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Amundsen E, Muller AE, Reierth E, Skogen V, Berg RC. Chemsex Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Systematic Scoping Review of Research Methods. J Homosex 2024; 71:1392-1418. [PMID: 36939142 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2023.2170757] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Chemsex refers to the use of psychoactive substances with sex. We carried out a systematic scoping review of methodological characteristics of chemsex research among men who have sex with men (MSM), published between 2010 and 2020. For inclusion, chemsex had to be the main focus, and studies had to specify GHB/GBL, stimulant (amphetamine, crystal meth, ecstasy/MDMA, cathinones, cocaine) and/or ketamine use with sex as a variable. From 7055 titles/abstracts, 108 studies were included, mostly cross-sectional, and from Western countries. About one-third of studies recruited exclusively from clinical settings. A majority of these recruited from sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics. The included quantitative studies analyzed possible associations between chemsex and STI health (40%), mental health (15%), drug health (12%), sexological health (10%), and post-diagnostic HIV health (7%). Most studies included GHB/GBL and crystal meth in their operationalization of chemsex. Definitions and operationalizations of chemsex vary greatly in the literature, and researchers of chemsex among MSM should consider ways in which this variation impacts the validity of their results. More studies are needed among MSM in non-high income and non-Western countries, and examination of possible links between chemsex and post-diagnostic HIV health, sexological health, and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirik Amundsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Eirik Reierth
- Science and Health Library, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Vegard Skogen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rigmor C Berg
- Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Ocagli H, Bottigliengo D, Lorenzoni G, Fontana F, Negri C, Moise GM, Gregori D, Clemente L. Identifying Predictors of Anal HPV Status in HPV-Vaccinated MSM: A Machine Learning Approach. J Homosex 2024; 71:741-757. [PMID: 36332152 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2132574] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has a high prevalence in men who have sex with men (MSM), resulting in an increased risk for anal cancer. The present work aimed to identify factors associated with HPV in a prospective cohort of HPV-vaccinated MSM using a random forest (RF) approach. This observational study enrolled MSM patients admitted to an Italian (sexually transmitted infection) STI-AIDS Unit. For each patient, rectal swabs for 28 different HPV genotype detection were collected. Two RF algorithms were applied to evaluate predictors that were most associated with HPV. The cohort included 135 MSM, 49% of whom were HIV-positive with a median age of 39 years. In model 1 (baseline information), age, age sexual debut, HIV, number of lifetime sex partners, STIs, were most associated with the HPV. In model 2 (follow-up information), age, age sexual debut, HIV, STI class, and follow-up. The RF algorithm exhibited good performances with 61% and 83% accuracy for models 1 and 2, respectively. Traditional risk factors for anal HPV infection, such as drug use, receptive anal intercourse, and multiple sexual partner, were found to have low importance in predicting HPV status. The present results suggest the need to focus on HPV prevention campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honoria Ocagli
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniele Bottigliengo
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Lorenzoni
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Fontana
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Giuliano Isontina (ASU GI), Trieste, Italy
| | - Camilla Negri
- STI-AIDS Unit, University Hospital Giuliano Isontina (ASU GI), Trieste, Italy
| | - Gian Michele Moise
- STI-AIDS Unit, University Hospital Giuliano Isontina (ASU GI), Trieste, Italy
| | - Dario Gregori
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Libera Clemente
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Giuliano Isontina (ASU GI), Trieste, Italy
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3
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Okonkwo N, Rwema JOT, Lyons C, Liestman B, Nyombayire J, Olawore O, Nsanzimana S, Mugwaneza P, Kagaba A, Sullivan P, Allen S, Karita E, Baral S. The Relationship Between Sexual Behavior Stigma and Depression Among Men Who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Kigali, Rwanda: a Cross-sectional Study. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 20:3228-3243. [PMID: 36532817 PMCID: PMC9754158 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00699-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the role of sexual behavior stigma as a determinant of depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Kigali, Rwanda. MSM/TGW aged ≥18 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) between March-August, 2018. Mental health was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Sexual behavior stigma from friends and family, healthcare workers, and community members was assessed using a validated instrument. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the association between sexual behavior stigma and depressive symptoms and depression. Secondary analyses further compared depression and depressive symptoms among MSM and TGW. Among the 736 participants included, 14% (106/736) identified as TGW. Depression 8.9% (RDS-adjusted, 7.6%; 95% CI, 4.6-10.6) and mild/moderate symptoms of depression 26.4% (RDS-adjusted, 24.1%; 95% CI, 19.4-28.7) were common and higher among TGW compared to MSM (p < 0.001). Anticipated (41%), perceived (36%), and enacted (45%) stigmas were highly prevalent, and were also significantly higher among TGW (p < 0.001). In multivariable RDS-adjusted analysis, anticipated (relative risk ratio (RRR), 1.88; 95% CI, 1.11-3.19) and perceived (RRR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.12-3.79) stigmas were associated with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms. Anticipated (RRR, 4.78; 95% CI, 1.74-13.13) and enacted (RRR, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.61-5.93) stigmas were also associated with a higher prevalence of depression. In secondary analyses, the significant differences between MSM and TGW were lost after adjusting for stigma. These data demonstrate a high burden of depressive symptoms and depression among MSM/TGW in Kigali. Conceptually, stigma is a likely antecedent of mental health stress among MSM and TGW suggesting the potential utility of scaling up stigma mitigation interventions to improve the quality of life and mental health outcomes among sexual and gender minority communities in Rwanda.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Okonkwo
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jean Olivier Twahirwa Rwema
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street E 7133 Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - C. Lyons
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street E 7133 Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - B. Liestman
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street E 7133 Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | - O. Olawore
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street E 7133 Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - S. Nsanzimana
- Rwanda Biomedical Center, HIV and AIDS Division, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - P. Mugwaneza
- Rwanda Biomedical Center, HIV and AIDS Division, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - A. Kagaba
- Health Development Initiative, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - P. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - S. Allen
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - E. Karita
- Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - S. Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street E 7133 Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Reiter PL, Gower AL, Kiss DE, Shoben AB, Katz ML, Bauermeister JA, Paskett ED, McRee AL. Effects of a web-based HPV vaccination intervention on cognitive outcomes among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2114261. [PMID: 36069662 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2114261] [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: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs are important antecedents to HPV vaccination, yet remain suboptimal among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YGBMSM). We report the effects of a theoretically-informed, web-based HPV vaccination intervention on these cognitive outcomes. From 2019-2021, we recruited a national sample of YGBMSM ages 18-25 in the United States who were unvaccinated against HPV (n = 1,227). Participants received either standard HPV vaccination information online (control) or population-targeted, individually-tailored content online (Outsmart HPV intervention). Mixed effects models determined if pre-post changes in cognitive outcomes differed between study groups. For five of seven knowledge items about HPV, there were larger pre-post increases among the intervention group than the control group in the percentage of participants who provided correct responses (all statistically significant at p = .05 after Holm's correction). There were also larger pre-post improvements among the intervention group than the control group for most attitudes and beliefs examined, including response efficacy of HPV vaccine (pre-post increases in means: 0.57 vs. 0.38); self-efficacy for the HPV vaccination process (pre-post increases in means: 0.23 vs. 0.10); and intention to get HPV vaccine (pre-post increases in means: 0.70 vs. 0.28) (all statistically significant at p = .05 after Holm's correction). Outsmart HPV is a promising tool for improving key cognitive antecedents to HPV vaccination among YGBMSM, supporting the use of theoretically-informed interventions to affect such outcomes. If efficacious in increasing HPV vaccine uptake in future analyses, this intervention could be utilized in clinical and other healthcare settings that provide services to YGBMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Reiter
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amy L Gower
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dale E Kiss
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Abigail B Shoben
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mira L Katz
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - José A Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Electra D Paskett
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Annie-Laurie McRee
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Gordián-Arroyo A, Schnall R, Garofalo R, Kuhns LM, Pearson C, Bruce J, Scott Batey D, Radix A, Belkind U, Hirshfield S, Hidalgo MA. Homonegative Victimization and Perceived Stress among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males: The Attenuating Role of Peer and Family Support. Int J Sex Health 2022; 34:691-701. [PMID: 36776753 PMCID: PMC9918044 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2022.2124341] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Research suggests social support may protect sexual minorities from the harmful effects of victimization that undermine mental and sexual health wellness; however, this relationship has been underexplored among a diverse youth population. We examined the association between lifetime homonegative victimization, perceived stress in the last month, and resilience factors among a diverse sample of adolescent sexual minority males. METHODS Data were collected between June 2018 and April 2020 as part of the MyPEEPS Mobile study, a multi-site randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile behavioral HIV prevention intervention for adolescents living in the U.S. We analyzed baseline survey data from 542 sexual minority males, aged 13-18 years. We used bivariate analyses to examine relationships among variables and multivariable linear regression models to determine if resilience factors attenuated the association between homonegative victimization and perceived stress. RESULTS Perceived stress was positively associated with younger age, internalized homophobia, experiencing verbal victimization, threats of being outed, and threats of physical violence. Relying on online friends for support and having good family relations both attenuated the relationship between verbal victimization and perceived stress. However, neither of these resilience factors significantly weakened the associations between perceived stress, threats of physical violence, and being outed. CONCLUSION Resilience factors, including peer and family support, may play an attenuating role in the relationship between homonegative victimization and perceived stress among adolescent sexual minority males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Gordián-Arroyo
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lisa M. Kuhns
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Cynthia Pearson
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Josh Bruce
- Department of Education, Birmingham AIDS Outreach, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - D. Scott Batey
- School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Asa Radix
- Department of Medicine, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Uri Belkind
- Department of Medicine, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Marco A. Hidalgo
- Department of Medicine, Medicine-Pediatrics Section, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Hassan A, Agustin HGS, Burke L, Kofron R, Corado K, Bolan R, Landovitz RJ, Dubé MP, Morris SR. Low incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C in two cohorts of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence interventions in men who have sex with men in Southern California. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:529-535. [PMID: 35357767 PMCID: PMC9908082 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13678] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been associated with incident hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) due to decreased condom use. We examined rates of HCV among MSM and transgender women at high-risk of HIV on PrEP in Southern California using data from two trials (NCT01761643 and NCT01781806). Five of 599 participants (0.84%, 95% CI, 0.27-1.93) had HCV antibodies detected at entry. Factors associated with HCV seropositivity included being older (p = .002) and lower education level (p < .001). HCV-positive participants had no reported cases of sexually transmitted infection (rectal, urethral or pharyngeal gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia) at entry while HCV-negative participants had a prevalence of 18% (95% CI, 15%-21%). There were no significant differences in substance use and sexual risk behaviour between HCV-positive and HCV-negative participants 1-3 months prior to entry. Among early PrEP adopters, incident HCV did not occur despite ongoing condomless intercourse. Screening intervals for HCV in MSM on PrEP should be led by a risk behaviour assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adiba Hassan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA,Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, CA, USA * research was conducted at Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Leah Burke
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Kofron
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katya Corado
- Division of HIV Medicine, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Michael P Dubé
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sheldon R Morris
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Chen Y, Lin H, Cole M, Morris A, Martinson J, Mckay H, Mimiaga M, Margolick J, Fitch A, Methe B, Srinivas VR, Peddada S, Rinaldo CR. Signature changes in gut microbiome are associated with increased susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in MSM. Microbiome 2021; 9:237. [PMID: 34879869 PMCID: PMC8656045 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01168-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been disproportionately affected by HIV-1 since the beginning of the AIDS pandemic, particularly in the USA and Europe. Compared to men who have sex with women (MSW), MSM have a distinct fecal microbiome regardless of HIV-1 infection. However, it is unclear whether the MSM-associated gut microbiome affects the susceptibility and progression of HIV-1 infection. We studied fecal microbiome profiles, short-chain fatty acids, and blood plasma inflammatory cytokines of 109 HIV-1 seroconverters (SC) from the early, 1984-1985 phase of the HIV-1 pandemic in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) before and after HIV-1 infection compared to 156 HIV-1-negative MACS MSM (negative controls [NC]). RESULTS We found that family Succinivibrionaceae, S24-7, Mogibacteriaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae were significantly higher (p<0.05), whereas Odoribacteraceae, Verucomicrobiaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Barnesiellaceae, and Rikenellaceae were significantly lower (p<0.05), in SC before HIV-1 infection compared to NC. At the species level, Prevotella stercorea, Eubacterium biforme, and Collinsella aerofaciens were significantly higher (p<0.05), and Eubacterium dolichum, Desulfovibrio D168, Alistipes onderdonkii, Ruminococcus torques, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides caccae, Alistipes putredinis, Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides uniformis, and Bacteroides ovatus were significantly lower (p<0.05) in SC before HIV-1 infection compared to NC. After HIV-1 infection, family Prevotellaceae and Victivallaceae and species Bacteroides fragilis and Eubacterium cylindroides were significantly higher (p<0.05) in SC who developed AIDS within 5 years compared to the SC who were AIDS free for more than 10 years without antiretroviral therapy (ART). In addition, family Victivallaceae and species Prevotella stercorea, Coprococcus eutactus, and Butyrivibrio crossotus were significantly higher (p<0.05) and Gemmiger formicilis and Blautia obeum were significantly lower (p<0.05) after HIV-1 infection in SC who developed AIDS within 5-10 years compared to the SC who were AIDS-free for more than 10 years without ART. Furthermore, plasma inflammatory cytokine levels of sCD14, sCD163, interleukin 6, and lipopolysaccharide binding protein were significantly higher in SC with p<0.05 before HIV-1 infection compared to NC. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that pathogenic changes in the gut microbiome were present in MSM several months prior to infection with HIV-1 in the early phase of the AIDS pandemic in the USA. This was associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers in the blood and risk for development of AIDS. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Huang Lin
- Current address: Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Mariah Cole
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Present address: Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Alison Morris
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Jeremy Martinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Heather Mckay
- Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Matthew Mimiaga
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Joseph Margolick
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Adam Fitch
- Present address: Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Barbara Methe
- Present address: Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Vatsala Rangachar Srinivas
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Shyamal Peddada
- Current address: Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Charles R. Rinaldo
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Obarska K, Szymczak K, Lewczuk K, Gola M. Threats to Mental Health Facilitated by Dating Applications Use Among Men Having Sex With Men. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:584548. [PMID: 33281645 PMCID: PMC7691247 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.584548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last years, dating applications (DAs) have had a significant impact on the way in which people seek sexual and romantic relationships. Social groups, such as men having sex with men (MSM), who can experience discrimination and social isolation, find DAs especially engaging and helpful in finding sexual partners. Previous studies have provided evidence showing vulnerability to mental health problems among the MSM population-these problems can be potentially facilitated by DAs use. Excessive use of DAs is associated with lower well-being and life satisfaction, depression, higher substance use, and lower sleep quality. Therefore, there is a need for a better understanding of psychological functioning and risk factors associated with the use of DAs among MSM, which we focus on in this review. We also discuss two relatively new research areas: compulsive sexual behavior disorder and chemsex, and their relation to geosocial-networking mobile technologies. Finally, we point out the limitations of available studies on the mental health of MSM using DAs and propose further research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karol Szymczak
- Institute of Psychology, The Maria Grzegorzewska University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Lewczuk
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Gola
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Swartz Center for Computational Neurosciences, Institute for Neural Computation, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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9
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Stern MJ, Fordyce E, Hansen C, Heim Viox M, Michaels S, Schlissel A, Avripas S, Harper C, Johns M, Dunville R. Social Media Recruitment for a Web Survey of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth: An Evaluation of Methods Used and Resulting Sample Diversity. LGBT Health 2020; 7:448-456. [PMID: 33147121 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2019.0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of using advertisements (ads) on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to recruit a national sample of adolescent sexual minority males ages 13-18 and transgender youth ages 13-24 for a web survey. Methods: The Survey of Today's Adolescent Relationships and Transitions (START) used targeted ads as survey recruitment tools. We assessed the efficacy of these varied forms of recruitment ads in reaching our target population. To understand how our sample differed from a national probability sample targeting the general adolescent population, we compared START respondents with sexual minority men identified from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Results: The use of targeted language produced higher rates of completes per click compared with ads without targeted language. Video ads (compared with static images) were more effective at recruiting younger respondents. START and YRBS samples differed along lines of sexual identity, race and ethnicity, and age. The START sample had a greater percentage of Hispanic/Latino and Other/Multiracial respondents relative to the YRBS sample, thus providing additional data on these underserved sexual minority youth. Conclusion: The factors associated with design decisions for a hard-to-reach, non-probability sample impact the likelihood that respondents engage in and complete a survey. The ads proved to be effective and efficient at recruiting the targeted population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Stern
- Department of Media & Information, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Erin Fordyce
- Department of Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences and NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher Hansen
- Department of Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences and NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Melissa Heim Viox
- Department of Health Sciences, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stuart Michaels
- Academic Research Center, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anna Schlissel
- Department of Public Health, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sabrina Avripas
- Department of Public Health, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher Harper
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michelle Johns
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Richard Dunville
- Population Health and Healthcare Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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10
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VandeVusse A, Rosentel K, Coldon L, Schneider J, Hill BJ. Parenting and child-caretaking among black men who have sex with men and associated sexual and reproductive health factors: A brief report. J Gay Lesbian Soc Serv 2020; 32:283-296. [PMID: 38773990 PMCID: PMC11107801 DOI: 10.1080/10538720.2020.1728462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the prevalence of parenting and child-caretaking among a sample of black men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as associations between parenting roles and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) factors. Parenting and SRH data were derived from a survey of 199 black MSM. Nearly half of the sample reported being a father or father-figure (44.4%), almost a third indicated serving as caretaker of a child (29.1%), and one in five have a biological child (20.1%). Over half of the sample reported at least one of these three parenting/child-caretaking roles (52.5%). Two significant differences were observed for sexual health variables: men with biological children were significantly more likely to report using condoms inconsistently (55.0% vs. 35.7%, p=.026) and engaging in transactional sex work (36.8% vs. 21.0%, p=.041). Given the observed prevalence, parenting and child-caretaking among black MSM warrant further inquiry as factors that may influence SRH outcomes and care utilization. Services and interventions tailored to black MSM should consider these men's potential roles and responsibilities as parents and caretakers of children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kris Rosentel
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lawrence Coldon
- Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John Schneider
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Brandon J. Hill
- Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Planned Parenthood Great Plains
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11
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Valencia R, Wang LY, Dunville R, Sharma A, Sanchez T, Rosenberg E. Sexual Risk Behaviors in Adolescent Sexual Minority Males: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Prim Prev 2019; 39:619-645. [PMID: 30446869 PMCID: PMC6267112 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-018-0525-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) are at increased risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States (US), studies that estimate sexual risk behaviors that contribute to HIV risk in ASMM are limited. We completed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compile available data and estimate the prevalence of risk behaviors in this population. We searched four databases for key terms related to ASMM, defined as males aged 14 through 19 who identified as gay or bisexual, reported sex with a male in their lifetime, and/or were considered sexual minority by the study. Articles eligible for inclusion were in English, from US studies, and reported quantitative data on sexual risk behaviors among ASMM. We extracted data from eligible articles and meta-analyzed outcomes reported in three or more articles using random effects. Of 3864 articles identified, 21 were eligible for data extraction. We meta-analyzed nine outcomes. Sixty-two percent of adolescent males self-identifying as gay or bisexual ever had sex with a male, and 67% of participants from ASMM studies recently had sex. Among ASMM who had sex in the last 6 months or were described as sexually active, 44% had condomless anal intercourse in the past 6 months, 50% did not use a condom at last sex, and 32% used alcohol or drugs at their last sexual experience. Available data indicate that sexual risk behaviors are prevalent among ASMM. We need more data to obtain estimates with better precision and generalizability. Understanding HIV risk in ASMM will assist in intervention development and evaluation, and inform behavioral mathematical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Valencia
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Li Yan Wang
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Richard Dunville
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Akshay Sharma
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Eli Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, SUNY, Albany, NY, 12144, USA
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12
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Flores-Aranda J, Goyette M, Larose-Osterrath C. Online Intervention as Strategy to Reach Men Who Have Sex With Other Men and Who Use Substances in a Sexual Context. Development of the MONBUZZ.ca Project. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:183. [PMID: 31024354 PMCID: PMC6465970 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) use more psychoactive substances and a greater variety of them compared to their heterosexual peers. In this population, substance use is particularly characterized by polydrug use, binge, and sexualized substance use. MSM who use substances do not recognize themselves in public health messages targeting substance users. In addition, they recognize their problematic substance use later than heterosexuals and, as a result, they use addiction services later in their addiction trajectories. When accessing addiction services, the links between drug use and sexual life are rarely considered. Because of this profile, online interventions are a promising way to reach this hard-to-reach population. Currently available online interventions targeting MSM address the topics of substance use and sexual life separately. To deal with this situation, our team wanted to develop an online intervention platform for MSM who use substances in a sexual context. Given that online addiction interventions do not address sex and that MSM drug use is highly related to sexual activity, we first explored the literature related to online interventions targeting MSM and HIV risk behaviors, as well as online interventions targeting general population in order to: (1) identify relevant (or personalized) intervention methods; (2) describe the approaches used; and (3) describe their effects. Second, we turned to the literature to develop the MONBUZZ.ca project in collaboration with community organizations. The results of the narrative review provided a critical portrait of online interventions for MSM and guided the development process of MONBUZZ.ca. We discuss issues of co-development of a research and brief intervention tool based on promising practices as well as challenges of its implementation and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Flores-Aranda
- Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux, Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Institut Universitaire sur les Dépendances, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mathieu Goyette
- Département des Sciences de la Santé Communautaire, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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13
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Wei C, Raymond HF. Pre-exposure prophylaxis for men who have sex with men in China: challenges for routine implementation. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25166. [PMID: 29998619 PMCID: PMC6041569 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chongyi Wei
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health SciencesRutgers School of Public HealthPiscatawayNJUSA
| | - H Fisher Raymond
- Department of EpidemiologyRutgers School of Public HealthPiscatawayNJUSA
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14
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Maloney KM, Krakower DS, Ziobro D, Rosenberger JG, Novak D, Mayer KH. Culturally Competent Sexual Healthcare as a Prerequisite for Obtaining Preexposure Prophylaxis: Findings from a Qualitative Study. LGBT Health 2017; 4:310-314. [PMID: 28514200 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2016.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [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: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience stigma in healthcare settings, which impedes disclosure of sexual behavior, potentially limiting uptake of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The purpose of this study was to describe the context of this limitation and explore geographical variability. METHODS To understand how discomfort in healthcare settings affects PrEP utilization, we conducted two online focus groups with geographically diverse samples of MSM. RESULTS Respondents identified primary care providers as preferred sources for PrEP, but potential uptake was limited by barriers to establishing nonjudgmental relationships with these providers. CONCLUSION Improved patient-provider communication about sexual behaviors might increase PrEP use among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Maloney
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center , Boston, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Epidemiology, Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Douglas S Krakower
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center , Boston, Massachusetts.,3 The Fenway Institute , Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,4 Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dale Ziobro
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joshua G Rosenberger
- 5 Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - David Novak
- 6 OLB Research Institute , Online Buddies, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center , Boston, Massachusetts.,3 The Fenway Institute , Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,4 Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
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15
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Sargin F, Goktas S. HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in Istanbul. Int J Infect Dis 2016; 54:58-61. [PMID: 27894981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.11.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The re-emergence of the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) represents a serious health issue. This study aimed to assess the HIV prevalence among MSM in a very low prevalence population of a large city. METHODS A public campaign to raise awareness of HIV infection and to provide access to anonymous testing was conducted in places frequented by MSM and through a mobile phone application. No identity information was requested from individuals contacting the call centre, and anonymous and free HIV testing was offered proactively. Those who agreed to have a test were provided a code number, which was used in blood sampling procedures. RESULTS Of 1200 subjects who contacted the call centre, 197 consented to undergo HIV testing and visited the laboratory to give a blood sample. Twenty-five subjects were found to have a reactive ELISA result on two different occasions plus a positive Western blot test result. Thus, the HIV prevalence in this group of MSM was 12.7%. CONCLUSIONS MSM remain a high risk group for HIV infection in a low prevalence setting, and thus represent a key target population for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Sargin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
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16
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Tucker A, Liht J, de Swardt G, Arendse C, McIntyre J, Struthers H. Efficacy of Tailored Clinic Trainings to Improve Knowledge of Men Who Have Sex with Men Health Needs and Reduce Homoprejudicial Attitudes in South Africa. LGBT Health 2016; 3:443-450. [PMID: 27835058 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2016.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE An urgent need exists for training on men who have sex with men (MSM) health needs at public health clinics across Africa. There is also a need to consider the impact of specific training for clinicians and clinic support staff, both of whom come into contact with MSM. Consideration must also be given to the relationship between two key outcomes of such training: increased knowledge regarding MSM and their health and reductions in homoprejudicial attitudes. METHODS This article explores the impact of training for clinicians and clinic support staff in the Western Cape, South Africa (n = 196), where some training modules were undertaken by both groups and some modules only by clinicians. Participants were evaluated at baseline and post-training on MSM knowledge and homoprejudicial attitudes. RESULTS After training, both clinicians and clinic support staff showed an increase in knowledge and a reduction in homoprejudicial attitude scores, with similar proportional improvements for both groups. Additional trainings for clinicians also resulted in significant improvements in their knowledge. However, reductions in homoprejudicial attitudes were related to the type of knowledge obtained. A threshold effect in post-training knowledge scores of 9 or greater on sensitivity material significantly increased the likelihood of a reduction in homoprejudicial attitudes. CONCLUSION These findings show that training for both types of clinic workers is important and effective, but facilitators should be mindful of complex relationships between knowledge and homoprejudicial attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tucker
- 1 Anova Health Institute , Johannesburg, South Africa .,2 Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jose Liht
- 3 Independent Researcher , Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - James McIntyre
- 1 Anova Health Institute , Johannesburg, South Africa .,4 School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Helen Struthers
- 1 Anova Health Institute , Johannesburg, South Africa .,5 Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
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