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Flentje A, Sunder G, Ceja A, Lisha NE, Neilands TB, Aouizerat BE, Lubensky ME, Capriotti MR, Dastur Z, Lunn MR, Obedin-Maliver J. Substance Use Over Time Among Sexual and Gender Minority People: Differences at the Intersection of Sex and Gender. LGBT Health 2024; 11:269-281. [PMID: 38206680 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0055] [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: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people are at greater risk for substance use than heterosexual and cisgender people, but most prior work is limited by cross-sectional analyses or the examination of single substance use. This study examined substance use over time among SGM people to identify patterns of polysubstance use at the intersection of sex and gender. Methods: Data were collected annually over 4 years from SGM respondents (n = 11,822) in The Population Research in Identity and Disparities for Equality (PRIDE) Study. Differences in substance use patterns (any prior 30-day use of 15 substances) by gender subgroup were examined with latent class analysis, and multinomial regression models tested relationships between gender subgroup and substance use. Results: Eight classes of substance use were observed. The three most common patterns were low substance use (49%), heavy episodic alcohol use (≥5 alcoholic drinks on one occasion) with some cannabis and tobacco use (14%), and cannabis use with some tobacco and declining heavy episodic alcohol use (13%). Differences observed included lower odds of patterns defined by heavy episodic alcohol use with some cannabis and tobacco use in all gender subgroups relative to cisgender men and persons with low substance use (odds ratios [ORs] 0.26-0.60). Gender expansive people assigned female at birth, gender expansive people assigned male at birth, and transgender men had greater odds of reporting cannabis use with small percentages of heavy episodic alcohol and tobacco use (ORs: 1.41-1.60). Conclusion: This study suggests that there are unique patterns of polysubstance use over time among gender subgroups of SGM people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annesa Flentje
- Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Alliance Health Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gowri Sunder
- Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Alexis Ceja
- Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nadra E Lisha
- Center for Tobacco Control and Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bradley E Aouizerat
- College of Dentistry, Translational Research Center, New York University, New York, New York, USA
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Micah E Lubensky
- Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Matthew R Capriotti
- Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences, San José State University, San José, California, USA
| | - Zubin Dastur
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Mitchell R Lunn
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Juno Obedin-Maliver
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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V. Totala Y, M. Kasbe A. Addiction/Drug Use and Usage of Condoms Among Homosexual Males: A Cross-sectional Study. ADDICTION & HEALTH 2024; 16:28-34. [PMID: 38651029 PMCID: PMC11032612 DOI: 10.34172/ahj.2024.1472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Background Despite the legal acceptance of homosexuality in India, it remains a social taboo, resulting in various challenges being faced by homosexual males. These challenges mainly include issues such as addiction/drug use and inconsistent and/ or incorrect condom usage which increase the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV among them. This study was thus conducted with the objective of studying the patterns of addiction/drug use and condom usage among homosexual males. Methods The study was conducted at outreach sites of a non-governmental organization (NGO). A total of 240 participants, consisting of homosexual and bisexual males aged 18-24 years who were residing in the metropolitan city of Mumbai for at least 1 year, were enrolled. Data about addiction/drug use and patterns of condom usage was collected, compiled, entered into Microsoft Excel, and subsequently analyzed using SPSS. Findings Out of the total participants, 171 (71.2%) reported engaging in addiction/drug use, Among those participants, 105 (61.4%) engaged in alcohol consumption prior to sexual contact to enhance pleasure or delay climax. Cigarette smoking was the most common type of addiction. Statistically significant association was found between habitual addiction/drug use (P=0.0023), use of ecstasy/aphrodisiac drugs (P=0.00654) and, inconsistent and/or incorrect condom use among the participants. However, planned addiction/drug use only before sexual contact did not show a significant association (P=0.066). Conclusion Habitual addiction/drug use among homosexual males increases the likelihood of engaging in inconsistent and/ or incorrect condom use, thereby elevating the risk of acquiring STIs and HIV. To mitigate this risk, interventions targeting addiction/ drug use prevention should be initiated during adolescence to address this issue at an earlier stage of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashowardhan V. Totala
- Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Nashik – 422003, India
| | - Abhiram M. Kasbe
- Department of Community Medicine, Topiwala National Medical College & B.Y.L Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai 400008, India
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Dusing GJ, Kim C, Nielsen A, Chum A. Disparities in alcohol- and substance-related hospitalizations and deaths across sexual orientations in Canada: a longitudinal study. Public Health 2024; 226:32-38. [PMID: 37995410 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.10.001] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aim to quantify disparities in substance-related acute events (i.e. hospitalizations and deaths for substances, including alcohol, cannabis, opioids, narcotics, and/or illicit drugs) across sexual orientations based on health administrative data. STUDY DESIGN This was a longitudinal analysis from six waves of the Canadian Community Health Survey (2009-2014) linked to hospitalization/mortality data in Ontario, Canada. METHODS The study sample consisted of survey respondents aged ≥15 (weighted n = 15,406,000) who provided a valid response to the question about sexual orientation. The primary outcome was substance-related acute events, including hospitalizations and deaths due to alcohol, cannabis, opioids, narcotics, and/or illicit drugs. Disparities in substance-related acute events across sexual orientation and gender were examined using flexible parametric survival analysis. RESULTS Bisexual women had hazard ratios of 2.46 (95% confidence interval: 1.46-4.15) for any substance-related acute event and 2.67 (95% confidence interval: 1.42-5.00) for non-alcohol substance acute events compared to heterosexual women. Lesbian women did not exhibit significant differences in acute event risk compared to heterosexual women. Gay and bisexual men demonstrated elevated but not statistically significant risks compared to heterosexual men. CONCLUSIONS Bisexual women face higher risks of substance-related acute events, potentially due to self-medication of unique stressors brought on by discrimination and isolation. Enhanced education and training for healthcare professionals are essential to increase awareness and sensitivity toward the heightened substance use risk among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. Targeted interventions aimed at reducing substance use problems among bisexual individuals warrant increased funding and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Dusing
- York University, School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Canada
| | - C Kim
- York University, School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Canada
| | - A Nielsen
- Canadian Institute of Health Information, Canada
| | - A Chum
- York University, School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Canada; University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Canada.
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Stanmyre JF, Nower L, Malkin ML. Problem Gambling and Sexual Minority Individuals: Evaluating Influence of Age and Comorbid Mental Health and Substance Use Problems. J Gambl Stud 2023:10.1007/s10899-023-10264-5. [PMID: 37978097 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10264-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the prevalence of problem gambling among sexual minority individuals. The present study utilized an epidemiological sample, including individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, and pansexual, to explore gambling behavior and problems and associated mental health and comorbid conditions that may contribute to elevated risk. Bivariate comparisons found that sexual minority individuals had higher rates of problem gambling, alcohol and substance use problems, anxiety, depression, and a wide range of problem behaviors (e.g., binge eating, prostitution, excessive video gaming) than heterosexuals. In a logistic regression, age moderated the relationship between sexual minority status and problem gambling, such that the risk for high-risk problem gambling increased with age for sexual minority individuals while it decreased for heterosexuals. Additionally, a logistic regression of sexual minority individuals who gamble found anxiety (OR = 3.80, 95% CI = 1.03, 13.97) and drug problems (OR = 8.57, 95% CI = 1.79, 41.05) predicted high-risk problem gambling. Findings suggest that prevention and screening protocols are needed in systems accessed by sexual minority individuals, particularly those middle age and older, as well as in settings where anxiety and substance use disorders are treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie F Stanmyre
- Center for Gambling Studies, School of Social Work, Rutgers University, 120 Albany Street, Tower 1, Suite 300, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Lia Nower
- Center for Gambling Studies, School of Social Work, Rutgers University, 120 Albany Street, Tower 1, Suite 300, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Michelle L Malkin
- Department of Criminal Justice, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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Schofield K, Cuttler C, Conner BT, Prince MA. Pot at the End of the Rainbow: Cannabis Use Among Sexual Minorities. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:942-948. [PMID: 36595520 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals (i.e., sexual minorities) use cannabis more frequently than heterosexuals; however, little research has directly compared sexual minorities' patterns of cannabis use (e.g., quantity, age of onset, forms of cannabis used) with heterosexuals. Some research has identified motivations for cannabis use in sexual minorities, but much of this research has been qualitative and/or narrow in scope (e.g., focused on sexual motivations). To the best of our knowledge, no previous research has used a validated measure to examine motives for cannabis use among sexual minorities. Additionally, cannabis use is known to be associated with mental health symptoms, but little research has examined relationships between cannabis use and mental health in this population. Materials and Methods: Data analyses were performed on archival survey data collected from 10 undergraduate psychology subject pools across the United States (N=4,669) as a part of Project ART (Addictions Research Team). Participants indicated their sexual orientation using a 5-point scale, and responses were used to classify participants into three groups: the majority of the sample (n=3,483) were classified into the heterosexual group, about one quarter were classified into the bisexual group (n=1,081), and a small number were classified into the gay group (n=105). Results: The bisexual group was more likely to report using cannabis. They also reported using cannabis more frequently, were more likely to report use of all product types (i.e., flower, concentrates, and edibles), and reported more severe symptoms of cannabis use disorder (CUD) than the heterosexual group. The bisexual group also reported higher levels of coping and enhancement motives for using cannabis and reported higher levels of all measured mental health symptoms (e.g., depression, suicidality, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety) compared with the heterosexual group. Conclusions: Increased frequency of cannabis use, use of a broad range of different products, and use of cannabis to cope with mental health concerns may be placing bisexual individuals at greater risk of CUD. Findings from this study can be used to guide future research and help target mental health interventions among bisexual individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Schofield
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Carrie Cuttler
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Bradley T Conner
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark A Prince
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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6
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Noel JK, Tudela SE, Rosenthal SR. Sexual minority status, illicit drug use, and depressive symptoms. JOURNAL OF LGBT YOUTH 2023; 21:490-506. [PMID: 38798775 PMCID: PMC11114600 DOI: 10.1080/19361653.2023.2187918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and who identify with other sexual orientations (LGB+) are at higher risk for illicit drug use and have higher rates of mental illness. The current study examined the prevalence of illicit drug use among LGB+ persons and assessed the moderating effect of mental illness. Cross-sectional data from the 2015, 2017, and 2019 Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System were aggregated. The outcome was any reported use of cocaine, inhalants, heroin, methamphetamines, ecstasy, or hallucinogens. The primary exposure was self-reported sexual orientation category (i.e., heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, not sure). Self-reported depressive symptoms were tested as a moderator. Logistic regression models assessed main and interactive effects. Gay or lesbian students [AOR=1.87 95%CI: 1.45,2.43], bisexual students [AOR=2.07 95%CI: 1.77,2.42], and those unsure of their sexual orientation [AOR=1.99 95%CI: 1.65,2.39] had increased odds of illicit drug use. Odds were higher among LGB+ youth who did not have depressive symptoms (p<0.001). Odds of illicit substance use was significantly greater in youth identifying as gay and lesbian, bisexual, and students who were not sure about their sexual orientation and among LGB+ youth without depressive symptoms. Targeted, but non-stigmatizing, prevention programs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K. Noel
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, USA 02903
| | - Stephanie E. Tudela
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, USA 02903
| | - Samantha R. Rosenthal
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, USA 02903
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Goldshear JL, Westmoreland DA, Carrico AW, Grov C. Drug use typology, demographic covariates, and associations with condomless anal sex: A latent class analysis among a U.S. national cohort of men who have sex with men. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 112:103949. [PMID: 36587507 PMCID: PMC9975079 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103949] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior research has shown that men who have sex with men (MSM) who use drugs are at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Often, MSM who use drugs use multiple substances at once and research has indicated that certain substances are used in combination more frequently. As a vulnerable population, it is important to understand the various ways in which this population uses drugs in order to structure prevention, harm reduction, and treatment programs to their needs. METHODS Data for this analysis were taken from a cohort of geographically diverse U.S. national sample of cisgender men who have sex with men (n = 6111). After assessing prevalence of drug use in the sample, we used iterative latent class analysis to determine substance use classes for 10 substances. After a model was selected, class assignments were examined for association with mean number of insertive and receptive condomless anal sex (CAS) partners in the past three months. RESULTS The final model indicated six latent classes: class 1 = "cannabis use" (n = 1,996), class 2 = "diverse use" (n = 299), class 3 = "cocaine and inhalant use" (n = 421), class 4 = "methamphetamine, GHB, and inhalant use" (n = 345), class 5 = "no use" (n = 2431), class 6 = "sedative use" (n = 619). Age, race, annual income, residence in EHE jurisdictions, past history of houselessness, and past history of incarceration was significantly associated with membership in some classes. In outcome modeling, participants best assigned to Class 4 had the highest mean number of insertive (Mean = 9.70, 95% CI: 5.92 - 13.47) and receptive (Mean = 8.71, 95% CI: 6.75 - 10.66) condomless anal sex (CAS) partners in the prior three months. CONCLUSION The six heterogenous classes may indicate discrete typologies of use behavior corresponding to different settings or activities, which may themselves differ by regional HIV incidence trends and participant demographics. Programs seeking to address substance use among MSM may be well served to tailor toward these divergent clusters of substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse L Goldshear
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of California Keck Medicine, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Drew A Westmoreland
- City University of New York (CUNY) Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, 55 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami. 1120 NW 14th St #905, 33136, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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Schroeder SE, Bourne A, Doyle JS, Hellard ME, Stoové M, Pedrana A. Constructing a 'target population': A critical analysis of public health discourse on substance use among gay and bisexual men, 2000-2020. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 108:103808. [PMID: 35914477 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103808] [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: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay and bisexual men (GBM) have higher substance use prevalences than general population samples - often attributed to stigmatisation of sexual minority identities. We examined how influential public health research on substance use among GBM interprets this behaviour and what GBM-specific identities emerge through the discourses employed. METHODS We searched Web of Science for publications on substance use among GBM, selecting 60 of the most cited papers published during 2000-2020. We studied the language used to describe and interpret drug-using behaviour using critical discourse analysis, focusing on interpretive repertoires and subject positions. RESULTS Three distinct discursive tendencies were identified. First, in constructing a target population, GBM who use illicit drugs are positioned as deficient, socially irresponsible, and maladapted to dealing with stigmatisation and HIV risks. Second, in shifting the focus beyond the individual, the gay community is conceptualised as offering a safe space for socialisation. Nonetheless, gay community spaces are problematised as promoting substance use among vulnerable GBM through aggravating loneliness and normalising drug use as a form of maladaptive (avoidance) coping. Third, counterdiscursive movements add nuance, context, and comparisons that relativise rather than generalise substance use and focus on pleasure and self-determination. Such discourses centre the need for interventions that disrupt homophobic socio-structures instead of individualising approaches to limit non-conformity. CONCLUSION 'Expert' assessments of substance use among GBM perpetuate pathologising understandings of this behaviour and promote abject subject positions, contributing to perpetuations of intergroup stigma and social exclusion based on drug and sexual practices. Our findings highlight the need for deliberate and critical engagement with prior research and a conscious effort to disrupt dominant discourses on GBM's substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Schroeder
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia.
| | - A Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - J S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M E Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia
| | - A Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia
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Changes in substance use among HIV-negative MSM: A longitudinal analysis, 1995-2019. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 106:103748. [PMID: 35649313 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103748] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests shifting patterns of recreational drug consumption among MSM in recent decades. The present study evaluates population-level mean trajectories of substance use among HIV-negative MSM from 1995 to 2019. METHODS Using open cohort study data following MSM in the Netherlands (n=1495) since 1995, we applied generalized estimating equations to examine population-averaged estimates of five substances - alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, and poppers - from 1995 to 2019, as well as their use during sexual encounters. RESULTS Recent alcohol use decreased; predicted probabilities declined from 1995 to 2019 (.96 to .87). During the same period, cocaine and poppers use increased - (.10 to .23 and .37 to .47, respectively) and use during sex also increased (.05 to .16, and .32 to .41, respectively). Ecstasy use increased over time (.23 to .38), although not during sex. No significant changes in cannabis use occurred. CONCLUSIONS While changes in use of various substances were mixed, increases in cocaine and poppers use during sexual encounters occurred among HIV-negative MSM over time. Efforts to intervene on substance use in connection with sex remain critical for health promotion.
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10
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Broman N, Prever F, di Giacomo E, Jiménez-Murcia S, Szczegielniak A, Hansson H, Håkansson A. Gambling, Gaming, and Internet Behavior in a Sexual Minority Perspective. A Cross-Sectional Study in Seven European Countries. Front Psychol 2022; 12:707645. [PMID: 35498152 PMCID: PMC9045133 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.707645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Addictive behavior of gambling, gaming and internet activity is partly a new research domain and has not been well investigated with regard to sexual minority populations. Although health disparities between sexual minorities and the general population are well documented, there is a lack of inclusion of sexual minorities in both research and clinic. Among lesbian, gay and bisexual populations certain features could be present that play a role for the development of addictive behaviors, such as social isolation and increased risk of other psychiatric problems. The aim of this study was to investigate problem gambling, problem gaming and problematic internet behavior in a European context and if it is affected by sexual orientation status. Methods An online web-survey was distributed among web-panels in England, Poland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Sweden in 2017-2018. Result 10 983 complete answers were collected. 7.1% of the participants had a sexual minority status (n = 774). Regression models found that there was no difference in gambling, gaming and internet behavior among heterosexual and sexual minority men. Sexual minority women were associated with problematic gambling and gaming behavior, when also controlling for age and nationality. When also controlling for psychological distress, women defining as having another sexual minority status than lesbian and bisexual remained significant for having a problematic gaming behavior (AOR = 2.3). Conclusion An awareness of female sexual minority perspectives is relevant in facilities treating behavioral addiction as well as in future research in behavioral addiction. More research is needed in problematic gambling and gaming behavior in different sexual minority populations with regard to psychiatric comorbidity and living conditions. An inclusion of sexual minority groups defining as other than gay and bisexual is needed in future research. No significant differences were found between heterosexual and sexual minority men in adjusted analysis in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niroshani Broman
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Gambling Disorder Unit, Malmö Addiction Center, Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Fulvia Prever
- National Health System (NHS), Addiction Department, Milan, Italy
- SUN(N)COOP Scientific Director “Women and Gambling Project,” Milan, Italy
| | - Ester di Giacomo
- Section of Forensic Psychiatry, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Psychiatric Department -Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST), Monza, Italy
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Szczegielniak
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Helena Hansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders Håkansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Gambling Disorder Unit, Malmö Addiction Center, Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
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11
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Clark KA, Mays VM, Arah OA, Kheifets LI, Cochran SD. Sexual Orientation Differences in Lethal Methods Used in Suicide: Findings From the National Violent Death Reporting System. Arch Suicide Res 2022; 26:548-564. [PMID: 32897837 PMCID: PMC7937759 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2020.1811181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We examined sexual orientation and sex differences in seven methods of suicide among adult suicides reported in the United States National Violent Death Reporting System (2012-2015; N = 59,075). Overall, most sexual minorities (i.e., lesbians, gay men, bisexuals) identified in the dataset used hanging (38%) followed by firearm (30%) and drug or poison ingestion (20%). Sexual minorities were more likely than heterosexuals to be younger, female, and Black/African American. Multivariate sex-stratified analyses in the overall sample showed that strong sexual orientation differences in lethal methods existed among men but not among women. However, when we compared sex differences in lethal methods among sexual minorities only, we found that lesbian/bisexual women, as compared to gay/bisexual men, were more likely to use a firearm or drug or poison ingestion than hanging. Findings suggest that the higher rate of suicide mortality among sexual minorities is likely driven by hanging, a method of suicide that is not particularly amenable to lethal method restricted-access prevention approaches. Future research directions, clinical training recommendations, and intervention opportunities are discussed.
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12
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Coyer L, Boyd A, Davidovich U, van Bilsen WPH, Prins M, Matser A. Increase in recreational drug use between 2008 and 2018: results from a prospective cohort study among HIV-negative men who have sex with men. Addiction 2022; 117:656-665. [PMID: 34402120 PMCID: PMC9292014 DOI: 10.1111/add.15666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To test whether recreational drug use (RDU) and sexualized drug use (SDU) changed in the Amsterdam area between 2008 and 2018 and quantify associations of SDU with condomless anal sex (CAS), recent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infections (STI) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative men who have sex with men (MSM). DESIGN Open prospective cohort study. SETTING Public Health Service of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS A total of 976 HIV-negative MSM, aged ≥ 18 years. MEASUREMENTS Self-reported RDU and sexual behaviour in the past 6 months. Laboratory-confirmed HIV and STI (chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis). We studied: any RDU; any SDU (i.e. any RDU during sex); specific SDU (i.e. use of mephedrone, methamphetamine, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid/gamma-butyrolactone, ketamine, amphetamine, cocaine and/or ecstasy during sex); use of individual drugs; and use of individual drugs during sex. We evaluated changes over calendar years in the proportion of individuals with these end-points [using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE)] and number of drugs (using negative binomial regression with GEE), adjusted for current age, country of birth and education level. FINDINGS Median age of participants in 2008 was 33.2 years (interquartile range = 27.8-40.1); 83.1% were born in the Netherlands. The proportion of any RDU increased from 67.2% in 2008 to 69.5% in 2018 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-1.51]. Any SDU increased from 53.8% in 2008 to 59.8% in 2013 (aOR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.07-1.42) and remained stable afterwards. Specific SDU increased from 25.0% in 2008 to 36.1% in 2018 (aOR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.71-2.58). The average number of drugs used increased for those reporting any RDU, any SDU and specific SDU (all P < 0.05. Among those engaging in sex, any SDU was associated with CAS (aOR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.19-1.55), HIV (aOR = 5.86; 95% CI = 2.39-14.4) and STI (aOR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.95-2.73). Specific SDU was associated with CAS (aOR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.37-1.81), HIV (aOR = 6.30; 95% CI = 3.28-12.1) and STI (aOR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.81-2.55). CONCLUSIONS Among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative men who have sex with men in Amsterdam, recreational drug use, including sexualized drug use, increased between 2008 and 2018. Sexualized drug use was strongly associated with condomless anal sex, HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Coyer
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Anders Boyd
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands,Stichting HIV MonitoringAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Udi Davidovich
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands,Department of Social PsychologyUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Ward P. H. van Bilsen
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity (AII), Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Amy Matser
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
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13
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Batchelder AW, Burgess C, Perlson J, O’Cleirigh C. Age and Year of HIV Diagnosis are Associated with Perceptions of Discrimination and Internalized Stigma Among Sexual Minority Men Who Use Substances. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:125-137. [PMID: 34117966 PMCID: PMC8665940 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03333-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Discrimination and internalized stigma are barriers to engagement in HIV self-care among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. However, differences in perceptions of discrimination and internalized stigmas by age, year of HIV-diagnosis, and race are poorly understood. We assessed differences in reported discrimination related to HIV, race, sexual orientation, and substance use and internalized stigmas among 202 MSM living with HIV who use substances. Younger participants reported higher levels of all types of discrimination and internalized stigmas (p-values < 0.001-0.030). Those diagnosed after the advent of antiretrovirals reported higher levels of discrimination related to HIV, sexual orientation, and substance use, as well as internalized stigma related to HIV and substance use (p-values 0.001-0.049). We explored perceived community HIV stigma, which accounted for associations involving age and year of diagnosis. Age, year of diagnosis, and race should be considered when assessing and intervening with stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail W. Batchelder
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine, Boston, MA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,The Fenway Health Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA,Corresponding Author: Abigail Batchelder, Ph.D., M.P.H., One Bowdoin Square, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02114; Phone: 617-643-0387; Fax: 617-536-8602;
| | - Claire Burgess
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
| | - Jacob Perlson
- The Fenway Health Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
| | - Conall O’Cleirigh
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine, Boston, MA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,The Fenway Health Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
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14
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Effects of mental health and substance use disorder symptoms on the association between STDs and sexual identity: evidence from the 2017–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-021-01683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases are rising in the USA, especially among sexual and gender minorities, despite the availability of numerous STD prevention programs. We examined the differences in STD prevalence among sexual and gender minority subgroups with major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence.
Methods
We combined 2017, 2018, and 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) public-use data on adults (N = 127,584) to conduct weighted multivariable logistic regression and margins analyses.
Results
Approximately 2.05% of the population reported having STDs. The population that had major depressive episode symptoms (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.46, 1.99), alcohol use dependence (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.49, 2.16), illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.73, 2.92), or marijuana use dependence (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.57, 2.31) had higher odds of contracting STDs compared to their counterparts. Lesbian/gay (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.24, 3.54) and bisexual (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.60, 2.37) individuals had higher odds of contracting STDs. Lesbians/gays with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use dependence, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of having STDs, compared to bisexuals and heterosexuals with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence. Bisexuals with marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of STD contraction compared to their lesbian/gay and heterosexual counterparts. Within each sexual identity subgroup, the probability of having STDs was higher for individuals with major depressive episode symptoms, or dependence on alcohol use, illicit drug use other than marijuana use, or marijuana use compared to their counterparts.
Conclusion
Major depressive episode symptoms, substance use dependence, and sexual and gender minority status had higher risks for STD diagnosis, particularly for sexual and gender minorities with major depressive episode symptoms or substance use dependence. Tailored interventions based on major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence may reduce the prevalence of STD, especially among sexual and gender minorities.
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15
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McCabe CJ, Hipwell AE, Keenan K, Stepp S, Chung T, King KM. Substance use and sexual minority status: examining the mediating roles of stress and emotion dysregulation in young adult women. Clin Psychol Sci 2021; 9:1095-1114. [PMID: 35174009 PMCID: PMC8845084 DOI: 10.1177/2167702621999359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Sexual minority women (SMW) report higher rates of substance use and disorder across the lifespan, and greater levels of minority stress in adolescence and young adulthood. Minority stress mediation models propose that higher levels of social stressors may increase emotion dysregulation, which in turn increases the propensity toward substance misuse. Few studies, however, have prospectively examined the impact of stressors and emotion dysregulation among SMW on early and escalating substance use. This longitudinal study examined whether emotion dysregulation and social stress mediated the association between sexual minority status and developing substance use (ages 17 through 22 years) in a sample of 2,201 heterosexual and 246 SMW participants in the Pittsburgh Girls Study. Results supported serial mediation processes of marijuana use risk: SMW reported higher levels of social stress in late adolescence, which in turn predicted greater emotion dysregulation that was associated with greater marijuana use by young adulthood.
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16
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Scheer JR, Clark KA, Maiolatesi AJ, Pachankis JE. Syndemic Profiles and Sexual Minority Men's HIV-Risk Behavior: A Latent Class Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2825-2841. [PMID: 33483851 PMCID: PMC8295412 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01850-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Syndemic theory posits that "syndemic conditions" (e.g., alcohol misuse, polydrug use, suicidality) co-occur among sexual minority men and influence HIV-risk behavior, namely HIV acquisition and transmission risk. To examine how four syndemic conditions cluster among sexual minority men and contribute to HIV-risk behavior, we conducted latent class analysis (LCA) to: (1) classify sexual minority men (n = 937) into subgroups based on their probability of experiencing each syndemic condition; (2) examine the demographic (e.g., race/ethnicity) and social status (e.g., level of socioeconomic distress) characteristics of the most optimally fitting four syndemic classes; (3) examine between-group differences in HIV-risk behavior across classes; and (4) use syndemic class membership to predict HIV-risk behavior with sexual minority men reporting no syndemic conditions as the reference group. The four classes were: (1) no syndemic, (2) alcohol misuse and polydrug use syndemic, (3) polydrug use and HIV syndemic, and (4) alcohol misuse. HIV-risk behavior differed across these latent classes. Demographic and social status characteristics predicted class membership, suggesting that syndemic conditions disproportionately co-occur in vulnerable subpopulations of sexual minority men, such as those experiencing high socioeconomic distress. When predicting HIV-risk behavior, men in the polydrug use and HIV syndemic class were more likely (Adjusted Risk Ratio [ARR] = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.05, 8.21) and men in the alcohol misuse class were less likely (ARR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.44) to report HIV-risk behavior than were men in the no syndemic class. LCA represents a promising methodology to inform the development and delivery of tailored interventions targeting distinct combinations of syndemic conditions to reduce sexual minority men's HIV-risk behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian R Scheer
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
| | - Kirsty A Clark
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anthony J Maiolatesi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John E Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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17
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Masculine Gender Norms and Adverse Workplace Safety Outcomes: The Role of Sexual Orientation and Risky Safety Behaviors. SAFETY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/safety7030055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study tested the proposition that higher conformity to masculine gender norms (CMGN) is associated with increased safety risk-taking behaviors, which in turn are related to more accidents, injuries, and higher levels of accident underreporting. Additionally, we proposed that sexual minority status would exacerbate the relationship between conformity to masculine gender norms and safety risk-taking behaviors. Using two-wave lagged survey data obtained from N = 403 working adults, findings supported the proposed moderated-mediation model. High conformity to masculine gender norms was associated with increased safety risk-taking behaviors, accidents, injuries, and accident underreporting. Moreover, the relationship between CMGN and safety-risk-taking behaviors was stronger among homosexual men compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, safety risk-taking behaviors mediated the relationship between CMGN and safety outcomes. Finally, this indirect effect was stronger among homosexual men. Combined, these findings suggest that CMGN adversely impacts employee safety outcomes via safety-related risk-taking. We discuss these implications as well as the need for interventions designed to decrease risk taking behaviors in light of CMGN, particularly among sexual minorities.
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18
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Substance Use Stigma, Avoidance Coping, and Missed HIV Appointments Among MSM Who Use Substances. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:1454-1463. [PMID: 32737816 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02982-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV who use substances have multiple stigmatized identities. Theory suggests that internalization of stigma may elicit avoidance behaviors associated with these stigmas, potentially resulting in suboptimal engagement in HIV care. We investigated interrelationships between internalized stigmas related to HIV, sexual orientation, and substance use; avoidance coping; and missed HIV appointments among 202 MSM living with HIV who use substances. Neither HIV nor sexual orientation-related internalized stigmas were associated with missed appointments, however, internalized substance use stigma (SUS) was associated (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.15, 1.87). The relationship between internalized SUS and missed appointments was partially accounted for by avoidance coping (b = 0.12; bootstrap 95% CI 0.02, 0.25). To better understand the role of SUS, we assessed relationships between enacted and anticipated SUS and missed appointments (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.52, 2.84 and OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.10, 1.88, respectively). Avoidance coping fully accounted for the relationship between anticipated SUS and missed appointments (b = 0.12; 95% CI 0.02, 0.25). Results suggest that avoidance strategies to manage anticipated SUS may result in substance using MSM forgoing HIV care appointments.
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19
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Chulani V, Cooper MB, Reitman D, Warus J. Medical Care for Adolescent Males Who Have Sex with Males. CURRENT PEDIATRICS REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40124-021-00237-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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20
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Haeder SF, Sylvester S, Callaghan T. Shared Stigma: The Effect of LGBT Status on Attitudes About the Opioid Epidemic. WORLD MEDICAL & HEALTH POLICY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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21
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Goetz TG, Becker JB, Mazure CM. Women, opioid use and addiction. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21303. [PMID: 33433026 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002125r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the midst of the current coronavirus pandemic, the United States continues to struggle with an ongoing opioid epidemic, initially fueled by widespread prescribing of opioid medications during the 1990s. The primary reason for prescribing opioids is to treat pain. Women have more acute and chronic pain and have been prescribed these drugs in significantly greater numbers than men. Comparison of women and men with chronic pain also shows that women receive the majority of prescription opioids, and the use of these prescribed medications became the major pathway to misuse and addiction for women. Yet, recognition of the extent of women's exposure to opioids and the attendant consequences has been limited. Attempts to stem the overall tide of the epidemic focused on reducing the availability of prescription opioids. However, as these medications became more difficult to obtain and treatment opportunities were limited, many turned to other synthetic opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl. Thus, the public health crisis of opioid addiction has endured. This paper highlights the importance of understanding differences among women and men in opioid use and its biological and psychosocial effects to advance the gender-based treatment approaches and effective public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teddy G Goetz
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jill B Becker
- Biopsychology Area Chair, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carolyn M Mazure
- Department of Psychiatry, Women's Health Research at Yale, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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22
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Haney JL. Sexual Orientation, Social Determinants of Health, and Unmet Substance Use Treatment Need: Findings from a National Survey. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:205-213. [PMID: 33287638 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1853775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: In 2018, an estimated 89% of individuals who needed treatment for substance use did not have their need met. Compared to heterosexuals, the disparity between needing and receiving treatment is thought to be even higher for sexual minorities. Yet, few studies have investigated sexual orientation and its relationship to unmet treatment need or the association between sexual orientation and specific reasons for the inability to enter treatment. Understanding these reasons is critical to eradicating barriers to treatment for sexual minorities. Obejctives: Using pooled data from the 2015-2018 National Survey of Drug Use and Health and guided by Andersen's behavioral model of health services use, this study examined the relationship between respondents' sexual orientation and their perceptions of reasons for unmet substance use treatment need. Results: Findings indicated that sexual minorities had more than double the odds of having unmet need due to access and insurance barriers. Conclusions: While further research and larger samples are needed to understand the relationships revealed by this study more fully, it is clear that sexual minorities do not have equitable access to substance use treatment services relative to heterosexuals. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolynn L Haney
- Department of Social Work Education, Widener University, Chester Pennsylvania, USA.,Deerfield Data Management, LLC, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
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23
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Rodriguez-Seijas C, Fields EC, Bottary R, Kark SM, Goldstein MR, Kensinger EA, Payne JD, Cunningham TJ. Comparing the Impact of COVID-19-Related Social Distancing on Mood and Psychiatric Indicators in Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) and Non-SGM Individuals. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:590318. [PMID: 33414732 PMCID: PMC7783401 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.590318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Empirical evidence demonstrates mental health disparities between sexual and gender minority individuals (SGM) compared with cisgender heterosexual individuals. SGM individuals report elevated rates of emotional distress, symptoms related to mood and anxiety disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation and behavior. Social support is inversely related to psychiatric symptoms, regardless of SGM status. The COVID-19 pandemic-with its associated limited social interactions-represents an unprecedented period of acute distress with potential reductions in accessibility of social support, which might be of particular concern for SGM individuals' mental well-being. In the present study, we explored the extent to which potential changes in mental health outcomes (depressive symptoms, worry, perceived stress, positive and negative affect) throughout the duration of the pandemic were related to differences in perceptions of social support and engagement in virtual social activity, as a function of SGM status. Utilizing a large sample of US adults (N = 1,014; 18% reported SGM status), we assessed psychiatric symptoms, perceptions of social isolation, and amount of time spent socializing virtually at 3 time windows during the pandemic (between March 21 and May 21). Although SGM individuals reported greater levels of depression compared with non-SGM individuals at all 3 time points, there was no interaction between time and SGM status. Across all participants, mental health outcomes improved across time. Perceived social isolation was associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Further, time spent engaging in virtual socialization was associated with reduced depression, but only for those in self-reported quarantine. We discuss these results in terms of the nature of our sample and its impact on the generalizability of these findings to other SGM samples as well as directions for future research aimed at understanding potential health disparities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric C. Fields
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Ryan Bottary
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sarah M. Kark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Michael R. Goldstein
- Department of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, BIDMC, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Kensinger
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Jessica D. Payne
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Tony J. Cunningham
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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24
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Westmoreland DA, Carrico AW, Goodwin RD, Pantalone DW, Nash D, Grov C. Higher and Higher? Drug and Alcohol Use and Misuse among HIV-Vulnerable Men, Trans Men, and Trans Women Who Have Sex with Men in the United States. Subst Use Misuse 2020; 56:111-122. [PMID: 33153358 PMCID: PMC8218329 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1843057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use (SU) and misuse are disproportionately more common among sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals compared to their heterosexual peers. Yet, little is known about regional and demographic differences in use and misuse among SGM. In this study, we investigated regional and demographic differences in SU and misuse in a U.S. national, internet-based cohort (n = 6,280) of men and trans persons who have sex with men. Methods: Data collected included the WHO ASSIST (substance) and AUDIT (alcohol) SU scales to estimate recent (≤ 3 months) non-problematic use (≤ 3 ASSIST, ≤ 10 AUDIT) and misuse (≥4 ASSIST, ≥11 AUDIT). We used bivariate and multivariable logistic models to examine demographic and regional factors associated with SU and misuse. Results: Participants reported using alcohol (85.6%), cannabis (53.9%), and inhalants (39.1%) in the past three months. More than one-third self-reported misuse of cannabis, Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), inhalants, methamphetamines, and prescription sedatives. We observed regional differences in substance use for cannabis (Southeast aOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63-0.93; West aOR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02-1.59, ref. Northeast) and prescription Stimulants (Midwest aOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.00-1.93), as well as for cannabis misuse (Southeast aOR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69-0.99). We also observed significant associations between socioeconomic factors with use and misuse. Conclusions: Findings suggest geographic differences in misuse of certain substances among men and trans persons who have sex with men in the US, and that socio-economic factors, also play a key role in indicating risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew A. Westmoreland
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adam W. Carrico
- Departments of Public Health Sciences and Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Renee D. Goodwin
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA
| | - David W. Pantalone
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Denis Nash
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Community Health and Social Science, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA
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25
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Philbin MM, Greene ER, Martins SS, LaBossier NJ, Mauro PM. Medical, Nonmedical, and Illegal Stimulant Use by Sexual Identity and Gender. Am J Prev Med 2020; 59:686-696. [PMID: 32981768 PMCID: PMC7577928 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Major knowledge gaps regarding medical and nonmedical prescription stimulant use and illegal stimulant use (i.e., cocaine/crack/methamphetamine) by sexual identity and gender have implications for individuals' health and well-being. This study improves stimulant use measurement by differentiating the type of stimulant use and focusing on lesbian, gay, and bisexual subpopulations. METHODS Data were pooled for adults in the 2015-2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n=126,463; analyzed in 2019). Gender-stratified logistic regression models examined associations between sexual identity and past-year illegal stimulant use. Gender-stratified multinomial logistic regression models estimated odds of (1) medical use only versus no past-year prescription stimulant use, (2) any nonmedical stimulant use versus no past-year use, and (3) any nonmedical stimulant use versus medical use only. RESULTS Illegal stimulant use varied by sexual identity (men: gay, 9.2%; bisexual, 7.5%; heterosexual, 3.2%; women: gay/lesbian, 3.2%; bisexual, 7.8%; heterosexual, 1.5%), as did nonmedical prescription stimulant use. Relative to same-gender heterosexuals, gay (AOR=2.61, 95% CI=2.00, 3.40) and bisexual (AOR=1.70, 95% CI=1.24, 2.33) men had higher odds of past-year illegal stimulant use, as did gay/lesbian (AOR=1.63, 95% CI=1.16, 2.28) and bisexual (AOR=2.70, 95% CI=2.23, 3.26) women. Sexual minorities reported higher odds of nonmedical prescription stimulant use than heterosexuals. Any nonmedical prescription opioid use was reported by 26.4% of people who reported nonmedical stimulant use and 27.0% of people who reported illegal stimulant use. CONCLUSIONS Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals had a higher prevalence of stimulant use than their heterosexual counterparts. This has important implications for health disparities, especially given the high levels of polysubstance use. Taking a multilevel approach is crucial to reduce stimulant-related harms for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan M Philbin
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York.
| | - Emily R Greene
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Silvia S Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | | | - Pia M Mauro
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
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Pollitt AM, Donnelly R, Mernitz SE, Umberson D. Differences in how spouses influence each other's alcohol use in same- and different-sex marriages: A daily diary study. Soc Sci Med 2020; 264:113398. [PMID: 33017734 PMCID: PMC7676150 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Different-sex spouses influence each other's alcohol consumption, with women having more influence on their spouses than men. Because women drink less than men, this long-term influence partly explains why married men and women consume less alcohol than their unmarried peers. However, much less is known about possible gender differences in the ways spouses influence each other's alcohol use on a day-to-day basis in same-compared to different-sex marriages. Because sexual minority people are at higher risk for alcohol use disorders compared to their heterosexual counterparts, such knowledge could shed light on ways to reduce this risk and alcohol use disparities between sexual minority and heterosexual people. METHOD We use 10 days of diary data collected in 2014-2015 in the United States from 157 female same-sex, 106 male same-sex, and 115 different-sex married couples in midlife (ages 35-65) to examine how one spouse's drinking influences how much the other spouse drinks on the following day. RESULTS Men reported higher levels of daily drinking than women; after including covariates, men in different-sex marriages reported drinking at the highest levels. Results from actor-partner interdependence models show that men in same- and different-sex marriages drink more, and women in different-sex marriages drink less when their spouse drinks more the previous day. Female same-sex spouses did not change their drinking behaviors in response to their spouse's drinking. CONCLUSIONS Overall higher rates of drinking among men in same-sex marriages suggest an accumulation effect of drinking that may contribute to sexual minority health disparities. Women and men in different-sex marriages may be engaging in social control or navigating masculinity norms. Women in same-sex marriages may not feel the need to adjust to low levels of drinking by their spouses. Findings suggest that spousal influence over alcohol consumption unfolds differently in same-sex compared to different-sex marriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Pollitt
- Department of Health Sciences, Northern Arizona University, USA.
| | | | - Sara E Mernitz
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, USA.
| | - Debra Umberson
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Department of Sociology, The University of Texas at Austin, USA.
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McKie RM, Skakoon-Sparling S, Levere D, Sezlik S, Humphreys TP. Is There Space for Our Stories? An Examination of North American and Western European Gay, Bi, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men's Non-consensual Sexual Experiences. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2020; 57:1014-1025. [PMID: 32564626 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1767023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the understanding and behaviors relating to sexual consent among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) internationally. Qualitative responses were collected from 350 men ranging from 18 to 73 years of age (M = 33.37) across Canada, the United States, and Western Europe. The results of a thematic analysis indicated that participants presented challenges with negotiating sexual consent. Themes were identified from the analysis detailing participants' perceptions and interactions prior to a sexual encounter (pre), during a sexual encounter (during), and after a sexual experience (post). Subthemes addressed a variety of issues GBM may face when engaging in sexual consent negotiations (e.g., sex-role positioning, power dynamics, sexual scripts among GBM, and additional sexual settings). These findings suggest that GBM face unique sexual consent challenges prior to, during, and in response to sexual encounters. Implications for demographic-specific resources and interventions are discussed further.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Drake Levere
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia
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Mericle AA, Carrico AW, Hemberg J, de Guzman R, Stall R. Several Common Bonds: Addressing the Needs of Gay and Bisexual Men in LGBT-Specific Recovery Housing. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2020; 67:793-815. [PMID: 30614414 PMCID: PMC6612453 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2018.1555394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Recovery housing is a promising way to augment the substance use continuum of care, but we know little about the experiences of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community who live in them or about residences specifically for them. Within the LGBTQ community, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) often experience co-occurring syndemic conditions (e.g., trauma, depression, HIV) that present unique recovery challenges. Using qualitative data gathered from residents living in a recovery residence specifically for gay and bisexual men and from community key informants, we examine the experiences of men living in the home and factors that facilitate operating it. Findings highlight the need for residences that can address syndemic burden among gay and bisexual men in recovery and identify programmatic and community-level factors critical to operating residences for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Mericle
- Alcohol Research Group at the Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jordana Hemberg
- Alcohol Research Group at the Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Rebecca de Guzman
- Alcohol Research Group at the Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Ronald Stall
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Abstract
Use of crystal methamphetamine (crystal) among gay and bisexual men (GBM) has been associated with condomless anal intercourse with casual partners (CLAIC) and HIV infection. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and undetectable viral load (UVL) are important biomedical HIV prevention strategies. We investigate the relationship between crystal use and HIV sexual risk behaviours in the context of PrEP and UVL. In 2018, 1367 GBM provided details about crystal use and HIV prevention strategies. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate associations between crystal use and behaviour. Recent crystal use was independently associated with greater social engagement with gay men and having more sexual partners. Crystal use was also independently associated with use of PrEP and UVL among GBM who engaged in CLAIC. Although GBM who used crystal were more likely to have engaged in CLAIC, they were also more likely to use biomedical HIV prevention which mitigates against the risks of HIV infection.
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Goodyear T, Mniszak C, Jenkins E, Fast D, Knight R. "Am I gonna get in trouble for acknowledging my will to be safe?": Identifying the experiences of young sexual minority men and substance use in the context of an opioid overdose crisis. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:23. [PMID: 32228646 PMCID: PMC7106659 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00365-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND North America and other parts of the globe are in the midst of a public health emergency related to opioid overdoses and a highly contaminated illicit drug supply. Unfortunately, there is a substantial gap in our understandings about how this crisis affects key populations not conventionally identified within overdose-related surveillance data. This gap is particularly pronounced for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (sexual minority men)-a population that experiences substance use-related inequities across adolescence and young adulthood. METHODS We draw on in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in 2018 with a diverse sample (N = 50) of sexual minority men ages 15-30 who use substances and live in Vancouver, Canada, to identify how patterns and contexts of substance use are occurring in the context of the opioid overdose crisis. RESULTS Our analysis revealed three themes: awareness, perceptions, and experiences of risk; strategies to mitigate risk; and barriers to safer substance use. First, participants described how they are deeply impacted by the contaminated illicit drug supply, and how there is growing apprehension that fatal and non-fatal overdose risk is high and rising. Second, participants described how procuring substances from "trustworthy" drug suppliers and other harm reduction strategies (e.g., drug checking technologies, Naloxone kits, not using alone) could reduce overdose risk. Third, participants described how interpersonal, service-related, and socio-structural barriers (e.g., drug criminalization and the lack of a regulated drug supply) limit opportunities for safer substance use. CONCLUSIONS Equity-oriented policies and programming that can facilitate opportunities for safer substance use among young sexual minority men are critically needed, including community- and peer-led initiatives, access to low-barrier harm reduction services within commonly frequented social spaces (e.g., Pride, night clubs, bathhouses), nonjudgmental and inclusive substance use-related health services, the decriminalization of drug use, and the provision of a safe drug supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Goodyear
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Caroline Mniszak
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Danya Fast
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Hughes TL, Veldhuis CB, Drabble LA, Wilsnack SC. Research on alcohol and other drug (AOD) use among sexual minority women: A global scoping review. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229869. [PMID: 32187200 PMCID: PMC7080264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Until the 1980s, the limited research on alcohol and other drug (AOD) use among sexual minority women (SMW) focused on alcohol and used samples recruited from gay bars, resulting in inflated estimates of hazardous drinking. Over the past several decades the number of AOD studies with SMW has increased dramatically. To characterize this literature, we conducted a scoping review to answer the following questions: What do we know, and what are the gaps in research about AOD use among SMW? We searched multiple electronic databases (Medline [PubMed], CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) for peer-reviewed research articles about AOD use among adult SMW published between January 1, 2000 and May 31, 2017. After duplicates were removed the search identified 4,204 articles. We reviewed the titles and abstracts and removed articles that did not meet inclusion criteria. We used full-text review of the remaining 229 articles to make a final determination regarding inclusion and we retained 181 articles for review. Although the quantity of AOD research with SMW has grown substantially, the great majority of studies have been conducted in the United States (US) and most focus on hazardous drinking; relatively little research has focused on other drugs. In addition, although there has been marked improvement in theories and methods used in this research, many gaps and limitations remain. Examples are the lack of longitudinal research; reliance on samples that tend to over-represent white, well-educated, and relatively young women; sparse attention to mechanisms underlying the disproportionately high rates of AOD use among SMW; and the absence of intervention research. In general, more high-quality research on SMW's use of AODs is needed, but gaps and limitations are particularly large in non-western countries. Addressing these research gaps and limitations is essential for providing information that can be used to develop more effective prevention and early intervention strategies, as well as for informing policies that can help to reduce risky drinking and drug misuse among SMW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonda L. Hughes
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Cindy B. Veldhuis
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Laurie A. Drabble
- San Jose State University, San Jose, California, United States of America
| | - Sharon C. Wilsnack
- University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America
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Barger BT, Obedin-Maliver J, Capriotti MR, Lunn MR, Flentje A. Characterization of substance use among underrepresented sexual and gender minority participants in The Population Research in Identity and Disparities for Equality (PRIDE) Study. Subst Abus 2020; 42:104-115. [PMID: 32032500 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2019.1702610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Profiles of substance use among less commonly described subgroups of sexual and gender minority (SGM) people (e.g., queer, genderqueer) remain largely unknown. Objective(s): To identify substance use differences among less commonly described SGM identity-based subgroups. Methods: The PRIDE Study is a national, online, longitudinal cohort study of self-identified SGM adults living in the U.S. Between 2015-2017, an iPhone application was used to administer three cross-sectional health questionnaires to participants, one of which included questions about binge alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use (substance use). This study was a secondary data analysis of participant responses to substance use survey items. Logistic regression and generalized linear modeling assessed relationships between sexual orientation or gender and use of or reported problems with substances within the past year. Results: Among the 1790 participants included in this study, 51.0% reported binge alcohol use, 39.8% reported marijuana use, and 19.7% reported other drug use (65.9% endorsed use of one or more of these) within the past year. Over 30% indicated substance use had been a problem in their life. Asexual individuals had lower odds of reporting past year binge alcohol and marijuana use (aOR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12-0.61; aOR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.15-0.96, respectively), and queer participants had higher odds of reporting past year marijuana use (aOR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.58-4.03) compared to lesbian participants. Gender nonbinary participants had lower odds of reporting past year binge alcohol use (aOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.32-0.71) and transmasculine participants had higher odds of reporting past year marijuana use (aOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.10-4.31) compared to cisgender women. Conclusions: Substance use heterogeneity exists between SGM groups. Comprehensive assessment of sexual orientation and gender may improve understanding of substance use and increase equity within support and treatment services for SGM populations. Highlights We examined substance use among less represented sexual and gender minority groups. Alcohol and other drug use were examined by both sexual orientation and gender identity. Analyses included identities such as queer, pansexual, genderqueer and nonbinary. Alcohol use differed across asexual, genderqueer and gender nonbinary groups. Marijuana use differed across queer, asexual and transmasculine groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branden T Barger
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA.,The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Juno Obedin-Maliver
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Matthew R Capriotti
- Department of Psychology, San Jose State University, San Jose, California, USA.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mitchell R Lunn
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Annesa Flentje
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, School of Nursing, San Francisco, California, USA.,Alliance Health Project, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
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Boyle SC, LaBrie JW, Omoto AM. Normative Substance Use Antecedents among Sexual Minorities: A Scoping Review and Synthesis. PSYCHOLOGY OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER DIVERSITY 2020; 7:117-131. [PMID: 34079845 DOI: 10.1037/sgd0000373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although sexual minority stress remains the dominant perspective for understanding disproportionate substance use among lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) populations, social norms are among the most predictive and commonly targeted substance use antecedents in other high-risk groups. This scoping review seeks to bring clarity to the body of norms-focused alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) research conducted with LGBs over the past 20 years, identify intervention implications, and present priority directions for future research. Fifty-two peer-reviewed studies published between June 1999 and June 2019 were identified from searches of PubMed, PsycInfo, and Medline databases using combinations of terms related to: social norms; sexual orientation or sexual minority status; and, the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. A far greater number of studies focused on actual ATOD norms than perceived ATOD norms or discrepancies between actual or perceived norms, illuminating the need for additional research focused on these levels of analysis. Taken together, this literature suggests that: (1) perceived ATOD norms are reliable predictors of LGBs' ATOD use; (2) actual ATOD use norms are low among LGBs participating in representative, population-based survey studies; and, (3) LGBs over-estimate the ATOD use of peers. Thus, intervention strategies including personalized normative feedback, psychoeducation, and social branding may hold promise in reducing LGBs substance use. However, additional research is needed to increase our understanding of injunctive ATOD norms, identify meaningful LGB reference groups, elucidate environmental influences on ATOD norms, and examine relationships between stigma experiences, perceived norms, and ATOD use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Boyle
- Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, 91711.,Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, 90045
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Gonzales G. Differences in 30-Day Marijuana Use by Sexual Orientation Identity: Population-Based Evidence from Seven States. LGBT Health 2020; 7:60-67. [DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2018.0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert Gonzales
- Center for Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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The Moderating Role of Social Support on the Relationship Between Anxiety, Stigma, and Intention to Use Illicit Drugs Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:55-64. [PMID: 31754966 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02719-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the association between anxiety, stigma, social support and intention to use illicit drugs, and the moderating role of social support on the association between anxiety/stigma and intention to use illicit drugs among 450 Chinese HIV-positive MSM. Findings show that controlling for significant background variables, self-stigma and anxiety were positively associated with intention to use illicit drugs, while social support was negatively associated with intention to use illicit drugs. A significant moderation effect of social support was also observed, that the negative association between self-stigma/anxiety and intention to use illicit drugs was only significant among participants with lower levels of social support. Findings highlight the importance of reducing self-stigma and anxiety, and promoting social support in drug use prevention for HIV-positive MSM.
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The relationship between minority stress and biological outcomes: A systematic review. J Behav Med 2019; 43:673-694. [PMID: 31863268 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-019-00120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sexual minority (non-heterosexual) individuals experience higher rates of physical health problems. Minority stress has been the primary explanatory model to account for this disparity. The purpose of this study was to identify in published research empirically established relationships between minority stress processes and biological outcomes and identify avenues for future research. The PubMed database was queried with search terms relevant to minority stress and a comprehensive list of physical and biological outcomes. To be included in the analysis, studies had to examine the relationship between minority stress and a biological outcome among sexual minority individuals. Those meeting inclusion criteria were coded for key variables including methodology used, positive and null results, participant characteristics, and specific minority stress processes and biological outcomes considered. In total, 26 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies tested relationships between specific minority stress processes including prejudice, expectations of prejudice, concealment of sexual orientation, and internalized stigma and multiple biological outcomes, such as overall physical health, immune response, HIV specific outcomes, cardiovascular outcomes, metabolic outcomes, cancer related outcomes, and hormonal outcomes. Studies included both analyses that detected this relationship (42% of analyses) and analyses that did not detect this relationship (58%). There is substantial evidence to support the relationship between minority stress and biological outcomes, yet additional research is needed to identify the measurements and outcomes that have the most rigorous and replicable results.
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Brief Report: Cocaine Use and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis: Adherence, Care Engagement, and Kidney Function. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 81:78-82. [PMID: 30730359 PMCID: PMC6456371 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concomitant use of cocaine and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) raises important clinical questions around adherence, retention in care, and renal toxicity. METHODS We assessed the associations of confirmed cocaine use with PrEP adherence (both ascertained through objective measures), care engagement, and renal function in the iPrEx open-label extension. Cocaine use was measured in scalp hair samples and categorized as light (500-3000 pg/mg) and moderate to heavy (>3000 pg/mg). PrEP adherence in the first 3 months was measured through plasma tenofovir concentrations. Disengagement from PrEP care was defined as a gap in follow-up greater than 4 months. Serum creatinine was assessed at baseline and quarterly visits. RESULTS Of the 400 participants included in this analysis, 90% were men who have sex with men, 10% transgender women, 74% Hispanic/Latino; 21% tested positive for cocaine use in the last 3 months. In adjusted analysis, light cocaine use [adjusted odds ratio 2.10 (95% confidence interval: 1.07 to 4.14)] and moderate to heavy use [adjusted odds ratio 2.32 (1.08 to 5.00)] were associated with greater odds of having plasma tenofovir concentrations below the level of quantitation. Participants with moderate to heavy use had a nearly 3-fold higher rate of disengagement from PrEP care compared with nonusers (adjusted hazard ratio 2.90 [1.48 to 5.66]). We found no statistically or clinically significant differences in creatinine clearance and serum creatinine between participants who tested positive for cocaine and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS Cocaine use decreases PrEP adherence and care engagement. Comprehensive approaches are needed to reduce cocaine use and enhance engagement along the PrEP care continuum.
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Rapier R, McKernan S, Stauffer CS. An inverse relationship between perceived social support and substance use frequency in socially stigmatized populations. Addict Behav Rep 2019; 10:100188. [PMID: 31294075 PMCID: PMC6595132 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2019.100188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social isolation and alcohol and substance use disorders (ASUD) have been identified as global health risks. Social support is protective against developing ASUD and is associated with beneficial addiction treatment outcomes. Socially stigmatized populations are at higher risk of both social isolation and ASUD, and the link between social support and substance use in these populations has been less researched than in general substance-using populations. We hypothesized that perceived social support, as measured by the Social Provisions Scale (SPS), would have an inverse relationship with frequency of substance use, from subsections of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) that estimate use over the past 30 days and over an individual's lifetime. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, we conducted secondary correlational analyses with pre-existing data to test our hypothesis in two separate samples made up of socially marginalized populations entering ASUD treatment programs. Sample 1: substance-using male prison inmates (n = 72, average age = 30.79) and Sample 2: primary methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men (n = 86, average age = 43.41). RESULTS Significant negative correlations were found between SPS and lifetime use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis (r s - 0.27, -0.39, -0.26; p-values 0.04, 0.001, 0.04, respectively) in Sample 1 and 30-day use of methamphetamine (r s - 0.28; p-value 0.008) in Sample 2. DISCUSSION Differences in results between the samples (lifetime vs 30-day use) may reflect psychosocial and contextual differences impacting perceived social support. Our findings provide support for an important link between perceived social support and frequency of substance use in socially stigmatized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Rapier
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement St. (116C-1), San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
| | - Scott McKernan
- The New School, 72 5th Ave, New York City, NY 10011, USA
| | - Christopher S. Stauffer
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement St. (116C-1), San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Peyrière H, Mano Q, Tribout V, Jacquet JM, Ferreira M, De Carvalho E, Brosson I, Verdier J, Derrien J, Rousseau C, Reynes J. Distinct Profiles of Consumers of Psychoactive Substances in People Attending French Sexual Transmitted Infections Centers. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:3375-3383. [PMID: 31102107 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02539-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this cross-sectional survey was to assess the prevalence of psychoactive substance use (PSU) in people attending 11 French Sexual Transmitted Infection Centers, and to specify their profiles (PSU and link with risky sexual behaviors) using the ascending hierarchical clustering method. Among the 5220 individuals who completed the survey, 55.6% were men and the median age was 24 years [IQR: 20-31]. Among the participants, 2751 (52.7%) reported PSU at least once in their life. Ascending hierarchical clustering identified seven distinct profiles of participants based on their PSU. This study shows a high prevalence of PSU and alcohol consumption in this young population. Moreover, subgroup analysis allowed identifying groups of psychoactive substance users who presented specific risks or vulnerabilities and who should be priority targets for interventions, particularly sexual minority groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Peyrière
- INSERM U1175/IRD UMI 233, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France.
- Département de Pharmacologie Médicale et Toxicologie, Hôpital Lapeyronie, 191 avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Cedex 5 Montpellier, France.
| | - Q Mano
- Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Cire Occitanie, 94415, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - V Tribout
- Sexual Transmitted Infections Center, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - J M Jacquet
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - M Ferreira
- Sexual Transmitted Infections Center, Perpignan, France
| | | | - I Brosson
- Sexual Transmitted Infections Center, Nîmes, France
| | - J Verdier
- Sexual Transmitted Infections Center, Perpignan, France
| | - J Derrien
- National Team of Intervention and Prevention in Health, Montpellier, France
| | - C Rousseau
- Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Cire Occitanie, 94415, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - J Reynes
- INSERM U1175/IRD UMI 233, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
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Li DJ, Chen SL, Yen CF. Multi-Dimensional Factors Associated with Illegal Substance Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16224476. [PMID: 31739410 PMCID: PMC6888045 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Illegal substance use in sexual minorities is an important health issue worldwide. The present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the multi-dimensional factors associated with illegal substance use among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. This questionnaire-survey study recruited 500 gay or bisexual men aged between 20 and 25 years. Their experiences of using eight kinds of illegal substances in the preceding month were collected. Their previous experiences of homophobic bullying, satisfaction with academic performance, truancy, perceived family and peer support in childhood and adolescence, and social-demographic characteristics, were also collected. Potential factors associated with illegal substance use were identified using univariate logistic regression, and further selected into a forward stepwise logistic regression model to identify the factors most significantly related to illegal substance use. A total of 22 (4.4%) participants reported illegal substance use in the preceding month, and mean age was 22.9 ± 1.6. Forward stepwise logistic regression revealed that being victims of homophobic cyberbullying in childhood and adolescence (odds ratio (OR) = 1.26; p = 0.011), disclosure of sexual orientation at junior high school (OR = 4.67; p = 0.001), and missing classes or truancy in senior high school (OR = 2.52; p = 0.041) were significantly associated with illegal substance use in early adulthood. Multi-dimensional factors in childhood and adolescence that were significantly associated with illegal substance use in early adulthood among gay and bisexual men were identified. Besides traditional bullying, the effect of cyberbullying and school performance on illegal substance use should not be ignored. This study is limited to the cross-sectional design and possible recall bias. Mental health professionals must routinely assess these significant factors to prevent and intervene in illegal substance use among gay and bisexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian-Jeng Li
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (D.-J.L.); (S.-L.C.)
- Department of Addiction Science, Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital 80276, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Shiou-Lan Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (D.-J.L.); (S.-L.C.)
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (D.-J.L.); (S.-L.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +(886)-7-3121101 (ext. 6822)
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Hammoud MA, Bourne A, Maher L, Jin F, Haire B, Lea T, Degenhardt L, Grierson J, Prestage G. Intensive sex partying with gamma-hydroxybutyrate: factors associated with using gamma-hydroxybutyrate for chemsex among Australian gay and bisexual men - results from the Flux Study. Sex Health 2019; 15:123-134. [PMID: 29268075 DOI: 10.1071/sh17146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use among gay and bisexual men (GBM) has increased in recent years. It is commonly cited as a sexual-enhancement drug. There is, however, little evidence for factors associated with GHB use or the consequences of its use among GBM. AIM Factors associated with GHB use, its relationship to sexual risk behaviour, and the contexts, consequences, and motivations for its use were examined. METHODS The Following Lives Undergoing Change (Flux) Study is an online prospective observational study of Australian GBM. At baseline, a total of 3190 GBM provided details about their use of GHB. Data on frequency, methods, pleasures and consequences of their drug use, alongside key demographic variables were collected. RESULTS Mean age was 35.0 years. One in five men (19.5%) had a history of GHB use and 5.4% reported use within the past 6 months, with 2.7% having used it monthly or more frequently. Overdose had been experienced by 14.7%, this was more common among men who used GHB at least monthly. Being HIV-positive, having more gay friends, greater social engagement with gay men who use drugs, a greater number of sexual partners, group sex, and condomless anal intercourse with casual partners were independently associated with GHB use in the past 6 months. Greater social engagement with gay men who use drugs and group sex were independently associated with at least monthly use. More frequent GHB use was independently associated with experiencing overdose among GHB users. CONCLUSION Most men used GHB infrequently and it was often used explicitly to enhance sexual experiences, often in the context of intensive sex partying. Men who used GHB frequently, were at greater risk of overdose and other negative health outcomes. GHB use should be considered alongside other drugs that have been implicated in sexual risk behaviour and HIV transmission. Harm-reduction interventions need to consider the particular impact of frequent GHB use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society, La Trobe University, 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Bridget Haire
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, 22-32 King St, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Grierson
- Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Campus. East Rd, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Garrett Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Smith NG, Winderman K, King B, Obasi EM, Reitzel LR. The Association of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Facets With Smoking Dependence Motives. Nicotine Tob Res 2019; 20:388-392. [PMID: 28340125 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntx061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults have higher rates of smoking than heterosexual adults. LGB individuals face unique stressors, including challenges associated with having a LGB identity. The extent to which these unique stressors are related to dependence motives in LGB adult smokers, however, has not been previously explored. The current study was conducted to redress these gaps. Methods Participants (N = 52; Mage = 42.8; 55.8% Black/African American) were recruited from the local community. Identity facets were measured by the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS). Dependence motives were measured by the Brief Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives. Linear multiple regressions were calculated with the predictors of seven LGBIS subscales for primary and secondary dependence motives, respectively. Results Primary dependence motives (core nicotine dependence features) were predicted by affirmation of LGB identity (β = 0.44). Secondary dependence motives (eg, taste, cognitive/affective enhancement) were predicted by uncertainty of LGB identity (β = 0.43). Conclusions LGB identity affirmation was associated with primary dependence motives, suggesting that a positive view of one's sexual orientation is a risk factor for dependence. It may be that identity affirmation is related to stronger involvement with the LGB community, which has smoking-friendly norms. Identity uncertainty was associated with secondary dependence motives; this unique identity challenge may represent a stressor contributing to smoking dependence. Findings can help explain the higher rate of smoking in LGB populations and offer avenues to better tailor smoking cessation interventions. Implications The current study is the first to examine multidimensional aspects of LGB identity in explaining smoking dependence motives among LGB adults. Results reveal that LGB identity challenges are associated with dependence motives, suggesting that interventions targeting these challenges may be help reduce LGB smoking disparities. Specifically, reducing identity uncertainty may help reduce smoking dependence. Though identity affirmation was a smoking dependence correlate, it is counterproductive to reduce affirmation, given its association with other positive health outcomes. Rather, interventions to change LGB community norms around smoking appear warranted, given the documented high overlap between affirmation and community affiliation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Grant Smith
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Kate Winderman
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Brooke King
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Ezemenari M Obasi
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Lorraine R Reitzel
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX
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43
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Race K, Lea T, Murphy D, Pienaar K. The future of drugs: recreational drug use and sexual health among gay and other men who have sex with men. Sex Health 2019; 14:42-50. [PMID: 27712616 DOI: 10.1071/sh16080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There are complex historical connections between sexual minoritisation and desires to chemically alter bodily experience. For gay men, drug and alcohol use can be a creative or experimental response to social marginalisation - and not necessarily a problematic one in every instance. Numerous studies have found that infection with HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is more likely among gay and men who have sex with men (MSM) who use recreational drugs than those who do not, but the causal nature of these relations is uncertain. Sexualised drug use is associated with a range of other problems, including dependence, mental health issues, accident and overdose. A growing body of work in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) field demonstrates the action of drugs and their purported effects to be a product of their relations with various other actors, contexts and practices. Given these contingencies, it is impossible to predict the future of drugs or their effect on the sexual health of gay and MSM with any degree of certainty. This article outlines some of the conditions most likely to mediate such futures in the medium term. Public funding for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer drug issues should not remain restricted to questions of HIV prevention and sexual health. It should be expanded to equip sexual health and AOD service providers with the cultural and sexual literacy to mitigate stigma and allow them to respond constructively to drug problems among sexual and gender minorities as a matter of priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kane Race
- Gender & Cultural Studies, University of Sydney, SOPHI A14, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, John Goodsell Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, John Goodsell Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kiran Pienaar
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Suite 6, 19-35 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia
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44
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Votaw VR, Geyer R, Rieselbach MM, McHugh RK. The epidemiology of benzodiazepine misuse: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 200:95-114. [PMID: 31121495 PMCID: PMC6639084 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzodiazepine misuse is a growing public health problem, with increases in benzodiazepine-related overdose deaths and emergency room visits in recent years. However, relatively little attention has been paid to this emergent problem. We systematically reviewed epidemiological studies on benzodiazepine misuse to identify key findings, limitations, and future directions for research. METHODS PubMed and PsychINFO databases were searched through February 2019 for peer-reviewed publications on benzodiazepine misuse (e.g., use without a prescription; at a higher frequency or dose than prescribed). Eligibility criteria included human studies that focused on the prevalence, trends, correlates, motives, patterns, sources, and consequences of benzodiazepine misuse. RESULTS The search identified 1970 publications, and 351 articles were eligible for data extraction and inclusion. In 2017, benzodiazepines and other tranquilizers were the third most commonly misused illicit or prescription drug in the U.S. (approximately 2.2% of the population). Worldwide rates of misuse appear to be similar to those reported in the U.S. Factors associated with misuse include other substance use, receipt of a benzodiazepine prescription, and psychiatric symptoms and disorders. Benzodiazepine misuse encompasses heterogeneous presentations of motives, patterns, and sources. Moreover, misuse is associated with myriad poor outcomes, including mortality, HIV/HCV risk behaviors, poor self-reported quality of life, criminality, and continued substance use during treatment. CONCLUSIONS Benzodiazepine misuse is a worldwide public health concern that is associated with a number of concerning consequences. Findings from the present review have implications for identifying subgroups who could benefit from prevention and treatment efforts, critical points for intervention, and treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R. Votaw
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, MSC 03-2220, Albuquerque, NM, USA,Corresponding author: Victoria R. Votaw, Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Student Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Logan Hall, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131,
| | - Rachel Geyer
- Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Maya M. Rieselbach
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - R. Kathryn McHugh
- Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, USA
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45
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Surace A, Riordan BC, Winter T. Do New Zealand sexual minorities engage in more hazardous drinking than non‐sexual minorities? Drug Alcohol Rev 2019; 38:519-522. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Surace
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction StudiesBrown University School of Public Health Providence USA
| | - Benjamin C. Riordan
- Discipline of Addiction MedicineCentral Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Taylor Winter
- Department of PsychologyVictoria University of Wellington Wellington New Zealand
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46
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Chou FY, Armstrong HL, Wang L, Bacani N, Lachowsky NJ, Patterson TL, Walsh Z, Olarewaju G, Card KG, Roth EA, Hogg RS, Moore DM. A longitudinal analysis of cannabis use and mental health symptoms among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Vancouver, Canada. J Affect Disord 2019; 247:125-133. [PMID: 30665075 PMCID: PMC6588188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use, anxiety, and depression are common among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) and some report using cannabis to manage mental health symptoms. METHODS Sexually-active gbMSM aged ≥16 years were recruited into a longitudinal cohort through respondent-driven sampling and completed study visits every six months. Data on demographics, drug use, and anxiety and depression symptoms were collected via a self-administered computer-based survey. A study nurse determined previous mental health diagnoses and treatment. Using multivariable generalized linear mixed models, we examined factors associated with regular cannabis use (≥weekly in the previous 3 months) and, among individuals who reported anxiety or depression/bipolar diagnoses, factors associated with moderate/severe anxiety or depression symptoms. RESULTS Of 774 participants (551 HIV-negative, 223 HIV-seropositive), 250 (32.3%) reported regular cannabis use, 200 (26.4%) reported ever being diagnosed with anxiety, and 299 (39.3%) reported ever being diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder at baseline. Regular cannabis use was positively associated with HIV-seropositivity (aOR = 2.23, 95%CI:1.40-3.54) and previous mental health diagnosis (aOR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.00-2.31, p = 0.05). Among those previously diagnosed with anxiety or depression/bipolar disorder, regular cannabis use was not associated with moderate/severe anxiety (aOR = 1.16, 95%CI:0.69-1.94) or depression symptoms (aOR = 0.96, 95%CI:0.59-1.58), respectively. LIMITATIONS Because of observational study design, we are unable to determine absolute effect. CONCLUSIONS Regular cannabis use was more likely among HIV-positive gbMSM and those previously diagnosed with a mental health disorder. No association was found between regular cannabis use and severity of anxious or depressive symptoms among those diagnosed with these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Y Chou
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather L Armstrong
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Lu Wang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Nicanor Bacani
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Zach Walsh
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Gbolahan Olarewaju
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Eric A Roth
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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47
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Parent MC, Arriaga AS, Gobble T, Wille L. Stress and substance use among sexual and gender minority individuals across the lifespan. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 10:100146. [PMID: 30937352 PMCID: PMC6430403 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2018.100146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals face marked disparities in substance use. The present narrative review explores research on substance use in SGM communities using a minority stress theory lens. We define the SGM population and minority stress, and explore stresses and substance use disparities in adolescence, adulthood, and older age. Though research on this topic is beginning to highlight the relationship between stress and substance use for SGM individuals, more work is needed on older SGM populations and in translating research findings to effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike C. Parent
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Educational Psychology, Sanchez 262H, Austin, TX, 78749, USA
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48
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Mericle AA, de Guzman R, Hemberg J, Yette E, Drabble L, Trocki K. Delivering LGBT-sensitive substance use treatment to sexual minority women. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN SOCIAL SERVICES 2019; 30:393-408. [PMID: 31007499 PMCID: PMC6469851 DOI: 10.1080/10538720.2018.1512435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiologic studies have consistently found elevated rates of alcohol and other substance use among sexual minority women (SMW), and despite calls for "LGBT-specific" services and culturally-tailored interventions, few such services exist. This study involved qualitative interviews with directors from substance use treatment programs (N=10) about how they addressed the needs of SMW. Strategies implemented primarily focused on creating a safe and welcoming environment for sexual minority clients. Findings highlight challenges involved in meeting the treatment needs of SMW and provide guidance to researchers and service providers on how to improve the quality of care for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A. Mericle
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Amy A. Mericle, Alcohol Research Group at the Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound Street, Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608. . Telephone: 1-510-597-3440
| | - Rebecca de Guzman
- Alcohol Research Group at the Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA
| | - Jordana Hemberg
- Alcohol Research Group at the Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA
| | - Emily Yette
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | | | - Karen Trocki
- Alcohol Research Group at the Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA
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49
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Mericle AA, Hemberg J, Stall R, Carrico AW. Pathways to Recovery: Recovery housing models for men who have sex with men (MSM). ADDICTION RESEARCH & THEORY 2019; 27:373-382. [PMID: 31213965 PMCID: PMC6581469 DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2018.1538409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) face distinct recovery challenges. This mixed-methods study examines the service needs and help-seeking pathways of MSM (N=25) living in a group of recovery residences operated in Texas, one of which is a home specifically designated for gay and bisexual men. METHODS Upon intake, adult MSM were recruited to complete an interview assessing the extent of their service needs as well as their recovery goals and expectations about their stay. Men were recruited regardless of whether they moved into the home designated for gay and bisexual men or into another one of the men's homes. RESULTS MSM in the sample reported high rates of health conditions, depression, victimization, and sex risk behaviors. A greater number of them entering the gay and bisexual men's home reported being in recovery from amphetamine use, having a chronic medical problem, and being physically assaulted as an adult. The majority of MSM, regardless of home type, were seeking emotional and social support as well as accountability in their recovery home experience, but MSM in the gay and bisexual men's home talked about emotion and social support most frequently and within the context of emotional safety. CONCLUSIONS MSM entering recovery housing have complex service needs. Recovery housing may play an important role in supporting recovery among MSM. Residences specifically for them could be tailored to address their unique needs by fostering connections to other sexual minorities in recovery and facilitating social identity transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A. Mericle
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Jordana Hemberg
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Ronald Stall
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences in the School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adam W. Carrico
- Miller School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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50
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Chen YT, Issema RS, Khanna AS, Pho MT, Schneider JA. Prescription Opioid Use in a Population-Based Sample of Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:1991-2000. [PMID: 31198077 PMCID: PMC6764892 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1625400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Prescription opioid use (POU) among young adults is increasing. This represents a major public health concern due to the increased risks of opioid use misuse and opioid-related overdose. Limited research has examined the POU among young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM), a diverse group experiencing continued increases in HIV incidence over the past decade. Objective: This study aims to examine the prevalence and both the individual and network characteristics of POU among YBMSM. Methods: Data were from a longitudinal cohort study of 16-29 year old YBMSM (N = 514) between 2013 and 2016 in Chicago. Bivariate and multivariable associations were estimated using general estimating equations (GEE). Results: Approximately 4.2% of YBMSM reported POU in the past 12 months with a cumulative incidence rate of 4.1% over the 18-month follow-up period. YBMSM having criminal justice involvements, experiencing violence, or using any illicit drug other than marijuana in the past 12 months were more likely to report POU in the past 12 months. The presence of a mother figure, however, was associated with a decreased risk of POU in the past 12 months, while engaging in condomless anal sex with their named sexual partners was associated with an increased risk of POU in the past 12 months. Conclusions: This is one of the first studies to describe POU among a population-based sample of YBMSM. The high incidence rate of POU among YBMSM is alarming, and it underscores the need for further analysis on POU among this key population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Tyng Chen
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination , Chicago , IL , USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Rodal S Issema
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination , Chicago , IL , USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Aditya S Khanna
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination , Chicago , IL , USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Mai T Pho
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - John A Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination , Chicago , IL , USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
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