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Murray GE, Palfai TP, Kratzer MPL, Maisto SA, Simons JS. Sexual alcohol expectancies moderate the relation between alcohol use and sexual behavior among men who have sex with men. Alcohol 2024; 120:35-40. [PMID: 38101524 PMCID: PMC11250926 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV transmission remains a significant health concern for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. Heavy episodic drinking (HED) is related to increased rates of condomless anal intercourse (CAI) among MSM, though evidence suggests that this association may vary by individual difference factors. The present secondary analysis tested whether sexual alcohol expectancies (SAEs) moderate the associations between frequency of HED and anal intercourse (AI) with and without a condom among moderate-to-heavy drinking HIV- MSM. METHODS Two hundred and forty-eight moderate-to-heavy drinking MSM completed self-report questionnaires including the Sexual Behavior Questionnaire, the Modified Daily Drinking Questionnaire, and the Sexual Alcohol Expectancies Questionnaire. RESULTS Negative binomial regressions indicated that SAEs moderated the association between frequency of HED and AI with a condom, but not between the frequency of HED and condomless AI (CAI). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that stronger SAEs play a role in alcohol-related sexual behavior among MSM, but do not provide evidence that SAEs are associated with increased risk for HIV transmission through CAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Murray
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Tibor P Palfai
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Maya P L Kratzer
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephen A Maisto
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Jeffrey S Simons
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
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Palfai TP, Bernier LB, Kratzer MP, Magane KM, Fielman S, Otis JD, Heeren TC, Winter MR, Stein MD. Integrated telehealth intervention to reduce chronic pain and unhealthy drinking among people living with HIV: protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:64. [PMID: 39238059 PMCID: PMC11375999 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00493-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unhealthy alcohol use represents a significant risk for morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH), in part through its impact on HIV management. Chronic pain, a common comorbidity, exacerbates suboptimal engagement in the HIV care continuum and has reciprocal detrimental effects on alcohol outcomes. There are no integrated, accessible approaches that address these comorbid conditions among PLWH to date. This paper describes a research study protocol of an integrated telehealth intervention to reduce unhealthy drinking and chronic pain among PLWH (Motivational and Cognitive-Behavioral Management for Alcohol and Pain [INTV]). METHODS Two-hundred and fifty PLWH with unhealthy drinking and chronic pain will be recruited nationally via online advertisement. Informed consent and baseline assessments occur remotely, followed by 15 days of ecological momentary assessment to assess alcohol use, chronic pain, functioning, and mechanisms of behavior change. Next, participants will be randomized to either the INTV or Control (CTL) condition. Individuals in both conditions will meet with a health counselor through videoconferencing following randomization, and those in the INTV condition will receive 6 additional sessions. At 3- and 6-months post-baseline, participants will complete outcome assessments. It is hypothesized that the INTV condition will result in reduced unhealthy alcohol use and pain ratings compared to the CTL condition. CONCLUSION This protocol paper describes a randomized controlled trial which tests the efficacy of a novel, integrated telehealth approach to reduce unhealthy alcohol use and chronic pain for PLWH, two common comorbid conditions that influence the HIV treatment cascade. CLINICALTRIALS GOV IDENTIFIER NCT05503173.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor P Palfai
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Lauren B Bernier
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Maya Pl Kratzer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kara M Magane
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Fielman
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John D Otis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Timothy C Heeren
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael R Winter
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael D Stein
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Murray GE, Palfai TP, Kratzer MPL, Maisto SA, Beckius BZ, Simons JS. Sexual Alcohol Expectancies, Alcohol Intoxication, and Sexual Behavior in MSM: An Experience Sampling Study. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04495-9. [PMID: 39230616 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite advances in prevention and treatment, the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus remains a significant problem in the United States, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). Alcohol use can promote risky sexual decisions, and alcohol expectancies may influence the role of alcohol in decision making. The present secondary analysis tests the moderating role of sexual alcohol expectancies (SAEs) in the relation between daily alcohol intoxication and sexual behavior in a sample of 248 moderate- to heavy-drinking MSM. SAEs were assessed with the Sexual Alcohol Expectancies Questionnaire at baseline, followed by two 23-day bursts of ecological momentary assessment including self-initiated morning assessments of sexual behavior and the prior night's perceived intoxication, as well as nine daily random alcohol assessments. Multilevel modeling showed that SAEs moderated a curvilinear association between intoxication and anal intercourse with a condom such that the relation between daily intoxication and anal intercourse with a condom is a more pronounced inverted u-shape among individuals with strong SAEs, and this moderation effect was not seen for condomless anal intercourse (CAI). While SAEs do appear to influence the association between intoxication and sexual behavior in MSM, they do not appear to moderate the association between alcohol intoxication and CAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Murray
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, 900 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Tibor P Palfai
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maya P L Kratzer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen A Maisto
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Brooke Z Beckius
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Simons
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA
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Luehring-Jones P, Fulford D, Palfai TP, Simons JS, Maisto SA. Alcohol, Sexual Arousal, and Partner Familiarity as Predictors of Condom Negotiation: An Experience Sampling Study. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:854-867. [PMID: 37751109 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04189-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Numerous contextual factors contribute to risky sexual decision-making among men who have sex with men (MSM), with experimental laboratory-based studies suggesting that alcohol consumption, sexual arousal, and partner familiarity have the potential to impact condom negotiations during sexual encounters. The purpose of the current study was to extend this line of inquiry outside of the laboratory and into the everyday lives of MSM. We collected six weeks of daily data on alcohol consumption and sexual behaviors from 257 moderate- and heavy-drinking MSM to examine the within- and between-subjects effects of alcohol consumption, average daily sexual arousal, and partner familiarity on condom negotiation processes during sexual encounters. We hypothesized that alcohol consumption, higher levels of average daily sexual arousal, and greater partner familiarity would all contribute to a reduced likelihood of condom negotiation prior to sexual activity, and that they would also affect the difficulty of negotiations. Contrary to hypotheses, none of these three predictors had significant within-subjects effects on condom negotiation outcomes. However, partner familiarity and average daily sexual arousal did exert significant between-subjects effects on the incidence of negotiation and negotiation difficulty. These findings have important implications for risk-reduction strategies in this population. They also highlight the challenges of reconciling results from experimental laboratory research and experience sampling conducted outside of the laboratory on sexual risk behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Luehring-Jones
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Daniel Fulford
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tibor P Palfai
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Simons
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA
| | - Stephen A Maisto
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Janulis P, Jenness SM, Risher K, Phillips G, Mustanski B, Birkett M. Substance use and variation in sexual partnership rates among young MSM and young transgender women: Disaggregating between and within-person associations. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 252:110968. [PMID: 37774516 PMCID: PMC10615872 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110968] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use has been extensively linked to sexual behavior and HIV/STI risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW). However, the impact of specific substances and on specific partnership types is not well characterized. The current study seeks to estimate the association between specific substances and partnership rates while carefully disaggregating between and within-person associations to characterize the nature of these associations and inform prevention interventions. METHODS Using data from a longitudinal cohort (n = 1159) of young MSM (YMSM) and young TW (YTW), we utilized a series of hybrid mixed effect models to estimate the associations between substance use (i.e., heavy episodic drinking [HED], marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, poppers, prescription stimulant, prescription painkiller, and prescription depressants) and partnerships (i.e., one-time, casual, and main). RESULTS Results from multivariable models indicated people using substances had higher one-time (HED, poppers) and casual (HED, methamphetamine, poppers) partnership rates. In addition, participants reported higher rates of one-time (HED, ecstasy, methamphetamine, poppers) and casual partners (HED, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, poppers) during periods of substance use. CONCLUSION These findings confirm that the highest rates of sexual activity occur among YMSM-YTW using substances during periods of substance use. Yet, these findings should caution researchers against simplistic generalizations as these associations differ across substance and partnership types. Efforts to promote the health of MSM-YTW who use substances should carefully consider this complexity as interventions accounting for the unique cultural context of substance use in these populations are most likely to be successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Janulis
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, United States; Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, United States.
| | | | - Kathryn Risher
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, United States
| | - Gregory Phillips
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, United States; Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, United States
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, United States; Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, United States
| | - Michelle Birkett
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, United States; Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, United States
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Maisto SA, Simons JS, Palfai TP, Moskal D, Sheinfil AZ, Tahaney KD. Effects of Alcohol Intoxication on Sexual Decision-Making among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): Alcohol's Influences on Self-Control Processes. Clin Psychol Sci 2023; 11:40-58. [PMID: 36865995 PMCID: PMC9976705 DOI: 10.1177/21677026221079780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This experiment tested mechanisms linking alcohol intoxication and analogue determinants of condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in a sample of 257 men who have sex with men (MSM). The two mechanisms tested were implicit approach biases toward CAI stimuli and executive working memory. Participants were randomized to 3 conditions (water control, placebo, or alcohol) and following beverage administration completed a working memory task, an Approach Avoidance Task of sexual vs. condom stimuli, and two video role-play vignettes of high-risk sexual scenarios. Sexual arousal and CAI intentions were assessed by self-report, and behavioral skills and risk exposure were derived from participants' role-play behavior. Estimation of four path models showed that the hypothesized mechanisms were supported for the CAI intention outcome, but the findings for the skills and risk exposure outcome were mixed. Implications for development and enhancement of HIV prevention interventions were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey S. Simons
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, USA
| | - Tibor P. Palfai
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Dezarie Moskal
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA,School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Alan Z Sheinfil
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, USA
| | - Kelli D. Tahaney
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, USA
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Cannabis use and sexual risk among MSM who drink: Understanding why more frequent cannabis users may engage in higher rates of condomless sex. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 232:109282. [PMID: 35066459 PMCID: PMC8885905 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Condomless anal intercourse (CAI) is the major risk factor for HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM who are heavier cannabis users engage in CAI more frequently. However, little is known about the processes that may underlie this association. This study sought to understand the potential role of condom attitudes and condom-related planning in the association between cannabis use and CAI. METHODS This is a secondary data analysis of a study on alcohol use and sexual decision-making among MSM. Two hundred and fifty-eight MSM with moderate to heavy drinking were enrolled. Measures included CAI, cannabis use, attitudes about the influence of condoms on sexual pleasure, condom use planning, age, heavy episodic drinking, and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). RESULTS We conducted a negative binomial regression analysis controlling for age, PrEP, and heavy episodic drinking. Cannabis use frequency was a significant predictor of CAI (b =.333, p < .001). Indirect effects showed that while heavier cannabis users exhibited less condom-related planning (b = -0.106, p = 0.015) and more negative attitudes toward the impact of condom use on pleasure (b= -0.177, p = 0.004), cannabis use had a significant indirect effect on CAI only through attitude ratings. CONCLUSIONS MSM who are heavier cannabis users engage in more frequent CAI and exhibit an indirect effect on CAI through negative attitudes toward the impact of condoms on pleasure. These findings suggest the potential importance of addressing these condom attitudes in HIV-prevention interventions among MSM who use cannabis.
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Palfai TP, Luehring-Jones P. How Alcohol Influences Mechanisms of Sexual Risk Behavior Change: Contributions of Alcohol Challenge Research to the Development of HIV Prevention Interventions. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:314-332. [PMID: 34148189 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03346-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This paper examines the contributions of laboratory-based alcohol challenge research (ACR) to the development of HIV prevention interventions. Following a brief overview of HIV prevention interventions and related health behavior change models, we discuss how alcohol may influence mechanisms of behavior change. The paper highlights the value of ACR for: (1) elucidating mechanisms of action through which alcohol affects sexual risk behavior, (2) testing how alcohol may influence mechanisms thought to underlie HIV prevention interventions, (3) clarifying moderators of the causal influences of alcohol, (4) identifying novel intervention targets, and (5) developing strategies to reduce sexual risk among those who consume alcohol. We conclude with a discussion of the importance of using experimental research to identify mechanisms of behavior change that are specific to populations at high risk for HIV and outline some key implications for developing HIV prevention interventions that integrate the role of alcohol.
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