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Kobrak P, Remien RH, Myers JE, Salcuni P, Edelstein Z, Tsoi B, Sandfort T. Motivations and Barriers to Routine HIV Testing Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in New York City. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3563-3575. [PMID: 35536518 PMCID: PMC9550690 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03679-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In-depth qualitative interviews explored the experiences and understandings of men 18-39 years old who have sex with men that could facilitate or prevent HIV testing and routine HIV testing. For many men who tested frequently, testing and routine testing were motivated by awareness of the benefit of prompt treatment; public health and provider encouragement to test periodically; responsibility towards sexual partners; and wanting to share a recent HIV-negative test result when seeking sex online. For some men, any testing was impeded by anxiety around possible HIV diagnosis that made testing a stressful occasion that required time and energy to prepare for. This anxiety was often compounded by stigma related to sex between men, having condomless sex, or having HIV. Routine testing could be further stigmatized as some men felt judged by testing providers or partners if they asked for a test or said they tested frequently. We describe efforts to promote testing and routine testing by countering fear and stigma associated with HIV and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Kobrak
- New York City Health Department, HIV Prevention Program, 42-09 28 Street, Long Island City, NY, 11101, USA.
| | - Robert H Remien
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Paul Salcuni
- Relevant Healthcare Technologies, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zoe Edelstein
- New York City Health Department, HIV Prevention Program, 42-09 28 Street, Long Island City, NY, 11101, USA
| | - Benjamin Tsoi
- New York City Health Department, HIV Prevention Program, 42-09 28 Street, Long Island City, NY, 11101, USA
| | - Theodorus Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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HIV Testing Patterns Among Recently Self-Tested Russian Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Qualitative Study. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2022; 33:550-558. [DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Persson A, Kelly-Hanku A, Mek A, Mitchell E, Nake Trumb R, Worth H, Bell S. Making Sense of Serodiscordance: Pathways and Aftermaths of HIV Testing among Couples with Mixed HIV Status in Papua New Guinea. THE ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF ANTHROPOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14442213.2021.1942184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Starks TJ, I Lovejoy T, Sauermilch D, Robles G, Stratton MJ, Cain D, Naar S, Ewing SWF. Developmental Barriers to Couples' HIV Testing and Counseling Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males: A Dyadic Socio-ecological Perspective. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:787-797. [PMID: 32944842 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03044-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Couples HIV Testing and Counseling (CHTC) is now a standard of care for partnered sexual minority men. While adolescent sexual minority men (ASMM; ages 15-19) face disproportionate HIV risk, the emergent nature of relationships and communication skills may present challenges to accessing and engaging in CHTC. This study utilized qualitative data from 28 ASMM recruited in 4 urban centers in the USA during the formative stage of Adolescent Trials Network study ATN-156. Participants were cis-male, HIV-negative, and in a relationship with a similarly-aged cis-male partner. Thematic analysis indicated low and high levels of commitment were barriers to CHTC. Concerns about caregiver attitudes towards HIV testing were salient. Adolescents' perception of structural barriers highlighted reliance on caregiver resources, which limited access to sexual health services. Prevention programming must address structural barriers to access encountered by adolescents. ASMM in relationships may benefit from programming that includes options for individual and dyadic participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrel J Starks
- Hunter College of the City University of New York, 695 Park Ave. 611 Hunter North, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Travis I Lovejoy
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Gabriel Robles
- School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Mark J Stratton
- Hunter College of the City University of New York, 695 Park Ave. 611 Hunter North, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Demetria Cain
- Hunter College of the City University of New York, 695 Park Ave. 611 Hunter North, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sylvie Naar
- Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Relationship Characteristics Associated with Perceptions of Partners' HIV Testing Behavior Among Male Couples. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:516-531. [PMID: 31758348 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02740-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Partnered men who have sex with men are not immune to the risk of HIV. Analyzing dyadic data from 360 male couples recruited from April 2016 to June 2017, we examined how relationship characteristics might influence HIV testing behavior and perceptions of partners' HIV testing. Increasing levels of mutual trust were associated with lower odds of both partners (versus neither) having been tested in the past year (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.99), but increasing levels of communal coping were associated with higher odds (aOR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.10). Only one partner was more likely to be correct about whether or not his partner had been tested in the past year (versus both) if someone had broken their sexual agreement (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.17-5.76). Increasing differences in trust (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.20) were also associated with higher odds of only one partner being correct. Dyadic HIV prevention efforts should incorporate skills building around negotiating sexual agreements and constructive communication.
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Cheng W, Egan JE, Liu Q, Xu H, Stall R, Friedman MR. Psychosocial Correlates of HIV Testing Frequency Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Guangzhou, China. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:363-372. [PMID: 30762189 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02431-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
We examined sociodemographic and psychosocial factors associated with HIV testing patterns in the past 2 years among 492 HIV-negative men who have sex men (MSM) at an HIV testing center in Guangzhou, China. MSM who tested for HIV frequently were more likely to be older, reside in Guangzhou, and have higher monthly income. Compared with MSM who tested frequently, MSM who never tested were less likely to report that their sexual partner(s) had ever received HIV tests or that their good friends had ever received HIV tests, and were less likely to report having an HIV-positive gay friend or ever discussing HIV with sexual partners; they were more likely to report perceiving barriers to HIV testing. Compared with MSM who tested frequently, those who tested irregularly were less likely to report having HIV-positive gay friends or to disclose their sexual orientation to non-gay friends; reported greater barriers to HIV testing; and higher internalized homophobia.
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Mathias A, Alves dos Santos L, Grangeiro A, Couto MT. Thematic synthesis HIV prevention qualitative studies in men who have sex with men (MSM). Colomb Med (Cali) 2019; 50:201-214. [PMID: 32284665 PMCID: PMC7141148 DOI: 10.25100/cm.v50i3.4078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Qualitative studies on HIV prevention strategies and methods among men who have sex with men (MSM) allow identify knowledge gaps and improve preventive actions. OBJECTIVE To make a thematic synthesis of the scientific productions that use the qualitative methodology in the strategies and methods of HIV prevention area among MSM. METHODS We conducted a literature review following the guidelines of the ENTREQ protocol. The analysis included 48 empirical studies published in Portuguese, English and Spanish between 2001 and 2018 available in the Medline, Embase, Scielo, Scopus, Bireme and Web of Science databases. RESULTS Where an increased production in the last six years and concentration in northern countries. Seven prevention methods were part of the study, with emphasis on pre-exposure prophylaxis, testing, condoms and behavioral strategies. The main topics discussed were stigma and support and care networks. CONCLUSION we notice that an increasing production on prevention in the men who have sex with men segment results from the emergence of multiple preventive methods and strategies and their combined actions beyond the star role of condoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Mathias
- Universidade de São Paulo, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Programa de Salud Colectiva, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Lorruan Alves dos Santos
- Universidade de São Paulo, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Programa de Salud Colectiva, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Alexandre Grangeiro
- Universidade de São Paulo, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Marcia Thereza Couto
- Universidade de São Paulo, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, São Paulo, Brasil
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Sharma A, Garofalo R, Hidalgo MA, Hoehnle S, Mimiaga MJ, Brown E, Thai J, Bratcher A, Wimbly T, Sullivan PS, Stephenson R. Do Male Couples Agree on Their Sexual Agreements? An Analysis of Dyadic Data. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1203-1216. [PMID: 30895490 PMCID: PMC6458080 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-1391-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Male couples often formulate sexual agreements, but little is known about the extent to which partners concur about their exact terms. Disagreements, particularly with respect to sex outside the relationship, may induce stress and potentially increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Our study sought to describe concordance between male partners on several aspects of their sexual agreements, overall, as well as stratified by dyadic HIV serostatus and relationship duration. Between July 2014 and May 2016, we collected bidirectional data from 160 male couples residing in Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago. Overall, we observed weak concordance for whether or not couples had a mutual agreement about sex with outside partners. Even among 110 couples in which both partners reported having an agreement, there was weak-to-moderate concordance for general rules that might apply to having sex outside the relationship (e.g., forming emotional relationships is not allowed, outside sexual activities must be disclosed), and for specific sexual behaviors allowed or disallowed (e.g., topping without a condom, bottoming without a condom). Concordance for the type of sexual agreement was higher within HIV seroconcordant negative partnerships compared to HIV serodiscordant partnerships, and lower within relationships ≥ 5 years and 1 to < 5 years compared to those < 1 year. Dyadic interventions for male couples (e.g., couples HIV testing and counseling, relationship education programs) can offer unique opportunities for skills building around negotiating sexual agreements and might especially benefit HIV serodiscordant partnerships, and those in the formative stages of their relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Sharma
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, 400 N Ingalls St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marco A Hidalgo
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Samuel Hoehnle
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Emily Brown
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennie Thai
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anna Bratcher
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Taylor Wimbly
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, 400 N Ingalls St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Shaver J, Freeland R, Goldenberg T, Stephenson R. Gay and Bisexual Men's Perceptions of HIV Risk in Various Relationships. Am J Mens Health 2018; 12:655-665. [PMID: 29355071 PMCID: PMC6131437 DOI: 10.1177/1557988317745759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of HIV incidence in the United States. Previous study of sexual decision-making and HIV risk among MSM has not accounted for relationship dynamics. Further research must examine this connection between relationship dynamics and sexual decision-making, especially regarding condomless anal intercourse. This study analyzes data gathered from gay and bisexual men regarding their sexual partners and sexual decision-making over a 10-week period through personal relationship diaries (PRDs) and a follow-up in-depth interview (IDI). Through coding and extraction of relationship dynamics, key patterns of participants' sexual decision-making processes were examined based on relationship type, which was categorized by commitment, formality, and sexual agreement. Participants' sexual relationships can be divided into five categories: (a) Uncommitted, one time, (b) Uncommitted, ongoing, (c) Transitioning or unknown commitment, (d) Committed, nonmonogamous, and (e) Committed, monogamous. These five categories correspond to patterns in sexual decision making and consequent sexual risk-taking behaviors. Each of these influence HIV risk within male-male sexual encounters in a particular manner, and understanding these is important for appropriately tailored HIV prevention interventions for MSM. Recommendations are included for interventions seeking to address HIV risk across a wide variety of MSM sexual relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Shaver
- Center for Sexuality and Health
Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ryan Freeland
- Center for Sexuality and Health
Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tamar Goldenberg
- Center for Sexuality and Health
Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Health Behavior and Health Education,
University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health
Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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HIV Testing in Men who have Sex with Men: A Follow-up Review of the Qualitative Literature since 2010. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:593-605. [PMID: 28331992 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1752-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The landscape of HIV testing has changed significantly in recent years following the rise in importance of the 'treatment as prevention' strategy and advancements in new HIV testing and prevention technologies. This review provides a synthesis of qualitative research findings published since 2010 on preferences and practices of men who have sex with men (MSM) surrounding HIV testing in high-income settings. MSM are one of the hardest groups to reach with standard or conventional HIV testing approaches. To develop innovative testing strategies for this particular group, a good understanding of their concerns, barriers and facilitators of accessing HIV testing is needed. This updated review provides valuable information for improving existing programs and designing new testing services for MSM.
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Mitchell JW, Lee JY, Woodyatt C, Bauermeister J, Sullivan P, Stephenson R. Decisions About Testing for HIV While in a Relationship: Perspectives From an Urban, Convenience Sample of HIV-Negative Male Couples Who Have a Sexual Agreement. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:1069-1077. [PMID: 27511208 PMCID: PMC5572095 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0807-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Many HIV-negative male couples establish a sexual agreement to help manage their HIV risk; however, less is known about their decisions about testing in this context. The present study examined whether male couples discussed HIV testing and explored their decisions about testing in the context of their sexual agreement at the individual- and couple-levels. Qualitative dyadic interview data were collected from 29 HIV-negative male couples with a sexual agreement who resided in Atlanta or Detroit; the sample was stratified by agreement type. Content analysis revealed male couples' decisions about HIV testing as routine, self-assurance, reliance and assumption on partner, beginning of relationship testers, and/or trust; decisions varied between partners and by agreement type. Findings suggest prevention efforts should help male couples integrate HIV testing into their sexual agreement that matches their agreement type and associated HIV-related risk behavior, and help shift their one-sided decisions about testing to a couple's mutually shared decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Mitchell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
| | - Ji-Young Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Cory Woodyatt
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - José Bauermeister
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health and The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Patrick Sullivan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- 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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Mutch AJ, Lui CW, Dean J, Mao L, Lemoire J, Debattista J, Howard C, Whittaker A, Fitzgerald L. Increasing HIV testing among hard-to-reach groups: examination of RAPID, a community-based testing service in Queensland, Australia. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:310. [PMID: 28454592 PMCID: PMC5410036 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2249-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The success of ‘treatment as prevention’ (TasP) to control HIV relies on the uptake of testing across priority population groups. Innovative strategies including; rapid HIV testing (RHT) in community and outreach settings, engaging peer service providers, and not requiring disclosure of sexual history have been designed to increase access. This paper reports on the implementation of ‘RAPID’, a community-based testing program in Queensland, Australia that employs these strategies to increase access to testing. Methods Service data, including client registration forms and a satisfaction survey from all clients attending RAPID between August 2014 and July 2015 were analysed. Results In 2014/2015 1,199 people attended RAPID to receive a free HIV test. The majority were urban-based gay men. 17.1% were first-time testers and 20.1% of participants were not eligible to access Medicare, Australia’s universal health care scheme. Conclusions RAPID’s evidence-based strategies appear to facilitate access to HIV testing, particularly among those who have never tested before; however the implications for the ongoing treatment and care of people ineligible for Medicare, who test positive to HIV warrants careful consideration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-017-2249-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson J Mutch
- The School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Chi-Wai Lui
- The School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Judith Dean
- The School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Limin Mao
- Centre for Social Research in Health (CSRH), University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Jime Lemoire
- Queensland Positive People, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joseph Debattista
- Metro North Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Howard
- Queensland Positive People, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrea Whittaker
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Fitzgerald
- The School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Gamarel KE, Neilands TB, Conroy AA, Dilworth SE, Lisha N, Taylor JM, Darbes LA, Johnson MO. A longitudinal study of persistent smoking among HIV-positive gay and bisexual men in primary relationships. Addict Behav 2017; 66:118-124. [PMID: 27930901 PMCID: PMC5525143 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We examined the stability of smoking behaviors, and factors associated with persistent smoking in a longitudinal study of HIV-positive gay and bisexual men in primary relationships. METHODS A sample of 377 HIV-positive men on antiretroviral therapy and their same-sex partners completed five assessments over two years. Participants completed semi-structured interviews which assessed smoking status, sociodemographic factors, relationship dynamics, and HIV-related disease characteristics. Latent transition analysis estimated the amount of transition in smoking over time. Latent class analysis examined factors associated with smoking status across the study period. RESULTS At baseline, 28.1% (n=106) of participants reported current smoking. Over 90% of the HIV-positive men remained in the same smoking category over time (68.4% persistent non-smokers; 24.1% persistent smokers). Men whose partners smoked and men with lower income had higher odds of being persistent smokers, whereas older men and men who identified as Latino race/ethnicity had lower odds of being persistent smokers compared to non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS Despite efforts to reduce smoking among people living with HIV (PLWH), a substantial subset of men continued to smoke during their two years in the study. Findings suggest that primary partners who also smoke and low income were the strongest predictors of sustained smoking behaviors among HIV-positive men. Additional research is needed to better understand how to increase motivation and support for smoking cessation among PLWH and their primary partners, while attending to how socioeconomic status may inhibit access to and the sustained impact of existing smoking cessation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Gamarel
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, USA; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, USA.
| | | | - Amy A Conroy
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Nadra Lisha
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jonelle M Taylor
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, USA
| | - Mallory O Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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