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Coulaud PJ, Parent N, Stehr R, Salway T, Knight R. Acceptability of integrating mental health and substance use care within sexual health services among young sexual and gender minority men in Vancouver, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 128:104459. [PMID: 38788388 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104459] [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] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite well-established evidence showing that young sexual and gender minority (SGM) men experience disproportionate mental health and substance use inequities, few sexual health services provide mental health and substance use care. This qualitative study examined the experiences and perspectives about integrated care models within sexual health services among young SGM men experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 SGM men aged 18-30 years who reported using substances with sex in Vancouver, Canada. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Three themes were identified: 1) participants asserted that their sexual health, mental health and substance use-related health needs were interrelated and that not addressing all three concurrently could result in even more negative health outcomes. These concurrent health needs were described as stemming from the oppressive social conditions in which SGM men live. 2) Although sexual health clinics were considered a safe place to discuss sexual health needs, participants reported not being invited by health providers to engage in discussions about their mental health and substance use health-related needs. Participants also perceived how stigmas associated with mental health and substance use limited their ability to express and receive support. 3) Participants identified key characteristics they preferred and wanted within integrated care, including training for health providers on mental health and SGM men's health and connections (e.g., referral processes) between services. Participants also recommended integrating social support programs to help them address SGM-related social challenges. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight that SGM men's sexual health, mental health and substance use-related health needs and preferences are interrelated and should be addressed together. Tailored training and resources as well as structural adaptations to improve communication channels and collaborative connections between health providers are required to facilitate the development of integrated care for young SGM men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Julien Coulaud
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Natasha Parent
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rodney Stehr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche en santé publique (CReSP), Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Park J, Chung S. The Experiences Surrounding Romantic Relationships of Korean Bisexual Individuals. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1083446. [PMID: 37082566 PMCID: PMC10110882 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1083446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionIn recent years, the level of social and academic interest in sexual minorities has been gradually increasing. However, studies on bisexual individuals and the data on experiences of bisexual individuals outside the United States are scarce.MethodsTo decrease the gap in the literature, this study examined the experiences of South Korean bisexual individuals in the context of romantic relationships via semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Participants were recruited through online-based platforms, and the interview with eight participants was analyzed.ResultsFive main themes were identified: discovering myself as bisexual, being exposed to discrimination and exclusion, being affected by the sex of a romantic partner, protecting myself when engaging in a romantic relationship, and benefits of a romantic relationship.DiscussionThe findings suggest that Korea’s heteronormative system and culture were the major challenges perceived by the participants. In conclusion, this study illustrates how sociocultural norms, social acceptance, and recognition affect bisexual identity in a romantic relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongeun Park
- Department of Counseling Psychology, Kyungil University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jeongeun Park,
| | - Seojin Chung
- Ministry of National Defense, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Williams D, Bartelt E, Thomas B, Guerra-Reyes L, Carspecken L, Rosenstock Gonzalez YR, Klimek S, Dodge B. Beyond the Boundaries: Exploring the Identity-Related Experiences of Biracial/Multiracial and Bisexual Adults. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2241-2259. [PMID: 35622076 PMCID: PMC9137263 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02236-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Most prior bisexual research takes a monolithic approach to racial identity, and existing racial/ethnic minority research often overlooks bisexuality. Consequently, previous studies have rarely examined the experiences and unique health needs of biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals. This exploratory qualitative study investigated the identity-related experiences of biracial/multiracial and bisexual adults within the context of health and well-being. Data were collected through 90-min semi-structured telephone interviews. Participants were recruited through online social network sites and included 24 adults between ages 18 and 59 years. We aimed to explore how identity-related experiences shape biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals' identity development processes; how biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals negotiate their identities; how the blending of multiple identities may contribute to perceptions of inclusion, exclusion, and social connectedness; and how biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals may attribute positive and negative experiences to their identities. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Analysis highlighted four major themes: passing and invisible identities, not measuring up and erasing complexity, cultural binegativity/queerphobia and intersectional oppressions, and navigating beyond boundaries. Our findings imply promoting affirmative visibility and developing intentional support networks may help biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals cultivate resiliency and navigate sources of identity stress. We encourage future research to explore mental health and chronic stress among this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deana Williams
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1025 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Bartelt
- School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo-SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Breanna Thomas
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1025 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Lucia Guerra-Reyes
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1025 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Lucinda Carspecken
- School of Education, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Yael R Rosenstock Gonzalez
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1025 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Sally Klimek
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1025 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Brian Dodge
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1025 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
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Feinstein BA. Introduction to the special issue: Improving the health of a local bisexual community through the creation of a citywide task force. JOURNAL OF BISEXUALITY 2020; 20:245-250. [PMID: 33762899 PMCID: PMC7986578 DOI: 10.1080/15299716.2020.1820930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
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