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Starks TJ, Sauermilch D, Doyle KM, Kalichman S, Cain D. Main Partner Relationships and the HIV Care Cascade: Examining the Predictive Utility of Sexual Agreements, Partner Concordance, and Drug Use Among Sexual Minority Men Living With HIV in the USA. Ann Behav Med 2024; 58:422-431. [PMID: 38703112 PMCID: PMC11112277 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaae019] [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: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The past 15 years have seen increasing attention to relationship factors among sexual minority male (SMM) couples at high risk for HIV infection. Research has largely focused on HIV prevention outcomes. Outcomes relevant to SMM living with HIV have received relatively less attention. PURPOSE This study evaluated associations between relational covariates (relationship status, sexual agreements, and seroconcordance) and HIV care cascade outcomes (having a current antiretroviral therapy [ART] prescription, ART adherence, viral load (VL) testing, and VL detectability) above and beyond cannabis and stimulant drug use. METHODS Adult SMM (n = 36,874) living with HIV in the USA were recruited between November 1, 2017 and March 15, 2020 through social networking applications. They completed a cross-sectional survey online. RESULTS Nonmonogamous SMM with serodiscordant partners were most likely to have an ART prescription. Those with seroconcordant partners (regardless of sexual agreements) were least likely to be adherent. While relational covariates were not associated with VL testing, SMM in nonmonogamous relationships with serodiscordant partners were significantly more likely to have an undetectable VL. Those in monogamous relationships with seroconcordant partners were significantly less likely to have an undetectable VL. CONCLUSIONS SMM with seroconcordant partners and monogamous sexual agreements may experience diminished interpersonal motivation for HIV care engagement. HIV care cascade retention messages that emphasize the prevention of onward transmission may have limited relevance for these SMM. Novel intervention strategies are needed to enhance HIV care outcomes in this population, ideally ones that incorporate attention to drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrel J Starks
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, Department of Psychology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Kendell M Doyle
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, Department of Psychology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seth Kalichman
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Demetria Cain
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Campbell CK, Kielhold K, Reynolds HE, Vincent W, Siconolfi DE, Ramos SD, Ogunbajo A, Kegeles SM, Storholm ED. LAI-ART Awareness, Willingness, Barriers and Facilitators among Black Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV in the US South. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:602. [PMID: 38791816 PMCID: PMC11121555 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050602] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Black sexual minority men (BSMM) continue to bear a disproportionate burden of HIV in the United States, with the highest incidence and prevalence in the southern region of the country. In Texas, BSMM living with HIV (BSMM+) have the lowest rates of viral suppression of all SMM and have lower antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence than white and Hispanic SMM. Long-acting injectable ART (LAI-ART) can potentially overcome several barriers to daily oral ART adherence (e.g., stigma, forgetfulness, pill fatigue). However, little is known about the knowledge, willingness, barriers, and facilitators regarding LAI-ART among BSMM+. From July 2022 to September 2023, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 27 BSMM+ from the Houston and Dallas Metropolitan Areas, Texas. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Most men knew about LAI-ART, but their understanding varied based on their existing sources of information. Some men were enthusiastic, some were cautious, and some reported no interest in LAI-ART. Barriers to LAI-ART included a lack of public insurance coverage of LAI-ART; fear of needles and side effects; the frequency of injection visits; the requirement of viral suppression before switching from oral ART to LAI-ART; and satisfaction with oral daily ART. Motivators of LAI-ART uptake included the eliminated burden of daily pills and reduced anxiety about possibly missing doses. BSMM+ may be among those who could most benefit from LAI-ART, though more research is needed to understand which factors influence their willingness and how the barriers to LAI-ART might be addressed, particularly among diverse communities of SMM of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadwick K. Campbell
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (K.K.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Kirstin Kielhold
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (K.K.); (S.D.R.)
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (H.E.R.); (E.D.S.)
| | - Hannah E. Reynolds
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (H.E.R.); (E.D.S.)
| | - Wilson Vincent
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | | | - Stephen D. Ramos
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (K.K.); (S.D.R.)
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (H.E.R.); (E.D.S.)
| | | | - Susan M. Kegeles
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA;
| | - Erik D. Storholm
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (H.E.R.); (E.D.S.)
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Fu R, Chen C, Gu Y, Wu D, Darbes LA, Yu NX. Communal or Autonomous? Coping Experiences of Chinese Serodiscordant Male Couples to HIV Care: A Dyadic Qualitative Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:3553-3564. [PMID: 37365447 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02643-1] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Limited empirical evidence exists on the interpersonal challenges faced by Chinese serodiscordant male couples in HIV care. This study aimed to explore their coping experiences in HIV care by applying the communal coping process theoretical framework. A dyadic qualitative study using face-to-face interviews with 20 serodiscordant male couples (n = 40) was conducted between July and September 2021 in two Chinese metropolitan areas through purposive sampling. Eligibility included one partner living with HIV and the other being HIV-negative, both aged 18 or older, born male, gay or bisexual, and in a relationship together for at least 3 months. A hybrid deductive-inductive approach integrated with dyadic interview analysis and framework method was used for data analysis. We identified three themes in the coping process in HIV care: (1) coping as an autonomous process, (2) coping as a dissonant process, and (3) coping as a contextualized communal process. Concerning autonomous coping, most couples adopted either disengaged avoidance or mutual noninvolvement as negative coping strategies. We also identified potential risk factors for dissonant coping, which are a partner living with internalized HIV stigma and the couple's asymmetric relationship goals. Our results indicate the communal coping process of HIV care is contextual, and our expansion of the communal coping theory sheds light on how serodiscordant male couples cope with stressors connected to HIV care. Our findings provide theoretical insights for the development of dyadic interventions based on health psychology for Chinese serodiscordant male couples to engage in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Fu
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhou Gu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nancy Xiaonan Yu
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
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Becker N, Kim HC, Bright DJ, Williams Iii R, Anguera JA, Arnold EA, Saberi P, Neilands TB, Pollack LM, Tan JY. Acceptability of the LetSync App Wireframes for an mHealth Intervention to Improve HIV Care Engagement and Treatment Among Black Partnered Sexual Minority Men: Findings from In-Depth Qualitative Interviews. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e43676. [PMID: 37624634 PMCID: PMC10492169 DOI: 10.2196/43676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disparities continue to be a significant challenge affecting Black sexual minority men in the United States. Inadequate engagement and retention of patients in HIV care has been associated with poor health outcomes. Interventions to improve sustained commitment to HIV care are needed. Mobile health interventions can help facilitate access to and use of HIV health services, particularly among individuals at risk for disengaging with care. OBJECTIVE We designed the LetSync app wireframes for a mobile health intervention using a couple-centered design approach to improve HIV engagement and treatment among Black sexual minority men and their partners. The objective of this study was to gauge future app user interest and elicit feedback to improve the design, development, and usability of the LetSync app. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 24 Black sexual minority men to assess the acceptability of the LetSync app wireframes between May 2020 and January 2021. Participants reviewed the LetSync app wireframes and provided feedback regarding perceived usefulness and interest in future app use and suggestions for improvement. RESULTS Participants indicated interest in the future LetSync app and noted that the wireframes' features were acceptable and usable. In our study, the future LetSync app was frequently referred to as a potential resource that could help facilitate users' engagement in HIV care through the following mechanisms: enable scheduling of appointments and timely reminders for clinic visits; help improve HIV medication adherence; encourage and motivate participants to ask questions to their health care provider and stay engaged in conversations during clinic visits; facilitate effective communication by assisting couples with planning, coordination, and management of daily routines; help participants understand their partner's health needs, including access to and use of health care services; and facilitate participants' ability to improve their relationship skills, partner support, and self-efficacy in managing conflict. In addition to near-universal interest in potential daily app use, study participants indicted that they would recommend the LetSync app to other family members, friends, and people in their social networks who are living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed considerable interest in future app use for HIV care management, which could possibly increase the chance of the LetSync app being successfully adopted by Black sexual minority men in couples. Owing to its interactive and couple-centered approach, the LetSync app could help improve communication between Black sexual minority men and their partners and health providers. In addition, the LetSync app could provide an acceptable modality for these men to receive support in accessing HIV care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozipho Becker
- Office for Inclusive Excellence, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hyunjin C Kim
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Darius J Bright
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Robert Williams Iii
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joaquin A Anguera
- Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Emily A Arnold
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Parya Saberi
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lance M Pollack
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Judy Y Tan
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Sauceda JA, Campbell CK, Ndukwe SO, Dubé K, Saberi P. Medical mistrust of health systems as a moderator of resilience and self-reported HIV care engagement in Black and Latinx young adults living with HIV. CULTURAL DIVERSITY & ETHNIC MINORITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023:2023-99078-001. [PMID: 37589681 PMCID: PMC10873476 DOI: 10.1037/cdp0000615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study resilience and its association with HIV care engagement in a sample of young adult Black and Latinx people living with HIV (PLWH) in the United States and to test if a systems-level barrier, medical mistrust, would moderate the resilience-engagement association. METHOD Between April and August 2021, we recruited participants through social media and dating apps (N = 212) and verified age and HIV status through a review process of digital text-messaged and emailed photos. Participants completed a one-time online survey consisting of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, The Index of Engagement in HIV Care, and the Medical Mistrust Index. We ran a regression-based moderation analysis using the Johnson-Neyman Technique to estimate regions of significance. RESULTS The sample (N = 212) was 80.5% Black and 19.5% Latinx with a mean age of 25.8 years (SD = 2.84). Higher resilience scores were associated with higher HIV care engagement scores (b = 0.72, p = .003), and medical mistrust moderated this relationship as evidenced by a mistrust by resilience interaction (b = -0.16, p = .01). Our regions of statistical significance showed that as mistrust increased, the size of the resilience-engagement association decreased. CONCLUSION Resilience may be a protective factor associated with greater participation and sense of connection to HIV care, but is diminished by mistrust of the medical system at large. This suggest that systems-level changes, in addition to individual-level interventions, are needed to address medical mistrust to fully harness the resilience of young PLWH. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Sauceda
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Chadwick K. Campbell
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Samuel O. Ndukwe
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Karine Dubé
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Parya Saberi
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Bunting SR, Feinstein BA, Calabrese SK, Hazra A, Sheth NK, Chen AF, Garber SS. Assumptions about patients seeking PrEP: Exploring the effects of patient and sexual partner race and gender identity and the moderating role of implicit racism. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270861. [PMID: 35776746 PMCID: PMC9249206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-prevention is an essential component of national plans to end the HIV epidemic. Despite its well-documented safety and effectiveness, PrEP prescription has not met the public health need. Significant disparities between White and Black people exist with respect to PrEP prescription, as do disparities between men and women. One factor contributing to these disparities is clinicians’ assumptions about patients seeking PrEP. Methods The present study sought to investigate medical students’ assumptions about patients seeking PrEP (anticipated increased condomless sex, extra-relational sex, and adherence to PrEP), and assumed HIV risk when presenting with their sexual partner. We systematically varied the race (Black or White) and gender (man or woman) of a fictional patient and their sexual partner. All were in serodifferent relationships including men who have sex with men (MSM), women (MSW), and women who have sex with men (WSM). Participants also completed an implicit association test measuring implicit racism against Black people. We evaluated the moderation effects of patient and partner race on assumptions as well as the moderated moderation effects of implicit racism. Results A total of 1,472 students participated. For MSM patients, having a Black partner was associated with higher assumed patient non-adherence to PrEP compared to a White partner, however a White partner was associated with higher assumed HIV risk. For MSW patients, a White male patient was viewed as being more likely to engage in more extra-relational sex compared to a Black male patient. For WSM patients, White women were assumed to be more likely to have condomless and extra-relational sex, be nonadherent to PrEP, and were at higher HIV risk. Overall, implicit racism was not related to negative assumptions about Black patients as compared to White patients based on patient/partner race. Discussion Medical education about PrEP for HIV prevention must ensure future health professionals understand the full range of patients who are at risk for HIV, as well as how implicit racial biases may affect assumptions about patients in serodifferent couples seeking PrEP for HIV prevention. As gatekeepers for PrEP prescription, clinicians’ assumptions about patients seeking PrEP represent a barrier to access. Consistent with prior research, we identified minimal effects of race and implicit racism in an experimental setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel R. Bunting
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Brian A. Feinstein
- Department of Psychology, College of Health Professions, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sarah K. Calabrese
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Aniruddha Hazra
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Neeral K. Sheth
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Alex F. Chen
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sarah S. Garber
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Leung T, Dacus JD, Johnson MO. Relationship Quality and Health Among Black Same-Sex Male Couples: Protocol for a Symbolic Netnography Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e29589. [PMID: 35657652 PMCID: PMC9206204 DOI: 10.2196/29589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across a range of studies, health scientists have found that being in a romantic relationship can have positive and negative influences on one's health. A couple's health outcomes are often influenced by relationship quality-or how they perceive the positive or negative character of their relationship. These findings have important implications for how scientists and interventionists may leverage romantic relationships facilitating good health among couples. However, in general, couples research has not included Black same-sex male couples in large enough numbers to make previous studies' findings relevant to them. This represents a gap in the scientific literature and, more importantly, a missed opportunity to understand how romantic relationships influence health for a group that must navigate distinct, multilevel health and social inequities. OBJECTIVE This study aims to (1) decode and understand the ways in which Black same-sex male couples express their romantic relationships in virtual contexts via symbolic indicators, (2) determine how Black same-sex male couples describe the quality of their romantic relationships, and (3) explore how Black same-sex male couples make meaning of their relationship quality and its impact on their relational and individual health. METHODS We will use joint dyadic interviews embedded within a symbolic netnography research design to accomplish our aims. We will use grounded theory to analyze our qualitative data. We will then triangulate our findings to determine how well they answer our research questions. RESULTS This study received ethical approval on October 8, 2020 and we began data collection in November 2020. Results are expected to be available no later than December 31, 2022. CONCLUSIONS This study will apply novel symbolic netnographic qualitative methods to further our understanding of Black same-sex male couples' romantic relationships and how they contribute to their health. The findings will be used to develop programs to improve Black same-sex male couples' health in community and virtual settings. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/29589.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jagadīśa-Devaśrī Dacus
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mallory O Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Lassiter JM, Dacus JD, Johnson MO. A Systematic Review of Black American Same-Sex Couples Research: Laying the Groundwork for Culturally-Specific Research and Interventions. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:555-567. [PMID: 34460349 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1964422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTThis article presents the findings of a systematic review of the empirical literature related to Black American same-sex couples (BASCs). We found 16 articles that met inclusion criteria. Most articles were published in journals that focused on interdisciplinary studies, HIV/AIDS, and couples and families' studies. Approximately 63% of the articles reported external funding support. However, only one of these grants was awarded to a Black investigator. Articles predominately focused on BASCs composed of Black sexual minority men residing in major U.S. cities. Only 25% of the articles focused on couples where both partners were Black. Most studies were cross-sectional, used convenience samples, and were reported without mention of a theoretical framework that explicated the philosophical assumptions that guided the research. The articles focused on a range of topics such as resilience, relationship dynamics, couple-level social support, rituals with extended families, and partner-health associations. The implications of these findings for advancing culturally-specific behavioral and social science health research and interventions with BASCs are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jagadīśa-Devaśrī Dacus
- The Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing at Northwestern University
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Denson DJ, Gelaude D, Schoua-Glusberg A. "We in This Fight Together…": HIV Treatment and Prevention Among Couples of HIV-Discordant Black and Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men. JOURNAL OF PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2022; 1:10.1177/26320770221074979. [PMID: 35910495 PMCID: PMC9335941 DOI: 10.1177/26320770221074979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
HIV-positive Black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) have substantial challenges accessing and engaging in HIV care. Findings presented here are an analysis of 14 HIV-discordant couples (N = 28) from Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; and Washington, DC. One-hour in-depth interviews were conducted. Interviews were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Most couples reported relationship fears associated with delayed disclosure, HIV care engagement instigated by the HIV-uninfected partner, and varying knowledge and concern about the impacts of HIV infection and risk reduction. Findings suggest an opportunity to jointly educate and treat MSM of color in HIV-discordant relationships to improve engagement in ART and PrEP care and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian J. Denson
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deborah Gelaude
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alisú Schoua-Glusberg
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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10
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Kim HC, Pollack LM, Saberi P, Neilands TB, Arnold EA, Bright DJ, Williams RW, Kegeles SM, Tan JY. Study protocol: a pilot randomised waitlist-controlled trial of a dyadic mobile health intervention for black sexual-minority male couples with HIV in the USA. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e055448. [PMID: 34475191 PMCID: PMC8413948 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV care engagement is lower among black sexual-minority men relative to other racial/ethnic groups of sexual-minority men. Being in a primary relationship is generally associated with more successful HIV care engagement across various populations. However, among black sexual-minority men, the association between primary relationship status and HIV-related outcomes is inconsistent across the HIV care continuum. Given the ubiquity of mobile technology access and use among racial/ethnic minority communities, leveraging mobile technology for HIV care engagement appears a promising intervention strategy. This paper outlines the protocol of the LetSync study, a pilot randomised controlled trial of a mobile health app intervention developed using the Framework of Dyadic HIV Care Engagement to improve care-engagement outcomes among black sexual-minority male couples living with HIV. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Eighty black sexual-minority men in couples (n=160) will be enrolled to pilot test the LetSync app. At least one member of each dyad must be both HIV-positive and self-identify as black/African-American. Couples will be randomised to either a waitlist-control arm or an intervention that uses relationship-based approach to improve HIV care engagement. We will assess feasibility and acceptability of trial procedures and intervention protocols based on predefined metrics of feasibility and acceptability. Execution of the study will yield the opportunity to conduct analyses to test the measurement and analysis protocol on antiretroviral therapy adherence by comparing the intervention and waitlist-control arms on self-reported and biological (hair sample) measures of adherence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Study staff will obtain electronic consent from all participants. This study has been approved by the University of California (UCSF) Institutional Review Board. Study staff will work with the Community Advisory Board at the UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies Board to disseminate results to participants and the community via open discussions, presentations, journal publications and/or social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04951544.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjin Cindy Kim
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lance M Pollack
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Parya Saberi
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Emily A Arnold
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Darius Jovon Bright
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Robert W Williams
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Susan M Kegeles
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Judy Y Tan
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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11
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Tabrisky AP, Coffin LS, Olem DP, Neilands TB, Johnson MO. Couples-focused intervention to improve engagement in HIV care: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e037468. [PMID: 33753428 PMCID: PMC7986772 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advances in HIV treatment have proven to be effective in increasing virological suppression, thereby decreasing morbidity, and increasing survival. Medication adherence is an important factor in reducing viral load among people living with HIV (PLWH) and in the elimination of transmission of HIV to uninfected partners. Achieving optimal medication adherence involves individuals taking their medications every day or as prescribed by their provider. However, not all PLWH in the USA are engaged in care, and only a minority have achieved suppressed viral load (viral load that is lower than the detectable limit of the assay). Sexual and gender minorities (SGM; those who do not identify as heterosexual or those who do not identify as the sex they were assigned at birth) represent a high-risk population for poor clinical outcomes and increased risk of HIV transmission, as they face barriers that can prevent optimal engagement in HIV care. Research in dyadic support, specifically within primary romantic partnerships, offers a promising avenue to improving engagement in care and treatment outcomes among SGM couples. Dyadic interventions, especially focused on primary romantic partnerships, have the potential to have a sustained impact after the structured intervention ends. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This paper describes the protocol for a randomised control trial of a theory-grounded, piloted intervention (DuoPACT) that cultivates and leverages the inherent sources of support within primary romantic relationships to improve engagement in HIV care and thus clinical outcomes among persons who are living with HIV and who identify as SGM (or their partners). Eligible participants must report being in a primary romantic relationship for at least 3 months, speak English, at least one partner must identify as a sexual or gender minority and at least one partner must be HIV+ with suboptimal engagement in HIV care, defined as less than excellent medication adherence, having not seen a provider in at least the past 8 months, having a detectable or unknown viral load or not currently on antiretroviral therapy. Eligible consenting couples are allocated equally to the two study arms: a structured six-session couples counselling intervention (DuoPACT) or a three-session individually-delivered HIV adherence counselling intervention (LifeSteps). The primary aim is to evaluate the efficacy of DuoPACT on virological suppression among HIV+ members of SGM couples with suboptimal engagement in care. The DuoPACT study began its target enrolment of 150 couples (300 individuals) in August 2017, and will continue to enrol until June 2021. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION All procedures are approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of California, San Francisco. Written informed consent is obtained from all participants at enrolment, and study progress is reviewed twice yearly by an external Safety Monitoring Committee. Dissemination activities will include formal publications and report back sessions with the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02925949; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara S Coffin
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David P Olem
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Singleton AL, Marshall BD, Zang X, Nunn AS, Goedel WC. Added Benefits of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use on HIV Incidence with Minimal Changes in Efficiency in the Context of High Treatment Engagement Among Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2020; 34:506-515. [PMID: 33216618 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2020.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there is ongoing debate over the need for substantial increases in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use when antiretroviral treatment confers the dual benefits of reducing HIV-related morbidity and mortality and the risk of HIV transmission, no studies to date have quantified the potential added benefits of PrEP use and changes in its efficiency in the context of high treatment engagement across multiple US subpopulations. We used a previously published agent-based model to simulate HIV transmission in a dynamic network of Black/African American and White men who have sex with men (MSM) in Atlanta, Georgia (2015-2024) to understand how reductions in HIV incidence attributable to varying levels of PrEP use change when United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) "90-90-90" goals for HIV treatment are achieved and maintained. Even at achievement of "90-90-90" goals, 75% PrEP coverage further reduced incidence by 67.9% and 74.2% to 1.53 [simulation interval (SI): 1.39-1.70] and 0.355 (SI: 0.316-0.391) per 100 person-years for Black/African American and White MSM, respectively, compared with the same scenario with no PrEP use. Increasing PrEP coverage from 15% to 75% under "90-90-90" goals only increased the number of person-years of PrEP use per infection averted by 8.1% and 10.5% to 26.7 (SI: 25.6-28.0) and 73.3 (SI: 70.6-75.7) among Black/African American MSM and White MSM, respectively. Even with high treatment engagement, substantial expansion of PrEP use contributes to meaningful decreases in HIV incidence among MSM with minimal changes in efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson L. Singleton
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Brandon D.L. Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, and School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Xiao Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, and School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Amy S. Nunn
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - William C. Goedel
- Department of Epidemiology, and School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Huang J, Lin D, Yu NX. Variations in Dyadic Adjustment Among Heterosexual HIV-Discordant Couples in Rural China: A Latent Profile Analysis. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2019; 33:323-335. [PMID: 31194573 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2019.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The systemic framework of resilience and dyadic perspective of couple coping suggests that HIV-discordant couples may show heterogeneous profiles of dyadic adjustment, shaped by contextual risks and resources. This study aimed to identify heterogeneous profiles of dyadic adjustment and thus investigate the expression of resilience among 159 heterosexual HIV-discordant couples in rural China. We hypothesized that the couples could be grouped into distinct profiles: both members showing poor well-being, both members showing good well-being, and discrepant well-being across the two members. A latent profile analysis classified the couples into three subgroups based on well-being, which was measured using the World Health Organization Well-Being Index. As expected, one subgroup, labeled Maladapted Couples (n = 58, 36.5%), reported poor well-being in both people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and the seronegative spouse. The second subgroup, labeled Resilient Couples (n = 50, 31.4%), was characterized by relatively good well-being in both partners. In the third subgroup, labeled Maladapted PLWHA and Resilient Spouses (n = 51, 32.1%), the PLWHA showed poor well-being, while the seronegative spouses demonstrated good well-being. The identified subgroups were validated against external well-being measures, including depression and self-rated health measures. Exploratory analyses identified distinct patterns of contextual risks (including HIV stigma and financial difficulties) and resource factors (including individual resources and relational resources) across the subgroups. These findings underscore the heterogeneity of adjustment among heterosexual HIV-discordant couples in rural China and suggest the potential usefulness of services tailored to specific subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Huang
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Danhua Lin
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Nancy Xiaonan Yu
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Blumenthal J, Moore DJ, Jain S, Sun X, Ellorin E, Corado K, Hoenigl M, Dube M, Haubrich R, Morris SR. Recent HIV Risk Behavior and Partnership Type Predict HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Adherence in Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2019; 33:220-226. [PMID: 31067122 PMCID: PMC6531901 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2018.0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) reporting higher HIV risk behavior over time are often more adherent to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but it is unclear if recent risk behavior and partnership type affect long-term PrEP adherence. HIV-negative MSM and transgender women completing the 48-week randomized study TAPIR (Daily Text Messages to Support Adherence to PrEP in At-Risk for HIV Individuals) were included. At baseline and weeks 24 and 48, a modified Calculated Risk (mCalcR) Score estimated the likelihood of HIV seroconversion over 1 year based on reported condomless anal sex acts in the last month and current sexually transmitted infection. mCalcR scores were categorized as low, moderate, and high/very high risk. Partnership type was classified as no partner/single HIV-negative partner (no/single-), single HIV-positive partner (single+), or multiple partners of any serostatus (multi) in the past 3 months. PrEP adherence was measured by intracellular tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels. Among 313 individuals, there was no difference in mCalcR category from baseline to week 48. There was a significant change in partnership type, with no/single partnerships increasing from 0.5% to 9%. Participants with moderate and high/very risk had higher TFV-DP levels than the low-risk group. No/single participants had lower TFV-DP levels than those reporting single+ or multi. Although there was a shift toward lower-risk partnerships, HIV risk category remained stable over time. Individuals with riskier behaviors and partnerships had higher PrEP drug levels, suggesting continued motivation for and adherence to PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Blumenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - David J. Moore
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sonia Jain
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Xiaoying Sun
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Eric Ellorin
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Katya Corado
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Michael Dube
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Richard Haubrich
- Department of Medicine, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Sheldon R. Morris
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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