scholarly journals Substance Use Patterns of Gay and Bisexual Men in the Momentum Health Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1759-1773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Abella Roth ◽  
Zishan Cui ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
Heather L. Armstrong ◽  
Ashleigh J. Rich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Sexual Attraction ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Number Of Sexual Partners ◽  
And Bisexual

Research with male sexual minorities frequently combines gay and bisexual men as Men Who Have Sex with Men or Gay and Bisexual Men. When analyzed separately, bisexual men consistently feature negative health differentials, exemplified by higher substance use levels. This interpretation is not clear-cut because studies may combine bisexual men and women, use different dimensions of sexual orientation to define bisexuality, and/or not consider number of sexual partners as a possible confounding factor. This study conducted separate bivariate and multivariate analyses comparing gay to bisexual Momentum Study participants based on self-identity, sexual attraction, and sexual behavior, while controlling for number of sexual partners and sociodemographic, psychosocial, and sexual behavior measures. The study hypothesized that, regardless of definition, bisexual men feature higher substance use levels compared to gay men. Bivariate analyses revealed significantly higher ( p < .05) use among bisexual men for multiple substances in all samples. Nonprescription stimulants and heroin were significant in all multivariate logistic regression models. In contrast, all bisexual samples reported lower use of erectile dysfunction drugs and poppers, substances associated with anal sex among gay men. Subsequent analysis linked these results to lower levels of anal sex in all bisexual samples. Bivariate analyses also revealed that bisexual men featured significantly lower educational levels, annual incomes, and Social Support Scales scores and higher Anxiety and Depression Sub-Scale Scores. In summary, findings revealed bisexual men’s distinctive substance use, sexual behavior, psychosocial, and sociodemographic profiles, and are important for tailoring specific health programs for bisexual men.

Risky Sexual Behavior in Gay and Bisexual Men

2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 595-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Kashubeck-West ◽  
Dawn M. Szymanski
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Risky Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Unprotected Anal Intercourse ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Use Factors

This study investigated risky sexual behavior in a sample of 209 gay and bisexual men. Using structural equation modeling, the mediating relations of substance use factors (expectations about the sexually enhancing effects of substance use and substance use during sex) between internalized heterosexism (IH) and sensation seeking and unprotected anal intercourse were examined. Expectations that substance use would enhance sexual activity mediated the relationship between IH and risky sexual behavior. Both substance use factors mediated the relationship of sensation seeking to risky sexual behavior. Greater sensation seeking was associated with greater expectations about the sexually enhancing effects of substances, which in turn was associated with greater unprotected anal intercourse. Unexpectedly, less sensation seeking was related to more substance use during sex, which in turn was associated with more risky sexual behavior. Overall, the variables in the model accounted for 66% of the variance in sexual behavior.

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 Intimate Partner Violence Experiences During COVID-19 Among Male Couples

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110051
Author(s):  
Alison R. Walsh ◽  
Stephen Sullivan ◽  
Rob Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
The United States ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Male Couples ◽  
And Bisexual

In addition to the growing morbidity and mortality related to the 2019 novel coronavirus (SAR-CoV-2) pandemic, social distancing measures during the pandemic may result in increased intimate partner violence (IPV). However, it is yet unknown if gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)’s IPV risk has increased during this time. This article describes and analyzes IPV experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of coupled-GBMSM in the United States. We hypothesized that pandemic-driven stressors would be associated with increased IPV prevalence and severity. A sample of 214 coupled men living in the US who had previously participated in HIV-related couple studies was surveyed in July-September 2020. Respondents reported demographic, sexual and substance use behaviors, and relationship characteristics. Surveys also collected data on pandemic-related life-changes (employment, substance use, COVID-19 illness). IPV victimization and perpetration were measured with the Gay and Bisexual Men Intimate Partner Violence scale and measured individually experienced or perpetrated violence, sexual, emotional, monitoring, or controlling behaviors, and if a given behavior was new and/or had changed in frequency during the pandemic. Reported prevalence and pandemic-related changes in victimization and perpetration were described. New or more frequent IPV victimization was modeled against employment, substance use changes, COVID-19 illness, and outside sexual partners (modified by a couple’s sexual agreement). IPV perpetration prevalence was 15.17%, 34.44% of which was new or more frequent. Victimization prevalence was 14.95%, of which 46.88% was new or more frequent. After adjustment, outside sexual partners were associated with IPV among those with nonmonogamous sexual agreements; each outside sexual partner increased the odds of new or more frequent victimization by 70% ( OR = 1.70; 95% CI [1.16, 2.51]). Given this study’s documented rise in IPV among a sample of coupled men, additional research into IPV predictors, interventions, and support strategies in GBMSM populations are warranted.

scholarly journals Pilot Trial of a Sexual Health Counseling Intervention for HIV-Positive Gay and Bisexual Men Who Report Anal Sex without Condoms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor A. Hart ◽  
Natalie Stratton ◽  
Todd A. Coleman ◽  
Holly A. Wilson ◽  
Scott H. Simpson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexual Compulsivity ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Counseling Intervention ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Even in the presence of promising biomedical treatment as prevention, HIV incidence among men who have sex with men has not always decreased. Counseling interventions, therefore, continue to play an important role in reducing HIV sexual transmission behaviors among gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men. The present study evaluated effects of a small-group counseling intervention on psychosocial outcomes and HIV sexual risk behavior. Method HIV-positive (HIV+) peer counselors administered seven 2-hour counseling sessions to groups of 5 to 8 HIV+ gay and bisexual men. The intervention employed information provision, motivational interviewing, and behavioral skills building to reduce sexual transmission risk behaviors. Results There was a significant reduction in condomless anal sex (CAS) with HIV-negative and unknown HIV-status partners, from 50.0% at baseline to 28.9% of the sample at 3-month follow-up. Findings were robust even when controlling for whether the participant had an undetectable viral load at baseline. Significant reductions were also found in the two secondary psychosocial outcomes, loneliness and sexual compulsivity. Conclusions The findings provide preliminary evidence that this intervention may offer an efficient way of concurrently reducing CAS and mental health problems, such as sexual compulsivity and loneliness, for HIV+ gay and bisexual men. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02546271

scholarly journals Childhood sexual abuse and sexual dysfunction in gay and bisexual men: the role of substance use, emotion dysregulation, and coping strategies.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Faaborg-Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Erectile Dysfunction ◽  
Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Emotion Dysregulation ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
And Bisexual

Sexual dysfunction has been associated with considerable mental health and interpersonal problems. Gay and bisexual men report a higher rate of sexual dysfunction and childhood sexual abuse (CSA) compared to heterosexual men. The relationship between CSA and adult sexual health problems has been well established; however, the pathways leading from CSA to erectile dysfunction are poorly understood. The role that coping strategies, emotion dysregulation, and substance use play in the association between CSA and erectile dysfunction was examined using a mediational model. Results were not found to be statistically significant, with the exception of a significant relationship between CSA and avoidant coping. Possible explanations for the lack of significant findings are discussed, including problems with the measurement of ED. This study provided support for the disproportionately high rates of CSA among gay men.

scholarly journals Attitude and Behavior Changes Among Gay and Bisexual Men After Use of Rapid Home HIV Tests to Screen Sexual Partners

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 950-957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Frasca ◽  
Ivan Balan ◽  
Mobolaji Ibitoye ◽  
Juan Valladares ◽  
Curtis Dolezal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Behavior Changes ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
And Behavior
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