scholarly journals Psychological, Normative, and Environmental Barriers to Tobacco Cessation that Disproportionally Impact Sexual Minority Tobacco Users

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher W Wheldon ◽  
Kara P Wiseman
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Tobacco Cessation ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Environmental Barriers ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Psychosocial Barriers ◽  
And Bisexual

Abstract Introduction Sexual minority populations—particularly gay/lesbian and bisexual women—use tobacco at higher rates than their heterosexual peers. Evidence-based biopsychosocial interventions for tobacco cessation are available; however, research is lacking on the specific barriers to tobacco cessation in these populations. The purpose of this study is to describe the psychological, normative, and environmental barriers to cessation that disproportionally impact sexual minority tobacco users. Methods Data from wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health was used to explore differences by sexual identity across psychosocial barriers and facilitators of tobacco cessation. The analytic sample consisted of current tobacco users (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookah, dissolvable snus, and smokeless products). Psychosocial barriers/facilitators were modeled using logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, race/ethnicity, poverty, education, census region, and urbanicity and were stratified by sex. Models accounted for the complex study design and nonresponse. Results Substance use and internalizing/externalizing behavioral problems were more common among gay/bisexual men. Bisexual, but not gay/lesbian, women also had higher odds of these behavioral problems. Bisexual men and women reported less normative pressure to quit than their heterosexual peers (no differences in gay/lesbian tobacco users). Gay men had more environmental barriers to quit, being more likely to receive tobacco promotion materials and live with another tobacco user. Conclusions Several barriers to tobacco cessation were identified as disproportionally impacting sexual minority groups in this study; however, there were considerable differences between sexual minority men and women, as well as between gay and bisexual participants.

Economic Insecurity among Gay and Bisexual Men: Evidence from the 1991–2016 U.S. General Social Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Chai ◽  
Michelle Maroto
Keyword(s):  
Labor Market ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
General Social Survey ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Economic Insecurity ◽  
Social Survey ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
And Bisexual

Although a sizeable body of research has examined the labor market outcomes for sexual minority men, suggesting that gay and bisexual men earn less than their heterosexual counterparts, fewer studies have addressed whether any apparent earnings disadvantages for sexual minority men extend to economic insecurity more broadly. Using 1991–2016 U.S. General Social Survey (GSS) data, we examine three measures of economic insecurity—household income, perceived financial satisfaction, and views about family income—among gay and bisexual men. We find that most sexual minority men experience multiple types of economic insecurity with larger disparities present for bisexual men. Consistent with the labor market literature, we observe that family structure and human capital acquisition primarily accounted for economic insecurity disparities for gay men, and family structure partially explained disparities for bisexual men.

scholarly journals Smoking and Quitting Behavior by Sexual Orientation: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Adults in England

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E Jackson ◽  
Jamie Brown ◽  
Igor Grabovac ◽  
Hazel Cheeseman ◽  
Ciaran Osborne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Women ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Quit Attempts ◽  
And Bisexual

Abstract Objective To assess associations between sexual orientation and smoking and quitting behavior among adults in England. Methods Data were collected from 112 537 adults (≥16 years) participating in a nationally representative monthly cross-sectional survey between July 2013 and February 2019. Sexual orientation was self-reported as heterosexual, bisexual, lesbian/gay, or prefer-not-to-say. Main outcomes were smoking status, e-cigarette use, cigarettes per day, time to first cigarette, motivation to stop smoking, motives for quitting, use of cessation support, and past-year quit attempts. Associations were analyzed separately for men and women using multivariable regression models adjusted for relevant covariates. Results Smoking prevalence is now similar between gay (21.6%), prefer-not-to-say (20.5%) and heterosexual men (20.0%), and lesbian (18.3%) and heterosexual women (16.9%), but remains higher among bisexual men (28.2%, adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] = 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11 to 1.79) and bisexual women (29.8%, ORadj = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.33 to 2.03) and lower among prefer-not-to-say women (14.5%, ORadj = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.72 to 0.99). Among smokers, bisexuals were less addicted than heterosexuals, with bisexual men smoking fewer cigarettes per day (Badj = −2.41, 95% CI = −4.06 to −0.75) and bisexual women less likely to start smoking within 30 min of waking (ORadj = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.45 to 0.95) than heterosexuals. However, motivation to stop smoking and quit attempts did not differ significantly. Conclusions In England, differences in smoking prevalence among people with different sexual orientations have narrowed, primarily driven by a larger decline in smoking rates among sexual minority groups than heterosexuals. Bisexual men and women remain more likely to smoke but have lower levels of addiction while being no less likely to try to quit. Implications This population-based study provides an up-to-date picture of smoking and quitting behavior in relation to sexual orientation among adults in England. Findings suggest that widely documented disparities in smoking prevalence have narrowed over recent years, with gay men and lesbian women no longer significantly more likely to smoke than heterosexuals, although smoking remains more common among bisexual men and women. Insights into differences in level of addiction, use of cessation support, and motives for quitting may help inform the development of targeted interventions to further reduce smoking among sexual minority groups.

scholarly journals Sexual Behavior Change Among Gay and Bisexual Men During the First COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in the United States

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara McKay ◽  
Jeff Henne ◽  
Gilbert Gonzales ◽  
Kyle A. Gavulic ◽  
Rebecca Quarles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Partner ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
At Home

Abstract Background After decades of navigating HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, gay and bisexual men are responding to new and uncertain risks presented by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by adapting their sexual behavior. Methods This paper uses data from a national sample of 728 gay and bisexual men collected from April 10 to May 10, 2020, to examine changes to sexual behavior in response to the first wave of the pandemic in the USA. We also assess whether behavior modifications are associated with exposure to statewide public health measures, including Stay-at-Home orders. Results Sexual minority men report significant changes to their sexual behavior and partner selection during the first wave. Nine out of 10 men reported having either one sexual partner or no sexual partner in the last 30 days at the time of interview, a decrease compared to just before the pandemic for nearly half of men surveyed. Reporting no sexual partners in the last 30 days was significantly predicted by increased exposure to a Stay-at-Home order. Sexual minority men also reduced interactions with casual partners, increased no-contact sexual behaviors (e.g., masturbation and virtual sex), and engaged in new strategies to reduce their risks of infection from partners. HIV-positive men were particularly likely to adopt strategies including avoiding casual partners and avoiding public transportation to meet sexual partners. Conclusion Sexual minority men’s behavior changes during the first wave may have reduced the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their communities. Despite substantial changes in sexual behavior for most men in our sample during the initial first wave, we identify some concerns around the sustainability of certain behavioral changes over time and nondisclosure of COVID-19 symptoms to partners.

scholarly journals The Importance of Social Support, Positive Identity, and Resilience in the Successful Aging of Older Sexual Minority Men

Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 98
Author(s):  
Henrique Pereira ◽  
Patrícia Silva
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Positive Identity ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
And Bisexual

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between social support, positive identity, and resilience and the successful aging of older sexual minority men. The study involved having 210 self-identified gay and bisexual men aged between 50 and 80 years complete a cross-sectional online survey comprised of sociodemographic information; the Portuguese version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support; the Lesbian, Gay, and multifactor Bisexual Positive Identity Measure; the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale 10; and the Successful Aging Perceptions Scale. The results showed that self-identified gay participants showed higher levels of positive identity, while bisexual participants scored higher for resilience, mental health, and successful aging. Higher levels of social support, resilience, and positive identity were significant predictors of mental health (28%), physical health (18%), and successful aging (10%) in our sample. These results offer similarities with the growing body of literature on the positive factors of successful aging in the gay and bisexual men communities, which is an important step in the development of aging and health preventive initiatives among this population.

scholarly journals Community norms of the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) among cisgender sexual minority men and women

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M. Nagata ◽  
Emilio J. Compte ◽  
Chloe J. Cattle ◽  
Jason M. Lavender ◽  
Tiffany A. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Muscle Dysmorphia ◽  
Minority Populations ◽  
Lesbian Women ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Community Norms ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
And Bisexual

Abstract Background Representing the pathological extreme pursuit of muscularity, muscle dysmorphia (MD) is characterized by a pervasive belief or fear around insufficient muscularity and an elevated drive for muscularity. Despite evidence of elevated body image-related concerns among sexual minority populations, little is known about the degree of muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptoms among sexual minorities, particularly based on Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) scores. The objective of this study was to examine the nature and severity of MD symptoms in cisgender sexual minority men and women and provide community norms of the MDDI for these populations. Methods Data from participants in The PRIDE Study, an existing study of health outcomes in sexual and gender minority people from the United States, were examined. Participants included cisgender gay men (N = 1090), cisgender bisexual plus (bisexual, pansexual, and/or polysexual) men (N = 100), cisgender lesbian women (N = 563), and cisgender bisexual plus women (N = 507). We calculated means, standard deviations (SD), and percentiles for the MDDI total and subscale scores for cisgender sexual minority men and women. We compared MDDI scores by sexual orientation using linear regression models, both unadjusted and adjusted for sociodemographics. Results Overall, the sample was 85.2% White, 3.0% Asian or Pacific Islander, 2.0% Black, 0.5% Native American, 3.9% multiracial, and 6.6% Hispanic/Latino/a. The mean age was 38.6 (SD = 14.3) and 69.4% had a college degree or higher. Means (SD) for the MDDI total score were 27.4 (7.7) for cisgender gay men, 26.4 (6.4) for cisgender bisexual plus men, 24.3 (6.1) for cisgender lesbian women, and 24.6 (5.5) for cisgender bisexual plus women. There were no significant differences in MDDI scores between cisgender gay and bisexual plus men, or between cisgender lesbian women and bisexual plus women in unadjusted or adjusted models. Conclusions These normative data provide insights into the experience of MD symptoms among cisgender sexual minority men and women and can aid researchers and clinicians in the evaluation of MD symptoms and interpretation of MDDI scores in sexual minority populations.

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.

Predictors of sexual minority men’s sexual objectification of other men

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 3631-3650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn M. Szymanski ◽  
Renee Mikorski ◽  
Trevor L. Dunn
Keyword(s):  
Role Conflict ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexual Objectification ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Younger Men ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
And Bisexual

Given the link between sexual objectification experiences and negative psychological and mental health outcomes for sexual minority men, it is important to explore which men are more likely to enact sexually objectifying behavior. We examined predictors of sexual minority men’s sexual objectification of other men (e.g., engaging in body evaluations, making unwanted sexual advances), including focusing on appearance, involvement in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community, pornography use, and men’s gender role conflict among 450 gay and bisexual men. Our findings revealed that importance placed on appearance, involvement in the LGBTQ community, and pornography use and less restrictive affectionate behavior between men were uniquely related to sexually objectifying other men. In addition, older men were more likely than younger men to sexually objectify other men, and gay men were more likely than bisexual men to sexually objectify other men.

scholarly journals Characteristics and Correlates of Tobacco Use in a Community Sample of Sexual Minority Men and Women: Implications for Smoking Cessation Program Development

LGBT Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conall O'Cleirigh ◽  
Steven A. Elsesser ◽  
Dana King ◽  
Peter P. Ehlinger ◽  
Judith B. Bradford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Program Development ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Smoking Cessation Program ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men

scholarly journals Sexual orientation identity and tobacco and hazardous alcohol use: findings from a cross-sectional English population survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e015058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Jamie Brown ◽  
Gareth Hagger-Johnson ◽  
Susan Michie ◽  
Joanna Semlyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Omnibus Test ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol ◽  
And Bisexual

ObjectivesTo assess the association between tobacco and hazardous alcohol use and sexual orientation and whether such an association could be explained by other sociodemographic characteristics.DesignCross-sectional household survey conducted in 2014–2016.SettingEngland, UK.ParticipantsRepresentative English population sample (pooled n=43 866).Main outcomesSexual orientation identity (lesbian/gay, bisexual, heterosexual, prefer-not-to-say); current tobacco and hazardous alcohol use (defined as Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Score ≥8). All outcomes were self-reported.ResultsDue to interactions between sexual orientation and gender for substance use, analyses were stratified by gender. Tobacco use prevalence was significantly higher among lesbian/gay (women: 24.9%, 95% CI 19.2% to 32.6%; men: 25.9%, 95% CI 21.3% to 31.0%) and bisexual participants (women: 32.4%, 95% CI 25.9% to 39.6%; men: 30.7%, 95% CI 23.7% to 30.7%) and significantly lower for prefer-not-to-say participants in women (15.5%, 95% CI 13.5% to 17.8%) but not men (22.7%, 95% CI 20.3% to 25.3%) compared with heterosexual participants (women: 17.5%, 95% CI 17.0% to 18.0%; men: 20.4%, 95% CI 19.9% to 21.0%; p<0.001 for omnibus test). Similarly, hazardous alcohol use was significantly more prevalent for lesbian/gay (women: 19.0%, 95% CI 14.0% to 25.3%; men: 30.0%, 25.2%–35.3%) and bisexual participants (women: 24.4%, 95% CI 18.7% to 31.3%; men: 24.3%, 95% CI 17.9% to 32.1%) and lower for prefer-not-to-say participants (women: 4.1%, 95% CI 3.0% to 5.4%; men: 13.7%; 95% CI 11.8% to 16.0%) compared with heterosexuals (women: 8.3%, 95% CI 7.9% to 8.7%; men: 18.4%, 95% CI 17.9% to 18.9%; p<0.001 for omnibus test). However, after adjusting for sociodemographic confounders, tobacco use was similar across all sexual orientation groups among both women and men. By contrast, sexual orientation differences in hazardous alcohol use remained even after adjustment among women but not for bisexual and gay men.ConclusionsIn England, higher rates of tobacco use among sexual minority men and women appear to be attributable to other sociodemographic factors. Higher rates of hazardous alcohol use among sexual minority men may also be attributable to these factors, whereas this is not the case for sexual minority women.

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