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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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