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Juster RP, Rutherford C, Keyes K, Hatzenbuehler ML. Associations Between Structural Stigma and Allostatic Load Among Sexual Minorities: Results From a Population-Based Study. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:157-168. [PMID: 38345315 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Structural forms of stigma and discrimination are associated with adverse health outcomes across numerous stigmatized groups, including lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. However, the biological consequences of structural stigma among LGB populations are understudied. To begin to address this gap, we assessed associations between indicators of structural stigma (i.e., state-level policies) targeting LGB individuals and allostatic load (AL) indices representing physiological dysregulations. METHODS Pooled data from the continuous 2001-2014 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey were analyzed (LGB: n = 864; heterosexual: n = 20,310). Ten state-level LGB-related policies (e.g., employment nondiscrimination protections, same-sex marriage) were used to operationalize structural stigma. A sex-specific AL index representing 11 immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular biomarkers was estimated. Multilevel models were used to examine associations between structural stigma and AL, net of nine individual-level characteristics (e.g., education, race/ethnicity, age, and health behaviors). RESULTS Sexual minority men living in states with low levels of structural stigma experienced significantly lower AL ( β = -0.45, p = .02) compared with sexual minority men living in states with high structural stigma (i.e., fewer protective policies). There was no significant association between structural stigma and AL among sexual minority women. CONCLUSIONS By demonstrating direct associations between structural stigma and indices of physiological dysregulation, our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of how the social environment can "get under the skin and skull" for sexual minority men in the United States. Future research should explore whether these mechanisms generalize to other marginalized groups exposed to structural stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert-Paul Juster
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction (Juster), University of Montreal; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute (Juster), Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University (Rutherford, Keyes), New York, New York; and Department of Psychology, Harvard University (Hatzenbuehler), Cambridge, Massachusetts
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2
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Scheim AI, Rich AJ, Zubizarreta D, Malik M, Baker KE, Restar AJ, van der Merwe LA, Wang J, Beebe B, Ridgeway K, Baral SD, Poteat T, Reisner SL. Health status of transgender people globally: A systematic review of research on disease burden and correlates. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299373. [PMID: 38466747 PMCID: PMC10927095 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Transgender and gender diverse (trans) health research has grown rapidly, highlighting the need to characterize the scientific evidence base. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed research on disease burden and correlates in trans adolescents and adults over a 20-month period to identify knowledge gaps and assess methodological characteristics including measurement of gender identity, community engagement, and study quality. DATA SOURCES, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, AND SYNTHESIS METHODS We searched seven databases using terms related to (a) transgender populations and (b) health or disease. Eligible studies were in English, French, or Spanish and reported original quantitative data on mental health or substance use conditions, infectious diseases, or non-communicable conditions in at least 25 trans individuals aged 15+. Quality assessment was performed in duplicate on a 10% sample of articles and findings were summarized using narrative synthesis. RESULTS The 328 included studies were conducted in 45 countries, with most from North America (54%) and limited research from South Asia (3%), Sub-Saharan Africa (3%), and the Middle East and North Africa (2%). Most studies used cross-sectional designs (73%) and convenience sampling (65%). Only 30% of studies reported any form of community engagement. Mental health and substance use disorders were the most studied area (77% of studies) and non-communicable conditions the least (16%). Available data indicated that trans populations experience high disease burden with considerable heterogeneity within and across settings. Of 39 articles assessed for quality, 80% were rated as fair, 18% as poor, and 3% as good quality. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Geographic, gender-specific, and topical gaps remain in trans health, but we found more research from African countries, with transmasculine people, and on non-communicable conditions than previous syntheses. Areas for growth in trans health research include community engagement, non-binary health, chronic and age-related conditions, and health determinants. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021234043.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayden I. Scheim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashleigh J. Rich
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Dougie Zubizarreta
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mannat Malik
- Department of Health Behaviour, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kellan E. Baker
- Whitman-Walker Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Arjee J. Restar
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Leigh Ann van der Merwe
- Social, Health and Empowerment Feminist Collective of Transgender Women of Africa (S.H.E.), East London, South Africa
| | - June Wang
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bianca Beebe
- School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kathleen Ridgeway
- School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stefan D. Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tonia Poteat
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sari L. Reisner
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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DuBois LZ, Puckett JA, Jolly D, Powers S, Walker T, Hope DA, Mocarski R, Huit TZ, Lash BR, Holt N, Ralston A, Miles M, Capannola A, Tipton C, Eick G, Juster RP. Gender minority stress and diurnal cortisol profiles among transgender and gender diverse people in the United States. Horm Behav 2024; 159:105473. [PMID: 38190769 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The field of behavioral neuroendocrinology has only begun to explore the lived experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people exposed to stigma. In light of escalating attacks and legislation targeting TGD people in the United States, it is crucial to examine the physiological pathways through which gender minority stressors become embodied, impact health, and contribute to health inequities. The Trans Resilience and Health Study included baseline data collection from fall 2019 to spring 2020 from a sample of 124 TGD people, reflecting a diversity of gender identities (e.g., trans masculine, trans feminine, and nonbinary) and ages (range = 19-70 years old; M = 34.10), living in Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, and Tennessee. These analyses examine experiences of gender-related enacted stigma in association with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis functioning. Among those experiencing the highest levels of enacted stigma, findings show a blunted cortisol awakening response and sluggish daily decline that resulted in elevated concentrations at bedtime compared to those experiencing less enacted stigma. These results of flattened diurnal activity are consistent with an emergent literature on discrimination as a social determinant of potential stress pathophysiology. In contrast, community connectedness was associated with a larger, more dynamic cortisol awakening response. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating gender-minority stress and resilience measures when studying HPA-axis functioning among TGD people.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zachary DuBois
- Department of Anthropology, 1218 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States.
| | - Jae A Puckett
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 316 Physics Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States.
| | - Dee Jolly
- Department of Anthropology, 1218 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States.
| | - Sally Powers
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
| | - Tian Walker
- Department of Anthropology, 1218 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States.
| | - Debra A Hope
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnette Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States; Office of Graduate Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States.
| | - Richard Mocarski
- Office of Research, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA, United States.
| | - T Zachary Huit
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnette Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
| | - Brenna R Lash
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnette Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
| | - Natalie Holt
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnette Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
| | - Allura Ralston
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnette Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
| | - Makinna Miles
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 160 SW 26th St, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - A Capannola
- Department of Child & Family Studies, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, 1215 W. Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996, United States.
| | - Clove Tipton
- Department of Sociology, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, 901 McClung Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States.
| | - Geeta Eick
- Department of Anthropology, 1218 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331 Hochelaga, FS-145-12, Montreal, Quebec H1N 3V2, Canada.
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4
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Poteat TC, Rich AJ, Jiang H, Wirtz AL, Radix A, Reisner SL, Harris AB, Cannon CM, Lesko CR, Malik M, Williams J, Mayer KH, Streed CG. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Estimation for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Baseline Data From the LITE Plus Cohort Study. AJPM Focus 2023; 2:100096. [PMID: 37790660 PMCID: PMC10546528 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Approximately 2% of the U.S. population identifies as transgender, and transgender people experience disproportionate rates of cardiovascular disease mortality. However, widely used cardiovascular disease risk estimators have not been validated in this population. This study sought to determine the impact on statin therapy recommendations using 3 different approaches to operationalizing sex in the American Health Association/American College of Cardiology Pooled Cohort Equation Risk Estimator. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline clinical data from LITE Plus, a prospective cohort study of Black and/or Latina transgender women with HIV. Data were collected from October 2020 to June 2022 and used to calculate Pooled Cohort Equation scores. Results The 102 participants had a mean age of 43 years. A total of 88% were Black, and 18% were Latina. A total of 79% were taking gender-affirming hormones. The average Pooled Cohort Equation risk score was 6% when sex assigned at birth was used and statins would be recommended for the 31% with Pooled Cohort Equation >7.5%. The average risk score was 4%, and 18% met the criteria for statin initiation when current gender was used; the mean risk score was 5%, and 22% met the criteria for statin initiation when current hormone therapy was used. Conclusions Average Pooled Cohort Equation risk scores vary substantially depending on the approach to operationalizing the sex variable, suggesting that widely used cardiovascular risk estimators may be unreliable predictors of cardiovascular disease risk in transgender populations. Collection of sex, gender, and hormone use in longitudinal studies of cardiovascular health is needed to address this important limitation of current risk estimators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonia C. Poteat
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ashleigh J. Rich
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Huijun Jiang
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Andrea L. Wirtz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Asa Radix
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, New York
| | - Sari L. Reisner
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Catherine R. Lesko
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mannat Malik
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer Williams
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carl G. Streed
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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5
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Stoff DM, Bowleg L, del Río-González AM, Rodriguez-Diaz CE, Zea MC. Critical Perspectives on Expanding Racial/Ethnic Diversity in the HIV Research Workforce: Comorbidities and Mentoring. Health Educ Behav 2023; 50:10901981231157795. [PMID: 36924258 PMCID: PMC10977082 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231157795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
HIV-related comorbidities in underrepresented minority populations are reframed to include the co-occurring problems of systemic and structural barriers, within the mentoring context as a buffer and as action-oriented. This framework is discussed to improve racial and ethnic minority diversity in the research workforce from the perspectives of HIV comorbidities and mentoring. An integrated and coordinated approach to HIV-related comorbidities and inequities may be helpful when combined with research on the social-structural contributions as drivers to diversify the research workforce. We emphasize how these key research issues (a) provide a platform for training and retraining a highly motivated, diverse workforce and (b) facilitate the empowerment of these trained individuals to conduct rigorous scientific research on social-structural factors to mitigate the effects of these comorbidities. We conclude that a diverse research workforce is necessary but insufficient for improving training-related outcomes or reducing comorbidity effects. Additional considerations are warranted that include systemic approaches and changes at the structural and institutional levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Stoff
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa Bowleg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Maria Cecilia Zea
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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6
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Wirtz AL, Adams D, Poteat TC, Beckham SW, Miller M, Brown C, Reisner SL. SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Testing Experiences in a Nationwide Sample of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adults, June-December 2021. Public Health Rep 2023; 138:357-368. [PMID: 36560869 PMCID: PMC9790855 DOI: 10.1177/00333549221138853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES COVID-19 surveillance data are rarely collected or disaggregated by gender identity in the United States. We quantified COVID-19 testing experiences and SARS-CoV-2 infection history among transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people to inform testing strategies and public health responses. METHODS From June 14 through December 16, 2021, TGD adults enrolled in a US nationwide online survey with optional SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. We used multinomial regression analyses to identify correlates of suspected and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (vs no known infection). We identified correlates of inability to access COVID-19 testing when needed using generalized linear models for binomial variables. RESULTS Participants (N = 2092) reported trans masculine (30.5%), trans feminine (27.3%), and nonbinary (42.2%) gender identities. Ten percent of respondents had a confirmed history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 29.8% had a history of suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nonbinary gender (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.12-2.53), experiencing homelessness (aPR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.05-2.60), and food insecurity (aPR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03-2.04) were associated with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Food insecurity (aPR = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.10-1.72), chronic physical health condition (aPR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.15-1.80), chronic mental health condition (aPR = 3.65; 95% CI, 2.40-5.56), and increased anticipated discrimination scores (aPR = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05) were associated with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thirty-four percent (n = 694 of 2024) of participants reported an inability to access COVID-19 testing when needed, which was associated with Latinx or Hispanic ethnicity, inconsistent telephone access, homelessness, disability, and transportation limitations. The majority (79.4%) reported a complete COVID-19 vaccine course at the time of participation. CONCLUSIONS Inclusion of TGD people in public health surveillance and tailored public health strategies to address TGD communities' social and structural vulnerabilities may reduce barriers to COVID-19 testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Wirtz
- Center for Public Health and Human
Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,
Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dee Adams
- Center for Public Health and Human
Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,
Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tonia C. Poteat
- Department of Social Medicine,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - S. Wilson Beckham
- Department of Health, Behavior and
Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marissa Miller
- Trans Solutions Research and Resource
Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Carter Brown
- Black Transgender Advocacy Coalition,
Carrollton, TX, USA
| | - Sari L. Reisner
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and
Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard
T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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7
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Phillips G, Davoudpour S, Floresca YB, Felt D, Curry CW, Wang X, Choi J, Kelsey SW, Beach LB. Disparities in HIV Testing, Condom Use, and HIV Education Between Transgender and Not Transgender High School-Aged Youth: Findings From the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Health Educ Behav 2023; 50:29-40. [PMID: 36540958 DOI: 10.1177/10901981221142238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Transgender individuals are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States. Given increased risk of HIV among youth, there is a need to understand HIV risk and protective factors among transgender individuals who are 18 years and younger. Patterns of HIV testing, HIV education, and condom use have known associations with HIV outcomes among youth in general, but are understudied among transgender youth. This study assessed these outcomes by developing a series of sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression models using pooled Youth Risk Behavior Survey data. Results indicate female and male transgender youth as well as males who were not sure they were transgender were more likely have tested for HIV compared with their not transgender peers. Male transgender youth were significantly less likely to have received HIV education compared with not transgender males. Females not sure if they were transgender and male transgender youth were significantly less likely to have used condoms compared with, respectively, not transgender female and not transgender male counterparts. In sum, condom use and HIV education both remain lower among transgender individuals relative to their not-transgender peers. This highlights the need for the promotion of culturally appropriate HIV education and HIV prevention supports among transgender youth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dylan Felt
- Northwestern University, Chicago IL, USA
| | - Caleb W Curry
- Northwestern University, Chicago IL, USA.,Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xinzi Wang
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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8
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Diaz M, Rosendale N. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Stroke in Transgender Adults. Curr Treat Options Neurol. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-022-00728-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
To identify the current state of science on stroke in transgender adults and highlight gaps in need of further research. We will review current research on cerebrovascular risk and disease, hormone therapy, and stroke in transgender individuals. Finally, we will provide a framework for healthcare providers to prevent and reduce disparities through inclusive care practices.
Recent Findings
Transgender people experience unique stroke risk factors, secondary to both psychosocial stress and health-related behaviors. These include higher rates of HIV, tobacco use, stimulant use, and hepatitis C. The use of gender-affirming hormone therapy may lead to an increased risk for ischemic stroke, but the data are limited and require further research.
Summary
Recent research has highlighted the numerous healthcare disparities faced by transgender individuals. Regarding stroke disparities, these are multifactorial and include contributions from health-related behaviors, inadequate access to care, the use of hormonal therapy, and minority stress. Further research is needed to increase access to care and reduce the substantial gap in outcomes for these individuals.
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Greenwood GL, Wilson A, Bansal GP, Barnhart C, Barr E, Berzon R, Boyce CA, Elwood W, Gamble-George J, Glenshaw M, Henry R, Iida H, Jenkins RA, Lee S, Malekzadeh A, Morris K, Perrin P, Rice E, Sufian M, Weatherspoon D, Whitaker M, Williams M, Zwerski S, Gaist P. HIV-Related Stigma Research as a Priority at the National Institutes of Health. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:5-26. [PMID: 33886010 PMCID: PMC8060687 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03260-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes that, despite HIV scientific advances, stigma and discrimination continue to be critical barriers to the uptake of evidence-based HIV interventions. Achieving the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) goals will require eliminating HIV-related stigma. NIH has a significant history of supporting HIV stigma research across its Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) as a research priority. This article provides an overview of NIH HIV stigma research efforts. Each ICO articulates how their mission shapes their interest in HIV stigma research and provides a summary of ICO-relevant scientific findings. Research gaps and/or future opportunities are identified throughout, with key research themes and approaches noted. Taken together, the collective actions on the part of the NIH, in tandem with a whole of government and whole of society approach, will contribute to achieving EHE's milestones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Greenwood
- Division of AIDS Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 5601 Fishers Lane, 9G19, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA.
| | - Amber Wilson
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Geetha P Bansal
- Division of International Training and Research, Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Christopher Barnhart
- Sexual and Gender Minority Research Office, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Elizabeth Barr
- Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Rick Berzon
- Division of Scientific Programs, National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Cheryl Anne Boyce
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - William Elwood
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | | | - Mary Glenshaw
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Rebecca Henry
- Division of Extramural Science Programs, National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Hiroko Iida
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Richard A Jenkins
- Division of Epidemiology, Services and Prevention Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Sonia Lee
- Division of Extramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Arianne Malekzadeh
- Division of International Science Policy, Planning and Evaluation, Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Kathryn Morris
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Peter Perrin
- Division of Digestive Diseases & Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Elise Rice
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Meryl Sufian
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Darien Weatherspoon
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Miya Whitaker
- Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Makeda Williams
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sheryl Zwerski
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Paul Gaist
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
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10
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Cetlin M, Fulda ES, Chu SM, Hamnvik OPR, Poteat T, Zanni MV, Toribio M. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Transgender People with HIV. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:407-423. [PMID: 34626323 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00572-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Transgender individuals are at disproportionate risk for HIV infection, with prevalence rates highest among transgender women of color. Antiretroviral therapy (ART)-treated people with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), in relation to persistent systemic immune activation and metabolic dysregulation. The purpose of this review is to examine parameters which may affect CVD risk among transgender PWH. RECENT FINDINGS Among transgender women and men, prospective longitudinal studies have shown that gender-affirming hormonal therapy (GAHT) is associated with select deleterious cardiometabolic effects such as increases in visceral adipose tissue. Retrospective studies among transgender women and men suggest an increase in CVD risk, such as venous thromboembolism, cerebrovascular accidents, and myocardial infarction. Studies among transgender PWH adhering to GAHT and ART suggest heightened systemic immune activation/inflammation. Prospective longitudinal studies assessing factors associated with increased CVD events among transgender PWH are needed to guide the development of CVD prevention strategies in this at-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Cetlin
- Metabolism Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Evelynne S Fulda
- Metabolism Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah M Chu
- Metabolism Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ole-Petter R Hamnvik
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tonia Poteat
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Markella V Zanni
- Metabolism Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Metabolism Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, 5 LON 207, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Mabel Toribio
- Metabolism Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Metabolism Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, 5 LON 207, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Streed CG, Beach LB, Caceres BA, Dowshen NL, Moreau KL, Mukherjee M, Poteat T, Radix A, Reisner SL, Singh V. Assessing and Addressing Cardiovascular Health in People Who Are Transgender and Gender Diverse: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2021; 144:e136-e148. [PMID: 34235936 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that people who are transgender and gender diverse (TGD) are impacted by disparities across a variety of cardiovascular risk factors compared with their peers who are cisgender. Prior literature has characterized disparities in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality as a result of a higher prevalence of health risk behaviors. Mounting research has revealed that cardiovascular risk factors at the individual level likely do not fully account for increased risk in cardiovascular health disparities among people who are TGD. Excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is hypothesized to be driven in part by psychosocial stressors across the lifespan at multiple levels, including structural violence (eg, discrimination, affordable housing, access to health care). This American Heart Association scientific statement reviews the existing literature on the cardiovascular health of people who are TGD. When applicable, the effects of gender-affirming hormone use on individual cardiovascular risk factors are also reviewed. Informed by a conceptual model building on minority stress theory, this statement identifies research gaps and provides suggestions for improving cardiovascular research and clinical care for people who are TGD, including the role of resilience-promoting factors. Advancing the cardiovascular health of people who are TGD requires a multifaceted approach that integrates best practices into research, health promotion, and cardiovascular care for this understudied population.
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12
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Knight EP. Gender and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Beyond the Binary. J Nurse Pract 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To highlight mechanisms of elevated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among people living with HIV (PLWH), discuss therapeutic strategies, and opportunities for primary prevention. RECENT FINDINGS HIV-associated ASCVD risk is likely multifactorial and due to HIV-specific factors and traditional risk factors even in the setting of treated and suppressed HIV disease. Although a growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation and immune activation are key drivers of atherogenesis, therapies designed to lower inflammation including colchicine and low-dose methotrexate have not improved secondary cardiovascular endpoints among PLWH. Statins continue to be the mainstay of management of hyperlipidemia in HIV, but the impact of newer lipid therapies including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors on ASCVD risk among PLWH is under investigation. Aside from the factors mentioned above, healthcare disparities are particularly prominent among PLWH and thus likely contribute to increased ASCVD risk. SUMMARY Our understanding of mechanisms of elevated ASCVD risk in HIV continues to evolve, and the optimal treatment for CVD in HIV aside from targeting traditional risk factors remains unknown. Future studies including novel therapies to lower inflammation, control of risk factors, and implementation science are needed to ascertain optimal ways to treat and prevent ASCVD among PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Durstenfeld
- Division of Cardiology, UCSF at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Priscilla Y Hsue
- Division of Cardiology, UCSF at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Kerr P, Kheloui S, Rossi M, Désilets M, Juster RP. Allostatic load and women's brain health: A systematic review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 59:100858. [PMID: 32758482 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Allostatic load represents the 'wear and tear' of chronic stress on the brain and body that may differ between men and women. A small but growing number of studies are assessing allostatic load in relation to mental health. The objective of this systematic review was to (1) assess sex differences in allostatic load and (2) identify allostatic load associations that are specific to women. We systematically searched for allostatic load studies that included psychosocial causes and/or psychiatric consequences. Our search focused on allostatic load studies that disaggregated by sex and that include women. Sixty-two studies were included in this systematic review. First, men appear to have higher allostatic load than women. Second, women show gender-specific variation for numerous factors such as age, race/ethnicity, adversities, social support, and health behaviors that influence associations between allostatic load and mental health. Recommendations are made to guide researchers advance sex and gender approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Kerr
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada; Center for Studies on Human Stress, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Sarah Kheloui
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Mathias Rossi
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie Désilets
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We will present recent articles focusing on HIV synergistic interactions with other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as recent advances in the study of social and behavioral determinants that facilitate this clustering of infectious disease. For each synergistic interaction, we highlight evidence-based interventions that clinicians and policymakers should consider to tackle HIV and infectious disease syndemics. RECENT FINDINGS Significant advances in understanding the behavioral and structural determinants of HIV and other infectious disease synergisms have been made in the past years. Intervention strategies based on these new models have also been developed. It is now well understood that treating infectious disease syndemics will require a multidisciplinary and multipronged approach. SUMMARY HIV is synergistic with multiple other infectious diseases because the risk behaviors that lead to HIV acquisition may be similar to the other infections. The influence of HIV on the other infection may be due to immunosuppression associated with disease progression resulting in increased susceptibility (e.g., HIV and tuberculosis), especially when patients are not virologically suppressed using antiretroviral therapy. In reverse, another infectious disease may, when not treated, influence HIV disease progression. Social/structural determinants like homelessness, mass incarceration, and structural discrimination precipitate psychiatric comorbidity, substance use, and risky sex behavior which lead to the spread and co-occurrence of infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Bromberg
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health
- Yale Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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