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Hergenrather KC, Emmanuel D, Zeglin RJ, Ruda DJ, Rhodes SD. Men Who Have Sex With Men and HIV Risk Behavior: Exploring the Influence of Masculinity Within the Social Ecological Model. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2021; 33:511-533. [PMID: 34874760 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2021.33.6.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, gay, bisexual men, and men who have sex with men (MSM) represent 86% of new HIV infections among males. Approximately 1 in 7 men with HIV are unaware of their HIV status (CDC, 2017, 2019a, 2020a). To explore influences on MSM HIV risk behavior, the authors performed a systematic review of quantitative studies conducted in the U.S. assessing what is purported as masculinity. From 30 identified studies, significant findings were framed within the Social Ecological Model (SEM) levels (e.g., Individual, Relationship, Community). SEM level themes were applied to create the Masculinity 10, a preliminary 10-item assessment to explore the influence of masculinity on MSM HIV risk behavior. To increase MSM engagement in HIV prevention and treatment, the influences of masculinity (e.g., attitude toward sexual minorities, appearance, emotion, temperament, substance use, sexual activity, social support, intimate relationships, health care) on HIV risk behavior should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David J Ruda
- The George Washington University, Washington, D.C
| | - Scott D Rhodes
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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2
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Ahuja N, Schmidt M, Dillon PJ, Alexander AC, Kedia S. Online Narratives of Methamphetamine Use and Risky Sexual Behavior: Can Shame-Free Guilt Aid in Recovery? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:323-332. [PMID: 32671499 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01777-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (meth) use is a recurring public health challenge in the U.S. In 2016, approximately 1.6 million Americans reported using meth. Meth use is associated with a number of adverse outcomes, including those associated with users' sexual health. In particular, meth use is linked to an increased risk for sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. While studies have examined associations between substance use of various types-including meth use, and shame and guilt-few studies have examined relationships among substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and shame and guilt. No qualitative studies, to our knowledge, have studied all three of these phenomena in a sample of meth users. The present qualitative study explored the sexual risk behaviors and associated feelings of shame and guilt in relation to meth use. It draws from anonymous letters and stories (N = 202) posted to an online discussion forum by meth users and their family members. A grounded theory analysis of these narratives identified four primary themes pertaining to meth use and sexual behaviors: (1) feeling heightened sexual arousal and stimulation on meth, (2) experiencing sexual dissatisfaction on meth, (3) responding to sexual arousal and dissatisfaction, and (4) feeling ashamed and/or guilty. Ultimately, the present findings indicate that feelings of shame and guilt may arise more from the consequences of sexual risk behaviors stemming from meth use rather than meth use itself. The emotional toll of meth-induced sexual risk behaviors, particularly shame and guilt over the loss of meaningful relationships and self-respect due to multiple sexual partners, may provide an important opportunity for interventionists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Ahuja
- Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Memphis, 3825 Desoto Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
| | - Michael Schmidt
- Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Memphis, 3825 Desoto Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
| | - Patrick J Dillon
- School of Communication Studies, Kent State University at Stark, North Canton, OH, USA
| | - Adam C Alexander
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Satish Kedia
- Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Memphis, 3825 Desoto Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA.
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Rowell-Cunsolo TL, Long Y, Szeto B, Mkuu R, El-Bassel N. Examining factors associated with unprotected sexual behavior among Black Americans postrelease from incarceration in New York City. JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION 2018; 57:330-342. [PMID: 31649474 PMCID: PMC6812487 DOI: 10.1080/10509674.2018.1487899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Black Americans are overrepresented among incarcerated individuals and those infected with sexually transmitted infections. We assessed unprotected sexual behavior among 165 formerly incarcerated Black Americans in New York City, New York. Most participants (63%) reported engaging in unprotected sexual behavior post-incarceration. According to our regression results, less time spent in jail and reporting multiple sexual partnerships were associated with a greater likelihood of engaging in unprotected sexual behavior. High rates of unprotected sexual behavior may place formerly incarcerated Black Americans at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Discharge planning programs that include STI/HIV prevention information and education may be useful for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawandra L. Rowell-Cunsolo
- corresponding author Tawandra L. Rowell-Cunsolo
PhD, Assistant Professor of Social Welfare Science, Columbia University, School
of Nursing, 617 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, 212-305-8611 (Phone),
212-543-6003 (Fax),
| | - Yue Long
- Columbia University, Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences,
New York, NY
| | - Betsy Szeto
- Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New
York, NY
| | - Rahma Mkuu
- Texas A & M University, College Station, TX
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Keith Branham D, Borders TF, Stewart KE, Curran GM, Booth BM. Acceptability of HIV Testing Sites Among Rural and Urban African Americans Who Use Cocaine. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:576-586. [PMID: 27557985 PMCID: PMC5290213 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1527-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
African Americans (AAs) who use cocaine in the Southern region of the U.S. have a relatively high risk of HIV and need for HIV testing. Among this group, those residing in rural areas may have less favorable opinions about common HIV testing sites, which could inhibit HIV testing. We examined rural/urban variations in their acceptability of multiple HIV testing sites (private physician clinic, local health department, community health center, community HIV fair, hospital emergency department, blood plasma donation center, drug abuse treatment facility, and mobile van or community outreach worker). Results from partial proportional odds and logistic regression analyses indicate that rural AA who use cocaine have lower odds of viewing local health departments (OR = 0.09, 95 % CI = 0.03-0.21), physician offices (OR = 0.19, 95 % CI = 0.09-0.42), and drug use treatment centers (OR = 0.49; 95 % CI = 0.30-0.80) as acceptable relative to their urban counterparts. The findings have implications for further targeting HIV testing toward AAs who use of cocaine, particularly those residing in the rural South.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Keith Branham
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Tyrone F Borders
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Katharine E Stewart
- Department of Psychology and Provost's Office, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Curran
- Departments of Pharmacy Practice and Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Brenda M Booth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Dombrowski K, Crawford D, Khan B, Tyler K. Current Rural Drug Use in the US Midwest. JOURNAL OF DRUG ABUSE 2016; 2:22. [PMID: 27885362 PMCID: PMC5119476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The nature and challenge of illicit drug use in the United States continues to change rapidly, evolving in reaction to myriad social, economic, and local forces. While the use of illicit drugs affects every region of the country, most of our current information about drug use comes from large urban areas. Data on rural drug use and its harms justify greater attention. Record overdose rates, unexpected outbreaks of HIV, and a dearth of treatment facilities point to a rapidly worsening health situation. While health sciences have made considerable progress in understanding the etiology of drug use and uncovering the link between drug use and its myriad associated harms, this promising scientific news has not always translated to better health outcomes. The scope of the problem in the Central Plains of the US is growing, and can be estimated from available sources. Clear remedies for this rising level of abuse are available, but few have been implemented. Suggestions for short-term policy remedies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk Dombrowski
- Department of Sociology, Oldfather 708, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE 68588, USA
| | - Devan Crawford
- Department of Sociology, Oldfather 708, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE 68588, USA
| | - Bilal Khan
- Department of Sociology, Oldfather 708, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE 68588, USA
| | - Kimberly Tyler
- Department of Sociology, Oldfather 708, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE 68588, USA
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Salamanca SA, Sorrentino EE, Nosanchuk JD, Martinez LR. Impact of methamphetamine on infection and immunity. Front Neurosci 2015; 8:445. [PMID: 25628526 PMCID: PMC4290678 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of methamphetamine (METH) use is estimated at ~35 million people worldwide, with over 10 million users in the United States. METH use elicits a myriad of social consequences and the behavioral impact of the drug is well understood. However, new information has recently emerged detailing the devastating effects of METH on host immunity, increasing the acquisition of diverse pathogens and exacerbating the severity of disease. These outcomes manifest as modifications in protective physical and chemical defenses, pro-inflammatory responses, and the induction of oxidative stress pathways. Through these processes, significant neurotoxicities arise, and, as such, chronic abusers with these conditions are at a higher risk for heightened consequences. METH use also influences the adaptive immune response, permitting the unrestrained development of opportunistic diseases. In this review, we discuss recent literature addressing the impact of METH on infection and immunity, and identify areas ripe for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Salamanca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Long Island University-Post Brookville, NY, USA
| | - Edra E Sorrentino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Long Island University-Post Brookville, NY, USA
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY, USA ; Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases), Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Luis R Martinez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, NY, USA
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