Correlates of Sexual HIV Risk Among African American Men Who Have Sex With Men

Cannabis use and HIV among Black sexually minoritized men: a systematic review and narrative analysis

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review evaluating the extant literature examining the impacts of cannabis use on HIV-related outcomes among Black sexual minoritized men (BSMM).

DESIGN

A systematic review.

METHODS

We conducted a search in November 2024 of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science using keywords related to BSMM, HIV, and cannabis. Study quality was assessed utilizing a tool developed for observational studies. One hundred eight unique articles were screened with 55 undergoing full-text review, and 20 met inclusion criteria. Results were synthesized and presented utilizing a narrative review process.

RESULTS

We identified 20 studies published between 1999 and 2024. Measures of cannabis use included any use (e.g., ever, past 30 days), daily/intermittent/heavy use, use before/during sex, and problematic use. Outcomes included HIV positivity/seroconversion, HIV Continuum of Care (CoC), PrEP CoC, and sex behavior strengths, vulnerabilities, and assets. Study findings were generally mixed, however positive associations between cannabis use and HIV seroconversion, inconsistent condom use, being HIV-positive and unaware of one's serostatus, and suboptimal ART adherence were reported.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review identified a growing literature on cannabis use and HIV among Black SMM. Conclusions that can be drawn from the evidence are limited. There is a critical need for studies that more rigorously measure cannabis use by considering contexts of cannabis use. In addition, there is a need for research that examines the pathways and mechanisms through which cannabis use may affect prevention and treatments outcomes related to HIV among Black SMM.

Cannabis use patterns among people with HIV before and after legalization

Background

Cannabis use is highly prevalent and detrimental among people with HIV (PWH). Legislative changes in several states altered the legality and accessibility of cannabis. We examined pre-post legislative changes in current, daily, and severe use in PWH in clinical care.

Methods

PWH engaged in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS) cohort from 3 sites/states were asked about past 3-month cannabis use on a routine clinical assessment of health behavior before and after legalization. A fourth site in a state without legalization served as a comparator. We used linear regression to estimate changes in use prevalence from 1 year before to 1 year after legalization.

Results

Among PWH (n=7885), from 1 year before to 1 year after legalization, cannabis use prevalence increased slightly in Boston, MA (32-38 %), Birmingham, AL (26-27 %), and San Diego, CA (25-29 %); and decreased in Seattle, WA (44-41 %). Contemporaneously, daily cannabis use increased modestly (less than 5 %) at all sites. Severe use (cannabis-specific ASSIST score ≥27) decreased or plateaued at all sites. No site showed significant change in prevalence trends of current, daily, or severe use 1 year before and after legalization in linear regression (p >0.05).

Conclusion

Few changes prevailed in cannabis use patterns around dates of legalization among PWH in care in the U.S. Relaxation of cannabis policy does not appear to result in an immediate increase in use among PWH.

Correlates of concordance between self-reported and lab-confirmed viral load among Black and Latine men who have sex with men (BLMSM) living with HIV in New York City

Sustained viral suppression is one of the four strategies in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) plan to end the HIV epidemic in the United States. Individuals living with HIV must understand their viral load accurately for this strategy to be effective. We conducted cross-sectional analyses using baseline data from the NNHIV longitudinal study among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV in New York City to identify factors associated with concordant knowledge between self-reported and lab-confirmed viral load. Of 164 Black and/or Latine participants, 67% (n = 110) reported that their viral load was undetectable, however lab tests showed only 44% (n = 72) had an undetectable viral load (<20 copies/ml). Overall, 62% of the sample (n = 102) had concordant HIV viral load knowledge (agreement of self-reported and lab viral load). In multivariable regression, those with unstable housing (PR = 0.52, 0.30-0.92) and those who had higher levels of beliefs of racism in medicine scale (PR = 0.76, 0.59-0.97) were less likely to have concordant knowledge. Our study underscores the need for implementing measures to improve viral load knowledge, U = U messaging, and strategies to achieve and maintain undetectable viral load status to reduce the burden of HIV at the population level.

Game Plan-a Brief Web-Based Intervention to Improve Uptake and Use of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Reduce Alcohol Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men: Content Analysis

Background

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has considerable potential for reducing incidence among high-risk groups, such as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM). However, PrEP’s effectiveness is closely linked with consistent use, and a variety of individual-level barriers, including alcohol use, could impede optimal uptake and use. Web-based interventions can encourage medication adherence, HIV prevention behaviors, and responsible drinking and may help support PrEP care, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Objective

We previously developed a web application called Game Plan that was designed to encourage heavy drinking GBM to use HIV prevention methods and reduce their alcohol use and was inspired by brief motivational interventions. This paper aims to describe the web-based content we designed for integration into Game Plan to help encourage PrEP uptake and consistent use among GBM. In this paper, we also aim to describe this content and its rationale.

Methods

Similar to the original site, these components were developed iteratively, guided by a thorough user-centered design process involving consultation with subject-matter experts, usability interviews and surveys, and user experience surveys.

Results

In addition to Game Plan’s pre-existing content, the additional PrEP components provide specific, personal, and digestible feedback to users about their level of risk for HIV without PrEP and illustrate how much consistent PrEP use could reduce it; personal feedback about their risk for common sexually transmitted infections to address low-risk perceptions; content challenging common beliefs and misconceptions about PrEP to reduce stigma; content confronting familiar PrEP and alcohol beliefs; and a change planning module that allows users to select specific goals for starting and strategies for consistent PrEP use. Users can opt into a weekly 2-way SMS text messaging program that provides similar feedback over a 12-week period after using Game Plan and follows up on the goals they set.

Conclusions

Research preliminarily testing the efficacy of these components in improving PrEP outcomes, including uptake, adherence, sexually transmitted infection rates, and alcohol use, is currently ongoing. If supported, these components could provide a scalable tool that can be used in resource-limited settings in which face-to-face intervention is difficult.

The Epidemiological Analysis of HIV/AIDS Patients: Sexually Transmitted Diseases Department VS. Other Departments in A General Hospital of Shanghai, China

BACKGROUND

Hospital is an important place for HIV/AIDS screening, and a general hospital is composed of multiple departments. Different departments have different levels of understanding of HIV/AIDS, especially the sexually transmitted diseases (STD) department is the main place for HIV/AIDS screening.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to validate the common knowledge that the STD department is an important place for HIV/AIDS screening by comparing the epidemiological characteristics of HIV/AIDS patients in the STD department and other departments in Tongji Hospital, which can provide a theoretical basis for the precise and differentiated control of HIV/AIDS.

METHODS

A total of 283,525 HIV screening cases were analyzed from January 1st 2006 to December 31st 2018 in the STD department and other departments. The epidemiological data of 226 HIV/AIDS cases were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Firstly, the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the population served by Tongji Hospital was higher than that in Shanghai and China. Secondly, the positive rate of HIV screening test in the STD department was ten times higher than that of other departments. Thirdly, the social-demographic characteristics of HIV/AIDS patients in the STD department were different from those in other departments. Fourthly, there were differences in age, education, marital status and number of sex partners between men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with women (MSW). Fifthly, there was no difference except age in social-demographic characteristics of MSM between the STD department and other departments. Sixthly, compared with other departments, the majority of HIV/AIDS patients in the STD department were MSM. Seventhly, syphilis and HIV co-infection were not statistically significant in HIV/AIDS patients between the STD department and other departments.

CONCLUSION

Firstly, the significantly higher positive rate of an HIV screening test in the STD department emphasizes its importance as a place for screening HIV/AIDS patients. Secondly, HIV/AIDS patients diagnosed in the general hospital were mainly transmitted by sexual contact, and MSM accounted for the most part of these patients. More attention should be paid to screen outpatients, especially in the STD department and young men.

The Impact of Closeness to Non-Parental Adults in Social Networks on Substance Use among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men

Non-parental adults (NPAs), or adults in social networks other than parents and romantic/sexual partnersare an under-examined potential resource in the lives of young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Using survey and social network data from a sample (n = 169) of ethnically diverse YMSM in a Midwestern city, this article examines longitudinal associations between emotional closeness to NPAs and subsequent substance use among YMSM. After controlling for race/ethnicity, closer relationships with NPAs were associated with a lower likelihood of binge-drinking and marijuana use six months later. In an exploratory set of analyses, the level of connectedness between NPAs and other members of social networks was not associated with substance use. Future studies should continue to examine the protective role of NPAs for both substance use and other health behaviors among YMSM.

"To Me, Everybody Is infected": Understanding Narratives about HIV Risk among HIV-negative Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Deep South

For black MSM living in the Deep South, the intersection of sexuality, race, and geography impacts HIV risk substantially. Between July and September 2016, we conducted a qualitative study among HIV-negative black MSM in five southern cities in the US with elevated HIV prevalence. Analysis included assessment of interrater reliability, cluster analysis, and descriptive statistics. We enrolled 99 black MSM (mean age: 33.6; SD = 12.8; range: 17-68 years). Four overarching themes emerged: harboring fear of HIV and the internalization of HIV stigma; scrutinizing potential partners to assess riskiness and HIV status; embracing distance and isolation from those perceived as a threat to HIV status; and exhibiting self-efficacy toward HIV prevention and utilizing risk reduction strategies. Future HIV prevention efforts may benefit by balancing risk and deficit based strategies with those that emphasize resilience, address disenfranchisement via structural interventions, and assess and treat inherent trauma(s).

What Do Adults With HIV Want? End-of-Life Care Goals, Values and Beliefs by Gender, Race, Sexual Orientation

OBJECTIVE

We examined factors influencing end-of-life care preferences among persons living with HIV (PLWH).

METHODS

223 PLWH were enrolled from 5 hospital-based clinics in Washington, DC. They completed an end-of-life care survey at baseline of the FACE™-HIV Advance Care Planning clinical trial.

FINDINGS

The average age of patients was 51 years. 56% were male, 66% heterosexual, and 86% African American. Two distinct groups of patients were identified with respect to end-of-life care preferences: (1) a Relational class (75%) who prioritized family and friends, comfort from church services, and comfort from persons at the end-of-life; and (2) a Transactional/Self-Determination class (25%) who prioritized honest answers from their doctors, and advance care plans over relationships. African Americans had 3x the odds of being in the Relational class versus the Transactional/Self-determination class, Odds ratio = 3.30 (95% CI, 1.09, 10.03), p = 0.035. Males were significantly less likely to be in the relational latent class, Odds ratio = 0.38 (CI, 0.15, 0.98), p = 0.045. Compared to non-African-Americans, African-American PLWH rated the following as important: only taking pain medicines when pain is severe, p = 0.0113; saving larger doses for worse pain, p = 0.0067; and dying in the hospital, p = 0.0285. PLWH who were sexual minorities were more afraid of dying alone, p = 0.0397, and less likely to only take pain medicines when pain is severe, p = 0.0091.

CONCLUSION

Integrating culturally-sensitive palliative care services as a component of the HIV care continuum may improve health equity and person-centered care.

Medical Marijuana and Opioids (MEMO) Study: protocol of a longitudinal cohort study to examine if medical cannabis reduces opioid use among adults with chronic pain

INTRODUCTION

In the USA, opioid analgesic use and overdoses have increased dramatically. One rapidly expanding strategy to manage chronic pain in the context of this epidemic is medical cannabis. Cannabis has analgesic effects, but it also has potential adverse effects. Further, its impact on opioid analgesic use is not well studied. Managing pain in people living with HIV is particularly challenging, given the high prevalence of opioid analgesic and cannabis use. This study's overarching goal is to understand how medical cannabis use affects opioid analgesic use, with attention to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol content, HIV outcomes and adverse events.

METHODS AND ANALYSES

We are conducting a cohort study of 250 adults with and without HIV infection with (a) severe or chronic pain, (b) current opioid use and (c) who are newly certified for medical cannabis in New York. Over 18 months, we collect data via in-person visits every 3 months and web-based questionnaires every 2 weeks. Data sources include: questionnaires; medical, pharmacy and Prescription Monitoring Program records; urine and blood samples; and physical function tests. Using marginal structural models and comparisons within participants' 2-week time periods (unit of analysis), we will examine how medical cannabis use (primary exposure) affects (1) opioid analgesic use (primary outcome), (2) HIV outcomes (HIV viral load, CD4 count, antiretroviral adherence, HIV risk behaviours) and (3) adverse events (cannabis use disorder, illicit drug use, diversion, overdose/deaths, accidents/injuries, acute care utilisation).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study is approved by the Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine institutional review board. Findings will be disseminated through conferences, peer-reviewed publications and meetings with medical cannabis stakeholders.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03268551); Pre-results.

Sources of Resilience as Mediators of the Effect of Minority Stress on Stimulant Use and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Young Black Men who have Sex with Men

The greatest proportion of new HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) is occurring among young Black MSM (YBMSM) ages 13-24. Consequently, research is needed to understand the psychosocial pathways that influence HIV risk and resilience in YBMSM. Minority Stress Theory proposes that the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination facing sexual and racial minorities are chronic stressors that lead to increased engagement in risk behaviors. The present study examined whether minority stress is associated with stimulant use and sexual risk behaviors by depleting psychosocial resilience. We recruited 1817 YBMSM, ages 18-29, from multiple venues in two major cities in Texas for participation in a brief survey. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that decreased resilience partially mediated the association of minority stress with sexual risk behavior. Resilience was also negatively associated with stimulant use. Interventions focused on cultivating psychosocial resilience could mitigate the deleterious consequences of minority stress and reduce stimulant use in YBMSM.

Contrasting Self-Perceived Need and Guideline-Based Indication for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Young, Black Men Who Have Sex with Men Offered Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Atlanta, Georgia

Despite high HIV incidence among young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in this group is low. In a cohort of HIV-negative YBMSM in Atlanta, GA, all participants were offered PrEP as standard of care with free clinician visits and laboratory testing. We explored self-perceived need for PrEP among 29 in-depth interview participants by asking about reasons for PrEP uptake or refusal and factors that may lead to future reconsideration. Self-perceived need was compared to US Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for clinical PrEP indication using behavioral data and laboratory testing data. Self-perceived need for PrEP consistently underestimated clinical indication, primarily due to optimism for choosing other HIV prevention strategies, such as condom use, abstinence, or monogamy. Many participants cited consistent condom use and lack of sexual activity as reasons for not starting PrEP; however, follow-up survey data frequently demonstrated low condom use and high levels of sexual activity in the period after the interview. Study participants endorsed perceptions that PrEP is only for people with very high levels of sexual activity. Only one participant perceived incident sexually transmitted infection (STI) to be an indication for PrEP, despite the fact that several of the participants had a history of an STI diagnosis. These findings point to an opportunity for clinician intervention at diagnosis. Disconnect between self-perceived and guidance-based PrEP indications, as well as other factors such as medical mistrust or difficulty with access, may contribute to low PrEP uptake among YBMSM. A better understanding of the ways in which these issues manifest may be one tool for clinicians to support PrEP uptake.

Strength of Implementation Intentions to Use Condoms Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM), condoms remain key to HIV prevention. Implementation intentions-which link a behavioral action plan with a situation or cue-may predict condom use. The Strength of Implementation Intentions Scale (SIIS), which assesses condom use implementation intentions, has not been evaluated among MSM. A structural model tested whether the SIIS mediated the relationship between condom use intentions and condomless sex acts among 266 sexually-active MSM (56% White, 26% Black, 15% Latino, M_age = 32.54). After controlling for PrEP use, HIV-status, and demographics (χ²(107) = 140.06, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.03), the SIIS fully mediated the relationship between condom use intentions and condomless sex acts. The SIIS can serve as a fidelity check for interventions, a mediator in theoretical models, and future studies should incorporate implementation intentions into HIV prevention interventions for MSM.

Ricky and Lucy: gender stereotyping among young Black men who have sex with men in the US Deep South and the implications for HIV risk in a severely affected population

HIV disproportionately affects young Black men who have sex with men in the USA, with especially high rates in the Deep South. In this Alabama study, we interviewed 24 pairs of young Black men who have sex with men aged 19-24 and their close friends (n = 48) about sexual scripts, dating men and condom use. Three main themes emerged from the study: the power dynamics of 'top' and 'bottom' sexual positions for condom use; gender stereotyping in the iconic style of the 'I Love Lucy' show of the 1950s; and the sexual dominance of 'trade' men. Gender stereotyping was attributed to the cultural mores of Black families in the South, to the preferences of 'trade' men who exerted sexual and financial control and to internalised stigma relating to being Black, gay and marginalised. The findings suggest that HIV prevention education for young Black men who have sex with men is misguided if gendered power dynamics are ignored, and that funded access to self-protective strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis could reduce HIV risk for this severely affected population.

A longitudinal examination of factors associated with social support satisfaction among HIV-positive young Black men who have sex with men

This study examined the long-term predictors of social support satisfaction among HIV-positive young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). Data were collected across three waves between October 2012 and November 2014 as part of the baseline assessment from Project nGage, a preliminary efficacy randomized control study examining the role of social support in improving HIV care among YBMSM. The sample included 92 YBMSM aged 18-29. Major results controlling for age, education and intervention effects indicated that psychological health, social network size, and education at baseline predicted differences in social support satisfaction at Wave 3, with no significant effects based on length of HIV diagnosis. Therefore, interventions that are intended to promote the quality of life for YBMSM and their engagement and retention in HIV care must focus on their psychological health concerns and network size.

Drugs, Sex, and Condoms: Identification and Interpretation of Race-Specific Cultural Messages Influencing Black Gay and Bisexual Young Men Living with HIV

Black gay and bisexual young men carry a disproportionate burden of HIV in the United States. This study explored Black gay and bisexual young men living with HIV's identification and interpretation of race-specific cultural messages regarding substance use, sexual activity, and condom use. A total of 36 Black gay and bisexual young men living with HIV (ages 16-24, mean = 20.6 years) from four geographically diverse regions of the United States participated in qualitative in-depth interviews. Results from this study elucidate the ways in which these young men interpret various forms of race-specific cultural messages and experiences regarding substance use, sexual activity, and condom use. Participants discussed cultural messages and experiences promoting and discouraging condoms and substance use. Regarding sexual activity, only messages and experiences promoting sex were reported. Across all three categories, messages and experiences promoting risk were predominant. Data further revealed that socially transmitted cultural messages received by young men emanated from multiple sources, such as family, peers, sexual partners, community/neighborhood, and the broader society. Race-specific cultural messages and experiences should be addressed in interventions for this population, and programs should assist young men in developing a critical consciousness regarding these messages and experiences in order to promote health and well-being.

Correlates of sexual-risk behaviors among young black MSM: implications for clinic-based counseling programs

This study applied an 8-item index of recent sexual-risk behaviors to young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) and evaluated the distribution for normality. The distribution was tested for associations with possible antecedents of sexual risk. YBMSM (N = 600), aged 16-29 years, were recruited from a sexually transmitted infection clinic, located in the southern US. Men completed an extensive audio computer-assisted self-interview. Thirteen possible antecedents of sexual risk, as assessed by the index, were selected for analyses. The 8-item index formed a normal distribution with a mean of 4.77 (SD = 1.77). In adjusted analyses, not having completed education beyond high school was associated with less risk, as was having sex with females. Conversely, meeting sex partners online was associated with greater risk, as was reporting that sex partners were drunk during sex. The obtained normal distribution of sexual-risk behaviors suggests a corresponding need to "target and tailor" clinic-based counseling and prevention services for YBMSM. Avoiding sex when partners are intoxicated may be an especially valuable goal of counseling sessions.