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Valente PK, Neupane R, Eaton L, Watson RJ. Psychosocial Syndemic Burden, Sexual Behaviors, and Engagement in HIV Prevention Care Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youths: United States, 2022. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:892-902. [PMID: 39110931 PMCID: PMC11306613 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2024.307753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives. To examine linear and nonlinear associations between psychosocial syndemic factors and HIV risk and engagement in HIV prevention care among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youths. Methods. Between February and October 2022, we recruited 17 578 SGM youths aged 13 to 18 years in the United States for an online survey. We examined the relationship of syndemics (i.e., binge drinking, drug use, sexual victimization, and anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender discrimination) with sexual behaviors (i.e., sexual initiation, condomless anal or vaginal sex, and number of sexual partners) and HIV prevention care (i.e., HIV testing, preexposure prophylaxis awareness and utilization) using regression. Results. Psychosocial syndemic burden (number of syndemic factors reported) was linearly and cubically associated with engagement in sexual behaviors. Psychosocial syndemic burden was linearly associated with higher HIV testing and preexposure prophylaxis awareness and cubically associated with higher preexposure prophylaxis utilization. Conclusions. Our findings are evidence of synergism across psychosocial syndemic factors regarding HIV risk and engagement in HIV prevention care among SGM youths in the United States. Public Health Implications. Multicomponent interventions may help reduce HIV risk and promote access to HIV prevention services among SGM individuals aged 13 to 18 years. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(9):892-902. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307753).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo K Valente
- Pablo K. Valente is with the Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Waterbury. Raghavee Neupane was with the Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, at the time of writing of this article. Lisa Eaton and Ryan J. Watson are with the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs
| | - Raghavee Neupane
- Pablo K. Valente is with the Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Waterbury. Raghavee Neupane was with the Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, at the time of writing of this article. Lisa Eaton and Ryan J. Watson are with the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs
| | - Lisa Eaton
- Pablo K. Valente is with the Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Waterbury. Raghavee Neupane was with the Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, at the time of writing of this article. Lisa Eaton and Ryan J. Watson are with the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Pablo K. Valente is with the Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Waterbury. Raghavee Neupane was with the Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, at the time of writing of this article. Lisa Eaton and Ryan J. Watson are with the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs
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Liu J, Yan Y, Li Y, Lin K, Xie Y, Tan Z, Liu Q, Li J, Wang L, Zhou Y, Yao G, Huang S, Ye C, Cen M, Liao X, Xu L, Zhang C, Yan Y, Huang L, Yang F, Yang Y, Fu X, Jiang H. Factors associated with antiretroviral treatment adherence among people living with HIV in Guangdong Province, China: a cross sectional analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1358. [PMID: 38769474 PMCID: PMC11106959 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18774-6] [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] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding factors associated with antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence is crucial for ART success among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the "test and treat" era. Multiple psychosocial factors tend to coexist and have a syndemic effect on ART adherence. We aimed to explore factors associated with ART adherence and the syndemic effect of multiple psychosocial factors on ART adherence among PLHIV newly starting ART in Guangdong Province, China. METHODS Newly diagnosed PLHIV from six cities in Guangdong Province were recruited between May 2018 and June 2019, and then followed up from May 2019 to August 2020. Baseline and follow-up data were collected from a questionnaire and the national HIV surveillance system, the follow-up data of which were analyzed in this study. A Center for Adherence Support Evaluation (CASE) index > 10 points was defined as optimal ART adherence, which was measured via participants' self-reported adherence during follow-up survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with ART adherence. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multi-order latent variable structural equation modeling (SEM) were performed to explore the syndemic effect of multiple psychosocial factors on ART adherence. RESULTS A total of 734 (68.53%) follow-up participants were finally included in this study among the 1071 baseline participants, of whom 91.28% (670/734) had self-reported optimal ART adherence. Unemployment (aOR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.01-3.02), no medication reminder (aOR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.09-4.74), low medication self-efficacy (aOR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.27-4.10), low social cohesion (aOR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.03-3.19), no social participation (aOR = 5.65, 95%CI: 1.71-18.63), and ART side effects (aOR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.26-0.81) were barriers to optimal ART adherence. The EFA and second-order latent variable SEM showed a linear relationship (standardized coefficient = 0.43, P < 0.001) between ART adherence and the latent psychosocial (syndemic) factor, which consisted of the three latent factors of medication beliefs and self-efficacy (standardized coefficient = 0.65, P < 0.001), supportive environment (standardized coefficient = 0.50, P < 0.001), and negative emotions (standardized coefficient=-0.38, P < 0.01). The latent factors of medication beliefs and self-efficacy, supportive environment, and negative emotions explained 42.3%, 25.3%, and 14.1% of the variance in the latent psychosocial factor, respectively. CONCLUSIONS About nine out of ten PLHIV on ART in Guangdong Province self-reported optimal ART adherence. However, more efforts should be made to address barriers to optimal ART adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, No. 283 Jianghai Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510310, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaihao Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, No. 283 Jianghai Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510310, China
| | - Yingqian Xie
- Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhimin Tan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, No. 283 Jianghai Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510310, China
| | - Qicai Liu
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junbin Li
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Jiangmen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangmen, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Gang Yao
- Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Shanzi Huang
- Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Chenglong Ye
- Yangjiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yangjiang, China
| | - Meixi Cen
- Yunfu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yunfu, China
| | - Xiaowen Liao
- Yunfu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yunfu, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Shantou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shantou, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Shantou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shantou, China
| | - Yubin Yan
- Huizhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huizhou, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Huizhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huizhou, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, No. 283 Jianghai Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510310, China
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hongbo Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, No. 283 Jianghai Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510310, China.
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, United Kingdom.
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Friedman MR, Badri S, Bowleg L, Haberlen SA, Jones DL, Kempf MC, Konkle-Parker D, Kwait J, Martinson J, Mimiaga MJ, Plankey MW, Stosor V, Tsai AC, Turan JM, Ware D, Wu K. Intersectional stigma and the non-communicable disease syndemic in the context of HIV: protocol for a multisite, observational study in the USA. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e075368. [PMID: 38670612 PMCID: PMC11057270 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia, presents key challenges to achieving optimal HIV care outcomes among ageing people living with HIV. These diseases are often comorbid and are exacerbated by psychosocial and structural inequities. This interaction among multiple health conditions and social factors is referred to as a syndemic. In the USA, there are substantial disparities by social position (ie, racial, ethnic and socioeconomic status) in the prevalence and/or control of non-communicable diseases and HIV. Intersecting stigmas, such as racism, classism and homophobia, may drive these health disparities by contributing to healthcare avoidance and by contributing to a psychosocial syndemic (stress, depression, violence victimisation and substance use), reducing success along the HIV and non-communicable disease continua of care. Our hypothesis is that marginalised populations experience disparities in non-communicable disease incidence, prevalence and control, mediated by intersectional stigma and the psychosocial syndemic. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Collecting data over a 4 year period, we will recruit sexual minority men (planned n=1800) enrolled in the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study, a long-standing mixed-serostatus observational cohort in the USA, to investigate the following specific aims: (1) assess relationships between social position, intersectional stigma and the psychosocial syndemic among middle-aged and ageing sexual minority men, (2) assess relationships between social position and non-communicable disease incidence and prevalence and (3) assess relationships between social position and HIV and non-communicable disease continua of care outcomes, mediated by intersectional stigma and the psychosocial syndemic. Analyses will be conducted using generalised structural equation models using a cross-lagged panel model design. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This protocol is approved as a single-IRB study (Advarra Institutional Review Board: Protocol 00068335). We will disseminate results via peer-reviewed academic journals, scientific conferences, a dedicated website, site community advisory boards and forums hosted at participating sites.
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Grants
- U01 HL146245 NHLBI NIH HHS
- U01 HL146208 NHLBI NIH HHS
- UL1 TR001409 NCATS NIH HHS
- KL2 TR001432 NCATS NIH HHS
- U01 HL146192 NHLBI NIH HHS
- U01 HL146242 NHLBI NIH HHS
- TL1 TR001431 NCATS NIH HHS
- U01 HL146193 NHLBI NIH HHS
- R01 HL160326 NHLBI NIH HHS
- U01 HL146194 NHLBI NIH HHS
- U01 HL146241 NHLBI NIH HHS
- P30 AI027767 NIAID NIH HHS
- P30 AI050409 NIAID NIH HHS
- U01 HL146333 NHLBI NIH HHS
- U01 HL146205 NHLBI NIH HHS
- P30 MH116867 NIMH NIH HHS
- P30 AI073961 NIAID NIH HHS
- U01 HL146201 NHLBI NIH HHS
- U01 HL146204 NHLBI NIH HHS
- U01 HL146202 NHLBI NIH HHS
- UL1 TR001881 NCATS NIH HHS
- UL1 TR000004 NCATS NIH HHS
- U01 HL146240 NHLBI NIH HHS
- U01 HL146203 NHLBI NIH HHS
- UL1 TR003098 NCATS NIH HHS
- P30 AI050410 NIAID NIH HHS
- Data Analysis and Coordination Center
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- UCLA
- CTSA
- ICTR
- National Institutes of Health, Office of AIDS Research (OAR)
- UCSF
- the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institute On Aging (NIA), National Institute Of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke (NINDS), National Institute Of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institute On Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute Of Nursing Research (NINR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reuel Friedman
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sheila Badri
- Hektoen Institute of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lisa Bowleg
- Department of Psychology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sabina A Haberlen
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Deborah L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Mirjam-Colette Kempf
- Schools of Nursing, Public Health, and Medicine, University of Albama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Deborah Konkle-Parker
- Schools of Nursing, Medicine, and Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Jenn Kwait
- Whitman-Walker Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jeremy Martinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health and Department of Epidemiology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael W Plankey
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Valentina Stosor
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Medicine and Department of Epidemiology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janet M Turan
- Schools of Nursing, Public Health, and Medicine, University of Albama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Deanna Ware
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Katherine Wu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Karnik NS, Kuhns LM, Hotton AL, Del Vecchio N, McNulty M, Schneider J, Donenberg G, Keglovitz Baker K, Diskin R, Muldoon A, Rivera J, Summersett Williams F, Garofalo R. Findings From the Step Up, Test Up Study of an Electronic Screening and Brief Intervention for Alcohol Misuse in Adolescents and Young Adults Presenting for HIV Testing: Randomized Controlled Efficacy Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2023; 10:e43653. [PMID: 36989027 PMCID: PMC10131684 DOI: 10.2196/43653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use, particularly binge drinking of alcohol and noninjection substance use, is associated with increased risk for HIV infection among youth, but structured substance use screening and brief intervention are not often provided as part of HIV risk reduction. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to test the efficacy of a fully automated electronic screening and brief intervention, called Step Up, Test Up, to reduce alcohol misuse among adolescents and young adults presenting for HIV testing. Secondary objectives were reduction in sexual risk and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. METHODS Youth aged 16 years to 25 years who presented for HIV testing at community-based locations were recruited for study participation. Those who screened at moderate to high risk on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test were randomized (1:1) to either an electronic brief intervention or a time-attention control. The primary outcome was change in alcohol use at 1, 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups. Negative binomial and log binomial regression analyses with generalized estimating equations were conducted to evaluate the intervention efficacy. RESULTS Among a sample of 329 youth, there were no significant differences in alcohol use outcomes between conditions over time or at the 1, 3, 6, or 12-month time points. In terms of secondary outcomes, there was evidence of reduction in condomless insertive anal sex under the influence of alcohol and drugs at 12 months compared with 3 months in the intervention versus the attention control condition (incidence rate ratio=0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.44); however, there were no other significant differences in sexual risk and no difference in PrEP engagement. CONCLUSIONS We found no effect of electronic brief intervention to reduce alcohol use and some effect on sexual risk among youth aged 16 years to 25 years who present for HIV testing. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02703116; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02703116. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s12889-020-8154-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niranjan S Karnik
- Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Anna L Hotton
- The Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Natascha Del Vecchio
- The Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Moira McNulty
- The Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John Schneider
- The Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Geri Donenberg
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Rose Diskin
- The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Abigail Muldoon
- The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Juan Rivera
- Center for Education, Research & Advocacy, Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Faith Summersett Williams
- The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert Garofalo
- The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Nowotny KM, Valdez A, Cepeda A. Syndemic Profiles for HIV, Hepatitis C, and Sextually Transmitted Infections Among Mexican American Women Formerly Affiliated with Youth Street Gangs. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:388-399. [PMID: 35840855 PMCID: PMC9286305 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03773-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
We examine syndemic profiles of intimate partner violence, mental health, drug use, incarceration, and infectious diseases (HIV, HCV, and STIs) among a sample of adult Mexican American women who were affiliated with youth street gangs during adolescence through their relationships to boys and men. Latent class analysis included multiple factors along the following dimensions: intimate partner violence, drug use, mental illness, and incarceration. Five unique syndemic profiles were found with varying associations to HIV, HCV, and STI: (1) no syndemic, (2) intimate partner violence, no syndemic, (3) drug use, mental health, and incarceration syndemic, (4) intimate partner violence, drug use (without injection drug use), and mental health syndemic, and (5) intimate partner violence, drug use with injection drug use, mental health, and incarceration syndemic. To successfully prevent HIV, HCV, and STI among gang-involved girls and women, it is necessary to address syndemic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Nowotny
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Miami, 5202 University Dr., Merrick 120, FL, 33146, Coral Gables, USA.
| | - Avelardo Valdez
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, CA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Alice Cepeda
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, CA, Los Angeles, USA
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Caballero-Hoyos R, Monárrez-Espino J, Ramírez-Ortíz MG, Cárdenas-Medina FM. Factors Associated with Unprotected Anal Sex among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Mexico. Infect Dis Rep 2022; 14:547-557. [PMID: 35893477 PMCID: PMC9326714 DOI: 10.3390/idr14040058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of HIV is notably higher in men who have sex with men (MSM) compared with other male populations. Unprotected anal intercourse is the riskiest sexual behavior for HIV acquisition and/or transmission among this minority population. The purpose of the study was to identify if the syndemic of psychosocial stressors and experienced stigma are predictors of unprotected anal sex in Mexican MSM. A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out. It included adults residing in Manzanillo, Mexico, with oral/anal sex practices within the last year. Informed consent was given by 142 participants selected using snowball sampling. Collected data included sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial stressors, experienced stigma, HIV knowledge, knowing a friend/acquaintance living with HIV/AIDS, and sexual risk behaviors. Adjusted logistic regression was used to identify predictors of unprotected anal sex within the last six months. Presence of syndemic of psychosocial stressors, drug use during sex, having friends/acquaintances with HIV/AIDS, and experiencing high stigma were positively associated; high level of HIV knowledge was negatively linked. Reducing psychosocial stressors and integrating stigma-mitigation strategies are key elements to reduce HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Caballero-Hoyos
- Clinical Epidemiology Research Unit, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Colima 28040, Mexico;
| | - Joel Monárrez-Espino
- Department of Health Research, Christus Muguerza del Parque Hospital, University of Monterrey, Chihuahua 31000, Mexico
- Medicine and Health Sciences Unit, Zacatecas Autonomous University, Zacatecas 98000, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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Ouafik MR, Buret L, Scholtes B. Mapping the current knowledge in syndemic research applied to men who have sex with men: A scoping review. Soc Sci Med 2022; 306:115162. [PMID: 35779501 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with Men (MSM) represent a population affected by numerous health conditions. Syndemic theory has been used as a framework to study the health of MSM for nearly 20 years. However, the literature is plagued by a lack of consensus regarding what constitutes a synergy in a syndemic and recent reviews have shown that most of the papers published thus far have failed to demonstrate a synergy nor describe the bio-social interaction needed to account for a true syndemic. Moreover, to our knowledge, none of the existing reviews have focused specifically on MSM. This scoping review aims to fill this gap by mapping in detail how syndemic research on MSM has been conducted. A systematic database search was conducted between 2020 and 2021 and 115 studies were included. Our findings showed a lack of diversity regarding the location, design, subpopulation, and outcomes studied. In addition, the syndemic conditions, as well as their measurement, were not focused enough to ensure the robustness and reproducibility of the findings. Furthermore, our results support previous reviews showing a lack of empirical data to support disease interaction in syndemic research applied to MSM. Our review offers some important recommendations to help move the field forward in future work and describes some promising methodological advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxence R Ouafik
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, General Practice Department, University of Liège, Quartier Hôpital B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Laetitia Buret
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, General Practice Department, University of Liège, Quartier Hôpital B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Beatrice Scholtes
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, General Practice Department, University of Liège, Quartier Hôpital B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
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Charin G, Symonds Y, Scholfield C, Graham C, Armstrong H. Three-site screening for STIs in men who have sex with men using online self-testing in an English sexual health service. Sex Transm Infect 2022; 99:195-197. [PMID: 35654571 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-055243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK,Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoea (NG) infections commonly occur asymptomatically at extragenital sites. Therefore, MSM seeking sexual health services are offered three-site (oropharyngeal, rectal and urogenital) STI screening. To increase access to screening, some UK sexual health services enable asymptomatic service users to order free STI screening kits online for self-sampling at home. We sought to assess prevalence of overall and extragenital CT/NG infection among asymptomatic MSM who used online self-testing in Hampshire, UK. METHODS We assessed prevalence of CT/NG infections from non-pooled samples among asymptomatic cisgender MSM using an administrative database with results from 5601 STI screening kits returned between 20 December 2016 and 31 January 2020. We compared number of diagnoses of extragenital infection with urogenital results of the same individuals to determine prevalence of infection that would have been missed with urine testing alone. RESULTS Among 5051 valid CT and 5040 valid NG asymptomatic test results, overall prevalence was 5.9% (298/5051) and 4.5% (228/5040), respectively. Among MSM with asymptomatic CT, 71.8% (214/298) had extragenital infection only, χ2 (1, n=298)=56.71, p<0.001. Among those with asymptomatic NG, 89.9% (205/228) had extragenital infection only, χ2 (1, n=228)=145.281, p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS Overall, most CT/NG infections among asymptomatic MSM who used online self-testing were extragenital. Given this and the likelihood of onward transmission from asymptomatic infection, it is recommended that three-site testing remain standard for MSM and free screening services be expanded in easily accessible ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Charin
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ynez Symonds
- Solent NHS Sexual Health Services, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Cynthia Graham
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Heather Armstrong
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK .,Solent NHS Sexual Health Services, Southampton, UK
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Role of the Intersections of Gender, Race and Sexual Orientation in the Association between Substance Use Behaviors and Sexually Transmitted Infections in a National Sample of Adults with Recent Criminal Legal Involvement. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074100. [PMID: 35409785 PMCID: PMC8998534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Limited research has focused on how substance use and sexual risk behaviors differ among individuals impacted by the criminal legal system based on social identities. Using the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we estimated relative risk for reporting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) among intersectional social groups with criminal legal involvement using a modified Poisson regression. We then utilized multivariate logistic regression and marginal effects to measure associations between substance use behaviors and STIs and to estimate whether these varied among the intersectional social groups with elevated STI rates. Three groups had elevated risk of reporting an STI compared to white, heterosexual men: white, heterosexual women (1.53, 95% CI: 1.05-2.20); Black, heterosexual women (2.03, 95% CI: 1.18-3.49); and white, gay or bisexual men (5.65, 95% CI: 2.61-12.20). Considering the intersections of gender, race, and sexual orientation, elevated risks for STIs among white and Black heterosexual women were mitigated after adjusting for substance use alongside other confounders. Only those who identified as white, gay or bisexual, and male had increased STI risk after controlling for substance use. Interventions targeting Black and white heterosexual women's sexual health following incarceration should focus on substance use and interventions targeting white, gay or bisexual men should focus on healthy sexual behaviors, HIV/STI screening, and care continuum efforts.
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Kongjareon Y, Samoh N, Peerawaranun P, Guadamuz TE. Pride-based violence, intoxicated sex and poly-drug use: a vocational school-based study of heterosexual and LGBT students in Bangkok. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:148. [PMID: 35209859 PMCID: PMC8867669 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03777-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Thailand, drug use is widely observed, especially among vocational-school students, who are more inclined to use various types of drugs and to experience pride-based violence (violence based on institutional pride, honor, or on seniority status) than any other groups of students. Drug use contexts differ based on sexual orientation and gender identity (e.g., clubs). This study aims to examine the prevalence and correlates of poly-drug use (the use of at least three types of drugs) among vocational-school students, with a focus on sexual orientation and gender identity. METHODS In this study, 638 vocational school students living in Bangkok metropolitan area participated in a three-year longitudinal survey of four vocational schools. Experiences of violence, sexual behaviours, and poly-drug use were assessed and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS About one tenth of all students (11.3%) reported poly-drug use, a fifth among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) students (20.2%) and almost a tenth of heterosexual students (9.8%). In the multivariable logistic model of LGBT students, GPA, pride-based violence, intoxicated sex, and counseling needs were significantly associated with poly-drug use (AOR = 4.62; 95% CI 1.17-18.29, AOR = 6.01; 95% CI 1.31-27.32, AOR = 5.17; 95% CI 1.10-24.28, AOR = 4.64; 95% CI 1.16-18.54, respectively). Likewise, among heterosexual students, GPA and intoxicated sex were significantly associated with poly-drug use (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI 1.09-3.75, AOR = 5.31; 95% CI 2.81-10.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS LGBT vocational-school students have significantly higher prevalence of poly-drug use than their heterosexual peers. Correlates include lower GPA, having experienced pride-based violence and intoxicated sex. School-based intervention programs should also address pride-based violence and intoxicated sex in their harm reduction programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamol Kongjareon
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Road Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Nattharat Samoh
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Road Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Pimnara Peerawaranun
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Road Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Thomas E. Guadamuz
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Road Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand ,grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Society and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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11
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Sterrett-Hong EM, Birkett M, Kuhns L, Zhang D, Mustanski B. The Impact of Closeness to Non-Parental Adults in Social Networks on Substance Use among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2021; 68:1727-1744. [PMID: 31902312 PMCID: PMC7334073 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2019.1705670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Non-parental adults (NPAs), or adults in social networks other than parents and romantic/sexual partnersare an under-examined potential resource in the lives of young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Using survey and social network data from a sample (n = 169) of ethnically diverse YMSM in a Midwestern city, this article examines longitudinal associations between emotional closeness to NPAs and subsequent substance use among YMSM. After controlling for race/ethnicity, closer relationships with NPAs were associated with a lower likelihood of binge-drinking and marijuana use six months later. In an exploratory set of analyses, the level of connectedness between NPAs and other members of social networks was not associated with substance use. Future studies should continue to examine the protective role of NPAs for both substance use and other health behaviors among YMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M. Sterrett-Hong
- Couple and Family Therapy Program, Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Michelle Birkett
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Lisa Kuhns
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Donghang Zhang
- Couple and Family Therapy Program, Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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12
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Chandler CJ, Meunier É, Eaton LA, Andrade E, Bukowski LA, Matthews DD, Raymond HF, Stall RD, Friedman MR. Syndemic Health Disparities and Sexually Transmitted Infection Burden Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men Engaged in Sex Work in the U.S. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:1627-1640. [PMID: 33159237 PMCID: PMC8099930 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01828-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Black men who have sex with men (MSM) engaged in sex work (BMSM-SW) experience elevated HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence. Further, BMSM-SW have been shown to have higher rates of syndemic psychosocial health conditions which contribute to HIV risk behavior and incidence, and poorer care outcomes than other groups of men who have sex with men. However, syndemic perspectives have not been applied to understanding past-year STI burden among BMSM-SW in the U.S. Sexually active Black MSM ≥ 18 years old were recruited from Black Pride events in six U.S. cities (n = 4421) between 2014 and 2017. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed correlates of past-year sex work engagement; whether BMSM-SW had higher odds of syndemic conditions; and whether BMSM-SW had higher odds of self-reported, past-year STI diagnoses. Structural equation models assessed relationships between sex work engagement, syndemic conditions, and STI controlled for sociodemographics and number of sexual partners. A total of 254 (5.7%) Black MSM reported past-year sex work, of whom 45.3% were HIV positive. BMSM-SW were significantly more likely to be Hispanic, to report past-year bisexual behavior, and to report annual income < $10,000. In multivariable models, BMSM-SW were significantly more likely to report intimate partner violence, assault victimization, polydrug use, and depression symptoms; they were also more likely to report past-year gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Syndemic conditions mediated the relationship between past-year sex work and past-year STI burden, constituting a significant indirect effect. BMSM-SW in the U.S. face severe biopsychosocial health disparities. Interventions developed for BMSM engaged in sex work are lacking. Our results suggest that interventions containing safer sex work education and sex-positive biobehavioral HIV/STI prevention alongside substance use, mental health, employment, and education components will be most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian J Chandler
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Étienne Meunier
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Elí Andrade
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leigh A Bukowski
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Derrick D Matthews
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Henry F Raymond
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ronald D Stall
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M Reuel Friedman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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13
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Turpin RE, Salerno JP, Rosario AD, Boekeloo B. Victimization, Substance Use, Depression, and Sexual Risk in Adolescent Males Who Have Sex with Males: A Syndemic Latent Profile Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:961-971. [PMID: 32274744 PMCID: PMC10712424 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01685-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent males who have sex with males (AMSM) are at increased risk of HIV/STI acquisition compared to other adolescents, making sexual risk behaviors in this population a priority public health focus. AMSM experience more victimization (including sexual/partner violence), depression, and substance abuse than their heterosexual counterparts; these may form a syndemic associated with risky sexual behavior. We pooled data from the 2015 and 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, restricted to male students who reported a previous male sexual partner (n = 448). Latent profile analysis was used to identify syndemic profiles, with log-binomial and cumulative complementary log-log models used to test associations with substance use at last intercourse, condomless sex at last intercourse, and the number of sexual partners. Nearly all measures of victimization, depression, and substance use had bivariate associations with greater substance use during sex and more sexual partners. We identified three profiles of AMSM: The profile (n = 55) with the greatest risk factors (evident of a syndemic) had substantially higher prevalence of substance use during sex (aPR = 4.74, 95% CI 3.02, 7.43) and more sexual partners (aPR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.39, 4.31) than the profile with the lowest risk factors (n = 326) after adjusting for confounders. This profile was not associated with condomless sex. We identified a syndemic characterized by victimization, depression, and substance use associated with risky sexual behaviors in a nationally representative sample of AMSM. Comprehensive sexual risk reduction interventions incorporating mental health and substance use are critically important in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodman E Turpin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, 4200 Valley Dr., #2242, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - John P Salerno
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Andre D Rosario
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bradley Boekeloo
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
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14
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Safren SA, Thomas B, Biello KB, Mayer KH, Rawat S, Dange A, Bedoya CA, Menon S, Anand V, Balu V, O'Cleirigh C, Klasko-Foster L, Baruah D, Swaminathan S, Mimiaga MJ. Strengthening resilience to reduce HIV risk in Indian MSM: a multicity, randomised, clinical efficacy trial. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e446-e455. [PMID: 33740407 PMCID: PMC8091574 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30547-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) in India are extremely marginalised and stigmatised, and therefore experience immense psychosocial stress. As current HIV prevention interventions in India do not address mental health or resilience to these stressors, we aimed to evaluate a resilience-based psychosocial intervention in the context of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. METHODS We did a multicity, randomised, clinical efficacy trial in Chennai (governmental tuberculosis research institute) and Mumbai (non-governmental organisation for MSM), India. Inclusion criteria were MSM, aged 18 years or older, who were at risk of HIV acquisition or transmission, defined as having any of the following in the 4 months before screening: anal sex with four or more male partners (protected or unprotected), diagnosis of an STI, history of transactional sex activity, or condomless anal sex with a man who was of unknown HIV status or serodiscordant. Participants were required to speak English, Tamil (in Chennai), or Hindi (in Mumbai) fluently. Eligible individuals were randomly assigned (1:1) to either a resilience-based psychosocial HIV prevention intervention, consisting of group (four sessions) and individual (six sessions) counselling alongside HIV and STI voluntary counselling and testing, or a standard-of-care control comprising voluntary counselling and testing alone. The primary outcomes were number of condomless anal sex acts with male partners during the past month (at baseline and 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months after randomisation), and incident bacterial STIs (at 12 months after randomisation). Resilience-related mediators included self-esteem, self-acceptance, and depression. Recruitment is now closed. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02556294. FINDINGS Between Sept 4, 2015, and June 28, 2018, we enrolled 608 participants; 305 (50%) were assigned to the psychosocial intervention condition and 303 (50%) were assigned to the control condition. 510 (84%) of 608 men completed an assessment at 4 months after randomisation, 483 (79%) at 8 months, and 515 (85%) at 12 months. 512 (99%) of 515 men had STI data from the 12-month assessment. The intervention condition had a 56% larger reduction in condomless anal sex acts (95% CI 35-71; p<0·0001) from baseline to 4-month follow-up, 72% larger reduction (56-82; p<0·0001) from baseline to 8-month follow-up, and 72% larger reduction (53-83; p<0·0001) from baseline to 12-month follow-up, compared with the standard-of-care control condition (condition by time interaction; χ2=40·29, 3 df; p<0·0001). Improvements in self-esteem and depressive symptoms both mediated 9% of the intervention effect on condomless anal sex acts. Bacterial STI incidence did not differ between study conditions at 12-month follow-up. INTERPRETATION A resilience-based psychosocial intervention for MSM at risk of HIV acquisition or transmission in India was efficacious in reducing condomless anal sex acts, with evidence for mediation effects in two key target resilience variables. HIV prevention programmes for MSM in India should address mental health resilience to augment reductions in the risk of sexually transmitted HIV. FUNDING National Institute of Mental Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Beena Thomas
- National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioural and Social Health Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - C Andres Bedoya
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Vinoth Balu
- National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lynne Klasko-Foster
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Soumya Swaminathan
- National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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15
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Noor SW, Hart TA, Okafor CN, Ware D, Chew KW, D’Souza G, Ho K, Friedman MR, Plankey M. Staying or moving: Results of a latent transition analysis examining intra-individual stability of recreational substance use among MSM in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study from 2004 to 2016. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 220:108516. [PMID: 33485009 PMCID: PMC7901540 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have examined patterns of substance use among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), but few have examined factors predicting transitioning from one substance use pattern to another. We investigated transitioning from one substance use pattern to another over a 12-year period (2004-2016) among the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study participants. METHOD Alcohol, marijuana, heroin, cocaine, poppers, uppers (e.g., methamphetamines) and erectile dysfunction(ED) medications use in the last 6 months from 3568 US MSM was dichotomized (no/yes) to classify participants into substance use classes at each follow up visit. We fit latent transition models to calculate transition probabilities of moving from one substance use class to another over a 3, 4 and 6-year time period. Then fit regression models to identify factors associated with the probability of each participant staying in or moving from the same substance use class. RESULTS Overall, cocaine and ED medication use declined but marijuana and heroin use increased over 2004-2016. We observed most participants (84.6 %-100 %) stayed in the same class. Increased age was associated with transition from the Minimal-use class to the Alcohol-only class (aOR = 1.06,95 %CI:1.01-1.13;p < 0.01) and non-White MSM reported lower odds of moving from the Alcohol-only class to the Alcohol-Popper class (aOR = 0.50,95 %CI:0.30-0.82;p <0.01). There were no difference in the transition probabilities by HIV-status. CONCLUSION Despite decline in substance use in general, participants are highly stable in their choice of substances. However, treating MSM as a homogeneous group can lead to an under-appreciation of the diversity of prevention needs and treatment of substance using MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed W. Noor
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada,Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Louisiana State University Shreveport, One University Place, Shreveport, LA 71115, USA
| | - Trevor A. Hart
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Chukwuemeka N. Okafor
- Department of Public Health, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, 1311 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Deanna Ware
- Georgetown University Medical Center, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Suite 120 Washington, D.C. 20057, USA
| | - Kara W. Chew
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 11075 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Gypsyamber D’Souza
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ken Ho
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, 3520 Fifth Avenue, Suite 533, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - M. Reuel Friedman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto St, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Michael Plankey
- Georgetown University Medical Center, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Suite 120 Washington, D.C. 20057, USA
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16
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Quinn KG, Spector A, Takahashi L, Voisin DR. Conceptualizing the Effects of Continuous Traumatic Violence on HIV Continuum of Care Outcomes for Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:758-772. [PMID: 32944841 PMCID: PMC7886964 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03040-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The United States (US) is on track to achieve the 90-90-90 targets set forth by UNAIDS and the National HIV/AIDS strategy, yet significant racial disparities in HIV care outcomes remain, particularly for young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). Research has demonstrated that various types of violence are key aspects of syndemics that contribute to disparities in HIV risk. However, little research has looked collectively at cumulative violent experiences and how those might affect HIV treatment and care outcomes. Drawing on extant literature and theoretical underpinnings of syndemics, we provide a conceptual model that highlights how continuous traumatic violence experienced by YBMSM may affect HIV outcomes and contribute to racial disparities in HIV outcomes. The findings of this focused review suggest a need for research on how continuous exposure to various types of violence influence HIV prevention and treatment outcomes for young Black MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine G Quinn
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA.
| | - Antoinette Spector
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Institute for Health Equity, Milwaukee, USA
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17
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Walters SM, Kral AH, Lamb S, Goldshear JL, Wenger L, Bluthenthal RN. Correlates of Transactional Sex and Violent Victimization among Men Who Inject Drugs in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California. J Urban Health 2021; 98:70-82. [PMID: 33409836 PMCID: PMC7873178 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-020-00494-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Men who inject drugs (MWID) and engage in transactional sex (i.e., receive money or drugs in exchange for sex) are vulnerable to HIV and violence. However, MWID who engage in transactional sex have been less studied than women. We examine factors associated with transactional sex among MWID in Los Angeles and San Francisco and whether transactional sex is associated with violent victimization. MWID were recruited using targeted sampling methods in 2011-2013 and completed surveys that covered demographics, drug use, HIV risk, violence, transactional sex, and other items. Multivariable logistic regression was used to (1) determine factors independently associated with transactional sex and (2) determine if transactional sex was independently associated with violence victimization in the last 6 months among MWID. An interaction term between income source and sexual identity was included in the transactional sex model. Of the 572 male PWID in the sample, 47 (8%) reported transactional sex in the past 6 months. Self-reported HIV infection was 7% for MWID who did not report transactional sex, 17% for MWID who reported transactional sex, and 24% for MWID who reported transactional sex and reported gay or bisexual identity. In multivariable analysis, transactional sex was positively associated with gay or bisexual identity (GB without illegal income adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.86-14.27; GB with illegal income AOR = 13.55, CI = 4.57-40.13), coerced sex in the last 12 months (AOR = 11.66, CI = 1.94-70.12), and violent victimization in the last 12 months (AOR = 2.31, CI = 1.13-4.75). Transactional sex was negatively associated with heroin injection (last 30 days) (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.18-0.78). Transactional sex was independently associated with violent victimization in the last 12 months (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.00-4.14) while controlling for confounders. MWID who engaged in transactional sex are at elevated risk for HIV and multiple forms of violent victimization. Interventions focused on this at-risk subpopulation are urgently needed and should include access to substance use disorder treatment, victimization services, and harm reduction services across the HIV care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Shona Lamb
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jesse L Goldshear
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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18
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Wilkerson JM, Di Paola A, Nieto D, Schick V, Latini DM, Braun-Harvey D, Zoschke IN, McCurdy S. Sexual Violence and Chemsex among Substance-Using Sexual and Gender Minorities in Texas. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:2141-2150. [PMID: 34550052 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1975743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Chemsex is the use of methamphetamine or other substances to enhance sexual experiences, and is most often associated with sexual minority men. Within the chemsex literature, questions of sexual violence emerge due, in part, to ambiguity about what constitutes consent within sexualized environments with co-occurring substance use. To understand the context in which sexual violence occurs, data from an online survey of sexual and gender minority Texans were analyzed using bivariate and logistic regression (N = 1273), and qualitative interviews with substance-using sexual minority men from a separate sample were thematically analyzed (N = 22). Among survey participants, 12.8% experienced a form of sexual violence (10.1% experienced intimate partner violence and 7.6% experienced sexual assault). When participants were categorized based on past year substance use and sex party attendance, 48.0% of participants who used drugs and attended sex parties (a proxy for chemsex) experienced sexual violence (41.6% experienced intimate partner violence and 41.0% experienced sexual assault). When variables statistically significant at the bivariate-level were entered into logistic regression models, participants in the chemsex category were 12.5 [95% CI: 6.9, 22.8] times more likely to experience sexual violence. Substance-using sexual minority men experiencing sexual violence describe situations in which consent is difficult to revoke and sexual exploitation is likely to occur. Studies which more deeply explore the relationship between sexual and relationship violence and chemsex among sexual and gender minorities are needed. Particularly, the notion of consent needs further conceptualization in the context of drug use and sex parties. HIGHLIGHTS Measures of recent substance use and sex party attendance were combined to create a proxy measure for chemsex, which is the use of substances to enhance sexual experiences.Substance-using sexual and gender minorities engaging in chemsex were at increased risk of sexual violence.In addition to engaging in chemsex, variables associated with an increased odds of sexual violence among sexual and gender minorities were younger age, having a non-monosexual sexual identity, and receiving a mental health diagnoses.Studies on sexual and gender minorities engaging in chemsex should be developed to further explore sexual exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Wilkerson
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Angela Di Paola
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dominica Nieto
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vanessa Schick
- Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David M Latini
- Scott Department of Urology, the Montrose Center, and the Montrose Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - I Niles Zoschke
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sheryl McCurdy
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
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Syndemic latent transition analysis in the HPTN 061 cohort: Prospective interactions between trauma, mental health, social support, and substance use. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 214:108106. [PMID: 32652374 PMCID: PMC7423755 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use among Black sexual minority men (BSMM) is a significant public health focus of prevention interventions due to its association with sexual risk behaviors and transmission of HIV. Traumatic experiences and mental health challenges may interact to create a syndemic associated with substance use in this population; this may be moderated by social support however. METHODS Using a multicenter prospective cohort of 1068 BSMM, we conducted a longitudinal syndemic latent transition analysis testing whether baseline and 6-month race and sexuality-targeted violence, intimate partner violence, other traumatic experiences, depression, and internalized homophobia was associated with 12-month substance use. We also tested if social support modified this and was associated with transitions between statuses. RESULTS Our analysis identified four statuses: A "low-risk" status characterized by the lowest proportions of syndemic factors, and 3 "high-risk" statuses, characterized by higher proportions of syndemic factors. All three high-risk statuses were associated with higher substance use than the low-risk status, with the greatest association observed with "high-risk status C" (aRR = 4.54, 95 % CI 1.98, 10.40). Social support attenuated this association (Interaction aRR = 0.21, 95 % CI 0.05, 0.85) and was associated with lower transition rates from low to high-risk status 6 months later (Transition ratio = 0.45, 95 % CI 0.29, 0.69). CONCLUSIONS Our findings identified a syndemic of trauma, depression, and homophobia among BSMM associated with substance use, but attenuated by social support. Future research into the role of social support and resiliency in substance use prevention and recovery is recommended.
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Walters SM, Braksmajer A, Coston B, Yoon I, Grov C, Downing MJ, Teran R, Hirshfield S. A Syndemic Model of Exchange Sex Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1965-1978. [PMID: 31965453 PMCID: PMC7321855 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01628-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Exchange sex is a behavior associated with HIV transmission risk among men who have sex with men (MSM). Few studies have examined exchange sex among HIV-positive MSM. We utilize a syndemic framework to account for co-occurring psychosocial problems that suggest the presence of intertwining epidemics (i.e., syndemics), which have not been examined within the context of exchange sex among HIV-positive MSM. In 2015, MSM were recruited via online sexual networking Web site and app advertisements for Sex Positive![+], a video-based online intervention that aimed to improve health outcomes for men living with HIV. Participants completed surveys every three months for a year. Surveys covered demographics, drug use, exchange sex, intimate partner violence (IPV), and past 2-week depressive symptoms. We conducted three logistic regression models to assess syndemic factors associated with exchange sex in the past 3 months. Of the 722 HIV-positive MSM included in the sample, 59 (8%) reported exchange sex in the past 3 months at 12-month follow-up. HIV-positive MSM who had more syndemic factors had greater odds of exchange sex. Exchange sex was associated with being African-American/Black, age 18-29 years, past and present experiences with IPV, stimulant use, polysubstance use, and depressive symptoms. Exchange sex was associated with multiple psychosocial factors, indicating exchange sex may be part of a syndemic involving substance use, depression, HIV, and IPV. Interventions should address the social and behavioral circumstances that perpetuate environments that can foster multiple negative health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 380 2nd Ave., Suite 306, NY 10010, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Bethany Coston
- Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Irene Yoon
- Research and Advisory, Gartner L2, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy and the CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Richard Teran
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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21
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Achterbergh RCA, van Rooijen MS, van den Brink W, Boyd A, de Vries HJC. Enhancing help-seeking behaviour among men who have sex with men at risk for sexually transmitted infections: the syn.bas.in randomised controlled trial. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 97:11-17. [PMID: 32737210 PMCID: PMC7841480 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for STIs and mental disorders. Syndemic theory holds that psychosocial issues co-occur and interact, and thus increase sexual risk behaviour. Psychosocial issue identification, referral and management might reduce risk behaviour. Methods In the syndemic-based intervention study, an open-label randomised controlled trial, MSM were enrolled at the STI outpatient clinic of the Public Health Service of Amsterdam. We screened participants using validated questionnaires on the following problem domains: alcohol and substance use, sexual compulsivity, anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, alexithymia, intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse. Individuals were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either tailored, face-to-face feedback and help-seeking advice on mental health screening, or no feedback and no help-seeking advice. Participants were followed trimonthly for a year. The primary outcomes were self-reported and confirmed help-seeking behaviour. Results We included 155 MSM: 76 in the intervention group and 79 in the control group. At inclusion, 128 participants (83.1%) scored positive in at least one problem domain. We found no significant differences in self-reported or confirmed help-seeking behaviour between the intervention and the control group: 41% vs 29% (p=0.14) and 28% vs 22% (p=0.44), respectively. There were also no differences in STI incidence and condomless anal sex acts between the two groups. Conclusion Screening showed high prevalence of problems related to mental health and substance use, while tailored feedback, advice and referral did not significantly increase help-seeking behaviour. Other interventions are needed to tackle the high burden of mental disorders among MSM. Trial registration number NCT02859935.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martijn S van Rooijen
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Infectious Diseases Department, Public Health Sevice of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Anders Boyd
- Department of Infectious Diseases Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands.,Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Henry John Christiaan de Vries
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Infectious Diseases Department, Public Health Sevice of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands .,Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AI&II), location Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
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Connecting the dots: a comparison of network analysis and exploratory factor analysis to examine psychosocial syndemic indicators among HIV-negative sexual minority men. J Behav Med 2020; 43:1026-1040. [PMID: 32361793 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-020-00148-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Syndemics, or comorbid and mutually reinforcing psychosocial problems, are associated with increased HIV risk among men who have sex with men (MSM). Although the dynamic interplay among syndemic indicators is theorized to be crucial for increasing risk of HIV acquisition, novel approaches are needed to understand how these syndemic problems interrelate. This study examined the associations between nine self-reported syndemic indicators in 194 MSM at high risk of HIV acquisition. We compared exploratory factor analyses (EFA) to a network analysis. In the present study, network analysis consisted of edges representing bidirectional partial polychoric correlations between nodes, which represent psychosocial syndemic indicators. EFA yielded a 1-factor solution including suicidal ideation (SI), injection drug use (IDU), depression, social anxiety, intimate partner violence, substance use, and sexual compulsivity, and excluded heavy drinking and childhood sexual abuse. Network analysis yielded a pattern of interconnectedness with the most central nodes being SI, IDU, substance use, and depression. Statistically significant relationships (absolute edge weights) were found between SI and depression, social anxiety, and IDU, and IDU and substance use. These results suggest that depression and substance use, especially more severe presentations of these conditions such as SI and IDU, are prominent interconnected components of the HIV syndemic among MSM at high risk for HIV acquisition. SI, IDU, substance use, and depression may indeed be prudent targets of intervention. Future research on the inclusion of these syndemic indicators in analytical models involving interaction terms may be warranted.
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23
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Chan RCH, Operario D, Mak WWS. Effects of HIV-Related Discrimination on Psychosocial Syndemics and Sexual Risk Behavior among People Living with HIV. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061924. [PMID: 32187991 PMCID: PMC7143361 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In the context of HIV-related stigma and discrimination, people living with HIV (PLHIV) might be vulnerable to a ‘syndemic’ of co-occurring psychosocial challenges that can affect sexual behavior. The present study examined how HIV-related discrimination contributes to co-occurring psychosocial syndemic problems and results in inconsistent condom use among PLHIV in Hong Kong. Two-hundred and ninety-one PLHIV were recruited to complete a self-report questionnaire. More than one-quarter of the sample experienced two or more psychosocial syndemic problems, and 74.1% of the participants who had sex with steady partners reported inconsistent condom use over the past three months. The results indicated that HIV-related discrimination was positively predictive of the number of psychosocial syndemic problems. HIV-related discrimination and psychosocial syndemics were associated with increased odds of inconsistent condom use with steady partners (AOR = 5.40 and AOR = 3.09 respectively). Findings from structural equation modeling showed that psychosocial syndemics mediated the effect of HIV-related discrimination on condom use consistency with steady partners. PLHIV in Hong Kong suffered from the syndemic effects of stigma, social isolation, and poor mental health, which rendered them vulnerable to condomless sex. In order to curb the rapidly increasing incidence of HIV, multi-level strategies should be adopted to concurrently address the structural inequities and psychosocial syndemics faced by PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph C. H. Chan
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Don Operario
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA;
| | - Winnie W. S. Mak
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Correspondence:
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Nöstlinger C, Reyniers T, Smekens T, Apers H, Laga M, Wouters K, Vuylsteke B. Drug use, depression and sexual risk behaviour: a syndemic among early pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adopters in Belgium? AIDS Care 2020; 32:57-64. [PMID: 32160759 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1739218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about how interacting psychosocial problems may influence sexual behaviour among men having sex with men taking Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This study assessed (1) the prevalence of depression, recreational drug-use and sexual risk behaviour; (2) changes in these psychosocial conditions over time; and (3) the interaction of drug use and depression with sexual risk behaviour. We analysed data of the Belgian Be-PrEP-ared cohort study (N = 200). We assessed depression using the PHQ-9, recreational drug use and receptive condomless anal intercourse (rCAI) with anonymous partners. Frequencies of psychosocial problems were compared at baseline, 9 and 18 months follow-up (FU). Bivariate associations between depression and drug-use behaviour, and their interaction with rCAI with anonymous sexual partners using was examined using linear regression. Receptive CAI increased from 41% at baseline to 53% at M18 (p = 0.038). At baseline, we found an interaction effect of poly-drug use and depression, potentiating rCAI with anonymous partners. Participants reporting poly-drug use associated with depression were significant more likely to report this type of sexual risk behaviour than those who did not report this association (p = 0.030). The high level of intertwined psychosocial problems call for multi-level interventions for those PrEP users experiencing a syndemic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thijs Reyniers
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tom Smekens
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hanne Apers
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marie Laga
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kristien Wouters
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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25
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Lee JS, Safren SA, Bainter SA, Rodríguez-Díaz CE, Horvath KJ, Blashill AJ. Examining a Syndemics Network Among Young Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men. Int J Behav Med 2020; 27:39-51. [PMID: 31820288 PMCID: PMC7257435 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-019-09831-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although studies consistently find that syndemic indicators are additively associated with increased HIV/STI risk behavior (e.g., condomless anal sex; CAS) among men who have sex with men (MSM), information is lacking about how syndemic indicators are associated with each other. Young Latino MSM are one of the most at-risk groups for acquiring HIV in the U.S. Understanding the associations of syndemic indicators with each other and with CAS may improve understanding of how to enhance sexual and behavioral health in this population. METHOD Network analysis using the graphical LASSO (glasso) algorithm was employed to explore associations between CAS and syndemic indicators among 139 young Latino MSM. Structural and psychosocial syndemic indicators were assessed via self-report. CAS was defined as the number of partners in the past 3 months with whom one engaged in CAS. RESULTS Results of the network analysis suggested the variables with the highest centrality were unstable housing, prison history, childhood sexual abuse, and CAS. Specific significant associations included links between CAS and alcohol use (b = 0.40), childhood sexual abuse and unstable housing (b = - 0.75), alcohol use and childhood sexual abuse (b = 0.40), and substance use and intimate partner violence (b = 0.43). CONCLUSION This pattern of interconnectedness demonstrates the potential for network analysis to examine nuanced interrelationships of syndemic indicators. The specific associations in this sample raise the question whether a primary focus of interventions should address the more central syndemic indicators for this population, such as alcohol use and unstable housing, and whether this would, via downstream effects, affect other aspects of behavioral health in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper S Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Sierra A Bainter
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Carlos E Rodríguez-Díaz
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 101, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Aaron J Blashill
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 101, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA.
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA.
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26
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Martinez O, Brady KA, Levine E, Page KR, Zea MC, Yamanis TJ, Grieb S, Shinefeld J, Ortiz K, Davis WW, Mattera B, Martinez-Donate A, Chavez-Baray S, Moya EM. Using Syndemics Theory to Examine HIV Sexual Risk Among Latinx Men Who Have Sex with Men in Philadelphia, PA: Findings from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance. EHQUIDAD 2020; 13:217-236. [PMID: 32095789 PMCID: PMC7039620 DOI: 10.15257/ehquidad.2020.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Latinx men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. Identifying the role of multiple syndemic factors associated with sexual risk behaviors is imperative in order to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Cross-sectional data for this study were derived from three cycles of the Philadelphia portion of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System. This study explored the impact of syndemic factors - heavy drinking, exchange sex, and homophobic discrimination - on sexual HIV risk behaviors, operationalized as number of male partners, and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with main and casual partners among Latinx MSM (n=464). Analyses took two forms: a syndemic approach, using the cumulative number of conditions as an independent variable; and a non-syndemic approach, incorporating each condition as a unique factor. In multivariable syndemic analyses, participants with two or more factors reported more male partners and more CAI casual male partners than those with none. In non-syndemic models, homophobic discrimination and exchange sex were significantly positively associated with total number of male partners, while heavy drinking was associated with more casual CAI partners. Quantitative results indicate that syndemic and non-syndemic approaches vary in their relative capacity to account for sexual risk among Latinx MSM.
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27
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Teixeira da Silva D, Bouris A, Voisin D, Hotton A, Brewer R, Schneider J. Social Networks Moderate the Syndemic Effect of Psychosocial and Structural Factors on HIV Risk Among Young Black Transgender Women and Men who have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:192-205. [PMID: 31289985 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between the cumulative effect of psychosocial and structural factors (i.e. syndemic effect) and social networks among young Black transgender women and men who have sex with men (YBTM) remains understudied. A representative cohort of 16-29 year-old YBTM (n = 618) was assessed for syndemic factors [i.e. substance use; community violence; depression; poverty; justice system involvement (JSI)], social network characteristics, condomless anal sex (CAS), group sex (GS), and HIV-infection. The syndemic index significantly increased the odds of CAS, GS, and HIV-infection, and these effects were moderated by network characteristics. Network JSI buffered the effect on CAS, romantic network members buffered the effect on GS, and network age and proportion of family network members buffered the effect on HIV-infection. The proportion of friend network members augmented the effect on GS and HIV-infection. Future research to prevent HIV among YBTM should consider social network approaches that target both structural and psychosocial syndemic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Teixeira da Silva
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Avenue MC 7082, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Alida Bouris
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dexter Voisin
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anna Hotton
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - John Schneider
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Quinn KG. Applying an intersectional framework to understand syndemic conditions among young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Soc Sci Med 2019; 295:112779. [PMID: 31898991 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Syndemic theory has been useful in illuminating the co-existence and reinforcing nature of multiple health and social conditions that contribute to HIV risk. However, little research has examined syndemics among young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) or situated syndemics within the context of racism, homonegativity, and other intersecting social inequities. Applying an intersectional framework to syndemics can help demonstrate how social and structural inequities and oppression facing young Black GBM contribute to and reinforce syndemic health conditions. In 2018, we conducted 45 in-depth qualitative interviews with young Black GBM in Milwaukee and Cleveland. Our analyses examined how intersectional stigma contributes to syndemics and HIV disparities facing young Black GBM. Our findings demonstrate that broader systems of oppression and disadvantage facing young Black GBM contribute to syndemic conditions. Future conceptualizations and measurements of syndemics must capture these experiences to strengthen our understanding of syndemics among young Black GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine G Quinn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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Agnew-Brune CB, Balaji AB, Mustanski B, Newcomb ME, Prachand N, Braunstein SL, Brady KA, Hoots BE, Smith JS, Paz-Bailey G, Broz D. Mental health, social support, and HIV-related sexual risk behaviors among HIV-negative adolescent sexual minority males: three U.S. cities, 2015. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:3419-3426. [PMID: 31065922 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We examined the association between mental health issues, social support, and HIV among adolescent sexual minority males (SMM), who are disproportionally affected by HIV. National HIV Behavioral Surveillance among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men (NHBS-YMSM) data among SMM aged 13-18 years were collected in three cities (Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia). Separate log-linked Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations between mental health issues and social support (general and family), and 3 HIV-related sexual risk behavior outcomes: past-year condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with a male partner, past-year sex with ≥ 4 partners, and first vaginal or anal sex before age 13. Of 547 adolescent SMM, 22% reported ever attempting suicide and 10% reported past-month suicidal ideation. The majority (52%) reported depression and anxiety. Thirty-nine percent reported CAI, 29% reported ≥ 4 sex partners and 22% reported first sex before age 13. Ever attempting suicide, suicidal ideation, and depression and anxiety were associated with CAI. Separately, ever attempting suicide and lack of family support were associated with ≥ 4 sex partners. None of the mental health or support measures were associated with having sex before age 13. General social support was not associated with any sexual risk behaviors. Mental health issues are common among adolescent SMM and associated with sexual risk behaviors. Including mental health support in comprehensive HIV prevention for adolescent SMM could potentially reduce HIV risk in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine B Agnew-Brune
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Alexandra B Balaji
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael E Newcomb
- Department of Medical Social Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nik Prachand
- Chicago Department of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Brooke E Hoots
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Justin S Smith
- Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gabriela Paz-Bailey
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dita Broz
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Glynn TR, Safren SA, Carrico AW, Mendez NA, Duthely LM, Dale SK, Jones DL, Feaster DJ, Rodriguez AE. High Levels of Syndemics and Their Association with Adherence, Viral Non-suppression, and Biobehavioral Transmission Risk in Miami, a U.S. City with an HIV/AIDS Epidemic. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:2956-2965. [PMID: 31392443 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02619-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Miami is a Southeastern United States (U.S.) city with high health, mental health, and economic disparities, high ethnic/racial diversity, low resources, and the highest HIV incidence and prevalence in the country. Syndemic theory proposes that multiple, psychosocial comorbidities synergistically fuel the HIV/AIDS epidemic. People living with HIV/AIDS in Miami may be particularly affected by this due to the unique socioeconomic context. From April 2017 to October 2018, 800 persons living with HIV/AIDS in a public HIV clinic in Miami completed an interviewer-administered behavioral and chart-review cross-sectional assessment to examine the prevalence and association of number of syndemics (unstable housing, low education, depression, anxiety, binge drinking, drug use, violence, HIV-related stigma) with poor ART adherence, unsuppressed HIV viral load (≥ 200 copies/mL), and biobehavioral transmission risk (condomless sex in the context of unsuppressed viral load). Overall, the sample had high prevalence of syndemics (M = 3.8), with almost everyone (99%) endorsing at least one. Each syndemic endorsed was associated with greater odds of: less than 80% ART adherence (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.38, 1.98); having unsuppressed viral load (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.01, 1.33); and engaging in condomless sex in the context of unsuppressed viral load (1.78, 95% CI 1.30, 2.46). The complex syndemic of HIV threatens to undermine the benefits of HIV care and are important to consider in comprehensive efforts to address the disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS in the Southern U.S. Achieving the 90-90-90 UNAIDS and the recent U.S. "ending the epidemic" targets will require efforts addressing the structural, social, and other syndemic determinants of HIV treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R Glynn
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Noelle A Mendez
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Lunthita M Duthely
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sannisha K Dale
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Deborah L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Allan E Rodriguez
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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31
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Perry NS, Nelson KM, Carey MP. Diversity of Psychosocial Syndemic Indicators and Associations with Sexual Behavior with Male and Female Partners Among Early Adolescent Sexual Minority Males. LGBT Health 2019; 6:386-392. [PMID: 31657657 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2019.0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Psychosocial syndemic indicators (e.g., internalizing symptoms, alcohol/substance use, and violence exposure) have been associated with increased risk for HIV among older adolescent sexual minority males and adult sexual minority men. No studies have examined these concerns among early adolescents (<16 years old). The purpose of this study was to examine syndemic indicators among early adolescent sexual minority males and their associations with sexual behavior. Methods: Sexual minority males (N = 207; ages 14-17; drawn from 40 U.S. states) completed a cross-sectional online survey. Descriptive statistics were used to document profiles of syndemic indicators. Firth logistic regressions tested the associations between count of syndemic indicators and sexual behavior with male and female partners. Results: Psychosocial syndemic indicators were highly prevalent and co-occurring, with diverse psychosocial profiles. After controlling for age, race, and ethnicity, having more syndemic indicators was significantly positively associated with condomless anal sex with male partners (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.84) and vaginal and/or anal sex with females (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.25-2.47). Conclusions: This study documents the psychosocial profiles of syndemic indicators with a sample of early adolescent sexual minority males and the association of syndemic indicators with sexual behavior. Among early adolescent sexual minority males, psychosocial concerns were prevalent, similar to rates seen among adult sexual minority males, and conferred vulnerability to HIV transmission. Behavioral and psychosocial interventions must reach sexual minority males in early adolescence to address mental health and substance use concerns and to help reduce the risk of HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Perry
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.,Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kimberly M Nelson
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.,Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.,Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Michael P Carey
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.,Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.,Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Harkness A, Bainter SA, O'Cleirigh C, Albright C, Mayer KH, Safren SA. Longitudinal Effects of Syndemics on HIV-Positive Sexual Minority Men's Sexual Health Behaviors. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1159-1170. [PMID: 30868437 PMCID: PMC6586562 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1329-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the longitudinal effects of co-occurring psychosocial concerns, or syndemics, on HIV-positive sexual minority men's likelihood of engaging in serodiscordant condomless anal sex (CAS), a health behavior with implications for personal and public health. Participants included 390 HIV-positive sexual minority men from two prior secondary prevention trials. Over the course of the 1-year data collection period (up to 5 observations per participant), participants completed self-report measures of CAS, as well as six syndemic factors: post-traumatic stress disorder, childhood sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and polysubstance/stimulant use. We employed multilevel modeling to examine the longitudinal additive effect of syndemics on serodiscordant CAS (binary) over the 1-year period. The number of syndemic conditions was a significant predictor of CAS, with each additional syndemic associated with 1.41 greater odds of CAS (p = .0004; 95% CI [1.16, 1.70]). Both the between-person (p = .0121, 95% CI [1.07, 1.69]) and within-person (p = .01, 95% CI [1.11, 2.10]) effects of syndemics were significant predictors, showing that an increase in the number of syndemic conditions across person and time both increased odds of CAS. Interventions addressing HIV-positive sexual minority men's sexual health behaviors should address the potential impact of co-occurring psychosocial concerns that affect these behaviors. This will benefit this population's personal sexual health and reduce transmission of HIV and STIs among sexual minority men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Harkness
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146-2510, USA.
| | - Sierra A Bainter
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146-2510, USA
| | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Albright
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146-2510, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146-2510, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA, USA
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33
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Hotton A, Quinn K, Schneider J, Voisin D. Exposure to community violence and substance use among Black men who have sex with men: examining the role of psychological distress and criminal justice involvement. AIDS Care 2019; 31:370-378. [PMID: 30280579 PMCID: PMC6382567 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1529294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Young Black MSM (YBMSM) are disproportionately affected by violence, criminal justice involvement, and other structural factors that also increase vulnerability to HIV. This study examined associations between exposure to community violence (ECV) and substance use, psychological distress, and criminal justice involvement (CJI) among YBMSM in Chicago, IL. Respondent driven sampling was used to recruit a sample of 618 YBMSM (aged 16-29) from the South Side of Chicago between June 2013 and July 2014. Weighted logistic regression assessed the direct effects of ECV, CJI, and psychological distress on substance use outcomes. Indirect effects were assessed via path analysis with mean and variance adjusted weighted least squares estimation and sampling weights. Over 90% reported lifetime exposure to violence, 41% had history of CJI, and substance use was common. Almost one-third reported daily or more frequent marijuana use; 17% reported substance use related problems and drug use other than marijuana. ECV was directly and positively associated with CJI, psychological distress, and problematic substance use, with significant indirect effects from ECV to problematic substance use via CJI and psychological distress. HIV prevention interventions for YBMSM should address the underlying contextual drivers of substance use and psychological distress, including violence exposure and criminal justice involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hotton
- University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health,
Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 1603 W. Taylor St, Room 866 (M/C 923),
Chicago, IL, USA, 60612, 312-355-4753,
| | - Katherine Quinn
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Center for AIDS Intervention
Research, 2071 N. Summit, Milwaukee, WI, USA 53201,
| | - John Schneider
- University of Chicago, Section of Infectious Diseases, 5841
South Maryland, MC 5065, Chicago, IL, USA 60637, 773-702-2710,
| | - Dexter Voisin
- University of Chicago, School of Social Service
Administration, 969 East 60th Street Chicago, IL, USA 60615, (773) 702-1124,
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34
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Kipke MD, Kubicek K, Wong CF, Robinson YA, Akinyemi IC, Beyer WJ, Hawkins W, Rice CE, Layland E, Bray BC, Belzer M. A Focus on the HIV Care Continuum Through the Healthy Young Men's Cohort Study: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2019; 8:e10738. [PMID: 30679146 PMCID: PMC6365874 DOI: 10.2196/10738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No group is at greater risk for acquiring HIV than young men who have sex with men (YMSM), particularly black or African American (AA) and Hispanic or Latino (L) YMSM living in inner cities, who account for the largest number of new HIV infections each year. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), and treatment as prevention hold enormous promise for changing the course of the epidemic, AA/L-YMSM are the least likely population to be receiving primary health care and HIV prevention/care and are the least likely to be using PrEP and PEP. OBJECTIVE The overarching aim of the Healthy Young Men's (HYM) cohort study is to conduct longitudinal research with a cohort of AA/L-YMSM to prevent new HIV infections, reduce transmission, and reduce HIV/AIDS-related disparities by focusing on successful engagement in care. Findings from this research will be used to inform the development of new interventions designed to engage AA/L-YMSM in the HIV prevention and care continua. METHODS Longitudinal research (baseline and follow-up assessments every 6 months for a total of 8 waves of data collection) is ongoing with a new cohort of 450 high-risk AA/L-YMSM in Los Angeles. Participants were recruited using a venue-based and social media sampling design. In addition to self-report surveys, the study protocol includes the collection of urine to assess recent use of illicit drugs and the collection of blood and rectal/throat swabs to test for current sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV infection. An additional sample of blood/plasma (10 mL for 4 aliquots and 1 pellet) is also collected and stored in the HYM cohort study biorepository for future research. By design, we recruited 400 HIV-negative participants and 50 HIV-positive (HIV+) participants. This mixed-methods study design includes collection and triangulated analysis of quantitative, qualitative, and biological measures (ie, drug use, STI/HIV testing, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV+ participants) at baseline and every 6 months. The HYM cohort study will provide a platform from which new and emerging biomedical prevention strategies (eg, PrEP, rectal microbicides, and PEP) and other HIV prevention and care engagement interventions can be developed and evaluated with AA/L-YMSM. RESULTS To date, all participants in the HYM cohort study have been recruited and baseline assessment has been conducted. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this research will be used to inform the development of new and/or adaptation of existing evidence-based HIV prevention interventions and interventions designed to engage this population in the HIV prevention and care continua. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/10738.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele D Kipke
- Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Katrina Kubicek
- Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Carolyn F Wong
- Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yolo Akili Robinson
- Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ifedayo C Akinyemi
- Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - William J Beyer
- Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Wendy Hawkins
- Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Cara E Rice
- The Methodology Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Eric Layland
- The Methodology Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Bethany C Bray
- The Methodology Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Marvin Belzer
- Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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35
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Okafor CN, Christodoulou J, Bantjes J, Qondela T, Stewart J, Shoptaw S, Tomlinson M, Rotherman-Borus MJ. Understanding HIV Risk Behaviors Among Young Men in South Africa: A Syndemic Approach. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:3962-3970. [PMID: 30003507 PMCID: PMC6330132 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2227-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Young men in South Africa experience several adverse socio-structural and psychosocial factors that may contribute HIV risk behaviors. This study applied a syndemic framework to explore whether these syndemic factors are interconnected and work in synergy to increase HIV risk behaviors. Five syndemic factors were assessed including: binge drinking, polydrug use, depressive symptoms, violence and food insecurity on two HIV risk behaviors: multiple sex partners and transactional sex. Participants were (N = 1233) young men aged 18-29 years from a township in Cape Town, South Africa. Bivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that many of the syndemic factors were related to one another. Pairwise interactions (on an additive scale) among the syndemic factors revealed significant positive interactions between binge drinking and violence on greater odds of reporting multiple sex partners (aOR = 5.10, 95% CI 3.10, 8.29; p = < .001) compared to reporting neither factor. Also, food insecurity and violence (aOR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.63, 5.11; p = < .001) as well as food insecurity and polydrug use (aOR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.54, 4.84; p = < .001) were significantly associated with greater odds of transactional sex compared to reporting neither factor. Our findings highlight a synergistic relationship between some adverse socio-structural and psychosocial factors on HIV risk behaviors. HIV prevention programs that address multiple syndemic factors simultaneously may achieve greater impact on HIV risk reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuemeka N Okafor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave (Room 37-121CHS), Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1688, USA.
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Joan Christodoulou
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jason Bantjes
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Tembinkosi Qondela
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Jackie Stewart
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Steve Shoptaw
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Mary Jane Rotherman-Borus
- UCLA Center for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services, University of California, Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
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36
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Wu E. Childhood sexual abuse among Black men who have sex with men: A cornerstone of a syndemic? PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206746. [PMID: 30383859 PMCID: PMC6211721 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The sequelae of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) includes HIV infection, engagement in HIV risk behaviors, substance misuse, and intimate partner violence (IPV). Although Black men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately infected with HIV in the U.S.—especially in urban locations such as New York City—there is limited research with larger samples of Black MSM of varied HIV status regarding the prevalence of CSA and the potential negative consequence with respect to a “syndemic,” i.e., the co-occurrence of adverse conditions such as HIVrisk, substance misuse, and IPV. Methods Black MSM (N = 1,002) recruited in New York City from 2009–2015 completed a screening assessment eliciting self-reported data on age, CSA, self-reported HIV status, number of male sexual partners, number of acts of condomless anal intercourse (CAI), substance misuse, and IPV. Hypothesis testing utilized logistic and linear regression models with self-reported data on CSA (independent variable) and indicators of the following syndemic factors: HIV risk, substance misuse, and IPV. Results More than one-fourth (28.1%) met criteria for experiencing CSA. CSA was associated with significantly greater odds of being HIV-positive (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1–2.0); number of male sexual partners (b = 2.0, SE = 0.5, p = .002) and condomless acts of anal intercourse (b = 4.3, SE = 1.6, p = .007); odds of binge drinking (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1–2.0) and illicit substance use (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1–2.0); and odds of experiencing current IPV (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2–2.3). CSA was associated with significantly greater odds of concurrently experiencing 2 or more syndemic factors (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.4–2.9, p < .001); concurrently experiencing 2 or more syndemic factors was significantly associated with having a riskier HIV status (for being HIV-positive: AOR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1–2.1, p = .02; for having an unknown HIV status: AOR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.9–12.9, p = .04). Conclusions Among Black MSM, CSA is a prevalent problem and is a significant antecedent to HIV, substance misuse, and IPV indicators and risk. Addressing CSA may be a valuable approach to remedy the syndemic of HIV, substance misuse, and violence that has burdened MSM, especially Black MSM, in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elwin Wu
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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37
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Turpin RE, Slopen N, Chen S, Boekeloo B, Dallal C, Dyer T. Latent class analysis of a syndemic of risk factors on HIV testing among black men. AIDS Care 2018; 31:216-223. [PMID: 30235943 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1524117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Syndemic methodology has been employed in several studies of HIV-related outcomes affecting Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) and rarely in Black heterosexual men. In contrast to the most common method for assessing syndemics, the use of a syndemic component index, latent class analysis can identify unique combinations of risk factors that may form a syndemic. Analyzing a primarily heterosexual sample of 1,786 Black men from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we used a 4 latent class model based on depression diagnosis, poverty, and healthcare access to predict ever having been HIV tested. Class 1 was characterized by low proportions of all the risk factors. Class 2 had relatively high healthcare barriers, being the most likely to not have a personal doctor (.8175) and the most likely to have no routine checkup in the past year (.6327) but had relatively low depression diagnosis and poverty. Class 3 had relatively high poverty (.8853), but generally low barriers to healthcare access. Class 4 was characterized by high proportions of all the risk factors. Using log-binomial regression models, there was a significantly lower prevalence of ever having been HIV tested among class 3 (PR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.49, 0.98) and class 4 (PR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.28, 0.84) compared to class 1. When adjusting for education, age, and marital status, the associations were attenuated but still significant for class 3 (aPR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.52, 0.96) and class 4 (aPR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.46, 0.78). Latent class analysis may better serve syndemic research aims in understanding HIV-related outcomes among high-risk populations. Future research using this method to evaluate HIV testing outcomes among BMSM is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodman E Turpin
- a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , School of Public HealthUniversity of Maryland , College Park , MD , USA
| | - Natalie Slopen
- a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , School of Public HealthUniversity of Maryland , College Park , MD , USA
| | - Shuo Chen
- b Department of Epidemiology and Public Health , School of Medicine, University of Maryland , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Bradley Boekeloo
- c Department of Behavioral and Community Health , School of Public Health University of Maryland , College Park , MD , USA
| | - Cher Dallal
- a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , School of Public HealthUniversity of Maryland , College Park , MD , USA
| | - Typhanye Dyer
- a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , School of Public HealthUniversity of Maryland , College Park , MD , USA
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38
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Wang Z, Zhao X, Zhang Z, Luo M, Shen Q, Dong Y, Wang Y, Cai Y. Co-Occurring Psychosocial Problems and Multiple Sexual Partners among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Shanghai, China: A Syndemic Approach. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018; 55:892-901. [PMID: 29220586 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1399333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to apply syndemic theory to verify the association and reinforcing effects between psychosocial problems and multiple sexual partners (MSP) of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shanghai, China. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 547 MSM in Shanghai, China using a face-to-face survey. Sociodemographic and psychosocial data were collected, as well as information on MSP and condomless anal sex. In the 6 months prior to the survey, 54.3% of the MSM sample had had MSP. Univariate analysis showed that self-esteem, depression, loneliness, sexual compulsivity, and involuntary subordination (IS) were associated with MSP. Sexual compulsivity (multivariate odds ratio [ORm] = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.76-4.91) and IS (ORm = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.14-2.81) remained significant in multivariate analysis. MSM with five or more psychosocial problems had greater odds of (adjusted odds ratios = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.49-6.25) having MSP in the previous 6 months than the non-syndemic group. Our findings provide preliminary confirmation of the additive relationship of syndemic psychosocial health conditions and MSP among MSM in Shanghai, China. An integrated intervention with special focus on sexual compulsivity and IS is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zezhou Wang
- a School of Public Health , Shanghai Jiao Tong University , School of Medicine
| | - Xu Zhao
- b Antibiotic Institute , Huashan Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Zhan Zhang
- c Shanghai Changning District Center for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Mengyun Luo
- d School of Public Health , Shanghai Jiao Tong University , School of Medicine and
| | - Qiuming Shen
- d School of Public Health , Shanghai Jiao Tong University , School of Medicine and
| | - Yuanyuan Dong
- d School of Public Health , Shanghai Jiao Tong University , School of Medicine and
| | - Ying Wang
- d School of Public Health , Shanghai Jiao Tong University , School of Medicine and
| | - Yong Cai
- e Shanghai Jiao Tong University Institute of Social Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences
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Harkness A, Bainter SA, O'Cleirigh C, Mendez NA, Mayer KH, Safren SA. Longitudinal Effects of Syndemics on ART Non-adherence Among Sexual Minority Men. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2564-2574. [PMID: 29860556 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This study examined longitudinally the additive effect of syndemics, or co-occurring psychosocial problems, on antiretroviral treatment (ART) non-adherence among 390 HIV-positive sexual minority men. Participants completed measures of ART adherence (reduced to a non-adherence score using exploratory factor analysis) and six syndemic conditions. We employed multilevel modeling with the number of syndemics as a longitudinal predictor of non-adherence, and logistic regression with baseline syndemics predicting follow up viral load. Number of syndemics was a significant longitudinal predictor of non-adherence, with each additional syndemic associated with a 0.13 increase in non-adherence (p = 0.004). Each additional syndemic was also associated with 1.27 greater odds of detectable viral load (p = 0.002). Among HIV-positive sexual minority men in this sample, more syndemics were associated with lower ART adherence and greater odds of detectable viral load, suggesting the need for behavioral intervention to facilitate care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Harkness
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Clinical Research Building (C-204), 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite 786, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
| | - Sierra A Bainter
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Clinical Research Building (C-204), 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite 786, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- Fenway Community Health, The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Noelle A Mendez
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Clinical Research Building (C-204), 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite 786, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Fenway Community Health, The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Clinical Research Building (C-204), 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite 786, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Fenway Community Health, The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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40
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Kahle EM, Sharma A, Sullivan SP, Stephenson R. HIV Prioritization and Risk Perception Among an Online Sample of Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States. Am J Mens Health 2018; 12:676-687. [PMID: 29781331 PMCID: PMC6131427 DOI: 10.1177/1557988318776581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) may prioritize interpersonal and structural
factors, such as LGBTQ-related inequalities, housing instability, financial
insecurity, and relationship seeking, over HIV prevention. The aim of this study
was to assess how MSM prioritize HIV relative to other factors and the
association between HIV prioritization, HIV testing and sexual risk behavior,
and perceived risk. Data were collected from a national online survey of MSM in
the United States assessing HIV knowledge and prioritization. Participants
ranked HIV prevention relative to LGBTQ-related concerns and life issues (e.g.,
housing, job, relationship). Adjusted regression models were conducted to assess
the association of HIV prioritization with HIV testing and condomless anal sex
(CAS) and to evaluate associations between perceived risk and HIV risk behavior.
Among 516 participants, HIV prevention was ranked significantly higher among MSM
reporting recent CAS (p = .04) and HIV testing within the past
(p = .02); HIV prevention was prioritized higher relative
to life issues among MSM reporting last HIV test more than 1 year ago
(p = .02). Perceived HIV risk was significantly associated
with higher HIV prioritization relative to LGBTQ concerns (p =
.001) and life issues (p = .001). Higher HIV perceived risk was
associated with lower odds of any CAS (p < .001) and higher
odds of having an HIV test in the past year (p < .001). In
this online study, HIV prioritization was identified as differentially
associated with HIV testing, sexual risk behavior, and perceived HIV risk. HIV
prevention programs should integrate strategies to address social and structural
inequalities based on priority needs of MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Kahle
- 1 Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing and The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Akshay Sharma
- 1 Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing and The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stephen P Sullivan
- 1 Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing and The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- 1 Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing and The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Córdova D, Heinze JE, Hsieh HF, Mistry R, Salas-Wright CP, Cook SH, Zimmerman MA. Are trajectories of a syndemic index in adolescence linked to HIV vulnerability in emerging and young adulthood? AIDS 2018; 32:495-503. [PMID: 29239889 PMCID: PMC5790600 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine trajectories of adolescent psychosocial risk - drug use, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and violence victimization and observation - and the longitudinal relationship between psychosocial risk trajectories during adolescence and HIV risk behaviors in adulthood. METHODS The 18-year longitudinal study was conducted from September 1994 through May 2013, in Michigan. Eight hundred and fifty predominantly (80%) African-American adolescents completed demographics and measures of drug use, depressive and anxiety symptoms, violence victimization and observation at Times 1-4, sexual risk behaviors at Times 5 and 6, and social conditions (i.e. family, peer, and community-level factors) between 14.9 and 32.0 years of age. RESULTS Growth mixture modeling revealed two trajectories of psychosocial risk factors which can be characterized as a syndemic index: high-frequency and low-frequency. The high-frequency class was more likely to report HIV risk behaviors, including condomless sex at last sexual intercourse with their primary and secondary partner, sexual intercourse with someone they just met, at least four sexual partners, and licit and illicit drug use prior to sexual intercourse at Time 5 (mean age 23.1). At Time 6 (mean age 32.0), the high-frequency class was more likely to report sexual intercourse with someone they just met and at least four sexual partners, relative to the low-frequency class. In addition, the high-frequency class was linked to peer and family-level indicators of social conditions. CONCLUSION A syndemic index comprised of co-occurring psychosocial risk factors in adolescence seem to have lasting effects on the vulnerability to engage in HIV risk behaviors in emerging adulthood, some of which extend into young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin E Heinze
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Hsing-Fang Hsieh
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ritesh Mistry
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Stephanie H Cook
- Department of Biostatistics and Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marc A Zimmerman
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Gerend MA, Newcomb ME, Mustanski B. Prevalence and correlates of smoking and e-cigarette use among young men who have sex with men and transgender women. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 179:395-399. [PMID: 28850859 PMCID: PMC5599370 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the United States has decreased, rates remain elevated among sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). This study examined rates and correlates of tobacco use among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and transgender women. METHODS Participants (N=771) were drawn from the baseline assessment of an ongoing longitudinal cohort study of racially diverse MSM aged 16-29 years. Data collection took place in 2015-2016. Socio-demographic and SGM-specific (e.g., gender identity, sexual identity, physical attraction) correlates of cigarette smoking and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use were identified using logistic regression. RESULTS Twenty-one percent were current cigarette smokers. Nearly 40% ever tried an e-cigarette, but regular e-cigarette use was low (3.8%). Smokers were more likely to be older (vs. aged 16-18), less educated, homeless, bisexual or identify as some other sexual minority (vs. gay), attracted to males and females equally or more attracted to females than males (vs. males only), and HIV-positive. E-cigarette users were more likely to be transgender women (vs. cisgender men), White (vs. Black), more educated, and mostly attracted to females. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight important risk factors for tobacco use among SGM youth. Correlates of smoking mirrored findings observed in the general population, but also included factors specific to SGM youth (e.g., sexual orientation, HIV status, homelessness). Although some variables (gender identity, attraction) demonstrated similar relationships with smoking and e-cigarette use, others (race/ethnicity, education) demonstrated opposite patterns. Findings underscore the urgent need for tobacco prevention and cessation interventions for SGM youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A. Gerend
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 633 N. St. Clair, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60611, USA,Department of Psychology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, 2029 Sheridan Rd, Swift Hall, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Michael E. Newcomb
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 633 N. St. Clair, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 633N.St. Clair, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Mustanski B, Swann G, Newcomb ME, Prachand N. Effects of Parental Monitoring and Knowledge on Substance Use and HIV Risk Behaviors Among Young Men Who have Sex with Men: Results from Three Studies. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:2046-2058. [PMID: 28417252 PMCID: PMC5804483 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1761-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS and have elevated rates of substance use. Parenting practices, such as knowledge of child whereabouts and monitoring of behavioral rules, protect against these outcomes among heterosexual youth. This article examined the relationship between these parenting practices and substance use and HIV risk behaviors among YMSM. Data are reported from three similar studies of YMSM: ChiGuys (ages 14-18), Crew 450 (ages 16-22), and RADAR (ages 16-29). The ChiGuys and RADAR studies report cross-sectional analyses, whereas Crew 450 reports latent growth curve analyses. In ChiGuys and Crew 450, participants reported significantly higher scores for parental knowledge of general activities than parental knowledge of gay-specific activities. Parental knowledge of general activities was significantly associated with less binge drinking in both samples and with condomless sex in the ChiGuys sample. Parental monitoring was significantly associated with less marijuana use and condomless sex in younger RADAR participants (16-18 years) and with less drug use in older participants (>18 years). Findings support the need for further research on the influences of parents on YMSM health risk behaviors and the value of exploring family- and parent-interventions to address YMSM health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Gregory Swann
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael E Newcomb
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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