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Turpin RE, Camp AD, Mandell CJ, Mhonde RRD, Dyer TV, Mayer KH, Liu H, Coates T, Boekeloo B. Black Sexual Minority Men's Experiences in MPowerment Interventions: Implications for HIV Prevention. Int J Behav Med 2024:10.1007/s12529-024-10275-5. [PMID: 38499962 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-024-10275-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black sexual minority men (BSMM) are disproportionately vulnerable to HIV acquisition; the MPowerment model is one community-based framework for preventing HIV in this population. It focuses on developing a supportive network of peers to promote health messaging, reduce stigma, and improve resilience. While these interventions have demonstrated general success, there are important challenges related to race, sexuality, and internalized stigma. Our study aimed to explore these experiences among BSMM in MPowerment models focused on HIV prevention. METHOD We conducted 24 qualitative interviews of BSMM attending HIV prevention-related MPowerment events in the greater D.C. Metropolitan area. In-depth interviews were conducted via phone, and interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified four themes from the transcript analysis process: Black queer intersectional social support and community, HIV-related information and destigmatization, social status, and sexuality. Within each of these themes, we identified relationships with overall HIV prevention messaging, including barriers to PrEP use. Barriers related to social status were especially prevalent and described as unique to the D.C. metropolitan area. CONCLUSION Overall, MPowerment event spaces provide a forum for BSMM to feel safe and supported while gaining important HIV-related knowledge and prevention access. Challenges related to social status and destigmatization of sexuality are important considerations in designing and implementing this model, especially related to PrEP promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodman E Turpin
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
| | - Aaron D Camp
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
- INOVA Health System, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - C J Mandell
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Rochelle R Davidson Mhonde
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Typhanye V Dyer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hongjie Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Coates
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bradley Boekeloo
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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2
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Turpin RE, Dangerfield DT, Oke T, Hickson DA. Parental Sexuality Disclosure, Discrimination, and Depression Among Black Sexual Minority Men and Black Transgender Women. FAMILY & COMMUNITY HEALTH 2023; 46:95-102. [PMID: 36799942 PMCID: PMC9942094 DOI: 10.1097/fch.0000000000000360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Racial and sexuality-based discrimination can induce depressive symptoms among Black sexual minority men and transgender women (BSMM/BTW). BSMM and BTW who disclose their sexuality to parents may be better prepared to cope with discrimination. We explored the relationship between discrimination and depression among BSMM and BTW and whether parental disclosure modified this relationship. Secondary analysis of The MARI Study was used to test the relationship between discrimination and depression modified by level of disclosure of sexuality to parents among 580 BSMM and BTW in Jackson, Mississippi, and Atlanta, Georgia. Bivariate tests and linear regression models were stratified by sexuality disclosure to parents. Discrimination was associated with greater depression, with significant dose-response modification across levels of disclosure. After adjustment, maximum discrimination scores were associated with depression scores 10.7 units higher among participants with very open disclosure (95% CI, 10.4-11.8), 15.3 units higher among participants with somewhat open disclosure (95% CI, 3.7-26.9), and 19.5 units higher among participants with no disclosure (95% CI, 10.2-26.8). Disclosure of sexuality to supportive parents can substantially benefit the mental health of BSMM and BTW. Future studies should explore intervention approaches to providing social support for BSMM and BTW in unsupportive families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodman E Turpin
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia (Dr Turpin); George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Dangerfield); School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (Mr Oke); and Us Helping Us, People Into Living Inc, Washington, District of Columbia (Drs Hickson and Dangerfield, and Mr Oke)
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Wongsomboon V, Sietins E, Webster GD. Predictors of Face and Body Visibility in Online Dating Applications Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2022; 69:2305-2325. [PMID: 34110271 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2021.1938469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we explored the factors relating to face and body visibility in young men who have sex with men (YMSM) from online dating applications. Research on visual self-presentation in online dating applications, especially in YMSM, remains scarce. The sample consisted of 339 young men (ages 18-24 years) who had casual sex with one or more male partners from online dating applications. Participants completed an online survey asking how visible their face and body were on their profile pictures. For body visibility, participants rated the visibility of their upper and lower body separately. We also computed difference scores between face and body visibility to measure face visibility in relation to body visibility (e.g., showing more-visible face compared to body). Predictors included self-rated attractiveness, fear of being identified on the applications, and motives for application use. Participant age and duration of application use were statistically controlled in all analyses. Results showed that higher perceived attractiveness related to higher upper- and lower-body visibility on profile pictures. Greater fear of being identified related to lower face visibility and less-visible face relative to upper- and lower-body visibility. Having a relationship motive was associated with higher face visibility. Older age and longer duration of application use were associated with more-visible face relative to lower body. The findings contribute to the literature on visual self-presentation in online dating applications in young and vulnerable sexual minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Val Wongsomboon
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Emils Sietins
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gregory D Webster
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Wade RM, Pear MM. Online Dating and Mental Health among Young Sexual Minority Black Men: Is Ethnic Identity Protective in the Face of Sexual Racism? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192114263. [PMID: 36361143 PMCID: PMC9656016 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Racialized Sexual Discrimination (RSD), also known as 'sexual racism,' is pervasive within online dating venues. RSD is associated with poor mental health outcomes among young sexual minority Black men (YSMBM), and there is limited research on factors that may mitigate this association. Ethnic identity has been identified as a potential protective factor for racial/ethnic minorities who encounter racialized stressors, though some evidence suggests that ethnic identity may also intensify the negative effects of racial discrimination. Using data from a cross-sectional web-survey of YSMBM (n = 690), a series of linear regression models were estimated to examine the moderating effect of ethnic identity search and ethnic identity commitment on the relationship between RSD and depressive symptoms/feeling of self-worth. Results indicated that having moderate-to-high scores on commitment attenuated the association between being physically objectified by White men and higher depressive symptoms. However, having high scores on commitment intensified the association between being rejected by Black men and lower feelings of self-worth. Stronger identity commitment may be protective against objectification from White men, though it may also exacerbate negative outcomes related to in-group discrimination. These findings may have important implications for the development of individual and group-level interventions addressing ethnic identity among YSMBM.
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Wade RM, Pear MM. A Good App Is Hard to Find: Examining Differences in Racialized Sexual Discrimination across Online Intimate Partner-Seeking Venues. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148727. [PMID: 35886579 PMCID: PMC9316549 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Young sexual minority Black men (YSMBM) report widespread instances of Racialized Sexual Discrimination (RSD) when seeking intimate partners online. RSD is associated with negative psychological health outcomes; however, little is known about the differences between virtual environments, and whether users are exposed to differential types/frequencies of RSD across different virtual environments. Using data from a cross-sectional web survey of YSMBM (N = 548), a multivariate Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted comparing those who primarily used Jack’d and those who primarily used Grindr to meet intimate partners; the frequency with which these two groups encountered six RSD domains was compared. Men who primarily used Grindr reported more frequent instances of White superiority and rejection from White men compared with men who primarily used Jack’d. Men who primarily used Jack’d reported more frequent instances of physical objectification from Black men compared with men who primarily used Grindr. RSD may manifest differentially based on the specific venue that YSMBM use. Such differences may reflect the sociodemographic makeup of these spaces, as well as differences in acceptability/normalization of different forms of RSD. These findings have implications for the development of anti-RSD initiatives that target the specific sociocultural norms that are unique to different virtual environments.
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Hammack PL, Grecco B, Wilson BDM, Meyer IH. "White, Tall, Top, Masculine, Muscular": Narratives of Intracommunity Stigma in Young Sexual Minority Men's Experience on Mobile Apps. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2413-2428. [PMID: 34820783 PMCID: PMC9293832 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02144-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
What forms of intracommunity stigma do young sexual minority men narrate as they participate in communities through mobile apps? In a content analysis of 32 interviews with a racially diverse sample of young sexual minority men (ages 19-25; 84.4% non-White) from four regions of the USA, a majority of men (62.5%) spontaneously discussed mobile apps (e.g., Grindr, Scruff) when asked about their experience of community more broadly. Men's narratives revealed engagement with intracommunity stigma related to body size, race/ethnicity, gender expression, and sexual position (e.g., bottom). Stigma related to HIV status, substance use, and social class were not spontaneously narrated in response to questions about men's experience in communities. Expressions of stigma were frequently experienced intersectionally, particularly regarding racialized stereotype expectations (e.g., "Asian men are twinks, effeminate"). We discuss the ways in which sexual minority men reproduce dominant ideologies related to racism, misogyny, and masculine body ideals as they engage with one another on mobile apps. To the extent that many young men rely on mobile apps for community connection, their experiences of community might serve to exacerbate, rather than ameliorate, the deleterious impact of stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L Hammack
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95054, USA.
| | - Brock Grecco
- Social Science Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Ilan H Meyer
- Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Choi SK, Bauermeister J. A Latent Profile Analysis of Online Dating Patterns Among Single Young Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1279-1288. [PMID: 34609630 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03485-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite the increased use of geosocial networking applications for finding sexual partners among young men who have sex with men (YMSM), few studies have examined the intricate patterns of online dating behaviors. In order to advance understanding of online dating patterns among YMSM, various factors, including how frequently and how much time is spent within partner-seeking sites, need to be examined concurrently. Therefore, we used latent profile analysis to identify online dating patterns and logistic regressions to examine their associations with sexual behaviors and relationship characteristics among single YMSM (N = 180; ages 18-24). We found three online dating patterns: discouraged users (N = 93, 52%), date seekers (N = 67, 37%), and instant lovers (N = 20, 11%). Discouraged users were less likely to seek sexual sensational activities, while date seekers were more likely to seek sexual sensational activities. Moreover, instant lovers were less likely to pursue committed romantic relationships, while they reported a higher number of condomless anal intercourse. Given that online dating patterns are not homogeneous, HIV prevention interventions may benefit from tailored approaches based on YMSM's different online dating profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul Ki Choi
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, 2L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - José Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, 2L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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8
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Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Interventions among Black Sexual Minority Men: A Systematic Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19041934. [PMID: 35206120 PMCID: PMC8871743 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19041934] [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: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Interventions to promote HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Black sexual minority men (BSMM) are especially important, given the disproportionate HIV incidence and relatively low uptake of PrEP among BSMM. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review to identify the characteristics of interventions between 2016 and 2021 promoting PrEP use among BSMM. We synthesized these studies based on sample size, location, the use of peer-based delivery, and key intervention targets. Results: Of the starting total 198 articles, 10 were included in the final review, with the majority of included studies being randomized controlled trials. We identified providing PrEP access, PrEP counseling, HIV and PrEP education, linkage to general health care, and peer-based support as key successful intervention components. The starkest difference between interventions with and without demonstrated PrEP improvements was the outcome: all interventions focused on PrEP initiation led to large improvements, but those focused on PrEP adherence did not. No other factors demonstrated distinct differences between successful and unsuccessful interventions. Conclusion: We identified notable differences in intervention efficacy between PrEP initiation and PrEP adherence outcomes; PrEP adherence is necessary for optimal HIV prevention. Future interventions promoting and measuring PrEP adherence, with a focus on cultural competence and peer components, are recommended.
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Greenwood GL, Wilson A, Bansal GP, Barnhart C, Barr E, Berzon R, Boyce CA, Elwood W, Gamble-George J, Glenshaw M, Henry R, Iida H, Jenkins RA, Lee S, Malekzadeh A, Morris K, Perrin P, Rice E, Sufian M, Weatherspoon D, Whitaker M, Williams M, Zwerski S, Gaist P. HIV-Related Stigma Research as a Priority at the National Institutes of Health. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:5-26. [PMID: 33886010 PMCID: PMC8060687 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03260-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes that, despite HIV scientific advances, stigma and discrimination continue to be critical barriers to the uptake of evidence-based HIV interventions. Achieving the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) goals will require eliminating HIV-related stigma. NIH has a significant history of supporting HIV stigma research across its Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) as a research priority. This article provides an overview of NIH HIV stigma research efforts. Each ICO articulates how their mission shapes their interest in HIV stigma research and provides a summary of ICO-relevant scientific findings. Research gaps and/or future opportunities are identified throughout, with key research themes and approaches noted. Taken together, the collective actions on the part of the NIH, in tandem with a whole of government and whole of society approach, will contribute to achieving EHE's milestones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Greenwood
- Division of AIDS Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 5601 Fishers Lane, 9G19, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA.
| | - Amber Wilson
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Geetha P Bansal
- Division of International Training and Research, Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Christopher Barnhart
- Sexual and Gender Minority Research Office, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Elizabeth Barr
- Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Rick Berzon
- Division of Scientific Programs, National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Cheryl Anne Boyce
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - William Elwood
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | | | - Mary Glenshaw
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Rebecca Henry
- Division of Extramural Science Programs, National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Hiroko Iida
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Richard A Jenkins
- Division of Epidemiology, Services and Prevention Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Sonia Lee
- Division of Extramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Arianne Malekzadeh
- Division of International Science Policy, Planning and Evaluation, Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Kathryn Morris
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Peter Perrin
- Division of Digestive Diseases & Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Elise Rice
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Meryl Sufian
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Darien Weatherspoon
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Miya Whitaker
- Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Makeda Williams
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sheryl Zwerski
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Paul Gaist
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
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Logie CH, Earnshaw V, Nyblade L, Turan J, Stangl A, Poteat T, Nelson L, Baral S. A scoping review of the integration of empowerment-based perspectives in quantitative intersectional stigma research. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:1451-1466. [PMID: 34061710 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1934061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The genesis of the concept of intersectionality was a call to dismantle interlocking systems of oppression - racial, sexual, heterosexual, and class-based - in order to realise liberation of Black women and other women of colour. Intersectionality holds the radical potential to amplify collective efficacy, community solidarity, and liberation. The extension of intersectionality into stigma research has resulted in an increased focus on intersectional stigma in quantitative research. This raises questions regarding how the radical and liberatory potential of intersectionality is applied in stigma research. Specifically, empowerment-based perspectives may be overlooked in quantitative intersectional stigma research. We conducted a scoping review to document if and how empowerment-based perspectives were included in intersectional stigma quantitative studies. We identified and included 32 studies in this review that examined varied stigmas, most commonly related to race, gender, HIV and sexual orientation. In total 13/32 (40.6%) of these studies reported on empowerment-based factors; most of these examined social support and/or resilience. Taken together, findings suggest that the quantitative intersectional stigma research field would benefit from expansion of concepts studied to include activism and solidarity, as well as methodological approaches to identify the protective roles of empowerment-based factors to inform health and social justice-related programmes and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Valerie Earnshaw
- College of Education & Human Development, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | | | - Janet Turan
- Department of Health Care, Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Tonia Poteat
- Department of Social Medicine, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - LaRon Nelson
- Yale School of Nursing, Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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11
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Mulawa MI, Rosengren AL, Amico KR, Hightow-Weidman LB, Muessig KE. mHealth to reduce HIV-related stigma among youth in the United States: a scoping review. Mhealth 2021; 7:35. [PMID: 33898604 PMCID: PMC8063007 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-20-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple intersecting stigmas and discrimination related to sex, gender, HIV, and race/ethnicity may challenge HIV prevention and treatment service utilization, particularly among youth. This scoping review describes recent and ongoing innovative mobile health (mHealth) interventions among youth in the United States that aim to reduce stigma as an outcome or as part of the intervention model. To identify examples of stigma-mitigation via mHealth, we searched peer-reviewed published literature using keyword strategies related to mHealth, HIV, stigma, and youth (ages 10 to 29). We identified eleven articles that met our inclusion criteria, including three describing data from two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), five describing pilot studies, one describing the process evaluation of an ongoing intervention, one describing formative work for intervention development, and one published study protocol for an ongoing intervention. We review these articles, grouped by HIV prevention and care continuum stages, and describe the mHealth approach used, including telehealth, simulation video games, motion comics, smartphone applications (apps), social media forums, online video campaigns, video vignettes, and a computerized behavioral learning module. Four studies focused on preventing primary acquisition through individual-level behavior change (e.g., reducing condomless anal intercourse), three focused on increasing HIV testing, three focused on linking to prevention services [e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)] and one focused on promoting adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Our review did not identify any published studies using mHealth with a primary aim to reduce stigma as a way to improve care engagement and increase viral suppression among youth in the United States. Additional RCTs and implementation studies examining the effectiveness of mHealth stigma-reduction interventions on HIV-related outcomes are needed to end the HIV epidemic among youth. mHealth offers unique advantages to address the complex intersecting stigma barriers along the HIV continuum to improve HIV-related outcomes for youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta I. Mulawa
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A. Lina Rosengren
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - K. Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lisa B. Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn E. Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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English D, Hickson DA, Callander D, Goodman MS, Duncan DT. Racial Discrimination, Sexual Partner Race/Ethnicity, and Depressive Symptoms Among Black Sexual Minority Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1799-1809. [PMID: 32222852 PMCID: PMC7340340 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01647-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Although racial sexual exclusivity among Black gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (SMM) is frequently framed as a cause of HIV inequities, little research has examined how these sexual relationships may be driven by and protective against racism. This study examined associations between general racial discrimination, Black sexual exclusivity, sexual racial discrimination, and depressive symptoms among Black SMM. We conducted analyses on cross-sectional self-report data from 312 cisgender Black SMM in the U.S. Deep South who participated in the MARI study. Measures included general racial and sexual identity discrimination, race/ethnicity of sexual partners, sexual racial discrimination, and depressive symptoms. We estimated a moderated-mediation model with associations from discrimination to Black sexual exclusivity, moderated by discrimination target, from Black sexual exclusivity to sexual racial discrimination, and from sexual racial discrimination to depressive symptoms. We tested an indirect effect from racial discrimination to depressive symptoms to examine whether Black sexual exclusivity functioned as an intervening variable in the associations between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms. Results indicated that participants who experienced racial discrimination were more likely to exclusively have sex with Black men. Men with higher Black sexual exclusivity were less likely to experience sexual racial discrimination and, in turn, reported lower depressive symptoms. The indirect pathway from racial discrimination to depressive symptoms through Black sexual exclusivity and sexual racial discrimination was significant. Our results suggest that one of the drivers of sexual exclusivity among Black SMM may be that it helps to protect against the caustic psychological effects of racial discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin English
- Rutgers School of Public Health, One Riverfront Plaza, Suite 1020 (10th Floor), Newark, NJ, 07102-0301, USA.
| | | | | | - Melody S Goodman
- New York University College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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