Sexual-orientation differences in drinking patterns and use of drinking contexts among college students

Problem drinking among university students in Berlin

OBJECTIVE

Problem-drinking among university students is common and poses serious health-related risks. Therefore, identifying and addressing associated factors is important.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A large cross-sectional online-survey with 12,914 university students from Berlin was conducted from November 2016 to August 2017. Relative-risk- and correlation-analysis was used to identify factors associated with problem-drinking and regular heavy-drinking. Independent t-tests compared impulsivity and personality traits, chi-square-tests compared drinking motives between risk- and non-risk-drinkers.

RESULTS

Male gender, tobacco-smoking, illegal substance use, impulsivity and various sociodemographic and psychosocial variables were significantly related to problem/heavy-drinking. Extraversion was a risk, conscientiousness and agreeableness were protective factors. Drinking-motives did not differ significantly between risk- and non-risk-drinkers. Generally, the main drinking-motives were to feel elated, relax and social purposes.

CONCLUSION

The identified markers and related problem behaviors may serve as a tool to enhance the identification of student subgroups at risk for problem/heavy-drinking, and hence improve targeted health-intervention-programs.

The association between alcohol use and sexual assault victimization among college students differs by gender identity and race

PURPOSE

Alcohol use and sexual assault (SA) are common on college campuses. The purpose of this study is to examine if the association between alcohol use and SA differs by gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity.

METHODS

A total of 3,243 college students aged 18-25 at two large, minority-serving, public universities in the southwest and southeast United States completed an online survey about alcohol and sexual behaviors. Two negative binomial regressions were conducted to examine main effects and interaction effects.

RESULTS

Almost half of the sample reported a SA victimization history. The main effects negative binomial regression indicated that more drinks per week, older age, identifying as a cisgender woman (vs. cisgender man), identifying as a gender minority (vs. cisgender man), and identifying as a sexual minority (vs. heterosexual) were associated with more severe SA victimization. Participants who identified as Latine (vs. non-Latine White) reported less severe SA. The negative binomial regression assessing interactions indicated that the association between alcohol use and SA severity was stronger among cisgender women and gender minority identities than cisgender men, and Black identities than non-Latine White identities.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggests that alcohol use is an important factor for SA severity among all students, but that the association is stronger among some with marginalized identities. Given that perpetrators target people who hold some marginalized identities, prevention programming could address cisnormative, heteronormative, and White normative ideas about alcohol and sex to attain social justice and health equity.

A Systematic Review of Validated Measures of U.S.-Based Bystander Intervention-Related Constructs

This review aimed to identify U.S.-based, construct-validated measures of bystander intervention. Following PRISMA-P guidelines, electronic databases were searched, and emails were solicited identifying 8,559 articles for title screening. Abstracts and full texts were double screened, resulting in 24 scales meeting inclusion criteria: (a) measured a bystander-related construct in a situation where there was a potential for actual or perceived imminent physical or emotional harm, (b) written in English, and (c) statistically validated on U.S. samples. Most scales addressed the domain of interpersonal violence (67%), with fewer relating to bias/bullying (8.2%), mental health crises (12.5%), and substance use (12.5%). Most scales (71%) assessed the "take action" step of the situational model. The modal construct represented was intent/willingness/likelihood to intervene (50%). The average number of items on a scale was 14, and most (79%) provided Likert-style response options. None of the validated scales assessing behavior first accounted for an opportunity. Sample sizes ranged from 163 to 3,397, with the modal setting from colleges. Overall, samples were young (21.8 years old), White (75%), women (64%), and heterosexual (89%). Results indicate the need to validate additional measures that capture the "interpreting the situation as problematic" step of the situational model. Scales also need to be validated using diverse samples, particularly within the mental health crisis domain. Across all domains, validated measures need to be developed that first account for an opportunity when measuring actual bystander behavior. The information gleaned can be used to assist researchers in selecting measures and guide future measure development.

A Model to Prevent Substance Use/Abuse by Student Nurses at Limpopo College of Nursing, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Substance use/abuse is a global challenge that has detrimental effects on nations' health, wealth, and security. Substance users in Africa make up roughly 17% to 21% of global illicit drug users in Africa and cannabis abuse (63%) (UNODC, 2010).

PURPOSE

We aimed to develop, describe, and evaluate a model that could be used as a framework of reference to prevent substance use/abuse by student nurses at Limpopo College of Nursing, South Africa.

METHOD

A mixed-method study approach was used following a qualitative exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design to explore factors contributing to substance use/abuse by student nurses and quantitatively examine the impact of substance use/abuse on students' academic achievements in Limpopo Province.

FINDINGS

The results of the first empirical phase reveal two themes and seven subthemes from the semi-structured interviews with lecturers, students, and support staff. The literature supported the results. In phase 2, we analyzed the concept of the "prevention" of substance use/abuse by student nurses following the process of a concept analysis by Walker and Avant (2016). The results were conceptualized within the six elements of practice theory: context, agent, recipient, dynamic, process and procedure, and outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The relational statements provided the basis for the model description. A reliable method was used to describe and evaluate the model.

Associations between Drinking Contexts, Minority Stress, and Problematic Alcohol Use among Sexual Minority Individuals Assigned Female at Birth

Sexual minority individuals assigned female at birth (SM-AFAB) are at increased risk for problematic alcohol use compared to heterosexual women. Despite evidence that drinking locations and companions play an important role in problematic alcohol use among heterosexuals, few studies have examined these social contexts of alcohol use among SM-AFAB. To address this gap, the current study examined two aspects of social contexts in which SM-AFAB drink (locations and companions). We utilized two waves of data (six-months between waves) from an analytic sample of 392 SM-AFAB ages 17-33 from a larger longitudinal study. The goals were: (1) to identify classes of SM-AFAB based on the contexts in which they drank; (2) to examine the associations between drinking contexts, minority stressors, and problematic alcohol use; and (3) to examine changes in drinking contexts over time. Using latent class analysis, we identified four classes based on drinking locations and companions (private settings, social settings, social and private settings, multiple settings). These classes did not differ in minority stress. Drinking in multiple settings was associated with more problematic alcohol use within the same timepoint and these differences were maintained six months later. However, drinking in multiple settings did not predict subsequent changes in problematic alcohol use when problematic alcohol use at the prior wave was controlled for. Based on these findings, SM-AFAB who drink in multiple settings may be an important subpopulation for interventions to target. Interventions could focus on teaching SM-AFAB strategies to limit alcohol consumption and/or minimize alcohol-related consequences.

Sexual Assault Victimization: Latinx Identity as a Protective Factor for Sexual Minorities

Sexual assault victimization is an experience that impacts many college students, and rates differ based on ethnicity and sexual minority status. However, little is known about the impact of the intersectionality of Latinx and sexual minority identities on sexual assault severity among college students. The current study examined past year sexual assault victimization severity based on sexual orientation and Latinx identities among a random sample of college students (n = 506). Further, factors associated with past year sexual assault victimization severity were examined among sexual minority participants (n = 170). Among all college students, identifying as a cisgender woman, sexual minority, or having a more severe sexual assault history was associated with higher past year sexual assault victimization severity. Further, among sexual minorities, identifying as Latinx or having fewer drinks per week were associated with less severe past year sexual assault victimization. Although preliminary, this finding suggests a need for future research to examine potential cultural factors associated with Latinx populations that may serve as protective factors for sexual assault victimization among college students.

Prevalence of heavy episodic drinking and alcohol use disorder diagnosis among US college students: results from the national Healthy Minds Study

Alcohol use is a common, recognized problem on college campuses. This study examined alcohol use in a national sample of US college students across 78 campuses. Using four waves of data from the Healthy Minds Study (2015-2019), we explored variations by student demographics in prevalence of recent: alcohol consumption, heavy episodic drinking (HED, 4/5 + drinks in one sitting), frequent HED (3 + HED events), and lifetime alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnosis. Stratified analyses and logistic regression with response propensity weights were used. Two-thirds of students consumed alcohol and roughly-one-third engaged in HED in the past 2 weeks. Alcohol use was more common among students who: identified as cis women/men, bisexual or gay/lesbian/queer, white non-Hispanic, lived in Greek housing or off-campus, were not first generation, or those not rating religion as important. Prevalence of HED among recent drinkers was high (56.7%) but varied by gender identity, race-ethnicity, living situation, and religiosity. In addition, higher HED prevalence was reported among: international, undergraduate, and underage (under 21) students. There was little variation in HED by sexual orientation identity or first generation status among recent drinkers. In a sub-sample of students engaging in frequent HED, AUD diagnosis was uncommon (1.4%) and less likely among students identifying as: cis women/men, heterosexual, racial-ethnic minorities (particularly Asian/Asian American or Pacific Islander), international, religious, or living in Greek housing. Alcohol use continues to be a part of college life, while screening and treatment remains rare. There are opportunities for improved programming and outreach acknowledging college student diversity.

Weekly Drinking and Binge Drinking Mediate the Association Between Drinking Location and Sexual Coercion

It has been well documented that alcohol use is a risk factor for sexual assault. However, few studies have examined how alcohol use is associated with sexual coercion experiences. Furthermore, off-campus parties and bars are drinking locations where alcohol use is high among college students. It is important to determine other risk factors, such as the drinking location, that may affect alcohol use and sexual coercion. The current study examined whether alcohol use (drinks per week and binge drinking) mediated the association between drinking location frequency (off-campus party and bar/restaurant) and experiencing sexual coercion in the past 30 days. Participants were N = 295 young adult (M_age = 21.17 years, SD = 2.70) undergraduate women who reported drinking at least once in the past 30 days and completed an online survey. Results revealed that 88 (29.8%) participants experienced sexual coercion in the past 30 days. Participants who experienced sexual coercion in the past 30 days reported greater drinks per week, were more likely to binge drink, and reported drinking more frequently at off-campus parties than those who had not experienced sexual coercion. Drinks per week significantly mediated the relationship between drinking location frequency (off-campus party and bar/restaurant) and sexual coercion. Specifically, more frequent drinking at off-campus parties and bars/restaurants was associated with greater drinks per week, which in turn was related to experiencing sexual coercion in the past 30 days. Binge drinking significantly mediated the association between frequency of drinking at a bar/restaurant and sexual coercion, but not off-campus drinking frequency. Findings suggest that college student alcohol interventions that target harm reduction should consider including information about how the drinking location may intersect with alcohol use to increase risk for sexual coercion.

Covariates of hazardous alcohol use among sexual and gender minorities in Texas: Identifying the most vulnerable

BACKGROUND

Information is limited on the prevalence of hazardous drinking and associated covariates among sexual and gender minority (SGM) persons. These analyses estimated the prevalence of hazardous drinking and identified associated covariates.

METHODS

A total of 1273 SGM adolescents and adults living in Texas completed an online survey between March 2016 and January 2017. Variables associated with hazardous drinking at the bivariate-level (p < 0.10) were entered into multiple logistic regression models to estimate the strength of their association.

RESULTS

More than a third (39.1%) of participants meet criteria for hazardous drinking. Compared to non-hazardous drinkers, hazardous drinkers were younger (x- = 20.7 [SD = 8.9] vs. x- = 26.5 [SD = 13.8]) and more likely to be Hispanic (41.5% vs. 26.2%). Hazardous drinkers were more likely to report using substances in past 12 months, including opioids (15.3% vs. 6.7%), stimulants (26.3% vs. 12.7%), and marijuana (37.6% vs. 21.2%). More hazardous drinkers reported injecting drugs (12.3% vs. 5.8%) and having a history of incarceration (14.1% vs. 7.3%). They were less likely to be diagnosed with depression (50.2% vs. 56.5%). When entered into a multivariate logistic regression model, hazardous drinkers were more likely to be younger (aOR = 0.97 [0.95, 0.98]), Hispanic (aOR = 1.5 [1.2, 2.0]), have a history of incarceration (aOR = 2.4 [1.5, 3.6]), and use a substance, not including marijuana (aOR = 1.7 [1.3, 2.3]). They were less likely to be diagnosed with depression (aOR = 0.73 [0.6, 0.9]).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the intersection of race and ethnicity, mental health, criminal justice involvement, and substance use and the need for tailored interventions that address underlying determinants.

Sexual Assault, Alcohol Use, and Gender of Sexual Partners Among Cisgender Women Seeking Care at US College Health Centers, 2015-2018

Objectives. To assess differences by gender of sexual partner in the association between sexual assault and alcohol use among women seeking care in college health centers.Methods. This longitudinal study comprised 1578 women aged 18 to 24 years visiting 28 college health centers in Pennsylvania and West Virginia from 2015 to 2018. We used multilevel logistic regression and negative binomial regression, testing for interactions of gender of sexual partners, sexual assault, and prevalence and frequency of alcohol use and binge drinking.Results. Sexual assault was reported by 87.3% of women who had sex with women or with women and men (WSWM), 68.2% of women who had sex with men only (WSM), and 47.5% of women with no penetrative sexual partners. The relative associations between sexual assault and alcohol outcomes were smaller for WSWM (prevalence: odds ratios from 0.04 to 0.06; frequency: incidence rate ratios [IRRs] from 0.24 to 0.43) and larger for women who had no penetrative sexual partners (IRRs from 1.55 to 2.63), compared with WSM.Conclusions. Alcohol use patterns among women who have experienced sexual assault differ by gender of sexual partners.

Black First-Year College Students' Alcohol Outcome Expectancies

Background

Alcohol outcome expectancies (AOEs) are associated with college students' varied alcohol consumption. Existing research on AOEs focuses primarily on heterosexual White students. Thus, it is important to explore how the intersection of multiple identities such as race, gender, and sexual orientation influence the endorsement of specific AOEs.

Purpose

This paper examines AOEs among Black first-year college students, with specific attention to the influence of gender and sexual orientation.

Methods

Participants were 307 Black students from four universities in the United States. We conducted bivariate analyses using the 2-factor and 4-factor B-CEOA scale.

Results

Most students did not hold positive AOEs such as tension reduction and sexual enhancement. They were more likely to endorse negative AOEs such as behavioral and cognitive impairment and social risk.

Discussion

Black first-year college students reported more negative expectations associated with alcohol use, including those related to negative social risks and consequences. Thus, AOEs may serve as a protective factor against alcohol use among Black college students.

Translation to Health Education Practice

Alcohol interventions should be tailored to focus on the intersection of race, gender, and sexual orientation. Culturally relevant alcohol interventions have the potential to reduce the immediate and long-term consequences of alcohol use.

Concurrent Daily Alcohol and Tobacco Use among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Women

Background: Studies show that sexual minority women (SMW) report more hazardous alcohol use patterns and higher rates of tobacco use than exclusively heterosexual women. Despite the public health implications of drinking and smoking, especially when they co-occur, little is known about SMW's daily use patterns or the factors that may facilitate concurrent use. Objectives: The present study seeks to identify patterns of daily concurrent alcohol and tobacco use among SMW and heterosexual women, including socio-environmental drinking contexts of concurrent use. Methods: Data come from a community sample of lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual women (N = 246) who completed up to 84 consecutive days of web-based reports about substance use. Results: Participants reported 4,012 drinking days (24%), 2,019 smoking days (12%), and 769 concurrent drinking and smoking days (5%). No differences were found between SMW and heterosexual women in the proportion of drinking days; however, SMW consumed more drinks on drinking days. SMW also reported a greater proportion of smoking days, more cigarettes smoked on smoking days, and a greater proportion of concurrent drinking and smoking days. Reciprocal daily relationships between alcohol and tobacco use were identified, and these relationships were strongest for bisexual women. Socio-environmental factors-including certain locations, situations, and companions-increased the likelihood of concurrent use for all women; however, few sexual identity differences were found in concurrent use contexts. Importance: Results expand our understanding about daily concurrent alcohol and tobacco use risk among SMW, and potentially inform treatment research to better address the unique experiences of this vulnerable group.

Effects of familial and non-familial warmth during childhood and adolescence on sexual-orientation disparities in alcohol use trajectories and disorder during emerging adulthood

BACKGROUND

We investigated sexual-orientation differences in typologies of self-reported familial and non-familial warmth in childhood (before age 11) and adolescence (ages 11-17); and tested whether warmth explained sexual minority emerging adults' (ages 18-25) heightened odds of having heavier alcohol use trajectories (AUTs) and heightened risk for past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD) compared to completely heterosexuals.

METHODS

Using self-reported data from the U.S.-based Growing Up Today Study cohort, latent class analyses identified typologies of familial and non-familial warmth during childhood and adolescence. Multivariable regression models tested our objectives.

RESULTS

Six warmth classes emerged, including: High-High (i.e., high familial and high non-familial warmth, respectively); High-Moderate; Moderate-Moderate; Moderate-Occasional; Occasional-Occasional; and Low-Low. Among women, sexual minorities had higher odds than completely heterosexuals of being in the Moderate-Moderate, Moderate-Occasional, and Occasional-Occasional versus the High-High warmth class. There were not significant associations between sexual orientation and warmth classes for men. Lower warmth classes were generally associated with greater past-year AUD, and mediated heightened disparities in AUD for sexual minority women versus completely heterosexual women (4.3% mediated), but not among men. Warmth classes were generally unassociated with AUTs, and did not mediate sexual-orientation differences in AUTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower warmth was associated with greater alcohol-related problems, but not alcohol use itself. Warmth explained a small proportion of AUD disparities for sexual minority women-but not for men.

Motivations for alcohol use to intoxication among young adult gay, bisexual, and other MSM in New York City: The P18 Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Motivations for alcohol use to intoxication vary among young adults depending on social setting and other contextual factors. However, there is limited research exploring the role of different drinking motivations among young men who have sex with men (YMSM).

METHODS

Data from a racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of YMSM (n = 426) were used to examine associations between recent (last 30 days) alcohol use to intoxication and scores on three distinct drinking motivation subscales: convivial, intimate, and negative coping drinking. Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to examine associations between drinking motivations and days of alcohol use to intoxication, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

YMSM who scored higher on all three drinking motivation subscales were more likely to engage in recent alcohol use to intoxication compared to those who reported no alcohol use to intoxication. In multivariable models, Black and Hispanic YMSM had lower odds of intoxication compared to White YMSM, and those reporting lower perceived familial SES had lower odds compared to higher SES. In a final model including all three motivations, only convivial drinking was significantly associated with days of intoxication (1-2 days: AOR = 1.22; 3+ days: AOR = 1.45).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies distinct associations between different motivations for drinking and alcohol use to intoxication in a sample of YMSM. These findings highlight a need to incorporate an understanding of motivations for alcohol use to intoxication into research and clinical practice with YMSM, as different reasons for drinking carry respective potential health risks.

Acknowledgement and support matter: A brief report on gender identity and sexual orientation at a large, urban university

OBJECTIVE

To examine reporting trends of students identifying as LGBTQIA+ following changes made to the ACHA-NCHA-II survey about gender identity and sexual orientation.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from two sources for the purpose of triangulation: the ACHA-NCHA-II 2016 survey specific to our university and an electronic audience response survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Primary analyses included first-year students from the ACHA-NCHA-II data (N = 158; spring 2016) and the audience response survey (N = 1,452; August 2016).

RESULTS

Five percent of students did not identify as cis-gender and 21% did not identify as straight/heterosexual. The sexual orientation trend was confirmed by the audience response survey.

CONCLUSIONS

The percentage of students identifying as LGBTQIA+ increased nationally between the ACHA-NCHA-II 2014 and 2016 survey samples, a trend which was confirmed using an independent audience response survey. This information has implications for university programming and inclusivity efforts nationwide.

The relationship of discrimination related to sexual orientation and HIV-relevant risk behaviors among men who have sex with men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for contraction and transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Increased risk of infection has been linked to high risk behaviors, such as alcohol and drug use, as well as engaging in unsafe sexual behaviors. Experiences of discrimination related to sexual orientation often experienced in this population predict risky behavior outcomes, but little research has examined the mechanisms implicated in this model. The current study examined the effect of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the relationship between discrimination related to sexual orientation and high-risk behaviors of alcohol use, drug use, using sex to cope with negative emotions, frequency of sex without a condom, and frequency of sex with an HIV+ or unknown status partner. Three hundred and eighty-nine MSM were recruited to participate in a survey based study. Results indicated anxiety was maintained a significant indirect effect between discrimination related to sexual orientation and coping behaviors (using sex to cope, alcohol, substance use), but showed no significant indirect associations with risky sexual behavior. Overall, the current study provides novel empirical evidence that discrimination related to sexual orientation is associated with increased anxiety, which in turn, is associated with certain HIV risk behaviors. Importantly, it is possible that alcohol use, drug use, and using sex to cope with negative emotions may be precursors to more risky sexual behavior, such as engaging in anal sex without a condom or having sex with an HIV+ or unknown status partner. Clinically, reducing symptoms of anxiety in the context of discrimination related to sexual orientation may help reduce HIV risk behavior among MSM.

Sexual-orientation differences in alcohol use trajectories and disorders in emerging adulthood: results from a longitudinal cohort study in the United States

AIMS

We estimated sexual-orientation differences in alcohol use trajectories during emerging adulthood, and tested whether alcohol use trajectories mediated sexual-orientation differences in alcohol use disorders (AUDs).

DESIGN

Longitudinal self-reported survey data from the Growing Up Today Study.

SETTING

United States.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 12 493 participants aged 18-25 during the 2003, 2005, 2007 or 2010 surveys.

MEASUREMENTS

Stratified by gender, longitudinal latent class analyses estimated alcohol use trajectories (using past-year frequency, quantity and binge drinking from 2003 to 2010). Multinomial logistic regression tested differences in trajectory class memberships by sexual orientation [comparing completely heterosexual (CH) participants with sexual-minority subgroups: mainly heterosexual (MH), bisexual (BI) and gay/lesbian (GL) participants]. Modified Poisson regression and mediation analyses tested whether trajectories explained sexual-orientation differences in AUDs (past-year DSM-IV abuse/dependence in 2010).

FINDINGS

Six alcohol use trajectory classes emerged for women and five for men: these included heavy (23.5/36.9% of women/men), moderate (31.8/26.4% of women/men), escalation to moderately heavy (9.7/12.0% of women/men), light (17.0% for women only), legal (drinking onset at age 21; 11.1/15.7% of women/men) and non-drinkers (7.0/9.1% of women/men). Compared with CH women, MH and BI women had higher odds of being heavy, moderate, escalation to moderately heavy and light drinkers versus non-drinkers (odds ratios = 2.02-3.42; P-values < 0.01-0.04). Compared with CH men, MH men had higher odds of being heavy, moderate and legal drinkers versus non-drinkers (odds ratios = 2.24-3.34; P-values < 0.01-0.01). MH men and women, BI women and GLs had higher risk of AUDs in 2010 than their same-gender CH counterparts (risk ratios = 1.34-2.17; P-values < 0.01). Alcohol use trajectories mediated sexual-orientation differences in AUDs for MH and GL women (proportion of effect mediated = 30.8-31.1%; P-values < 0.01-0.02), but not for men.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, throughout emerging adulthood, several sexual-minority subgroups appear to have higher odds of belonging to heavier alcohol use trajectories than completely heterosexuals. These differences partially explained the higher risk of alcohol use disorders among mainly heterosexual and gay/lesbian women but not among sexual-minority men.

Proximal predictors of breath alcohol level at venues primarily serving sexual minority patrons

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the proximal predictors of breath alcohol content (BrAC) at exit of a venue that primarily served sexual minority patrons. Contrary to prior research that relies on self-report of alcohol consumption, participants’ BrAC level was measured prior to entering the venue and again at exit.

Design/methodology/approach

A portal method was used to assess individuals before and after attending a sexual minority bar. Participants (n=96) were randomly selected for participation on weekends from four bars.

Findings

A multivariate path model was conducted to predict BrAC at exit from the bar. Individuals who drank before coming to the bar had a mean BrAC of 0.093 (SD=0.065) at exit from the bar and those who did not drink before attending the bar had a mean BrAC 0.030 (SD=0.050) at exit (t=5.47 (99), p<0.001). Drinking before bar attendance, BrAC at entrance, planning to drive, and drinking intentions were significant predictors of BrAC at exit from the bar. There were no significant variations in BrAC by sexual identity.

Research limitations/implications

BrAC levels at exit were mainly influenced by the BrAC levels at entrance and were not significantly changed while at the venue.

Originality/value

While previous research has demonstrated a higher incidence of problematic drinking behaviors in nonheterosexual populations, the current study suggests that bars and clubs who serve sexual minority patrons might not be adding to these problematic behaviors, and instead serve as a place of community for LGB individuals.

A descriptive analysis of where and with whom lesbian versus bisexual women drink

Purpose

Sexual minority women (SMW) are at increased risk for alcohol use disorders and related problems. Social context (e.g., where and with whom one drinks) has been identified as an important factor associated with drinking behavior, but little is known about social context among SMW. An improved understanding of social context among SMW has the potential to inform efforts to reduce problematic drinking and its consequences in this high-risk population.

Methods

We examined where and with whom SMW drink in a national sample recruited via social media (N = 1,057).

Results

SMW reported more frequent drinking in private locations (compared to public locations), with friends and romantic partners (compared to family members and strangers), and in locations with both heterosexuals and sexual minorities (compared to mostly or exclusively sexual minorities). Additionally, lesbians reported more frequent drinking in bars and in locations with more sexual minorities compared to bisexual women.

Conclusion

Interventions to reduce problematic drinking among SMW may benefit from addressing social context.

Event-Level Associations Among Drinking Motives, Alcohol Consumption, and Condomless Anal Sex in a Sample of Young Men Who Have Sex With Men

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are at increased risk for HIV and problematic alcohol use. Drinking motives are associated with alcohol use in cross-sectional studies, but their associations with alcohol use and condomless anal sex (CAS) at the event-level remain unclear. The current study examined these event-level associations in a sample of 189 YMSM who completed self-report measures on a daily or weekly basis for two months. Participants were recruited between August 2014 and April 2015 for a randomized trial designed to study behavioral reactivity in diary studies. YMSM consumed more alcohol on days when they drank to cope, to enhance pleasure, or to be more social. CAS with casual partners was more likely on days when they consumed more alcohol. Drinking motives were not associated with CAS. Interventions may benefit from addressing drinking motives and the influence of alcohol use on CAS in different types of relationships.