Suicidal ideation among men during COVID-19: Examining the roles of loneliness, thwarted belongingness, and personality impairment

Suicidal ideation (SI) is a known precursor to suicide among men. While loneliness and thwarted belongingness (TB) have been identified as key factors influencing SI, no study has reported on all three constructs to investigate whether loneliness is associated with SI by way of TB. Furthermore, it is not clear whether personality impairment has a moderating role on this process. The present study examined the impact of loneliness on SI among men and whether TB mediated this relationship. Additionally, the study investigated whether personality impairment (i.e., self-functioning, interpersonal functioning) moderated the relationship between loneliness and TB. Canadian men (N = 434) completed an online survey that included self-report assessments of the study constructs. Conditional process modeling was used to test the indirect effect of loneliness on SI via the mediating effect of TB. Findings indicated a significant association between loneliness and SI that was mediated by TB. Further, impairment in self-functioning moderated the relationship between loneliness and TB, indicating that the relationship was stronger among men with greater difficulties in self-functioning. The findings are important to consider within the COVID-19 context, as they point to the need to reduce the detrimental impacts of loneliness, thereby potentially mitigating male SI.

Patient reported symptoms and adverse outcomes seen in Canada's first vaginoplasty postoperative care clinic

IMPORTANCE

Vaginoplasty is a relatively common gender-affirming surgery with approximately 200 Ontarians seeking this surgery annually. Although Ontario now offers vaginoplasty in province, the capacity is not meeting demand; the majority of trans and gender-diverse patients continue to seek vaginoplasty out of province. Out-of-province surgery presents a barrier to accessing postsurgical follow-up care leaving most patients to seek support from their primary care providers or providers with little experience in gender-affirming surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an account of the common postoperative care needs and neovaginal concerns of Ontarians who underwent penile inversion vaginoplasty out of province and presented for care at a gender-affirming surgery postoperative care clinic.

DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective chart review of the first 80 patients presenting to a gender-affirming surgery postoperative care clinic who had undergone vaginoplasty at an outside surgical center was performed. Descriptive analyses were performed for all variables.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 80 individuals with the mean age of 39 years (19-73). Most patients had surgery at another surgical center in Canada (76.3%). Many patients (22.5%) accessed care in the first 3 months after surgery, with the majority (55%) seeking care within the first perioperative year. Most patients (61.3%) were seen for more than one visit and presented with more than two symptoms or concerns. Common patient-reported symptoms during clinical visit included pain (53.8%), dilation concerns (46.3%), and surgical site/vaginal bleeding (42.5%). Sexual function concerns were also common (33.8%) with anorgasmia (11.3%) and dyspareunia (11.3%) being the most frequent complications. The most common adverse outcomes identified by health care providers included hypergranulation (38.8%), urinary dysfunction (18.8%), and wound healing issues (12.5%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Findings from chart review offer valuable insights into the postoperative needs and neovaginal concerns of Ontarians who have had vaginoplasty out of province. This study demonstrates the need for routine postoperative care in patients undergoing vaginoplasty. Patients experience numerous symptoms and concerns that often correlate with clinical findings and require multiple follow-up appointments. Health care providers may benefit from further education on the more common nonsurgical issues identified in this study.

Discourses Around Male IPV Related Systemic Biases on Reddit

To date research on intimate partner violence (IPV) has focused on the experience of females. The limited studies on male IPV survivors have shown that they are less likely to disclose their IPV experiences. Systemic biases may marginalize and silence male IPV survivors.The current study sought to explore the discourse around perceived systemic biases that may be present for male IPV survivors.A widely used social networking site (http://www.reddit.com/) was scraped for submissions relating to male IPV. Search was carried out using three keywords resulting in 917 submissions, out of which 82 met inclusion criteria. Submissions were included in final analysis if they consisted of more than half a page of data pertaining to male IPV. Thematic content analysis was utilized to analyze the data.Responses reflect common experiences with participants identifying multiple sources of perceived systemic biases: (1) social norms, (2) legal system, (3) social services, (4) media, and (5) government.The sources of potential support for male IPV survivors exhibit substantial pervasive biases against males as victims of IPV. Findings from current study can inform policies across multiple systems.

Protocol for a scoping review on transition-related surgery procedures, outcome measures and access to care

INTRODUCTION

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals often identify with a gender different to the one assigned at birth. Transition is a term used to describe the process TGD individuals take to live as their true gender. Surgery can be a very important aspect of care for members of TGD communities. Transition-related surgery (TRS) refers to many different types of surgeries completed to meet a TGD individual's gender-related goals. While various systematic reviews have attempted to synthesise the existing peer-reviewed literature around aspects of TRS, there are few scoping reviews in this area. Our scoping review aims to address this gap through providing an up-to-date overview of the TRS literature in order to provide an overarching view of the topic.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This review will follow the methods outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. A search of nine scientific databases resulted in 20 062 potential articles. After removing duplicates, articles will be screened for inclusion using Covidence. Data extraction and synthesis will be carried out using NVivo and reviewed by team members.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

As this study is a scoping review of the existing literature, no ethics review is required. The findings from this review will be disseminated through multiple pathways including open access publication, submission to conferences, social media and Listservs. The findings of the study will also be readily available to clinicians, organizations, interest groups, and policy-makers.

"Punched in the Balls": Male Intimate Partner Violence Disclosures and Replies on Reddit

Research on male intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors is limited. The sparse research on male IPV disclosure suggest males receive more negative and less helpful responses from potential sources of formal or informal support. Males may seek support on social networking sites (SNSs), hence, it is important to understand their emerging experiences of virtual disclosures. This study examined the nature and content of responses to IPV disclosures by male IPV survivors on a popular SNS (reddit.com). Search of Reddit submissions related to male IPV were carried out using three IPV related keywords for the calendar month of February 2019, resulting in 917 submissions. Twelve submissions that focused on male IPV disclosure were examined in detail. The 12 submissions were analyzed using quantitative content analysis while associated comments (n = 569) were analyzed using qualitative approach. Two-thirds of the disclosures (8/12) were of personal IPV experiences. All disclosure narratives identified the sex of perpetrator, most stated the types of abuse (7/12), and some revealed the outcomes of past disclosures (4/12). Six major themes were developed through qualitative analysis of the associated comments: (1) Informational Support, (2) Nurturant Support, (3) Tangible Aid, (4) Negative Response (5) Self-Defence, and (6) Reciprocal Disclosure. Overall, males experienced a majority of supportive responses to IPV disclosures and some negative responses including criticism and minimizing the abuse. Males take risks in disclosure of IPV in person and online.

"How many times did I not want to live a life because of him": the complex connections between child sexual abuse, disclosure, and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors

BACKGROUND

Meta-analyses have confirmed an association between child sexual abuse (CSA) and non-suicidal and suicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB), yet the mechanisms linking these factors are, to date, poorly understood. The goal of the current study is to explore one potential influencing factor acting in the association between CSA and SITB, which is the disclosure experience. Disclosure has been identified as a prominent factor in the healing process of survivors, with a lack of support following disclosures heightening negative outcomes. Exploring the impact of CSA disclosure on SITB is necessary to build effective prevention and intervention strategies.

METHODS

This qualitative study is part of a larger initiative spanning diverse research sites in Canada and in Ireland and aiming to lend voice to young people who were sexually abused in childhood/adolescence. Participants were recruited from community-based sexual abuse/assault agencies, hospital-based specialized clinics and child advocacy centres. The Long Interview Method, based on a branch of phenomenology, was used to guide research design and data collection. The current thematic analysis, informed by a stress-diathesis model, is based on a sample comprised of 21 ethnically diverse youth aged 15 to 25 who self-reported a sexual abuse experience in their childhood or teenage years and who, as part of the interview on their disclosure processes, revealed past or current SITB.

RESULTS

The thematic analysis led to the identification of four main themes that both confirmed past research and conceptual models on SITB, and provided new insights. Participants perceived a clear link between their CSA experience and SITB and other mental health issues. They offered their views on the meanings of SITB for CSA victims: to cope with abuse; to end the abuse; to express self-hatred and loneliness; and to let people know about their suffering. They described how negative disclosure experiences led to more nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Yet, participants also revealed that receiving support for their SITB created opportunities for CSA disclosure and support.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed complex connections between CSA experiences, disclosure and nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Understanding the reciprocal influences between SITB, CSA disclosure and help-seeking could better equip mental health professionals and caregivers to provide support and foster healing and recovery in CSA victims.

Hand therapists' attitudes, environmental supports, and self-efficacy regarding intimate partner violence in their practice

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive, cross-sectional.

INTRODUCTION

Intimate partner violence (IPV) may involve physical, psychological, or sexual abuse. Although hand injuries are reported as common sequelae of IPV, there is limited attention to this issue in hand therapy research reports or practice recommendations.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The primary aim is to describe the attitudes and beliefs of hand therapists (HTs) about IPV issues.

METHODS

A sample of 189 HT completed a standardized survey investigating perceptions regarding issues pertaining to IPV. Areas addressed included self-efficacy (in dealing with IPV), perceived systemic support, victim blaming, professional role responsibility, and safety. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while between-group comparisons evaluating the impact of prior IPV experience and demographic variables of gender, country, certified hand therapy, and occupation on questionnaire scores used Mann-Whitney U analysis.

RESULTS

The majority of therapists (66%) had some prior experience with IPV. HTs reported neutral perceptions about self-efficacy (M = 2.9/5), client or personal safety (M = 3/5), and support systems available when addressing IPV in practice (M = 3/5). However, therapists considered intervening as part of their professional role (M = 3.8/5) and reported low levels of victim-blaming attitudes (M = 4.4/5). Those with firsthand IPV experience reported lower victim blaming (mdn = 4.9/5 vs 4.6/5, P = .02). Additionally, females were less likely to blame victims of IPV than males (mdn = 4.7/5 vs 4.3/5, P = .003).

DISCUSSION

Although Hand Therapists believe their professional role includes addressing IPV, confidence to deal with IPV, access/awareness of resources and perceived safety were substantive barriers.

CONCLUSION

Continuing research should identify effective tools to educate and assist therapists to identify and support victims of IPV in hand therapy.

Barriers to Utilization of Mental Health Services amongst Male Child Sexual Abuse Survivors: Service Providers' Perspective

Most research on child sexual abuse has been on survivors to the exclusion of service providers. This paper focuses on one group of findings from a larger qualitative study. The aim of the paper is to identify existing services and highlight the gaps in the current programs available for male CSA survivors from the perspective of service providers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 mental health service providers, recruited from two Southern and Central Ontario cities. Findings presented here report service providers' perspective of gaps in services for male CSA survivors. "Limited Male CSA Programs", "Institutional Barriers", "Attitudinal Barriers", and "Systemic Gaps" emerged as four major themes from the data analysis. Findings demonstrate the need to re-evaluate currently available service and highlights gaps in mental health service available for male CSA survivors. Implications for policy, practice, and research are discussed.

Exploring the role of gender and gendered pain expectation in physiotherapy students

Introduction: Gender and gender role pain expectations may influence how health care providers interact with and manage their patients' symptoms. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe gendered traits and gender role pain expectations among physical therapy students. Method: A survey assessing gendered traits and gender role expectations in relation to pain was completed by a sample of 171 physical therapy students (120 women, 51 men). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and differences between men and women were tested with chi-square or Kruskal-Wallis. Results: Men and women in physical therapy training were not different on 13 out of 16 of the gendered traits. The exceptions were that men rated themselves as more "decisive" compared to women (mean rank = 103.8 vs. mean rank = 78.4, P = 0.001) and women rated themselves as more "emotional" (mean rank = 91.95 vs. mean rank = 72.01, P = 0.009) and more "nurturing" (mean rank = 90.89 vs. mean rank = 72.91, P = 0.020). No significant differences were found in terms of gendered expectations of pain sensitivity, endurance, or in terms of personal experience of pain between the men and women in the sample. However, the majority (75%) of participants reported that women were more willing to report pain compared to men. Finally, both groups rated themselves as no different in handling pain compared to a typical man or woman. Conclusion: In conclusion, men and women in training to be physical therapists demonstrate similar gendered trait profiles and little gender bias in relation to pain expectations.

Barriers and facilitators affecting self-disclosure among male survivors of child sexual abuse: The service providers' perspective

Research regarding child sexual abuse (CSA) indicates significant gender differences in disclosure rates, with males less likely to disclose their abuse compared to females. CSA can have lasting impact on a children's emotional, physical, and psychological wellbeing. While service providers play an instrumental role in providing care and support for male CSA survivors, little is known about their perceptions and experiences related to disclosure among these men. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore service providers' perceptions and awareness of disclosure-related barriers and facilitators amongst male CSA survivors. Individual interviews were conducted with eleven service providers. Study findings reveal four key themes related to the disclosure process among male CSA survivors: (a) personal characteristics, (b) interpersonal relations, (c) institutional elements, and (d) societal norms. Findings indicate that service providers understand and respond to complex challenges associated with disclosure of CSA among this marginalized population. Study findings demonstrate the need for additional research on the specific issues of gender bias and stigma associated with male sexual abuse. Along with their empirical significance, these findings can be used to develop more tailored public health and social service-related programming for male CSA survivors, their families, and the broader community to promote a safer and more supportive environment in which to discuss these sensitive and important issues. Recommendations to service providers are discussed.

Perceptions of preparedness and intimate partner violence screening practices amongst hand therapists

Introduction

While hand injuries are reported as common sequelae of intimate partner violence, there is limited attention to hand therapist’s screening practices and perceived preparedness to deal with intimate partner violence in hand therapy setting. The primary aim of the current study is to describe the intimate partner violence training, knowledge of referrals, perceived preparedness, and screening practices of hand therapists.

Methods

An online survey investigating the perceptions regarding issues pertaining to intimate partner violence was completed by a sample of 189 hand therapists. Areas addressed included intimate partner violence training, perceived preparedness to deal with intimate partner violence-related responsibilities, screening practices and knowledge of resources for referrals. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while comparisons of groups used non-parametric analyses to evaluate the impact of training, intimate partner violence experience and knowledge of referrals on preparedness and screening practices.

Results

Hand therapists reported low perceived preparedness scores (median = 2.1/7) and screening practices. The majority (73%) of hand therapists indicated having received no intimate partner violence training. Additionally, intimate partner violence training, intimate partner violence experience, and knowledge of referrals had significant impact on hand therapists’ perceived preparedness and screening practices.

Conclusion

Training is significantly related to perceived preparedness and screening practices. Intimate partner violence screening may result in clients receiving appropriate referrals leading to improved quality of life. Future research should seek out ideal methods for offering intimate partner violence training for hand therapists so that they can meet the needs of clients with intimate partner violence experience.

Optimization of the biodegradation of naphthalene by a microorganism isolated from petroleum contaminated soil

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimise the process parameters to obtain maximum biodegradation of naphthalene. The factorial design employed, a face-centred cube, helped in identifying the combined best parameter conditions. Naphthalene-containing medium was inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens and incubated at different levels of agitation, pH, and temperature, and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy. As a result of the optimisation process, the process parameters found for maximum degradation of naphthalene by P. fluorescens were an agitation speed of 186 rpm, a pH of 7.3, and a temperature of 22.8 degrees C.