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Gamarel KE, Durst A, Zelaya DG, van den Berg JJ, Souza T, Johnson MO, Wu E, Monti PM, Kahler CW. ReACH2Gether: Iterative Development of a Couples-Based Intervention to Reduce Alcohol use Among Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV and Their Partners. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1244-1256. [PMID: 37548795 PMCID: PMC11017934 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04148-3] [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] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Unhealthy alcohol use, which encompasses heavy episodic drinking to alcohol use disorder, has been identified as a modifiable barrier to optimal HIV care continuum outcomes. Despite the demonstrated efficacy of couples-based interventions for addressing unhealthy alcohol use, there are no existing couples-based alcohol interventions designed specifically for people living with HIV. This study presents the development and refinement of a three-session couples-based motivational intervention (ReACH2Gether) to address unhealthy alcohol use among a sample of 17 sexual minority men living with HIV and their partners living in the United States. To increase potential population reach, the intervention was delivered entirely remotely. Throughout an original and a modified version, results indicated that the ReACH2Gether intervention was acceptable and there were no reports of intimate partner violence or adverse events. Session engagement and retention were high. In pre-post-test analyses, the ReACH2Gether intervention showed trends in reducing Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test scores and increasing relationship-promoting dynamics, such as positive support behaviors and goal congruence around alcohol use. Results support the need for continued work to evaluate the ReACH2Gether intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Gamarel
- Deparment of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA.
| | - Ayla Durst
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - David G Zelaya
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacob J van den Berg
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy Souza
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Mallory O Johnson
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elwin Wu
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter M Monti
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Christopher W Kahler
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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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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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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Weitkamp K, Feger F, Landolt SA, Roth M, Bodenmann G. Dyadic Coping in Couples Facing Chronic Physical Illness: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:722740. [PMID: 34759866 PMCID: PMC8573212 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.722740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Chronic physical illness affects not only patients but also their partners. Dyadic coping (DC)-the ways couples cope in dealing with a stressor such as chronic illness-has received increased attention over the last three decades. The aim of the current study was to summarize the state of research on DC in couples with chronic physical illnesses. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies published between 1990 and 2020, assessing DC in couples affected by severe physical illnesses. We used DC and related search terms for the literature search in Psycinfo, Psyndex, and Medline. Five thousand three hundred thirty studies were identified in three electronic databases and 49 of these were included in the review (5,440 individuals reported on 2,820 dyads). We excluded studies on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis because of existing reviews in the respective fields. Half of the studies included were on diabetes. Other studies were on arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Huntington's disease, lupus erythematosus, Parkinson's disease, renal diseases, stroke, and endometriosis. Two raters extracted data using a predefined protocol, including study quality. Results were collated in a narrative synthesis organized by illness and DC operationalization. Results: Overall, DC was associated with beneficial outcomes in physical health, well-being, and relationship satisfaction. Differential effects became apparent for certain chronic conditions potentially depending on certain disease characteristics, such as early-onset, sudden-onset, or life-threatening conditions. Conclusion: Facing challenges together as a couple seemed indispensable for adapting to a diverse range of demands related to chronic illnesses with some specific demands of particular chronic diseases. There is a need for the development of truly dyadic interventions with an eye on the specific challenges of the various chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Weitkamp
- Clinical Psychology Children/Adolescents and Couples/Families, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Feger
- ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Science, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Selina A Landolt
- Clinical Psychology Children/Adolescents and Couples/Families, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Roth
- Clinical Psychology Children/Adolescents and Couples/Families, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Guy Bodenmann
- Clinical Psychology Children/Adolescents and Couples/Families, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Mitchell JW, Gamarel KE, Kam KK, Pennington JT. Perceived facilitators of decision-making and usage of biomedical HIV prevention strategies: findings from an online, qualitative study with same-gender male couples in the United States. AIDS Care 2021; 33:1209-1217. [PMID: 32844670 PMCID: PMC7907248 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1808158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The early stages of gay and bisexual men's relationships are a critical period for communicating about HIV prevention strategies. This study sought to: (1) explore facilitators to decision-making to use prevention strategies and (2) describe the prevention strategies being used by same-gender male couples in new relationships. Individual interviews were conducted with 76 partnered men, representing 37 couples and 2 individuals. Couples had been together for one year or less, and varied by U.S. geographical region of residence and HIV serostatus: 8 seroconcordant positive, 17 seroconcordant negative, and 13 serodiscordant couples. Two overarching qualitative themes emerged: (1) communication and (2) information and resources. Notably, few couples had both partners mention the same facilitator. The most commonly used HIV prevention strategies were treatment as prevention for partners in seroconcordant positive and serodiscordant couple relationships, and HIV/STI testing for partners of seroconcordant negative couples. Compared to the other two couple groups, fewer seroconcrdant negative couples were aware of each other's use of strategies. Study findings suggest these facilitators are important to include in future interventions. Efforts are also needed to improve within-dyad awareness about which strategies partners are using and how they may best support one another toward their sexual health goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W. Mitchell
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai’i
| | - Kristi E. Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kasey K. Kam
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai’i
| | - Jacob T. Pennington
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai’i
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Gamarel KE, Sevelius JM, Neilands TB, Kaplan RL, Johnson MO, Nemoto T, Darbes LA, Operario D. Couples-based approach to HIV prevention for transgender women and their partners: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial testing the efficacy of the 'It Takes Two' intervention. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038723. [PMID: 33060086 PMCID: PMC7566735 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV transmission and acquisition risk among transgender women is particularly high in the context of primary partnerships. This project extends a previous pilot couples-focused HIV intervention programme, which was shown to be feasible, acceptable and promising in reducing sexual risk behaviour among transgender women and their partners. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) tests the efficacy of this culturally sensitive HIV prevention programme for HIV-serodiscordant and HIV-negative seroconcordant transgender women and their partners. METHODS AND ANALYSIS To finalise the protocol for trial, we used qualitative methods to hone eligibility criteria, refine the intervention and control manuals, and name and brand the intervention ('It Takes Two'). The RCT investigates the effects of the It Takes Two intervention on Composite Risk for HIV (CR-HIV) among 100 couples. CR-HIV is a binary indicator of couple HIV risk using validated measures of sexual behaviour, pre-exposure prophylaxis use among HIV-negative participants and viral suppression among participants living with HIV. Using a two-arm RCT, we will examine intervention effects on CR-HIV at 12-month follow-up comparing transgender women and their partners randomised to the intervention versus control (HIV prevention information only). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of California, San Francisco (19-28624) and the University of Michigan (HUM00147690) Institutional Review Boards. Participants provide informed consent before taking part of the study activities. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences. We will make our results available to the community of researchers and general public interested in transgender health to avoid unintentional duplication of research, as well as to others in the health and social services community, including LGBT community-based organisations, AIDS service organisations and other transgender-serving organisations. The full de-identified dataset and codebook will be shared at the University of Michigan Digital Repository. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04067661.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jae M Sevelius
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rachel L Kaplan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mallory O Johnson
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Tooru Nemoto
- Public Health Institute, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Don Operario
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 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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Wooldridge JS, Gray C, Pukhraj A, Geller J, Trivedi RB. Understanding communal coping among patients and informal caregivers with heart failure: A mixed methods secondary analysis of patient-caregiver dyads. Heart Lung 2019; 48:486-495. [PMID: 31171368 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2019.05.008] [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] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyads that view illnesses as shared stressors ("shared appraisal"), and collaboratively respond to it, have better outcomes. This process, known as communal coping, has received little attention in heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES To examine communal coping among patient-caregiver dyads managing HF. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 34 dyads. Shared appraisal was measured using we-ratio, as calculated with Linguistic Inquiry Word Count. We-ratio was divided into "high" and "low" for patients and caregivers, and concordance was examined. Thematic analyses were used to explore collaboration. RESULTS Caregivers had higher we-ratios than patients (p=.005); 29.6% and 33.3% dyads were concordant on high and low "we-ratio," respectively. In thematic analyses, we found that 1) dyads collaborated around diet, appointments, and medications, but less around physical activity; 2) dyads collaborated across all illnesses, not just HF; and 3) dyads concordant on high we-ratio reported stronger collaborations. CONCLUSIONS Communal coping varied by shared appraisal and collaboration. Understanding this variability may help develop tailored self-management interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennalee S Wooldridge
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park Division, 795 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States.
| | - Caroline Gray
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park Division, 795 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Ambri Pukhraj
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park Division, 795 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Jessica Geller
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Ranak B Trivedi
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park Division, 795 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States; Stanford University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, CA, United States
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Huang J, Zhang J, Yu NX. Couple identity and well-being in Chinese HIV serodiscordant couples: resilience under the risk of stigma. AIDS Care 2019; 30:S58-S66. [PMID: 30632776 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1510105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Resilience literature has suggested the context-specific nature of resilience while such framework has yet to be expanded to health psychology research among HIV serodiscordant couples. Conceptualizing a couple affected by chronic diseases using a "we-ness" framework rather than two separate individuals is important for stress coping of the couple. Considering this social-cognitive context of couple coping would be helpful to facilitate resilience of both the patient and the spouse. It is not clear whether couple identity serves as a protective factor for HIV serodiscordant couples and whether stigma, a prevalent contextual risk in this population, will alter the strength of such a protective effect on well-being. This longitudinal study examined the protective effect of couple identity in predicting the psychological and physical well-being of HIV discordant couples and the moderating role of stigma in such associations. A total of 160 Chinese HIV serodiscordant couples completed the baseline survey and follow-up one year later. Results showed that couple identity predicted fewer depressive symptoms at both the within- and between-couple level and better self-rated physical health at the between-couple level one year later. These protective effects were diminished when HIV stigma was high. This study highlights the importance of examining resources with consideration of contextual factors. It also calls for the sensitivity of stigma in developing a couple-based intervention for HIV serodiscordant couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Huang
- a Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences , City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Zhang
- b Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Nancy Xiaonan Yu
- a Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences , City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , People's Republic of China
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Shaver J, Freeland R, Goldenberg T, Stephenson R. Gay and Bisexual Men's Perceptions of HIV Risk in Various Relationships. Am J Mens Health 2018; 12:655-665. [PMID: 29355071 PMCID: PMC6131437 DOI: 10.1177/1557988317745759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of HIV incidence in the United States. Previous study of sexual decision-making and HIV risk among MSM has not accounted for relationship dynamics. Further research must examine this connection between relationship dynamics and sexual decision-making, especially regarding condomless anal intercourse. This study analyzes data gathered from gay and bisexual men regarding their sexual partners and sexual decision-making over a 10-week period through personal relationship diaries (PRDs) and a follow-up in-depth interview (IDI). Through coding and extraction of relationship dynamics, key patterns of participants' sexual decision-making processes were examined based on relationship type, which was categorized by commitment, formality, and sexual agreement. Participants' sexual relationships can be divided into five categories: (a) Uncommitted, one time, (b) Uncommitted, ongoing, (c) Transitioning or unknown commitment, (d) Committed, nonmonogamous, and (e) Committed, monogamous. These five categories correspond to patterns in sexual decision making and consequent sexual risk-taking behaviors. Each of these influence HIV risk within male-male sexual encounters in a particular manner, and understanding these is important for appropriately tailored HIV prevention interventions for MSM. Recommendations are included for interventions seeking to address HIV risk across a wide variety of MSM sexual relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Shaver
- Center for Sexuality and Health
Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ryan Freeland
- Center for Sexuality and Health
Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tamar Goldenberg
- Center for Sexuality and Health
Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Health Behavior and Health Education,
University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health
Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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11
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Cook SH, Halkitis PN, Kapadia F. Relationship cognitions and longitudinal trajectories of sexual risk behavior among young gay and bisexual men: The P18 cohort study. J Health Psychol 2016; 23:1884-1894. [PMID: 28810356 DOI: 10.1177/1359105316671187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines how romantic relationship cognitions are associated with changes of condomless anal sex among emerging adult gay and bisexual men. The sample was drawn from four waves of a prospective cohort study ( N = 598; Mage = 18.2). Results suggest that condomless anal sex increased over the emerging adulthood period. Romantic relationship fear was associated with increased receptive condomless anal sex. Perceptions of greater romantic relationship control increased the likelihood of having insertive and receptive condomless anal sex. Findings suggest that romantic relationship cognitions are important to consider when understanding longitudinal changes in condomless anal sex in this population.
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12
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Conroy AA, Gamarel KE, Neilands TB, Dilworth SE, Darbes LA, Johnson MO. Relationship Dynamics and Partner Beliefs About Viral Suppression: A Longitudinal Study of Male Couples Living with HIV/AIDS (The Duo Project). AIDS Behav 2016; 20:1572-83. [PMID: 27150895 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1423-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Accurate beliefs about partners' viral suppression are important for HIV prevention and care. We fit multilevel mixed effects logistic regression models to examine associations between partners' viral suppression beliefs and objective HIV RNA viral load tests, and whether relationship dynamics were associated with accurate viral suppression beliefs over time. Male couples (N = 266 couples) with at least one HIV-positive partner on antiretroviral therapy completed five assessments over 2 years. Half of the 407 HIV-positive partners were virally suppressed. Of the 40 % who had inaccurate viral load beliefs, 80 % assumed their partner was suppressed. The odds of having accurate viral load beliefs decreased over time (OR = 0.83; p = 0.042). Within-couple differences in dyadic adjustment (OR = 0.66; p < 0.01) and commitment (OR = 0.82; p = 0.022) were negatively associated with accurate viral load beliefs. Beliefs about a partner's viral load may factor into sexual decision-making and social support. Couple-based approaches are warranted to improve knowledge of partners' viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Conroy
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California - San Francisco, 550 16th Street 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California - San Francisco, 550 16th Street 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Samantha E Dilworth
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California - San Francisco, 550 16th Street 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mallory O Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California - San Francisco, 550 16th Street 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA
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