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Berlin GW, Fulcher K, Taylor K, Nguyen T, Montiel A, Moore D, Hull M, Lachowsky NJ. Links Between Childhood Abuse, Insidious Trauma, and Methamphetamine Use Across the Lifespan Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Analysis. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:3192-3212. [PMID: 35759650 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2089075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Developmental and lifespan examinations of methamphetamine use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) remain limited. We used a feminist trauma framework to examine potential links between childhood trauma, trauma-related stressors, and methamphetamine use among GBM. From June 2018 to October 2018, semi-structured interviews (N = 33) were conducted with GBM across British Columbia. Interviews focused on sexual experiences, support services, and methamphetamine use. Using thematic analysis, two overarching trauma-related themes were identified: developmental and insidious trauma and coping with trauma-related stressors. GBM's methamphetamine use co-occurred with childhood experiences of family- and peer-perpetrated heterosexism, childhood sexual abuse, and intersecting forms of oppression/marginalization. These experiences manifested as internalized shame, interpersonal anxiety, and low self-esteem. In adulthood, participants reported difficulty managing emotions, low self-confidence, and loneliness. GBM reported using methamphetamine to manage negative emotions, life stressors, and overcome barriers to interpersonal connection. Findings indicate a need for trauma-informed interventions that address underlying issues and help GBM cultivate supportive relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- G W Berlin
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - K Fulcher
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - K Taylor
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Canadian Institute of Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - T Nguyen
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Montiel
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - D Moore
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M Hull
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - N J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Closson K, Nicholson V, Lee M, McLinden T, Cassidy-Matthews C, G Card K, E Marziali M, Trigg J, Wang L, Parashar S, S G Montaner J, Gibbs A, Hart TA, Kaida A, Hogg RS. Associations between psychosocial factors and antiretroviral therapy outcomes differ by gender and sexual orientation among people living with HIV in British Columbia, Canada. AIDS Care 2023; 35:296-305. [PMID: 36169492 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2126959] [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: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about how the co-occurrence of psychosocial factors affect sub-populations of people living with HIV (PLWH). We used cross-sectional data from 999 PLWH, aged ≥19, accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in British Columbia, Canada (2007-2010) to examine associations between psychosocial factors and ART-related outcomes separately for trans/cis inclusive women; heterosexual men; and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between psychosocial factors (0-3): any violence in the past 6 months, depressive symptoms in the past week, and current street drug use (heroin, crack, meth or speedball) with sub-optimal adherence (outcome 1: average annual ART adherence <95% from interview until end of follow-up, death, or December 31st, 2018) and ever viral rebound (outcome 2) adjusting for potential confounders. Of 999 PLWH (264 women, 382 heterosexual men, and 353 gbMSM), women and heterosexual men had significantly higher median counts than gbMSM. Overall, higher counts were associated with sub-optimal adherence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.26/1-unit increase, 95%CI = 1.07-1.49). All effect estimates were of a greater magnitude among gbMSM, but not significant for women or heterosexual men, highlighting the need for population (e.g., gender and sexual orientation)-centered care and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalysha Closson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Valerie Nicholson
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Melanie Lee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Taylor McLinden
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Kiffer G Card
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Megan E Marziali
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason Trigg
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Surita Parashar
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | | | - Andrew Gibbs
- South African Medical Research Council, Gender and Health Unit, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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Chakrapani V, Newman PA, Sebastian A, Rawat S, Mittal S, Gupta V, Kaur M. Mental health, economic well-being and health care access amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods study among urban men who have sex with men in India. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2022; 30:2144087. [PMID: 36476183 PMCID: PMC9733688 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2144087] [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: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Scant empirical research from Asia has addressed the impact of COVID-19 on sexual minority health. We aimed to explore and understand the impact of COVID-19 on income security, mental health, HIV risk and access to health services among men who have sex with men (MSM) in India. We conducted a concurrent mixed methods study from April to June 2020, including a cross-sectional survey and in-depth semi-structured interviews with MSM recruited from three non-governmental organisations providing HIV prevention services in Chandigarh, India. We examined the associations of sexual minority stressors (sexual stigma, internalised homonegativity), economic stressors, and stress due to social distancing, with depression and anxiety, HIV risk, and access to health services. Survey findings (n = 132) indicated that internalised homonegativity and stress related to social distancing were significantly associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results also showed reduced access to condoms, HIV testing and counselling services. Qualitative findings (n = 10) highlighted adverse economic impacts of COVID-19, including loss of employment/wages and engaging in survival sex work, which contributed to psychological distress and HIV risk. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in considerable psychological and financial distress among low socioeconomic status MSM in India, including those involved in sex work - communities already marginalised in economic, family and healthcare sectors. Structural interventions to improve access to mental health and HIV services and decrease financial burden are critical to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesan Chakrapani
- Chairperson, Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India; DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Senior Fellow, The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, India. Correspondence: ,
| | - Peter A Newman
- Professor, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aleena Sebastian
- Assistant Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore, India
| | - Shruta Rawat
- Research Manager, The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, India
| | - Sandeep Mittal
- Deputy Director (Targeted Interventions), Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society (CSACS), Chandigarh, India
| | - Vanita Gupta
- Project Director, Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society (CSACS), Chandigarh, India
| | - Manmeet Kaur
- Professor, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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Azucar D, Hidalgo MA, Wright D, Slay L, Kipke MD. Development of an HIV Prevention Intervention for African American Young Men Who Have Sex With Men (Y2Prevent): Study Protocol. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e36718. [PMID: 36173675 PMCID: PMC9562086 DOI: 10.2196/36718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African American young men who have sex with men (YMSM) possess many intersecting identities that may increase their vulnerability to social stigmatization and discrimination, which yields a negative influence on their well-being and behaviors. These experiences often manifest as increased general and sexual risk-taking behaviors that place this particular group at an increased risk for HIV. This scenario is exacerbated by the lack of HIV prevention interventions specifically designed for African American YMSM. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we discuss the development of research designed to refine, pilot, and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a behavioral intervention designed to build resilience and reduce substance use and HIV risk behaviors among African American YMSM. The overarching aim of this research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, is to further refine and pilot test an intervention called Young Men's Adult Identity Monitoring (YM-AIM). YM-AIM is a theory-driven, group-level intervention designed to help African American YMSM develop a healthy vision for their future (or possible future self) by defining a set of short-term and long-term goals in the areas of education, health, family, and intimate relationships. METHODS Through partnerships with community members and community-based organizations, we will further strengthen and refine YM-AIM to include 3 new components: biomedical HIV prevention strategies (pre-exposure prophylaxis and postexposure prophylaxis); HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and HIV care referral, drug screening, and drug treatment referral; and a youth mentoring component. We will recruit African American YMSM, aged 18 to 24 years, into 2 working groups; each group will consist of 6 to 8 members and will convene on a weekly basis, and each meeting will focus on one specific YM-AIM topic. This feedback will be used to further refine the intervention, which will then be evaluated for its feasibility and acceptability. Intervention outcomes include drug use in the past 30 days and 3 months, alcohol use, condomless sex, number of sex partners, and increasing condom use intention, condom use self-efficacy, HIV and STI testing recency and frequency, and linkage to care. RESULTS As of June 2022, we completed phase 1 of Y2Prevent and launched phase 2 of Y2Prevent to begin recruitment for working group participants. Phase 3 of Y2Prevent is anticipated to be launched in September and is expected to be completed by the end of this project period in December 2022. CONCLUSIONS Few youth-focused interventions have sought to help youth identify and develop the skills needed to navigate the social and structural factors that contribute to individual-level engagement in prevention among sexual minority youth. This research seeks to promote young men's adoption and maintenance of HIV-protective behaviors (eg, safer sex, pre-exposure prophylaxis use, HIV and STI testing, and health care use). INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/36718.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Azucar
- Division of Research on Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Marco A Hidalgo
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Medicine-Pediatrics Section, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Deja Wright
- Division of Research on Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lindsay Slay
- Division of Research on Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michele D Kipke
- Division of Research on Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Ouafik MR, Buret L, Scholtes B. Mapping the current knowledge in syndemic research applied to men who have sex with men: A scoping review. Soc Sci Med 2022; 306:115162. [PMID: 35779501 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115162] [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: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with Men (MSM) represent a population affected by numerous health conditions. Syndemic theory has been used as a framework to study the health of MSM for nearly 20 years. However, the literature is plagued by a lack of consensus regarding what constitutes a synergy in a syndemic and recent reviews have shown that most of the papers published thus far have failed to demonstrate a synergy nor describe the bio-social interaction needed to account for a true syndemic. Moreover, to our knowledge, none of the existing reviews have focused specifically on MSM. This scoping review aims to fill this gap by mapping in detail how syndemic research on MSM has been conducted. A systematic database search was conducted between 2020 and 2021 and 115 studies were included. Our findings showed a lack of diversity regarding the location, design, subpopulation, and outcomes studied. In addition, the syndemic conditions, as well as their measurement, were not focused enough to ensure the robustness and reproducibility of the findings. Furthermore, our results support previous reviews showing a lack of empirical data to support disease interaction in syndemic research applied to MSM. Our review offers some important recommendations to help move the field forward in future work and describes some promising methodological advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxence R Ouafik
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, General Practice Department, University of Liège, Quartier Hôpital B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Laetitia Buret
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, General Practice Department, University of Liège, Quartier Hôpital B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Beatrice Scholtes
- Research Unit of Primary Care and Health, General Practice Department, University of Liège, Quartier Hôpital B23, Avenue Hippocrate 13, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
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Souleymanov R, Star J, McLeod A, Amjad S, Moore S, Campbell C, Lorway R, Payne M, Ringaert L, Larcombe L, Restall G, Migliardi P, Magwood B, Lachowsky NJ, Brennan DJ, Sharma UN. Relationship between sociodemographics, healthcare providers' competence and healthcare access among two-spirit, gay, bisexual, queer and other men who have sex with men in Manitoba: results from a community-based cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054596. [PMID: 35105639 PMCID: PMC8804644 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about barriers to healthcare access for two-spirit, gay, bisexual and queer (2SGBQ+) men in Manitoba. DESIGN Data were drawn from a community-based, cross-sectional survey designed to examine health and healthcare access among 2SGBQ+ men. SETTING Community-based cross-sectional study in Manitoba, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Community-based sample of 368 2SGBQ+ men. OUTCOMES Logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between sociodemographics, healthcare discrimination, perceived healthcare providers' 2SGBQ+ competence/knowledge and two indicators of healthcare access (analytic outcome variables): (1) having a regular healthcare provider and (2) having had a healthcare visit in the past 12 months. RESULTS In multivariate analyses, living in Brandon (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.08, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.22), small cities (AOR=0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.98) and smaller towns (AOR=0.26, 95% CI 0.08 o 0.81) in Manitoba (compared with living in Winnipeg), as well as having a healthcare provider with poor (AOR=0.19, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.90) or very poor competence/knowledge (AOR=0.03, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.25) of 2SGBQ+ men's issues (compared with very good competence) was associated with lower odds of having a regular healthcare provider. Living in Brandon (AOR=0.05, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.17) and smaller towns (AOR=0.25, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.90) in Manitoba (compared with living in Winnipeg) was associated with lower odds of having a healthcare visit in the past 12 months, while identifying as a gay man compared with bisexual (AOR=12.57, 95% CI 1.88 to 83.97) was associated with higher odds of having a healthcare visit in the past 12 months. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the importance of reducing the gap between the healthcare access of rural and urban 2SGBQ+ men, improving healthcare providers' cultural competence and addressing their lack of knowledge of 2SGBQ+ men's issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rusty Souleymanov
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jared Star
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Albert McLeod
- Two-Spirited People of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sana Amjad
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Samantha Moore
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Robert Lorway
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael Payne
- Nine Circles Community Health Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Laurie Ringaert
- Manitoba HIV-STBBI Collective Impact Network, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Linda Larcombe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Gayle Restall
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Paula Migliardi
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Community-Based Research Centre, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Gaspar M, Marshall Z, Rodrigues R, Adam BD, Brennan DJ, Hart TA, Grace D. Mental health and structural harm: a qualitative study of sexual minority men's experiences of mental healthcare in Toronto, Canada. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2021; 23:98-114. [PMID: 31794349 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1692074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Compared to the general population, sexual minority men report poorer mental health outcomes and higher mental healthcare utilisation. However, they also report more unmet mental health needs. To better understand this phenomenon, we conducted qualitative interviews with 24 sexual minority men to explore the structural factors shaping their encounters with mental healthcare in Toronto, Canada. Interviews were analysed using grounded theory. Many participants struggled to access mental healthcare and felt more marginalised and distressed because of two interrelated sets of barriers. The first were general barriers, hurdles to mental healthcare not exclusive to sexual minorities. These included financial and logistical obstacles, the prominence of psychiatry and the biomedical model, and unsatisfactory provider encounters. The second were sexual minority barriers, obstacles explicitly rooted in heterosexism and homophobia sometimes intersecting with other forms of marginality. These included experiencing discrimination and distrust, and limited sexual minority affirming options. Discussions of general barriers outweighed those of sexual minority barriers, demonstrating the health consequences of structural harms in the absence of overt structural stigma. Healthcare inaccessibility, income insecurity and the high cost of living are fostering poor mental health among sexual minority men. Research must consider the upstream policy changes necessary to counteract these harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zack Marshall
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ricky Rodrigues
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Barry D Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
- Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Maiorana A, Kegeles SM, Brown S, Williams R, Arnold EA. Substance use, intimate partner violence, history of incarceration and vulnerability to HIV among young Black men who have sex with men in a Southern US city. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2021; 23:37-51. [PMID: 31944158 PMCID: PMC7363521 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1688395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In this longitudinal qualitative study we explored the lived experiences of young Black men who have sex with men in Dallas, Texas in relation to methamphetamine use, intimate partner violence and a history of incarceration as syndemic conditions that may contribute to their risk of transmitting or acquiring HIV. We conducted a total of 106 interviews (four repeat interviews every six months) with a cohort of 30 participants. Some reported condomless sex and no discussion about condom use or HIV status with sexual partners. Fifteen participants reported that they were living with HIV. Methamphetamine use contributed to participants' unstable housing, job loss, destructive relationships and HIV risk. One third of participants reported a history of intimate partner violence. About half had a history of incarceration resulting from intimate partner violence, substance use/dealing and/or other activities. Post-release, having a criminal record limited job opportunities and impacted financial stability. Consequently, some men engaged in survival work involving HIV risk (sex work, organising/participating in sex parties). Methamphetamine use, intimate partner violence and incarceration may constitute syndemic conditions that increase young Black men who have sex with men's risk for HIV acquisition and transmission. HIV prevention interventions must address syndemics and include structural factors and the wider social environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Maiorana
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of
California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Susan M. Kegeles
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of
California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Brown
- Community, Prevention, and Intervention Unit, University of Texas, Southwestern
| | - Robert Williams
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of
California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily A. Arnold
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of
California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Gaspar M, Marshall Z, Rodrigues R, Adam BD, Brennan DJ, Hart TA, Grace D. A tale of two epidemics: gay men's mental health and the biomedicalisation of HIV prevention and care in Toronto. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2019; 41:1056-1070. [PMID: 30838679 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
There is mounting urgency regarding the mental health of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). We examined how GBM are understanding the relationship between HIV and their mental health given the increasing biomedicalisation of HIV prevention and care. Our Grounded Theory analysis derived from qualitative interviews with 24 GBM living in Toronto, Canada, including both HIV-negative and HIV-positive men. Participants understood biomedical advances, such as undetectable viral load and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), as providing some relief from HIV-related distress. However, they offered ambivalent perspectives on the biomedicalisation of HIV. Some considered non-HIV-specific stressors (e.g. unemployment, racial discrimination) more significant than HIV-related concerns. These men expressed HIV-related distress as being under control due to biomedical advances or as always negligible when compared to non-HIV-specific stressors. Others emphasised the ongoing mental health implications of HIV (e.g. enduring risk and stigma). We describe a tension between optimistic responses to biomedicine's ability to ease the psychosocial burdens associated with HIV and the inability for biomedicine to address the social and economic determinants driving the dual epidemics of HIV and mental distress amongst GBM. We argue for more socio-material analysis over further sexual behavioural analysis of GBM mental health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Barry D Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor, Canada
- Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Canada
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
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10
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Chakrapani V, Kaur M, Newman PA, Mittal S, Kumar R. Syndemics and HIV-related sexual risk among men who have sex with men in India: influences of stigma and resilience. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2019; 21:416-431. [PMID: 30025511 PMCID: PMC6430415 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2018.1486458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Using syndemics theory as a framework, we explored the experience of men who have sex with men in India in relation to four syndemic conditions (depression, alcohol use, internalised homonegativity and violence victimisation) and to understand their resilience resources. Five focus groups were conducted among a purposive sample of diverse men along with seven key informant interviews with HIV service providers. Participants' narratives suggested various pathways by which syndemic conditions interact with one another to sequentially or concurrently increase HIV risk. Experiences of discrimination and violence from a range of perpetrators (family, ruffians and police) contributed to internalised homonegativity and/or depression, which in turn led some men to use alcohol as a coping strategy. Stigma related to same-sex sexuality, gender non-conformity and sex work contributed to the production of one or more syndemic conditions. While rejection by family and male regular partners contributed to depression/alcohol use, support from family, regular partners and peers served as resources of resilience. In India, HIV prevention and health promotion efforts among men who have sex with men could be strengthened by multi-level multi-component interventions to reduce intersectional/intersecting stigma, address syndemic conditions and foster resilience - especially by promoting family acceptance and peer support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesan Chakrapani
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Manmeet Kaur
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
- Corresponding Author: Manmeet Kaur
| | - Peter A. Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandeep Mittal
- Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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11
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Logie CH, Abramovich A, Schott N, Levermore K, Jones N. Navigating stigma, survival, and sex in contexts of social inequity among young transgender women and sexually diverse men in Kingston, Jamaica. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS 2018; 26:72-83. [PMID: 30475167 DOI: 10.1080/09688080.2018.1538760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Social inequities, including stigma, criminalisation of same-sex practices, and poverty, elevate HIV exposure among young transgender women and sexually diverse men in Jamaica. Yet the ways transgender women and sexually diverse men in Jamaica navigate sex and HIV in contexts of social inequity are underexplored. The study objective was to explore experiences and perceptions of sexual decision-making and HIV risk among young (aged 18-30) sexually diverse men and transgender women in Kingston, Jamaica. We conducted a community-based qualitative study in Kingston that involved in-depth individual interviews (transgender women: n = 20; sexually diverse men: n = 20), 2 focus groups (transgender women: n = 8; sexually diverse men: n = 10) and 13 key informant interviews. Focus groups and interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed with a thematic approach. Findings suggest that transgender women and sexually diverse men in Kingston are aware of, and managing survival challenges and HIV risks in contexts of social inequity. Daily survival challenges include stigma and a lack of human rights protections that contributed to barriers to employment, housing, healthcare, education, and exposure to violence. Challenges maintaining sexual relationships included the need to hide for safety, often resulting in difficulties forming lasting relationships. These survival and relationship challenges converged to lower self-esteem and self-acceptance. In the face of these challenges, participants navigated sexual risk and pleasure. Findings provide insight into agency and sexual decision-making processes in contexts of social inequities. Findings can inform multi-level strategies to promote social equity, sexual health, and HIV prevention with young transgender women and sexually diverse men in Jamaica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- a Associate Professor, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada.,b Adjunct Scientist, Women's College Research Institute , Women's College Hospital , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Alex Abramovich
- c Independent Scientist , Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Nicole Schott
- d Doctoral Candidate, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Kandasi Levermore
- e Executive Director , Jamaica AIDS Support for Life , Kingston , Jamaica
| | - Nicolette Jones
- f Research Coordinator , Jamaica AIDS Support for Life , Kingston , Jamaica
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Semlyen J, Ali A, Flowers P. Intersectional identities and dilemmas in interactions with healthcare professionals: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of British Muslim gay men. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2018; 20:1023-1035. [PMID: 29268660 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2017.1411526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Individual interviews were conducted with six self-identified Muslim gay men living in London focusing on their experience of health service use. Transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Analysis identified two major themes: the close(d) community and self-management with healthcare professionals, detailing participants' concerns regarding the risks of disclosing sexuality; and the authentic identity - 'you're either a Muslim or you're gay, you can't be both' - which delineated notions of incommensurate identity. Analysis highlights the need for health practitioners to have insight into the complexity of intersectional identities, identity disclosure dynamics and the negative consequences of assumptions made, be these heteronormative or faith-related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Semlyen
- a School of Psychology , London Metropolitan University , London , UK
- b Norwich Medical School , University of East Anglia , Norwich , UK
| | - Atif Ali
- a School of Psychology , London Metropolitan University , London , UK
| | - Paul Flowers
- c School of Psychology , Glasgow Caledonian University , Glasgow , UK
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Dangerfield DT, Smith LR, Anderson JN, Bruce OJ, Farley J, Bluthenthal R. Sexual Positioning Practices and Sexual Risk Among Black Gay and Bisexual Men: A Life Course Perspective. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:1919-1931. [PMID: 29079948 PMCID: PMC5924576 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1948-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Increased attention has highlighted the role of age and sexual development on HIV risk among Black MSM (BMSM); limited focus has been given to the relationship of sexual positioning to HIV risk along the life course. This study examined BMSM's life course sexual positioning practices and accompanying HIV/STI risks. Twenty-six Black gay and bisexual men ages 24-61 completed life history interviews in Los Angeles, California, between September and November 2015. Thematic analysis evaluated domains including major life events, substance use, social support, and partner selection. Varying exposure to HIV treatment and prevention options and venues to meet male partners revealed generational differences in sexual risks. Childhood sexual abuse and internalized homonegativity impacted personal development, sexual positioning, and condom negotiation. BMSM also assumed sexual positioning using masculinity stereotypes and body language. Clarifying the sexual development and HIV/STI risk contexts among BMSM could better inform current treatment and prevention needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek T Dangerfield
- The REACH Initiative, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, 2120532, USA.
| | - Laramie R Smith
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Janeane N Anderson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Omar J Bruce
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jason Farley
- The REACH Initiative, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, 2120532, USA
- Department of Community Public Health, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ricky Bluthenthal
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Prevention Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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