scholarly journals Sexual Behaviors and HIV/STI Prevention Strategies Among Sexual Minority Men in Ecuador Who Use Geosocial Networking Apps

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Hermosa-Bosano ◽  
Clara Paz ◽  
Paula Hidalgo-Andrade ◽  
Rodrigo Aguayo-Romero
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Hiv Prevention Strategies ◽  
Geosocial Networking ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
Geosocial Networking Apps

AbstractAround the world, geosocial networking apps have become widely popular among sexual minority men (SMM). This research analyzed the sexual behaviors and HIV and STI prevention strategies (HIV/STI testing, HIV/STI inquiry, and HIV/STI disclosure) of an online-recruited sample of 284 SMM living in Ecuador. Sexting and oral sex were the most common sexual behaviors among SMM in the sample. Most participants had low perceptions of HIV and STI risk; 85% reported being tested for HIV and 70% for STIs. Being older predicted higher odds of being tested for either HIV or STIs at least once. Being single also predicted HIV testing. Future interventions in the country should explore apps’ utility as intervention tools to spread information about sexual health and HIV prevention strategies, such as condom use and event-driven PrEP. Apps can also facilitate connections to sexual health services, including programs for PrEP initiation and linkage to HIV treatment. They should also focus on promoting sexual harm reduction conversations among potential app-met sexual partners.

scholarly journals Geosocial Networking Apps Use Among Sexual Minority Men in Ecuador: An Exploratory Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Hermosa-Bosano ◽  
Paula Hidalgo-Andrade ◽  
Clara Paz
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Geosocial Networking ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
Geosocial Networking Apps ◽  
Latin American Countries

AbstractGeosocial networking applications (GSN apps) have become important socialization contexts for sexual minority men (SMM). Despite their popularity, there is limited research carried out in Latin American countries and no single previous study done in Ecuador. To fill this gap, this exploratory study described and analyzed the relationships between the sociodemographic characteristics of SMM using GSN apps, their sought and fulfilled expectations, profile shared and sought characteristics, and the evaluation of their experiences as users including their perceptions of support, and discrimination. We used an online recruited sample of 303 participants enrolled between November 2019 and January 2020. Most respondents used Grindr and reported spending up to 3 h per day using apps. Most common sought expectations were getting distracted, meeting new friends, and meeting people for sexual encounters. The least met expectation was meeting someone to build a romantic relationship with. When asked about their profiles, participants reported sharing mainly their age, photographs, and sexual role. Participants also prioritized these characteristics when looking at others’ profiles. When asked about their experiences, most reported having been discriminated against, weight being the main reason for it. Some participants also indicated having received emotional support from other users. Correlation analyses indicated significant but weak relationships among the variables. Results indicated a positive correlation between time as an active GSN app user and higher experiences of discrimination. Likewise, higher number of used apps related positively with levels of received support. These results provide information that could inform future research in the country and the region regarding GSN apps use among SMM, socialization practices, and modern dating tools.

scholarly journals Structural Barriers to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Young Sexual Minority Men: The P18 Cohort Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Jaiswal ◽  
Marybec Griffin ◽  
Stuart N. Singer ◽  
Richard E. Greene ◽  
Ingrid Lizette Zambrano Acosta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Hiv Prevention Strategies ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Background: Despite decreasing rates of HIV among many populations, HIV-related health disparities among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men persist, with disproportional percentages of new HIV diagnoses among racial and ethnic minority men. Despite increasing awareness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), PrEP use remains low. In addition to exploring individual-level factors for this slow uptake, structural drivers of PrEP use must also be identified in order to maximize the effectiveness of biomedical HIV prevention strategies. Method: Using cross-sectional data from an ongoing cohort study of young sexual minority men (N=492), we examine the extent to which structural-level barriers, including access to health care, medication logistics, counseling support, and stigma are related to PrEP use. Results: While almost all participants indicated awareness of PrEP, only 14% had ever used PrEP. PrEP use was associated with lower concerns about health care access, particularly paying for PrEP. Those with greater concerns talking with their provider about their sexual behaviors were less likely to use PrEP. Conclusion: Paying for PrEP and talking to one’s provider about sexual behaviors are concerns for young sexual minority men. In particular, stigma from healthcare providers poses a significant barrier to PrEP use in this population. Providers need not only to increase their own awareness of and advocacy for PrEP as an effective risk-management strategy for HIV prevention, but also must work to create open and non-judgmental spaces in which patients can discuss sexual behaviors without the fear of stigma.

scholarly journals Psychometrics of the Patient Portal Sexual Health Instrument: Measuring attitudes toward using patient portals for sexual health behaviors among sexual minority men (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevon-Mark Jackman ◽  
Jeremy Kane ◽  
Hadi Kharrazi ◽  
Renee Johnson ◽  
Carl Latkin
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Behavioral Intentions ◽  
Patient Portal ◽  
Patient Portals ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Dyadic Communication ◽  
Minority Men

BACKGROUND Online health technologies are increasingly being used in medical research and may be useful in addressing the HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) burden among gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (SMM). Theoretical frameworks in the implementation sciences highlight examining constructs of innovation attributes and performance expectations as key determinants of behavioral intentions and use of new online health technologies. However, behavioral intentions to use patient portals for HIV/STI prevention and care among SMM is understudied. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to develop a brief instrument for measuring attitudes focused on using patient portals for HIV/STI prevention and care among a nationwide sample of SMM. METHODS Twelve items of the American Men’s Internet Survey Patient Portal Sexual Health Instrument (AMIS-PPSHI) were adapted from a prior study. Psychometric analyses of the AMIS-PPSHI items were conducted among a randomized subset of 2018 AMIS participants reporting online access to their health records (N=1,375). Parallel analysis and inspection of eigenvalues in a principal component analysis (PCA) informed factor retention in exploratory factor analysis (EFA). After EFA, Cronbach’s alpha (α) was used to examine the internal consistency of the scale and its subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess goodness of fit of the final factor structure. We calculated total AMIS-PPSHI scale scores for comparisons within group categories, including age, HIV and STI diagnosis history, recency of testing, serious mental illness, and anticipated healthcare stigma. RESULTS The AMIS-PPSHI scale resulting from EFA consisted of 12 items and had good internal consistency (α =.84). The EFA suggested three subscales: 1) Sexual health engagement and awareness (α=.87), 2) Enhancing dyadic communication (α=.87), and 3) Managing sexual health care (α=.79). CFA demonstrated good fit in the 3-factor PPSHI structure; root mean squared error of approximation = .061, comparative fit index = .964, Tucker-Lewis index = .953, and standardized root mean squared residual = .041. The most notable differences were lower scores on the Enhanced dyadic communication subscale among people living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS The PPSHI is a brief instrument with strong psychometric properties that may be adapted for use in large surveys and patient-questionnaires in other settings. Scores demonstrate that patient portals are favorable IT solutions to deliver health services focused on HIV/STI prevention and care among SMM in the United States. More attention is needed to address privacy implications of interpersonal use of patient portals outside of traditional health settings among persons with HIV.

Refining POSSIBLE: A Multicomponent Intervention to Increase HIV Risk Perceptions and PrEP Initiation Among Black Sexual Minority Men (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Dangerfield ◽  
Janeane N. Anderson ◽  
Charleen Wylie ◽  
Renata Arrington-Sanders ◽  
Ricky N. Bluthenthal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Hiv Prevention Intervention ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Increased HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation is urgently needed to substantially decrease the incidence among Black sexual minority men (BSMM). However, BSMM are less likely than other groups to accept a clinician’s recommendation to initiate PrEP and uptake remains suboptimal. Peers and smartphone apps are popular HIV prevention-intervention mechanisms that are typically used independently. Few studies have combined these strategies into a multi-component intervention to increase PrEP initiation for BSMM. OBJECTIVE This study refined an intervention using a smartphone app and a peer change agent (PCA) to increase HIV risk perceptions (HRP) and PrEP initiation among BSMM. METHODS Data were obtained from 12 focus groups and one in-depth interview among BSMM from Baltimore, MD, between October 2019 and May 2020 (N=39). Groups were stratified by age group: 18-24, 25-34, and 35 and older. Facilitators probed on attitudes towards the app, working with a PCA, and preferences for PCA characteristics. RESULTS Most self-identified as homosexual, gay, or same gender-loving (68%), were employed (69%), single (66%), and interested in self-monitoring sexual behaviors (68.4%). Overall, participants had low HRP and suggested that self-monitoring sexual behaviors could trigger internalized stigma. An acceptable PCA should be a “possible self” for BSMM to aspire. CONCLUSIONS Future research should explore the impact of implementing this strategy on HRP and PrEP initiation among BSMM.

Evidence-Based Approaches to HIV-Positive Sexual Minority Men’s Sexual Health

2019 ◽  
pp. 339-358
Author(s):  
Audrey Harkness ◽  
Steven A. Safren
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
State Of Research

This chapter reviews the current state of research and theory regarding evidence-based sexual health interventions for HIV-positive sexual minority men. Among HIV-positive sexual minority men, sexual health promotion includes reducing sexual behavior that could lead to HIV transmission, increasing adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) medication to attain viral load suppression, and addressing psychosocial and contextual factors that impact both of these health behaviors. The chapter reviews evidence-based behavioral approaches to promote sexual minority men’s sexual health, including those focused on increasing condom use, reducing sexual risk, and improving communication about HIV status. It also discusses interventions to improve ART adherence, which promote HIV-positive sexual minority men’s personal health and serve as a secondary prevention intervention via reducing transmissibility. The chapter concludes with an illustration of an evidence-based intervention with an HIV-positive client. Overarching clinical implications and areas for future research regarding HIV-positive sexual minority men’s sexual health are also discussed.

scholarly journals Inter-Group and Intraminority-Group Discrimination Experiences and the Coping Responses of Latino Sexual Minority Men Living With HIV

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Sarah MacCarthy ◽  
Laura M. Bogart ◽  
Frank H. Galvan ◽  
David W. Pantalone
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Minority Group ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Coping Responses ◽  
Group Experiences ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Minority Men

Discrimination negatively impacts the health of HIV-positive Latino sexual minority men (LSMM+). A growing literature on LSMM+ chronicles associations based on multiple devalued identities and mental health symptoms, HIV medication nonadherence, and sexual behaviors with the potential to transmit HIV. To gain additional insights on identity-based discrimination—as well as the associated coping responses—we conducted 30 qualitative interviews with LSMM+. Participants were probed regarding recent discrimination events (context, details, perpetrator, type) based on their intersecting identities (Latinx ethnicity, residency status, sexual minority orientation, HIV-positive serostatus) and their coping responses. We transcribed and translated the interviews and conducted a content analysis. Participants reported inter-group (i.e., between majority and minority group members) and intraminority-group (i.e., within minority group members) experiences as common. Participants described their intraminority-group experiences with discrimination based on being a Latinx sexual minority person in their families and home communities. Participants reported a range of coping responses to discrimination experiences. However, participants reported only functional (and no dysfunctional) coping strategies, and they endorsed using similar strategies in response to inter-group and intraminority-group discrimination. Coping strategies included strategic avoidance, social support, self-advocacy, and external attribution. Additional coping strategies (spirituality and positive reframing) emerged more strongly in response to inter-group experiences with discrimination. Our results underscore the need to address both inter-group and intraminority-group discrimination experiences. Future interventions can focus on strengthening the effective coping skills that LSMM+ currently employ as potential levers to address LSMM+ health disparities.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Text Messaging-Based Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Intervention for Young Sexual Minority Men: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary A Gerend ◽  
Krystal Madkins ◽  
Shariell Crosby ◽  
Aaron K Korpak ◽  
Gregory L Phillips ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men

Abstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-related anal cancer. Although a safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent HPV infection, HPV vaccine uptake among young MSM remains low. Purpose This pilot randomized controlled trial tested the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a text messaging-based HPV vaccination intervention for young sexual minority men. Methods In 2018, unvaccinated sexual minority men aged 18–25 years were recruited from Chicago to participate in a 9 month sexual health program called txt2protect. Participants (N = 150) were randomized to the intervention or control condition. Intervention condition messages focused primarily on HPV vaccination, with only a brief mention of other sexual health practices (e.g., condom use and HIV testing), while control condition messages focused on a variety of sexual health practices with only a brief mention of HPV vaccination. Participants received daily text messages for the first 3 weeks and monthly text messages for the remaining ~8 months of the trial. Participants completed surveys at baseline and 3 week and 9 month follow-ups. Results Participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention. Although trial retention was high (with over 88% completing the 9 month survey), the study fell short of meeting its recruitment goal. HPV vaccine series initiation was significantly higher among intervention participants (19.4%) compared to control participants (6.6%), odds ratio = 3.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.17, 10.08. Conclusions Findings suggest that txt2protect is an acceptable and potentially promising intervention for increasing HPV vaccine initiation among young sexual minority men. Clinical Trial Registration NCT02994108.

scholarly journals Sexual Health Determinants of Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Sexual Minority Men

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Henrique Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
And Bisexual

Background. With the growing recognition of overweight and obesity as significant, international public health concerns, the body of research investigating the relationship between body mass index (BMI), sexual health, and sexual functioning in sexual minority men is still scarce. Objective. The purpose of this study is to assess sexual health determinants (sexual behavior and sexual functioning) in relation to normal weight, overweight, and obesity among gay and bisexual men. Methods and Materials. The survey included four categories of questions/measurements, encompassing sociodemographic information, protected/unprotected sexual behaviors, sexual functioning, and BMI. The survey was conducted online, and recruitment consisted of online notifications (emails and electronic messages) and advertisements sent to LGBT community organizations, mailing lists, and social networks. Results. The study sample was composed of 741 gay and bisexual men, ranging in age from 21 to 75 years (Mage = 43.30, SDage = 11.37); 62.5% of men self-identified as gay and 37.5% as bisexual. Prevalence of normal weight was 50.3%, of overweight, 33.3%, and of obesity, 16.4%. Participants with overweight and obesity showed a lower frequency of anal receptive sex without condoms when scompared to participants with normal weight. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis to assess the effects of BMI on sexual health showed that being younger in age, self-identifying as gay, being in a relationship, having longer penises, adopting insertive position in sex, and being normal weight were significant predictors of anal receptive sex without condoms, explaining 24.2% of the total variance. Yet, BMI was not predictive of sexual functioning. Conclusion. These findings highlight the importance of including BMI in sexual behavior models of sexual minority men to better understand BMI’s role in influencing sexual risk.

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