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Lucas NA, Bates GW, Buzwell S. I Am More than HIV: A Qualitative Exploration of Factors That Can Strengthen Resilience Among HIV-Positive Gay Men in Australia. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37363353 PMCID: PMC10257188 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00829-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction HIV-positive gay men continue to experience stigma related to sexual orientation and HIV status. Although resilience toward such stressors can be achieved, limited Australian research exists that examines how resilience is strengthened toward these dual stigmas. Methods A total of 20 men from Melbourne, Australia, participated in semi-structured interviews between March and October 2019 to explore ways in which they manage such stigmas. Results Reflexive thematic analysis identified two primary themes: (1) "intrapersonal control," which relates to individual mind set and lifestyle changes that participants utilized to strengthen resilience; (2) "systemic change," which includes participants' needs for better public health messaging. Findings show resilience was enhanced when proactive approaches to sexual orientation, HIV health appraisal, lifestyle changes, and social support were made. Further, outdated HIV awareness campaigns and a lack of current messaging regarding HIV transmission in the wider community were identified as inhibiting resilience development and promoting stigma among gay men. Conclusion The results from this study show ways that Australian gay men strengthen their resilience through both intrapersonal (e.g., self-awareness, reappraisal, and self-efficacy) and external resources (e.g., education and public awareness) and how health care providers and social policy makers could better support the men to achieve this. Social-Policy Implications Findings suggest that targeted public health responses are required to compliment the advances made in biomedicine and viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil A. Lucas
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, 3122 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Glen W. Bates
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, 3122 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simone Buzwell
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, 3122 Melbourne, Australia
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Krause KD, Brennan-Ing M, Halkitis PN. Assessing the Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the HIV-Related Resilience Screener: The GOLD Studies. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:1703-1715. [PMID: 36369501 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03902-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
People who are 50 and older constitute the majority of those living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the US. Aging PLWHA face myriad biopsychosocial health challenges related to HIV/AIDS and the aging process. Resilience may act as a buffer to the negative impact of these challenges however measuring it among PLWHA has been inconsistent, so the HIV-Related Resilience Screener (HIV-RRS) was developed. Data for the present study are drawn from 250 sociodemographically diverse HIV-positive gay men ages 50-69 in NYC. Tests of reliability and validity were conducted, and an Exploratory Factor Analysis indicated a three-factor model was the most parsimonious solution. Items were examined for their underlying relationships and labeled: adaptive coping, optimism, and effective coping. The total HIV-RRS yielded a Cronbach's α of 0.84. Convergent and face validity were established using psychosocial and physical outcomes. The HIV-RRS is a psychometrically sound instrument to assess resilience among older HIV-positive gay men.
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Brouillette MJ, Koski L, Scott S, Austin-Keiller A, Fellows LK, Mayo NE. Factors Influencing Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic in People Aging with HIV. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2022; 38:421-430. [PMID: 34714115 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2021.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Older adults living with HIV may be at increased risk of experiencing distress during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We took advantage of a cohort study in older adults living with HIV in Canada (The Positive Brain Health Now [+BHN]) to study the psychological impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal study was conducted in which participants in the +BHN study who had access to the internet and agreed to be contacted were queried on symptoms of psychological distress and its predictors each week between mid-April and the end of June 2020. Evolution of distress, measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), was modeled using Group Based Trajectory Analysis and logistic regression was used to identify factors predictive of psychological distress in the clinical range. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the McGill University Health Center and all participants provided informed consent. The 77 +BHN participants who took part in this study were mostly men (92%) and on average 57.3 years of age. Over the study period, 32.5% experienced psychological distress in the clinical range at one or more weekly surveys. In the transition between the pre-COVID-19 and the COVID-19 periods, the HADS scores followed five distinct trajectories: (1) 39.5 % of the sample, with normal HADS scores in the several months preceding the pandemic, experienced an increase in HADS scores; (2) 30.6% of the sample had normal prepandemic HADS scores, remained stable; and (3) 29.9%, with prepandemic presence of distress, had a decrease in HADS scores. During the first wave of COVID-19, some attenuation in distress was seen over time. Feeling lonely and financial insecurity were associated with distress. Presence of psychological distress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was not universal among older adults with HIV, with as many as one third of the participants reporting an improvement in mental health. Distress was predicted by loneliness and financial insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Josee Brouillette
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Montreal, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, MUHC-RI, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lisa Koski
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Susan Scott
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Lesley K. Fellows
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nancy E. Mayo
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Geriatrics, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Montreal, Canada
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Berko J, Mazonson P, Loo T, Grant P, Zolopa A, Spinelli F, Short D. Factors Associated with Resilience Among Older People Living with HIV. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1448-1455. [PMID: 34698952 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Resilience, a measure of stress coping ability, may be important in helping older people (age 50+) living with HIV (PLWH) age successfully, but limited data exist regarding factors that contribute to resilience for this group. This study uses the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 2 (CD-RISC2) to assess resilience, based on a cross-sectional analysis of 1047 older PLWH. Bivariate linear regression models were used to identify predictor variables that had a relationship with resilience. Those variables were then included in a multivariable linear regression model, which was pared using backward selection. In the multivariable model, higher income and greater interpersonal support were associated with greater resilience, whereas depression and anxiety were associated with lower resilience. Relevant interventions that address these issues, such as increasing opportunities for social support and increasing screening for and treatment of depression and anxiety, are identified as potential pathways to increase resilience among older PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Berko
- Mazonson & Santas, Inc., 15 Hillcrest Ave., Larkspur, CA, 94939, USA.
| | - Peter Mazonson
- Mazonson & Santas, Inc., 15 Hillcrest Ave., Larkspur, CA, 94939, USA
| | - Theoren Loo
- Mazonson & Santas, Inc., 15 Hillcrest Ave., Larkspur, CA, 94939, USA
| | | | - Andrew Zolopa
- Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- ViiV Healthcare, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Power J, Amir S, Lea T, Brown G, Lyons A, Carman M, Rule J, Bourne A. Bisexual Men Living with HIV: Wellbeing, Connectedness and the Impact of Stigma. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:4085-4093. [PMID: 33768382 PMCID: PMC7994180 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03236-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Social research with people living with HIV (PLHIV) rarely distinguishes between gay men and bisexual men. However, bisexual men may have unique experiences of HIV-related stigma and distinct support needs. In this paper, findings are presented from a cross-sectional survey of Australian PLHIV, which included the Berger (HIV) stigma scale. A total of 872 PLHIV completed the survey, of which 48 (6.0%) were bisexual men. Bisexual men reported higher levels of internalised HIV-related stigma, greater negative self-image and poorer emotional wellbeing than gay men. Bisexual men also reported less social support, less connection with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities, and less connection with other PLHIV. Analysis of data from an open-text question revealed feelings of social isolation and fear of rejection was associated with participant's HIV diagnosis. Study findings suggest that existing social supports for PLHIV may not adequately address the unique support needs of bisexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Power
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
| | - Stephanie Amir
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, John Goodsell Building, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Graham Brown
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
- Centre for Social Impact, UNSW Sydney, Science Engineering Building, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony Lyons
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Marina Carman
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
- Rainbow Health Victoria, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Rule
- National Association of People with HIV Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
- Kirby Institute UNSW, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, Australia
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Vidrine DJ, Bui TC, Businelle MS, Shih YCT, Sutton SK, Shahani L, Hoover DS, Bowles K, Vidrine JI. Evaluating the Efficacy of Automated Smoking Treatment for People With HIV: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e33183. [PMID: 34787590 PMCID: PMC8663670 DOI: 10.2196/33183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Smoking prevalence rates among people with HIV are nearly 3 times higher than those in the general population. Nevertheless, few smoking cessation trials targeting smokers with HIV have been reported in the literature. Efforts to develop and evaluate sustainable, low-cost, and evidence-based cessation interventions for people with HIV are needed. Given the widespread proliferation of mobile phones, the potential of using mobile health apps to improve the reach and efficacy of cessation interventions is promising, but evidence of efficacy is lacking, particularly among people with HIV. Objective This study will consist of a 2-group randomized controlled trial to evaluate a fully automated smartphone intervention for people with HIV seeking cessation treatment. Methods Participants (N=500) will be randomized to receive either standard treatment (ST; 250/500, 50%) or automated treatment (AT; 250/500, 50%). ST participants will be connected to the Florida Quitline and will receive nicotine replacement therapy in the form of transdermal patches and lozenges. This approach, referred to as Ask Advise Connect, was developed by our team and has been implemented in numerous health systems. ST will be compared with AT, a fully automated behavioral treatment approach. AT participants will receive nicotine replacement therapy and an interactive smartphone-based intervention that comprises individually tailored audiovisual and text content. The major goal is to determine whether AT performs better in terms of facilitating long-term smoking abstinence than the more resource-intensive ST approach. Our primary aim is to evaluate the efficacy of AT in facilitating smoking cessation among people with HIV. As a secondary aim, we will explore potential mediators and moderators and conduct economic evaluations to assess the cost and cost-effectiveness of AT compared with ST. Results The intervention content has been developed and finalized. Recruitment and enrollment will begin in the fall of 2021. Conclusions There is a critical need for efficacious, cost-effective, and sustainable cessation treatments for people with HIV who smoke. The AT intervention was designed to help fill this need. If efficacy is established, the AT approach will be readily adoptable by HIV clinics and community-based organizations, and it will offer an efficient way to allocate limited public health resources to tobacco control interventions. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05014282; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05014282 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/33183
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon J Vidrine
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Thanh C Bui
- Stephenson Cancer Center, TSET Health Promotion Research Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Michael S Businelle
- Stephenson Cancer Center, TSET Health Promotion Research Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Steven K Sutton
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Lokesh Shahani
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Kristina Bowles
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Jennifer I Vidrine
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
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Tan Q, Zhang L, Li W, Kong F. Longitudinal measurement invariance of the flourishing scale in adolescents. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01754-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
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8
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Association between enacted stigma, internalized stigma, resilience, and depressive symptoms among young men who have sex with men in China: a moderated mediation model analysis. Ann Epidemiol 2021; 56:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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9
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Lynskey SJ, Ling F, Greenberg AM, Penny-Dimri JC, Sutherland AG. The influence of patient resilience and health status on satisfaction after total hip and knee arthroplasty. Surgeon 2021; 19:8-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Peless T, Chenneville T, Gabbidon K. Challenges to the conceptualization and measurement of resilience in HIV research. AIDS Care 2021; 33:1525-1533. [PMID: 33486975 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1871722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the conceptualization and measurement of resilience in HIV research. Terms related to resilience and HIV were searched in three databases to identify peer-reviewed research articles. Of the 156 articles identified, 49 were included in the analyses. Applied thematic analysis was used to analyze the definitions and measurement of resilience. Articles were reviewed independently by two raters to establish inter-rater reliability. Six recurring themes were identified in the definitions of resilience: adaptation, positive mental health symptoms, the absence of negative mental health symptoms, hardiness, coping, and the ability to "bounce back". Among the articles examined, 14 measures were used to assess resilience, half of which were indirect. These findings help make sense of the available literature on resilience and highlight the importance of clearly operationalizing resilience and measuring it in a way that is congruent with its definition in future HIV research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kemesha Gabbidon
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, USA
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11
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Yan H, Li X, Li J, Wang W, Yang Y, Yao X, Yang N, Li S. Association between perceived HIV stigma, social support, resilience, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Nanjing, China. AIDS Care 2019; 31:1069-1076. [PMID: 30942086 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1601677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Among Chinese HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), high levels of depression are common. The association between HIV and depression is attributed to several factors, particularly HIV-related stigma. However, to date, how HIV-related stigma leads to depression among Chinese HIV-positive MSM is still unclear. As such, this study aims to examine the relationships between perceived HIV stigma, social support, resilience, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms among HIV-positive MSM in China. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among 347 HIV-positive MSM from July to August 2016 in Nanjing, China. Measurements were sociodemographic and psychological constructs including perceived HIV stigma, social support, resilience, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships among these constructs. Overall,134 (38.6%) participants had depressive symptoms. Perceived stigma was directly associated with depressive symptoms (β = .196, p < .001). Perceived stigma also indirectly affected depressive symptoms (β = .200, p < .001)through social support and self-esteem. Social support (β = -.124, p = .004) and self-esteem (β = -.536, p = .001), but not resilience, were direct predictors of depressive symptoms. Resilience was directly associated with self-esteem (β = .512, p < .001). Perceived HIV stigma could directly and indirectly impact depressive symptoms in HIV-positive MSM. Improving personal self-esteem, resilience and social support might reduce impact of perceived stigma on depressive symptoms among HIV-positive MSM in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yan
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Li
- b Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , USA
| | - Wei Wang
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Yinmei Yang
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Yao
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Ningxi Yang
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyue Li
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
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Emlet CA, Shiu C, Kim HJ, Fredriksen-Goldsen K. Bouncing Back: Resilience and Mastery Among HIV-Positive Older Gay and Bisexual Men. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2017; 57:S40-S49. [PMID: 28087794 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnw171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Adults with HIV infection are living into old age. It is critical we investigate positive constructs such as resilience and mastery to determine factors associated with psychological well-being. We examine HIV-related factors, adverse conditions, and psychosocial characteristics that are associated with resilience (the ability to bounce back) and mastery (sense of self-efficacy). DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed 2014 data from the longitudinal study Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS), focusing on a subsample of 335 gay and bisexual older men. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify factors that contributed or detracted from resilience and mastery in the sample recruited from 17 sites from across the United States. RESULTS Resilience and mastery were independently associated with psychological health-related quality of life. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for demographic characteristics, previous diagnosis of depression was negatively associated with resilience. Time since HIV diagnosis was positively associated with mastery whereas victimization was negatively associated with mastery. Social support and community engagement were positively associated with both resilience and mastery. IMPLICATIONS Individual and structural-environmental characteristics contributed to resilience and mastery. These findings can be used to develop interventions incorporating an increased understanding of factors that are associated with both resilience and mastery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chengshi Shiu
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Hyun-Jun Kim
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle
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Lyons A, Heywood W, Rozbroj T. Psychosocial factors associated with flourishing among Australian HIV-positive gay men. BMC Psychol 2016; 4:46. [PMID: 27628186 PMCID: PMC5024435 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-016-0154-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health outcomes among HIV-positive gay men are generally poorer than in the broader population. However, not all men in this population experience mental health problems. Although much is known about factors associated with depression and anxiety among HIV-positive gay men, little is known about factors associated with positive mental health. Such knowledge can be useful for optimizing well-being support programs for HIV-positive gay men. Methods In this study, we examined flourishing, which broadly covers most aspects of positive mental health. A sample of 357 Australian HIV-positive gay men completed a survey on their mental health and well-being, including the Flourishing Scale. Given the lack of previous research, we explored a wide range of psychosocial factors, including demographics, stigma, discrimination, and social support, to identify key factors linked to flourishing. Results The sample showed a similar level of flourishing to those in general population samples. Several independent factors were found to be associated with flourishing outcomes. Those who were most likely to be flourishing tended to have low or no internalized HIV-related stigma, were employed, received higher levels of practical support, had a sense of companionship with others, and felt supported by family. Conclusions These and other findings presented in this article may be used to help inform strategies for promoting optimal levels of mental health, and its associated general health benefits, among HIV-positive gay men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Lyons
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
| | - Wendy Heywood
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Tomas Rozbroj
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
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