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Lyons M, Harper GW, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Beyer A, Graham SM. Listening to the Voices of Gay and Bisexual Men and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Kenya: Recommendations for Improved HIV Prevention Programming. Undergrad J Public Health Univ Mich 2024; 7:84-96. [PMID: 37398631 PMCID: PMC10310496 DOI: 10.3998/ujph.3949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Young gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are a key population at high risk for new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in Kenya; thus, increased efforts are necessary to reduce their health risks. This qualitative study describes recommendations offered by young GBMSM in Kenya regarding the development and delivery of culturally appropriate HIV prevention services. Both young GBMSM Community Members and Peer Educators recommend that future HIV prevention efforts enhance economic empowerment, provide mental health and substance use services, and incorporate arts-based health promotion strategies. In addition, participants recommended that public health professionals increase the ease of access to HIV prevention services for GBMSM and that researchers disseminate findings from HIV prevention research back to the community.
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Zhang R, Qiao S, Aggarwal A, Yuan G, Muttau N, Sharma A, Lwatula C, Ngosa L, Kabwe M, Manasyan A, Menon A, Ostermann J, Weissman S, Li X, Harper GW. Impact of enacted stigma on mental health, substance use, and HIV-related behaviors among sexual minority men in Zambia. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2024; 48:51-58. [PMID: 38453282 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Sexual minority men (SMM) in Zambia face significant challenges including stigma, discrimination, and mental health issues, which further impact their HIV-related risk behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the associations between enacted stigma, substance abuse, HIV-related behaviors, and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms) among SMM in Zambia. SMM aged 18-35 years who reported having multiple and/or concurrent sexual partners or low and/or inconsistent condom use in the past three months were recruited from four districts in Zambia between February and November 2021. Participants completed an anonymous interviewer-administered survey. Key variables of interest were compared between participants with higher vs. lower levels of enacted stigma. Independent samples t-tests were used for continuous variables, and chi-squared tests were used for categorical variables. A total of 197 eligible SMM participated in the study (mean age = 24.41 years). Participants with a higher level of enacted stigma showed a higher level of anxiety symptoms (χ2 = 12.91, p ≤ .001), PTSD symptoms (χ2 = 7.13, p < .01), tobacco use (χ2 = 10.47, p < .01), cannabis use (χ2 = 5.90, p < .05), and a higher number of sexual partners (t = 1.99, p < .05) in the past three months. Stigma reduction interventions may help mitigate substance abuse, HIV-related behaviors, and adverse mental health outcomes among SMM in Zambia. Health care providers, especially psychiatric-mental health nurses, can incorporate strategies for recognizing and addressing stigma into their practice through training and integrate multiple resources to create an inclusive and non-judgmental environment for SMM to improve their well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhang
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
| | | | - Guangzhe Yuan
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nobutu Muttau
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Levy Ngosa
- Dignitate Zambia Limited, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Albert Manasyan
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Jan Ostermann
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Xiaoming Li
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Ocasio MA, Fernandez MI, Ward DHS, Lightfoot M, Swendeman D, Harper GW. Fluidity in Reporting Gender Identity Labels in a Sample of Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents and Young Adults, Los Angeles, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana, 2017-2019. Public Health Rep 2024:333549231223922. [PMID: 38284562 DOI: 10.1177/00333549231223922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Treating gender identity as a fixed characteristic may contribute to considerable misclassification and hinder accurate characterization of health inequities and the design of effective preventive interventions for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents and young adults. We examined changes in how an ethnically and racially diverse sample of TGD adolescents and young adults reported their gender identity over time, the implications of this fluidity on public health, and the potential effects of misclassification of gender identity. METHODS We recruited 235 TGD adolescents and young adults (aged 15-24 y) in Los Angeles, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana, from May 2017 through August 2019 to participate in an HIV intervention study. We asked participants to self-report their gender identity and sex assigned at birth every 4 months for 24 months. We used a quantitative content analysis framework to catalog changes in responses over time and classified the changes into 3 main patterns: consistent, fluctuating, and moving in 1 direction. We then calculated the distribution of gender identity labels at baseline (initial assessment) and 12 and 24 months and described the overall sample by age, race, ethnicity, and study site. RESULTS Of 235 TGD participants, 162 (69%) were from Los Angeles, 89 (38%) were Latinx, and 80 (34%) were non-Latinx Black or African American. Changes in self-reported gender identity were common (n = 181; 77%); in fact, 39 (17%) changed gender identities more than twice. More than 50% (n = 131; 56%) showed a fluctuating pattern. CONCLUSIONS Gender identity labels varied over time, suggesting that misclassification may occur if data from a single time point are used to define gender identity. Our study lays the foundation for launching studies to elucidate the associations between shifting gender identities and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A Ocasio
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - M Isabel Fernandez
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Demi H S Ward
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Marguerita Lightfoot
- Oregon Health Sciences University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Dallas Swendeman
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Qiao S, Garrett CM, Addo PNO, Adeagbo O, Moore DM, Muttau N, Sharma A, Lwatula C, Ngosa L, Kabwe M, Manasyan A, Menon JA, Weissman S, Li X, Harper GW. The Impacts of Stigma Against Sexual Minority Men Within and Between Various Socioecological Levels: Breaking the Vicious Cycle in Zambia. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231209190. [PMID: 37909703 PMCID: PMC10621297 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231209190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual minority men (SMM) face persistent stigma in Zambia. From a holistic perspective, we aim to explore its impacts within and between multiple socioecological levels, demonstrating how their interactions create a vicious cycle of barriers to the well-being of SMM. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 purposively recruited SMM from Lusaka, Zambia. All interviews were audio-recorded, after written consent, transcribed verbatim, and iteratively coded employing inductive (i.e., data-driven) approaches for thematic analysis using NVivo. Results suggest three key themes: (1) interpersonal socially perpetuated sexual minority stigma (SMS); (2) multidirectional interactions between psychosocial well-being and risk-taking behaviors; and (3) institutionally perpetuated SMS as a barrier to seeking and receiving health care. SMS permeates across all levels of the socioecological model to negatively impact the psychosocial well-being of SMM while acting also as a barrier to accessing HIV prevention and care. Our study necessitates structural public health intervention to decrease stigma and discrimination against SMM in Zambia, in efforts to increase their psychosocial well-being as well as their access to and utilization of HIV care by breaking the vicious cycle of SMS that pervades through the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional levels of the socioecological model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Qiao
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Camryn M. Garrett
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Prince N. O. Addo
- Department of Epidemiology, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Oluwafemi Adeagbo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Darius M. Moore
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nobutu Muttau
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Levy Ngosa
- Dignitate Zambia Limited (DZL), Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Albert Manasyan
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Sharon Weissman
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine Columbia, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Gary W. Harper
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Delmonaco D, Li S, Paneda C, Popoff E, Hughson L, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Alferio J, Stephenson C, Henry A, Powdhar K, Gierlinger I, Harper GW, Haimson OL. Community-Engaged Participatory Methods to Address Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning Young People's Health Information Needs With a Resource Website: Participatory Design and Development Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e41682. [PMID: 37676709 PMCID: PMC10514765 DOI: 10.2196/41682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people (aged 15 to 25 years) face unique health challenges and often lack resources to adequately address their health information needs related to gender and sexuality. Beyond information access issues, LGBTQ+ young people may need information resources to be designed and organized differently compared with their cisgender and heterosexual peers and, because of identity exploration, may have different information needs related to gender and sexuality than older people. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to work with a community partner to develop an inclusive and comprehensive new website to address LGBTQ+ young people's health information needs. To design this resource website using a community-engaged approach, our objective required working with and incorporating content and design recommendations from young LGBTQ+ participants. METHODS We conducted interviews (n=17) and participatory design sessions (n=11; total individual participants: n=25) with LGBTQ+ young people to understand their health information needs and elicit design recommendations for the new website. We involved our community partner in all aspects of the research and design process. RESULTS We present participants' desired resources, health topics, and technical website features that can facilitate information seeking for LGBTQ+ young people exploring their sexuality and gender and looking for health resources. We describe how filters can allow people to find information related to intersecting marginalized identities and how dark mode can be a privacy measure to avoid unwanted identity disclosure. We reflect on our design process and situate the website development in previous critical reflections on participatory research with marginalized communities. We suggest recommendations for future LGBTQ+ health websites based on our research and design experiences and final website design, which can enable LGBTQ+ young people to access information, find the right information, and navigate identity disclosure concerns. These design recommendations include filters, a reduced number of links, conscientious choice of graphics, dark mode, and resources tailored to intersecting identities. CONCLUSIONS Meaningful collaboration with community partners throughout the design process is vital for developing technological resources that meet community needs. We argue for community partner leadership rather than just involvement in community-based research endeavors at the intersection of human-computer interaction and health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shannon Li
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Elliot Popoff
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Luna Hughson
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Jack Alferio
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Gary W Harper
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Graham SM, Harper GW. Gradual improvements in HIV outcomes for African GBMSM. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e490-e492. [PMID: 37453438 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00149-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
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Graham SM, Okall DO, Mehta SD, Obondi E, Ng'ety G, Ochieng E, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Amico KR, Harper GW, Bailey RC, Otieno FO. Challenges with PrEP Uptake and Adherence Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Kisumu, Kenya. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1234-1247. [PMID: 36219270 PMCID: PMC10036412 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03860-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Data on challenges with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence among Kenyan gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are limited. In this mixed-methods sequential explanatory design study, our quantitative phase followed 157 at-risk, HIV-negative GBMSM who accepted PrEP and enrolled in a cohort with 12-month follow-up. Stored dried blood spots collected at two intervals were batch tested for tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations at study end. Despite high self-reported adherence, only 14.6% of individuals had protective TFV-DP levels at any visit. Protective TFV-DP levels were positively associated with injection drug use and a self-assessed moderate risk of acquiring HIV, and negatively associated with time since enrolment. In our subsequent qualitative phase, an intensive workshop was conducted with the GBMSM community to identify barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake and adherence. These data revealed numerous challenges with traditional PrEP programs that must be addressed through community collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Graham
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 139909, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | | | - Supriya D Mehta
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eve Obondi
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Elijah Ochieng
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
- Salina Youth Initiative, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robert C Bailey
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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8
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Fogarty H, Jones MD, Moore SJ, Harper GW, Camacho-González A, del Rio C, Hussen SA. Examining HIV Organizational Structures and their Influence on Engagement with Young Black Gay, Bisexual, and other Men who have Sex with Men in Atlanta, Georgia. J Gay Lesbian Soc Serv 2023; 36:58-79. [PMID: 38650676 PMCID: PMC11034743 DOI: 10.1080/10538720.2023.2184438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YB-GBMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Structural influences on these disparities, including characteristics of the various organizations that serve YB-GBMSM living with HIV, remain understudied. We drew on Weick's model of organizing to conduct and analyze qualitative interviews with 28 HIV service providers representing healthcare and community-based organizations in Atlanta, Georgia. Enactment of HIV service provision was described as following simplified and standardized responses-defined as "rules", and/or more dynamic exchanges to formulate responses -otherwise known as "communication behavior cycles" (CBCs). Rules, including patient quotas and limited hours of operation, were viewed as rigid, out-of-touch, and inhibiting engagement with YB-GBMSM. CBCs, such as patient feedback loops and rejection of traditional hierarchies, fostered creative insights to combating the epidemic and increased levels of cultural awareness and community buy-in. Organizations should strive to enact CBCs, to foster culturally congruent approaches to service delivery for YB-GBMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Fogarty
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
| | - Marxavian D. Jones
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
| | - Shamia J. Moore
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
| | - Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health
| | - Andrés Camacho-González
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Carlos del Rio
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Sophia A. Hussen
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine
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9
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Lewis KA, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Walimbwa J, Ogunbajo A, Jauregui JC, Onyango DP, Moore DM, Johnson GL, Odero W, Harper GW. "You'll Be Chased Away": Sources, Experiences, and Effects of Violence and Stigma among Gay and Bisexual Men in Kenya. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:2825. [PMID: 36833522 PMCID: PMC9956866 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Gay and bisexual men in Kenya face extreme socio-political stigma which manifests in widespread violence and discrimination across socio-ecological levels. We conducted individual in-depth interviews with 60 gay and bisexual men in western and central Kenya. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed using an inductive, phenomenological approach to qualitatively examine experiences of stigma and violence at the interpersonal and institutional levels. A total of seven primary themes and four sub-themes emerged from the data. At the interpersonal level, participants described stigma and violence from family, friends, and romantic/sexual partners with sub-themes for gay-baiting violence, blackmail, intimate partner violence, and commitment phobia. At the institutional level, participants described stigma and violence from religious, employment, educational, and healthcare institutions. This stigma and violence severely impacted the lives of participants including their mental health, physical health, sexual health, socioeconomic status, and ability to access health-promoting services. These data identify sources of stigma and describe how this stigma manifests in the everyday lives of gay and bisexual men in Kenya. Study findings and quotes from participants highlight the severity of violence, stigma, and discrimination faced by this community and emphasize the need for decriminalization of same-sex sexualities as well as interventions to support health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. Lewis
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | | | | | - Juan C. Jauregui
- Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Daniel Peter Onyango
- Let Good Be Told In Us, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Western Kenya (NYARWEK) LGBTI Coalition, Kisumu 40100, Kenya
| | - Darius M. Moore
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - Gabriel Lee Johnson
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - Wilson Odero
- School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Maseno University, Kisumu 40100, Kenya
| | - Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
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Harper GW, Cherenack EM, Slye N, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Hudgens M. Pilot Trial of a Critical Consciousness-Based Intervention for Black Young Gay and Bisexual Men Living with HIV: Mobilizing Our Voices for Empowerment (MOVE). J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:64-82. [PMID: 35048310 PMCID: PMC9296697 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-021-01197-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
HIV in the USA disproportionately affects Black young gay and bisexual men (Y-GBM). This article presents outcomes of a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing Mobilizing our Voices for Empowerment (MOVE), a culturally and developmentally tailored critical consciousness-based intervention for Black Y-GBM living with HIV (ages 16-24), with a comparison health promotion intervention. Black Y-GBM (n = 54) from four cities participated. Mixed effects models across four assessment points revealed participants in MOVE showed greater increases over time in perceived stress of HIV disclosure, self-efficacy for limiting HIV risk behavior, and condom use self-efficacy. Examining mean difference scores separately, participants in MOVE demonstrated increases in self-efficacy for HIV disclosure, perceived policy control, and self-efficacy for limiting HIV risk behavior. Immediately post-intervention, MOVE participants reported greater decreases in condomless intercourse with negative/unknown partners. MOVE may have potential to improve the health of Black Y-GBM living with HIV and reduce further transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Emily M Cherenack
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicole Slye
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael Hudgens
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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11
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Gamarel KE, Jadwin-Cakmak L, King WM, Hughes L, Abad J, Trammell R, Maguire A, Shackelford V, Connolly M, Rescoe T, Williams A, Harper GW. Improving Access to Legal Gender Affirmation for Transgender Women Involved in the Criminal-Legal System. J Correct Health Care 2023; 29:12-15. [PMID: 36037008 PMCID: PMC10081699 DOI: 10.1089/jchc.21.09.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Transgender women of color experience interlocking systems of oppression rooted in racism and transphobia, which fuel economic vulnerability and overrepresentation in the criminal-legal system. Legal gender affirmation, which refers to changing one's name and gender marker on official documents, has the potential to mitigate these issues by improving access to employment, housing, education, health care, and social services. These services are particularly important for transgender women of color with criminal records, a history of incarceration, or other legal infractions; however, 23 states have policies that restrict access to legal gender affirmation for these individuals. Alongside eliminating restrictive policies to obtain legal gender affirmation, medical-legal partnerships in these states may address recidivism and health inequities among transgender women of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E. Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Wesley M. King
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Landon Hughes
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Julisa Abad
- Trans Sistas of Color Project, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Fair Michigan Foundation, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Racquelle Trammell
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Trans Sistas of Color Project, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Maureen Connolly
- Department of Pediatrics, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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12
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Naar S, Fernandez MI, Todd L, Green SKS, Budhwani H, Carcone A, Coyle K, Aarons GA, MacDonell K, Harper GW. Understanding implementation completion of tailored motivational interviewing in multidisciplinary adolescent HIV clinics. Implement Res Pract 2023; 4:26334895231164585. [PMID: 37091536 PMCID: PMC10068499 DOI: 10.1177/26334895231164585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the barriers and facilitators of implementation completion is critical to determining why some implementation efforts fail and some succeed. Such studies provide the foundation for developing further strategies to support implementation completion when scaling up evidence-based practices (EBPs) such as Motivational Interviewing. Method This mixed-methods study utilized the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment framework in an iterative analytic design to compare adolescent HIV clinics that demonstrated either high or low implementation completion in the context of a hybrid Type III trial of tailored motivational interviewing. Ten clinics were assigned to one of three completion categories (high, medium, and low) based on percentage of staff who adhered to three components of implementation strategies. Comparative analysis of staff qualitative interviews compared and contrasted the three high-completion clinics with the three low-completion clinics. Results Results suggested several factors that distinguished high-completion clinics compared to low-completion clinics including optimism, problem-solving barriers, leadership, and staff stress and turnover. Conclusions Implementation strategies targeting these factors can be added to EBP implementation packages to improve implementation success. Plain Language Summary While studies have begun to address adherence to intervention techniques, this is one of the first studies to address organizational adherence to implementation strategies. Youth HIV providers from different disciplines completed interviews about critical factors in both the inner and outer context that can support or hinder an organization's adherence to implementation strategies. Compared to less adherent clinics, more adherent clinics reported more optimism, problem-solving, and leadership strengths and less staff stress and turnover. Implementation strategies addressing these factors could be added to implementation packages to improve implementation success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Naar
- Center for Translational Behavioral Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - M. Isabel Fernandez
- Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern
University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Lisa Todd
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University School of
Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sara K. Shaw Green
- Center for Translational Behavioral Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Henna Budhwani
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public
Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - April Carcone
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University School of
Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Gregory A. Aarons
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- ACTRI Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, UC San Diego,
La Jolla, CA, USA
- Child and Adolescent Services Research
Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Karen MacDonell
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University School of
Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public
Health, University of Michigan School of Public
Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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13
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Carcone AI, Coyle K, Butame S, Harper GW, Aarons GA, Naar S. Using the Exploration-Preparation-Implementation-Sustainment (EPIS) Framework to prepare for the implementation of evidence-based practices into adolescent HIV settings. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:4093-4106. [PMID: 36066763 PMCID: PMC9643628 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03735-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in evidence-based practices (EBP) to support HIV prevention and treatment, youth ages 13-24 experience significant disparities in HIV risk and outcomes. An important factor in this disparity is poor EBP implementation, yet implementation research is limited, particularly in youth-serving settings. This study used the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework to guide the implementation of four Motivational Interviewing (MI) and MI-framed interventions into youth-serving HIV prevention and treatment settings. Key stakeholders (n = 153) across 13 sites completed pre-implementation interviews. Stakeholders' comments identified two critical factors for effective implementation: fit with the patient population and provider receptivity, including concerns about scope of practice, buy-in, and time. Stakeholders recommended strategies for structuring training, fidelity monitoring, and facilitating implementation including engaging informal leaders, collaboratively developing the implementation strategy, and site-wide implementation. Results highlight the importance of pre-implementation contextual assessment and strategic planning for identifying provider concerns and developing responsive implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Idalski Carcone
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Karin Coyle
- Education, Training, and Research (ETR), Scotts Valley, California, United States
| | - Seyram Butame
- Center for Translational Behavioral Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Gregory A Aarons
- ACTRI Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Sylvie Naar
- Center for Translational Behavioral Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
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14
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Sallabank G, Blackburn NA, Threats M, Pulley DV, Barry MC, LeGrand S, Harper GW, Bauermeister JA, Hightow-Weidman LB, Muessig KE. Media representation, perception and stigmatisation of race, sexuality and HIV among young black gay and bisexual men. Cult Health Sex 2022; 24:1729-1743. [PMID: 34895082 PMCID: PMC9188628 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.2008506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Young Black gay and bisexual men who have sex with men experience stigma related to race, gender expression, sexuality and HIV status. Stigma impacts access to HIV care and prevention as well as interactions with healthcare providers. The amplification of stigma through popular media is under-researched in the health sciences. HealthMpowerment is a mobile phone optimised intervention to reduce sexual risk and support community-building for young Black gay and bisexual men (age 18-30). We analysed Forum conversations from 48 participants, 45.8% living with HIV. Of 322 stigma-relevant conversations, 18.9% referenced the media (e.g. television, news, social media) as a source of stigma. Forum conversations covered media representations of Black gay and bisexual men, media's influence on identity, and the creation of stigma by association with media representations. Cultural messages embedded in the media may accentuate stereotypes that influence perceptions of Black gay and bisexual men and disregard intersectional identities. HealthMpowerment provided a space to challenge stigmatising representations. Participants used HealthMpowerment to garner social support and celebrate positive media representations. Interventions for young Black gay and bisexual men should consider the influential role of media and include spaces for participants to process and address stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Sallabank
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Natalie A. Blackburn
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Megan Threats
- Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Information Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Deren V. Pulley
- Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Information Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Megan C. Barry
- Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sara LeGrand
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gary W. Harper
- Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - José A. Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Kathryn E. Muessig
- Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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15
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Moore SJ, Wood-Palmer DK, Jones MD, Doraivelu K, Newman Jr A, Harper GW, Camacho-González A, del Río C, Sutton MY, Hussen SA. Feasibility and acceptability of B6: a social capital program for young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men living with HIV. Health Educ Res 2022; 37:405-419. [PMID: 36200434 PMCID: PMC9677235 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YB-GBMSM) are disproportionately burdened by HIV and often exhibit suboptimal engagement in HIV care. With the goal of increasing engagement in HIV care, we designed a culturally specific, theory-based group-level program, Brothers Building Brothers by Breaking Barriers (B6), which aimed to strengthen resilience and social capital among YB-GBMSM living with HIV. We conducted a pilot trial to evaluate the program's acceptability and feasibility. Through clinic-based recruitment and community outreach events, we recruited and enrolled 71 YB-GBMSM into the study. Participants were randomized to either the B6 program or a control comparison program. Post-session evaluation surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews showed B6 to have high levels of acceptability and satisfaction. Specifically, participants described benefits to interacting in a group with other YB-GBMSM, and several described increased comfort with their own gay identities after participation. No adverse events or safety concerns were reported. However, there were challenges to feasibility, as reflected in recruitment and retention rates. The B6 program was highly acceptable among YB-GBMSM living with HIV; however, innovative program delivery methods and implementation strategies will be needed to improve recruitment and retention in future implementation of B6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamia J Moore
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Drew K Wood-Palmer
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Marxavian D Jones
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kamini Doraivelu
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Antonio Newman Jr
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Andrés Camacho-González
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Carlos del Río
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Madeline Y Sutton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse University School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA 30310, Georgia
| | - Sophia A Hussen
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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16
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Hussen SA, Drumhiller K, Emerenini S, Moore SJ, Jones MD, Camacho-González A, Ransome Y, Elopre L, Del Río C, Harper GW. Understanding social capital among young black gay and bisexual men living with HIV: a qualitative exploration. Cult Health Sex 2022; 24:1498-1513. [PMID: 34506268 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.1974561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Social capital, defined as the sum of an individual's resource-containing, reciprocal and trustworthy social network connections, has been associated with improved engagement in care among people living with HIV globally. We conducted a qualitative interview study of social capital among 28 young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men ages 18-29 living with HIV in Atlanta, Georgia. We asked participants about bonding capital (relationships between individuals with similar demographic characteristics), bridging capital (relationships with individuals of different backgrounds), collective efficacy (involvement with community organisations) and satisfaction with their social networks. We found that participants described bonding capital from friends and family in depth, while more gaps were noted in bridging capital and collective efficacy. Bonding capital derived from families was especially critical to participants' satisfaction with their social capital. Findings suggest that interventions targeting young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men should build upon strong bonds with family and friends, and/or fill gaps in bridging capital and collective efficacy by connecting young men to mentors and organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia A Hussen
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Sabina Emerenini
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shamia J Moore
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marxavian D Jones
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrés Camacho-González
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yusuf Ransome
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Latesha Elopre
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Carlos Del Río
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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17
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Gamarel KE, Jadwin-Cakmak L, King WM, Lacombe-Duncan A, Trammell R, Reyes LA, Burks C, Rivera B, Arnold E, Harper GW. Stigma Experienced by Transgender Women of Color in Their Dating and Romantic Relationships: Implications for Gender-based Violence Prevention Programs. J Interpers Violence 2022; 37:NP8161-NP8189. [PMID: 33256510 PMCID: PMC8164638 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520976186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Although transgender women of color, specifically Black and Latina experience gender-based violence in a variety of contexts, one of the most consistently reported is from a dating or romantic partner. This qualitative study sought to understand the manifestations and consequences of stigma experienced by transgender women of color in their dating or romantic relationships. Between January and February 2019, we purposively recruited 33 transgender women of color to participate in five focus group discussions and complete a brief survey. We employed both inductive and deductive approaches to coding and thematic analysis. We identified different forms of anti-transgender interpersonal stigma experienced by transgender women of color seeking romantic relationships and by those in romantic relationships. For those dating and seeking relationships, anti-transgender interpersonal stigma took the form of dehumanizing stereotypes and sexual objectification. While these manifestations of anti-transgender interpersonal stigma persisted for some within relationships, concealment behaviors from partners was the predominant type of anti-transgender interpersonal stigma. Each of these forms of anti-transgender interpersonal stigma had significant gender-based violence consequences, specifically encountering physical violence, experiencing psychological trauma, and engaging in survival strategies. In the current climate of COVID-19, which is exacerbating risks of gender-based violence, there is an urgent need to understand and address the nuanced manifestations of stigma in relationships and their consequences on the lives of transgender women of color. Culturally grounded gender-based violence prevention policies and programs with transgender women should address these forms of stigma and build on community strengths. Findings also highlight the importance of future research and gender-based violence prevention programming with cisgender men in/seeking partnerships with transgender women of color.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Racquelle Trammell
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Trans Sistas of Color Project, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Bré Rivera
- Trans Sistas of Color Project, Detroit, MI, USA
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18
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Gutin SA, Harper GW, Moshashane N, Ramontshonyana K, Stephenson R, Shade SB, Harries J, Mmeje O, Ramogola-Masire D, Morroni C. Relationship, partner factors and stigma are associated with safer conception information, motivation, and behavioral skills among women living with HIV in Botswana. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2231. [PMID: 34879845 PMCID: PMC8653588 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12268-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant proportion (20-59%) of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa desire childbearing, are of reproductive age, and are in sero-different relationships (~50%). Thus it is plausible that some portion of new HIV transmissions are due to attempts to become pregnant. Safer conception (SC) methods that effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission exist and can be made available in resource-constrained settings. Few studies in the region, and none in Botswana, have quantitatively examined the correlates of information, motivation, and behavioral skills for SC uptake. METHODS We surveyed 356 women living with HIV from 6/2018 to 12/2018 at six public-sector health clinics in Gaborone, Botswana. Participants were 18-40 years old, not pregnant, and desired future children or were unsure about their childbearing plans. We examined correlates of SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills using nested linear regression models, adjusting for socio-demographic, interpersonal, and structural variables. RESULTS Knowledge of SC methods varied widely. While some SC methods were well known (medical male circumcision by 83%, antiretroviral therapy for viral suppression by 64%), most other methods were known by less than 40% of participants. Our final models reveal that stigma as well as relationship and partner factors affect SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills. Both internalized childbearing stigma (ß=-0.50, 95%CI:-0.17, -0.02) and perceived community childbearing stigma were negatively associated with SC information (ß=-0.09, 95%CI:-0.80, -0.21). Anticipated (ß=-0.06, 95%CI:-0.12, -0.003) and internalized stigma (ß=-0.27, 95%CI:-0.44; -0.10) were associated with decreased SC motivation, while perceived community childbearing stigma was associated with increased SC motivation (ß=0.07, 95%CI:0.02, 0.11). Finally, internalized childbearing stigma was associated with decreased SC behavioral skills (ß=-0.80, 95%CI: -1.12, -0.47) while SC information (ß=0.24, 95%CI:0.12, 0.36), motivation (ß=0.36, 95%CI:0.15, 0.58), and perceived partner willingness to use SC (ß=0.47, 95%CI:0.36, 0.57) were positively associated with behavioral skills CONCLUSIONS: Low SC method-specific information levels are concerning since almost half (47%) of the study participants reported they were in sero-different relationships and desired more children. Findings highlight the importance of addressing HIV stigma and partner dynamics in interventions to improve SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Gutin
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, 94143, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, MI, 48109, Ann Arbor, USA.
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, MI, 48109, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Neo Moshashane
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership Princess Marina Hospital, Private Bag BO 320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kehumile Ramontshonyana
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership Princess Marina Hospital, Private Bag BO 320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, MI, Ann Arbor, USA
- The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Starley B Shade
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jane Harries
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Okeoma Mmeje
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, MI, 48109, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, MI, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership Princess Marina Hospital, Private Bag BO 320, Gaborone, Botswana
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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19
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Wade RM, Harper GW. Toward a multidimensional construct of racialized sexual discrimination (RSD): Implications for scale development. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity 2021. [DOI: 10.1037/sgd0000443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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20
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Goldenberg T, Gamarel KE, Reisner SL, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Harper GW. Gender Affirmation as a Source of Resilience for Addressing Stigmatizing Healthcare Experiences of Transgender Youth of Color. Ann Behav Med 2021; 55:1168-1183. [PMID: 33761531 PMCID: PMC8601040 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender and other gender diverse (TGD) youth of color experience stigma within healthcare. Gender affirmation can be a resilience resource; however, little is known about gender affirmation within healthcare. PURPOSE This study explores TGD youth of color's experiences of stigma and gender affirmation across the entire healthcare experience and their role on motivation to seek care. METHODS In 2015, cross-sectional surveys and individual in-depth interviews were conducted among 187 TGD youth ages 16-24 living in 14 U.S. cities. Analyses followed a mixed-methods design whereby 33 participants were purposively selected for a qualitative phenomenological analysis based on quantitatively reported gender affirmation needs. Subsequent quantitative analyses examined how healthcare use differed by access to gender affirmation. RESULTS Participants qualitatively described experiencing stigma across multiple healthcare settings (e.g., primary care, emergency care, medical gender affirmation), including before (finding providers, scheduling), during (waiting rooms, provider interactions), and after (pharmacy) healthcare visits. Participants who quantitatively reported access to gender-affirming healthcare still described negative healthcare experiences, either because they accessed multiple healthcare services or because of prior negative experiences. Stigma and gender affirmation (both inside and outside of healthcare) influenced motivation to seek care, with variation depending on the type of care. Quantitative analyses confirmed these findings; access to gender affirmation differed for participants who delayed primary care vs. those who did not, but did not vary based on participants' use of medical gender affirmation. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the importance of promoting gender-affirming healthcare environments to increase access to care for TGD youth of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Goldenberg
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sari L Reisner
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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21
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Fleming PJ, Doshi M, Harper GW, Otieno F, Bailey RC. Integration of voluntary male medical circumcision for HIV prevention into norms of masculinity: findings from Kisumu, Kenya. Cult Health Sex 2021; 23:1451-1463. [PMID: 33016854 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1829057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
While it is clear that in many communities ideas about masculinity and circumcision are connected, it is still unclear how young Kenyan men in the former Nyanza province from the traditionally non-circumcising Luo people perceive voluntary medical male circumcision as connected to masculinity and the role of voluntary medical male circumcision in the transition from boyhood to manhood. The objective of this study was to explore norms of masculinity and the decision-making process among Luo young men to provide a better understanding of how circumcision and masculinity relate to cultural norms within this community. The methodology consisted of eight FGDs with male peer groups and 24 in-depth interviews to elicit young men's perceptions of masculinity and voluntary medical male circumcision. Findings from thematic analysis reveal that young men described several key characteristics of masculinity including responsibility, bravery and sexual attractiveness. For some young men, voluntary medical male circumcision has embedded itself into cultural norms of masculinity by being a step in the transition from boyhood to manhood and by being a marker of some of these masculine characteristics. In the case of voluntary medical male circumcision, there may be opportunities to integrate other programming that helps men transition into healthy adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Fleming
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Monika Doshi
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Robert C Bailey
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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22
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Krueger EA, Westmoreland DA, Choi SK, Harper GW, Lightfoot M, Hammack PL, Meyer IH. Mental Health Among Black and Latinx Sexual Minority Adults Leading Up to and Following the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election: Results from a Natural Experiment. LGBT Health 2021; 8:454-462. [PMID: 34410196 PMCID: PMC8573798 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Multi-level hostility toward sexual minority (SM; includes, but is not limited to those identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, or same-gender loving) and other minority populations (e.g., racial/ethnic) increased after the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This may generate stress and mental health problems among those groups, and particularly among SM people of color. This study assessed whether the mental health of Black and Latinx SM adults declined after the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Methods: Data were from a daily national probability survey (thus, mean changes in mental health outcomes over time may reflect population shifts in mental health) of Black and Latinx SM adults (N = 537), recruited 7 months before and 17 months after the November 8, 2016 election. Using a between-subjects design, spline-based regressions (spline set at election date), adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, estimated four mental health outcomes (past-month number of "poor mental health" days and psychological distress, past-year suicidal ideation, and social wellbeing) as a function of survey completion date. Results: There was marked worsening in each of the mental health outcomes over the postelection period (past-month poor mental health days, B = 0.05, standard error [SE] = 0.02, p < 0.05; psychological distress, B = 0.28, SE = 0.14, p < 0.05; suicidal ideation, odds ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval >1.00-1.26, p < 0.05; and social wellbeing, B = -0.05, SE = 0.02, p < 0.05). None of the outcomes varied over the pre-election period. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of worsening mental health among Black and Latinx SM adults in the United States during the 1.5 years after the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan A. Krueger
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Drew A. Westmoreland
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Soon Kyu Choi
- The Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Marguerita Lightfoot
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Phillip L. Hammack
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Ilan H. Meyer
- The Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, California, USA
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23
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Jauregui JC, Mwochi CR, Crawford J, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Okoth C, Onyango DP, Harper GW. Experiences of Violence and Mental Health Concerns Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults in Western Kenya. LGBT Health 2021; 8:494-501. [PMID: 34463158 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations throughout Kenya as well as other sub-Saharan African countries face systemic discrimination and substantial human rights violations, yet scant literature documents the potentially harmful mental health effects of these experiences. This study sought to understand the relationship among experiences of violence, social support, and mental health among SGM adults in Kenya. Methods: Members of a local LGBT community-based organization collected survey data in Western Kenya from October 2017 to April 2018, recruiting 527 SGM participants through an array of community outreach methods. Respondents in this cross-sectional study completed a survey regarding their mental health and other psychosocial factors. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between experiences of violence (SGM violence and intimate partner violence [IPV]) and mental health outcomes (depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress symptoms [PTSSs]) and to examine the potential moderating effect of social support on these relationships. Results: Relative to those who had never faced violence, participants who experienced IPV and/or violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (SGM violence) reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms and PTSSs. Emotional support was associated with lower levels of PTSSs. Social support did not moderate the relationship between SGM violence and mental health symptoms. Conclusions: These findings suggest that there may be a relationship between experiences of violence and poor mental health among SGM Kenyans. More studies are needed to better understand SGM-specific risk factors for poor mental well-being among SGM people in Kenya and the types of interventions that may help mitigate these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Jauregui
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Caroline R Mwochi
- Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western Kenya (NYARWEK) LGBTI Coalition, Kisumu, Kenya.,Western Kenya LBQT Feminist Forum, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jessica Crawford
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Cecil Okoth
- Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western Kenya (NYARWEK) LGBTI Coalition, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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24
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Harper GW, Lewis KA, Norwitz GA, Odhiambo EO, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Okutah F, Lauber K, Aloo T, Collins B, Gumbe E, Amico KR, Olango K, Odero W, Graham SM. “God Didn’t Make a Mistake in Creating Me”: Intrapersonal Resilience Processes among Gay and Bisexual Male Youth in Kenya. Adolescents 2021; 1:267-282. [PMID: 35665057 PMCID: PMC9161601 DOI: 10.3390/adolescents1030020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Gay and bisexual male youth in Kenya experience human rights violations, including pervasive stigma and discrimination, and these oppressive forces are associated with elevated rates of mental health concerns. Despite these challenges, many gay and bisexual male youth in Kenya are thriving during this critical developmental period. This study explored intrapersonal processes that gay and bisexual male youth in Kisumu, Kenya, highlight as important to developing, and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 40 gay and bisexual male youth, ages 20–30 (mean = 26.4), and an additional 20 IDIs with gay and bisexual men, ages 22–45 (mean = 26.6), who were working as peer educators (total n = 60), all in Kisumu, Kenya. A total of nine primary themes emerged which describe various intrapersonal resilience processes enacted by gay and bisexual male youth, including sexual identity acceptance, self-confidence, self-love, religious/spiritual affirmation, adaptive coping, successful navigation, legal rights awareness, economic stability, and advocacy satisfaction. These data demonstrate the range of positive personal processes that promote mental health and wellbeing among gay and bisexual male youth in Kenya. We discuss implications of these findings for community-based interventions, and call for a research paradigm shift away from deficits and toward resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Katherine A. Lewis
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Gabriella A. Norwitz
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Felix Okutah
- Anza Mapema Tom Mboya Center, Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu 40100, Kenya
| | - Kendall Lauber
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Teddy Aloo
- Anza Mapema Tom Mboya Center, Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu 40100, Kenya
| | - Ben Collins
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Edwin Gumbe
- Anza Mapema Tom Mboya Center, Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu 40100, Kenya
| | - K Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kennedy Olango
- Men Against AIDS Youth Group (MAAYGO), Milimani Box 1174, Kisumu 40100, Kenya
| | - Wilson Odero
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, Maseno University, Private Bag, Maseno 40105, Kenya
| | - Susan M. Graham
- Departments of Global Health and Medicine, University of Washington, Box 359909, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
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25
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Abstract
Young Black gay/bisexual men (YBGBM) are at disproportionate risk for poor health outcomes due to multilevel stressors, such as community- and individual-level discrimination. Racialized Sexual Discrimination (RSD) is an under-examined type of discrimination experienced by gay/bisexual men of color when seeking partners online. RSD may be a driving force behind sexual network restriction (which elevates YBGBM's risk for HIV infection) and may have an adverse impact on YBGBM's psychological wellbeing. Thus, adequate measurement of this phenomenon is essential. Focus groups with young gay/bisexual men of color were conducted to generate survey content that captured RSD experiences; the resultant information was used to develop an RSD scale. The scale, along with other sociodemographic measures, was administered to a sample of 634 YBGBM. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the scale. Results revealed an 8-factor structure: 1-White superiority; 2-White inferiority; 3-White rejection; 4-same-race rejection; 5-White physical objectification; 6-same-race physical objectification); 7-degradation; and 8-role assumptions. The scale was psychometrically sound and demonstrated good reliability, providing preliminary support for the scale's utility in social science research. Future research should further refine the scale and examine the association between RSD and sexual/mental health outcomes among YBGBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Wade
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health
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26
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Meyer IH, Blosnich JR, Choi SK, Harper GW, Russell ST. Suicidal Behavior and Coming Out Milestones in Three Cohorts of Sexual Minority Adults. LGBT Health 2021; 8:340-348. [PMID: 34096796 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We describe the timing of suicidality across the life span in three cohorts of sexual minority adults. We hypothesized that suicide attempts coincide with the coming out period and that younger sexual minority people, who grew up in more accepting social environments, will have lower prevalence of suicide attempts than older generations. Methods: A U.S. national probability sample of 1518 sexual minority adults in three age cohorts of 18-25, 34-41, and 52-59 years (collected 2016-2018) completed a self-administered survey. Results: Sexual minority adults had high prevalence of lifetime suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts, with the highest attempted suicides in the younger cohort (30.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 26.8-35.1) compared with the middle (23.7%, 95% CI = 19.0-29.1) and older (20.3%, 95% CI = 16.3-25.1) cohorts. There were no differences in suicidal behavior by race and ethnicity or between men and women, but gender nonbinary people had higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts. The mean age at suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts tracked closely with age of first realization of sexual minority identity. Most suicide attempts (60.9%) occurred within 5 years of realizing one's sexual minority identity, but a significant proportion of attempts (39.1%) occurred outside this range. Conclusion: Our findings are contrary to the hypothesis that younger cohorts of sexual minority people are at lower risk of suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan H Meyer
- The Williams Institute, School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John R Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Soon Kyu Choi
- The Williams Institute, School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephen T Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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27
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Gutin SA, Harper GW, Moshashane N, Bitsang C, Harries J, Ramogola-Masire D, Morroni C. "What if they are pre-conception? What should we do?": Knowledge, practices, and preferences for safer conception among women living with HIV and healthcare providers in Gaborone, Botswana. Front Glob Womens Health 2021; 1. [PMID: 33693437 PMCID: PMC7943178 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2020.582463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Safer conception interventions that address HIV care, treatment, and prevention for HIV-affected couples are increasingly available in sub-Saharan Africa. Botswana, an HIV endemic country, is yet to offer formal safer conception services although universal test-and-treat approaches mean that increasing numbers of young, sexually active people living with HIV will start treatment and likely desire childbearing. In order to advance the safer conception discussion in Botswana, it is necessary to understand the current safer conception knowledge, practices, and preferences of healthcare providers and women living with HIV (WLHIV). We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 10 HIV healthcare providers and 10 WLHIV in Gaborone. Interviews were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Safer conception knowledge was limited and safer conception discussions were rare. Healthcare provider and WLHIV preferences were at odds, with providers preferring WLHIV to initiate safer conception discussions, and WLHIV desiring providers to initiate safer conception discussions. Quotes from women and providers highlight deeper issues about power dynamics, concerns about stigma among women, and provider fears about promoting pregnancy. Providers emphasized the need for guidelines and training in order to improve the provision of safer conception counseling. These findings point to areas where safer conception in Botswana can be improved. Both WLHIV and providers would benefit from having information about a range of safer conception methods and approaches. In addition, since WLHIV felt hesitant about initiating safer conception conversations and feared stigma, and because putting the onus for starting safer conception discussions on women is a reversal of normal roles and power structures, providers must take the lead and routinely initiate fertility desire and safer conception discussions. Assisting healthcare providers with clear safer conception guidelines and training would improve the provision of accurate safer conception counseling and facilitate reproductive choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Gutin
- Dept. of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Dept. of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Christina Bitsang
- Career and Counseling Services, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jane Harries
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Botswana U-Penn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
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28
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) realities have demanded that educators move swiftly to adopt new ways of teaching, advising, and mentoring. We suggest the centering of a trauma-informed approach to education and academic administration during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) guidance on trauma-informed approaches to care. In our model for trauma-informed education and administration (M-TIEA), SAMHSA's four key organizational assumptions are foundational, including a realization about trauma and its wide-ranging effects; a recognition of the basic signs and symptoms of trauma; a response that involves fully integrating knowledge into programs, policies, and practices; and an active process for resisting retraumatization. Since educators during the pandemic must follow new restrictions regarding how they teach, we have expanded the practice of teaching in M-TIEA to include both academic administrators' decision making about teaching, and educators' planning and implementation of teaching. In M-TIEA, SAMHSA's six guiding principles for a trauma-informed approach are infused into these two interrelated teaching processes, and include the following: safety; trustworthiness and transparency; peer support; collaboration and mutuality; empowerment, voice, and choice; and cultural, historical, and gender issues. M-TIEA's organizational assumptions, processes, and principles are situated within an outer context that acknowledges the potential influences of four types of intersectional traumas and stressors that may occur at multiple socioecological levels: pandemic-related trauma and stressors; other forms of individual, group, community, or mass trauma and stressors; historical trauma; and current general life stressors. This acknowledges that all trauma-informed work is dynamic and may be influenced by contextual factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W. Harper
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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29
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Harper GW, Crawford J, Lewis K, Mwochi CR, Johnson G, Okoth C, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Onyango DP, Kumar M, Wilson BD. Mental Health Challenges and Needs among Sexual and Gender Minority People in Western Kenya. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18031311. [PMID: 33535647 PMCID: PMC7908383 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people in Kenya face pervasive socio-cultural and structural discrimination. Persistent stress stemming from anti-SGM stigma and prejudice may place SGM individuals at increased risk for negative mental health outcomes. This study explored experiences with violence (intimate partner violence and SGM-based violence), mental health outcomes (psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and depressive symptoms), alcohol and other substance use, and prioritization of community needs among SGM adults in Western Kenya. Methods: This study was conducted by members of a collaborative research partnership between a U.S. academic institution and a Kenyan LGBTQ civil society organization (CSO). A convenience sample of 527 SGM adults (92.7% ages 18-34) was recruited from community venues to complete a cross-sectional survey either on paper or through an online secure platform. Results: For comparative analytic purposes, three sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) groups were created: (1) cisgender sexual minority women (SMW; 24.9%), (2) cisgender sexual minority men (SMM; 63.8%), and (3) gender minority individuals (GMI; 11.4%). Overall, 11.7% of participants reported clinically significant levels of psychological distress, 53.2% reported clinically significant levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and 26.1% reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms. No statistically significant differences in clinical levels of these mental health concerns were detected across SOGI groups. Overall, 76.2% of participants reported ever using alcohol, 45.6% home brew, 43.5% tobacco, 39.1% marijuana, and 27.7% miraa or khat. Statistically significant SOGI group differences on potentially problematic substance use revealed that GMI participants were less likely to use alcohol and tobacco daily; and SMM participants were more likely to use marijuana daily. Lifetime intimate partner violence (IPV) was reported by 42.5% of participants, and lifetime SGM-based violence (SGMV) was reported by 43.4%. GMI participants were more likely than other SOGI groups to have experienced both IPV and SGMV. Participants who experienced SGMV had significantly higher rates of clinically significant depressive and PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: Despite current resilience demonstrated by SGM adults in Kenya, there is an urgent need to develop and deliver culturally appropriate mental health services for this population. Given the pervasiveness of anti-SGM violence, services should be provided using trauma-informed principles, and be sensitive to the lived experiences of SGM adults in Kenya. Community and policy levels interventions are needed to decrease SGM-based stigma and violence, increase SGM visibility and acceptance, and create safe and affirming venues for mental health care. Political prioritization of SGM mental health is needed for sustainable change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.C.); (K.L.); (G.J.); (L.J.-C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jessica Crawford
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.C.); (K.L.); (G.J.); (L.J.-C.)
| | - Katherine Lewis
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.C.); (K.L.); (G.J.); (L.J.-C.)
| | | | - Gabriel Johnson
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.C.); (K.L.); (G.J.); (L.J.-C.)
| | - Cecil Okoth
- Nyanza Rift Valley and Western Kenya (NYARWEK) LGBTI Coalition, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (C.O.); (D.P.O.)
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.C.); (K.L.); (G.J.); (L.J.-C.)
| | - Daniel Peter Onyango
- Nyanza Rift Valley and Western Kenya (NYARWEK) LGBTI Coalition, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (C.O.); (D.P.O.)
| | - Manasi Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| | - Bianca D.M. Wilson
- The Williams Institute, School of Law, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
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30
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Fernandez MI, Harper GW, Hightow-Weidman LB, Kapogiannis BG, Mayer KH, Parsons JT, Rotheram-Borus MJ, Seña AC, Sullivan PS. Research Priorities to End the Adolescent HIV Epidemic in the United States: Viewpoint. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e22279. [PMID: 33393918 PMCID: PMC7813632 DOI: 10.2196/22279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Youth represent 21% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States. Gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) youth, particularly those from communities of color, and youth who are homeless, incarcerated, in institutional settings, or engaging in transactional sex are most greatly impacted. Compared with adults, youth have lower levels of HIV serostatus awareness, uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and adherence. Widespread availability of ART has revolutionized prevention and treatment for both youth at high risk for HIV acquisition and youth living with HIV, increasing the need to integrate behavioral interventions with biomedical strategies. The investigators of the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions (ATN) completed a research prioritization process in 2019, focusing on research gaps to be addressed to effectively control HIV spread among American youth. The investigators prioritized research in the following areas: (1) innovative interventions for youth to increase screening, uptake, engagement, and retention in HIV prevention (eg, pre-exposure prophylaxis) and treatment services; (2) structural changes in health systems to facilitate routine delivery of HIV services; (3) biomedical strategies to increase ART impact, prevent HIV transmission, and cure HIV; (4) mobile technologies to reduce implementation costs and increase acceptability of HIV interventions; and (5) data-informed policies to reduce HIV-related disparities and increase support and services for GBT youth and youth living with HIV. ATN’s research priorities provide a roadmap for addressing the HIV epidemic among youth. To reach this goal, researchers, policy makers, and health care providers must work together to develop, test, and disseminate novel biobehavioral interventions for youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Isabel Fernandez
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Bill G Kapogiannis
- Maternal and Pediatric Infectious Disease Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Arlene C Seña
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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31
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Sirdenis TK, Harper GW, Carrillo MD, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Loveluck J, Pingel ES, Benton A, Peterson A, Pollard R, Bauermeister JA. Toward Sexual Health Equity for Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth: An Intergenerational, Collaborative, Multisector Partnerships Approach to Structural Change. Health Educ Behav 2020; 46:88S-99S. [PMID: 31549560 DOI: 10.1177/1090198119853607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Gay, bisexual, and transgender youth (GBTY) experience sexual health inequities and contend with intersectional oppression. The Michigan Forward in Enhancing Research and Community Equity (MFierce) Coalition formed as an intergenerational, collaborative, multisector partnership with a focus on implementing community-identified policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change strategies to address inequities and injustices. Aims. We describe MFierce coalition development and structural change activities organized within Collaborating for Equity and Justice (CEJ) principles and provide empirical data supporting the utility of such principles. Method. We prioritized leadership by GBTY and created personal and professional capacity-building activities to support GBTY in being change agents. Our work was grounded in community-engaged scholarship and used a shared-power community development process. Our PSE change intervention, the Health Access Initiative (HAI), was a structural change program for health facilities aimed at improving the quality of and access to sexual health care for GBTY. Results. We evaluated coalition functioning and activities through multimethod assessments and evaluated PSE changes through HAI participant surveys. Data demonstrated positive and steady coalition dynamics, multiple benefits of participation for GBTY, and strategies for collaborative multigenerational community work. HAI outcome data revealed significant increases in PSE changes. Discussion. Centering life experiences of GBTY in collaborative partnerships and building opportunities for professional and personal development can support sustainable community change. We offer recommendations for developing future intergenerational, collaborative, multisector partnerships that prioritize youth leadership. Conclusion. Collaborative methods and careful consideration of adult-youth dynamics can inform future transformative efforts focused on health equity and justice for GBTY.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amy Peterson
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI, USA
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32
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Harper GW, LaBoy R, Castillo M, Johnson GL, Hosek SG, Jadwin-Cakmak L. It's a Kiki!: Developmental benefits of the Kiki scene for Black gay/bisexual/transgender adolescents/emerging adults. J LGBT Youth 2020; 19:31-52. [PMID: 35003510 PMCID: PMC8735768 DOI: 10.1080/19361653.2020.1813672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Younger members of the House and Ball Community (HBC) have created an emerging social scene called "Kiki" that has shared elements with the HBC. Given the growing popularity of the Kiki scene in urban communities with large numbers of Black gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) adolescents and emerging adults, it is important to understand the developmental benefits of the Kiki scene. We conducted individual in-depth interviews with 30 GBT adolescents and emerging adults (ages 15-24) who attended Kiki-related events and 15 older opinion leaders affiliated with the HBC. Participants described how the Kiki scene provides them with a range of supportive and affirming functions and offers a place where they can achieve important developmental milestones. The results clustered into three primary thematic areas of development: Executive Functioning Development, Social-Emotional Development, and Physical and Emotional Safety during Development. Within each of these thematic areas are sub-themes that further explicate the ways in which these functions are supported. We believe this to be one of the first papers exclusively focused on the positive aspects of the Kiki scene for adolescent and emerging adult development, and we encourage other researchers to further explore this emerging socializing force and its potential benefits to development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W. Harper
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Richard LaBoy
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marne Castillo
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gabriel L. Johnson
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Gutin SA, Harper GW, Bitsang C, Moshashane N, Ramogola-Masire D, Harries J, Morroni C. Perspectives about childbearing and pregnancy planning amongst people living with HIV in Gaborone, Botswana. Cult Health Sex 2020; 22:1063-1079. [PMID: 31478784 PMCID: PMC7182082 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1650202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in clinical care, safer conception services are not utilised in many high HIV prevalence countries, including Botswana. We conducted in-depth interviews with 10 HIV healthcare providers and 10 women living with HIV to develop a deeper understanding of attitudes surrounding childbearing and pregnancy planning. Interviews were analysed using a phenomenological approach. Providers felt it was a human right and normative for women living with HIV to have children but also expressed concern about women living with HIV having children. Women themselves anticipated stigma from providers regarding childbearing, although most described supportive care and had not experienced stigmatising treatment. Although providers believed pregnancies amongst women living with HIV were unplanned, women described discussing pregnancy desires with sexual partners. Despite providers voicing a rights-based approach to childbearing amongst women living with HIV, hesitancy towards pregnancy remains. This is felt by women living with HIV and perceived as stigma, which may make them less likely to seek fertility and safer conception advice. Safer conception interventions are unlikely to be successful if women do not feel comfortable discussing childbearing with health-care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Gutin
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christina Bitsang
- Career and Counselling Services, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Neo Moshashane
- Botswana - University of Pennsylvania Partnership, University of Botswana Main Campus, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jane Harries
- Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Botswana - University of Pennsylvania Partnership, University of Botswana Main Campus, Gaborone, Botswana
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Goldenberg T, Reisner SL, Harper GW, Gamarel KE, Stephenson R. State Policies and Healthcare Use Among Transgender People in the U.S. Am J Prev Med 2020; 59:247-259. [PMID: 32417021 PMCID: PMC7384261 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The introduction and passing of restrictive and protective transgender-specific state policies have increased during the past decade. These policies are critical for the health of transgender and other gender diverse people; however, little is known about the relationship between these policies and healthcare use, and the role that race/ethnicity plays in this relationship. METHODS Analysis was conducted in 2018-2019 using multilevel modeling and data from the 2015 U.S. Trans Survey (conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality among nearly 28,000 transgender and other gender diverse people across the U.S.) to explore associations between transgender-specific state policies and healthcare avoidance because of fear of mistreatment. State policies included those related to experiences of discrimination, health insurance coverage, and changing legal documents. Restrictive and protective policies were measured individually and as a composite index. The relationship between race/ethnicity and healthcare use was also examined to determine whether there were differences in the association between race/ethnicity and healthcare avoidance by state. RESULTS None of the individual policies were associated with healthcare use, but the composite index was significant, such that living in states with more protective policies was associated with reduced odds of avoiding health care because of fear of mistreatment. The relationship between race/ethnicity and health care also varied across states. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest the importance of advocating for more protective transgender-specific policies to improve healthcare access for transgender and other gender diverse people in the U.S., particularly for transgender and other gender diverse people of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Goldenberg
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Sari L Reisner
- Division of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School/Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Jadwin-Cakmak L, Bauermeister JA, Cutler JM, Loveluck J, Sirdenis TK, Fessler KB, Popoff EE, Benton A, Pomerantz NF, Atkins SLG, Springer T, Harper GW. The Health Access Initiative: A Training and Technical Assistance Program to Improve Health Care for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. J Adolesc Health 2020; 67:115-122. [PMID: 32268999 PMCID: PMC7739871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This article describes the Health Access Initiative (HAI), an intervention to improve the general and sexual health care experiences of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) by providing training and technical assistance to providers and staff. The training consisted of an online and in-person training, followed by site-specific technical assistance. We present the findings of a pilot evaluation of the program with 10 diverse clinics in Michigan. METHODS This program was developed using community-based participatory research principles. Based on a framework of cultural humility, program activities are guided by the Situated Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model. The mixed method program evaluation used training feedback surveys assessing program feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness; pre/post surveys assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward SGMY; and in-depth interviews with site liaisons assessing technical assistance and structural change. RESULTS The HAI is a highly feasible and acceptable intervention for providers and staff at a variety of health care sites serving adolescents and emerging adults. The results from 10 clinics that participated in the HAI indicate strong intervention efficacy, with significant and meaningful improvements seen in the knowledge of, attitudes toward, and practices with SGMY reported by providers and staff at 6-month follow-up compared with baseline, as well as in qualitative interviews with site liaisons. CONCLUSIONS The HAI is a promising intervention to improve the quality of primary and sexual health care provided to SGMY. Expanded implementation with continued evaluation is recommended. The HAI may also be adapted to address specific health needs of SGMY beyond sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | | | - Jacob M. Cutler
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Triana Kazaleh Sirdenis
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kathryn B. Fessler
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Elliot E. Popoff
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Naomi F. Pomerantz
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | - Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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36
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Wade RM, Harper GW. Racialized Sexual Discrimination (RSD) in the Age of Online Sexual Networking: Are Young Black Gay/Bisexual Men (YBGBM) at Elevated Risk for Adverse Psychological Health? Am J Community Psychol 2020; 65:504-523. [PMID: 31587325 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Young Black gay/bisexual men (YBGBM) are a highly marginalized population across multiple health outcomes. Most research on YBGBM health has focused on HIV/sexual health, but there is a demonstrable need for research examining racism and psychosocial functioning among this population. Racialized Sexual Discrimination (RSD), also known as sexual racism, is an important but under-investigated phenomenon that may have implications for the psychological health and well-being of YBGBM. This paper provides an overview of empirical research on RSD as experienced by gay/bisexual men of color in online partner-seeking venues. First, the researchers discuss how racialized experiences are a documented online phenomenon, with a variety of manifestations, and identify the potential effects that this phenomenon may have on the psychosocial health of YBGBM, and gay/bisexual men of color as a whole. Second, the researchers synthesize the RSD literature with a broader literature examining psychological well-being across race and sexual orientation. Third, the researchers present a theoretically grounded conceptual model detailing the pathways between RSD and psychological well-being using a stress and coping framework. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research on this topic, including scale development and hypothesis testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Wade
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Gutin SA, Harper GW, Amico KR, Bitsang C, Moshashane N, Harries J, Ramogola-Masire D, Morroni C. 'I'm waiting for that': Interest in the use of PrEP for safer conception in Botswana. Glob Public Health 2020; 15:1200-1211. [PMID: 32175819 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1741663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Safe and effective low-cost safer conception (SC) methods are increasingly available and being integrated into national guidelines in sub-Saharan African contexts. Sero-different couples of childbearing age can benefit from such services and the routine provision of SC counselling. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV acquisition to uninfected partners can reduce the chances of HIV transmission when trying to achieve pregnancy. Botswana has a strong commitment to reducing new HIV infections but PrEP is not yet widely available and little guidance has been offered on counselling sero-different couples. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews in Gaborone, Botswana with 10 HIV healthcare providers and 10 women living with HIV of childbearing age because they act as a key conduit for reaching sero-different partners with information about PrEP. We examined knowledge and attitudes towards PrEP to assess the viability and develop a deeper understanding of this SC option. Interviews were analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Three themes emerged: (1) awareness of PrEP is limited, (2) providers and women overwhelmingly showed interest in PrEP and (3) women living with HIV and providers have concerns about PrEP use. With the correct support, PrEP could be a useful SC option for sero-different couples in Botswana and other sub-Saharan contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Gutin
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christina Bitsang
- Career and Counseling Services, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Jane Harries
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Botswana U-Penn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Busby DR, Horwitz AG, Zheng K, Eisenberg D, Harper GW, Albucher RC, Roberts LW, Coryell W, Pistorello J, King CA. Suicide risk among gender and sexual minority college students: The roles of victimization, discrimination, connectedness, and identity affirmation. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 121:182-188. [PMID: 31837538 PMCID: PMC7008002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about how victimization and discrimination relate to suicide risk among sexual and gender minority (SGM) college students, or what is protective for these students. The current study will: 1.) determine the extent to which interpersonal victimization, discrimination, identity affirmation, and social connectedness are associated with suicide risk characteristics, and if race and/or ethnicity moderates this association; 2.) examine whether identity affirmation and social connectedness are protective against associations between victimization or discrimination and suicide risk characteristics. METHOD Participants were 868 students (63.6% female) from four United States universities who completed an online screening survey and met the following study inclusion criteria: self-identification as gender and/or sexual minority, endorsement of at least one suicide risk characteristic and no current use of mental health services. Participants also completed measures that assessed demographics, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), victimization, discrimination, connectedness, and LGBTQ identity affirmation. RESULTS Victimization was positively associated with depression severity, suicidal ideation, alcohol misuse, suicide attempt history, and NSSI. Discrimination was positively associated with depression severity, suicide attempt history, and NSSI. Connectedness was inversely associated with depression severity, suicidal ideation severity, suicide attempt history, and NSSI, and moderated the association between victimization and suicide attempt history. LGBTQ identity affirmation moderated the link between victimization and depression. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest efforts to decrease victimization and discrimination and increase connectedness may decrease depressive morbidity and risks for self-harm among SGM college students. Further, increasing LGBTQ identity affirmation may buffer the impact of victimization on depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kai Zheng
- University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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Granderson RM, Harper GW, Wade R, Odero W, Onyango Olwango DP, Fields EL. Gender Role Strain and the Precarious Manhood of Sexual Minority Kenyan Men. Psychol Sex Orientat Gend Divers 2019; 6:420-432. [PMID: 33620336 PMCID: PMC7897423 DOI: 10.1037/sgd0000340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Examining the impact of precarious manhood on the mental health of sexual minority men living in Kenya, we hypothesized that (a) men who have sex with men exclusively (MSME) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) would display differential patterns of conformity to norms of masculinity; (b) these differences would result in distinct patterns of association between masculine conformity and symptoms of psychological distress for MSME and MSMW; and (c) conformity to norms of masculinity would be bidirectionally associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Using data collected from 391 young men who participated in a community-based, cross-sectional study of HIV-related risk and resilience among young sexual minority men in western Kenya, we ran a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to assess differences in conformity to masculine norms and four hierarchical linear regression models to examine the associations between conformity to masculine norms and symptoms of anxiety and depression for MSME and MSMW. MANOVA results revealed no significant differences between MSME and MSMW in overall conformity to masculinity, although MSMW were significantly more likely to conform to the masculine norm of power over women. Regression results revealed that conformity to norms of masculinity was bidirectionally associated with psychological distress and that these patterns of association were distinct for MSME and MSMW. The discussion explores possible explanations for revealed differences between MSME and MSMW using existing research. Clinical implications, limitations, and opportunities for future research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan Wade
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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40
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Jadwin-Cakmak L, Reisner SL, Hughto JMW, Salomon L, Martinez M, Popoff E, Rivera BA, Harper GW. HIV prevention and HIV care among transgender and gender diverse youth: design and implementation of a multisite mixed-methods study protocol in the U.S. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1531. [PMID: 31730450 PMCID: PMC6858737 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7605-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the U.S., transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations face structural, interpersonal, and individual barriers to healthcare. Less is known, however, about the HIV prevention and treatment experiences of TGD youth in the U.S. The current study was developed to fill this research gap. METHODS This article describes the research protocol for a multi-site, U.S.-based mixed-methods study that sought to identify the multi-level facilitators and barriers that influence participation of TGD youth in various stages of the HIV prevention (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake) and care continua. A sample of diverse TGD youth ages 16-24 was recruited from 14 U.S. sites. TGD youth participants completed a one-time, in-person visit that included an informed consent process, computer-based quantitative survey, and in-depth qualitative interview assessing experiences accessing HIV prevention and/or care services. Providers serving TGD youth were recruited from the same 14 sites and completed a one-time visit via phone that included informed consent, demographic questionnaire, and in-depth qualitative interview assessing their experiences providing HIV prevention or treatment services to TGD youth. RESULTS Overall, 186 TGD youth ages 16-24 and 59 providers serving TGD youth were recruited and enrolled from across the 14 U.S. sites. TGD youth participants had a mean age of 20.69; 77.3% youth of color; 59.7% trans-feminine; 15.5% trans-masculine; 24.9% non-binary; 53.6% family income under poverty level. Providers included medical and mental health providers as well as case manager/care coordinators, HIV test counselors, and health educators/outreach workers. Providers were 81.3% cisgender and 30.5% people of color. Successes with community-engagement strategies and gender-affirming research methods are reported. CONCLUSIONS This study addresses critical gaps in current knowledge about the HIV prevention and care experiences of TGD youth. Findings have implications for the development of HIV interventions across levels to support the health and well-being of TGD youth. Future research is warranted to replicate and expand on lessons learned regarding recruitment and engagement of communities of TGD youth, including longitudinal designs to assess engagement across their developmental stages. Lessons learned working with TGD youth through developing and implementing the study protocol are shared. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on 05/20/2015 (NCT02449629).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Sari L Reisner
- Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jaclyn M W Hughto
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Departments of Epidemiology and Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Liz Salomon
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Miguel Martinez
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Center for Transyouth Health and Development, 4650 Sunset Blvd, MS#2, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Elliot Popoff
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Bré Anne Rivera
- Trans Sistas of Color Project, 77 Victor Street, Highland Park, MI, 48203, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Ogunbajo A, Oke T, Jin H, Rashidi W, Iwuagwu S, Harper GW, Biello KB, Mimiaga MJ. A syndemic of psychosocial health problems is associated with increased HIV sexual risk among Nigerian gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). AIDS Care 2019; 32:337-342. [PMID: 31608657 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1678722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Nigerian gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience negative psychosocial health problems, which may increase their risk for HIV infection. Few studies have explored the syndemic effect of co-occurring psychosocial health problems on HIV sexual risk among Nigerian GBMSM. We investigated the co-occurrence of syndemic psychosocial health problems and their synergistic effect on HIV risk behaviors. We assessed depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol dependence, tobacco use, and hard-drug use. The outcome variables were the number of male sexual partners and consistent condom use. In a multivariable model, experiencing 4 or more psychosocial health problems - compared to experience none or one psychosocial health problem - was significantly associated with increasing number of male sexual partners. We found no statistically significant association between the number of syndemic psychosocial health problems and consistent condom use. Our study findings provides evidence of a synergistic relationship between negative psychosocial health factors and HIV sexual risk behavior. These findings underscore the importance of developing HIV prevention programming aimed at reducing HIV transmission risk that incorporate substance use and mental health treatments, in order to improve the overall health and quality of life for Nigerian GBMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adedotun Ogunbajo
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Temitope Oke
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York, School of Social Work, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Harry Jin
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - William Rashidi
- Equality Triangle for Health and Peoples Development Initiative, Warri, Nigeria
| | | | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.,Fenway Health, The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.,Fenway Health, The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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42
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Hosek S, Castillo M, Hotton A, Balthazar C, Gwiazdowski B, Laboy R, Davis K, Lemos D, Harper GW, Bell M. Comparison of Two Distinct House Ball Communities Involved in an HIV Prevention Study: Baseline Data from the POSSE Project. J HIV AIDS Soc Serv 2019; 18:399-416. [PMID: 33013233 PMCID: PMC7531774 DOI: 10.1080/15381501.2019.1673868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
For many Black/African American gay, bisexual, and other young men who have sex with men (B-GBMSM), the House/Ball Community (HBC) offers a social network where they can be free to express diverse sexual and gender identities, but HIV prevalence and stigma are high. The POSSE project is an effectiveness-implementation trial of a popular opinion leader intervention designed to address HIV prevention in the Chicago and Philadelphia HBCs. In June 2016 baseline behavioral data were collected along with HIV, gonorrhea and Chlamydia testing. Eligible participants were sexually-active YMSM or transgender women (TGW), between the ages of 15-24, who self-identified as Black. One-third participants (32.5%) met or exceeded the clinical cut-off for depressive symptoms. Approximately 18% of the participants across both cities reported that they were HIV-positive. Overall, the baseline data establishes the need for HIV and STI prevention interventions across both cities, as well as interventions to address other co-occurring epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybil Hosek
- Department of Psychiatry, John Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Marne Castillo
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Anna Hotton
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | | | - Bevin Gwiazdowski
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Richard Laboy
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Kortez Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, John Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL USA
| | | | - Gary W. Harper
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Margo Bell
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, John Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL USA
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43
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Moore S, Jones M, Smith JC, Hood J, Harper GW, Camacho-Gonzalez A, Del Rio C, Hussen SA. Homonegativity Experienced over the Life Course by Young Black Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (YB-GBMSM) Living with HIV in Atlanta, Georgia. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:266-275. [PMID: 31463712 PMCID: PMC8380492 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Minority stress theory posits that homonegativity-whether experienced, anticipated, or internalized-adversely impacts health. We conducted qualitative interviews with 28 YB-GBMSM living with HIV to explore manifestations of homonegativity over the life course. Thematic analysis identified patterns in the ways that homonegativity was discussed at different points in participants' lives. Stifling, and sometimes traumatic, familial and religious environments led to experienced homonegativity early in life. These experiences led to anticipated and internalized homonegativity, which in turn shaped sexual identity formation processes in adolescence and into young adulthood. Ultimately, many participants distanced themselves from home environments, seeking and often finding extrafamilial support. Most participants eventually reached self-acceptance of both their sexuality and HIV status. In conclusion, experienced, anticipated and internalized homonegativity were pervasive as YB-GBMSM navigated family and religious environments over the life course. Future interventions should work with youth, families, and churches to prevent these harmful experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamia Moore
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Marxavian Jones
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Justin C Smith
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jasper Hood
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andres Camacho-Gonzalez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sophia A Hussen
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Goldenberg T, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Popoff E, Reisner SL, Campbell BA, Harper GW. Stigma, Gender Affirmation, and Primary Healthcare Use Among Black Transgender Youth. J Adolesc Health 2019; 65:483-490. [PMID: 31303554 PMCID: PMC7296990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Healthcare access is important for achieving health equity across vulnerable social groups. However, stigma can be a barrier for accessing healthcare among black transgender and gender diverse youth (TGDY) in the U.S. Using a resilience approach, this article examines the role of gender affirmation within healthcare to determine if it can mitigate the negative relationship between stigma and healthcare use. METHODS Data include responses from 110 black TGDY from 14 U.S. cities. Multiple logistic regression models were fit to determine relationships between stigma in healthcare (anticipated and enacted), gender affirmation in healthcare, and delayed/nonuse of primary care. Interaction terms were included to determine if gender affirmation moderates the relationship between stigma and healthcare nonuse. RESULTS In the main effects model, gender affirmation was the only variable statistically associated with healthcare nonuse. The interaction between gender affirmation and enacted stigma was not significant, but gender affirmation moderated the relationship between anticipated stigma and healthcare nonuse. For individuals who did not have their gender affirmation needs met, as anticipated stigma increased, healthcare nonuse also increased; however, this did not occur for those who had their gender affirmation needs met. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that gender affirmation within healthcare is important for increasing access to care among black TGDY. Interventions should consider how to increase gender affirmation among healthcare providers and within healthcare settings. Additional research using an intersectional approach to understand the experiences of black TGDY is needed to highlight the unique healthcare needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Goldenberg
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Elliot Popoff
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sari L. Reisner
- Division of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School/Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA,Fenway Health, Boston, MA
| | | | - Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
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45
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Ogunbajo A, Kang A, Shangani S, Wade RM, Onyango DP, Odero WW, Harper GW. Awareness and Acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Kenya. AIDS Care 2019; 31:1185-1192. [PMID: 31039628 PMCID: PMC6663573 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1612023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kenyan gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are significantly affected by HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective biomedical approach to HIV prevention. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 459 HIV-negative Kenyan GBMSM to assess individual and interpersonal correlates of PrEP awareness/acceptability using univariate and hierarchical logistic regression modeling. We found that 64.3% of participants had heard of PrEP and 44.9% were willing to use PrEP. In hierarchical logistic regression models for PrEP awareness, condom use with regular partners, higher condom use self-efficacy, higher perceived ability to use PrEP, history of STI, and membership in LGBT organization were significantly associated with being aware of PrEP (χ2 = 69.6, p < .001). In hierarchical logistic regression models for PrEP acceptability, higher self-esteem, higher condom use self-efficacy, depression/anxiety, higher perceived ability to use PrEP, willingness to engage in PrEP follow-up visits, coercion at sexual debut, and family exclusion were significantly associated with being acceptable to PrEP (χ2 = 231.8, p < .001). Individual and interpersonal factors were significantly associated with PrEP awareness and acceptability. Our findings underscore the need to promote awareness and understanding of PrEP as an effective HIV prevention tool in combination with other safer-sex methods that are appropriate given an individual's personal circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adedotun Ogunbajo
- Brown University School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Providence, RI, United States of America
- Center for Health Equity, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Augustine Kang
- Brown University School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Providence, RI, United States of America
- Center for Health Equity, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Sylvia Shangani
- Brown University School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Ryan M. Wade
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | | | | | - Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
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46
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Wilson BDM, Neubauer LC, Park A, Abuor P, Harper GW. The sexual health needs of sexual minority women in Western Kenya: An exploratory community assessment and public policy analysis. Glob Public Health 2019; 14:1495-1508. [DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2019.1611895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca D. M. Wilson
- Williams Institute, School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Andrew Park
- Williams Institute, School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paula Abuor
- Women Working with Women (3W), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Gary W. Harper
- Global Public Health School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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47
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Harper GW, Motley DN, Timmons Tyler A, Tyler DH, Catania JA, Dolcini MM. "You've Gotta be Careful": Familial Messages Regarding Sexual Behavior and Sexual Relationships among African American Adolescents. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16071146. [PMID: 30935043 PMCID: PMC6479837 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the sexual behaviors of African American youth has primarily focused on associated risks, with a dearth of studies examining a fuller representation of African American adolescents' sexual lives. This study explored the range of messages African American adolescents receive from family members regarding sexual behavior and sexual relationships. METHODS Participants were 52 sexually experienced African American youth (male = 32, female = 20) between the ages of 15 and 17 recruited from community-based organizations in the United States. Youth participated in individual in-depth qualitative interviews, and data were analyzed using a phenomenological framework. RESULTS Participants received a variety of messages about sexual behavior and sexual relationships from a range of family members including parents, siblings, grandmothers, aunts/uncles, and cousins. Types of messages clustered into three domains: sexual decision-making, quantity and quality of sexual activity, and sexual health promotion; with themes and sub-themes emerging within each area. CONCLUSION Gender differences in the types of messages received are explored, and applications of the findings to the development of family-involved community interventions that promote sexual and reproductive health are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W Harper
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Darnell N Motley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - April Timmons Tyler
- Michael Reese Research and Education Foundation Care Program at Mercy Hospital, Chicago, IL 60616, USA.
| | | | - Joseph A Catania
- Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - M Margaret Dolcini
- Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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48
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Lockwood NM, Lypen K, Shalabi F, Kumar M, Ngugi E, Harper GW. 'Know that You are not Alone.' Influences of Social Support on Youth Newly Diagnosed with HIV in Kibera, Kenya: A Qualitative Study Informing Intervention Development. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16050775. [PMID: 30836611 PMCID: PMC6427674 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16050775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The role of social support in assisting youth in developed countries cope with their HIV diagnosis has been examined through a vast body of research; yet, there remains a gap in research around the effects of social support among youth living in sub-Saharan African countries including Kenya. This study aimed to examine the role of social support among Kenyan youth living with HIV, specifically with regard to the variations in influences of this social support. We conducted semi-structured focus group discussions with youth (ages 18 to 27) living in the informal urban settlement of Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya (n = 53). Data analysis followed a phenomenological inquiry framework, and seven major categories of perceived social support influences were identified: (1) linkage to services, (2) antiretroviral (ARV) adherence, (3) self-acceptance of HIV status, (4) healthy and positive living, (5) understanding of what it means to be living with HIV, (6) HIV status disclosure, and (7) family and occupational strengthening. The findings from this study suggest that Kenyan youth living with HIV can benefit from social support in a multitude of ways and can occur across several socio-ecological levels. Future research should further examine these influences, specifically regarding intervention development across socio-ecological levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Lockwood
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Kathryn Lypen
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Firas Shalabi
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Manasi Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00202, Kenya.
- Department of Clinical Health and Educational Psychology, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Elizabeth Ngugi
- Centre for HIV Prevention and Research, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00202, Kenya
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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49
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Reisner SL, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Sava L, Liu S, Harper GW. Situated Vulnerabilities, Sexual Risk, and Sexually Transmitted Infections' Diagnoses in a Sample of Transgender Youth in the United States. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2019; 33:120-130. [PMID: 30844303 PMCID: PMC6442265 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2018.0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the United States, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) confer significant morbidity in adolescents and young adults. STIs are not well characterized in transgender and other gender minority youth (TGMY) who have a gender identity that differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. This study sought to fill this gap. In 2015-2016, the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions conducted Protocol 130, Affirming Voices for Action, enrolling a diverse sample of TGMY 16-24 years of age from 14 US geographic locations. Multivariable analyses regressed lifetime STI diagnosis on "situated vulnerabilities" (demographics, social/economic issues, mental/behavioral health conditions, and health care experience). Approximately one-third were living with HIV infection (31%); 33% had a history of one or more STIs, excluding HIV. The most frequently diagnosed STIs were 55% chlamydia, 48% syphilis, and 47% gonorrhea. The odds of STI was 4.06 times higher for trans feminine youth assigned a male sex at birth compared to trans masculine youth assigned a female sex at birth (p = 0.03). Additional risk factors for lifetime STI were as follows: nonbinary gender identity (p = 0.004), medical gender affirmation (p = 0.03), and transactional sex (p = 0.01). Nearly one-third (31%) reported condomless vaginal and/or anal sex in the last 6 months, suggesting a need for ongoing STI prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. TGMY are a vulnerable group to STIs in need of public health attention. Clinical care for STIs will benefit from considering risk factors facing youth in general (e.g., sex work), alongside those vulnerabilities unique to TGMY (e.g., medical gender affirmation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sari L. Reisner
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lauren Sava
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - ShanShan Liu
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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50
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Boyer CB, Greenberg L, Korelitz J, Harper GW, Stewart-Campbell R, Straub D, Sanders R, Reid LH, Futterman D, Lee S, Ellen JM. Sexual Partner Characteristics, Relationship Type, and HIV Risk Among a Community Venue-based Sample of Urban Adolescent and Young Adult Men Who Have Sex with Men. Youth Soc 2019; 51:219-246. [PMID: 30983642 PMCID: PMC6456077 DOI: 10.1177/0044118x16669259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have examined sexual partnerships and HIV risk in diverse samples of African American/black and Hispanic/Latino adolescent and young adult men who have sex with men (YMSM), a group that have a high burden of HIV in the U.S. A community-venue recruitment approach was used, which identified significant differences in HIV risk by sexual partner type among 1215 YMSM. Those with casual partners had a higher number of sexual partners, had more STIs, and were more likely to engage in transactional sex, to use alcohol, marijuana, or other substances compared with those with main partners only. Among those with female sexual partners, many used condoms "every time" when engaging in vaginal sex with casual partners, but a sizeable proportion "never/rarely" used condoms with their main partners. Our findings demonstrate a need for tailored HIV prevention education and counseling with necessary skills regarding consistent and correct condom use with all sexual partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherrie B Boyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Diane Straub
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Renata Sanders
- Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Donna Futterman
- Adolescent AIDS Program, Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Sonia Lee
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute on Child Health and Human Development/Maternal and Pediatric Infectious Disease Branch, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jonathan M Ellen
- Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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