Outside Looking In: Exploring Sexual Minority Men and Sexual Health Practices Through Focus Group Discussions

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moniq M. Muyargas
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Health Practices ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority 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 Conducting virtual, synchronous focus groups in HIV prevention research among Black sexual minority men (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Dangerfield II ◽  
Charleen Wylie ◽  
Janeane Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Prevention Research ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Group Participation ◽  
Minority Men

BACKGROUND Focus groups are useful to support HIV prevention research among U.S. subpopulations such as Black gay, bisexual, and other Black sexual minority men (BSMM). Virtual synchronous focus groups provide an electronic means to obtaining qualitative data and are convenient to implement. However, the protocols for conducting virtual, synchronous focus groups in HIV prevention research among BSMM are lacking. OBJECTIVE This paper describes the protocols and acceptability of conducting virtual, synchronous focus groups in HIV prevention research among BSMM. METHODS Data come from two studies in which eight virtual, synchronous focus groups among a sample of HIV-negative BSMM in urban U.S. cities such as Baltimore, MD, Los Angeles, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Chicago, IL were conducted (n=39). Participants were recruited from a combination of active and passive recruitment strategies and focus groups were conducted via Zoom. Both studies were stratified by age and included data come from 2 groups of BSMM 18-24, 5 groups of BSMM ages 25-34 and 1 group age 35 years and older. Participants were asked to complete an electronic satisfaction survey distributed to their email through a private email link. RESULTS The age of participants ranged from 18 to 44 years (M=28.3, SD=6.0). Most reported not preferring in-person focus group participation. Regarding virtual focus group participation, 86% reported that they “strongly agreed” that they were satisfied participating in a focus group online, the remainder reported “agree.” Regarding a preference of providing written informed consent, 33% reported “strongly disagree,” 13.3% reported “disagree,” and 36.7% reported “neither agree nor disagree.” Regarding privacy, most reported “strongly agree” or “agree” that their information was safe to share with other participants in the group. Regarding the incentive, 44.8% reported strongly agreeing that they were satisfied with the incentive and 51.7% reported ‘agree.” CONCLUSIONS Conducting virtual, synchronous focus groups in HIV prevention research among BSMM is feasible. However, careful consideration and attention to safety, privacy, and culture is necessary for optimal focus group participation. Focus group facilitators must be explicitly trained to build rapport, ensure privacy, thoroughly explain study goals and safety protocols, and manage focus groups among BSMM. Conducting virtual, synchronous focus groups could be a useful modality to recruit and engage BSMM who are otherwise hard-to-reach.

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.

scholarly journals “That’s Only for Women”: The Importance of Educating HIV-Positive Sexual Minority Men on HPV and High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA)

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 232595822110161
Author(s):  
Catherine Finneran ◽  
Jason Johnson Peretz ◽  
Danielle Blemur ◽  
Joel Palefsky ◽  
Lisa Flowers
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Male Health ◽  
Anorectal Cancer ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prostate Health

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) experience disproportionately high burdens of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-associated anal cancers. Recent focus has shifted to anorectal cancer prevention through high-resolution anoscopy (HRA); however, little is known about sexual minority men’s perceptions, attitudes, or beliefs regarding HRA. We conducted 4 qualitative Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) (n = 15) with sexual minority men, focusing on their beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of undergoing HRA. Participants discussed their experiences of HPV/HRA as influenced by both their gender and sexuality, including unawareness of HPV disease as a male health issue, challenges relating to female-oriented HPV/HRA language, conception of HPV/HRA as related to prostate health, and connecting their sexual behavior identification as “bottoms” to their need for HRA. As efforts to improve HRA knowledge, access, and uptake among sexual and gender minority communities increase, special attention should be paid to language and messaging choices around HRA.

scholarly journals A Crowdsourced Physician Finder Prototype Platform for Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: Qualitative Study of Acceptability and Feasibility

10.2196/13027 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e13027 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Wu ◽  
Wenting Huang ◽  
Peipei Zhao ◽  
Chunyan Li ◽  
Bolin Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Southern China ◽  
University Education ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM), including both gay and bisexual men, have a high prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in China. However, healthcare seeking behaviors and engagement in clinical services among MSM are often suboptimal. Global evidence shows that embedding online HIV or sexual health services into gay social networking applications holds promise for facilitating higher rates of healthcare utilization among MSM. We developed a prototype of a gay-friendly health services platform, designed for integration within a popular gay social networking app (Blued) in China. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of the platform and ask for user feedback through focus group interviews with young MSM in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, cities in Southern China. Methods The prototype was developed through an open, national crowdsourcing contest. Open crowdsourcing contests solicit community input on a topic in order to identify potential improvements and implement creative solutions. The prototype included a local, gay-friendly, STI physician finder tool and online psychological consulting services. Semistructured focus group discussions were conducted with MSM to ask for their feedback on the platform, and a short survey was administered following discussions. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data in NVivo, and we developed a codebook based on the first interview. Double coding was conducted, and discrepancies were discussed with a third individual until consensus was reached. We then carried out descriptive analysis of the survey data. Results A total of 34 participants attended four focus group discussions. The mean age was 27.3 years old (SD 4.6). A total of 32 (94%) participants obtained at least university education, and 29 (85%) men had seen a doctor at least once before. Our survey results showed that 24 (71%) participants had interest in using the online health services platform and 25 (74%) thought that the system was easy to use. Qualitative data also revealed that there was a high demand for gay-friendly healthcare services which could help with care seeking. Men felt that the platform could bridge gaps in the existing HIV or STI service delivery system, specifically by identifying local gay-friendly physicians and counselors, providing access to online physician consultation and psychological counseling services, creating space for peer support, and distributing pre-exposure prophylaxis and sexual health education. Conclusions Crowdsourcing can help develop a community-centered online platform linking MSM to local gay-friendly HIV or STI services. Further research on developing social media–based platforms for MSM and evaluating the effectiveness of such platforms may be useful for improving sexual health outcomes.

scholarly journals A Crowdsourced Physician Finder Prototype Platform for Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: Qualitative Study of Acceptability and Feasibility (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Wu ◽  
Wenting Huang ◽  
Peipei Zhao ◽  
Chunyan Li ◽  
Bolin Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Southern China ◽  
University Education ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM), including both gay and bisexual men, have a high prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in China. However, healthcare seeking behaviors and engagement in clinical services among MSM are often suboptimal. Global evidence shows that embedding online HIV or sexual health services into gay social networking applications holds promise for facilitating higher rates of healthcare utilization among MSM. We developed a prototype of a gay-friendly health services platform, designed for integration within a popular gay social networking app (Blued) in China. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of the platform and ask for user feedback through focus group interviews with young MSM in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, cities in Southern China. METHODS The prototype was developed through an open, national crowdsourcing contest. Open crowdsourcing contests solicit community input on a topic in order to identify potential improvements and implement creative solutions. The prototype included a local, gay-friendly, STI physician finder tool and online psychological consulting services. Semistructured focus group discussions were conducted with MSM to ask for their feedback on the platform, and a short survey was administered following discussions. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data in NVivo, and we developed a codebook based on the first interview. Double coding was conducted, and discrepancies were discussed with a third individual until consensus was reached. We then carried out descriptive analysis of the survey data. RESULTS A total of 34 participants attended four focus group discussions. The mean age was 27.3 years old (SD 4.6). A total of 32 (94%) participants obtained at least university education, and 29 (85%) men had seen a doctor at least once before. Our survey results showed that 24 (71%) participants had interest in using the online health services platform and 25 (74%) thought that the system was easy to use. Qualitative data also revealed that there was a high demand for gay-friendly healthcare services which could help with care seeking. Men felt that the platform could bridge gaps in the existing HIV or STI service delivery system, specifically by identifying local gay-friendly physicians and counselors, providing access to online physician consultation and psychological counseling services, creating space for peer support, and distributing pre-exposure prophylaxis and sexual health education. CONCLUSIONS Crowdsourcing can help develop a community-centered online platform linking MSM to local gay-friendly HIV or STI services. Further research on developing social media–based platforms for MSM and evaluating the effectiveness of such platforms may be useful for improving sexual health outcomes.

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