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Montiel A, Ablona A, Klassen B, Card K, Lachowsky NJ, Brennan DJ, Grace D, Worthington C, Gilbert M. Reach of GetCheckedOnline among gay, bisexual, transgender and queer men and Two-Spirit people and correlates of use 5 years after program launch in British Columbia, Canada. Sex Transm Infect 2024:sextrans-2023-056007. [PMID: 38604697 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-056007] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Understanding who uses internet-based sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) services can inform programme implementation, particularly among those most impacted by STBBIs, including gender and sexual minority (GSM) men. GetCheckedOnline, an internet-based STBBI testing service in British Columbia, Canada, launched in 2014. Our objectives were to assess reach, identify factors associated with use of GetCheckedOnline 5 years into implementation and describe reasons for using and not using GetCheckedOnline among GSM men. METHODS The Sex Now 2019 Survey was an online, cross-sectional survey of GSM men in Canada administered from November 2019 to February 2020. Participants were asked a subset of questions related to use of GetCheckedOnline. Multivariable binary logistic regression modelling was used to estimate associations between correlates and use of GetCheckedOnline. RESULTS Of 431 British Columbia (BC) participants aware of GetCheckedOnline, 27.6% had tested using the service. Lower odds of having used GetCheckedOnline were found among participants with non-white race/ethnicity (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.41 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.74)) and those living with HIV (aOR=0.23 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.76)). Those who usually tested at a walk-in clinic, relative to a sexual health clinic, had greater odds of using GetCheckedOnline (aOR=3.91 (95% CI 1.36 to 11.61)). The most commonly reported reason for using and not using GetCheckedOnline was convenience (78%) and only accessing the website to see how the service worked (48%), respectively. CONCLUSION Over a quarter of GSM men in BC aware of GetCheckedOnline had used it. Findings demonstrate the importance of social/structural factors related to use of GetCheckedOnline. Service promotion strategies could highlight its convenience and privacy benefits to enhance uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Montiel
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aidan Ablona
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ben Klassen
- Community Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kiffer Card
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Community Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine Worthington
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark Gilbert
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Sinno J, Daroya E, Wells A, Hull M, Lachowsky NJ, Tan DHS, Grace D. "To do so in a patient-centred way is not particularly lucrative": The effects of neoliberal health care on PrEP implementation and delivery. Soc Sci Med 2024; 347:116749. [PMID: 38492264 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116749] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective biomedical intervention used by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV acquisition. Despite increased use of PrEP worldwide, several barriers to PrEP implementation have resulted in insufficient uptake, inadequate adherence, and frequent discontinuation. Our objective was to interrogate the social, political, and economic conditions shaping PrEP implementation and delivery among gay, bisexual, queer and other men who have sex with men (GBQM) in Ontario, Canada. METHODS Six focus groups and three interviews with 20 stakeholders in Ontario (e.g., healthcare professionals, clinicians, community-based organization staff, and government staff) were conducted between July and October 2021. Participants were asked about the personal, workplace, and structural factors shaping PrEP delivery strategies for GBQM. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by the political economy of PrEP and employed a critique of neoliberalism. RESULTS Participants critiqued the problematic arrangements of the current healthcare system in Canada. Neoliberal governmentality and policies have resulted in inequitable PrEP care by establishing funding structures prioritizing profit and requiring patients and providers to function as individual entrepreneurs. Consequently, healthcare disparities are compounded for marginalized peoples who lack the resources and capacity to navigate existing healthcare systems. Participants identified several pathways to improve the implementation of PrEP, including greater institutional and governmental supports for PrEP and healthcare, leveraging communities and collaboration, and moving beyond risk-based health frameworks. CONCLUSION Socio-political-economic changes reflecting post-neoliberal principles are needed to overcome existing barriers to PrEP care, and sexual and reproductive healthcare more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Sinno
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Emerich Daroya
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alex Wells
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Mark Hull
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Darrell H S Tan
- St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Marbaniang I, Moodie EEM, Latimer E, Skakoon-Sparling S, Hart TA, Grace D, Moore DM, Lachowsky NJ, Jollimore J, Lambert G, Zhang T, Dvorakova M, Cox J. Using an intersectionality-based approach to evaluate mental health services use among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2024; 33:e10. [PMID: 38438301 PMCID: PMC10940056 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796024000143] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS To cope with homonegativity-generated stress, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) use more mental health services (MHS) compared with heterosexual men. Most previous research on MHS among GBM uses data from largely white HIV-negative samples. Using an intersectionality-based approach, we evaluated the concomitant impact of racialization and HIV stigma on MHS use among GBM, through the mediating role of perceived discrimination (PD). METHODS We used baseline data from 2371 GBM enrolled in the Engage cohort study, collected between 2017 and 2019, in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, using respondent-driven sampling. The exposure was GBM groups: Group 1 (n = 1376): white HIV-negative; Group 2 (n = 327): white living with HIV; Group 3 (n = 577): racialized as non-white HIV-negative; Group 4 (n = 91): racialized as non-white living with HIV. The mediator was interpersonal PD scores measured using the Everyday Discrimination Scale (5-item version). The outcome was MHS use (yes/no) in the prior 6 months. We fit a three-way decomposition of causal mediation effects utilizing the imputation method for natural effect models. We obtained odds ratios (ORs) for pure direct effect (PDE, unmediated effect), pure indirect effect (PIE, mediated effect), mediated interaction effect (MIE, effect due to interaction between the exposure and mediator) and total effect (TE, overall effect). Analyses controlled for age, chronic mental health condition, Canadian citizenship, being cisgender and city of enrolment. RESULTS Mean PD scores were highest for racialized HIV-negative GBM (10.3, SD: 5.0) and lowest for white HIV-negative GBM (8.4, SD: 3.9). MHS use was highest in white GBM living with HIV (GBMHIV) (40.4%) and lowest in racialized HIV-negative GBM (26.9%). Compared with white HIV-negative GBM, white GBMHIV had higher TE (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.29) and PDE (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.24), and racialized HIV-negative GBM had higher PIE (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.17). Effects for racialized GBMHIV did not significantly differ from those of white HIV-negative GBM. MIEs across all groups were comparable. CONCLUSIONS Higher MHS use was observed among white GBMHIV compared with white HIV-negative GBM. PD positively mediated MHS use only among racialized HIV-negative GBM. MHS may need to take into account the intersecting impact of homonegativity, racism and HIV stigma on the mental health of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Marbaniang
- Department of Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Erica E. M. Moodie
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Eric Latimer
- Mental Health and Society Division, Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shayna Skakoon-Sparling
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor A. Hart
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David M. Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Gilles Lambert
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Terri Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milada Dvorakova
- Clinical Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute–McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Clinical Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute–McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Zahran A, Dermody SS, Berlin GW, Palma PA, Skakoon-Sparling S, Noor SW, Lachowsky NJ, Grace D, Cox J, Moore DM, Lambert G, Zhang TH, Dvorakova M, Jollimore J, Lal A, Hart TA. Problematic alcohol use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Canada: the role of proximal stressors and anxiety. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2024; 19:16. [PMID: 38414042 PMCID: PMC10900570 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-024-00597-8] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) report high rates of problematic alcohol use, anxiety, and depression. This may, in part, be due to stressors related to their sexual identity (i.e., minority stressors). However, few studies have examined both distal and proximal stressors, as well as the specific psychological mechanisms by which these stressors may be related to alcohol use outcomes, in a representative sample of GBM. We explored the relationship between distal and proximal stressors and alcohol use outcomes, as well as the role of anxiety and depression as potential mediators of these relationships. METHODS We analyzed the baseline data of 2,449 GBM from Engage, a cohort study of sexually active GBM recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver from February 2017 to August 2019. Using structural equation modeling, we examined the associations between distal minority stressors (i.e., experiences of heterosexist harassment, rejection, and discrimination), proximal minority stressors (i.e., internalized homonegativity, concerns about acceptance, concealment, and lack of affirmation), anxiety and depression, and alcohol consumption and alcohol use problems. RDS-adjusted analyses controlled for age, income, sexual orientation, ethnicity, recruitment city, and HIV serostatus. RESULTS There were positive direct associations between distal stress and proximal stress, anxiety, and depression, but not alcohol use outcomes. Proximal stress had a positive direct association with anxiety, depression, and alcohol use problems, but not alcohol consumption. Anxiety was positively associated with alcohol consumption and alcohol use problems. Depression was negatively associated with alcohol consumption but not alcohol use problems. Regarding indirect effects, distal stress was associated with alcohol use outcomes via proximal stress and anxiety, but not via depression. CONCLUSIONS We found support for a minority stress model as it relates to alcohol use outcomes among GBM. Findings suggest that proximal minority stress and anxiety differentially impact the problematic alcohol use among GBM who experience heterosexist discrimination. Clinical providers should consider incorporating the treatment of proximal minority stressors and anxiety into existing alcohol interventions for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adhm Zahran
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | - Syed W Noor
- Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Joseph Cox
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Direction Régionale de Santé Publique - Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Direction Régionale de Santé Publique - Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Milada Dvorakova
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jody Jollimore
- Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE), Toronto, Canada
| | - Allan Lal
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Bao SL, Olarewaju G, Wang L, Sang J, Zhu J, Lachowsky NJ, Lal A, Ablona A, Ho D, Baharuddin F, Villa L, Lambert S, Dulai J, Moore DM. Ethno-racial variations in mental health symptoms among sexually-active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Vancouver, Canada: a longitudinal analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:282. [PMID: 38267930 PMCID: PMC10807146 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17743-3] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minority stress from racism and heterosexism may uniquely interact to impact the mental health of racialized sexual minorities. We examined variations in anxiety and depressive symptoms by reported by ethno-racial identity among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Vancouver, Canada. METHODS We recruited gbMSM aged ≥ 16 years from February 2012 to February 2015 using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Participants completed computer assisted self-interviews (CASI) at enrollment and every 6 months until February 2017. We examined factors associated with moderate/severe anxiety and depression scores (> 10) on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and differences in key explanatory variables including sociodemographic, psychosocial, and substance use factors. We used multivariable mixed effects models to assess whether moderate/severe scores were associated with ethno-racial identity across all visits. RESULTS After RDS-adjustment, of 774 participants, 79.9% of participants identified as gay. 68.6% identified as white, 9.2% as Asian, 9.8% as Indigenous, 7.3% as Latin American, and 5.1% as other ethno-racial identities. Participants contributed a median of 6 follow-up visits (Q1-Q3: 4-7). In the multivariable analysis, Asian participants had decreased odds of moderate/severe anxiety scores compared to white participants (aOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18-0.86), and Latin American participants had decreased odds of moderate/severe depression scores compared to both white (aOR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.08-0.36) and Asian (aOR = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02-0.20) participants. CONCLUSION Asian and Latino gbMSM reported decreased mental health symptoms compared to white participants. Asian and Latino gbMSM in Vancouver appear to manage multiple minority stressors without adversely affecting their mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seraph L Bao
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gbolahan Olarewaju
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jordan Sang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Y6, Canada
| | - Julia Zhu
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Y6, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Y6, Canada
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Allan Lal
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Y6, Canada
| | - Aidan Ablona
- Momentum Health Study People of Colour Advisory Board, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Darren Ho
- Momentum Health Study People of Colour Advisory Board, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Community Based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fahmy Baharuddin
- Momentum Health Study People of Colour Advisory Board, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Living Positive Resource Centre, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Lorenz Villa
- Momentum Health Study People of Colour Advisory Board, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sandy Lambert
- Momentum Health Study People of Colour Advisory Board, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joshun Dulai
- Momentum Health Study People of Colour Advisory Board, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Y6, Canada.
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Daroya E, Grey C, Klassen B, Lessard D, Skakoon-Sparling S, Perez-Brumer A, Adam B, Cox J, Lachowsky NJ, Hart TA, Gervais J, Tan DHS, Grace D. 'It's not as good as the face-to-face contact': A sociomaterialist analysis of the use of virtual care among Canadian gay, bisexual and queer men during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociol Health Illn 2024; 46:19-38. [PMID: 37323054 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13686] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the widespread adoption of virtual care-the use of communication technologies to receive health care at home. We explored the differential impacts of the rapid transition to virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic on health-care access and delivery for gay, bisexual and queer men (GBQM), a population that disproportionately experiences sexual and mental health disparities in Canada. Adopting a sociomaterial theoretical perspective, we analysed 93 semi-structured interviews with GBQM (n = 93) in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, conducted between November 2020 and February 2021 (n = 42) and June-October 2021 (n = 51). We focused on explicating how the dynamic relations of humans and non-humans in everyday virtual care practices have opened or foreclosed different care capacities for GBQM. Our analysis revealed that the rapid expansion and implementation of virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic enacted disruptions and challenges while providing benefits to health-care access among some GBQM. Further, virtual care required participants to change their sociomaterial practices to receive health care effectively, including learning new ways of communicating with providers. Our sociomaterial analysis provides a framework that helps identify what works and what needs to be improved when delivering virtual care to meet the health needs of GBQM and other diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerich Daroya
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cornel Grey
- Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ben Klassen
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Lessard
- Centre for Health Outcome Research, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Amaya Perez-Brumer
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barry Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Service Prévention et contrôle des maladies infectieuses, Direction régionale de santé publique, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessie Gervais
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darrell H S Tan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Yuen AWH, Sang JM, Wang L, Barath J, Lachowsky NJ, Lal A, Elefante J, Hart TA, Skakoon-Sparling S, Grey C, Grace D, Cox J, Lambert G, Noor SW, Apelian H, Parlette A, Card KG, Hull MW, Jollimore J, Moore DM. Attitudes of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (GBM) toward Their Use of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants and Relation to Reducing Use in Three Canadian Cities. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 59:278-290. [PMID: 37867395 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2269577] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explored attitudes of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) toward their amphetamine-use and associations with reduced use over time. METHODS We recruited sexually-active GBM aged 16+ years in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, Canada, from 02-2017 to 08-2019, with follow-up visits every 6-12 months until November 2020. Among participants who reported past-six-month (P6M) amphetamine-use at enrollment, we used logistic regression to identify demographic, psychological, social, mental health, other substance-use, and behavioral factors associated with reporting needing help reducing their substance-use. We used mixed-effects logistic regression to model reduced P6M amphetamine-use with perceived problematic-use as our primary explanatory variable. RESULTS We enrolled 2,449 GBM across sites. 15.5-24.7% reported P6M amphetamine-use at enrollment and 82.6 - 85.7% reported needing no help or only a little help in reducing their substance use. Reporting needing a lot/of help or completely needing help in reducing substance-use was associated with group sex participation (AOR = 2.35, 95%CI:1.25-4.44), greater anxiety symptomatology (AOR = 2.11, 95%CI:1.16-3.83), greater financial strain (AOR = 1.35, 95%CI:1.21-1.50), and greater Escape Motive scores (AOR = 1.07, 95%CI:1.03-1.10). Reductions in P6M amphetamine-use were less likely among GBM who perceived their amphetamine-use as problematic (AOR = 0.17 95% CI 0.10 - 0.29). CONCLUSIONS Most amphetamine-using GBM did not feel they needed help reducing their substance use, and many reported reduced amphetamine-use at subsequent visits. Those who perceived their use as problematic were less likely to reduce their use. Further interventions to assist GBM in reducing their use are needed to assist those who perceive their use as problematic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordan M Sang
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Justin Barath
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Allan Lal
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Trevor A Hart
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Joseph Cox
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Syed W Noor
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Herak Apelian
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Kiffer G Card
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Mark W Hull
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - David M Moore
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Berlin GW, Fulcher K, Taylor K, Nguyen T, Montiel A, Moore D, Hull M, Lachowsky NJ. Links Between Childhood Abuse, Insidious Trauma, and Methamphetamine Use Across the Lifespan Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Analysis. J Homosex 2023; 70:3192-3212. [PMID: 35759650 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2089075] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Developmental and lifespan examinations of methamphetamine use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) remain limited. We used a feminist trauma framework to examine potential links between childhood trauma, trauma-related stressors, and methamphetamine use among GBM. From June 2018 to October 2018, semi-structured interviews (N = 33) were conducted with GBM across British Columbia. Interviews focused on sexual experiences, support services, and methamphetamine use. Using thematic analysis, two overarching trauma-related themes were identified: developmental and insidious trauma and coping with trauma-related stressors. GBM's methamphetamine use co-occurred with childhood experiences of family- and peer-perpetrated heterosexism, childhood sexual abuse, and intersecting forms of oppression/marginalization. These experiences manifested as internalized shame, interpersonal anxiety, and low self-esteem. In adulthood, participants reported difficulty managing emotions, low self-confidence, and loneliness. GBM reported using methamphetamine to manage negative emotions, life stressors, and overcome barriers to interpersonal connection. Findings indicate a need for trauma-informed interventions that address underlying issues and help GBM cultivate supportive relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- G W Berlin
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - K Fulcher
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - K Taylor
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Canadian Institute of Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - T Nguyen
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Montiel
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - D Moore
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M Hull
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - N J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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9
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Sang JM, Moore DM, Wang L, Chia J, Toy J, Montaner J, Skakoon-Sparling S, Cox J, Lambert G, Grace D, Hart TA, Lal A, Jollimore J, Lachowsky NJ. Examining the secondary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on syndemic production and PrEP use among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in Vancouver, Canada. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2124. [PMID: 37904163 PMCID: PMC10614320 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17049-w] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The secondary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may disproportionately affect gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM), particularly related to HIV prevention and treatment outcomes. We applied syndemic theory to examine PrEP disruptions during the during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vancouver, Canada. METHODS Sexually-active GBM, aged 16 + years, were enrolled through respondent-driven sampling (RDS) from February 2017 to August 2019. Participants completed a Computer-Assisted Self-Interview every six months and data were linked to the BC PrEP Program (program responsible for publicly funded PrEP in the province) to directly measure PrEP disruptions. The analysis period for this study was from March 2018-April 2021. We used univariable generalized linear mixed models to examine (1) six-month trends for syndemic conditions: the prevalence of moderate/severe depressive or anxiety symptoms, polysubstance use, harmful alcohol consumption, intimate partner violence, and (2) six-month trends for PrEP interruptions among HIV-negative/unknown GBM. We also applied 3-level mixed-effects logistic regression with RDS clustering to examine whether syndemic factors were associated with PrEP interruptions. RESULTS Our study included 766 participants, with 593 participants who had at least one follow-up visit. The proportion of respondents with abnormal depressive symptoms increased over the study period (OR = 1.35; 95%CI = 1.17, 1.56), but we found decreased prevalence for polysubstance use (OR = 0.89; 95%CI = 0.82, 0.97) and binge drinking (OR = 0.74; 95%CI = 0.67, 0.81). We also found an increase in PrEP interruptions (OR = 2.33; 95%CI = 1.85, 2.94). GBM with moderate/severe depressive symptoms had higher odds (aOR = 4.80; 95%CI = 1.43, 16.16) of PrEP interruptions, while GBM with experiences of IPV had lower odds (aOR = 0.38; 95%CI = 0.15, 0.95) of PrEP interruptions. GBM who met clinical eligibility for PrEP had lower odds of experiencing PrEP interruptions (aOR = 0.25; 95%CI = 0.11, 0.60). CONCLUSION There were increasing PrEP interruptions since March 2020. However, those most at risk for HIV were less likely to have interruptions. Additional mental health services and targeted follow-up for PrEP continuation may help to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Sang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.
- BC Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jason Chia
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Junine Toy
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Julio Montaner
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Joseph Cox
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
- Direction régionale de santé publique -Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Direction régionale de santé publique -Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud, Montreal, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Quebec City, Canada
| | | | - Trevor A Hart
- Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), Toronto, Canada
| | - Allan Lal
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Community Based Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada
- University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
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10
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Cooper S, Péloquin T, Lachowsky NJ, Salway T, Oliffe JL, Klassen B, Brennan DJ, Houle J, Ferlatte O. Conformity to Masculinity Norms and Mental Health Outcomes Among Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Two-Spirit, and Queer Men and Non-Binary Individuals. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231206618. [PMID: 37886907 PMCID: PMC10612460 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231206618] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Homophobia and biphobia negatively impact the mental health of gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit, and queer men and non-binary individuals (GBT2Q) and sexual and gender minority men, but little is known about the impact of gender-related oppression. The current study examines the impact of pressure to conform to masculine norms in Canada-based GBT2Q individuals. Specifically, the associations between (a) gender expression and pressure to be masculine and (b) pressure to be masculine and depression, anxiety, and self-rated mental health were investigated. Drawing from an online national cross-sectional survey of 8,977 GBT2Q individuals and sexual and gender minority men living in Canada aged 15 years or older, 56.4% (n = 5,067) of respondents reported experiencing pressure to conform to masculine norms. Respondents were more likely to report masculine pressure if they were younger than 30 years, described their gender expression as fluid, identified their sexuality as queer, were an ethnoracial minority, and were trans. Pressure to be masculine was associated with increased odds of depression, anxiety, and reporting poor or fair mental health. The current study provides evidence of the detrimental impact of pressure to conform to masculine norms on the mental health of gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit, and queer men and non-binary peoples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cooper
- École de Santé Publique de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tristan Péloquin
- École de Santé Publique de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John L. Oliffe
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Nursing, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Klassen
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David J. Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janie Houle
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Olivier Ferlatte
- École de Santé Publique de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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11
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Daroya E, Grey C, Lessard D, Klassen B, Skakoon-Sparling S, Gaspar M, Perez-Brumer A, Adam B, Lachowsky NJ, Moore D, Sang JM, Lambert G, Hart TA, Cox J, Jollimore J, Tan DHS, Grace D. 'I did not have sex outside of our bubble': changes in sexual practices and risk reduction strategies among sexual minority men in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cult Health Sex 2023; 25:1147-1163. [PMID: 36336339 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2022.2139414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, jurisdictions across the globe, including Canada, enacted containment measures that affected intimacy and sexual relations. This article examines how public health measures during COVID-19 impacted the sexual practices of sexual minority men- gay, bisexual, queer and other men who have sex with men-and how they adopted and modified guidelines to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We conducted 93 semi-structured interviews with men (n = 93) in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, between November 2020 to February 2021 (n = 42) and June to October 2021 (n = 51). Across jurisdictions, participants reported changes to sexual practices in response to public health measures and shifting pandemic contexts. Many men indicated that they applied their HIV/STI risk mitigation experiences and adapted COVID-19 prevention strategies to continue engaging in casual sexual behaviours and ensure sexual safety. 'Social bubbles' were changed to 'sex bubbles'. Masks were turned into 'safer' sex tools. 'Outdoor gathering' and 'physical distancing' were transformed into 'outdoor sex' and 'voyeuristic masturbation'. These strategies are examined in connection to the notion of 'reflexive mediation' to illustrate how sexual minority men are simultaneously self-responsibilising and resistant, self-monitoring and creative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerich Daroya
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cornel Grey
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - David Lessard
- Centre for Health Outcome Research, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ben Klassen
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Mark Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amaya Perez-Brumer
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Barry Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - David Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence, HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jordan M Sang
- BC Centre for Excellence, HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Service Prévention et contrôle des maladies infectieuses, Direction régionale de santé publique, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Service Prévention et contrôle des maladies infectieuses, Direction régionale de santé publique, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Darrell H S Tan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Grey C, Tian IL, Skakoon-Sparling S, Daroya E, Klassen B, Lessard D, Gaspar M, Sinno J, Sang JM, Perez-Brumer A, Lachowsky NJ, Moore DM, Jollimore J, Hart TA, Cox J, Grace D. Unpacking racism during COVID-19: narratives from racialized Canadian gay, bisexual, and queer men. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:152. [PMID: 37553689 PMCID: PMC10410892 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01961-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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epidemics impact individuals unevenly across race, gender, and sexuality. In addition to being more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, evidence suggests racialized gender and sexual minorities experienced disproportionate levels of discrimination and stigma during the COVID-19 epidemic. Drawing on Critical Race Theory (CRT), we examined the experiences of gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men (GBQM) of colour facing discrimination during COVID-19. DESIGN Engage-COVID-19 is a mixed methods study examining the impact of COVID-19 on GBQM living in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montréal, Canada. We conducted two rounds of qualitative interviews (November 2020 to February 2021, and June to October 2021) with 93 GBQM to explore the evolving impact of COVID-19 on their lives. Transcripts were coded using inductive thematic analysis. Data analysis was conducted using Nvivo software. RESULTS Fifty-nine participants identified as Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Colour (BIPOC). These GBQM of colour described multiple experiences of discrimination during COVID-19. Although participants did not report experiences of discrimination based on their sexual identity during COVID-19, we found that experiences of racism affected how they were treated within their sexual networks. Experiences of racism were most often reported by East Asian and Black GBQM. These participants faced racism in public and online spaces, primarily in the form of verbal harassment. Several participants were also harassed because they wore face masks. Verbal abuse against GBQM of colour was largely prompted by racist discourses related to COVID-19. CONCLUSION Racism remains a pernicious threat to the well-being of GBQM of colour. CRT highlights the importance of assessing how sexualized and gendered discourses about race shape the experiences of GBQM of colour navigating multiple epidemics like COVID-19 and HIV. These pervasive discourses unevenly affect racial and sexual minorities across multiple epidemics, and negatively impact health outcomes for these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornel Grey
- Western University, London, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Ben Klassen
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | | | - Jad Sinno
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | | - David M Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jody Jollimore
- Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE), Toronto, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
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13
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Sang JM, Gholamian B, Wang L, Barath J, Noor SW, Lachowsky NJ, Hart TA, Cox J, Lambert G, Grace D, Skakoon-Sparling S, Lal A, Parlette A, Apelian H, Jollimore J, Hogg RS, Moore DM. Examining differential success in recruitment using respondent driven sampling (RDS) in a multi-site study of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:136. [PMID: 37296373 PMCID: PMC10251682 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01886-9] [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: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Engage Study is a longitudinal biobehavioral cohort study of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Baseline data (2,449 participants) were collected from February 2017 - August 2019 using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Recruitment in Montreal required fewer seeds, had a much shorter recruitment period, and recruited the largest sample. METHODS To better understand why RDS recruitment was more successful in Montreal compared to other sites, we conducted an analysis to examine RDS recruitment characteristics for GBM in each of the three study sites, explore demographic characteristics and measures of homophily, that is, the tendency of individuals to recruit other study participants who are like themselves, and compared motivations for study participation. RESULTS Montreal had the greatest proportion of participants over the age of 45 (29.1% in Montreal, 24.6% in Vancouver, and 21.0% in Toronto) and the highest homophily for this age group, but homophily was high across the three cities. Montreal also reported the lowest percentage of participants with an annual income greater or equal to $60,000 (7.9% in Montreal, 13.1% in Vancouver and 10.6% in Toronto), but homophily was similar across all three cities. The majority of participants indicated interest in sexual health and HIV as the main reason for participating (36.1% in Montreal, 34.7% in Vancouver, and 29.8% in Toronto). Financial interest as the main reason for participation was low (12.7% in Montreal, 10.6% in Vancouver, and 5.7% in Toronto). CONCLUSION Taken together, although we found some differences in study demographic characteristics and homophily scores, we were unable to fully explain the different recruitment success based on the data available. Our study underlines the fact that success of RDS implementation may vary by unknown factors, and that researchers should be proactive and flexible to account for variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Sang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | | | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Justin Barath
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Syed W Noor
- Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- School of Human Sciences, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, USA
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Community Based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Direction régionale de santé publique -Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Direction régionale de santé publique -Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Allan Lal
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Herak Apelian
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Direction régionale de santé publique -Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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14
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Grace D, Gaspar M, Wells A, Sinno J, Daroya E, Montess M, Hull M, Lachowsky NJ, Tan DHS. Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention: Perspectives on the Benefits and Barriers from Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Men and Health System Stakeholders in Ontario, Canada. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023. [PMID: 37195728 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
One hope surrounding long-acting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is reaching new users who could most benefit, as well as improving the experiences of oral PrEP users who may desire to switch modalities. Gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men (GBQM) continue to make up over half of new HIV diagnoses in Canada, and oral PrEP uptake has plateaued among this population. Approval of injectable PrEP is anticipated, but there is a paucity of research to inform health promotion and implementation. Between June and October 2021, we conducted 22 in-depth interviews with GBQM oral PrEP users and non-PrEP users living in Ontario, Canada. We also conducted small focus groups or individual interviews with 20 key stakeholders (health care providers, public health officials, community-based organization staff). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed in NVivo using thematic analysis. Only about one-third of GBQM had heard of injectable PrEP. Many PrEP users perceived greater convenience, adherence, and confidentiality with injectable PrEP. Some PrEP users did not anticipate switching because of needle discomfort or feeling more "in control" with oral PrEP. None of the non-PrEP users said that injectable PrEP would make them start PrEP. Injectable PrEP may offer additional convenience for GBQM; however, it did not appear to affect participants' PrEP decision-making significantly. Stakeholders noted that injectable PrEP may improve access, support adherence, and benefit marginalized groups. Some clinicians expressed concerns about the time/personnel required to make injectable PrEP available. System-level challenges in implementing injectable PrEP, including cost, must also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alex Wells
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Jad Sinno
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Emerich Daroya
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Montess
- Rotman Institute of Philosophy and the School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Mark Hull
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Rotman Institute of Philosophy and the School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Darrell H S Tan
- St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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15
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Skakoon-Sparling S, Card KG, Novick JR, Berlin GW, Lachowsky NJ, Adam B, Brennan DJ, Sang JM, Noor SW, Cox J, Moore DM, Grace D, Grey C, Daroya E, Hart TA. The relevance of communal altruism for sexual minority men in contemporary contexts. J Community Psychol 2023; 51:1461-1478. [PMID: 35932490 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22923] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
There are many reasons why individuals engage in prosocial behavior; communal sexual altruism is based on the notion that some practice safer sex in the interest of promoting the well-being of their community/in-group. Given that definitions of what constitutes "safer sex" have changed with advances in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, we investigated the importance of communal sexual altruism (herein "altruism") among urban gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (GBM) in the contemporary context. Using a sample of 2449 GBM we examined the association of both safer-sex-related attitudes (e.g., HIV treatment optimism-skepticism) and behaviors (e.g., condomless anal sex [CAS]) with altruism scores. Higher altruism scores were associated with a lower likelihood of CAS and a greater frequency of discussing HIV status with new partners. These findings demonstrate that many GBM are motivated to engage in several kinds of behaviors that improve the well-being of their in-group (i.e., the GBM community).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayna Skakoon-Sparling
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jake R Novick
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graham W Berlin
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Barry Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan M Sang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Syed W Noor
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Science, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Joseph Cox
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cornel Grey
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emerich Daroya
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Stein O, Sang JM, Wang L, Cui Z, Zhu J, Lal A, Card KG, Lachowsky NJ, Hogg R, Moore DM. Factors associated with improvements in symptoms of anxiety and depression among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Vancouver, Canada: A prospective cohort study. J Affect Disord 2023; 328:334-340. [PMID: 36806593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.048] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety are commonly experienced among gay, bisexual and other men-who-have-sex-with-men (gbMSM). We explored factors associated with improvements in mental health symptoms among gbMSM with abnormal depression and anxiety scores over a period of four years, in Vancouver, Canada. METHODS Sexually active gbMSM ≥16 years of age were recruited using respondent-driven sampling from February 2012 to February 2015. Participants completed a computer-assisted questionnaire which included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and psychometric scales to measure loneliness, self-esteem and social connectedness, every 6 months until July 2019. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess factors associated with normal/borderline HADS scores (<11) following a previous abnormal score (≥11) for each of anxiety and depression subscales. RESULTS We recruited 694 participants, of whom 580 had at least one follow-up visit. Across all visits, 43.6 % of participants ever had abnormal anxiety scores and 16.2 % ever had abnormal depression scores. Among those with abnormal anxiety scores, 34.9 % of follow-up visits demonstrated reductions in anxiety scores. Among those with abnormal depression scores 51.0 % of follow-up visits demonstrated reductions in depression scores. Reductions in anxiety scores were associated with increased self-esteem, decreased loneliness and the number of gbMSM seen/spoken to in the previous month. Reductions in depression scores were associated with increased self-esteem, decreased loneliness and having a regular partner. CONCLUSION Improvements in mental health symptoms were frequently observed. Social connectedness was related with improved anxiety and depression symptoms. Interventions to improve social connectedness may help to improve mental health for gbMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Stein
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jordan M Sang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Zishan Cui
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julia Zhu
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Allan Lal
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada; School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Robert Hogg
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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17
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Dharma C, Guimond T, Salway T, Lachowsky NJ, Card KG, Gesink D. Geosexual Archetype, Preventive Behaviours, and Sexually Transmitted Infections among High Risk Men who Have Sex with Men. Sex Transm Dis 2023:00007435-990000000-00196. [PMID: 37074320 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social geography plays an important role in transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSMs). Previous qualitative work had identified seven "geosexual archetypes", each with distinct travel patterns for sex and potentially important differences in STI rates. The objective of this paper was to explore what could be learned about STI transmission by looking at STI prevention strategies (condom use and PrEP use) and prevalence of STIs among these geosexual archetypes. METHODS We analyzed data from the Sex Now 2019 online survey in Canada. MSM who reported 3 or more partners in the past 6 months were included in the analysis (n = 3,649). RESULTS The most common archetype was "geoflexible" (sex at home, partner's home, and other places; 35.6%), followed by "privates" (sex only at own/partner's home; 23.0%); the least common archetypes was "rover" (sex not at home nor partner's place; 4.0%). There were significant variations in both STI prevention strategies and prevalence of bacterial STIs in the past-year by geosexual archetype. In particular, among those who were HIV negative, those who reported a geoflexible archetype and used PrEP but did not use condoms consistently had a 52.6% prevalence of bacterial STIs, which was much higher compared to all other groups. Within other archetypes, those living with HIV had the highest prevalence of bacterial STIs. CONCLUSIONS Geosexual archetype together with participant's STI prevention strategies was a strong predictor of bacterial STI risk. Understanding how place is connected to bacterial STIs is key in prevention as individuals do not live in isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer Dharma
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tim Guimond
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
| | | | | | - Kiffer G Card
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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18
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Sang JM, Wong J, Ryan V, Cumming E, Wang L, Cui Z, Bacani N, Haag D, Lachowsky NJ, Cox J, Grace D, Otterstatter M, Morshed M, Edward J, Grennan T, Arkles J, Brownrigg B, Hogg RS, Moore DM. Examining the impacts of a syphilis awareness campaign among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in British Columbia, Canada. Can J Public Health 2023; 114:295-307. [PMID: 36156198 PMCID: PMC10036687 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-022-00690-0] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Syphilis rates have increased in BC and disproportionately affect gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). A social marketing campaign (Syphistory) ran from January to September 2017 with the primary goal of increasing syphilis knowledge and a secondary goal of increasing syphilis screening among gbMSM in BC. METHODS We used pre- and post-campaign surveys to assess changes in syphilis knowledge from a convenience sample of clients attending STI clinics using one-sided t-tests. We used online Piwik metrics to examine the campaign reach, and provincial testing data to examine trends in syphilis screening. We used data from the Engage Study to examine factors associated with campaign awareness and associations with syphilis testing. RESULTS Of the 2155 visitors to the Syphistory website with known geography, 79.4% were from BC. Moreover, STI clinic participants who saw the campaign demonstrated a greater knowledge of syphilis (9.7/12, 80.8%) than those who did not see the campaign (mean 8.9/12, 74%) (p < 0.001). Provincial syphilis testing rates were 8764 and 9749 in the 12 months before and after the campaign; however, we did not find an overall trend in testing before versus after the campaign (p = 0.147). Among Engage participants, 12.7% reported seeing the campaign and we found an association between campaign exposure and recent syphilis testing (aOR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.51, 4.93). CONCLUSION gbMSM who saw the campaign were more likely to report being tested for syphilis in the previous 6 months. STI clinic attendees who reported seeing the campaign also had higher syphilis knowledge compared to those who did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Sang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Jason Wong
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Venessa Ryan
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emma Cumming
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zishan Cui
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nicanor Bacani
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Devon Haag
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Direction régionale de santé publique - Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Michael Otterstatter
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Muhammad Morshed
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joshua Edward
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Troy Grennan
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Robert S Hogg
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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19
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Card KG, Shen T, Barath J, Sang J, Lal A, Moore DM, Lachowsky NJ. Patterns of Event-Level Concurrent Substance Use During Sex Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Metro Vancouver. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-04036-w. [PMID: 36943600 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04036-w] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
This study identified patterns of sexualized substance use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) and examined associated risk factors for sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI). Data were from a longitudinal cohort recruited using respondent-driven sampling between Feb-2017 and Feb-2019. Participants reported on events with up to five of their most recent sexual partners. Latent class analysis examined patterns of concurrent substance use 2 h prior to or during sex. Multinomial regression identified demographic, partner-level, and event-level factors associated across 11,877 sexual events reported by 757 participants. Most combinations of substance use were rare, but most drugs were frequently combined with other drugs when they were used prior to or during a sexual event. Six latent classes of concurrent event-level substance use were identified. The referent class (58.8% of events) was characterized by limited use of any drugs. The Common Drug Use class (12.1%) was characterized by use of alcohol, cannabis, and poppers and the Licit Drug Use class (21.6%) was characterized by use of alcohol alone. The Party 'N' Play (PnP) class (2.3%) was characterized by use of crystal methamphetamine GHB, Poppers, and Erectile Drugs; The Multi-use (3.5%) class was characterized by the PnP substances plus alcohol and ecstasy; and the Cannabis + class was characterized by use of Cannabis, Erectile Drugs, and Ecstasy. Relative to the referent class, all other classes were associated with events with more behavioural and network risk factors for STBBIs-highlighting the need for harm reduction interventions for gbMSM who use these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiffer G Card
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Tian Shen
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Justin Barath
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jordan Sang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Allan Lal
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
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20
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Sang JM, Wang L, Moore DM, Barath J, Lal A, Hart TA, Skakoon-Sparling S, Noor SW, Chown S, Lambert G, Cox J, Jollimore J, Parlette A, Apelian H, Grace D, Lachowsky NJ. Examining Associations Between Resilience and PrEP Use Among HIV-negative GBM in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. AIDS Behav 2023. [PMID: 36867322 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04031-1] [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: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the association between resilience and PrEP use among a population-based sample of Canadian gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM). Sexually active GBM aged ≥ 16 years old were recruited via respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver from 02/2017 to 07/2019. We conducted a pooled cross-sectional analysis of HIV-negative/unknown GBM who met clinical eligibility for PrEP. We performed multivariable RDS-II-weighted logistic regression to assess the association between scores on the Connor-Davidson Resilience-2 Scale and PrEP. Mediation analyses with weighted logistic and linear regression were used to assess whether the relationship between minority stressors and PrEP use was mediated by resilience. Of 1167 PrEP-eligible GBM, 317 (27%) indicated they took PrEP in the past six months. Our multivariable model found higher resilience scores were associated with greater odds of PrEP use in the past six months (aOR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.00, 1.28). We found that resilience reduced the effect of the association between heterosexist discrimination and PrEP use. Resilience also mediated the relationship between internalized homonegativity and PrEP use and mediated the effect of the association between LGBI acceptance concern and PrEP use. Overall, PrEP-eligible GBM with higher resilience scores had a greater odds of PrEP use in the past six months. We also found mixed results for the mediating role of resilience between minority stress and PrEP use. These findings underline the continued importance of strength-based factors in HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Sang
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Justin Barath
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Allan Lal
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Syed W Noor
- School of Human Sciences, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Sarah Chown
- Engage Community-Advisory Committee, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Direction régionale de santé publique -Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de- Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Direction régionale de santé publique -Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de- Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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21
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Chambers C, Deeks SL, Sutradhar R, Cox J, de Pokomandy A, Grennan T, Hart TA, Lambert G, Moore DM, Grace D, Grewal R, Jollimore J, Lachowsky NJ, Mah A, Nisenbaum R, Ogilvie G, Sauvageau C, Tan DH, Yeung A, Burchell AN. Self-reported Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Vaccine Effectiveness Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Quantitative Bias Analysis. Epidemiology 2023; 34:225-229. [PMID: 36722804 PMCID: PMC9891269 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001580] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-report of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has ~80-90% sensitivity and ~75-85% specificity. We measured the effect of nondifferential exposure misclassification associated with self-reported vaccination on vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates. METHODS Between 2017-2019, we recruited sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men aged 16-30 years in Canada. VE was derived as 1-prevalence ratio × 100% for prevalent anal HPV infection comparing vaccinated (≥1 dose) to unvaccinated men using a multivariable modified Poisson regression. We conducted a multidimensional and probabilistic quantitative bias analysis to correct VE estimates. RESULTS Bias-corrected VE estimates were relatively stable across sensitivity values but differed from the uncorrected estimate at lower values of specificity. The median adjusted VE was 27% (2.5-97.5th simulation interval = -5-49%) in the uncorrected analysis, increasing to 39% (2.5-97.5th simulation interval = 2-65%) in the bias-corrected analysis. CONCLUSION A large proportion of participants erroneously reporting HPV vaccination would be required to meaningfully change VE estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharine Chambers
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelley L. Deeks
- Government of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Rinku Sutradhar
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Troy Grennan
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Trevor A. Hart
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - David M. Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jody Jollimore
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Ashley Mah
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rosane Nisenbaum
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gina Ogilvie
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chantal Sauvageau
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Anna Yeung
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ann N. Burchell
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Jacobsen K, Hu ATY, Stark A, Klassen BJ, Lachowsky NJ, Hébert W. Prevalence and Correlates of Incarceration Among Trans Men, Nonbinary People, and Two-Spirit People in Canada. J Correct Health Care 2023; 29:47-59. [PMID: 36301183 DOI: 10.1089/jchc.21.10.0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, sexual and gender minority populations are known to experience both higher rates of incarceration and more harmful experiences while incarcerated. However, little is known about incarceration rates or experiences among these populations in Canada or among trans men, nonbinary people, and Indigenous Two-Spirit people. This community-based research study analyzed anonymous self-completed survey data from gay, bisexual, trans, and queer men, and nonbinary and Two-Spirit people to determine the prevalence and correlates of lifetime incarceration among trans men, nonbinary, and Two-Spirit participants. Overall, 5.7% of trans participants, 10.6% of nonbinary participants, and 19.7% of Two-Spirit participants reported being incarcerated in their lifetime, all higher than the prevalence among cisgender non-Two-Spirit participants (3.7%). Multivariable logistic regression models revealed both similar and different correlates of incarceration for trans, nonbinary, and Two-Spirit participants, including older age, less education, experiences of forced sex as a minor, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV diagnoses, substance use, and being less out about one's sexuality. Our findings highlight the disproportionate and inequitable incarceration of trans men, nonbinary, and Two-Spirit people and underscore the need for access to gender diverse, culturally competent HCV and HIV screening, prevention, treatment, and harm reduction in correctional facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Jacobsen
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Alexi T Y Hu
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Aeron Stark
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | | | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.,Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - William Hébert
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Law and Legal Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
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23
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Brennan DJ, Armstrong JP, Kesler M, Bekele T, Lachowsky NJ, Grace D, Hart TA, Souleymanov R, Adam BD. Willingness and eligibility to donate blood under 12-month and 3-month deferral policies among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Ontario, Canada. PLOS Glob Public Health 2023; 3:e0001380. [PMID: 36962853 PMCID: PMC10021805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In Canada, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are a population that are willing to donate blood, if eligible, but have a history of ineligibility and deferrals due to concerns that their blood poses an increased risk of HIV entering the blood supply. Our objective was to examine the proportion of GBMSM who are willing and eligible to donate under the 12-month deferral policy (implemented in 2016) and the 3-month deferral policy (implemented in 2019). Data for this study comes from the #iCruise study, a mixed cohort study designed to examine sexual health outreach experiences through online services and mobile apps among GBMSM in Ontario. A total of 910 participants were recruited between July 2017 and January 2018. Eligibility criteria include identify as male (cisgender or transgender); at least 14 years old; having had sex with a man in the previous year or identifying as sexually/romantically attracted to other men or identifying as gay, bisexual, queer or two-spirit; and living or working in Ontario or having visited Ontario four or more times in the past year. Participants completed a baseline and a follow-up questionnaire. A subset of #iCruise participants (n = 447) further completed this questionnaire. Willingness and eligibility to donate blood were assessed under 12-month and 3-month deferral policies. Of the 447 GBMSM surveyed, 309 (69.1%) reported a general interest in donating blood. 109 (24.4%) GBMSM were willing, 75 (16.7%) were eligible, and 24 (5.4%) were both willing and eligible to donate blood under the 12-month deferral policy. Under the 3-month deferral policy, willingness and eligibility to donate blood increased significantly to 42.3% and 29.3%, respectively. The percent of GBMSM who were both willing and eligible to donate blood also increased significantly to 12.3% under the 3-month deferral policy. The increase in willingness to donate blood varied by age, ethnicity, and geographic residence of participants whereas the increase in eligibility to donate blood varied by education level of participants. Under the 3-month deferral policy, GBMSM who were 50 years or older, identified as bisexual or other, had a lower education level, and who were not 'out' to others were more likely to be eligible to donate. GBMSM who reported a general interest in donating blood were more likely to be willing to donate blood under both deferral policies. The most common reason for not being interested in donating blood was the MSM deferral policy itself; many participants interpreted the policy as discriminatory for 'singling out' GBMSM or self-assed themselves as ineligible. Among study participants, both willingness and eligibility to donate blood was significantly higher under the 3-month deferral policy. The results suggest that a time-based reduction to a 3-month deferral policy is impactful but limited. Future research should measure GBMSM's willingness and eligibility under the individual risk-based assessment (to be implemented in 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - JP Armstrong
- Department of Sociology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maya Kesler
- Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Trevor A. Hart
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rusty Souleymanov
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus), Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Barry D. Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
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24
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Sang JM, Cui Z, Wang L, Bacani N, Lachowsky NJ, Lal A, Card KG, Roth EA, Montaner JSG, Howard T, Hogg RS, Moore DM. Treatment interruptions and community connectedness among gbMSM living with HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada. AIDS Care 2023; 35:139-147. [PMID: 36345611 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2142927] [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: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
HIV treatment interruptions are a major public health concern that demonstrate a lack of engagement in care and is detrimental to the health of people living with HIV. Community connectedness have demonstrated a protective effect for psychosocial health but are not well understood for HIV treatment outcomes. We explored associations between community connectedness and treatment interruptions among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) living with HIV in Vancouver, British Columbia. We analyzed survey data from the Momentum Health Study and identified treatment interruptions through data linkages with the provincial HIV Drug Treatment Program as episodes lasting more than 60 days beyond an expected antiretroviral therapy refill date from February 2012 to July 2019. We built a mixed-effects logistic regression model, adjusting for confounders. Of 213 gbMSM living with HIV, 54 experienced treatment interruption (25.4%) over a median five-year follow-up. Multivariable results found the number gbMSM who spoken to in the past month (aOR = 0.995; 95% CI = 0.991, 1.000 (per 100-unit increase)) and attending a gay community meeting more than once per month (aOR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.11, 0.89) were associated with lower odds of treatment interruptions. These results highlight the importance of social connections in facilitating effective HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Sang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Zishan Cui
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nicanor Bacani
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Allan Lal
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Eric A Roth
- Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Julio S G Montaner
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Terry Howard
- Momentum Health Study Community Advisory Board, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Canada
| | - David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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25
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Dulai JJS, Gilbert M, Lachowsky NJ, Card KG, Klassen B, Dame J, Burchell AN, Worthington C, Ablona A, Anand P, Blaque E, Ryu H, Stewart M, Brennan DJ, Grace D. Acceptability of an existing online sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection testing model among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Ontario, Canada. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231173557. [PMID: 37214661 PMCID: PMC10192952 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231173557] [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] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) due to stigma and other factors such as structural barriers, which delay STBBI testing in this population. Understanding acceptability of online testing is useful in expanding access in this population, thus we examined barriers to clinic-based testing, acceptability of a potential online testing model, and factors associated with acceptability among GBM living in Ontario. Methods Sex Now 2019 was a community-based, online, bilingual survey of GBM aged ≥15. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using modified Poisson regression with robust variances. Multivariable modelling was conducted using the Hosmer-Lemeshow-Sturdivant approach. Results Among 1369 participants, many delayed STBBI testing due to being too busy (31%) or inconvenient clinic hours (29%). Acceptability for online testing was high (80%), with saving time (67%) as the most common benefit, and privacy concerns the most common drawback (38%). Statistically significant predictors of acceptability for online testing were younger age (PR = 0.993; 95%CI: 0.991-0.996); a greater number of different sexual behaviours associated with STBBI transmission (PR = 1.031; 95%CI: 1.018-1.044); identifying as an Indigenous immigrant (PR = 1.427; 95%CI: 1.276-1.596) or immigrant of colour (PR = 1.158; 95%CI: 1.086-1.235) compared with white non-immigrants; and currently using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) compared to not currently using PrEP (PR = 0.894; 95%CI: 0.828-0.965). Conclusions Acceptability of online testing was high among GBM in Ontario. Implementing online STBBI testing may expand access for certain subpopulations of GBM facing barriers to current in-person testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshun JS Dulai
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health,
University of Toronto, Canada
- Community-Based Research
Centre, Canada
| | - Mark Gilbert
- Community-Based Research
Centre, Canada
- Clinical Prevention Services, British
Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health,
University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Community-Based Research
Centre, Canada
- School of Public Health and Social
Policy, University of Victoria, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- Community-Based Research
Centre, Canada
- School of Public Health and Social
Policy, University of Victoria, Canada
| | | | | | - Ann N Burchell
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health,
University of Toronto, Canada
- St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University
of Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Aidan Ablona
- Community-Based Research
Centre, Canada
- Clinical Prevention Services, British
Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Canada
| | - Praney Anand
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health,
University of Toronto, Canada
- Alliance for South Asian AIDS
Prevention, Canada
| | - Ezra Blaque
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health,
University of Toronto, Canada
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work,
University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Heeho Ryu
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health,
University of Toronto, Canada
| | | | - David J Brennan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health,
University of Toronto, Canada
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work,
University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health,
University of Toronto, Canada
- Community-Based Research
Centre, Canada
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Sang JM, McAllister K, Wang L, Barath J, Lal A, Parlette A, Noor SW, Apelian H, Skakoon‐Sparling S, Hull M, Moore DM, Cox J, Hart TA, Lambert G, Grace D, Jollimore J, Hogg RS, Lachowsky NJ. Examining provincial PrEP coverage and characterizing PrEP awareness and use among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, 2017-2020. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26017. [PMID: 36306245 PMCID: PMC9616170 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accessibility of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Canada remains complex as publicly funded coverage and delivery differs by province. In January 2018, PrEP became publicly funded and free of charge in British Columbia (BC), whereas PrEP coverage in Ontario and Montreal is more limited and may require out-of-pocket costs. We examined differences over time in PrEP uptake and assessed factors associated with PrEP awareness and use. METHODS Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) were recruited through respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, Canada, in a prospective biobehavioural cohort study. We applied generalized estimating equations with hierarchical data (RDS chain, participant, visit) to examine temporal trends of PrEP use and correlates of PrEP awareness and use from 2017 to 2020 among self-reported HIV-negative/unknown GBM. RESULTS Of 2008 self-identified HIV-negative/unknown GBM at baseline, 5093 study visits were completed from February 2017 to March 2020. At baseline, overall PrEP awareness was 88% and overall PrEP use was 22.5%. During our study period, we found PrEP use increased in all cities (all p<0.001): Montreal 14.2% during the first time period to 39.3% during the last time period (p<0.001), Toronto 21.4-31.4% (p<0.001) and Vancouver 21.7-59.5% (p<0.001). Across the study period, more Vancouver GBM used PrEP than Montreal GBM (aOR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.60-2.63), with no significant difference between Toronto and Montreal GBM (aOR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.68-1.18). CONCLUSIONS Full free-of-charge public funding for PrEP in BC likely contributed to differences in PrEP awareness and use. Increasing public funding for PrEP will improve accessibility and uptake among GBM most at risk of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M. Sang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Kate McAllister
- School of Public Health and Social PolicyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Justin Barath
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Allan Lal
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | - Syed W. Noor
- Ryerson UniversityTorontoOntarioCanada,School of Human SciencesLouisiana State University ShreveportShreveportLouisianaUSA
| | - Herak Apelian
- McGill UniversityMontréalQuebecCanada,Direction régionale de santé publique ‐MontréalCIUSSS Centre‐Sud‐de‐l'Ile‐de‐MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | | | - Mark Hull
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada,University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - David M. Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada,University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Joseph Cox
- McGill UniversityMontréalQuebecCanada,Direction régionale de santé publique ‐MontréalCIUSSS Centre‐Sud‐de‐l'Ile‐de‐MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Trevor A. Hart
- Ryerson UniversityTorontoOntarioCanada,University of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Direction régionale de santé publique ‐MontréalCIUSSS Centre‐Sud‐de‐l'Ile‐de‐MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada,Institut national de santé publique du QuébecMontréalQuebecCanada
| | | | - Jody Jollimore
- Community Based Research CentreVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Robert S. Hogg
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada,Simon Fraser UniversityBurnabyBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada,School of Public Health and Social PolicyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada,Community Based Research CentreVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
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27
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Armstrong HL, Gitelman J, Cui Z, Bacani N, Sereda P, Lachowsky NJ, Card KG, Sang JM, Raymond HF, Montaner J, Hall D, Howard T, Hull M, Hogg RS, Roth EA, Moore DM. Virological suppression among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men living with HIV in Vancouver, Canada: A longitudinal cohort study from 2012-2017. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276596. [PMID: 36269767 PMCID: PMC9586352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276596] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2010, British Columbia (BC) implemented HIV Treatment as Prevention (TasP) as policy. We examined trends in virologic suppression and determinants of significant viremia among a prospective biobehavioural cohort of men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Vancouver from 2012-2017. METHODS Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit sexually active gbMSM (≥16 years) who completed biannual study visits with a computer-assisted self-interview and clinical CD4 and viral load (VL) testing. We linked participant data with the BC HIV Drug Treatment Program to obtain antiretroviral dispensing and VL data. We conducted a trend analysis of VL suppression using univariable generalized estimating equation (GEE) multi-level modelling and multivariable GEE to identify factors associated with episodes of VL ≥200 copies/mL. RESULTS Of 774 participants, 223 were living with HIV at baseline and 16 were diagnosed during follow-up (n = 239). We observed a significant trend towards reduced levels of unsuppressed VL (>200 copies/mL) from 22% (07/2012-12/2012) to 12% (07/2016-12/2016) (OR:0.87; 95%CI:0.83-0.91 for each 6-month period). Among those with at least one follow-up visit, (n = 178, median follow-up = 3.2 years, median age = 46.9 years), younger age (aOR:0.97; 95%CI:0.94-0.99, per year), ecstasy use (aOR:1.69; 95%CI:1.13-2.53), crystal methamphetamine use (aOR:1.71; 95%CI:1.18-2.48), seeking sex via websites (aOR:1.46; 95%CI:1.01-2.12), and lower HIV treatment optimism (aOR:0.94; 95%CI:0.90-0.97) were associated with episodes of elevated viremia. CONCLUSIONS During a period when TasP policy was actively promoted, we observed a significant trend towards reduced levels of unsuppressed VL. Continued efforts should promote HIV treatment optimism and engagement, especially among younger gbMSM and those who use ecstasy and crystal methamphetamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L. Armstrong
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Zishan Cui
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nicanor Bacani
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul Sereda
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Kiffer G. Card
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Jordan M. Sang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Henry F. Raymond
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Julio Montaner
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David Hall
- Immunodeficiency Clinic, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Terry Howard
- Momentum Health Study, Community Advisory Board, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mark Hull
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Robert S. Hogg
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Eric A. Roth
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - David M. Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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28
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Masri NZ, Card KG, Caws EA, Babcock A, Powell R, Lowe CJ, Donovan S, Norum S, Lyons S, De Pol S, Kostenchuk L, Dorea C, Lachowsky NJ, Willerth SM, Fyles TM, Buckley HL. Testing specificity and sensitivity of wastewater-based epidemiology for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in four communities on Vancouver Island, Canada. Environ Adv 2022; 9:100310. [PMID: 36321068 PMCID: PMC9613784 DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2022.100310] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We report wastewater surveillance of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 based upon 24-h composite influent samples taken weekly from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada between January 3, 2021 and July 10, 2021. Samples were analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting the N1 and N2 gene fragments of SARS-CoV-2 and a region of the replication associate protein of the pepper mottle mosaic virus (PMMoV) serving as endemic control. Only a small proportion of samples had quantifiable levels of N1 or N2. Overall case rates are weakly correlated with the concentration (gene copies/L) and with the flux of viral material influent to the WWTP (gene copies/day); the latter accounts for influent flow variations. Poisson multimodal rank correlation accounts for differences between the four WWTP and shows a significant correlation with a significant positive intercept. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis confirms a cut-off of cases based on amplified/not-amplified experimental data. At the optimal cut point of 19 (N1) or 17 (N2) cases/week/100,000 the sensitivity and specificity is about 75% for N1 and 67% for N2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Zeina Masri
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | | | - Emmanuelle A Caws
- Department of Civil Engineering and Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Canada
| | - Alana Babcock
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | | | | | - Shelley Donovan
- Environmental Monitoring Program, Capital Regional District, Canada
| | | | - Shirley Lyons
- Environmental Monitoring Program, Capital Regional District, Canada
| | | | | | - Caetano Dorea
- Department of Civil Engineering and Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Willerth
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria; Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Heather L Buckley
- Department of Civil Engineering, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Canada
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29
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Fonseca-Cuevas A, Nanditha NGA, Shen T, Moore DM, Lachowsky NJ, Card KG, Sang JM, Wang L, Chia J, Duailibe F, Hogg RS, Lima VD. Use of Gay Chatlines and Online Dating Platforms as Potential Mediators or Moderators in the Relationship Between Loneliness, Self-Rated Attractiveness and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Acquisition Risk Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Vancouver, Canada. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:706-712. [PMID: 35794818 PMCID: PMC9481688 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001672] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) remain disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Interaction between psychosocial factors likely plays a role in HIV acquisition risk. We aimed to analyze the association of loneliness and self-rated attractiveness with HIV acquisition risk, and determine whether these associations were mediated by gay telephone chatlines or online dating platforms. METHODS This cross-sectional study included HIV-negative gbMSM 16 years or older enrolled into the Momentum Health Study from February 2012 to February 2015. Loneliness, self-rated attractiveness (exposures) and use of gay chatlines or online dating platforms (mediators) were assessed through self-interviews. Human immunodeficiency virus acquisition risk (outcome) was assessed by the HIV Incidence Risk Index. Weighted logistic regression modeled the association and moderation effect between exposures and outcome. Mediation models estimated 3-way direct effect among exposures, mediators, and outcome. RESULTS Of 542 gbMSM, those who were lonely (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.54; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.04-2.28) and attractive (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.04-2.76) had increased odds for HIV acquisition risk. Our moderation analysis demonstrated a heightened joint effect among lonely and attractive participants (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.08-2.65). Use of gay telephone chatlines or online dating platforms mediated 30.5% of the association between loneliness and HIV acquisition risk, but did not mediate attractiveness and HIV acquisition risk. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the provision of interventions focusing on mental health support and safer sex practices through gay telephone chatlines or online dating platforms is promising to help alleviate the HIV burden among gbMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ni Gusti Ayu Nanditha
- From the Epidemiology and Population Health Program, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
- Department of Medicine
| | - Tian Shen
- From the Epidemiology and Population Health Program, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | - David M. Moore
- From the Epidemiology and Population Health Program, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
| | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, Faculty of Human and Social Development, University of Victoria, Victoria
| | - Kiffer G. Card
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, Faculty of Human and Social Development, University of Victoria, Victoria
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Jordan M. Sang
- From the Epidemiology and Population Health Program, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | - Lu Wang
- From the Epidemiology and Population Health Program, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | - Jason Chia
- From the Epidemiology and Population Health Program, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | - Felipe Duailibe
- From the Epidemiology and Population Health Program, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
- Department of Medicine
| | - Robert S. Hogg
- From the Epidemiology and Population Health Program, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Viviane D. Lima
- From the Epidemiology and Population Health Program, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
- Department of Medicine
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30
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Card KG, Adshade M, Hogg RS, Jollimore J, Lachowsky NJ. What public health interventions do people in Canada prefer to fund? A discrete choice experiment. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1178. [PMID: 35698077 PMCID: PMC9189791 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13539-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess public support of tailored and targeted public health interventions for marginalized communities. Methods We conducted a discrete choice experiment using a web-based survey advertised to Facebook and Instagram users living in Canada, aged > 16. Participants were asked to choose between funding two hypothetical public health programs. Each program was described by its purpose; expected increase in life expectancy; and target audience. Demographically weighted generalized linear mixed-effects models were constructed to identify program factors associated with program selection. Results Participants completed up to 8 discrete choice comparison exercises each resulting in 23,889 exercises were completed by 3054 participants. Selected programs were less likely to focus on prevention (vs. treatment). For each 1-year increase in the marginal years of life gained, there was a 15% increase in the odds of a program being selected. Interventions tailored to marginalized communities or targeting stigmatized health conditions were less likely to be selected compared to interventions targeted to the general population or targeting chronic health conditions. Noteworthy exceptions included an increased preference for interventions aligning with the perceived needs or cultural expectations for marginalized communities. Conclusions Stigmatizing perceptions of health conditions and key populations likely influence public health programming preferences of Canadians. Public health implications Informational campaigns highlighting disparities experienced by marginalized populations may improve support for targeted and tailored interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiffer G Card
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada. .,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada. .,British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Community-based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Marina Adshade
- Vancouver School of Economics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Community-based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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31
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Young J, Ablona A, Klassen BJ, Higgins R, Kim J, Lavoie S, Knight R, Lachowsky NJ. Implementing community-based Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing for HIV and hepatitis C: a qualitative analysis of key facilitators and ongoing challenges. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1085. [PMID: 35642034 PMCID: PMC9158154 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13525-x] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2018, the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) invited gay, bisexual, trans, queer men and Two-Spirit and non-binary people (GBT2Q) at Pride Festivals across Canada to complete in-person Sex Now surveys and provide optional dried blood spot (DBS) samples screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). As there is a lack of research evaluating the implementation of DBS sampling for GBT2Q in community settings, we aimed to evaluate this intervention, identifying key facilitators and ongoing challenges to implementing community-based DBS screening for HIV/HCV among GBT2Q. Methods We conducted sixteen one-on-one interviews with individuals involved with the community-based DBS collection protocol, including research staff, site coordinators, and volunteer DBS collectors. Most individuals involved with DBS collection were “peers” (GBT2Q-identified). The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided our data collection and analysis. Results Interviewees felt that DBS collection was a low-barrier, cost-effective, and simple way for peers to quickly screen a large number of Sex Now respondents. Interviewees also noted that the community and peer-based aspects of the research helped drive recruitment of Sex Now respondents. Most interviewees felt that the provision of results took too long, and that some Sex Now respondents would have preferred to receive their test results immediately (e.g., rapid or point-of-care testing). Conclusion Peer-based DBS sampling can be an effective and relatively simple way to screen GBT2Q at Pride Festivals for more than one sexually transmitted and blood borne infection. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13525-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Young
- Community-Based Research Centre, 1007-808 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2H2, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Aidan Ablona
- Community-Based Research Centre, 1007-808 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2H2, Canada
| | - Benjamin J Klassen
- Community-Based Research Centre, 1007-808 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2H2, Canada
| | - Rob Higgins
- Community-Based Research Centre, 1007-808 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2H2, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - John Kim
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Stephanie Lavoie
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, Providence Health Care, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Community-Based Research Centre, 1007-808 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2H2, Canada. .,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada.
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32
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Armstrong JP, Brennan DJ, Collict D, Kesler M, Bekele T, Souleymanov R, Grace D, Lachowsky NJ, Hart TA, Adam BD. A mixed methods investigation of the relationship between blood donor policy, interest in donation, and willingness to donate among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Ontario, Canada. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:849. [PMID: 35484587 PMCID: PMC9047391 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13229-2] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As of 2019, men who have sex with men (MSM) in Canada are ineligible to donate blood if they have had oral or anal sex with another man in the last 3 months. Deferral policies targeting MSM are largely interpreted as unjust by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) – shaping their desire to donate blood and engage with blood operators. This mixed methods study explores interest in blood donation among GBMSM as well as willingness (and eligibility) to donate under four different deferral policies. Methods We surveyed 447 GBMSM who were recruited from the Ontario-wide #iCruise study. Participants were asked whether they were interested in blood donation and if they were willing to donate under each of our four deferral policies. We also completed interviews with 31 of these GBMSM. Participants were asked to describe their feelings about blood donation, their views on our different deferral policies, the impact of a policy change, as well as other means of redress. Results Most participants (69%) indicated that they were interested in donating blood. Despite this, an interpretation of the MSM deferral policy as discriminatory was common among all participants. Our mixed methods findings indicate that, among those who were interested in blood donation, the adoption of one of the alternative policies presented in this study (specifically Policy 2 or Policy 3) would significantly increase the number of participants willing to donate and be viewed as “a step in the right direction.” However, many participants who were not interested in blood donation argued that a gender-neutral deferral policy would need to be implemented for them to donate. Participants recommended that blood operators consider efforts to repair relations with GBMSM beyond policy change, including pop-up clinics in predominantly queer areas and diversity sensitivity training for staff. Conclusion We argue that the most impactful policy shift would be the implementation of an individual risk-based deferral policy that is applied to all donors regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. However, given MSM’s historical exclusion from blood donations, blood operators should pair this policy shift with community relationship-building efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Armstrong
- Department of Sociology, York University, Vari Hall, Room 2060, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - David Collict
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V6, Canada
| | - Maya Kesler
- Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Suite 600, 1300 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4T 1X3, Canada
| | - Tsegaye Bekele
- Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Suite 600, 1300 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4T 1X3, Canada
| | - Rusty Souleymanov
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus), Room 521 Tier Building, 173 Dafoe Road West, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, Faculty of Human & Social Development, University of Victoria, STN CSC, P.O. Box 1700, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada.,Department of Psychology, HIV Prevention Lab, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Barry D Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
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Shaw L, Rea K, Lachowsky NJ, Roth EA. Magic Mushroom Use: A Qualitative Interview Study of Post-Trip Impacts and Strategies for Optimizing Experiences. J Psychoactive Drugs 2022; 55:151-158. [PMID: 35315749 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2022.2054746] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The field of psychedelic research is undergoing a revival, yet research focused on non-clinical psychedelic use remains relatively limited. The current qualitative study sheds light on how people use magic mushrooms, what they perceive the effects of such use to be, and the meanings that users attach to their magic mushroom experiences. To be eligible to participate in the study, participants were required to be young adults who had used magic mushrooms within the past three months and residents of Victoria, Canada. Semi-structured, one-on-one in-person interviews regarding magic mushroom use habits, culture, knowledge and other factors were conducted with each participant and subsequently analyzed thematically. Participants associated magic mushroom use with lasting impacts on their lives including transformation and learning experiences. Additionally, participants described strategies to optimize their magic mushroom experiences, including engaging in research regarding magic mushrooms as well as making use of peer supports. Furthermore, aspects of magic mushroom experiences conceptualized as harmful in previous studies were described by participants as associated with learning experiences and few harms. Participants' perceived positive outcomes and relatively low risk profile warrants further research to inform how magic mushroom users can maximize potential positive outcomes and also minimize harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Shaw
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Kerri Rea
- School of Social Work, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Eric Abella Roth
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Milwid RM, Xia Y, Doyle CM, Cox J, Lambert G, Thomas R, Mishra S, Grace D, Lachowsky NJ, Hart TA, Boily MC, Maheu-Giroux M. Past dynamics of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men in Montréal, Canada: a mathematical modeling study. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:233. [PMID: 35255860 PMCID: PMC8902714 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07207-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) experience disproportionate risks of HIV acquisition and transmission. In 2017, Montréal became the first Canadian Fast-Track City, setting the 2030 goal of zero new HIV infections. To inform local elimination efforts, we estimate the evolving role of prevention and sexual behaviours on HIV transmission dynamics among gbMSM in Montréal between 1975 and 2019. METHODS Data from local bio-behavioural surveys were analyzed to develop, parameterize, and calibrate an agent-based model of sexual HIV transmission. Partnership dynamics, HIV's natural history, and treatment and prevention strategies were considered. The model simulations were analyzed to estimate the fraction of HIV acquisitions and transmissions attributable to specific groups, with a focus on age, sexual partnering level, and gaps in the HIV care-continuum. RESULTS The model-estimated HIV incidence peaked in 1985 (2.3 per 100 person years (PY); 90% CrI: 1.4-2.9 per 100 PY) and decreased to 0.1 per 100 PY (90% CrI: 0.04-0.3 per 100 PY) in 2019. Between 2000-2017, the majority of HIV acquisitions and transmissions occurred among men aged 25-44 years, and men aged 35-44 thereafter. The unmet prevention needs of men with > 10 annual anal sex partners contributed 90-93% of transmissions and 67-73% of acquisitions annually. The primary stage of HIV played an increasing role over time, contributing to 11-22% of annual transmissions over 2000-2019. In 2019, approximately 70% of transmission events occurred from men who had discontinued, or never initiated antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS The evolving HIV landscape has contributed to the declining HIV incidence among gbMSM in Montréal. The shifting dynamics identified in this study highlight the need for continued population-level surveillance to identify gaps in the HIV care continuum and core groups on which to prioritize elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M. Milwid
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Yiqing Xia
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Carla M. Doyle
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC Canada ,grid.459278.50000 0004 4910 4652Direction Régionale de Santé Publique de Montréal, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- grid.459278.50000 0004 4910 4652Direction Régionale de Santé Publique de Montréal, Montréal, QC Canada
| | | | - Sharmistha Mishra
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada
| | - Trevor A. Hart
- grid.68312.3e0000 0004 1936 9422Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Boily
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC Canada
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35
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Skakoon-Sparling S, Cox J, Lachowsky NJ, Kirshbaum AL, Berlin GW, Gaspar M, Adam BD, Brennan DJ, Moore DM, Apelian H, Sang JM, Jollimore J, Grace D, Grey C, Hart TA. Minority stressors and connectedness among urban gay, bisexual, and queer men. Psychology of Men & Masculinities 2022. [DOI: 10.1037/men0000388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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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36
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Souleymanov R, Star J, McLeod A, Amjad S, Moore S, Campbell C, Lorway R, Payne M, Ringaert L, Larcombe L, Restall G, Migliardi P, Magwood B, Lachowsky NJ, Brennan DJ, Sharma UN. Relationship between sociodemographics, healthcare providers' competence and healthcare access among two-spirit, gay, bisexual, queer and other men who have sex with men in Manitoba: results from a community-based cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054596. [PMID: 35105639 PMCID: PMC8804644 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054596] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about barriers to healthcare access for two-spirit, gay, bisexual and queer (2SGBQ+) men in Manitoba. DESIGN Data were drawn from a community-based, cross-sectional survey designed to examine health and healthcare access among 2SGBQ+ men. SETTING Community-based cross-sectional study in Manitoba, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Community-based sample of 368 2SGBQ+ men. OUTCOMES Logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between sociodemographics, healthcare discrimination, perceived healthcare providers' 2SGBQ+ competence/knowledge and two indicators of healthcare access (analytic outcome variables): (1) having a regular healthcare provider and (2) having had a healthcare visit in the past 12 months. RESULTS In multivariate analyses, living in Brandon (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.08, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.22), small cities (AOR=0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.98) and smaller towns (AOR=0.26, 95% CI 0.08 o 0.81) in Manitoba (compared with living in Winnipeg), as well as having a healthcare provider with poor (AOR=0.19, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.90) or very poor competence/knowledge (AOR=0.03, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.25) of 2SGBQ+ men's issues (compared with very good competence) was associated with lower odds of having a regular healthcare provider. Living in Brandon (AOR=0.05, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.17) and smaller towns (AOR=0.25, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.90) in Manitoba (compared with living in Winnipeg) was associated with lower odds of having a healthcare visit in the past 12 months, while identifying as a gay man compared with bisexual (AOR=12.57, 95% CI 1.88 to 83.97) was associated with higher odds of having a healthcare visit in the past 12 months. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the importance of reducing the gap between the healthcare access of rural and urban 2SGBQ+ men, improving healthcare providers' cultural competence and addressing their lack of knowledge of 2SGBQ+ men's issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rusty Souleymanov
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jared Star
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Albert McLeod
- Two-Spirited People of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sana Amjad
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Samantha Moore
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Robert Lorway
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael Payne
- Nine Circles Community Health Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Laurie Ringaert
- Manitoba HIV-STBBI Collective Impact Network, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Linda Larcombe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Gayle Restall
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Paula Migliardi
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Community-Based Research Centre, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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37
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Skakoon-Sparling S, Berlin G, Lachowsky NJ, Moore DM, Lambert G, Cox J, Grace D, Apelian H, Sang JM, Hart TA. Social support and HIV prevention behaviors among urban HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Health Psychol 2021; 41:65-75. [PMID: 34928633 DOI: 10.1037/hea0001131] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Supportive social relationships can have direct positive effects on health and mitigate the negative impact of stressors. This study investigated the main effect of perceived social support on STI/HIV risk and prevention behaviors. The buffering effect of perceived social support on the impact of proximal minority stressors, like internalized homonegativity, was also examined on one risk behavior specifically, condomless anal sex (CAS) without HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. METHOD HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) were recruited using respondent driven sampling from three major Canadian urban centers (n = 1,409). GBM completed measures of perceived social support, proximal minority stress, and engagement in STI/HIV risk and prevention behaviors. RESULTS Higher perceived social support was positively associated with a several health behaviors, including recent STI and HIV testing, discussing HIV status with prospective partners, the use of behavioral HIV-risk reduction strategies during sexual encounters, and a lower likelihood of engaging in CAS without PrEP. There was evidence of moderation as well. Among GBM with higher perceived social support, internalized homonegativity was no longer associated with increased odds of engaging in CAS without PrEP. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study advance social support theory to GBM in the context of biomedical prevention, showing both evidence of both direct associations and buffering effects on STI/HIV risk and prevention behaviors. This highlights the importance of promoting social support seeking in interventions aimed at improving GBM health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Joseph Cox
- Direction Regionale de sante Publique de Montreal
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38
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Higgins R, Hansen B, Jackson BE, Shaw A, Lachowsky NJ. Programs and interventions promoting health equity in LGBTQ2+ populations in Canada through action on social determinants of health. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can 2021; 41:431-435. [PMID: 34910899 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.41.12.04] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experience a number of health inequities. That social determinants of health drive these inequities is well-documented, but there is little evidence on the number and types of interventions across Canada that address these determinants for these populations. We conducted an environmental scan of programs in Canada that target SGM, and classified the programs based on their level of intervention (individual/interpersonal, institutional and structural). We found that few programs target women, mid-life adults, Indigenous people or ethnoracial minorities, recent immigrants and refugees, and minority language speakers, and few interventions operate at a structural level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Higgins
- Community-based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian Hansen
- Community-based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Ashley Shaw
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Community-based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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39
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Brennan DJ, Kesler M, Lachowsky NJ, Davies A, Georgievski G, Adam BD, Collict D, Hart TA, Salway T, Griffiths D. Sociodemographic and Psychological Predictors of Seeking Health Information Online among GB2M in Ontario: Findings from the #iCruise Project. Int J Sex Health 2021; 34:337-350. [PMID: 38596527 PMCID: PMC10903557 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.2000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives The current study examines the experiences of gay, bisexual, two-spirit and other men who have sex with men (GB2M) who use networking applications and their engagements with online sexual health outreach workers disseminating healthcare information through these digital spaces. Methods The iCruise study was a longitudinal mixed-methods study across Ontario, Canada which collected data on online sexual health information seeking behaviors. Results Results offer insight into differences in information seeking behaviors among diverse groups of queer men. Conclusions Implications for the dissemination of health information based on the results of information seeking patterns is discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maya Kesler
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Adam Davies
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Georgi Georgievski
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barry D. Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
| | - David Collict
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor A. Hart
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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40
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Grewal R, Deeks SL, Hart TA, Cox J, De Pokomandy A, Grennan T, Lambert G, Moore D, Coutlée F, Gaspar M, George C, Grace D, Jollimore J, Lachowsky NJ, Nisenbaum R, Ogilvie G, Sauvageau C, Tan DHS, Yeung A, Burchell AN. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination across a cascade of knowledge, willingness, and uptake among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Canada's three largest cities. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:5413-5425. [PMID: 34856869 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1979379] [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: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some Canadian jurisdictions offer publicly funded HPV vaccine to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) aged ≤26 years. We characterized factors associated with being in different stages of HPV vaccination. METHODS Engage is a sexual health study of GBM in the three largest Canadian cities recruited via respondent driven sampling (RDS). We categorized participants as: (1) unaware of HPV vaccine, (2) undecided/unwilling to get vaccinated, (3) willing to get vaccinated, (4) vaccinated with one or more doses. Our RDS-II weighted analyses used multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with being in earlier stages of the cascade compared to Stage 4. RESULTS Across the cities, 26-40%, 7-14%, 33-39%, and 13-28% were in Stages 1 to 4, respectively. Compared to Stage 4, being in earlier stages of the cascade was associated with bisexual-identification (Stage 1: adjusted odds ratio[aOR] = 2.84, 95% confidence interval[CI] = 1.06-7.62; Stage 2: aOR = 3.09, 95%CI = 1.19-8.05), having immigrated to Canada (Stage 1: aOR = 1.79, 95%CI 1.07-2.99), preference to keep same-sex romantic relationships private (Stage 1: aOR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.05-1.48; Stage 2: aOR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.05-1.46), not receiving sexual health information (Stage 1: aOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.13-0.71; Stage 2: aOR = 0.27, 95%CI = 0.12-0.64), not accessing a health-care provider (Stage 2: aOR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.15-0.83), and no past hepatitis A/B vaccination (Stage 1: aOR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.09-0.30; Stage 2: aOR = 0.18, 95%CI = 0.09-0.35; Stage 3: aOR = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.21-0.61). DISCUSSION Interventions are needed to reduce social and financial barriers, increase sexual health knowledge, and improve GBM-competent health-care access to increase vaccine uptake among GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Grewal
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - S L Deeks
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, Halifax, Canada
| | - T A Hart
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
| | - J Cox
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Montréal, McGill University.,Direction régionale de santé publique, CIUSSS-Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - A De Pokomandy
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - T Grennan
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - G Lambert
- Direction régionale de santé publique, CIUSSS-Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - D Moore
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - F Coutlée
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - M Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - C George
- Department of Exercise, Health, and Sport Sciences, University of Maine, Portland, USA
| | - D Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - J Jollimore
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - N J Lachowsky
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - R Nisenbaum
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Applied Health Research Centre, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - G Ogilvie
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - C Sauvageau
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada.,Institut National de santé publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - D H S Tan
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A Yeung
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A N Burchell
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Card K, McGuire M, Bond-Gorr J, Nguyen T, Wells GA, Fulcher K, Berlin G, Pal N, Hull M, Lachowsky NJ. Perceived difficulty of getting help to reduce or abstain from substances among sexual and gender minority men who have sex with men (SGMSM) and use methamphetamine during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2021; 16:88. [PMID: 34903260 PMCID: PMC8667539 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-021-00425-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study examined the perceived difficulty of getting help with substance use among sexual and gender minorities who have sex with men (SGMSM) who use methamphetamine during the early COVID-19 period. Methods SGMSM, aged 18+, who reported sex with a man and methamphetamine use in the past 6 months were recruited to complete an online survey using online advertisements. Ordinal regression models examined predictors of greater perceived difficulty of getting help. Explanatory variables included participant characteristics (i.e., age, HIV status, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, region, income) and variables assessing patterns of methamphetamine use (i.e., frequency, % time methamphetamine is used alone and during sex; perceived need for help) and patterns of healthcare access (i.e., regular provider, past substance use service utilization). Results Of 376 participants, most were gay-identified (76.6%), white (72.3%), cisgender (93.6%), and had annual incomes of less than $60,000 CAD (68.9%). Greater perceived difficulty of getting help was associated with having lower income, sometimes using methamphetamine prior to or during sex, and greater perceived need for help. Conclusion Based on these results, we urge greater investments in one-stop, low-barrier, culturally-appropriate care for SGMSM who use methamphetamine. This is especially important given that participants who perceive themselves as needing help to reduce or abstain from substance use perceive the greatest difficulty of getting such help.
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Harvey-Lavoie S, Apelian H, Labbé AC, Cox J, Messier-Peet M, Moodie EEM, Fourmigue A, Moore D, Lachowsky NJ, Grace D, Hart TA, Jollimore J, Fortin C, Lambert G. Community-Based Prevalence Estimates of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Montréal, Canada. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:939-944. [PMID: 34030155 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001486] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reported cases of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections are increasing among Canadian men. Estimates of community-based CT/NG prevalence are lacking among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM). METHODS Respondent driven sampling was used to recruit GBM in Montréal, Canada between February 2017 and June 2018. Specimens provided from urogenital, rectal, and pharyngeal sites were analyzed using nucleic acid amplification test to detect CT/NG. Prevalence estimates of CT/NG, overall and by anatomical site were calculated. All estimates are respondent-driven sampling-adjusted. RESULTS Among 1177 GBM, the prevalence of rectal, urogenital, pharyngeal and overall were respectively 2.4%, 0.4%, 0.4%, and 2.8% for CT infections, and 3.1%, 0.4%, 3.5%, and 5.6% for NG infections. If testing had been limited to the urogenital site, 80% and 94% of CT and NG infections, respectively, would have been missed. CONCLUSIONS This community-based study among GBM shows that the CT prevalence was about half of that observed for NG. A large part of CT/NG infections involves only the extragenital sites, highlighting the need for systematic multisite screening regardless of symptoms. In the mist of the COVID-19 pandemic and the limited CT/NG screening capacity due to test kits shortage, it might be considered to prioritize rectal and pharyngeal CT/NG testing over urogenital testing in asymptomatic GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Erica E M Moodie
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, QC, Canada
| | | | - David Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
| | | | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
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Armstrong HL, Sang JM, Skala A, Wang L, Zhu J, Lachowsky NJ, Card KG, Benoit C, Olarewaju G, Hogg RS, Moore DM, Roth EA. Factors associated with transactional sex among a cohort of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Vancouver, Canada. Sex Health 2021; 18:487-497. [PMID: 34844666 DOI: 10.1071/sh21128] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) who engage in transactional sex (sex in exchange for drugs, money, or goods) experience increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV. This study explored additional psychosocial and health-related factors associated with transactional sex among GBM. Methods Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit GBM in Vancouver, Canada, from 2012 to 2015, with follow up every 6months until July2019. We examined factors associated with transactional sex using multivariable three-level mixed-effects modelling. Results Among 698 GBM, 22.1% reported ever receiving drugs, money, or goods for sex. Transactional sex was more likely to be reported by GBM who were younger (<30years) and who had lower incomes, less education, and insecure housing. GBM reporting transactional sex were more likely to report substance use (i.e. crystal methamphetamine, poppers, GHB, and non-steroid injection drugs) and higher risk sexual behaviours (i.e. more sex partners, sex party attendance, and condomless anal sex with serodifferent or unknown HIV status partners); however, they were no more likely to be living with HIV or to report a recent bacterial STI diagnosis. GBM who reported higher loneliness, anxiety, and cognitive escape were also more likely to report transactional sex. Conclusions More than one-fifth of GBM in Vancouver reported transactional sex and those who did were more likely to also experience psychosocial stressors, increased substance use, and higher risk sexual behaviours. Programs which consider the interconnections of personal, social, and structural challenges faced by GBM engaging in transactional sex are necessary to support improved mental, physical, and sexual health for these men.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordan M Sang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ales Skala
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julia Zhu
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Gbolahan Olarewaju
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eric A Roth
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Card KG, Lachowsky NJ, Hogg RS. Using Google Trends to Inform the Population Size Estimation and Spatial Distribution of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Proof-of-concept Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e27385. [PMID: 34618679 PMCID: PMC8669582 DOI: 10.2196/27385] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We must triangulate data sources to understand best the spatial distribution and population size of marginalized populations to empower public health leaders to address population-specific needs. Existing population size estimation techniques are difficult and limited. Objective We sought to identify a passive surveillance strategy that utilizes internet and social media to enhance, validate, and triangulate population size estimates of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Methods We explored the Google Trends platform to approximate an estimate of the spatial heterogeneity of the population distribution of gbMSM. This was done by comparing the prevalence of the search term “gay porn” with that of the search term “porn.” Results Our results suggested that most cities have a gbMSM population size between 2% and 4% of their total population, with large urban centers having higher estimates relative to rural or suburban areas. This represents nearly a double up of population size estimates compared to that found by other methods, which typically find that between 1% and 2% of the total population are gbMSM. We noted that our method was limited by unequal coverage in internet usage across Canada and differences in the frequency of porn use by gender and sexual orientation. Conclusions We argue that Google Trends estimates may provide, for many public health planning purposes, adequate city-level estimates of gbMSM population size in regions with a high prevalence of internet access and for purposes in which a precise or narrow estimate of the population size is not required. Furthermore, the Google Trends platform does so in less than a minute at no cost, making it extremely timely and cost-effective relative to more precise (and complex) estimates. We also discuss future steps for further validation of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiffer G Card
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, Faculty of Human and Social Development, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Colyer S, Lachowsky NJ, Schmidt AJ, Adam BD, Paquette D, Hart TA, Brennan DJ, Blais M, Kroch AE. Measures of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Canada and Demographic Disparities Among Those at Elevated Likelihood for HIV Acquisition. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3638-3650. [PMID: 34114164 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03336-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention tool being scaled up in Canada. We describe PrEP uptake and identify demographic correlates of uptake among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) at elevated HIV risk using data from an online survey of gbMSM residing in Canada between Oct 2017 and Jan 2018. Among the 969 participants at elevated HIV risk who had recently tested for HIV, 96.0%, 83.3%, 72.6%, and 39.7% reported awareness, knowledge, acceptability, and pursuit of PrEP, respectively; 27.1% had ever and 24.6% were currently taking PrEP. The strongest correlate of PrEP uptake was living in a city of ≥ 500,000 inhabitants; others included being out to all or almost all family, friends, and colleagues regarding sexual attraction to men, greater financial coping, and being 30-49 years of age. Improved upscaling of PrEP in Canada may be accomplished through consideration of these disparities.
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46
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Gaspar M, Skakoon-Sparling S, Adam BD, Brennan DJ, Lachowsky NJ, Cox J, Moore D, Hart TA, Grace D. "You're Gay, It's Just What Happens": Sexual Minority Men Recounting Experiences of Unwanted Sex in the Era of MeToo. J Sex Res 2021; 58:1205-1214. [PMID: 34369847 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1962236] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Our grounded theory analysis derives from in-depth interviews conducted with 24 gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) living in Toronto, Canada, to understand their experiences of sexual coercion. Participants drew on discourse from the #MeToo movement to reconsider the ethics of past sexual experiences. The idea that gay or queer sex is inherently risky and unique from heterosexual relations made negotiating sexual safety challenging. These notions were enforced by homophobic discourses on the one hand, and counter discourses of sexual liberation, resistance to heteronormativity, hegemonic masculinity, and HIV prevention on the other. Biomedical advances in HIV prevention such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and undetectable viral load affected how some participants felt about sexual autonomy and safety. Participants held themselves responsible for needing to be more assertive within sexual encounters to avoid coercion. Many believed that unwanted sex is unavoidable among GBM: if "you're gay, it's just what happens." Targeted education aimed at GBM communities that incorporates insights on GBM sexual subcultures is necessary. This work must be situated within a broader understanding of how gender norms and hegemonic masculinity, racism, HIV status, and other power imbalances affect sexual decision-making, consent, pleasure, and sexual harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
| | | | - Barry D Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
| | | | - Joseph Cox
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University
| | - David Moore
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | | | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
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47
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Roth EA, Cui Z, Armstrong HL, Rich AJ, Lachowsky NJ, Sereda P, Card KG, Bacani N, Moore D, Hogg R. Longitudinal Analysis of HIV Risk and Substance Use Patterns for Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women and Men Who Have Sex with Men Only. J Bisex 2021; 21:405-423. [PMID: 35935471 PMCID: PMC9355115 DOI: 10.1080/15299716.2021.1982102] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women (MSMW) experience discrimination from same-sex and heterosexual communities partially because of perceptions they feature high-risk sexual behavior, elevated polysubstance use levels, and constitute an HIV bridge population. We used a longitudinal multivariate generalized linear mixed model comparing sexual risk and substance use patterns for Men Who Have Sex with Men Only (MSMO) with MSMW in the same cohort study. Data consisted of 771 men reporting 3,705 sexual partnerships from 2012-2017. For high-risk sexual behavior multivariate results showed non-significant (p>0.05) differences for partner number and commercial sex work, and significantly less (p<0.05) HIV prevalence and condomless anal sex. However, MSMW had significantly higher levels of hallucinogen and prescription opioid use, and substance treatment histories. Only one HIV-positive MSMW had a transmittable viral load, negating the concept of an HIV bridge population. Results indicate the need for additional longitudinal studies comparing MSMO and MSMW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Abella Roth
- Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zishan Cui
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Heather L Armstrong
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ashleigh J Rich
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul Sereda
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nic Bacani
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Moore
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert Hogg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Aguilera-Mijares S, Sang JM, Wang L, Barath J, Card KG, Lachowsky NJ, Lal A, Roth E, Hogg RS, Moore DM. Variations in Sexual Behaviors by Use of Specific Substances Among Vancouver Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: An Event-Level Analysis. Arch Sex Behav 2021; 50:2875-2886. [PMID: 34561794 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02068-8] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Event-level studies measure substance use and sexual behaviors happening during a specific sexual encounter, ensuring that both variables are temporally paired. This study explored the event-level associations between a range of sexual behaviors (masturbation, anal sex, oral sex, rimming, fisting, sex toys, and group sex) and five sexualized substances (poppers, methamphetamine, GHB, ecstasy/MDMA, and ketamine) used during 11,582 sexual events reported by 762 gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Vancouver, Canada. Data were obtained from a prospective cohort of GBMSM who self-reported their behaviors via computer-based questionnaires on their last sexual encounter with up to five of their most recent partners in the past six months. These clustered data were analyzed with multivariable generalized linear mixed models. Participants reported popper use in 16.1% of sexual encounters, methamphetamine in 8.6%, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in 4.1%, ecstasy/3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in 3.3%, and ketamine in 1.5%. Condomless receptive anal sex (25.0% of events) was associated with increased odds of using poppers, methamphetamine, GHB, and ecstasy/MDMA. Group sex (13.1% of events) and sharing sex toys (2.0% of events) were more likely with the use of all five substances. Receiving money/drugs/goods in exchange for sex (2.5% of events) was associated with increased odds of poppers, methamphetamine, GHB, and ecstasy/MDMA use. GBMSM living with HIV (29.9% of participants) had higher odds of using poppers, methamphetamine, and GHB, but lower odds of using ecstasy/MDMA. In conclusion, these event-level results suggest public health strategies are needed to address the possible negative impacts of sexualized substance use among GBMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Aguilera-Mijares
- Health Services and Systems Innovation, National Institute of Public Health of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Jordan M Sang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Justin Barath
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Allan Lal
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Eric Roth
- Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Galli RA, Lo Hog Tian JM, Sumner-Williams M, McBain K, Stanizai E, Tharao W, Aden M, Jamieson H, Da Silva M, Vassal AF, Guilbault L, Ireland L, Witges K, King A, Ametepee K, Lachowsky NJ, Pant Pai N, Mazzulli T, Rourke SB. An observed, prospective field study to evaluate the performance and acceptance of a blood-based HIV self-test in Canada. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1421. [PMID: 34275450 PMCID: PMC8286440 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11418-z] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self testing for HIV is a targeted intervention with the potential to increase the access, uptake and frequency of HIV testing and more effectively reach the undiagnosed, especially in priority populations. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the INSTI HIV self-test performance compared with laboratory reference testing, (2) document if intended users can perform the steps to use the HIV self-test device, and (3) document if intended users can successfully interpret contrived positive, negative, and invalid results. Study was intended to be submitted to Health Canada for review for regulatory approval purposes. Methods The study used a cross-sectional design and recruited consenting adults who were representative of intended users of HIV self-testing from four community sites across Ontario, Québec, and Manitoba between August 2019 and March 2020. The results of the observed HIV self-test were compared with results of the Abbott Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo test. Usability outcomes for critical (e.g., lancing finger, blood droplet into bottle, shaking bottle four times) and noncritical self-test procedure steps were also determined. Results Overall, 77% (n = 522) of participants were between 18 and 45 years of age, 61% (n = 410) were male, 71% (n = 480) had some college or more education, and 45% (n = 307) were employed; identity for race and ethnicity: Caucasian (44%; n = 296), African, Caribbean or Black (17%; n = 113), Indigenous [First Nations, Métis or Inuit] (14%; n = 95), Asian (16%; n = 106), Latin American (7%; n = 46). Primary performance analysis on 678 completed HIV self-tests revealed a positive percent agreement of 100% (5/5, 95% CI: 43.6–97.0%) and a negative percent agreement of 99.5% (614/617, 95% CI: 98.6–99.8%) with the comparator method. The overall percent agreement of results interpretation between participant and observer was 93.5% (n = 633). For the 708 participants who took part in the usability study, the average success rate for steps determined to be “critical” for successful completion of the test was 92.4%. 97% (n = 670) of participants found the instructions easy to follow, and 95% (n = 655) of participants indicated that they would use the test again. Of the 404 participants who interpreted the strong positive, weak positive, negative, and invalid contrived results, successful interpretation ranged from 90.6% (for weak positive, n = 366) to 99.3% (for negative, n = 401). Conclusions The addition of a regulatory-approved self-test into the Canadian HIV testing landscape could significantly increase HIV testing rates. Having a blood-based HIV self-test approved in Canada can offer an accurate, acceptable, and simple alternative to facility-based HIV testing, particularly when impacted by Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11418-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Galli
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason M Lo Hog Tian
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Kristin McBain
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emal Stanizai
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wangari Tharao
- Women's Health in Women's Hands, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Muna Aden
- Women's Health in Women's Hands, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Laurie Ireland
- Nine Circles Community Health Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kim Witges
- Nine Circles Community Health Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Alexandra King
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Community Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Tony Mazzulli
- Public Health Ontario Laboratory, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sean B Rourke
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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50
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Salway T, Juwono S, Klassen B, Ferlatte O, Ablona A, Pruden H, Morgan J, Kwag M, Card K, Knight R, Lachowsky NJ. Experiences with sexual orientation and gender identity conversion therapy practices among sexual minority men in Canada, 2019-2020. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252539. [PMID: 34081740 PMCID: PMC8174694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Conversion therapy" practices (CTP) are organized and sustained efforts to avoid the adoption of non-heterosexual sexual orientations and/or of gender identities not assigned at birth. Few data are available to inform the contemporary prevalence of CTP. The aim of this study is to quantify the prevalence of CTP among Canadian sexual and gender minority men, including details regarding the setting, age of initiation, and duration of CTP exposure. METHODS Sexual and gender minority men, including transmen and non-binary individuals, aged ≥ 15, living in Canada were recruited via social media and networking applications and websites, November 2019-February 2020. Participants provided demographic data and detailed information about their experiences with CTP. RESULTS 21% of respondents (N = 9,214) indicated that they or any person with authority (e.g., parent, caregiver) ever tried to change their sexual orientation or gender identity, and 10% had experienced CTP. CTP experience was highest among non-binary (20%) and transgender respondents (19%), those aged 15-19 years (13%), immigrants (15%), and racial/ethnic minorities (11-22%, with variability by identity). Among the n = 910 participants who experienced CTP, most experienced CTP in religious/faith-based settings (67%) or licensed healthcare provider offices (20%). 72% of those who experienced CTP first attended before the age of 20 years, 24% attended for one year or longer, and 31% attended more than five sessions. INTERPRETATION CTP remains prevalent in Canada and is most prevalent among younger cohorts, transgender people, immigrants, and racial/ethnic minorities. Legislation, policy, and education are needed that target both religious and healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephen Juwono
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ben Klassen
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Olivier Ferlatte
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- l’École de santé publique de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Aidan Ablona
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Harlan Pruden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Morgan
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Kwag
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kiffer Card
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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