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Li M, Chau K, Calabresi K, Wang Y, Wang J, Fritz J, Tseng TS. The Effect of Minority Stress Processes on Smoking for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Individuals: A Systematic Review. LGBT Health 2024. [PMID: 38557209 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0323] [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: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are more likely to smoke than non-LGBTQ individuals. Smoking has been posited as a coping mechanism for LGBTQ individuals facing minority stress. However, the exact relationship between minority stress and smoking behaviors among LGBTQ individuals is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to examine how minority stress processes are associated with smoking behaviors for LGBTQ individuals. Methods: Searches of the PubMed and PsycINFO databases were conducted for smoking-, LGBTQ-, and minority stress-related terms. No date, geographic, or language limits were used. For inclusion, the study must have (1) been written in English, (2) had an LGBTQ group as the study population or a component of the study population, (3) assessed the cigarette smoking status of patients, and (4) assessed at least one minority stress-related process (internalized stigma, perceived stigma, or prejudice events). Results: The final review included 44 articles. Aside from two outlier studies, all of the reviewed studies exhibited that increased levels of minority stress processes (internalized queerphobia, perceived stigma, and prejudice events) were associated with increased probability of cigarette use in LGBTQ individuals. Increased minority stress was also associated with greater psychological distress/mental health decline. Conclusion: The findings of this review suggest that minority stress processes represent a contributing factor to smoking health disparities in LGBTQ populations. These results highlight the need for smoking cessation and prevention programs to address minority stress and improve smoking disparities in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirandy Li
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kelly Chau
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Calabresi
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Yuzhi Wang
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jack Wang
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jackson Fritz
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Tung Sung Tseng
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Lipperman-Kreda S, Sanders E, Annechino R, Peterkin E, Antin TMJ. Harm perceptions of vaping nicotine relative to cigarette smoking among sexual and gender minority young adults. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:371-380. [PMID: 38258463 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13812] [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] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To address gaps in existing research, the current study used a mixed-methods approach to describe, contextualise and understand harm perceptions of vaping nicotine relative to cigarette smoking and associations with nicotine and tobacco (NT) use among young adults who identify their genders and sexualities in ways that classify them as sexual and gender minorities (SGM). METHODS Results are based on cross-sectional surveys and online qualitative interviews with 98 SGM young adults (18-25 years old) in California's San Francisco Bay Area who currently or formerly used combustible tobacco. We generated a measure assessing participants' relative harm perceptions of e-cigarette use versus cigarette smoking and identified those who perceived cigarette smoking as more harmful than e-cigarette use compared to those who perceived it to be equally or less harmful. RESULTS We found that relative harm perceptions of cigarette smoking versus e-cigarette use are likely related to much uncertainty and confusion about the harms of e-cigarette use. Moreover, findings illustrate that public health messages regarding the risks of e-cigarette use may have unintended consequences of increasing cigarette use to replace e-cigarette use for some SGM young adults, a practice that is incongruent with scientific evidence demonstrating that cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products are riskier than e-cigarettes and other forms of NT use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Results suggest the need for evidence-based, clear, and direct messaging about the relative harms of cigarettes versus e-cigarettes to reduce NT-related inequities in SGM populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Lipperman-Kreda
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, USA
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Emile Sanders
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Rachelle Annechino
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Elaina Peterkin
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Tamar M J Antin
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
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Tran NK, Le TP, Krause KD, Martino RJ, Halkitis PN. An Exploration of Racial Differences of Psychosocial Stressors and Their Association With Mental Health Between Asian and White Sexual Minority Men: The P18 Cohort Study. ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 14:364-372. [PMID: 38264160 PMCID: PMC10803058 DOI: 10.1037/aap0000309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
There is growing concern that Asian sexual minority men (SMM), including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, may be at elevated risk of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, yet limited attention has focused on how psychosocial stressors may affect them. This study seeks to (a) explore differences in psychosocial stressors, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation between Asian and White SMM and (b) evaluate the potential moderation of associations between psychosocial stressors and mental health by race. Data were obtained from the P18 Cohort Study. We restricted the sample to only those who identified as non-Hispanic Asian or White and used regression analysis to assess the associations of psychosocial stressors and mental health outcomes in the overall sample by race. Of the 217 participants in our analytic sample, 23% self-identified as Asian. Compared with White SMM, Asian SMM had a higher prevalence of loneliness, internalized homophobia, and public gay-related stigma. In regression analyses, most psychosocial stressors were significantly associated with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in the overall sample. Associations between each stressor and mental health outcome primarily did not differ between Asian and White SMM. However, White SMM experiencing higher levels of public gay-related stigma had greater odds of suicidal ideation, although this was not observed for Asian SMM. Overall, Asian SMM may be experiencing similar effects of psychosocial stressors on mental health to White SMM. Health professionals may want to consider how these stressors impact the mental health and well-being of their Asian SMM clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen K. Tran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, 3215 Market St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Thomas P. Le
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, 3128 Biology Psychology Building, College Park, MD, 20770, USA
| | - Kristen D. Krause
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Urban-Global Health, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Richard J. Martino
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Perry N. Halkitis
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Klein H, Washington TA. The "triple whammy": Serious psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and substance misuse among transgender persons. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 241:104092. [PMID: 38000363 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104092] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper examines the conjoint effects of serious psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse among transgender adults. The principal aims are to determine the prevalence of this "triple whammy," identify the factors underlying the co-occurrence of all three problems, and to determine if there is evidence of syndemic effects underlying the "triple whammy." METHODS Data from the 2015 U.S. National Transgender Survey were used to examine the "triple whammy" relationship in a sample of 27,715 transgender Americans aged 18 or older. Odds ratios and multivariate logistic regression were performed to examine the data. RESULTS 13.3 % of the study participants reported experiencing serious psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. The most potent predictors of the "triple whammy" were younger age, a greater number of anti-transgender experiences, and not reaching various transition milestones. Strong evidence emerged to indicate the presence of syndemic effects in operation. CONCLUSIONS Experiencing the combination of adverse mental health and substance abuse was not uncommon in this population of transgender adults. Being young, experiencing a larger variety of types of anti-transgender discrimination, harassment, and violence, and not reaching specific transition milestones all had a significant impact on the odds that people would experience the "triple whammy." This was particularly true when these measures were examined in conjunction with one another, because of strong syndemic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh Klein
- Kensington Research Institute, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America; School of Social Work, California State University-Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, United States of America.
| | - Thomas Alex Washington
- School of Social Work, California State University-Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, United States of America
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Fahey KML, Kovacek K, Abramovich A, Dermody SS. Substance use prevalence, patterns, and correlates in transgender and gender diverse youth: A scoping review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 250:110880. [PMID: 37480799 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110880] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adults are at elevated risk of problematic substance use. While understanding substance use disparities in TGD youth is crucial for informing early preventions, there is no known synthesis of prevalence and correlates of substance use in TGD youth. The objectives of this study were to: 1) describe the prevalence and patterns of substance use in TGD youth, 2) identify and evaluate potential correlates of substance use, and 3) report the strengths and limitations of the current literature in recommendation of future steps. A PRISMA-guided systematic search was conducted to identify 55 studies that reported prevalence, patterns, or correlates of substance use in TGD youth aged 10-24 years; were published in the English language; and followed a quantitative design. Fifty-four (98.18%) studies examined prevalence and patterns, 23 (41.82%) examined correlates, and 12 (21.82%) examined moderators and mediators of substance use in TGD youth. Findings suggest TGD youth exhibit a moderate-to-high prevalence of recent substance use, including alcohol (23-31%), binge drinking (11-59%), cigarettes (10-59%), e-cigarettes (17-27%), and marijuana (17-46%). Additionally, results supported that greater victimization experiences, including those related and unrelated to being a gender minority, were associated with increased substance use risk. Few studies examined polysubstance use, resilience, and protective factors, or considered TGD subgroup differences, which we recommend in future research. Further, we recommend improving population-based surveys to better capture gender identity and related experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alex Abramovich
- University of Toronto, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada
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Helminen EC, Cascalheira CJ, Shaw TJ, Zollweg S, Hughes TL, Scheer JR. A latent class analysis of tailored substance use treatment programs: Implications for treating syndemic conditions facing sexual and gender minority populations. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 238:109550. [PMID: 35820291 PMCID: PMC9444885 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syndemics (i.e., multiple, co-occurring, and synergistic conditions) contribute to elevated substance use among sexual and gender minority (SGM) people relative to heterosexual, cisgender people. Research suggests that syndemic-informed and SGM-tailored treatments are effective in substance use treatment among SGM people. However, few studies have examined 1) the proportion of substance use treatment facilities offering syndemic-informed, SGM-tailored treatment programming; and 2) the availability and accessibility of syndemic-informed, SGM-tailored treatment programs across the U.S. METHODS We used the 2020 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) dataset to perform a latent class analysis examining whether substance use treatment facilities' tailored treatment programs cluster together to form distinct classes indicating whether facilities offer syndemic-informed and SGM-tailored programming. We then used multinomial logistic regression to examine associations between class membership and facility availability and accessibility. RESULTS Analyses revealed four classes of substance use treatment facilities' tailored programs. Facilities with syndemic-informed and SGM-tailored treatment programs compared to facilities with no tailored programs were more likely to be in the Northeast compared to the Midwest and South; to offer payment assistance versus not offer payment assistance; and to be private, for-profit facilities versus public or non-profit facilities. CONCLUSIONS This study's findings identify the need for more facilities with syndemic-informed and SGM-tailored treatment, particularly in the Midwestern and Southern U.S. regions. Facilities offering syndemic-informed and SGM-tailored treatment might present accessibility barriers for low-income SGM people, as they were more likely to be private, for-profit facilities; however, they were more likely to offer payment assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Helminen
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Cory J Cascalheira
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA; Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Thomas J Shaw
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Zollweg
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jillian R Scheer
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
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Moody RL, Chen YT, Schneider JA, Knox J, Timmins L, Hanson H, Koli K, Durrell M, Dehlin J, Eavou R, Martins SS, Duncan DT. Polysubstance use in a community sample of Black cisgender sexual minority men and transgender women in Chicago during initial COVID-19 pandemic peak. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:4. [PMID: 35090507 PMCID: PMC8796750 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00433-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to COVID-19, the city of Chicago issued stay-at-home orders, which began on March 20, 2020, and restrictions meant to "flatten the curve" remained in effect until June 2, 2020. On June 3, 2020, Chicago entered the reopening phase. This study compares rates of polysubstance use by COVID-19 lockdown phase and across sociodemographic characteristics in a Chicago-based sample of Black cisgender sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women. METHOD Data come from the Neighborhood and Networks (N2) cohort, an ongoing study of Black cisgender SMM and transgender women living in Chicago. Participants (N = 226) completed a survey between April 20, 2020, and July 30, 2020, during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chicago. We conducted chi-square tests of independence and modified Poisson regression models with robust error variance and estimated adjusted prevalence ratios. RESULTS Alcohol and marijuana were the most used substances, with 73.5% reporting at least one drinking day and 71.2% of the sample reporting marijuana use in the past 14 days. Tobacco was used by 41.6% of the sample, and illegal drug use, which does not include marijuana, was reported by 17.7% of the sample. Substance use was consistently associated with the use of other substances. As such, polysubstance use (i.e., using two or more substances) was common in this sample (63.7%). Few sociodemographic differences emerged, and substance use was not associated with lockdown phase. CONCLUSION Substance use, including polysubstance use, was high in our sample of Black SMM and transgender women during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued monitoring is needed given the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative health consequences associated with substance use in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond L Moody
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 772 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Yen-Tyng Chen
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University of New Jersey, 300 Pompton Road, Wayne, New Jersey, 07470, USA
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, 5837 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - John A Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, 5837 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC2000, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC6092, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Justin Knox
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 772 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Liadh Timmins
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 772 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hillary Hanson
- Survey Lab, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Kangkana Koli
- Survey Lab, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Mainza Durrell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC2000, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC6092, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jessica Dehlin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC2000, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Rebecca Eavou
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC2000, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Silvia S Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 772 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 772 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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Valera P, Owens M, Malarkey S, Acuna N. Exploring Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use among Queer Adults during the Early Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12919. [PMID: 34948530 PMCID: PMC8700781 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this narrative study is to describe the vaping and smoking characteristics of Queer people ages 18-34 before March of 2020 and to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted those behaviors since March of 2020. In total, 31 participants were screened. Thirteen participants were screened prior to the emergence of COVID-19, and 18 were screened when study protocols transitioned to a remote setting (pre and during). Of the 27 eligible participants, a total of 25 participants completed the study. Most participants (n = 13) self-identified as male, followed by five identified as female, four self-identified as gender non-binary, and three identified as transgender. The most common sexual orientation amongst participants was gay (n = 10), with bisexual being the second-most reported. Approximately 20 Queer participants reported using cigarettes, 14 participants self-reported using electronic devices, and 11 reported using hookah. Twenty participants reported smoking ten or less, and four self-reported using 11-20 cigarettes per day. Approximately, 92% of participants (n = 23) indicate that they are using an e-cigarette and regular cigarettes, and 57% of participants (n = 12) report using one pod or cartridge per day. The three themes that emerged in this study are: (1) Queer people during COVID-19 are experiencing heightened minority stress; (2) Queer people are unfamiliar with smoking cessation; and (3) vaping and smoking are attributed to stress and anxiety. Queer participants are likely to be dual users of cigarette and vaping products. This present study provides increasing evidence that Queer people are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety and using cigarette smoking and vaping to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Valera
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Madelyn Owens
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Sarah Malarkey
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Nicholas Acuna
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA;
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Martino RJ, Krause KD, Griffin M, LoSchiavo C, Comer-Carruthers C, Karr AG, Bullock AF, Halkitis PN. A Nationwide Survey of COVID-19 Testing in LGBTQ+ Populations in the United States. Public Health Rep 2021; 136:493-507. [PMID: 34034566 PMCID: PMC8203041 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211018190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) people and populations face myriad health disparities that are likely to be evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives of our study were to describe patterns of COVID-19 testing among LGBTQ+ people and to differentiate rates of COVID-19 testing and test results by sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS Participants residing in the United States and US territories (N = 1090) aged ≥18 completed an internet-based survey from May through July 2020 that assessed COVID-19 testing and test results and sociodemographic characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). We analyzed data on receipt and results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2 and symptoms of COVID-19 in relation to sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS Of the 1090 participants, 182 (16.7%) received a PCR test; of these, 16 (8.8%) had a positive test result. Of the 124 (11.4%) who received an antibody test, 45 (36.3%) had antibodies. Rates of PCR testing were higher among participants who were non-US-born (25.4%) versus US-born (16.3%) and employed full-time or part-time (18.5%) versus unemployed (10.8%). Antibody testing rates were higher among gay cisgender men (17.2%) versus other SOGI groups, non-US-born (25.4%) versus US-born participants, employed (12.6%) versus unemployed participants, and participants residing in the Northeast (20.0%) versus other regions. Among SOGI groups with sufficient cell sizes (n > 10), positive PCR results were highest among cisgender gay men (16.1%). CONCLUSIONS The differential patterns of testing and positivity, particularly among gay men in our sample, confirm the need to create COVID-19 public health messaging and programming that attend to the LGBTQ+ population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. Martino
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Kristen D. Krause
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Marybec Griffin
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Caleb LoSchiavo
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Camilla Comer-Carruthers
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Anita G. Karr
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Allie F. Bullock
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Perry N. Halkitis
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Urban–Global Health, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
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Ramos SR, Lardier DT, Warren RC, Cherian M, Siddiqui S, Kershaw T. Substance Use, General Health and Health Literacy as Predictors of Oral Health in Emerging Adult Sexual Minority Men of Color: A Secondary Data Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1987. [PMID: 33670796 PMCID: PMC7922476 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is limited evidence surrounding oral health in emerging adult, sexual minority men of color. This study examined the association between sociodemographic factors, health literacy, cigarette, e-cigarette, and alcohol use on oral health outcomes. Secondary data analysis was conducted with 322 sexual minority men ages 18-34 in the United States. Between-group, mean-level, and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined differences on oral health outcomes. Increased cigarette (aOR = 1.84, p = 0.03), e-cigarette (aOR = 1.40, p = 0.03), and alcohol use (aOR = 2.07, p = 0.05) were associated with extended time away from the dentist. Health literacy (aOR = 0.93, p = 0.05) was negatively associated. Increased cigarette (aOR = 1.17, p = 0.04) and cigarette use (aOR = 1.26, p = 0.04) were associated with tooth loss. Health literacy was negatively associated (aOR = 0.65, p = 0.03). Increased e-cigarette (aOR = 1.74, p = 0.04) and cigarette use (aOR = 4.37, p < 0.001) were associated with dental affordability issues. Lower health literacy and racial identification as Black were associated with dental affordability issues; demonstrating an urgent need to address these factors to improve oral health in emerging adult sexual minority men of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Raquel Ramos
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; (M.C.); (S.S.)
| | - David T. Lardier
- Department of Individual, Family, and Community Education, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Rueben C. Warren
- National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA;
| | - Melba Cherian
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; (M.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Sarwat Siddiqui
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; (M.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Trace Kershaw
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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