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Liu X, Zhai M, Li J, Liu D, Yuan L, Wang H, Yu B, Yan H. Longitudinal effects of sexual minority stigma on depressive symptoms among young men who have sex with men: Distinguish between and within person effects. J Adolesc 2024. [PMID: 38769773 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12338] [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] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) may experience high levels of sexual minority stigma (SMS) and depressive symptoms (DS) over the world and in China. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the longitudinal effects of SMS on DS of YMSM, especially focusing on YMSM and separating the between-person and within-person effects. This study aimed to fill the said gaps. METHODS Study data were derived from a prospective cohort of 349 YMSM from central China (Wuhan, Changsha, Nanchang), the baseline survey was started in 2017 with one follow-up visit every year. SMS and DS were measured three times using valid and reliable instruments. The cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) and the random intercept CLPM (RI-CLPM) were used to examine the between-person and within-person concurrent and lagged effects, respectively. RESULTS Findings of CLPM revealed bidirectional associations between SMS and DS over time. RI-CLPM suggested that at the between-person level, SMS was significantly associated with DS, echoing the results of CLPM. However, this reciprocal relationship has not been found at the within-person level. CONCLUSION The associations between SMS and DS among YMSM at the population level is more significant than that at the individual level. We suggest that interventions should be against the adverse effects of cultural marginalization and systemic change the social concepts to reduce the amount of SMS in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mengxi Zhai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiayu Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Liang Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Huihao Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Masa R, Inoue M, Prieto L, Baruah D, Nosrat S, Mehak S, Operario D. Mental Health of Older Adults by Sexual Minority Status: Evidence From the 2021 National Health Interview Survey. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:276-286. [PMID: 37801680 PMCID: PMC10809733 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231203838] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explored differences among older adults in mental health by sexual minority status. Data came from the 2021 U.S. National Health Interview Survey. The study sample included older adults (or those aged ≥50 years, N = 15,559), and of those, two percent (n = 380) self-identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). Older LGB adults had significantly higher odds of reporting a diagnosis of depression and anxiety and experiencing serious psychological distress than older non-LGB adults. Additionally, older LGB adults reported higher odds of experiencing depression and anxiety more frequently than older non-LGB adults. Significant covariates included age, sex, housing, food security, and social support. Increased risk for mental illness may be long-term consequences of stigma and discrimination that this population has experienced over the life course. The combination of structural interventions and affirming mental healthcare that recognizes the cumulative negative experience among older LGB adults is necessary to achieve mental health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainier Masa
- School of Social Work, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Global Social Development Innovations, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Megumi Inoue
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Lucas Prieto
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Dicky Baruah
- School of Social Work, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Nosrat
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Samreen Mehak
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Don Operario
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Alvey B, Stone J, Salyuk T, Barzilay EJ, Doan I, Vickerman P, Trickey A. Associations Between Sexual Behavior Stigma and HIV Risk Behaviors, Testing, Treatment, and Infection Among Men Who have Sex with Men in Ukraine. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:786-798. [PMID: 37792231 PMCID: PMC10896872 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04182-1] [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: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Stigma toward same-sex behaviors may be a structural driver of HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Eastern Europe and has been linked to adverse HIV-outcomes elsewhere. We explored associations between sexual behavior stigma with HIV risk behaviors, testing, treatment, and infection. From November 2017 to February 2018, MSM across 27 Ukrainian cities were recruited to cross-sectional surveys using respondent driven sampling. Eligible participants were cisgender males aged ≥ 14 years residing in participating cities that reported ≥ 1 sexual contact with another man in the prior 6 months. Participants self-reported experience of stigma (ever) and various HIV-outcomes and were tested for HIV antibodies. Regression models were used to explore associations between three sexual behavior stigma variables with demographic and HIV-related variables. Of 5812 recruited cisgender MSM, 5544 (95.4%) were included. 1663 (30.0%) MSM reported having experienced stigma due to being MSM from family and friends, 698 (12.6%) reported anticipated healthcare stigma, and 1805 (32.6%) reported general public/social stigma due to being MSM (enacted). All forms of stigma were associated with heightened HIV risk behaviors; those experiencing stigma (vs not) had more anal sex partners in the prior month and were less likely to have used condoms during their last anal intercourse. Stigma was not associated with HIV infection, testing, or treatment variables. A sizeable proportion of Ukrainian MSM reported ever experiencing stigma due to being MSM. MSM that had experienced stigma had higher odds of HIV sexual risk behaviors. Further study using longitudinal designs is required to determine causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Alvey
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Ivan Doan
- Centers for Disease Control, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam Trickey
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Hatzenbuehler ML, Lattanner MR, McKetta S, Pachankis JE. Structural stigma and LGBTQ+ health: a narrative review of quantitative studies. Lancet Public Health 2024; 9:e109-e127. [PMID: 38307678 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00312-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Health disparities related to sexual orientation and gender identity exist across multiple outcomes. Scholarship has begun to evaluate whether structural stigma-ie, societal-level conditions, cultural norms, and institutional policies that constrain opportunities, resources, and wellbeing-contributes to health burdens among LGBTQ+ individuals. We conducted a comprehensive review of quantitative studies examining this hypothesis. We found 98 articles that linked objective (ie, non-self-reported) measures of structural stigma to mental (n=57), behavioural (ie, substance use; n=27; HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted infection; n=20), and physical (n=20) health outcomes. There was generally consistent evidence that structural stigma increases risk of poor health among LGBTQ+ individuals. Several methodological strengths were identified, including the use of multiple measures (eg, laws or policies [59%, 58 of 98]), designs (eg, quasi-experiments [21%, 21 of 98]), and samples (eg, probability-based [56%, 55 of 98]). However, important gaps exist. Just over half of studies included area-level covariates or non-LGBTQ+ comparison groups, which are necessary to address alternative explanations for the observed associations. Additionally, while studies (n=90) have begun to identify candidate mechanisms, only nine (10%) formally tested mediation. We offer suggestions for future research to advance this literature, which has implications not only for the identification of structural determinants of LGBTQ+ health but also for the development of public health interventions that reduce LGBTQ+ health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Micah R Lattanner
- Department of Public Health, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - Sarah McKetta
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John E Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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5
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Mammadli T, Hong C. Substance Use and Misuse among Sexual and Gender Minority Communities Living in Former Soviet Union Countries: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2024; 36:59-76. [PMID: 38600900 PMCID: PMC10903640 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2024.2303517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Objectives We reviewed literature examining substance use among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) living in the former Soviet Union (USSR) nations. Methods Searches were conducted across five databases (PubMed, SocINDEX, CINAHL, PscyInfo, LGBTQ + Source) to identify peer-reviewed literature. Results Across 19 studies, high hazardous substance use prevalence was documented. Substance use was correlated with (a) sexual health and behaviors and (b) mental wellbeing and the use of other substances. Conclusion We discuss minority stress implications and challenges presented by the paucity of evidence in the literature examining substance use among SGM women and SGM living in countries unrepresented in reviewed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tural Mammadli
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chenglin Hong
- Department of Social Welfare, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Sarwar G, Irfan SD, Reza M, Khan MNM, Khan SI. Understanding the dynamics of chemsex among men who have sex with men, male sex workers and transgender women in Dhaka, Bangladesh: a multiphase sequential mixed-method research protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073976. [PMID: 37918919 PMCID: PMC10626829 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073976] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chemsex is defined as drug use to enhance sexual pleasure. Global literature illustrated the pervasiveness of chemsex among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (hijra) for prolonging anal intercourse, reducing pain and intensifying pleasure, oftentimes without condoms. Global literature highlighted the association between chemsex and unsafe sexual behaviours. These circumstances warrant targeted chemsex research to explore the chemsex situation. The study aims to explore the overall dynamics of chemsex among MSM, male sex workers (MSW) and hijra in Dhaka, Bangladesh and formulate culturally relevant, context-specific, gender-sensitive and evidence-based recommendations for chemsex interventions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This will be a sequential, exploratory, mixed-methods study. Data will be collected at four drop-in centres in Dhaka in three phases. To explore issues related to chemsex, the formative phase (phase 1) will generate evidence on the overall dynamics of chemsex through a literature review and qualitative interviews. Qualitative data will be manually analysed using thematic analysis. In phase 2, a cross-sectional survey will be conducted among 458 MSM, male sex workers and hijra to measure the prevalence, reasons and sexual risk behaviour associated with chemsex. In phase 3, qualitative interviews will be conducted with the participants involved in chemsex, service providers and relevant stakeholders to add qualitative depth to survey responses. In this phase, service provision will also be investigated for people engaging in chemsex. Moreover, based on the findings of phases 1 and 2, and qualitative interviews of phase 3, a preliminary chemsex intervention model will be developed through a series of intervention design workshops. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been attained from the Ethical Review Committee of icddr,b. Informed consent will be obtained from the participants, and confidentiality will be maintained during data collection and storage. Findings will be disseminated via several platforms including dissemination seminars, scientific articles and study report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golam Sarwar
- Health System and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Samira Dishti Irfan
- Health System and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Masud Reza
- Health System and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Niaz Morshed Khan
- Health System and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sharful Islam Khan
- Health System and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Sadzaglishvili S, Gotsiridze T, Lekishvili K, Flores R, Hereth J, Bouris A. "How can you kiss and touch this child and show affection towards her? What kind of woman are you?": Provider perspectives on stigma towards native and ethnic minority street-connected youth in the Republic of Georgia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286710. [PMID: 37267230 PMCID: PMC10237414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Republic of Georgia has experienced a rapid growth in the number of youth working and/or living on the street (YWLS). Although research indicates that YWLS are highly stigmatized, few studies have examined perceptions of stigma among Georgian social service providers who serve YWLS. We conducted in-person in-depth interviews with key informants recruited from governmental institutions and social service organizations in Tbilisi and Rustavi, two large urban areas. A semi-structured interview guide was used to explore provider perspectives on the social contexts surrounding the delivery of services to YWLS. Trained coders conducted a thematic analysis of the data in Dedoose. Twenty-two providers (68% female; 32% male) were interviewed, representing diverse professional roles. Providers perceived that YWLS are subjected to strong public stigma and social exclusion at multiple social-ecological levels, with Roma and Kurdish-Azeri youth experiencing the strongest levels of social hostility, discrimination, and exclusion. Providers perceive that these dynamics prevent YWLS from developing trusting relationships with social service, health and educational institutions. Furthermore, we find that providers report encounters with courtesy stigma, i.e., stigma directed towards the people who serve or are associated with a stigmatized group, when working with YWLS, especially those from ethnic minority groups, which they characterize as a stressor. At the same time, we find that some providers reported negative stereotypes about ethnic minority YWLS. While campaigns have targeted public awareness on the plight of YWLS, study findings suggest that additional efforts are needed to address stigma directed towards YWLS, with a specific need to address stigma directed towards ethnic minority young people who work and/or live on the street.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rey Flores
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jane Hereth
- University of Wisconsin Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Alida Bouris
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Chakrapani V, Kershaw T, Kaur J, Shunmugam M, Nelson R, Vijin PP, Rajan M, Subramanian T. Associations between sexual stigma, enacted HIV stigma, internalized HIV stigma and homonegativity, and depression: testing an extended minority stress model among men who have sex with men living with HIV in India. AIDS Care 2022; 34:1586-1594. [PMID: 36062378 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2119467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Limited data is available on the associations between intersectional stigmas and mental health outcomes among men who have sex with men living with HIV (MSMLH) in India. The minority stress model postulates that sexual stigma contributes to depression through proximal stressors like internalized homonegativity (IHN). Using cross-sectional survey data from 119 MSMLH in 2015/16, we tested whether: (1) sexual stigma and enacted HIV stigma (EHS) are associated with depression; (2) their effects on depression are mediated through IHN and internalized HIV stigma (IHS); and (3) their effects on IHN are mediated through IHS. Significant direct associations were observed between scores on sexual stigma and IHS (β = .49, 95% CI .27, .70), EHS and IHN (β = .19, 95% CI .03, .36), and IHS and IHN (β = .07, 95% CI .03, .12). IHS scores mediated the associations of sexual stigma with depression (β = .17, 95% CI .07, .27) and IHN scores (β = .04, 95% CI .004, .07). EHS was not found to be significantly associated with depression or IHN. The findings partially support the minority stress model among MSMLH and highlight the importance of addressing both sexual and HIV-related stigmas to improve mental health of MSMLH, especially by screening for and reducing IHS, IHN and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trace Kershaw
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jasvir Kaur
- Department of Nursing, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Murali Shunmugam
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
| | - Ruban Nelson
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
| | | | - Magesh Rajan
- ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), Chennai, India
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Nouri E, Moradi Y, Moradi G. What is the global prevalence of depression among men who have sex with men? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2022; 21:38. [PMID: 36096814 PMCID: PMC9465955 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-022-00414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression due to stigma resulting from their sexual identity, isolation, social exclusion, and insufficient access to care and counseling services has become a health problem among men who have sex with men (MSM). OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the global prevalence of depression among MSM as a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis performed in five steps of search strategy, screening and selecting articles, data extraction, evaluation of the risk of bias, and meta-analysis. In this study, the determined keywords were searched in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1913 to July 2021 to find the initial articles, from which data were extracted according to the set checklist in the data extraction stage. Finally, the studies were included in the present meta-analysis according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, to be evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa scale checklist. I Square and Q Cochrane were also used to assess the degree of heterogeneity. The analyses were performed using the random-effects model in STATA 16. RESULTS The results showed the quality score of the majority of cross-sectional studies included in the meta-analysis (62 studies) was equal to six or seven (moderate), and five ones had a high-quality score. After combining these studies, the pooled prevalence of depression among MSM in the world was 35% (95% CI 31%-39%, I square; 98.95%, P-value < 0.001). Population subgroup analysis showed the pooled prevalence of depression among MSM living with HIV was 47% (95% CI 39%-55%, I square; 95.76%, P-value < 0.001). Continent subgroup analysis showed the highest pooled prevalence of depression among Asian MSM at 37% (95% CI 31%-43%, I square; 99.07%, P-value < 0.001). Also, in the subgroup analysis of the sampling method, the pooled prevalence in the studies which used the respondent-driven sampling method was equal to 34% (95% CI 25%-43%, I square; 99.32%, P-value < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis revealed the pooled prevalence of depression in studies included in the meta-analysis was near or around the pooled estimate. CONCLUSION The pooled prevalence of depression among MSM was almost three times higher than the general male population. Therefore, particular and therapeutic interventions such as screening, and harm reduction programs for mental disorders, especially depression, are suggested to be considered in service packages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Nouri
- Social Determinant of the Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Yousef Moradi
- Social Determinant of the Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ghobad Moradi
- Social Determinant of the Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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10
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Operario D, Sun S, Bermudez AN, Masa R, Shangani S, van der Elst E, Sanders E. Integrating HIV and mental health interventions to address a global syndemic among men who have sex with men. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e574-e584. [PMID: 35750058 PMCID: PMC7613577 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In this Series paper, we review evidence on the co-occurring and synergistic epidemics (syndemic) of HIV and mental health problems worldwide among men who have sex with men (MSM). The multilevel determinants of this global syndemic include structural factors that enable stigma, systematic bias, and violence towards MSM across geographical and cultural contexts. Cumulative exposure to these factors over time results in population-level inequities in the burden of HIV infections and mental health problems among MSM. Evidence for this syndemic among MSM is strongest in the USA, Canada, western Europe, and parts of Asia and Latin America, with emerging evidence from sub-Saharan Africa. Integrated interventions are needed to address syndemics of HIV and mental health problems that challenge the wellbeing of MSM populations worldwide, and such interventions should consider various mental health conditions (eg, depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidality) and their unique expressions and relationships with HIV outcomes depending on cultural contexts. In addition, interventions should identify and intervene with locally relevant structural factors that result in HIV and mental health vulnerabilities among MSM.
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11
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Wang L, Hong C, Simoni JM, He N, Li C, Chen L, Wong F. Correlates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.29392/001c.33816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Liying Wang
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Chenglin Hong
- University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Jane M. Simoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States; Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Na He
- Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxing Li
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States
| | - Lingxiao Chen
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Frank Wong
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center for Population Sciences and Health Equity, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Hawaiʽi at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaiʽi, United States; John D. Bower School of Population Health, Department of Population Health Science, University Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
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12
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Stojanovski K, King EJ, Amico KR, Eisenberg MC, Geronimus AT, Baros S, Schmidt AJ. Stigmatizing Policies Interact with Mental Health and Sexual Behaviours to Structurally Induce HIV Diagnoses Among European Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3400-3410. [PMID: 35434774 PMCID: PMC9556380 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03683-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Structural stigma shapes men who have sex with men's (MSM's) mental health and sexual behaviours. The aim of this study was to examine how stigmatizing policies interact with downstream anxiety/depression and sexual behaviours to structurally pattern HIV disparities among European MSM. We conducted a secondary data analysis of the European Men-who-have-sex-with-men Internet Survey (EMIS) from 2017. We included a total of 98,600 participants living in 39 European countries. We used the Rainbow Index, a score given to countries based on their sexual and gender minority policies as the predictor of HIV diagnosis. We conducted adjusted random intercept and slope multi-level logistic regressions. In adjusted models, higher Rainbow Index scores was associated with lower predictive probabilities of diagnosed HIV, regardless of the number of condomless intercourse partners. The predictive probability of HIV diagnosis was also lower, regardless of severity of anxiety/depression, where the Rainbow Index score was better. Country-level policies interact with downstream sexual behaviours and anxiety/depression to structurally influence HIV diagnosis among MSM in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristefer Stojanovski
- Department of Social, Behavioral and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Elizabeth J King
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marisa C Eisenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Mathematics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arline T Geronimus
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Population Studies Centre, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sladjana Baros
- Department for HIV, STI, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis, Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Axel J Schmidt
- Sigma Research, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Mi T, Lan G, Yang X, Li X, Qiao S, Shen Z, Zhou Y. HIV-Related Stigma, Sexual Identity, and Depressive Symptoms Among MSM Living With HIV in China: A Moderated Mediation Modeling Analysis. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221087531. [PMID: 35343811 PMCID: PMC8966094 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221087531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the biggest health issues among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, where sexual identity might play an intricate role. Yet, findings of the relationship between sexual identity and depression were mixed and few studies explored its underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to examine the association between sexual identity and depression, and the potential mediating role of HIV-related stigma and moderating role of age. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 203 MSM living with HIV in Guangxi, China. Participants provided information on sexual identity, depression, HIV-related stigma, and background information. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and path analysis were applied to examine our hypotheses. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that participants who self-identified as gay reported a lower level of HIV-related stigma and depression. Path analysis revealed an insignificant direct effect of identifying as gay on depression. Yet, the indirect pathway was significant, with identifying as gay being associated with a lower level of HIV stigma and thus a lower level of depression. This indirect effect was moderated by age. The conditional indirect effect was significant in the younger group yet ceased in the older group. The study provided information to better understand the effect of sexual identity on mental health among stigmatized sexual and gender minorities by highlighting the mediating effect of HIV-related stigma and the protective effect of age. Interventions targeting mental health of MSM living with HIV might consider placing greater emphasis on addressing HIV-related stigma among younger MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyue Mi
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior & South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Guanghua Lan
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Xueying Yang
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior & South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior & South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior & South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Yuejiao Zhou
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
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Fursa O, Mocroft A, Lazarus JV, Amele S, Lundgren J, Matulionyte R, Rasmussen LD, Rockstroh JK, Parczewski M, Jilich D, Moreno S, Vassilenko A, Lacombe K, Wandeler G, Borodulina E, Brännström J, Wiese L, Orkin C, Behrens GMN, Mansinho K, Portu JJ, Peters L. The hepatitis C cascade of care in HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfected individuals in Europe: regional and intra-regional differences. AIDS 2022; 36:423-435. [PMID: 34690281 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the introduction of direct-acting antiviral therapy in 2013, WHO launched the first Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis. We describe a hepatitis C virus (HCV) cascade of care in people with HIV (PWH) across Europe in terms of reaching the WHO elimination targets of diagnosing 90% and treating 80% of HCV-infected individuals. METHODS HIV/HCV-coinfected participants in the EuroSIDA cohort under prospective follow-up at October 1, 2019, were described using a nine-stage cascade of care. Care cascades were constructed across Europe, on a regional (n = 5) and country (n = 21) level. RESULTS Of 4773 anti-HCV positive PWH, 4446 [93.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 92.4-93.9)] were ever tested for HCV RNA, and 19.0% (95% CI 16.4-21.6) were currently HCV RNA positive, with the highest prevalence in Eastern and Central-Eastern Europe (33.7 and 29.6%, respectively). In Eastern Europe, 78.1% of the estimated number of chronic infections have been diagnosed, whereas this proportion was above 95% in the other four regions. Overall, 3116 persons have ever started treatment (72.5% of the ever chronically infected, 95% CI 70.9-74.0) and 2404 individuals (55.9% of the ever chronically infected, 95% CI 53.9-57.9) were cured. Cure proportion ranged from 11.2% in Belarus to 87.2% in Austria. CONCLUSION In all regions except Eastern Europe, more than 90% of the study participants have been tested for HCV-RNA. In Southern and Central-Western regions, more than 80% ever chronically HCV-infected PWH received treatment. The proportion with cured HCV infection did not exceed 80% in any region, with significant heterogeneity between countries. SUMMARY In a pan-European cohort of PWH, all regions except Eastern Europe achieved the WHO target of diagnosing 90% of chronic HCV infections, while the target of treating 80% of eligible persons was achieved in none of the five regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Fursa
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amanda Mocroft
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation (CREME), Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah Amele
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation (CREME), Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Jens Lundgren
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raimonda Matulionyte
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Dermatovenerology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Line D Rasmussen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Milosz Parczewski
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - David Jilich
- Charles University in Prague and Na Bulovce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Santiago Moreno
- Servicio Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université, IPLESP Inserm UMR-S1136, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Johanna Brännström
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Venhälsan, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lothar Wiese
- Sjællands Universitetshospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Georg M N Behrens
- Department for Rheumatology and Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Lars Peters
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Magno L, Guimarães MDC, Leal AF, Dourado I, Knauth DR, Bermúdez XPD, Rocha GM, Veras MADSM, Kendall C, Brito AMD, Kerr LRS. Perception of discrimination due to sexual orientation and associated factors among men who have sex with men in 12 Brazilian cities. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2022; 38:EN199121. [DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xen199121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Discrimination due to sexual orientation (DDSO) has an important association with health outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to analyze factors associated with DDSO among MSM in 12 Brazilian cities. This is a cross-sectional study with 4,176 MSM participants recruited in 2016 which used a respondent-driven sampling method in 12 Brazilian cities. DDSO levels were previously identified by a latent class analysis based on 13 variables from the discrimination section. An ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations with these DDSO levels, and weighted ordinal odds ratios (OR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using Gile’s estimator. Most participants were young (< 25 years old) black or of mixed-race (pardo), single individuals who had a religious affiliation, primary or incomplete secondary education, and a high and average socioeconomic status. More than half (65%) reported DDSO in the 12 months prior to this study. We observed an independent association among the four latent DDSO classes and the following variables: age < 25 years old (OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.21-2.27), white skin color (OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.02-2.01), history of sexual (OR = 2.33; 95%CI: 1.58-3.43) and physical violence (OR = 3.08; 95%CI: 2.11-4.49), disclosure of their sexual orientation as MSM to their fathers (OR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.47-2.72), experienced suicidal ideation in the two weeks prior to this study (OR = 2.09; 95%CI: 1.46-2.98), and use of any illicit drugs in the last six months (OR = 1.61; 95%CI: 1.19-2.18). Our results indicate that contextual factors may contribute to high DDSO levels among MSM in Brazil. Public health policies toward human rights surveillance and protection among MSM must be urgently addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laio Magno
- Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Brazil; Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carl Kendall
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, U.S.A
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16
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Íncera-Fernández D, Gámez-Guadix M, Moreno-Guillén S. Mental Health Symptoms Associated with Sexualized Drug Use (Chemsex) among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413299. [PMID: 34948907 PMCID: PMC8701799 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: Sexualized drug use (SDU), also known as chemsex, refers to the use of psychoactive substances for sexual purposes among men who have sex with men (MSM), which has been associated with mental health symptoms. The objective of this review is to systematically review the available evidence on mental health outcomes in MSM who use sexualized drugs. Methods: To prepare this systematic review, search strategies were developed and applied to the Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus databases. A total of 117 articles were found, of which 12 were selected for the final review. Results: Those MSM who practiced SDU were more likely to experience from depression, anxiety, or a substance dependence, although these results were not found in all the studies analyzed. Among those who practiced the administration of intravenous drugs (referred to as slamsex), the mental health symptoms were more severe. Conclusions: This systematic review contributes to a fuller understanding of the mental health symptoms present in MSM who consume drugs for sexual purposes. Greater uniformity in data collection instruments is required, as well as the need to conduct a more in-depth assessment of the psychosocial adjustment of people who practice chemsex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Íncera-Fernández
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-686-454-251
| | - Manuel Gámez-Guadix
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Santiago Moreno-Guillén
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Alcalá University, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Spain;
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17
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Michalski T, Brosz M, Stepien J, Biernacka K, Blaszczyk M, Grabowski J. Perceived Stress Levels among Ukrainian Migrant and LGBT+ Minorities in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12838. [PMID: 34886564 PMCID: PMC8657859 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, immigrant status and being a member of the LGBT+ community are all independent factors associated with increased stress levels. Few studies provide more complex analysis on this issue, and there has been no research on the cumulative burden of perceived stress that people belonging to both minorities experience in the current epidemiological situation. The aim of this study was to assess the ability to deal with an external situation during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland in the following groups with different stress levels (total sample n = 370): Polish heterosexual men (n = 202), heterosexual men from Ukraine (n = 131) and homo- and bisexual men (men who have sex with men-MSM) from Ukraine (n = 37). A Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used. The analysis of the survey did not show statistically significant differences between the three study groups in the general level of perceived stress (24.71, 24.77 and 26.49 points, respectively, p = 0.551), but it revealed numerous differences in coping with various aspects of everyday functioning between these groups. Negative assessment of one's own health proved to be the main factor negatively affecting the level of perceived stress, however specific health risks, medical history or the participants' previous experience have not been taken into account in the study. Our research shows differences in the needs, resources and methods of coping with stress between men who are Polish citizens and migrants from Ukraine, both heterosexual and belonging to the MSM group. Proper identification and addressing of these needs, taking into account different availability of health services, could be the responsibility of NGOs or insurance providers. This should result in the reduction of mental health burdens and the risk of developing serious mental disorders, and consequently in better functioning of persons belonging to minorities and in a reduced burden on the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Michalski
- Department of Regional Development, Faculty of Social Science, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Maciej Brosz
- Institute of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Joanna Stepien
- Department of Socio-Economic Geography, Faculty of Social Science, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Karolina Biernacka
- Adult Psychiatry Scientific Circle, Division of Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic and Geriatric Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (K.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Michal Blaszczyk
- Adult Psychiatry Scientific Circle, Division of Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic and Geriatric Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (K.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Jakub Grabowski
- Division of Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic and Geriatric Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
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18
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Boyd DT, Ramos SR, Quinn CR, Jones KV, Wilton L, Nelson LE. Family Support and Sociocultural Factors on Depression among Black and Latinx Sexual Minority Men. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6759. [PMID: 34201780 PMCID: PMC8268525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Family-based approaches are critical for improving health outcomes in sexual minority men (SMM) of color. Yet, it is unclear how family context, internalized homophobia, and stress influence mental health outcomes among sexual minority men of color. From a cross-sectional sample of 448 participants, aged 16-24 years, survey data were analyzed to examine rates of family social support, the perception of sexuality by family, the stressfulness of life events, internalized homophobia, and other contextual variables on depression using linear regression. Our results indicated that an 86% increase in family social support was related to a -0.14 decrease in depression (ß = -0.14, p = 0.004). In addition, SMM who were separated by family and friends because of their sexuality were statistically significant and positively associated with depression (ß = 0.09, p < 0.001). Findings from our study suggest that the influence from the microsystem is salient in modifying mental health outcomes for SMM of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donte T. Boyd
- College of Social Work, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - S. Raquel Ramos
- Department, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Camille R. Quinn
- College of Social Work, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Kristian V. Jones
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
| | - Leo Wilton
- Department of Human Development, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA;
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
| | - LaRon E. Nelson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06477, USA
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
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19
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Homophobia is online: Sexual victimization and risks on the internet and mental health among bisexual, homosexual, pansexual, asexual, and queer adolescents. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.106728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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20
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Wirtz AL, Iyer JR, Brooks D, Hailey‐Fair K, Galai N, Beyrer C, Celentano D, Arrington‐Sanders R. An evaluation of assumptions underlying respondent-driven sampling and the social contexts of sexual and gender minority youth participating in HIV clinical trials in the United States. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25694. [PMID: 33978326 PMCID: PMC8114466 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) has been an effective sampling strategy for HIV research in many settings, but has had limited success among some youth in the United States. We evaluated a modified RDS approach for sampling Black and Latinx sexual and gender minority youth (BLSGMY) and explored how lived experiences and social contexts of BLSGMY youth may impact traditional RDS assumptions. METHODS RDS was implemented in three US cities, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington DC, to engage BLSGMY aged 15 to 24 years in HIV prevention or care intervention trials. RDS was modified to include targeted seed recruitment from venues, Internet and health clinics, and provided options for electronic or paper coupons. Qualitative interviews were conducted among a sub-sample of RDS participants to explore their experiences with RDS. Interviews were coded using RDS assumptions as an analytic framework. RESULTS Between August 2017 and October 2019, 405 participants were enrolled, 1670 coupons were distributed, with 133 returned, yielding a 0.079 return rate. The maximum recruitment depth was four waves among seeds that propagated. Self-reported median network size was 5 (IQR 2 to 10) and reduced to 3 (IQR 1 to 5) when asked how many peers were seen in the past 30 days. Qualitative interviews (n = 27) revealed that small social networks, peer trust and targeted referral of peers with certain characteristics challenged network, random recruitment, and reciprocity assumptions of RDS. HIV stigma and research hesitancy were barriers to participation and peer referral. Other situational factors, such as phone ownership and access to reliable transportation, reportedly created challenges for referred peers to participate in research. CONCLUSIONS Small social networks and varying relationships with peers among BLSGMY challenge assumptions that underlie traditional RDS. Modified RDS approaches, including those that incorporate social media, may support recruitment for community-based research but may challenge assumptions of reciprocal relationships. Research hesitancy and situational barriers are relevant and must be addressed across any sampling method and study design that includes BLSGMY in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Wirtz
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Jessica R. Iyer
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Durryle Brooks
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Kimberly Hailey‐Fair
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult MedicineJohns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Noya Galai
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - David Celentano
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Renata Arrington‐Sanders
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult MedicineJohns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
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21
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Siegel M, Assenmacher C, Meuwly N, Zemp M. The Legal Vulnerability Model for Same-Sex Parent Families: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review and Theoretical Integration. Front Psychol 2021; 12:644258. [PMID: 33796052 PMCID: PMC8007880 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.644258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, parents and children in same-sex parent families are impacted by many laws related to the parental sexual orientation. These laws vary considerably from one country to another, ranging from full legal recognition to criminalization. The psychological consequences of living in an ambiguous or hostile legal climate likely interfere with parental health, family functioning, and child development. However, a systematic evidence synthesis of the pertinent literature and its placement within a broader psychological model are currently lacking. The aims of this review were thus (1) to systematically review qualitative and quantitative evidence on the impact of sexual orientation laws on same-sex parent families in key domains and (2) to place these findings within a broader model informed by minority stress and family theories. Our review was preregistered and conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines. We searched for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies on the impact of sexual orientation laws on target outcomes (parental health, family functioning, child outcomes) via systematic database search (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and forward-backward searches. Fifty-five studies published between 1999 and 2020 were eligible for inclusion and were synthesized using a data-based convergent synthesis design. Thirteen descriptive and three overarching analytical themes were identified through thematic synthesis. Linking our findings with minority stress and family theories, we propose a novel legal vulnerability model for same-sex parent families. The model posits that legal vulnerability constitutes an increased risk for parental and child health as well as family functioning through individual and shared pathways between family members. Additionally, the model introduces counteractions that families engage in on the personal, familial, and systemic level to mitigate the impact of legal vulnerability, as well as moderators on the contextual, familial, couple, and individual level that modulate this impact. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Siegel
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Nathalie Meuwly
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Family Research and Counseling, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Martina Zemp
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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22
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Phillips TR, Medland N, Chow EPF, Maddaford K, Wigan R, Fairley CK, Ong JJ, Bilardi JE. "Moving from one environment to another, it doesn't automatically change everything". Exploring the transnational experience of Asian-born gay and bisexual men who have sex with men newly arrived in Australia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242788. [PMID: 33216802 PMCID: PMC7678978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Asian-born gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) who are newly arrived in Australia are at a higher risk of acquiring HIV than Australian-born gbMSM. We used a social constructionist framework to explore HIV knowledge and prevention strategies used by newly-arrived Asian-born gbMSM. Twenty four Asian-born gbMSM, aged 20–34 years, attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, who arrived in Australia in the preceding five years, participated in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Participants described hiding their sexual identities in their country of origin, particularly from family members, due to fear of judgement and discrimination resulting from exposure to sexual identity and HIV related stigma in their countries of origin, although some were open to friends. Despite feeling more sexual freedom and acceptance in Australia, many were still not forthcoming with their sexual identity due to internalised feelings of stigma and shame. Exposure to stigma in their country of origin led many to report anxiety around HIV testing in Australia due to a fear of testing positive. Some described experiencing racism and lack of acceptance in the gay community in Australia, particularly on dating apps. Fear of discrimination and judgement about their sexual identity can have a significant impact on Asian-born gbMSM living in Australia, particularly in terms of social connectedness. Additionally, HIV-related stigma can contribute to anxieties around HIV testing. Our data highlights the potential discrimination Asian-born gbMSM face in Australia, which has implications for social connectedness, particularly with regard to LGBTQI communities and HIV testing practices. Future studies should determine effective strategies to reduce sexual identity and HIV-related stigma in newly-arrived Asian-born gbMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R. Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicholas Medland
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eric P. F. Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wigan
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason J. Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jade E. Bilardi
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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23
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Wirtz AL, Iyer J, Brooks D, Hailey-Fair K, Galai N, Beyrer C, Celentano D. An evaluation of assumptions underlying respondent-driven sampling and the social contexts of sexual and gender minority youth participating in HIV clinical trials in the United States. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020. [PMID: 33173927 PMCID: PMC7654923 DOI: 10.1101/2020.11.02.20222489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Respondent-driven sampling has been an effective sampling strategy for HIV research in many settings, but has had limited success among some youth in the United States. We evaluated a modified RDS approach for sampling Black and Latinx sexual and gender minority youth (BLSGMY) and evaluates how lived experiences and social contexts of BLSGMY youth may impact traditional RDS assumptions. Methods: RDS was implemented in three cities to engage BLSGMY in HIV prevention or care intervention trials. RDS was modified to include targeted seed recruitment from venues, internet, and health clinics, and provided options for electronic or paper coupons. Qualitative interviews were conducted among a sub-sample of RDS participants to explore their experiences with RDS. Interviews were coded using RDS assumptions as an analytic framework. Results: Between August 2017 and October 2019, 405 participants were enrolled, 1,670 coupons were distributed, with 133 returned, yielding a 0.079 return rate. The maximum recruitment depth was 4 waves among seeds that propagated. Self-reported median network size was 5 (IQR 2–10) and reduced to 3 (IQR 1–5) when asked how many peers were seen in the past 30 days. Qualitative interviews (n=27) revealed that small social networks, peer trust, and targeted referral of peers with certain characteristics challenged network, random recruitment, and reciprocity assumptions of RDS. HIV stigma and research hesitancy were barriers to participation and peer referral. Conclusions: Small social networks and varying relationships with peers among BLSGMY challenge assumptions that underlie traditional RDS. Modified RDS approaches, including those that incorporate social media, may support recruitment for community-based research but may challenge assumptions of reciprocal relationships. Research hesitancy and situational barriers must be addressed in recruitment and study designs.
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Xiao L, Qi H, Wang YY, Wang D, Wilkinson M, Hall BJ, Ungvari GS, Wang G, Xiang YT. The prevalence of depression in men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV: A meta-analysis of comparative and epidemiological studies. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2020; 66:112-119. [PMID: 32818791 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms (depression hereafter). This is a comprehensive meta-analysis of the prevalence of depression in HIV-infected MSM. METHODS Relevant publications were systematically searched in PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Comparative and epidemiological studies with prevalence of depression as measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were included. The prevalence of depression was pooled using the random-effects model. RESULTS A total of 18 studies with 7653 MSM with HIV and 3395 MSM without HIV were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression in MSM living with HIV was 43% (95%CI: 32%-53%). Compared to MSM without HIV, MSM living with HIV were more likely to be depressed (OR = 1.46, 1.05-2.03). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses revealed that different CES-D cut-off values and survey year had significant moderating effects on the prevalence of depression. CONCLUSIONS Depression was common in MSM living with HIV. Considering the negative effects of depression on health outcomes and wellbeing, regular screening for depression and effective treatment and interventions should be developed for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Xiao
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Qi
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wang
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montford University, Leicester, UK
| | - Di Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Meredith Wilkinson
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montford University, Leicester, UK
| | - Brian J Hall
- Global and Community Mental Health Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China; Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gabor S Ungvari
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia
| | - Gang Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
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Prevalence of depression, anxiety and suicide among men who have sex with men in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2020; 29:e136. [PMID: 32536353 PMCID: PMC7303796 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796020000487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for depression, anxiety and suicide. The estimated prevalence of these problems is essential to guide public health policy, but published results vary. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and suicide among Chinese MSM. METHODS Systematic searches of EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, CNKI and Wanfang databases with languages restricted to Chinese and English for studies published before 10 September 2019 on the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts among Chinese MSM. Studies that were published in the peer-reviewed journals and used validated instruments to assess depression and anxiety were included. The characteristics of studies and the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms, suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts were independently extracted by authors. Random-effects modelling was used to estimate the pooled rates. Subgroup analysis and univariate meta-regression were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. This study followed the PRISMA and MOOSE. RESULTS Sixty-seven studies were included. Fifty-two studies reported the prevalence of depressive symptoms, with a combined sample of 37 376 people, of whom 12 887 [43.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 38.9-47.5] reported depressive symptoms. Twenty-seven studies reported the prevalence of anxiety symptoms, with a combined sample of 10 531 people, of whom 3187 (32.2%; 95% CI, 28.3-36.6) reported anxiety symptoms. Twenty-three studies reported the prevalence of suicidal ideation, with a combined sample of 15 034 people, of whom 3416 (21.2%; 95% CI, 18.3-24.5) had suicidal ideation. Nine studies reported the prevalence of suicide plans, with a combined sample of 5271 people, of whom 401 (6.2%; 95% CI, 3.9-8.6) had suicide plans. Finally, 19 studies reported the prevalence of suicide attempts, with a combined sample of 27 936 people, of whom 1829 (7.3%; 95% CI, 5.6-9.0) had attempted suicide. CONCLUSIONS The mental health of Chinese MSM is poor compared with the general population. Efforts are warranted to develop interventions to prevent and alleviate mental health problems among this vulnerable population.
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Sereda Y, Kiriazova T, Makarenko O, Carroll JJ, Rybak N, Chybisov A, Bendiks S, Idrisov B, Dutta A, Gillani FS, Samet JH, Flanigan T, Lunze K. Stigma and quality of co-located care for HIV-positive people in addiction treatment in Ukraine: a cross-sectional study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25492. [PMID: 32372534 PMCID: PMC7201176 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Co-located treatment for HIV and opioid use disorder has been shown to improve care outcomes for HIV-positive people who inject drugs (PWID) in Ukraine. However, patients continue to be stigmatized for both HIV and substance use. This study aimed to assess whether co-located care for HIV-positive PWID receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) services in Ukraine is associated with less stigma and better perceived quality of HIV services. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 191 HIV-positive PWID who received OAT services at three healthcare facilities providing substance use treatment (OAT only) and at four facilities that provided co-located care (both OAT and HIV treatment) in six regions in Ukraine during July-September, 2017. Primary outcomes were HIV stigma (Berger scale), substance use stigma (Substance Abuse Stigma Scale) and intersectional stigma (both stigma forms above 75th percentile). Secondary outcome was quality of HIV care, a composite score based on a package of received services. Linear and ordinal regressions were used to assess the predictors of selected outcomes. RESULTS Study participants were 75% male, mean age 40 ± 7 years; 47% received co-located care, and 10.5% had both high HIV and substance use stigma. Co-located care was neither associated with HIV nor substance use stigma but it was linked to better quality of HIV care (adjusted odds ratio: 4.13; 95% CI: 2.31, 7.54). HIV stigma was associated with suicide attempts (adjusted beta (aβ): 5.90; 95% CI: 2.05, 9.75), and substance use stigma was linked to poor mental health (aβ: -0.26; 95% CI: -0.44, -0.08) and lower likelihood of receipt of services from non-governmental organization (NGO; aβ: -6.40; 95% CI: -10.23, -2.57). CONCLUSION One in ten people with HIV in this cohort who received OAT services experienced high levels of both HIV and substance use stigma, which was associated with poorer mental health and less NGO support. Co-located HIV and OAT services were linked to better perceived quality of HIV care, but did not seem to reduce stigma for this key population. Stigma interventions for PWID, possibly delivered involving NGOs, may be an approach to mitigate this challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliia Sereda
- Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy ConsultantKyivUkraine
| | | | | | - Jennifer J Carroll
- Elon UniversityElonNCUSA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRIUSA
| | - Natasha Rybak
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRIUSA
| | | | | | - Bulat Idrisov
- Bashkir State Medical UniversityUfaRussia
- Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of Ministry of Health of the Russian FederationMoscowRussia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and TechnologyMoscowRussia
| | | | - Fizza S Gillani
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRIUSA
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Liu J, Zhong X, Lu Z, Peng B, Zhang Y, Liang H, Dai J, Zhang J, Huang A. Anxiety and Depression Associated with Anal Sexual Practices among HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex with Men in Western China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17020464. [PMID: 31936800 PMCID: PMC7014070 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the prevalence and influencing factors of anxiety and depression among human immunodeficiency virus negative (HIV-negative) men who have sex with men (MSM) based on anal sex roles, so as to provide a scientific basis for the management of mental health conditions. Data were obtained from the baseline in a cohort study with a two-year follow-up period in western China. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale were used to assess anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. The prevalence of anxiety and depression in 1771 MSM was 26.03% and 37.83%. Among them, 182 anal sex role “0” MSM who only had receptive anal sex with men reported the highest prevalence of anxiety and depression (31.32% and 46.15%), 467 anal sex role “1” MSM who only had insertive anal sex with men (22.27% and 32.76%), and 1122 anal sex role “0.5” MSM who engaged equally in both insertive and receptive anal sex intercourse with men (26.74% and 38.59%), respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the influencing factors of anxiety include anal sex role “0”/”0.5”, low educational level, female sexual partners, frequently searching partners on the Internet, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) diagnosed by doctors, and no HIV counseling. Anal sex role “0”/”0.5”, rural area, casual male partners, female partners, STD diagnosed by doctors, frequently searching partners on the Internet, no HIV counseling, no condom use, and daily alcohol use were found to be associated with depression. In conclusion, early identification and intervention of anxiety and depression symptoms in HIV-negative MSM should be carried out, especially for anal sex role “0” MSM. Furthermore, key intervention and psychological counseling should be taken into consideration for MSM with a low education level, high-risk behaviors, and high-risk perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiu Liu
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaoni Zhong
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Zhuo Lu
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Bin Peng
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hao Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 520021, China
| | - Jianghong Dai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang 830011, China
| | - Juying Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Sexual Minority Stigma, Sexual Orientation Concealment, Social Support and Depressive Symptoms Among Men Who have Sex with Men in China: A Moderated Mediation Modeling Analysis. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:8-17. [PMID: 31664571 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02713-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) often experience depressive symptoms. However, the potential mechanisms resulting in depressive symptoms are not fully understood. Here, we explore possible mechanisms behind the associations between sexual minority stigma (SMS), sexual orientation concealment (SOC), and social support (SS) with depressive symptoms among MSM. Data (N = 715) used in the study were from the baseline survey of a 3-year cohort study in China. Computer-assisted self-interview was used to collect data. Mediation and moderated mediation modeling analysis were employed to address the question. It was found that SOC partially mediated the association between SMS and depressive symptoms (indirect effect = 0.11, 95% CI 0.05-0.17). SS moderated the mediation model by buffering the path from SMS to SOC (β = 0.17, t = 3.18, P = 0.002). These findings suggested that SS might strengthen the association between SMS and depressive symptoms by moderating the pathway between SMS and SOC.
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Wagner GJ, Ghosh-Dastidar B, El Khoury C, Abi Ghanem C, Balan E, Kegeles S, Mutchler MG, Mokhbat J. Major Depression Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men in Beirut, and Its Association with Structural and Sexual Minority-Related Stressors, and Social Support. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2019; 16:513-520. [PMID: 32051694 PMCID: PMC7013382 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-018-0352-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Guided by the minority stress model, we assessed depression and its relationship to structural and sexual minority-related stressors and social support in a sample of 226 young (age 18-29 years) men who have sex with men in Beirut, Lebanon. The sample was recruited with long-chain peer referrals and administered a survey that included the PHQ-9 measure of depression. 16% had current major depression based on our PHQ-9 criteria, and 33% reported any lifetime history of suicidal ideation (including 8% who had made an attempt); 69% had experienced any sexual minority-related discrimination in the past year. In bivariate analysis, structural (unemployment, no legal resident status) and sexual minority-related (greater number of types of discrimination experienced, greater discomfort with one's sexual orientation) stressors were associated with major depression, as was lower social support. Discomfort with one's sexual orientation was the only correlate of major depression when controlling for other stressors, social support and socio-demographics. These findings highlight a high level of depression, and the potential for community building and social solidarity for mitigating the effects of stressors based in personal security, internalized stigma and discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elie Balan
- Arab Foundation for Freedom and Equality, Beirut, Lebanon
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30
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Miedema SS, Haardörfer R, Keyes CLM, Yount KM. Does Socio-structural Context Matter? A Multilevel Test of Sexual Minority Stigma and Depressive Symptoms in Four Asia-Pacific Countries. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 60:416-433. [PMID: 31771346 DOI: 10.1177/0022146519877003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the Asia-Pacific region, individual sexual stigma contributes to elevated rates of depression among sexual minority men. Less well understood is the role of socio-structural sexual stigma despite evidence that social context influences the experience of stigma. We use data from the United Nations Multi-country Study on Men and Violence to conduct a multilevel test of associations between individual- and cluster unit-level indicators of sexual stigma and depressive symptoms among sexual minority men (n = 562). In the full model, individual-level sexual stigma is not associated with depressive symptoms, although there is significant variation in the association between individual stigma and depressive symptoms across clusters. Contrary to expectation, at the community level, homophobic injunctive norms are negatively associated with depressive symptoms. We discuss the implications for policies, programs, and future research to improve mental health among sexual minority men in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regine Haardörfer
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kathryn M Yount
- Department of Sociology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Yan H, Li X, Li J, Wang W, Yang Y, Yao X, Yang N, Li S. Association between perceived HIV stigma, social support, resilience, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Nanjing, China. AIDS Care 2019; 31:1069-1076. [PMID: 30942086 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1601677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Among Chinese HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), high levels of depression are common. The association between HIV and depression is attributed to several factors, particularly HIV-related stigma. However, to date, how HIV-related stigma leads to depression among Chinese HIV-positive MSM is still unclear. As such, this study aims to examine the relationships between perceived HIV stigma, social support, resilience, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms among HIV-positive MSM in China. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among 347 HIV-positive MSM from July to August 2016 in Nanjing, China. Measurements were sociodemographic and psychological constructs including perceived HIV stigma, social support, resilience, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships among these constructs. Overall,134 (38.6%) participants had depressive symptoms. Perceived stigma was directly associated with depressive symptoms (β = .196, p < .001). Perceived stigma also indirectly affected depressive symptoms (β = .200, p < .001)through social support and self-esteem. Social support (β = -.124, p = .004) and self-esteem (β = -.536, p = .001), but not resilience, were direct predictors of depressive symptoms. Resilience was directly associated with self-esteem (β = .512, p < .001). Perceived HIV stigma could directly and indirectly impact depressive symptoms in HIV-positive MSM. Improving personal self-esteem, resilience and social support might reduce impact of perceived stigma on depressive symptoms among HIV-positive MSM in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yan
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Li
- b Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , USA
| | - Wei Wang
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Yinmei Yang
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Yao
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Ningxi Yang
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyue Li
- a School of Health Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan , People's Republic of China
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Hu Y, Zhong XN, Peng B, Zhang Y, Liang H, Dai JH, Zhang J, Zhong XH, Huang AL. Comparison of depression and anxiety between HIV-negative men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) and men who have sex with men only (MSMO): a cross-sectional study in Western China. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023498. [PMID: 30610021 PMCID: PMC6326305 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the prevalence of depression, anxiety and comorbidity between HIV-negative men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) and men who have sex with men only (MSMO) and examine the associated factors with depression and anxiety separately. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING The study was conducted in Western China. PARTICIPANTS From April 2013 to October 2014, 2422 participants aged 18-65 years, who were male at birth, had engaged in sex with male partners in the past 6 months, self-reported negative or unknown HIV status, were willing to participate and provided informed consent were recruited using non-probability sampling. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. A total of 1809 HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) were eligible for the final analysis. RESULTS Of 1809 MSM, 16.1% were MSMW and 83.9% were MSMO. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and comorbidity was 50.86%, 36.43% and 32.65%, respectively, for MSMW; these results were higher than those for MSMO (35.18%, 23.52% and 18.91%, respectively). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the prevalence of depression and anxiety was higher among MSMW than among MSMO. The prevalence of depression and/or anxiety was associated with young age, lower educational level, lower monthly income, lower HIV score and some risky sexual behaviour (had never engaged in HIV counselling, had obtained commercial sexual services in the past 6 months and sometimes/always looked for sexual partners through the internet). The prevalence of depression and anxiety was lower for those who drank less than once a week than for those who never drank. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest the need to address mental health among MSMW. Future health intervention strategies should integrate mental health services and traditional HIV prevention programmes and should consider the differences between MSMW and MSMO. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR-TRC-13003849; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hu
- Department of Health Statistics and Information Management, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Ni Zhong
- Department of Health Statistics and Information Management, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Peng
- Department of Health Statistics and Information Management, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Health Statistics and Information Management, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiang-Hong Dai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Juying Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhong
- Hospital of Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ai-Long Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Magno L, Silva LAVD, Guimarães MDC, Veras MADSM, Deus LFAD, Leal AF, Knauth DR, Brito AMD, Rocha GM, Lima LNGC, Kendall C, Motta-Castro ARC, Kerr LRFS, Mota RMS, Merchan-Hamann E, Dourado IC. Discrimination based on sexual orientation against MSM in Brazil: a latent class analysis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2019; 22Suppl 1:e190003. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-549720190003.supl.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: Discrimination based on sexual orientation can influence vulnerability to HIV, increasing exposure to risky sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). Objectives: To analyze data using latent class analysis (LCA) to identify groups of individuals with specific patterns of discrimination based on sexual orientation (DSO). Methods: Cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. LCA was used to characterize discrimination among MSM based on 13 variables in the survey questionnaire. The proportions of men reporting DSO and other variables of interest were estimated using Gile’s Successive Sampling estimator. Results: Most MSM were young, single, had a religion, had a high school or college degree, black or brown skin color, and socioeconomic status classified as average. More than half of the participants reported that they had been discriminated against during the last 12 months due to their sexual orientation (65%), more than a third said they had felt afraid of walking in public places during the past 12 months, and about one-fifth of participants reported having been victims of physical or sexual assault due to DSO. DSO was classified into four latent classes: “very high”, “high”, “moderate” and “low”, with estimates of 2.2%, 16.4%, 35.1%, and 46.19%, respectively. Conclusion: We observed a high proportion of discrimination against MSM in this study. The use of LCA differentiated parsimoniously classes of discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laio Magno
- State University of Bahia, Brazil; Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carl Kendall
- Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, United States
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Wang N, Wang S, Qian HZ, Ruan Y, Amico KR, Vermund SH, Yin L, Qiu X, Zheng S. Negative associations between general self-efficacy and anxiety/depression among newly HIV-diagnosed men who have sex with men in Beijing, China. AIDS Care 2018; 31:629-635. [PMID: 30466302 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1549721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the association between general self-efficacy and depression/anxiety among newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, our study evaluated the baseline survey data of MSM taking part in a clinical trial among Chinese MSM in Beijing. The baseline survey of the trial was conducted between March 2013 and March 2014. General self-efficacy and depression/anxiety were measured using standard scales. Logistic regression and cumulative logistic regression were used to evaluate the associations between general self-efficacy and depression/anxiety. A total of 367 newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese MSM in Beijing were recruited. There were negative associations between general self-efficacy and depression/anxiety among the study population. As general self-efficacy increased by one unit, the odds of "likely" or "borderline" depression versus normal, or "likely" depression versus "borderline" depression or normal decreased by 12% [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-0.92] after adjusting for potential confounders. Similarly, general self-efficacy was negatively associated with anxiety (AOR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.86-0.93). A higher level of general self-efficacy was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety among newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese MSM. Interventions promoting overall health and wellness should address self-efficacy, depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- a School of Public Health , Guangxi Medical University , Nanning , People's Republic of China.,b School of Public Health , Guilin Medical University , Guilin , People's Republic of China
| | - Suhua Wang
- c School of Public Health , Baotou Medical College , Baotou , People's Republic of China
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- d Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville , TN , USA
| | - Yuhua Ruan
- e State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - K Rivet Amico
- f Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- d Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville , TN , USA
| | - Lu Yin
- d Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville , TN , USA
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- a School of Public Health , Guangxi Medical University , Nanning , People's Republic of China
| | - Shimin Zheng
- g Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health , East Tennessee State University , Johnson City , TN , USA
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Gulevich OA, Osin EN, Isaenko NA, Brainis LM. Scrutinizing Homophobia: A Model of Perception of Homosexuals in Russia. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2017; 65:1838-1866. [PMID: 29016250 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2017.1391017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to develop and validate a model of associations of perceived threat of homosexuals with lay beliefs about causes of homosexuality, group entitativity of homosexuals, approval of social action strategies targeting homosexuals, and support for their rights using original Russian-language measures. We tested the model in two samples of social network users (n = 1,007) and student respondents (n = 292) using structural equation modeling and path analysis. Attribution of homosexuality to social causes was a positive predictor of perceived threat of homosexuals, whereas biological causes showed an inverse effect. Perceived threat predicted approval of discriminatory strategies targeting homosexuals and lack of support for their rights and fully mediated the effects of causal beliefs on these variables. Group entitativity of homosexuals was a positive predictor of perceived threat and a significant moderator of its effects on support for punishment and medical treatment of homosexuals. We discuss the findings with reference to the Russian social context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Gulevich
- a Department of Psychology , Laboratory for Experimental and Behavioural Economics, National Research University Higher School of Economics , Moscow Russia
| | - Evgeny N Osin
- b Department of Psychology , International Laboratory for Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, National Research University Higher School of Economics , Moscow Russia
| | | | - Lilia M Brainis
- d "Kamchatka" Camp , Mändjala, Saaremaa, Kaarma Vald , Estonia
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Abstract
In a Perspective, Chris Beyrer and coauthors discuss the threat of HIV to health in the Russian Federation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Beyrer
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrea L. Wirtz
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - George O’Hara
- Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Nolwenn Léon
- Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michel Kazatchkine
- Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Geneva, Switzerland
- Global Health Center, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
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