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Phillips G, Curtis MG, Felt D, Davoudpour S, Rodriguez-Ortiz AE, Cortez A, French AL, Hosek SG, Serrano PA. Changes in Sexual Behaviors Due to Mpox: a Cross-Sectional Study of Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals in Illinois. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2024; 25:628-637. [PMID: 37906357 PMCID: PMC11112966 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01604-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The spread of the monkeypox virus (mpox) in 2022 primarily within the sexual networks of men who have sex with men (MSM) triggered a potentially stigmatizing public health response in the USA. Despite mpox being primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact, most messaging has promoted abstinence and/or reduction in sexual risk behaviors. More research is needed on decreases in sexual risk behaviors among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth and young adults (YYA) related to the most recent mpox epidemic and whether there are factors associated with these decreases in sexual risk behavior. Participants within an ongoing cohort study of SGM YYA who reside in Illinois were offered the opportunity to participate in an mpox survey between September 10th and September 20th, 2022. Analyses looked at demographic factors associated with sexual activity since the start of the outbreak, as well as associations with two sexual risk reduction factors. Survey participation was 68.7% (322/469). Three-quarters of participants (82.6%) reported sexual activity since June 1st. Most sexually active participants (83.5%) adopted at least one sexual risk reduction behavior due to mpox. Black and Latinx individuals were less likely to be sexually active but more likely to report risk reduction behaviors (31.3% and 22.6%, respectively). Participants who received the mpox vaccine were more likely to report sexual activity. SGM YYA in Illinois reported that their sexual behaviors were impacted by the mpox outbreak. However, associations between vaccination and sexual behavior demonstrate that those who are vaccinated do adopt protective methods despite not decreasing sexual activity. Therefore, sex-positive communications and harm reduction messaging may be more appropriate as opposed to abstinence-only prevention, which can further stigmatize an already marginalized group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Phillips
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Michael G Curtis
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Dylan Felt
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Shahin Davoudpour
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Anthony E Rodriguez-Ortiz
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Alfred Cortez
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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Coelho SM, Rosen JG, Schulz G, Meek K, Shipp L, Singh C, Willis K, Best A, Mcingana M, Mcloughlin J, Hausler H, Beyrer C, Baral SD, Schwartz SR. A decade of PrEP: the evolution of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis content and sentiments in South African print news media, 2012-2021. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38656915 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2024.2344111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
After nearly a decade of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) rollout in sub-Saharan Africa, there has been limited study of PrEP messaging in news media. We selected twenty South African newspapers with the highest circulation volumes to retrieve articles published in 2012-2021 mentioning PrEP (N = 249). Using inductive content analysis, we developed a structured codebook to characterise PrEP-related content and sentiments, as well as their evolution over time, in the South African press. Many articles espoused favourable attitudes towards PrEP (52%), but a sizeable fraction espoused unfavourable attitudes (11%). Relative to PrEP-favourable articles, PrEP-unfavourable articles were significantly more likely to emphasise the drawbacks/consequences of PrEP use, including adherence/persistence requirements (52% vs. 24%, p = .007), cost (48% vs. 11%, p < .001), and risk compensation (52% vs. 5%, p < .001). Nevertheless, the presence of these drawbacks/consequences in print media largely declined over time. Key populations (e.g. adolescents, female sex workers) were frequently mentioned potential PrEP candidates. Despite message variations over time, prevention effectiveness and adherence/persistence requirements were the most widely cited PrEP benefits and drawbacks, respectively. Study findings demonstrate the dynamic nature of PrEP coverage in the South African press, likely in response to PrEP scale-up and real-world PrEP implementation during the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simmona M Coelho
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph G Rosen
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gretchen Schulz
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristin Meek
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lillian Shipp
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Kalai Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Harry Hausler
- TB HIV Care, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sheree R Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Pitchford K, Shangani S, Dawson C, Masa R, Heron K. Community Health Care Providers' Perspectives on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Black Women in Eastern Virginia. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2024; 38:123-133. [PMID: 38471092 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The most at-risk population among women for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis in the United States are Black women, accounting for 61% of all new HIV cases. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe and effective HIV prevention method for people at risk of HIV acquisition. Although disproportionately affected by HIV, Black women's knowledge, perceived benefits, and uptake of PrEP remain low. The socioecological model (SEM) may be useful for understanding why there is a low uptake of PrEP among Black women. The current study used the SEM to explore provider perspectives on the barriers and facilitators of PrEP uptake among Black women in Eastern Virginia. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a total sample of 15 community health care providers. Barriers of PrEP uptake at the societal (e.g., PrEP advertisements focus on gay men), community/organizational (e.g., time constraints in the workplace), interpersonal (e.g., perceived monogamy), and individual (e.g., unmet basic needs) levels were identified. Providers also identified facilitators of PrEP uptake at the societal (e.g., PrEP advertisements that target women), community/organizational (e.g., PrEP education), interpersonal (e.g., HIV-positive partner), and individual (e.g., PrEP awareness and perceived susceptibility to HIV) levels. These findings highlight unique barriers to accessing and taking PrEP for Black women in the United States, and potential factors that could facilitate PrEP use. Both barriers and facilitators may be important targets for interventions to improve PrEP uptake. Future research focused on improving PrEP uptake among Black women in the United States should consider multi-level interventions that target barriers and facilitators to reduce rates of HIV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Pitchford
- The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Sylvia Shangani
- Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Charlotte Dawson
- The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Rainier Masa
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristin Heron
- The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Mustanski B, Queiroz A, Merle JL, Zamantakis A, Zapata JP, Li DH, Benbow N, Pyra M, Smith JD. A Systematic Review of Implementation Research on Determinants and Strategies of Effective HIV Interventions for Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States. Annu Rev Psychol 2024; 75:55-85. [PMID: 37722749 PMCID: PMC10872355 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-032620-035725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV, accounting for two-thirds of HIV cases in the United States despite representing ∼5% of the adult population. Delivery and use of existing and highly effective HIV prevention and treatment strategies remain suboptimal among MSM. To summarize the state of the science, we systematically review implementation determinants and strategies of HIV-related health interventions using implementation science frameworks. Research on implementation barriers has focused predominantly on characteristics of individual recipients (e.g., ethnicity, age, drug use) and less so on deliverers (e.g., nurses, physicians), with little focus on system-level factors. Similarly, most strategies target recipients to influence their uptake and adherence, rather than improving and supporting implementation systems. HIV implementation research is burgeoning; future research is needed to broaden the examination of barriers at the provider and system levels, as well as expand knowledge on how to match strategies to barriers-particularly to address stigma. Collaboration and coordination among federal, state, and local public health agencies; community-based organizations; health care providers; and scientists are important for successful implementation of HIV-related health innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Mustanski
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
- Third Coast Center for AIDS Research, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Artur Queiroz
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - James L Merle
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Alithia Zamantakis
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Juan Pablo Zapata
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Dennis H Li
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
- Third Coast Center for AIDS Research, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nanette Benbow
- Third Coast Center for AIDS Research, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Maria Pyra
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
| | - Justin D Smith
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Lehmann C, Mullins TLK. Attitudes Toward and Experiences With Discussing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis With Sexual Partners Among US Adolescents and Young Adults Living With HIV. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:866-872. [PMID: 37318410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.04.030] [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] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sexual partners of youth living with HIV are a key population for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Among youth engaged in HIV medical care, we examined awareness of PrEP and experiences with and attitudes toward discussing PrEP with sexual partners. METHODS We recruited 25 15-24-year olds from an adolescent/young adult HIV clinic to complete individual interviews. Interviews assessed demographics, PrEP knowledge, sexual behaviors, and experiences with, intentions toward, barriers, and facilitating factors to discussing PrEP with partners. Transcripts were analyzed using framework analysis. RESULTS Mean age was 18.2 years. Twelve participants were cis-female, 11 cis-male, and two transgender female. Seventeen participants (68%) identified as Black, non-Hispanic. Nineteen acquired HIV sexually. Of 22 participants who had ever had sex, eight reported condomless sex in the prior 6 months. Most youth (17/25) were aware of PrEP. Only 11 participants had discussed PrEP with a partner; 16 reported high intention to discuss PrEP with future partners. Barriers to discussing PrEP with partners included participant-related barriers (i.e., discomfort disclosing HIV status), partner-related barriers (i.e., not open to or unfamiliar with PrEP), relationship-related barriers (i.e., new relationship, lack of trust), and stigma about HIV. Facilitating factors included positive relationship factors, educating partners about PrEP, and partners being receptive to learning about PrEP. DISCUSSION Although many youth living with HIV were aware of PrEP, fewer had discussed PrEP with a partner. PrEP use by partners of these youth may be improved by educating all youth about PrEP and offering opportunities for partners to meet with clinicians to discuss PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Lehmann
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Tanya L Kowalczyk Mullins
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Tracy BM, Swift DA, Smith RN. HIV geospatially clusters with firearm trauma in 35 Atlanta zip codes. AIDS Care 2023; 35:238-243. [PMID: 35044265 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2029815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess if rates of firearm trauma within Atlanta geospatially clustered with HIV prevalence and new HIV diagnosis rates. We retrospectively reviewed our Atlanta trauma center's registry for patients sustaining a ballistic firearm trauma from 2014 through 2018. Using the patient's zip code of home residence, we determined the rate of firearm trauma for that zip code. We obtained publicly available rates for HIV that corresponded with these select zip codes to perform a geospatial cluster analysis. The cohort was comprised of 1495 patients and represented 35 zip codes in Atlanta. The mean rate of firearm trauma for the 35 zip codes was 171.1 (±296.4) per 100,000 people. Compared to all Atlanta, the 35 zip codes' mean HIV prevalence (1863.9 vs 924.1, p < .0001) and new HIV diagnosis rate (396.9 vs 199.7, p < .0001) were significantly higher. Rates of firearm trauma and HIV prevalence demonstrated significant geospatial clustering (β 0.38, 95% CI 0.22-0.53, p < .0001) as did rates of firearm trauma and new HIV diagnoses (β 0.36, 95% CI 0.18-0.54, p = 0.0002). Our findings provide granular geographic data that could guide targeted HIV screening efforts in communities where our firearm-injured patients live.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M Tracy
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - David A Swift
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta
| | - Randi N Smith
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta
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Calabrese SK, Kalwicz DA, Dovidio JF, Rao S, Modrakovic DX, Boone CA, Magnus M, Kharfen M, Patel VV, Zea MC. Targeted social marketing of PrEP and the stigmatization of black sexual minority men. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285329. [PMID: 37167318 PMCID: PMC10174512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Disparities in HIV incidence and PrEP uptake suggest a need to prioritize Black sexual minority men (SMM) in PrEP social marketing initiatives. However, images linking Black SMM to HIV and PrEP may inadvertently reinforce stigma. We examined HIV-negative/status-unknown Black SMM's responses to targeted PrEP advertisements using mixed methods, including an experiment embedded in a longitudinal online survey (Time 1: n = 96; Time 2 [eight weeks]: n = 73) and four focus groups (n = 18). The full factorial experiment included between-groups and within-subjects comparisons. For between-groups comparisons, each participant was randomly assigned to view one of 12 advertisements, which varied by couple composition (Black SMM couple/Black heterosexual couple/multiple diverse couples/no couples) and campaign (PrEPare for the Possibilities/PlaySure/PrEP4Love). We examined couple composition, campaign, and interaction effects on: advertisement judgments (Time 1), PrEP stigma (Time 1), PrEP motivation (Times 1 and 2), and PrEP behavior (Time 2). For within-subjects comparisons, each participant viewed all 12 advertisements, and we examined couple composition, campaign, and interaction effects on advertisement judgments (Time 2). Focus group participants discussed advertising preferences and responded to the same set of advertisements. For between-groups and within-subjects comparisons, we found significant couple composition effects but no or limited campaign and interaction effects on advertisement judgments. Advertisements featuring Black SMM exclusively were judged as more stigmatizing than advertisements without couples. Advertisements with diverse (vs. no) couples were considered more eye-catching and motivating. There were minimal effects of couple composition and campaign on PrEP stigma, motivation, and behavior. Focus group participants corroborated concerns about the potential for PrEP advertisements to be stigmatizing, suggesting advertisements featuring Black SMM exclusively could be alienating and fuel conspiracy theories. Focus group participants generally favored diverse and less sexualized advertisements, particularly for public spaces. Findings collectively highlight the potential for targeted PrEP advertisements to stigmatize Black SMM and support diverse representation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Calabrese
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - David A Kalwicz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - John F Dovidio
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Sharanya Rao
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Djordje X Modrakovic
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Cheriko A Boone
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
- TAG Treatment Action Group Inc., New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Manya Magnus
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Michael Kharfen
- HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD & TB Administration, DC Department of Health, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Viraj V Patel
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Maria Cecilia Zea
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
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Haithcoat T, Liu D, Young T, Shyu CR. Investigating Health Context: Using Geospatial Big Data Ecosystem (Preprint). JMIR Med Inform 2021; 10:e35073. [PMID: 35311683 PMCID: PMC9021952 DOI: 10.2196/35073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Haithcoat
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Danlu Liu
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Tiffany Young
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Chi-Ren Shyu
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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Keene L, Boyd D. Ending the Epidemic: Assessing Sexual Health Communication, Personal Agency, and HIV Stigma among Black and Latino Youth in the U.S. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6319. [PMID: 34207968 PMCID: PMC8296133 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sexual health communication warrants greater attention as it may help to reduce the rates of HIV incidence among youth. A growing body of literature suggests that conversations about sexual health among Black and Latino youth may serve as a potential strategy for HIV prevention. The current study investigates whether sexual health communication-in particular, conversations about sexual health and HIV-influences Black and Latino youth's personal agency regarding their role in achieving an HIV-free generation. For this secondary data analysis, we used the National Survey of Teens and Young Adults on attitudes towards HIV/AIDS (n = 701). Participants included youth between the ages 15 and 24, and the average was 20 years. We used a multiple regression analysis to examine whether sexual health communication contributed to youth knowledge and awareness of (1) the national plan for EHE, and (2) their role in ending the epidemic". (1) knowledge and awareness of the national plan for EHE, and (2) role in ending the epidemic. The final multiple regression model was statistically significant [R2 = 0.16 F (12, 701) = 001, p < 0.001] for both outcomes. Study results found that sexual health communication was positively related to Black and Latino youth's awareness of efforts to end the HIV epidemic (EHE) and their belief that they could play a role in achieving EHE. In addition, HIV stigma influenced personal agency and whether youth were aware of efforts to achieve EHE. Our results demonstrated that openly communicating about sexual health and HIV may contribute to a sense of personal agency among Black and Latino youth. In addition, understanding whether sexual health communication contributes to a sense of personal agency among youth may inform HIV prevention efforts to achieve the goals set forth by the national EHE plan for the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance Keene
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, 1 Washington Square N., New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Donte Boyd
- College of Social Work, Ohio State University, 1947 College Rd N., Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
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