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Avallone F, Hickson F. Sexual Health Needs Among Men Who Engage in Transactional Sex with Men in the UK. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:2397-2404. [PMID: 38467959 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02838-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Men who engage in transactional sex with men (MTSM) are a high-risk population for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Epidemiological data have so far included them in the broad category of men who have sex with men (MSM), while research on transactional sex typically focused on female sex workers. The internet has substantially changed sex work practices and earlier findings concerning the sexual health needs of MTSM may no longer be applicable. We analyzed quantitative data from MSM based in the UK (n = 11629) taking part in the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS-2017). Compared to non-MTSM, MTSM (n = 230; 2%) were younger, more likely to self-identify as an ethnic minority, be single, have lower education levels, struggle financially, and-controlling for age-more likely to be living with diagnosed HIV. Commonly unmet needs among all MSM were a lack of confidence in accessing HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, uncertainty about HIV status, and ignorance of where to access hepatitis vaccinations. Compared with other MSM, MTSM were notably less satisfied with the safety of their sexual practices, less confident in their ability to maintain sexual boundaries, and more likely to engage in risk because of absent precautionary resources. Given their greater opportunity for sexual risk, as well as fewer resources for negotiating safety, our findings suggest that services should prioritize MTSM in HIV prevention and sexual health promotion, including assertiveness and social skills training, in addition to knowledge-based education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Avallone
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3S 1Z1, Canada.
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Ford Hickson
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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2
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Arrington-Sanders R, Galai N, Falade-Nwulia O, Hammond C, Wirtz A, Beyrer C, Arteaga A, Celentano D. Patterns of Polysubstance Use in Young Black and Latinx Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women and Its Association with Sexual Partnership Factors: The PUSH Study. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:317-328. [PMID: 38146133 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2267655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Background: Adult studies have demonstrated that polysubstance use increases HIV acquisition risk through increased sexual behaviors, however, few studies have examined polysubstance in young Black and Latinx sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women (TW). Methods: We used cross-sectional data from 466 young Black and Latinx SMM and TW living in four high HIV-burden US cities enrolled in the PUSH Study, a status-neutral randomized control trial to increase HIV prevention and treatment adherence. We examined data for patterns of polysubstance use comparing age differences of use and explored associations between substance use and sexual partnership factors - inconsistent condom use, pressure to have condomless anal sex, and older partner, using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Most participants described prior substance use with alcohol and cannabis being most common (76% each) and 23% described other illicit drug use, including stimulants, cocaine, hallucinogens, sedatives, opioids, and inhalants. Polysubstance use was common with nearly half (47%) of participants reporting alcohol and cannabis use, 20% reporting alcohol, cannabis, and one other illicit drug use, and 19% reporting alcohol or cannabis use plus one other illicit drug use. Polysubstance use was associated with greater adjusted odds of pressure to have condomless anal sex, older partner (>5 years older), and inconsistent condom use. Conclusions: Associations of polysubstance use with sexual practices and sexual partnerships that are known predictors of HIV acquisition or transmission among Black and Latinx SMM and TW underscore the need for combination interventions that include substance use treatment alongside antiretroviral-based and partner-based HIV prevention and treatment interventions.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03194477.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Arrington-Sanders
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Noya Galai
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of Haifa, Mt Carmel, Israel
| | - Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher Hammond
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea Wirtz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aubrey Arteaga
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David Celentano
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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3
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Lipira LE, Glick JL, German D, Glick SN, Moreno C, Elimam D, Brantley ML, Pichon LC, Barak N, Booth MM, Flynn C, Menza T. Type of Exchange Sex and Associated Behaviors and Outcomes Among Cisgender Men and Women at Increased Risk for HIV via Heterosexual Transmission in Six U.S. Metropolitan Areas. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:3313-3327. [PMID: 37612535 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02663-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Exchange sex is associated with sexual risk behaviors and poor outcomes and different types may incur different levels of risk. We assessed risk profiles of different types of exchange sex among non-injecting cisgender men and women who participated in the 2019 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance project at six sites. Six percent of men and 19% of women reported exchange sex in the past year; most engaged in non-commercial exchange sex for drugs/money with smaller percentages reporting formal sex work or non-commercial exchange sex for goods or services other than drugs/money. Exchange sex was associated with sexual risk and prevention behaviors and psychosocial and sexual health outcomes and associations varied by type of exchange sex. Efforts to improve access to STI/HIV testing and PrEP may benefit from tailoring based on type of exchange sex. Findings indicate value in a broader definition of exchange sex with follow-up assessment of exchange sex typology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Lipira
- Regional Research Institute, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, 800 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR, 97232, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Glick
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Danielle German
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sara N Glick
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health-Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Courtney Moreno
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health-Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dena Elimam
- Epidemiology Section, Georgia Department of Public Health, Division of Health Protection, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Meredith L Brantley
- HIV/STI/Viral Hepatitis Section, Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Latrice C Pichon
- Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Colin Flynn
- Maryland Department of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Timothy Menza
- Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, 800 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR, 97232, USA
- Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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4
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Biello KB, Chan PA, Holcomb R, Ndoye CD, Valente PK, Maynard M, Gandhi M, Mayer KH, Mimiaga MJ. PrEPare for Work: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an Intervention to Optimize HIV PrEP Outcomes Among Male Sex Workers. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3294-3305. [PMID: 36976389 PMCID: PMC10753039 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04050-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is limited among male sex workers, who are at exceptionally high-risk for HIV infection. We developed a theory-informed, two-pronged intervention ("PrEPare-for-Work") to optimize PrEP initiation and adherence among male sex workers, which was preliminarily evaluated in a two-stage pilot randomized controlled trial of 110 male sex workers in the US Northeast. Individuals randomized to the Stage 1 PrEPare-for-Work Case Management arm were three times as likely as those in the standard of care (SOC) arm to initiate PrEP (RR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.57-5.57). Participants who initiated PrEP and were randomized to the Stage 2 PrEPare-for-Work Adherence Counseling arm had higher rates of prevention-effective adherence (measured via tenofovir in hair) compared to those in the SOC arm (RR = 1.7, 95% CI 0.64-4.77; 55.6% vs. 28.6%, respectively); though not statistically significant. Given the need and the promise of this pilot RCT, further efficacy testing is warranted and should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- , 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Philip A Chan
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Open Door Health, Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, RI, USA
- Rhode Island Department of Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Waterbury, CT, USA
| | - Michaela Maynard
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Open Door Health, Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), CA, USA
| | | | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Center for LGBTQ Advocacy, Research, and Health (C-LARAH), Los Angeles, CA, USA
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5
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Driver R, Schneider JA, Hickson DA, Timmins L, Brewer RA, Goedel WC, Duncan DT. Sexual Orientation, HIV Vulnerability-Enhancing Behaviors and HIV Status Neutral Care Among Black Cisgender Sexual Minority Men in the Deep South: The N2 Cohort Study. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2592-2605. [PMID: 36648630 PMCID: PMC11034832 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03984-7] [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: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Black sexual minority men (SMM) in the Deep South are heavily impacted by HIV; yet studies fail to consider discordance across aspects of sexual orientation (i.e., identity, attraction, behavior) or how a lack of concordance enhances vulnerability to HIV. We sought to explore the overlap across aspects of sexual orientation and examine associations between each aspect and the number of sexual partners who engaged in HIV vulnerability-enhancing behaviors, and HIV prevention and care outcomes. A total of 204 Black SMM completed surveys, reporting their sexual identity, attraction, and behavior (i.e., sex with men only vs. sex with men and women), number of condomless sex or transactional sex (e.g., buyers vs. sellers) partners in the past 6 months, and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or antiretroviral therapy (ART) among users. Less than one in four participants (22.5%) reported overlap in same-sex sexual orientations, while 17.1% of bisexual men reported overlap across aspects. In multivariable models, differences were found in how aspects of sexual orientation were associated with the number of partners who bought or sold sex; as well as how often participants tested for HIV in the past 12 months. Results suggest different aspects of sexual orientation have implications for addressing HIV among Black SMM in the Deep South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Redd Driver
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - John A Schneider
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Crown School of Social Work, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Liadh Timmins
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | | | - William C Goedel
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Remch M, Scheidell JD, Cleland CM, Turpin R, Duncan DT, Dyer TT, Kaufman JS, Mazumdar M, Brewer R, Feelemyer J, Mayer KH, Khan MR. Mediation of the Effect of Incarceration on Selling Sex Among Black Sexual Minority Men and Black Transgender Women in the HPTN 061 Study. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2791-2802. [PMID: 36746876 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04003-5] [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: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Incarceration among Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women (BSMM/BTW) is disproportionately high in the United States. Limited research has documented the disruptive effect of incarceration on sexual networks and sexual partnership exchange among BSMM/BTW. We estimate the influence of incarceration on selling sex and mediating pathways among 1169 BSMM/BTW enrolled in the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 061 cohort to assess this relationship. Mediators investigated were social support, violence, illicit drug use, and distress due to experienced racism and homophobia. During the 6 months following baseline, 14% of the cohort was incarcerated, including 24% of BTW. After adjustment, recent incarceration was associated with 1.57 (95% CI 1.02, 2.42) times the risk of subsequently selling sex. The hypothesized mediators together explained 25% of the relationship, with an indirect effect risk ratio of 1.09 (95% CI 0.97, 1.24). Our results document an association and call for more research investigating mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Remch
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, CB 7435, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Joy D Scheidell
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Charles M Cleland
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rodman Turpin
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University College of Public Health, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Typhanye T Dyer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jay S Kaufman
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Medha Mazumdar
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Russell Brewer
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jonathan Feelemyer
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria R Khan
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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7
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Kisaakye P, Bukuluki P, Nabulya A, Nakijoba B, Kasirye R, Mutaawe R. Substance use and watching pornography are drivers of transactional sex: evidence from young women receiving care from Uganda Youth Development Link. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2023.2183907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kisaakye
- Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics and Planning, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Bukuluki
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anna Nabulya
- Department of Programmes and Research, Uganda Youth Development Link, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barbara Nakijoba
- Department of Programmes and Research, Uganda Youth Development Link, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rogers Kasirye
- Department of Programmes and Research, Uganda Youth Development Link, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rogers Mutaawe
- Department of Programmes and Research, Uganda Youth Development Link, Kampala, Uganda
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8
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Freeman JQ, Cha S, Wejnert C, Baugher A. Physical and Sexual Violence and Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in 22 U.S. Cities-National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, 2017. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:NP37-NP59. [PMID: 35365046 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221078821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
National prevalence of physical and sexual violence and its relationship to sexual behaviors are unknown among men who have sex with men (MSM). We estimated 12-month prevalence of physical and sexual violence and assessed relationships between violence and sexual behaviors among MSM. Data were obtained from National HIV Behavioral Surveillance 2017 that used time-space sampling methods to recruit and interview MSM in 22 U.S. cities. Weighted percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% CIs were calculated using logistic regression with predicted marginal means. Overall, 10.2% (95% CI: 9.3%-11.2%) of MSM experienced physical violence only, 3.2% (95% CI: 2.7%-3.7%) experienced sexual violence only, and 2.3% (95% CI: 1.9%-2.7%) experienced both types of violence, in the past 12 months. Compared to MSM who did not experience violence, those who did reported higher percentages of unemployment, poverty, homelessness, same-sex discrimination, non-injection drug use, and binge drinking. Violence was not independently associated with condomless anal sex among MSM. MSM who experienced both types of violence were more likely than those who did not experience violence to have had four or more male sex partners (aPR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.37). MSM who experienced both types of violence (aPR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.52-4.09), sexual violence (aPR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.47-3.52), or physical violence (aPR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.27-2.44) were more likely than those who did not experience violence to have had exchange sex. Recent physical violence and sexual violence are common among MSM. Findings highlight the importance of violence screening and suggest the need for tailored interventions that improve the safety and economic security of MSM who experience violence, including those who exchange sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincong Q Freeman
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Susan Cha
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cyprian Wejnert
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amy Baugher
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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9
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Ellis MS, Kasper ZA, Takenaka B, Buttram ME, Shacham E. Associations of Transactional Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Treatment-Seeking Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder. Am J Prev Med 2023; 64:17-25. [PMID: 36085260 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coinciding with the rise in opioid use across the U.S., the rates of sexually transmitted infections have reached historically high levels, underscoring the need to understand multiple pathways of disease spread. Although prevention is often focused on injection-related behaviors, this study sought to identify the prevalence and associations of a little understood pathway, transactional sex, among individuals with opioid use disorder, including associations of transactional sex with the prevalence of sexually transmitted infection diagnoses. METHODS Data were sourced from a nationwide opioid surveillance program of treatment-seeking individuals with opioid use disorder utilizing a serial, cross-sectional survey of 4,366 new entrants to 1 of 99 substance use treatment programs for opioid use disorder in 37 states from October 2018 to June 2021. RESULTS A quarter of the sample (24.9%) self-reported a lifetime history of transactional sex for drugs, with rates highest for sexual (56.6%) and gender (53.8%) minority, female (33.4%), Latinx (30.4%), and Black (29.6%) subgroupings. Lifetime diagnoses of all specific sexually transmitted infections analyzed were significantly higher (p<0.001) among those reporting transactional sex, particularly syphilis (14.3% vs 4.4%) and HIV (4.0 vs 0.9%). Financial hardship, trauma, and psychiatric disorder were significantly associated with transactional sex engagement. CONCLUSIONS Transactional sex is relatively common among patients with opioid use disorder, particularly among sexual/gender minorities, which was associated with a greater lifetime prevalence of all sexually transmitted infections assessed. Sexually transmitted infection testing remains at low levels within substance use treatment programs, occurring in just 26.3% of programs; sexual health screenings and sexually transmitted infection prevention/testing need to be prioritized and integrated into opioid use disorder patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.
| | - Zachary A Kasper
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Bryce Takenaka
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, St Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Mance E Buttram
- Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, College of Education and Health Professions, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
| | - Enbal Shacham
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, St Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri
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10
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Causevic S, Salazar M, Ekström AM, Berglund T, Ingemarsdotter Persson K, Jonsson M, Jonsson J, Strömdahl S. Prevalence and risk factors for transactional sex among Swedish-born and foreign-born MSM in Sweden. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2412. [PMID: 36550432 PMCID: PMC9774071 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14764-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about transactional sex (TS) (selling and buying sex) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sweden, especially among foreign-born MSM. This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of TS (ever and in the previous five years) among MSM living in Sweden and to determine if there is a difference between Swedish-born MSM and foreign-born MSM. METHODS Swedish data from a multicountry online banner survey (EMIS-2017) was used (n = 4443). Multivariable regression analysis was applied to analyse the data. RESULTS The prevalence of ever-selling sex among all MSM participants was 13.2% and 5.9% in the previous five years. Selling sex ever and in the previous five years was higher among foreign-born MSM (16% and 8.4%, respectively) than Swedish-born MSM (12.7% and 5.4%, respectively). Among all participants, younger age (aOR:3.19, 95% CI:1.57-6.45) and really struggling to live on current income (aOR:3.37, 95% CI:2.29-4.96) increased the odds of selling sex. Being foreign-born MSM (aOR:1.33, 95% CI:1.02-1.73) and having had sex with a woman in the previous 12 months increased the odds of selling sex (aOR:1.44, 95% CI:1.00-2.07). The prevalence of ever buying sex among MSM participants in Sweden was 10.8% and 6.7% in the previous five years, with the same trend among foreign-born MSM (11.6% and 6.9%, respectively) and Swedish-born MSM (10.7% and 6.6%, respectively). Higher education and not having a current partner increased the odds of buying sex. Younger age was protective for buying sex (aOR:0.05, 95% CI:0.02-0.14). Among the foreign-born MSM, the length of stay in Sweden decreased the odds of buying sex (aOR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96-0.99). CONCLUSIONS The comparatively high prevalence of TS among MSM participants in Sweden, where buying sex is illegal, with a higher prevalence among foreign-born MSM participants, calls for sexual and reproductive health and rights interventions in this population. Increased attention, including HIV prevention programming and education, should be aimed at younger MSM, MSM struggling with their current income, and foreign-born MSM, as they are more likely to report selling sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Causevic
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mariano Salazar
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Mia Ekström
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden ,Department of Infectious Diseases, South Central Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torsten Berglund
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Ingemarsdotter Persson
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Jonsson
- The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Rights (Riksförbundet För Homosexuellas, Bisexuellas, Transpersoners, Queeras Och Intersexpersoners Rättigheter, RFSL), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Jonsson
- The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Rights (Riksförbundet För Homosexuellas, Bisexuellas, Transpersoners, Queeras Och Intersexpersoners Rättigheter, RFSL), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Strömdahl
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457 Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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11
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Chandler CJ, Adams BJ, Eaton LA, Meunier É, Andrade E, Bukowski LA, Stall RD, Friedman MR. Intersectional Experienced Stigma and Psychosocial Syndemic Conditions in a Sample of Black Men Who Have Sex with Men Engaged in Sex Work (BMSM-SW) from Six US Cities. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:920-930. [PMID: 35580257 PMCID: PMC9835797 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2072799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in the United States experience a disproportionate burden of violence, substance use, physical and mental health conditions relative to other racial groups. BMSM who engage in sex work (BMSM-SW) experience a high burden of psychosocial conditions, sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and intersectional stigma. This analysis characterizes remuneration and client typologies for BMSM-SW, documents intersectional stigma experienced by BMSM-SW relative to other BMSM, and explores the impact of experienced intersectional stigma on the relationship between sex work engagement and psychosocial syndemic conditions (violence, polydrug use, and depression symptoms). Results show that a majority of BMSM-SW in the sample had female clients and that sex workers were more likely than other BMSM to hire another sex worker. BMSM-SW were more likely than other BMSM to report stigma attributed to race; sexuality; HIV status; socioeconomic status; and "other" attributes, and were more likely to report experiencing stigma across all settings assessed (schools; healthcare; employment; housing; police/courts; and in public/community). Intersectional stigma mediated the relationship between sex work engagement and psychosocial syndemic conditions, accounting for 49% (95% CI: 47.6-50.0%) of the relationship. Interventions for BMSM-SW should include resilience-building components to counteract the effects of intersectional stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian J. Chandler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, USA 37203
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15261
| | - Brian J. Adams
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15261
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15261
| | - Lisa A. Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Étienne Meunier
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
| | - Elí Andrade
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15261
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15261
| | - Leigh A. Bukowski
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15261
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15261
| | - Ronald D. Stall
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15261
| | - M. Reuel Friedman
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15261
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15261
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12
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Blair CS, Needleman J, Javanbakht M, Comulada WS, Ragsdale A, Bolan R, Shoptaw S, Gorbach PM. Risk Behaviors Associated with Patterns of Sexualized Stimulant and Alcohol Use among Men Who Have Sex with Men: a Latent Class Analysis. J Urban Health 2022; 99:293-304. [PMID: 35028876 PMCID: PMC9033896 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-021-00600-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Substance use during sexual encounters (sexualized substance use) is an important driver of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) disparities that are experienced by men who have sex with men (MSM). This analysis aimed to identify patterns of sexualized substance use and their associations with HIV risk behaviors. We utilized visit-level data from a longitudinal cohort of predominantly Black/Latinx MSM, half with HIV and half with substance use in Los Angeles, California. Every 6 months from 8/2014 to 3/2020, participants underwent STI testing and completed surveys on demographics, sexualized substance use (stimulant and/or alcohol intoxication during oral sex, receptive anal intercourse [RAI] and/or insertive anal intercourse [IAI]), transactional sex, biomedical HIV prevention (pre-/post-exposure prophylaxis use or undetectable viral load), and depressive symptoms. Latent class analysis was used to identify patterns of sexualized substance use. Multinomial logit models evaluated risk behaviors associated with latent classes. Among 2386 study visits from 540 participants, 5 classes were identified: no substance use, sexualized stimulant use, sexualized alcohol use, sexualized stimulant and alcohol use, and stimulant/alcohol use during oral sex and RAI. Compared to the no sexualized substance use class, sexualized stimulant use was associated with transactional sex, current diagnosis of STIs, not using HIV biomedical prevention, and depressive symptoms. Sexualized alcohol use had fewer associations with HIV risk behaviors. Patterns of sexual activities, and the substances that are used during those activities, confer different risk behavior profiles for HIV/STI transmission and demonstrate the potential utility of interventions that combine substance use treatment with HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheríe S Blair
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 LeConte Avenue, CHS 52-215, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Jack Needleman
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marjan Javanbakht
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - W Scott Comulada
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amy Ragsdale
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 LeConte Avenue, CHS 52-215, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert Bolan
- Health and Mental Health Services, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pamina M Gorbach
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 LeConte Avenue, CHS 52-215, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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13
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Armstrong HL, Sang JM, Skala A, Wang L, Zhu J, Lachowsky NJ, Card KG, Benoit C, Olarewaju G, Hogg RS, Moore DM, Roth EA. Factors associated with transactional sex among a cohort of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Vancouver, Canada. Sex Health 2021; 18:487-497. [PMID: 34844666 DOI: 10.1071/sh21128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) who engage in transactional sex (sex in exchange for drugs, money, or goods) experience increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV. This study explored additional psychosocial and health-related factors associated with transactional sex among GBM. Methods Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit GBM in Vancouver, Canada, from 2012 to 2015, with follow up every 6months until July2019. We examined factors associated with transactional sex using multivariable three-level mixed-effects modelling. Results Among 698 GBM, 22.1% reported ever receiving drugs, money, or goods for sex. Transactional sex was more likely to be reported by GBM who were younger (<30years) and who had lower incomes, less education, and insecure housing. GBM reporting transactional sex were more likely to report substance use (i.e. crystal methamphetamine, poppers, GHB, and non-steroid injection drugs) and higher risk sexual behaviours (i.e. more sex partners, sex party attendance, and condomless anal sex with serodifferent or unknown HIV status partners); however, they were no more likely to be living with HIV or to report a recent bacterial STI diagnosis. GBM who reported higher loneliness, anxiety, and cognitive escape were also more likely to report transactional sex. Conclusions More than one-fifth of GBM in Vancouver reported transactional sex and those who did were more likely to also experience psychosocial stressors, increased substance use, and higher risk sexual behaviours. Programs which consider the interconnections of personal, social, and structural challenges faced by GBM engaging in transactional sex are necessary to support improved mental, physical, and sexual health for these men.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordan M Sang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ales Skala
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julia Zhu
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Gbolahan Olarewaju
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eric A Roth
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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14
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Ensuring survey research data integrity in the era of internet bots. QUALITY & QUANTITY 2021; 56:2841-2852. [PMID: 34629553 PMCID: PMC8490963 DOI: 10.1007/s11135-021-01252-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We used an internet-based survey platform to conduct a cross-sectional survey regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the LGBTQ + population in the United States. While this method of data collection was quick and inexpensive, the data collected required extensive cleaning due to the infiltration of bots. Based on this experience, we provide recommendations for ensuring data integrity. Recruitment conducted between May 7 and 8, 2020 resulted in an initial sample of 1251 responses. The Qualtrics survey was disseminated via social media and professional association listservs. After noticing data discrepancies, research staff developed a rigorous data cleaning protocol. A second wave of recruitment was conducted on June 11–12, 2020 using the original recruitment methods. The five-step data cleaning protocol led to the removal of 773 (61.8%) surveys from the initial dataset, resulting in a sample of 478 participants in the first wave of data collection. The protocol led to the removal of 46 (31.9%) surveys from the second two-day wave of data collection, resulting in a sample of 98 participants in the second wave of data collection. After verifying the two-day pilot process was effective at screening for bots, the survey was reopened for a third wave of data collection resulting in a total of 709 responses, which were identified as an additional 514 (72.5%) valid participants and led to the removal of an additional 194 (27.4%) possible bots. The final analytic sample consists of 1090 participants. Although a useful and efficient research tool, especially among hard-to-reach populations, internet-based research is vulnerable to bots and mischievous responders, despite survey platforms’ built-in protections. Beyond the depletion of research funds, bot infiltration threatens data integrity and may disproportionately harm research with marginalized populations. Based on our experience, we recommend the use of strategies such as qualitative questions, duplicate demographic questions, and incentive raffles to reduce likelihood of mischievous respondents. These protections can be undertaken to ensure data integrity and facilitate research on vulnerable populations.
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15
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Scheer JR, Clark KA, Maiolatesi AJ, Pachankis JE. Syndemic Profiles and Sexual Minority Men's HIV-Risk Behavior: A Latent Class Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2825-2841. [PMID: 33483851 PMCID: PMC8295412 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01850-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Syndemic theory posits that "syndemic conditions" (e.g., alcohol misuse, polydrug use, suicidality) co-occur among sexual minority men and influence HIV-risk behavior, namely HIV acquisition and transmission risk. To examine how four syndemic conditions cluster among sexual minority men and contribute to HIV-risk behavior, we conducted latent class analysis (LCA) to: (1) classify sexual minority men (n = 937) into subgroups based on their probability of experiencing each syndemic condition; (2) examine the demographic (e.g., race/ethnicity) and social status (e.g., level of socioeconomic distress) characteristics of the most optimally fitting four syndemic classes; (3) examine between-group differences in HIV-risk behavior across classes; and (4) use syndemic class membership to predict HIV-risk behavior with sexual minority men reporting no syndemic conditions as the reference group. The four classes were: (1) no syndemic, (2) alcohol misuse and polydrug use syndemic, (3) polydrug use and HIV syndemic, and (4) alcohol misuse. HIV-risk behavior differed across these latent classes. Demographic and social status characteristics predicted class membership, suggesting that syndemic conditions disproportionately co-occur in vulnerable subpopulations of sexual minority men, such as those experiencing high socioeconomic distress. When predicting HIV-risk behavior, men in the polydrug use and HIV syndemic class were more likely (Adjusted Risk Ratio [ARR] = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.05, 8.21) and men in the alcohol misuse class were less likely (ARR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.44) to report HIV-risk behavior than were men in the no syndemic class. LCA represents a promising methodology to inform the development and delivery of tailored interventions targeting distinct combinations of syndemic conditions to reduce sexual minority men's HIV-risk behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian R Scheer
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
| | - Kirsty A Clark
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anthony J Maiolatesi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John E Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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16
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Ogunbajo A, Abubakari GM, Edeza A, Iwuagwu S, Williams R, Biello K, Mimiaga MJ. Transactional Sex Is Associated with Income Level and Psychosocial Health Problems among Gay and Bisexual Men (GBM) in Nigeria, Africa. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:706-712. [PMID: 33284044 PMCID: PMC8180523 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1854649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Gay and bisexual men (GBM) who report engagement in transactional sex are at increased risk for HIV acquisition. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of transactional sex and its association with demographic characteristics, social marginalization, HIV sexual risk behaviors, psychosocial health problems, and access to healthcare services among a multi-site sample of GBM in Nigeria. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine factors associated with engagement in transactional sex in the previous 3 months. More than a third (39.6%) of the participants reported engagement in transactional sex in the previous 3 months. In the multivariable model, factors associated with engagement in transactional sex included: reporting a monthly income of 30,000 Naira [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.98; 95% CI: 1.12 to 3.35], compared to 30,000 or more Naira monthly income, reporting 4 or more receptive anal sex acts in the previous 30 days (aOR 2.45; 95% CI: 1.31 to 4.57) compared to reporting none, and having depressive symptoms (aOR 1.82; 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.14). There is an urgent need for interventions that address the economic disenfranchisement and psychosocial problems experienced by GBM in Nigeria, which has implications for sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adedotun Ogunbajo
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Corresponding Author: Adedotun Ogunbajo, PhD, MPH, MHS, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115,
| | - Gamji M’Rabiu Abubakari
- Yale AIDS Prevention Training Program (Y-APT), Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health/Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Alberto Edeza
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | | | - Rashidi Williams
- Equality Triangle for Health and Peoples Development Initiative, Warri, Delta, Nigeria
| | - Katie Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States of America
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Mimiaga
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States of America
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, United States of America
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17
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Ramos SR, Lardier DT, Opara I, Turpin RE, Boyd DT, Gutierrez JI, Williams CN, Nelson LE, Kershaw T. Intersectional Effects of Sexual Orientation Concealment, Internalized Homophobia, and Gender Expression on Sexual Identity and HIV Risk Among Sexual Minority Men of Color: A Path Analysis. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2021; 32:495-511. [PMID: 34101701 PMCID: PMC8221709 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In the United States, 13 million people identify as sexual and gender minorities. The purposes of this article were to (a) examine the associations among sexual orientation concealment and internalized homophobia with HIV knowledge, health literacy, and transactional sex through sexual identity; and (b) assess whether gender expression moderates those relationships in sexual minority men of color. A multigroup mediation path model examined the association between sexual orientation concealment and internalized homophobia on HIV knowledge, health literacy, and transactional sex through sexual identity by gender expression. Results suggest that, among those with a masculine gender expression, as sexual concealment increased, health literacy decreased. The association between sexual orientation concealment and transactional sex varied by participant's gender expression as did the association between internalized homophobia and HIV knowledge. Multiple intersecting identities, when faced with anticipated discrimination and homophobia, can negatively affect health outcomes and increase HIV risk in sexual minority men of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Raquel Ramos
- S. Raquel Ramos, PhD, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. David T. Lardier, Jr., PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, and Affiliate Faculty, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Ijeoma Opara, PhD, MSW, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Rodman E. Turpin, PhD, MS, is a Research Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA. Donte T. Boyd, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. José I. Gutierrez, Jr., PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, is a National Clinician Scholar postdoctoral fellow, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. Chase Nicole Williams, BSN(c), is a Nursing Student, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. LaRon E. Nelson, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAAN, is the Associate Dean, Global Affairs & Planetary Health, and Independence Foundation Professor and Associate Professor of Nursing, Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA. Trace Kershaw, PhD, is the Department Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Public Health and Director Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - David T. Lardier
- S. Raquel Ramos, PhD, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. David T. Lardier, Jr., PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, and Affiliate Faculty, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Ijeoma Opara, PhD, MSW, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Rodman E. Turpin, PhD, MS, is a Research Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA. Donte T. Boyd, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. José I. Gutierrez, Jr., PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, is a National Clinician Scholar postdoctoral fellow, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. Chase Nicole Williams, BSN(c), is a Nursing Student, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. LaRon E. Nelson, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAAN, is the Associate Dean, Global Affairs & Planetary Health, and Independence Foundation Professor and Associate Professor of Nursing, Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA. Trace Kershaw, PhD, is the Department Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Public Health and Director Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ijeoma Opara
- S. Raquel Ramos, PhD, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. David T. Lardier, Jr., PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, and Affiliate Faculty, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Ijeoma Opara, PhD, MSW, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Rodman E. Turpin, PhD, MS, is a Research Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA. Donte T. Boyd, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. José I. Gutierrez, Jr., PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, is a National Clinician Scholar postdoctoral fellow, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. Chase Nicole Williams, BSN(c), is a Nursing Student, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. LaRon E. Nelson, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAAN, is the Associate Dean, Global Affairs & Planetary Health, and Independence Foundation Professor and Associate Professor of Nursing, Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA. Trace Kershaw, PhD, is the Department Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Public Health and Director Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rodman E. Turpin
- S. Raquel Ramos, PhD, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. David T. Lardier, Jr., PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, and Affiliate Faculty, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Ijeoma Opara, PhD, MSW, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Rodman E. Turpin, PhD, MS, is a Research Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA. Donte T. Boyd, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. José I. Gutierrez, Jr., PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, is a National Clinician Scholar postdoctoral fellow, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. Chase Nicole Williams, BSN(c), is a Nursing Student, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. LaRon E. Nelson, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAAN, is the Associate Dean, Global Affairs & Planetary Health, and Independence Foundation Professor and Associate Professor of Nursing, Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA. Trace Kershaw, PhD, is the Department Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Public Health and Director Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Donte T. Boyd
- S. Raquel Ramos, PhD, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. David T. Lardier, Jr., PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, and Affiliate Faculty, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Ijeoma Opara, PhD, MSW, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Rodman E. Turpin, PhD, MS, is a Research Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA. Donte T. Boyd, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. José I. Gutierrez, Jr., PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, is a National Clinician Scholar postdoctoral fellow, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. Chase Nicole Williams, BSN(c), is a Nursing Student, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. LaRon E. Nelson, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAAN, is the Associate Dean, Global Affairs & Planetary Health, and Independence Foundation Professor and Associate Professor of Nursing, Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA. Trace Kershaw, PhD, is the Department Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Public Health and Director Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - José I. Gutierrez
- S. Raquel Ramos, PhD, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. David T. Lardier, Jr., PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, and Affiliate Faculty, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Ijeoma Opara, PhD, MSW, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Rodman E. Turpin, PhD, MS, is a Research Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA. Donte T. Boyd, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. José I. Gutierrez, Jr., PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, is a National Clinician Scholar postdoctoral fellow, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. Chase Nicole Williams, BSN(c), is a Nursing Student, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. LaRon E. Nelson, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAAN, is the Associate Dean, Global Affairs & Planetary Health, and Independence Foundation Professor and Associate Professor of Nursing, Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA. Trace Kershaw, PhD, is the Department Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Public Health and Director Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chase Nicole Williams
- S. Raquel Ramos, PhD, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. David T. Lardier, Jr., PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, and Affiliate Faculty, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Ijeoma Opara, PhD, MSW, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Rodman E. Turpin, PhD, MS, is a Research Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA. Donte T. Boyd, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. José I. Gutierrez, Jr., PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, is a National Clinician Scholar postdoctoral fellow, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. Chase Nicole Williams, BSN(c), is a Nursing Student, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. LaRon E. Nelson, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAAN, is the Associate Dean, Global Affairs & Planetary Health, and Independence Foundation Professor and Associate Professor of Nursing, Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA. Trace Kershaw, PhD, is the Department Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Public Health and Director Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - LaRon E. Nelson
- S. Raquel Ramos, PhD, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. David T. Lardier, Jr., PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, and Affiliate Faculty, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Ijeoma Opara, PhD, MSW, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Rodman E. Turpin, PhD, MS, is a Research Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA. Donte T. Boyd, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. José I. Gutierrez, Jr., PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, is a National Clinician Scholar postdoctoral fellow, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. Chase Nicole Williams, BSN(c), is a Nursing Student, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. LaRon E. Nelson, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAAN, is the Associate Dean, Global Affairs & Planetary Health, and Independence Foundation Professor and Associate Professor of Nursing, Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA. Trace Kershaw, PhD, is the Department Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Public Health and Director Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Trace Kershaw
- S. Raquel Ramos, PhD, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. David T. Lardier, Jr., PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, and Affiliate Faculty, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Ijeoma Opara, PhD, MSW, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Rodman E. Turpin, PhD, MS, is a Research Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA. Donte T. Boyd, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. José I. Gutierrez, Jr., PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, is a National Clinician Scholar postdoctoral fellow, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. Chase Nicole Williams, BSN(c), is a Nursing Student, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. LaRon E. Nelson, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAAN, is the Associate Dean, Global Affairs & Planetary Health, and Independence Foundation Professor and Associate Professor of Nursing, Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA. Trace Kershaw, PhD, is the Department Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Public Health and Director Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Ramos SR, Lardier DT, Boyd DT, Gutierrez JI, Carasso E, Houng D, Kershaw T. Profiles of HIV Risk, Sexual Power, and Decision-Making among Sexual Minority Men of Color Who Engage in Transactional Sex: A Latent Profile Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4961. [PMID: 34066948 PMCID: PMC8125585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Though the transmission of HIV is preventable, there were still 37,968 new documented cases in the United States in 2018. HIV incidence is disproportionate in sexual minority men of color. The purpose of this study was to examine sexual relationship power risk profiles to identify distinct subgroups within the profiles who carry the highest HIV risk. Latent class profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of sexual minority men of color at the highest risk for contracting HIV based on their sexual power profiles. Among 322 sexual minority men, we identified four latent profiles. Profile 1: Low transactional sex and high power (n = 133; 14.3%); Profile 2: Transactional sex, high decision-making in sexual relationships, and low control in sexual relationship (n = 99; 30.7%); Profile 3: Low transactional sex, low decision-making, and moderate control (n = 43; 13.4%); Profile 4: High transactional sex and low power (n = 47; 14.6%). LPA was useful to identify distinct subgroups based on measures of sexual risk and relationship sexual power. Findings carry significant implications for developing tailored strategies to increase HIV knowledge and related HIV prevention and risk reduction services for sexual minority men of color who engage in transactional sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Raquel Ramos
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; (E.C.); (D.H.)
| | - David T. Lardier
- Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Donte T. Boyd
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - José I. Gutierrez
- National Clinician Scholar, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA;
| | - Eliana Carasso
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; (E.C.); (D.H.)
| | - David Houng
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; (E.C.); (D.H.)
| | - Trace Kershaw
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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19
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness, acceptability and potential stigma among medical and non-medical clinic staff in methadone treatment settings in northern New Jersey: The key role of non-medical staff in enhancing HIV prevention. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 129:108371. [PMID: 34080542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV prevention is needed among people who use drugs (PWUD) due to mixing sex and drugs, selling/trading sex, and/or injecting drugs. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an extremely effective biomedical HIV prevention strategy, but uptake remains low among communities most in need of HIV prevention, including PWUD. Previous studies have found that providers are less willing to prescribe PrEP to PWUD, yet PWUD express high levels of PrEP acceptance. More research is needed to understand how people who provide substance use treatment services think about PrEP to maximize this biomedical prevention strategy. METHODS The study conducted semistructured interviews with 29 staff members in two methadone clinic settings in urban northern New Jersey. Staff members included medical providers, methadone counselors, intake coordinators, front desk staff, lab technicians, security guards, and administrative/leadership personnel. RESULTS All staff recognized the need for HIV prevention among their patient populations, but most were either unaware of PrEP or unfamiliar with its purpose and how it works. Medical providers were more likely to have some PrEP knowledge in comparison to counselors and other staff, but the former largely did not have in-depth knowledge. Among those familiar with PrEP, many confused PrEP with HIV medication, as Truvada was the only FDA-approved PrEP at the time of the study. About half of participants expressed clear support for PrEP, while the other half expressed mixed or negative attitudes related to HIV, sexual behavior, and mistrust of the medication. Both the positive and negative perceptions entailed stigmatizing elements. RECOMMENDATIONS Due to patients' frequent interactions with non-medical staff (e.g., front desk staff, lab technicians, etc.), all staff, not only medical personnel, should be aware of PrEP and comfortable discussing it to foster well-informed, nonjudgmental conversations about HIV prevention with patients. PrEP education should specifically address HIV and sexual-related stigma, as even positive perceptions of PrEP may entail stigmatizing elements.
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Lathan EC, Hong JH, Heads AM, Borgogna NC, Schmitz JM. Prevalence and Correlates of Sex Selling and Sex Purchasing among Adults Seeking Treatment for Cocaine Use Disorder. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:2229-2241. [PMID: 34559026 PMCID: PMC8717456 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1981391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Exchange sex places individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD) at particularly high risk for deleterious safety and health outcomes. A substance use treatment provider who is aware of a patient's exchange sex behavior is better able to provide appropriate screening, care, and/or referral to risk reduction services. However, little is known about exchange sex, especially purchasing, among treatment-seeking adults with CUD. The current study examined the prevalence and correlates of sex selling and sex purchasing among treatment-seeking men and women with CUD (n = 109; ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02896712). Separate binary logistic regressions via backward elimination were used to identify best fitting models for sex selling and sex purchasing. Over 41% of participants endorsed exchange sex within the last 30 days; 20.2% reported selling sex and 30.3% reported purchasing sex. Sex selling and sex purchasing rates differed by gender and race. Number of sexual partners (OR = 5.83, 95% CI = 2.07-16.43), concern about contracting HIV/AIDS (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.31-3.44), cumulative interpersonal trauma exposure (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.20-2.77), years using cocaine (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.03-1.20), drug-related problem days (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.00-1.14), and sexual preference (OR = 9.50, 95% CI = .69-130.35) were retained in the final model estimating sex selling (Nagelkerke R2 = .56). In the final sex purchasing model (Nagelkerke R2 = .46), gender (OR = 36.17, 95% CI = 2.96-441.75), number of sexual partners (OR = 6.28, 95% CI = 2.69-14.66), number of convictions (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.02-1.25), and drug-related problem days (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = .92-1.01) were retained. Predictive models in this study identified distinct sets of variables related to sex selling and purchasing. Findings may be used to improve identification of exchange sex in the substance use treatment setting and referral to targeted interventions to reduce associated risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Lathan
- Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Judy H Hong
- Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Angela M Heads
- Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicholas C Borgogna
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Joy M Schmitz
- Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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21
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Grov C, Westmoreland D, Golub SA, Nash D. Prior HIV testing behaviour is associated with HIV testing results among men, trans women and trans men who have sex with men in the United States. J Epidemiol Community Health 2020; 74:741-753. [PMID: 32434861 PMCID: PMC11229421 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2019-213493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among those at high risk for HIV, it is important to examine the ways in which someone who has recently tested for HIV might differ from someone who has not. METHODS In 2017-2018, a total of 5001 men, trans women and trans men who have sex with men from across the United States completed an online survey about their recent testing behaviour as well as self-collected oral samples for HIV testing. RESULTS In total, 3.8% tested HIV-positive and-among those with positive results-35% were recent HIV infections (ie, self-reported an HIV-negative test result within the 12 months prior to enrollment). Those with HIV-positive results-regardless of how recent their HIV test was prior to enrollment-differed from those with negative results in ways that are known to be associated with HIV risk: racial and income disparities, housing instability, recent transactional sex and recent methamphetamine use. Among those with HIV-positive results at enrollment, only having a primary care physician distinguished those who recently tested negative prior to enrollment versus not. Among those with HIV-negative results, there were numerous differences between those who had recently tested for HIV prior to enrollment, versus not, such that those who had not recently tested were significantly more likely to report being at higher risk for HIV. CONCLUSION Strategies aimed at improving more frequent HIV testing among HIV-negative persons at high risk for HIV should address other needs including stable housing, transactional sex, access to a primary care provider and methamphetamine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Grov
- CUNY School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Drew Westmoreland
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sarit A Golub
- Psychology, Hunter College at CUNY, New York, New York, USA
| | - Denis Nash
- CUNY School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, New York, USA
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Passos TS, Almeida-Santos MA. [Sex Work during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period in the Ibero-American Context: analysis of advertisements on websites]. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2020; 25:4237-4248. [PMID: 33175033 DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320202511.26622020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex workers become increasingly economically vulnerable due to the restrictive measures implemented to combat the coronavirus pandemic. In this respect, the scope of this study is to analyze the content of prostitution websites and advertisements regarding measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It involved a description of the visits and analysis of content of communications on websites that advertise commercial sex transactions. The percentage change in the number of visits for three periods from 02/2019 to 04/2020 was calculated. Subsequently, ads with the terms "corona," "pandemic" and "quarantine" on websites that offer search engines were extracted. The Bardin method was then used for content analysis. There was an increase in the number of visits to prostitution websites between 2019 and 2020, followed by a decrease with the advent of the coronavirus pandemic crisis. With regard to the protection measures during the pandemic, health recommendations and the incentive to engage in virtual sex are highlighted. Of the 1,991,014 advertisements, 0.51% mention the COVID-19 crisis regarding noncompliance with social distancing, protection measures and the offer of online sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taciana Silveira Passos
- Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Ambiente, Universidade Tiradentes. Av. Murilo Dantas 300, Farolândia. 49032-490 Aracaju SE Brasil.
| | - Marcos Antonio Almeida-Santos
- Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Ambiente, Universidade Tiradentes. Av. Murilo Dantas 300, Farolândia. 49032-490 Aracaju SE Brasil.
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23
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Walters SM, Braksmajer A, Coston B, Yoon I, Grov C, Downing MJ, Teran R, Hirshfield S. A Syndemic Model of Exchange Sex Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1965-1978. [PMID: 31965453 PMCID: PMC7321855 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01628-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Exchange sex is a behavior associated with HIV transmission risk among men who have sex with men (MSM). Few studies have examined exchange sex among HIV-positive MSM. We utilize a syndemic framework to account for co-occurring psychosocial problems that suggest the presence of intertwining epidemics (i.e., syndemics), which have not been examined within the context of exchange sex among HIV-positive MSM. In 2015, MSM were recruited via online sexual networking Web site and app advertisements for Sex Positive![+], a video-based online intervention that aimed to improve health outcomes for men living with HIV. Participants completed surveys every three months for a year. Surveys covered demographics, drug use, exchange sex, intimate partner violence (IPV), and past 2-week depressive symptoms. We conducted three logistic regression models to assess syndemic factors associated with exchange sex in the past 3 months. Of the 722 HIV-positive MSM included in the sample, 59 (8%) reported exchange sex in the past 3 months at 12-month follow-up. HIV-positive MSM who had more syndemic factors had greater odds of exchange sex. Exchange sex was associated with being African-American/Black, age 18-29 years, past and present experiences with IPV, stimulant use, polysubstance use, and depressive symptoms. Exchange sex was associated with multiple psychosocial factors, indicating exchange sex may be part of a syndemic involving substance use, depression, HIV, and IPV. Interventions should address the social and behavioral circumstances that perpetuate environments that can foster multiple negative health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 380 2nd Ave., Suite 306, NY 10010, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Bethany Coston
- Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Irene Yoon
- Research and Advisory, Gartner L2, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy and the CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Richard Teran
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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24
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Chen YT, Issema RS, Hotton A, Khanna AS, Ardestani BM, Schneider JA, Rudolph A. Sex Partner Behavior Variation Related to Network Position of and Residential Proximity to Sex Partners Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2327-2335. [PMID: 31970580 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02792-7] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This analysis examines how sex behaviors are influenced by a sex partner's network bridging position and the residential proximity between the two. The study sample consisted of 437 young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) in Chicago and their sex partners (2013-2014). Dyadic analyses that clustered on individuals using generalized estimating equations (n = 1095 relationships) were conducted to assess the associations between different HIV-related sexual behaviors and the network position of and residential proximity to a partner. The odds of group sex was higher with partners who had high network bridging, regardless of how close they lived to one another. The odds of transactional sex was higher with partners who had high network bridging and lived in a different region of the city. Sex behaviors associated with an increased risk of HIV transmission were associated with the network structural position of and residential proximity to partners among YBMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Tyng Chen
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 5065, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Rodal S Issema
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 5065, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anna Hotton
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 5065, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aditya S Khanna
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 5065, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Babak M Ardestani
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 5065, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John A Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 5065, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Abby Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
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25
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Berg RC, Weatherburn P, Marcus U, Schmidt AJ. Links between transactional sex and HIV/STI-risk and substance use among a large sample of European men who have sex with men. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:686. [PMID: 31382923 PMCID: PMC6683343 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4326-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [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] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, the highest proportion of HIV diagnoses are in gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Globally, HIV prevalence is particularly high among males who report selling sex, but rates among men who buy sex from other men are less clear. This study analyzed the association of transactional sex (TS) and HIV diagnosis, sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses, and various drug use; and examined the variations in TS by payment direction. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, non-randomized, observational study. This European MSM Internet Survey recruited MSM from 38 European countries. For descriptive purposes we stratified according to TS behavior (frequently selling sex, frequently buying sex, neither frequently selling nor buying sex in the previous 12 months), and we constructed separate multivariable logistic regression models to investigate whether engaging in TS accounted for some of the HIV- and STI diagnoses and drug use in this population. RESULTS Of almost 161,000 sexually active MSM, 12.2% engaged in TS. The multivariable logistic regression results showed that relative to not frequently engaging in TS, frequently selling sex was independently associated with a higher odds of reporting diagnosed HIV (ever, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.60, confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.39 to 1.85), bacterial STIs (past 12 months, aOR 1.75 CI 95% 1.54 to 2.00), using heroin or crack cocaine or injecting drugs (aOR 3.17, CI 95% 2.70 to 3.73), and using benzodiazepines (aOR 2.13, CI 95% 1.88 to 2.41). Compared to men not engaging in frequent TS, frequently buying sex was associated with a higher odds of using benzodiazepines (aOR 2.13, CI 95% 1.88 to 2.41). CONCLUSIONS MSM who frequently sell sex suffer greater sexual- and substance use risks than other MSM, but both men who frequently sell and those who buy sex are more likely to use benzodiazepines. MSM who sell sex to other men constitute an important at-risk population who must be offered targeted health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigmor C. Berg
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
- University of Tromso, Hansine Hansens veg 18, N-9019 Tromso, Norway
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Sigma Research, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH England
| | - Ulrich Marcus
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Axel J. Schmidt
- Sigma Research, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH England
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