scholarly journals Participatory Design of a Web-Based HIV Oral Self-Testing Infographic Experiment (HOTIE) for Emerging Adult Sexual Minority Men of Color: A Mixed Methods Randomized Control Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 11881
Author(s):  
S. Raquel Ramos ◽  
David T. Lardier ◽  
Keosha T. Bond ◽  
Donte T. Boyd ◽  
Olivia M. O’Hare ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Communication ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Emerging Adult ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Men Of Color ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Minority Men

Health communication is a key health promotion approach for translating research findings into actionable information. The purpose of this study was to use participatory design to create and then test the usability and comprehension of an HIV self-testing infographic in a sample of 322 emerging adult, sexual minority men of color. Our study objectives addressed three challenges to HIV self-testing: (1) correct usage of the test stick, (2) understanding the number of minutes to wait before reading the result, and (3) how to correctly interpret a negative or a positive HIV result. This study was a two-phase, sequential, mixed methods, pilot, online, randomized controlled trial. Results suggested a significant mean difference between the control and intervention groups on HIV self-testing knowledge, with the control group outperforming the intervention group. However, two-thirds or better of the participants in the intervention group were able to comprehend the three critical steps to HIV self-testing. This was a promising finding that has resulted in the authors’ development of additional recommendations for using participatory design for visual aid development in HIV prevention research. Participatory design of an HIV self-testing infographic is a rigorous approach, as a health communication strategy, to address public health priorities.

scholarly journals Substance Use, General Health and Health Literacy as Predictors of Oral Health in Emerging Adult Sexual Minority Men of Color: A Secondary Data Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1987
Author(s):  
S. Raquel Ramos ◽  
David T. Lardier ◽  
Rueben C. Warren ◽  
Melba Cherian ◽  
Sarwat Siddiqui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Emerging Adult ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Men Of Color ◽  
Minority Men

There is limited evidence surrounding oral health in emerging adult, sexual minority men of color. This study examined the association between sociodemographic factors, health literacy, cigarette, e-cigarette, and alcohol use on oral health outcomes. Secondary data analysis was conducted with 322 sexual minority men ages 18–34 in the United States. Between-group, mean-level, and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined differences on oral health outcomes. Increased cigarette (aOR = 1.84, p = 0.03), e-cigarette (aOR = 1.40, p = 0.03), and alcohol use (aOR = 2.07, p = 0.05) were associated with extended time away from the dentist. Health literacy (aOR = 0.93, p = 0.05) was negatively associated. Increased cigarette (aOR = 1.17, p = 0.04) and cigarette use (aOR = 1.26, p = 0.04) were associated with tooth loss. Health literacy was negatively associated (aOR = 0.65, p = 0.03). Increased e-cigarette (aOR = 1.74, p = 0.04) and cigarette use (aOR = 4.37, p < 0.001) were associated with dental affordability issues. Lower health literacy and racial identification as Black were associated with dental affordability issues; demonstrating an urgent need to address these factors to improve oral health in emerging adult sexual minority men of color.

scholarly journals Rapid mixed-methods assessment of COVID-19 impact on Latinx sexual minority men and Latinx transgender women

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244421
Author(s):  
Sarah MacCarthy ◽  
Max Izenberg ◽  
Joanna L. Barreras ◽  
Ron A. Brooks ◽  
Ana Gonzalez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
The Impact

We conducted a rapid, mixed-methods assessment to understand how COVID-19 affected Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) and transgender women (LTGW). Using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing software, one interviewer called 52 participants (randomly sampled from a larger HIV prevention pilot study aiming to increase HIV knowledge and testing frequency; n = 36 LSMM and n = 16 LTGW) between 04/27/20-05/18/20. We quantified core domains using the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory scale and provided important context through open-ended qualitative questions assessing: 1) COVID-19 infection history and experiences with quarantine; 2) Health and healthcare access; 3) Employment and economic impact of COVID-19. Participants reported increases in physical conflict or verbal arguments with a partner (13.5%) or other adult(s) (19.2%) due to stressors associated with the safer-at-home order. Participants also reported increased alcohol consumption (23.1%), problems with sleep (67.3%) and mental health (78.4%). Further, disruptions in access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP–a daily pill to prevent HIV–occurred (33.3% of 18 participants who reported being on PrEP). Many said they received less medical attention than usual (34.6%), and LTGW reported delays in critical gender-affirming hormones/procedures. Half of the participants lost their jobs (50.0%); many undocumented participants relayed additional financial concerns because they did not qualify for financial assistance. Though no COVID-19 infections were noted, COVID-19 dramatically impacted other aspects of health and overall wellbeing of LSMM and LTGW. Public health responses should address the stressors faced by LSMM and LTGW during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on wellbeing.

scholarly journals A Framework for Using eHealth Interventions to Overcome Medical Mistrust Among Sexual Minority Men of Color Living with Chronic Conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Raquel Ramos ◽  
Rueben Warren ◽  
Michele Shedlin ◽  
Gail Melkus ◽  
Trace Kershaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Medical Mistrust ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Men Of Color ◽  
Minority Men

A Longitudinal, Mixed Methods Study of Sexual Position Identity, Behavior, and Fantasies Among Young Sexual Minority Men

2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 1241-1253 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Pachankis ◽  
Indiana G. Buttenwieser ◽  
Laura B. Bernstein ◽  
Damon O. Bayles
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Sexual Position ◽  
Minority Men

scholarly journals Profiles of HIV Risk, Sexual Power, and Decision-Making among Sexual Minority Men of Color Who Engage in Transactional Sex: A Latent Profile Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4961
Author(s):  
S. Raquel Ramos ◽  
David T. Lardier ◽  
Donte T. Boyd ◽  
José I. Gutierrez ◽  
Eliana Carasso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Sexual Relationship ◽  
Transactional Sex ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Men Of Color ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
Sexual Power

Though the transmission of HIV is preventable, there were still 37,968 new documented cases in the United States in 2018. HIV incidence is disproportionate in sexual minority men of color. The purpose of this study was to examine sexual relationship power risk profiles to identify distinct subgroups within the profiles who carry the highest HIV risk. Latent class profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of sexual minority men of color at the highest risk for contracting HIV based on their sexual power profiles. Among 322 sexual minority men, we identified four latent profiles. Profile 1: Low transactional sex and high power (n = 133; 14.3%); Profile 2: Transactional sex, high decision-making in sexual relationships, and low control in sexual relationship (n = 99; 30.7%); Profile 3: Low transactional sex, low decision-making, and moderate control (n = 43; 13.4%); Profile 4: High transactional sex and low power (n = 47; 14.6%). LPA was useful to identify distinct subgroups based on measures of sexual risk and relationship sexual power. Findings carry significant implications for developing tailored strategies to increase HIV knowledge and related HIV prevention and risk reduction services for sexual minority men of color who engage in transactional sex.

scholarly journals Maximizing respondent-driven sampling field procedures in the recruitment of sexual minorities for health research

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205031211982998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L Hequembourg ◽  
Christina Panagakis
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Respondent Driven Sampling ◽  
Hidden Populations ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Successful Execution ◽  
Minority Men

Objectives: Research to address the significant health burden experienced by sexual minority populations remains hampered by a lack of appropriate sampling methods to support evidence-based studies. Respondent-driven sampling offers one viable strategy to recruit these hidden populations. Because few studies systematically report their experiences using respondent-driven sampling to recruit sexual minorities, this article aligns with recent recommendations for the standardization of reporting and transparency in studies utilizing respondent-driven sampling. We (1) provide detailed descriptions about the successful execution of respondent-driven sampling in two community-based studies of sexual minority individuals, (2) outline procedures to enhance the effectiveness of respondent-driven sampling referral processes, (3) present mixed-methods results regarding the effectiveness of respondent-driven sampling in our studies, and (4) offer recommendations for other researchers when using respondent-driven sampling. Methods: We successfully recruited 655 sexual minority men and women for two studies using respondent-driven sampling. Results: Resulting metrics indicate the successful achievement of equilibrium in each study. In addition, exit interviews elucidated strategies to effectively target referrals who meet the study criteria and procedures to promote the study that will maximize referral chains and ensure attainment of equilibrium. Conclusion: Mixed-methods results suggest that respondent-driven sampling can be an effective means of recruiting a community-based sample of sexual minorities in smaller urban regions. Limitations are presented and suggestions are offered to researchers utilizing respondent-driven sampling in future studies.

Raising Awareness About COVID-19 Among Sexual Minority Men of Color: Sex and the Coronavirus, 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-276
Author(s):  
Rafael E. Pérez-Figueroa ◽  
Mike Lurry ◽  
Marc Thompson ◽  
Dia J. Obonyo ◽  
Anthony J. Santella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Promotion Strategy ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Men Of Color ◽  
Health Promotion Strategy ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
Limited Health

Disparities among vulnerable and marginalized populations have become central in the global conversation about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Currently, avoiding exposure to the virus is the most effective community mitigation strategy. However, limited health promotion interventions have been targeted to sexual minority men of color. Social media can offer opportunities for engaging a high number of sexual minority men of color across wide geographical areas. Sex and the Coronavirus is a health promotion campaign to raise awareness about COVID-19 and to enhance physical distancing practices among sexual minority men of color. The campaign showcased seven graphic stories launched on Instagram and Facebook. The stories revolved around challenges of adhering and negotiating physical distancing practices among sexual minority men of color. The characters and situations were based on the experiences and preferences of community members in New York City. We then culturally adapted the content to a United Kingdom audience by changing language and scenery. As of July 2020, more than 34,675 social media users were exposed to the campaign. The graphic stories elicited 2,872 likes, 102 comments, 236 bookmarks, 1,520 shares. The PDF version of the stories was downloaded 900 times. Findings suggest that graphic stories can be effective as part of a health promotion strategy to raise awareness on COVID-19. The strategy was effective in reaching a wide population of sexual minority men of color across broad geographical areas. Targeted culturally and structurally sensitive responses to the COVID-19 crisis are essential to achieve health equity.

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