prevalence for gay versus bisexual men in China and their unique minority stress - smoking pathways.

Methods

Between September 2017 and November 2018, we surveyed a convenience sample of 538 gay men and 138 bisexual men recruited from local sexual minority organizations in four metropolitan cities in China (i.e., Beijing, Wuhan, Nanchang, and Changsha). Measures included sexual orientation, sociodemographics, theory-based minority stressors, depressive symptoms, and past 30-day cigarette smoking. Two-group (gay men vs. bisexual men) structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test possible distinct mechanisms between theory-based stressors, depressive symptoms, and cigarette smoking among gay men and bisexual men, respectively.

Results

The mean age of participants was 26.51 (SD = 8.41) years old and 76.3% of them had at least a college degree. Bisexual men reported a higher rate of cigarette smoking compared to gay men (39.9% vs. 27.3%). Two-group SEM indicated that the pathways for cigarette smoking were not different between gay and bisexual men. Higher rejection anticipation was associated with greater depressive symptoms (standardized β = 0.32, p < .001), and depressive symptoms were not associated with cigarette smoking.

Conclusions

Minority stress, specifically rejection anticipation, may be critical considerations in addressing depressive symptoms, but not smoking, among both gay and bisexual men in China.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10888-5.

Evidence for the Confluence of Cigarette Smoking, Other Substance Use, and Psychosocial and Mental Health in a Sample of Urban Sexual Minority Young Adults: The P18 Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women (TW) are more likely to smoke cigarettes than heterosexual and cisgender peers, which may exacerbate existing disparities in mental and psychosocial health and substance use.

PURPOSE

As few existing studies have examined the confluence of these factors, we sought to examine tobacco use in a diverse sample of SMM and TW and describe its relationship with other substance use and health.

METHODS

Data were drawn from a study of syndemic conditions among SMM and TW, which included measures assessing tobacco use, substance use, and mental, psychosocial, and general health.

RESULTS

A majority of the racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample (n = 665) reported ever smoking a cigarette, and more than half of them were current smokers. Current smoking was associated with more frequent recent substance use and poorer mental, psychosocial, and general health. In multivariable analyses, current smoking was predicted by more frequent substance use and more severe anxiety, when adjusting for demographic, substance use, and health factors.

CONCLUSIONS

A syndemic approach to health conditions such as substance use, mental health, and psychosocial burden dictates a framework of interrelation and mutual exacerbation. In doing so, we found that current cigarette use was associated with more frequent alcohol and marijuana use and more severe anxiety, suggesting a confluence of cigarette smoking, other substance use, and mental health burden. We recommend a holistic approach to treating tobacco use in sexual and gender minority populations that addresses both substance use and the myriad psychosocial burdens that sexual and gender minority communities experience.

Tobacco Use and Cessation Among a National Online Sample of Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia

Previous studies documented the health disparities in smoking among sexual minority populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM). However, smoking behaviors have never been examined among Malaysian MSM, a sexual minority group in a predominantly Muslim country. A total of 622 Malaysian MSM completed an anonymous online survey in 2017. Data on the demographics, smoking and substance use behaviors, psychosocial factors, and attitudes toward smoking cessation were collected and analyzed. The mean age was 28 years and 67% of participants were of Malay ethnicity. The prevalence of current smoking was 23% (n = 143), while former smokers were 9% (n = 59). Current smoking status was associated with HIV-positive status and risk behaviors, such as suicidality, alcohol use, and illicit drug use (P = .001). Almost two thirds of current smokers had attempted to quit in the past year. Hence, comprehensive smoking cessation interventions addressing the psychosocial needs of MSM should be prioritized.

Smoking and cessation-related attitudes among men who have sex with men in the country of Georgia

Among men who have sex with men (MSM) in low- or middle-income countries, smoking and related factors have been understudied. We examined correlates of smoking status, level, and importance and confidence regarding quitting among 608 MSM in the country of Georgia recruited in June-September, 2016 (493 without HIV via peer referral in 3 Georgian cities; 115 with HIV via the National AIDS Center). Median age was 26 years, 78.6% reported current (past 30-day) alcohol use, and 22.4% reported past-year illicit drug use. Overall, 73.8% reported current smoking; of these, 87.1% smoked daily, mean cigarettes per day (cpd) was 19.8, 64.6% smoked ≤30 min of waking, and mean quitting importance and confidence were 6.8 and 6.4 (0 = not at all to 10 = extremely), respectively. Multivariable analyses indicated that current smoking correlated with past-month alcohol and past-year illicit drug use (p's < .001). Among smokers, cpd correlated with being older and smoking within 30 min of waking; greater quitting importance (≥7) correlated with higher education and no illicit substance use; and greater quitting confidence (≥7) was associated with fewer cpd, smoking ≤30 min of waking, and regional versus capital city residence. Given these findings, addressing tobacco and other substance use among MSM in Georgia is critical.

Cigarette Smoking and Its Associations with Substance Use and HIV-Related Sexual Risks among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men

China has the largest population of male smokers globally. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greater risk of cigarette smoking compared to the general population. Limited data are available regarding cigarette smoking and its associations with other health issues among Chinese MSM. Eligible MSM (n = 1100) were recruited from mainland China using an online national cross-sectional survey conducted in 2014–2015. Socio-demographic characteristics, smoking behavior, substance use, homosexual stigma and outness, HIV-related risk behavior, and HIV status were obtained. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of current cigarette smoking frequency and the co-occurrence of smoking and drug use. Nearly 41% (n = 446) of participants had ever smoked cigarettes; 25% (n = 278) were current frequent smokers; and 13% (n = 138) were current infrequent smokers. Factors associated with a history of smoking included age, employment status, and monthly salary. Risk factors associated with current frequent smoking included self-identification as gay, having female sexual partners, binge drinking, drug use, higher levels of homosexual stigma, and being partially or fully “out” as gay. Adjusted multinomial analysis showed that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related risks, including risky sexual behaviors, lack of condom use, and a reported history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), were associated with co-occurrence of current smoking and drug use. Cigarette smoking rates remain high among MSM in China. Cigarette smoking is associated with binge drinking, drug use, and HIV-related risks in this community. There is a clear opportunity for smoking cessation interventions to be linked with HIV and substance use prevention interventions, thereby addressing multiple health issues simultaneously for the MSM community in China.

Addressing Minority Stress and Mental Health among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in China

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in China experience elevated risks of mental health issues in comparison to the general population in China, which contribute to vulnerability to HIV/STI risks and can comprise the effectiveness of HIV prevention efforts. A conceptual framework for understanding this mental health disparity is minority stress theory, which posits that experiences of external prejudice events (i.e., distal stressors) and internal stress processes such as internalized homophobia and concealment (i.e., proximal stressors) contribute to sexual minorities' elevated risk of psychological distress. To deepen the understanding of mental health among Chinese MSM and explore the potential utility of minority stress theory in this population, this paper synthesizes research evidence regarding prevalent mental health issues as well as how minority stress may be linked to psychological health in Chinese MSM.

RECENT FINDINGS

Results indicate that Chinese MSM experience a high prevalence of several mental health issues including depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviors, and alcohol dependence. This review further reveals minority stress to be an important determinant of psychological distress among Chinese MSM, though evidence is mixed regarding the relationship between proximal minority stress and psychological health. Nonetheless, there is a lack of mental health services and interventions focusing on MSM in China. Culturally relevant, competent, and LGBT-affirmative mental health interventions are needed for Chinese MSM. To guide future intervention research, we provide considerations for reducing minority stress and promoting psychological health among Chinese MSM.

Tobacco, Alcohol, Drug Use, and Intimate Partner Violence Among MSM Living With HIV

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and are living with HIV have reported high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use. We examined relationships between accumulative IPV, incidents of IPV, and numbers of substances used. One hundred twenty Taiwanese MSM living with HIV completed a cross-sectional survey. Accumulative IPV was assessed by summing the number of 15 types of IPV experienced in the previous year; substance use was measured by any use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs during the previous week. In multivariate analysis, IPV was not associated with tobacco use but was positively associated with alcohol and other drug use and significantly associated with the probability of using multiple substances. MSM living with HIV who experienced greater IPV were more likely to use alcohol and other drugs and were more likely to use more than one substance. Health care providers screening for IPV should also screen for substance use.

Intimate partner violence victimization and HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Shanghai, China

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and its association with HIV infection among men who have sex men (MSM) in China are not understood. In this study, 732 MSM recruited from Shanghai, China between March and August 2015 were administered with a questionnaire survey and HIV blood testing. IPV victimization was measured by 25 forced-choice items capturing lifetime experience of physical, sexual, psychological, deprivation or neglect, and other forms of violence. Of them, 179 (24.3%) reported having experienced at least one type of IPV victimization. In separate multivariable analyses, sexual violence was associated with age over 35 years (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07-1.02), ever had male-to-male commercial sex (AOR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.19-5.39), and diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) (AOR = 2.14, 95%CI: 0.98-4.66). Both psychological violence (AOR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.25-5.12)and deprivation or neglect violence (AOR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.14-2.68) were associated with ever had sex with a casual male partner(s). Having experienced at least one type of IPV victimization was significantly associated with ever had sex with a causal partner(s) (AOR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.15-2.57) and ever had a diagnosis of a STI (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.12-2.88). HIV infection was marginally associated with having experienced any form of IPV victimization. IPV victimization is common among MSM, especially young MSM, in China, although its association with HIV infection is not conclusive in our sample. Nonetheless, our findings highlight the importance of the needs of individualized IPV interventions for certain target risk groups of MSM.

Prospective Effects of a Syndemic on HIV and STI Incidence and Risk Behaviors in a Cohort of Young Men Who Have Sex with Men

Young men who have sex with men continue to be highly affected by HIV. To improve understanding of the role that multiple co-occurring health issues (i.e., syndemics) play in HIV acquisition, sophisticated modeling methods are needed. The purpose of this study was to use structural equation modeling to understand the structure of the syndemic and to test its longitudinal association with condomless anal sex. Data are from a longitudinal study of 450 YMSM. A primary syndemic component comprised of substance use, violence, and internalizing mental health factors significantly predicted the number of condomless anal sex partners in the full sample. Analyses exploring associations by race/ethnicity found a significant association among White YMSM, but not among Black or Latino YMSM. Higher-order factor modeling suggests these psychosocial factors form a syndemic in all racial/ethnic groups, but the syndemic, as conceptualized here, may be less relevant to racial/ethnic minority YMSM.

Psychological and Familial Factors of Depression in Relation to Adolescent Smoking Behavior

BACKGROUND

Several common factors have been identified for smoking and depression. The The present study explores the relation of psychological and familial factors with depression, by student smoking behavior.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 5500 middle- and high-school students were selected in Isfahan province in 2010. A self-administered questionnaire collected data on background characteristics, smoking status, depression, and risk factors. Univariate analysis multiple logistic regressions were conducted to compare between depressed and nondepressed people by adolescent smoking status. Odds ratios and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

RESULTS

Fathers lower education attainment was accompanied adolescents higher depression prevalence. Parental smoking and sibling smoking increased the depression likelihood by 1.41 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.68) and 1.43 folds (95% CI: 1.04-1.94) for never-smokers. Positive attitude toward smoking increased the probability of depression by 1.18 among never-smokers. Never-smokers lacking refusal skill had 1.23 (1.03-1.47) higher chance of depression. A higher level of self-efficacy related to lower chance of depression. Taking risky behavior, increased the depression likelihood by 1.56 (95% CI: 1.29-1.89) in never-smokers, by 1.85 (95% CI: 1.37-2.44) in experimental smokers, and by 1.14 times (95% CI: 1.01-1.72) in current smokers. Family conflict increased depression chance by 2.25 times (95% CI: 1.89-2.66) in never-smokers, by 1.95 (95% CI: 1.46-2.61) in experimental smokers, and by 2.06 times (95% CI: 1.38-3.08) in current smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeting self-efficacy level, risky behavior, and family conflict can drop the comorbidity of smoking and depression simultaneously. This may help public health practitioners and policymakers to develop common strategies in reducing adolescents smoking and depression comorbidity.

Association between a syndemic of psychosocial problems and unprotected anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in Shanghai, China

Background

Previous studies have discussed the overlapping and reinforcing effects (defined as a syndemic) of psychosocial problems on high-risk sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM). The present study aimed to apply the syndemic theory to verify the reinforcing effects of psychosocial problems on unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among MSM in Shanghai, and determine if other important psychosocial factors fit into the syndemic theory.

Methods

Data were collected from 547 MSM in Shanghai, China, through face-to-face interviews. The measures for psychosocial problems included the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7; the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale; the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale; and the Sexual Compulsivity Scale. We used multivariate analysis and binary logistic regression to investigate the associations between psychosocial problems and high-risk sexual behaviors.

Results

The prevalence of UAI among MSM in the past 6 months was 54.5%. Education (graduate from college vs. high school) served as a protective factor against UAI (OR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38–0.94). There was a high prevalence of psychosocial problems, and at least one-third of participants reported experiencing more than two psychosocial symptoms. Of these psychosocial factors that we investigated, lower self-esteem was associated with UAI in both univariate and multivariate regression model (P = 0.009). Result suggests that overlapping and reinforcing effects of psychosocial problems may increase high risk sexual behaviors among MSM in Shanghai, China (OR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.09–2.50; P = 0.018).

Conclusions

We found further evidence for a syndemic of psychosocial problems among MSM in Shanghai, China. This syndemic may also increase high risk sexual behaviors among MSM. Most HIV prevention interventions are focused on behavior change and only have moderate effects; our findings suggest that a shift from behavior-focused interventions to a more comprehensive strategy that addresses psychosocial factors may be necessary.

Alcohol misuse, risky sexual behaviors, and HIV or syphilis infections among Chinese men who have sex with men

BACKGROUND

Few studies have employed standardized alcohol misuse measures to assess relationships with sexual risk and HIV/syphilis infections among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM).

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study among MSM in Beijing during 2013-2014. An interviewer-administered survey was conducted to collect data on sociodemographics, high-risk behaviors, and alcohol use/misuse patterns (hazardous/binge drinking and risk of alcohol dependence) in the past 3 months using Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C). We defined AUDIT-C score ≥4 as recent hazardous drinkers, and drinking ≥6 standard drinks on one occasion as recent binge drinkers.

RESULTS

Of 3588 participants, 14.4% reported hazardous drinking, 16.8% reported binge drinking. Hazardous and binge drinking are both associated with these factors (p<0.05): older age, being migrants, living longer in Beijing, township/village origin, being employed, higher income, self-perceived low/no HIV risk, and sex-finding via non-Internet venues. Hazardous (vs non-hazardous) or binge (vs. non-binge) drinkers were more likely to use illicit drugs, use alcohol before sex, have multiple partnerships, pay for sex, and have condomless insertive anal intercourse. MSM who reported binge (AOR, 1.34, 95% CI, 1.02-1.77) or hazardous (AOR, 1.36, 95% CI, 1.02-1.82) drinking were more likely to be HIV-infected. MSM at high risk of current alcohol dependence (AUDIT-C ≥8) were more likely to be HIV- (AOR, 2.37, 95% CI, 1.39-4.04) or syphilis-infected (AOR, 1.96, 95% CI, 1.01-3.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Recent alcohol misuse was associated with increased sexual and HIV/syphilis risks among Chinese MSM, emphasizing the needs of implementing alcohol risk reduction programs in this population.

The Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Alcohol-Related Problems in a Community Sample of African American Women

Purpose. This study examines the prevalence of alcohol-related problems, the factors underlying these problems, and whether or not there is evidence of syndemic effects in a community population of southern, urban African American women. Methods. Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted with 817 women, all African American, from 80 targeted census block groups in Atlanta, Georgia. Results. Most of the alcohol users (67.8%) experienced at least one problem as a result of their alcohol (ab)use, with most women experiencing two or more such problems. Eight factors were found to be associated with experiencing more alcohol problems: being aged 30 or older, having had no recent health insurance, lower levels of educational attainment, self-identifying as lesbian or bisexual, experiencing greater amounts of childhood maltreatment, greater impulsivity, perceiving one's local community or neighborhood to be unsafe, and having a larger number of criminally involved friends. Conclusions. Drinking-related problems were prevalent in this population. Numerous factors underlie the extent to which African American women experienced problems resulting from their alcohol use. There is strong evidence of syndemic-type effects influencing drinking problems in this population, and future efforts to reduce the negative impact of alcohol (ab)use ought to consider the adoption of programs using a syndemics' theory approach.

The Value of Using a Syndemics Theory Conceptual Model to Understand the Factors Associated with Obesity in a Southern, Urban Community Sample of Disadvantaged African-American Adults

For this study, a syndemics theory approach was used to examine the factors associated with adulthood obesity in a community-based sample of African-American adults. Interviews were conducted with 1,274 African-American adults residing in Atlanta, Georgia in 80 strategically chosen census tracts, selected on the basis of factors such as low household income, low levels of educational attainment among heads of household, and low levels of labor force participation. Comparisons were made between normal-weight persons (body mass index [BMI] = 18.5-24.9; n = 800) and obese persons (BMI = 30.0 or greater; n = 474). Structural equation analysis was used to examine the interrelationships among variables. One quarter (25.6%) of the study participants were classified as obese. Five factors were related directly to obesity. These were gender, age, relationship status,frequency of eating 3 meals per day, and frequency of alcohol consumption. The frequency of alcohol consumption was an endogenous measure and 7 factors were identified as underlying this measure. The 7 factors were gender, age, sexual orientation, self-esteem, impulsivity, criminality of friends, and neighborhood violence. The structural model developed for this study proved to be useful for conceptualizing the factors underlying obesity and there was considerable evidence of syndemic effects among key predictors. The myriad factors underlying obesity in this population interacted with one another in such a manner as to support the use of syndemics theory-based models in future research. In particular, obesity researchers might wish to consider the interplay of demographic factors such as age and gender, psychosocial characteristics such as self-esteem and impulsivity, alcohol use/abuse, and community factors such as neighborhood violence and criminality influences.

Sexual sensation seeking, sexual compulsivity, and high-risk sexual behaviours among gay/bisexual men in Southwest China

High-risk sexual behaviours (HRSBs), such as having male casual sexual partners (MCSPs) and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), are combined with a high prevalence of HIV infection among gay/bisexual men. Sexual sensation seeking (SSS) and sexual compulsivity (SC), which are intrapersonal factors, were observed to have associations with HRSB among gay/bisexual men in Western nations. The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between SSS, SC, socio-demographic factors, and HRSB (defined as having MCSP and UAI with MCSP) among self-identified gay and bisexual men in Southwest China. The study was cross-sectional, with a sample of 436 respondents. And their mean age was 24.5 years. The results confirmed that SSS, SC, and sexual attitude are associated with both having MCSP and UAI with MCSP in the Chinese cultural context, among the subgroup of men who have sex with men. Being older, not a student, and having transactional sex in the last 6 months were independently associated with having MCSP. Lower educational level, unemployed, having a relationship with a man, and an unsure HIV status were independently associated with UAI with MCSP. This study indicates that SSS and SC are cross-cultural personality traits related to HRSB. The results of this study may shed light on HIV prevention among gay/bisexual men in China.

Alcohol drinking and HIV-related risk among men who have sex with men in Chongqing, China

To estimate the prevalence of any alcohol use and heavy alcohol drinking using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and its correlates among men who have sex with men (MSM), a cross-sectional study was conducted among 391 MSM in Chongqing, China to collect data about sociodemographic characteristics, alcohol use, sexual behaviors, and other related factors through a computer-assisted self-administered questionnaire. Heavy alcohol drinking in the past 12 months was defined as an AUDIT-C score ≥ 4. Blood was collected from each potential participant to test for HIV and syphilis status. Twenty three percent of MSM had consumed a drink containing alcohol in the previous year. 7.2% had an AUDIT-C score ≥ 4, defined as heavy alcohol drinkers. 23.5% were unmarried, but planning to marry, who were more likely to report any alcohol drinking (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40-4.06) and to have AUDIT-C scores ≥ 4 (AOR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.60-8.00). MSM who had used any alcohol in the previous year, and MSM who were heavy alcohol drinkers, were more likely to have had anal sex with male casual partners in the previous 6 months, to have been tested for HIV, and to have decreased scores on the scales of general self-efficacy, increased scores on the scales of stigma and discrimination. Our findings provided further evidence of the associations of any alcohol use and heavy alcohol consumption with HIV-risky behaviors, lowered sense of general self-efficacy, and higher sense of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination among MSM in the city with the highest HIV epidemic among MSM in China.

Non-disclosure of Sexual Orientation to Parents Associated with Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Gay and Bisexual MSM in China

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between non-disclosure of sexual orientation to parents and sexual risk behaviors among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. A total of 295 eligible participants (gay n = 179, bisexual n = 116) were recruited from MSM venues and MSM organizations in Anhui Province, China. Overall, 16.6 % of participants chose to disclose their sexual orientation to parents. Fewer bisexual participants chose to disclose their sexual orientation than gay participants (9.5 vs. 21.2 %, p < 0.01). A multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that non-disclosers were more likely than disclosers to report having one or more female sex partners among gay and bisexual MSM (AOR = 2.91), non-disclosure of sexual orientation to parents was positively associated with the number of female sex partners (AOR = 3.40) and with engagement in unprotected anal intercourse with men (AOR = 2.49) among gay MSM, in the past 6 months. Our findings indicated that HIV/AIDS intervention programs should promote the disclosure of sexual orientation and should design interventions specific to gay and bisexual MSM separately.

Syndemics of depression, alcohol use, and victimisation, and their association with HIV-related sexual risk among men who have sex with men and transgender women in India

We examined the presence and co-occurrence of psychosocial health conditions (depression, frequent alcohol use, and victimisation) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) women in India, and their cumulative association with sexual risk. A survey questionnaire was administered among a convenience sample of 600 participants (MSM = 300; TG women = 300) recruited through six non-governmental organisations in four states. Prevalences of the number of psychosocial health conditions among MSM were: none = 31.3%, one = 43%, two = 20%, and three = 5.7%; and among TG women: none = 9%; one = 35.33%, two = 38.33%, and three = 17.33%. In bivariate and multivariate models, these conditions were positively and additively related to sexual risk, providing evidence for a syndemic of psychosocial health conditions among MSM and TG women and their synergistic effect on sexual risk. In addition to the number of syndemic conditions, resilient coping and social support were significant predictors of sexual risk among MSM and TG women, respectively. HIV preventive interventions in India should screen for and address co-occurring psychosocial health conditions - experiences of violence, mental health issues, and alcohol use - among MSM and TG women.

High prevalence of multiple syndemic conditions associated with sexual risk behavior and HIV infection among a large sample of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking men who have sex with men in Latin America

The HIV epidemic in Latin America is highly concentrated in men who have sex with men (MSM). In the United States, multiple co-occurring psychosocial conditions have been shown to act as intertwined epidemics to potentiate HIV transmission among MSM. To date, no study has examined the role of syndemics and condomless sex among MSM in Latin America. In 2012, an online survey was conducted among members of the largest social/sexual networking website for MSM in Latin America. Participants were asked about demographics, sexual behaviors, HIV/STI diagnoses, and psychosocial well-being, including depression, suicidal ideation, hazardous alcohol use, hard drug use during sex, history of childhood/adolescent sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and sexual compulsivity. Multivariable logistic generalized estimation equations were used to assess the relationship of syndemic factors and (1) engagement in higher risk condomless anal sex and (2) self-report of prior HIV diagnosis. Among 24,274 survey respondents, 74.6 % of the sample had at least one syndemic factor. In an additive model, syndemics were associated with increased odds of higher risk condomless anal sex, ranging from adjusted odds ratio of 1.31 (95 % CI 1.20, 1.43) for one syndemic factor to 4.06 (95 % CI 3.25, 5.09) for 6/7 syndemic factors. Similarly, syndemics were associated with increased odds of HIV infection (p < .0001). This study provides initial evidence that intertwined syndemics increase HIV risk behavior and HIV infection among MSM in Latin America. In the Latin American context, comprehensive HIV prevention interventions for MSM should be developed and tested that simultaneously address co-occurring psychosocial conditions and HIV risk.

Who Do Smokers Feel Ought to Be Responsible for Informing People about the Dangers Associated with Smoking and Regulating Smoking Behaviors?

PURPOSE

The focus of this paper is to examine the extent to which a community-based sample of current cigarette smokers believes it to be the responsibility of outside persons and agencies to inform the public about the dangers of smoking and/or to regulate smoking behaviors (herein termed REGULATE). Also investigated is how REGULATE relates to smokers' attitudes toward cigarette smoking and actual smoking practices, and whether REGULATE matters when the influence of other key variables is taken into account.

METHOD

Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted with a community-based sample of 485 adult current cigarette smokers recruited from the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area. Active and passive recruiting approaches were used, along with a targeted sampling strategy.

RESULTS

Participants were divided in their beliefs pertaining to REGULATE. Their beliefs were related consistently to smoking-related attitudes but much less to actual smoking behaviors. Four factors (greater religiosity, older age of first purchasing a cigarette, lower levels of depression, and sexual abuse history) were found to underlie REGULATE. Structural equation analysis revealed that REGULATE is an influential measure to consider when trying to understand overall attitudes toward smoking and actual smoking behaviors.

CONCLUSION

REGULATE is an important variable to consider when aiming to understand the factors associated with how people feel about their smoking practices, including actual cigarette use. It may be construed as a proxy measure for locus of control; and the implications of this are discussed.

A Longitudinal Investigation of Syndemic Conditions Among Young Gay, Bisexual, and Other MSM: The P18 Cohort Study

The persistence of disparities in STI/HIV risk among a new generation of emerging adult gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YMSM) warrant holistic frameworks and new methodologies for investigating the behaviors related to STI/HIV in this group. In order to better understand the continued existence of these disparities in STI/HIV risk among YMSM, the present study evaluated the presence and persistence of syndemic conditions among YMSM by examining the co-occurrence of alcohol and drug use, unprotected sexual behavior, and mental health burden over time. Four waves of data, collected over the first 18 months of a 7 wave, 36-month prospective cohort study of YMSM (n=600) were used to examine the extent to which measurement models of drug use, unprotected sexual behavior, and mental health burden remained consistent across time using latent class modeling. Health challenges persisted across time as these YMSM emerged into young adulthood and the measurement models for the latent constructs of drug use and unprotected sexual behavior were essentially consistent across time whereas models for mental health burden varied over time. In addition to confirming the the robustness of our measurement models which capture a more holistic understandings of the health conditions of drug use, unprotected sex, and mental health burden, these findings underscore the ongoing health challenges YMSM face as they mature into young adulthood. These ongoing health challenges, which have been understood as forming a syndemic, persist over time, and add further evidence to support ongoing and vigilant comprehensive health programming for sexual minority men that move beyond a sole focus on HIV.

Drug use and sexual behaviors among MSM in China

BACKGROUND

This study explores patterns of drug use and related correlates among a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who sell sex to other men (aka "money boys") in China.

OBJECTIVES

Data were collected from MSM and money boys (MBs) in Shanghai, China using a Community Popular Opinion Leader (CPOL) research design with a self-administered cross-sectional survey to: (1) describe drug use and drug use correlates and (2) examine relationships between drug use and sexual behaviors in general MSM and MBs.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 402 MSM (203 MBs) who live in Shanghai, China. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to explore associations between drug use and sexual behaviors and make comparisons between MBs and general MSM.

RESULTS

MBs reported using more drugs in the last week, 3 months and ever; sex after using drugs, and unprotected sex after using drugs more frequently than general MSM. Additionally, many MBs reported receiving free drugs from their clients and those who did receive free drugs were very likely to report having unprotected sex.

CONCLUSIONS

It is crucial to increase research and include Chinese MSM and their drug use in the Chinese policy conversation. These data suggest that drug use and sexual behaviors after drug use among Chinese MSM differ widely based upon selling sex and separate intervention strategies may be appropriate.

Psychosocial health conditions and HIV prevalence and incidence in a cohort of men who have sex with men in Bangkok, Thailand: evidence of a syndemic effect

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bangkok may experience multiple psychosocial health conditions, such as substance use, suicidality, and a history of sexual abuse. These factors may contribute to HIV vulnerability in a syndemic way. A syndemic is defined as a number of synergistically interacting health conditions producing excess disease in a population. The objective of this study is to examine whether psychosocial health conditions among MSM have a syndemic association with HIV prevalence and HIV incidence. To do this, we evaluated psychosocial health conditions and their associations with unprotected sex, HIV prevalence and HIV incidence in a cohort of Thai MSM (N = 1,292). There was a positive and significant association between the number of psychosocial health conditions and increased levels of unprotected sex and HIV prevalence at study baseline. The number of psychosocial health conditions at baseline was also associated with increased HIV incidence during follow-up (no conditions, HIV incidence = 15.3 %; one to three conditions, 23.7 %; four to five conditions, 33.2 %). The number of psychosocial health conditions was positively associated with HIV risk behavior and HIV prevalence and incidence. Prevention efforts among MSM need to address the existence of multiple psychosocial health conditions and their synergy to effectively decrease the spread of HIV infection.

Alcohol use among Chinese men who have sex with men: an epidemiological survey and meta-analysis

The HIV/AIDS epidemic among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) has become a significant public health concern. Knowledge of alcohol consumption in this population is limited. In this study, 1,155 Chinese MSM were surveyed to assess alcohol use and its correlates. A meta-analysis was also performed to aggregate pooled prevalence of current alcohol use. MSM who were unmarried (aOR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.29-2.71) or unemployed/retired (aOR: 2.77; 95% CI: 1.73-4.45) were more likely to drink alcohol more than once per week. MSM who consumed alcohol more than once per week were more likely to use drug (P < 0.01), have sex with women (P < 0.01), have unprotected insertive (P = 0.04) or receptive (P = 0.03) anal sex with men, have more than 10 lifetime male sex partners (P < 0.01), predominantly practice insertive anal sex (P < 0.01), and trade sex for money (P < 0.01). Pooled overall alcohol use prevalence was 32%. Pooled prevalence for MSM who drank alcohol more than once per week and who drank alcohol before sex with male partners was 23%. Our findings provide the basis for further exploring the alcohol-HIV association and developing risk reduction interventions.