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Kutner BA, Simoni JM, Aunon FM, Creegan E, Balán IC. How Stigma Toward Anal Sexuality Promotes Concealment and Impedes Health-Seeking Behavior in the U.S. Among Cisgender Men Who Have Sex with Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:1651-1663. [PMID: 32020349 PMCID: PMC7398831 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01595-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) experience alarming HIV disparities alongside sub-optimal engagement in HIV interventions. Among MSM, stigma toward anal sexuality could interfere with engagement in HIV prevention, yet few studies have examined MSM perspectives on anal sex stigma or its health-related sequelae. Guided by theory, we aimed to characterize anal sex stigma, related sexual concerns, and barriers to health seeking, like concealment. We elicited community input by purposively interviewing 10 experts in MSM health and then 25 racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse cisgender MSM. Participants reported experienced, internalized, and anticipated forms of anal sex stigma that inhibited health seeking. Experienced stigma, including direct and observed experiences as well as the absence of sex education and information, contributed to internalized stigma and anticipation of future devaluation. This process produced psychological discomfort and concealment of health-related aspects of anal sexuality, even from potentially supportive sexual partners, social contacts, and health workers. Participants characterized stigma and discomfort with disclosure as normative, pervasive, and detrimental influences on health-seeking behavior both during sex and within healthcare interactions. Omission of information appears to be a particularly salient determinant of sexual behavior, inhibiting prevention of harm, like pain, and leading to adverse health outcomes. The development of measures of anal sex stigma and related sexual concerns, and testing their impact on comfort with disclosure, sexual practices, and engagement in health services could identify modifiable social pathways that contribute to health disparities among MSM, like those seen in the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Kutner
- The HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Jane M Simoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frances M Aunon
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emma Creegan
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ivan C Balán
- The HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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Kutner BA, King KM, Dorsey S, Creegan E, Simoni JM. The Anal Sex Stigma Scales: A New Measure of Sexual Stigma Among Cisgender Men Who have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2666-2679. [PMID: 32198561 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02824-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a series of studies to validate a new scale of stigma toward anal sex, culturally tailored to cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM). In Study 1 we conducted in-depth interviews (N = 35) to generate items. In Study 2, we reduced the item pool through an online survey (N = 268), testing scale performance, dimensionality, and convergent and discriminant validity. For Study 3, we recruited another online sample (N = 1605), randomized to exploratory or confirmatory factor analyses to finalize item reduction, then assessed validity among sexually active MSM (n = 1263). Final subscales encompassed self-stigma (6 items, Cronbach's α = .72), provider stigma (5 items, Cronbach's α = .79), and omission of information (6 items, Cronbach's α = .73; full 3-factor scale = .80). We developed a 17-item measure, grounded in the lived experience of cisgender MSM. Future work should examine associations with health-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Kutner
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Kevin M King
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shannon Dorsey
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emma Creegan
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jane M Simoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Uchendu OC, Adeyera O, Owoaje ET. Awareness and utilization of female condoms among street youths in Ibadan, an urban setting in South-West Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J 2019; 33:168. [PMID: 31565129 PMCID: PMC6756805 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2019.33.168.12733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Female condom awareness and use have been poorly documented in sub-Saharan region especially among street youths. This study assessed its awareness and use among street youths. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 964 youths between ages 15 to 24 years old using questionnaires to elicit information. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted at 5% level of significance. RESULTS More than half (69.9%) were males and between 20-25 years of age (61.2%). More than three-quarter (81.0%) had initiated sexual activity. Almost half (47.9%) of the respondents have heard about female condoms however only 16.8% have ever seen while 4.3% have actually ever used a female condom. Age, education, current sexual activity and experience of rape attempt were predictors of female condom awareness. CONCLUSION Awareness of female condom was a significant predictor of utilization of female condoms. There is therefore a need for proper awareness and education on the effectiveness of female condoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obioma Chukwudi Uchendu
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oluwapelumi Adeyera
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Eme Theodora Owoaje
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Reynolds GL, Fisher DG, Rogala B. Why women engage in anal intercourse: results from a qualitative study. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:983-95. [PMID: 25378264 PMCID: PMC4379393 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-014-0367-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study used qualitative methods to assess why women engage in heterosexual anal (receptive) intercourse (AI) with a male partner. Four focus groups which comprised women from diverse ethnicities were conducted. All groups were digitally recorded for transcription; transcripts were analyzed using the methods of grounded theory to determine themes. Women's reasons for engaging in anal intercourse with a male partner can be described in broad categories including that the women wanted to have anal intercourse, either because of their own desire, to please a male partner, or they were responding to a quid pro quo situation. The riskiness of AI was assessed within relationship contexts. Past experience with AI including emotional and physical reactions was identified. Among the negative physical experiences of AI were pain and disliking the sensation, and uncomfortable side effects, such as bleeding of the rectum. Negative emotional experiences of AI included feelings of shame, disgust, and being offended by something her male partner did, such as spitting on his penis for lubrication. Positive physical experiences included liking the sensation. Many of the women also endorsed positive emotional experiences of AI, including that it was more intimate than vaginal sex, and that it was something they reserved only for special partners. The majority of AI episodes were unplanned and not discussed prior to initiation. Pain during AI was mitigated by the use of lubricants or illicit drugs. Even those women who found pleasure in AI expressed a preference for vaginal intercourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace L Reynolds
- Center for Behavioral Research and Services, California State University, 1090 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA, 90813, USA,
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Siberry GK, Abzug MJ, Nachman S, Brady MT, Dominguez KL, Handelsman E, Mofenson LM, Nesheim S, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, American Academy of Pediatrics. Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections in HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children: recommendations from the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2013; 32 Suppl 2:i-KK4. [PMID: 24569199 PMCID: PMC4169043 DOI: 10.1097/01.inf.0000437856.09540.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- George K Siberry
- 1National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 2University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 3State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 4Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Physical Barrier Methods. Sex Transm Dis 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-391059-2.00008-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Nelson AL. New frontiers in female contraception (and male condoms): 2012. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2012; 21:677-93. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2012.679342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anita L Nelson
- Harbor UCLA Medical Center,
1457 3rd Street, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA ;
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Gallo MF, Kilbourne-Brook M, Coffey PS. A review of the effectiveness and acceptability of the female condom for dual protection. Sex Health 2012; 9:18-26. [DOI: 10.1071/sh11037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The female condom remains the sole female-initiated method of dual protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV. We reviewed published data on the effectiveness and acceptability of the female condom for protection against pregnancy and infection. Overall, use of the female condom is low and several barriers hinder the wider adoption of the use of the method. Research on effectiveness has focussed on pregnancy, STIs and biological markers of semen exposure. Although the data available suggest that female condoms (or a mixture of female and male condoms) may provide similar degrees of protection against pregnancy and STIs as do latex male condoms alone, this conclusion has not been demonstrated and thus comparative research is urgently needed.
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Kelvin EA, Mantell JE, Candelario N, Hoffman S, Exner TM, Stackhouse W, Stein ZA. Off-label use of the female condom for anal intercourse among men in New York City. Am J Public Health 2011; 101:2241-4. [PMID: 22021299 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2011.300260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
We surveyed 111 male clients of an HIV/AIDS service organization in New York City in 2008 and 2009. Seventeen percent had used the female condom for anal intercourse; of these, 89.3% had used the female condom with male partners, 21.4% with female partners, and 10.7% with both. Users of the female condom for vaginal intercourse were more likely to use it for anal intercourse (odds ratio = 12.7; 95% confidence interval = 2.5, 64.9; P = .002). The safety and efficacy of the female condom for anal intercourse are unknown and should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Kelvin
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, 10032, USA.
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Witte SS, Stefano K, Hawkins C. Can medicaid reimbursement help give female condoms a second chance in the United States? Am J Public Health 2010; 100:1835-40. [PMID: 20724690 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2009.179598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The female condom is the only other barrier contraception method besides the male condom, and it is the only "woman-initiated" device for prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Although studies demonstrate high acceptability and effectiveness for this device, overall use in the United States remains low. The female condom has been available through Medicaid in many states since 1994. We provide the first published summary of data on Medicaid reimbursement for the female condom. Our findings demonstrate low rates of claims for female condoms but high rates of reimbursement. In light of the 2009 approval of a new, cheaper female condom and the recent passage of comprehensive health care reform, we call for research examining how health care providers can best promote consumer use of Medicaid reimbursement to obtain this important infection-prevention device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan S Witte
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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