A qualitative exploration of minority stress, mental health, and sexual health among Arab immigrant sexual minority men in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: To examine experiences of immigration, sexual minority stressors, and mental health and sexual health among first-generation (born outside of the United States) Arab immigrant sexual minority men (SMM) in the United States. METHOD: We conducted in-depth one-on-one virtual interviews with 16 cisgender men residing in different U.S. states. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify the most salient themes and relationships among them. RESULTS: The experiences of Arab immigrant SMM centered around five themes: "my whole plan was to come to the U.S. to be open to who I am," "not fitting in" (homophobia, racism, sexual racism, xenophobia), "a lot of impact on my mental health," sexual health (inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners, preexposure prophylaxis use, testing), and coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Participants reported multiple forms of stressors related to their intersectional identities that affected their mental health, sexual health, and coping strategies. Many stressors were experienced before immigrating to the United States; however, several stressors persisted, and some new ones emerged after immigration. Results call for the development of mental health interventions informed by the unique experiences of Arab immigrant SMM and integrated within community-based organizations to foster adaptive coping strategies, social support, and community belonging. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Universal newborn genetic screening for pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes: model-based insights.

PURPOSE: Genetic testing for pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) could augment newborn screening programs, but with uncertain benefits and costs. METHODS: We developed a simulation model to evaluate universal screening for a CPS panel. Cohorts of US newborns were simulated under universal screening versus usual care. Using data from clinical studies, ClinVar, and gnomAD, the presence of pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in RET, RB1, TP53, DICER1, SUFU, PTCH1, SMARCB1, WT1, APC, ALK, and PHOX2B were assigned at birth. Newborns with identified variants underwent guideline surveillance. Survival benefit was modeled via reductions in advanced disease, cancer deaths, and treatment-related late mortality, assuming 100% adherence. RESULTS: Among 3.7 million newborns, under usual care, 1,803 developed a CPS malignancy before age 20. With universal screening, 13.3% were identified at birth as at-risk due to P/LP variant detection and underwent surveillance, resulting in a 53.5% decrease in cancer deaths in P/LP heterozygotes and a 7.8% decrease among the entire cohort before age 20. Given a test cost of $55, universal screening cost $244,860 per life-year gained; with a $20 test, the cost fell to $99,430 per life-year gained. CONCLUSION: Population-based genetic testing of newborns may reduce mortality associated with pediatric cancers and could be cost-effective as sequencing costs decline.

Perceived acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing and app-based data collection for HIV prevention research with transgender women in the United States.

In the United States, transgender women are disproportionately burdened by HIV infection. Research aimed at curbing the HIV epidemic for this population may benefit from innovative technology to engage participants in research. Adult transgender women (n = 41) from six cities in the southern and eastern United States participated in seven online focus groups between August 2017 and January 2018. Analyses focused on perceived acceptability of novel technologies for research purposes, particularly HIV self-testing (HIVST) and remote data collection through a mobile app. While participants noted a number of benefits to HIVST and remote study participation, including increased participant engagement and sentiments of agency, they also expressed concerns that may impact HIVST and remote participation including housing instability, inconsistent access to technology, and confidentiality. Study findings provide insight into gaps that must be addressed when using technology-enhanced methods to support HIV testing and research participation among transgender women in the US. Substantial effort is required on the part of investigators to ensure equitable access across subgroups and, thus, minimize bias to avoid reproducing health disparities in research.

Risk factors for vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies in children younger than 5 years in the occupied Palestinian territory: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A and vitamin D are essential for a child's growth and development. However, research on micronutrients in the occupied Palestinian territory is scarce. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence and risk factors of vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies in children living in the occupied Palestinian territory. METHODS: The Palestinian Micronutrient Survey in 2013 measured concentrations of vitamin A in 1054 children (569 children in the West Bank and 485 children in the Gaza Strip) and vitamin D in 150 children (75 children in the West Bank and 75 children in the Gaza Strip). Risk factors for deficiency were assessed in children aged 6-59 months using χ2 tests and logistic regression with each of the outcome variables of vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies. A child was considered deficient if serum concentrations were less than 1·05 µmol/L vitamin A or less than 50 nmol/L vitamin D. Multiple logistic regression models were developed to identify independent risk factors. Ethical approval was obtained from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. FINDINGS: 771 (73%) children in the survey had vitamin A deficiency, and 91 (61%) children had vitamin D deficiency. Compared with children living in the West Bank, children living in the Gaza Strip were more likely to be deficient in vitamin A (odds ratio 1·34, 95% CI 0·78-2·31) and vitamin D (1·96, 0·67-5·71). Vitamin A deficiency was 1·5 more likely in children with anaemia than in children who did not have anaemia (95% CI 1·08-2·10; p=0·047). Vitamin D deficiency was more common in children older than 1 years than in children aged 1 year or younger, and vitamin D deficiency was 2·72 times more likely in girls than in boys (95% CI 1·21-6·01; p=0·037). INTERPRETATION: The study provides an initial assessment of the burden of vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies in the occupied Palestinian territory. However, due to the small sample size, more robust research is needed. The observed low adherence to the full supplementation regimen warrants further research into methods of effective service delivery by health service providers. FUNDING: None.

Computer-Mediated Communication to Facilitate Synchronous Online Focus Group Discussions: Feasibility Study for Qualitative HIV Research Among Transgender Women Across the United States.

BACKGROUND: Novel, technology-based methods are rapidly increasing in popularity across multiple facets of quantitative research. Qualitative research, however, has been slower to integrate technology into research methodology. One method, computer-mediated communication (CMC), has been utilized to a limited extent for focus group discussions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess feasibility of an online video conferencing system to further adapt CMC to facilitate synchronous focus group discussions among transgender women living in six cities in eastern and southern United States. METHODS: Between August 2017 and January 2018, focus group discussions with adult transgender women were conducted in English and Spanish by research teams based in Boston, MA, and Baltimore, MD. Participants were sampled from six cities: Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; New York, NY; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; and Miami, FL. This was formative research to inform a technology-enhanced cohort study to assess HIV acquisition among transgender women. This analysis focused on the methodologic use of CMC focus groups conducted synchronously using online software that enabled video or phone discussion. Findings were based on qualitative observations of attendance and study team debriefing on topics of individual, social, technical, and logistical challenges encountered. RESULTS: A total of 41 transgender women from all six cities participated in seven online focus group discussions-five English and two Spanish. There was equal racial distribution of black/African American (14/41, 34%) and white (14/41, 34%) attendees, with 29% (12/41) identifying as Hispanic/Latina ethnicity. Overall, 29 of 70 (41%) eligible and scheduled transgender women failed to attend the focus group discussions. The most common reason for nonattendance was forgetting or having a scheduling conflict (16/29, 55%). A total of 14% (4/29) reported technical challenges associated with accessing the CMC focus group discussion. CMC focus group discussions were found to facilitate geographic diversity; allow participants to control anonymity and privacy (eg, use of pseudonyms and option to use video); ease scheduling by eliminating challenges related to travel to a data collection site; and offer flexibility to join via a variety of devices. Challenges encountered were related to overlapping conversations; variable audio quality in cases where Internet or cellular connection was poor; and distribution of incentives (eg, cash versus gift cards). As with all focus group discussions, establishment of ground rules and employing both a skilled facilitator and a notetaker who could troubleshoot technology issues were critical to the success of CMC focus group discussions. CONCLUSIONS: Synchronous CMC focus group discussions provide a secure opportunity to convene participants across geographic space with minimal time burden and without losing the standardized approach that is expected of focus group discussions. This method may provide an optimal alternative to engaging hard-to-reach participants in focus group discussions. Participants with limited technological literacy or inconsistent access to a phone and/or cellular data or service, as well as circumstances necessitating immediate cash incentives may, however, require additional support and accommodation when participating in CMC focus group discussions.

The Health Needs of Sexual and Gender Minority Migrant Women in the United States: A Scoping Review.

Purpose: This scoping review characterizes the peer-reviewed evidence on the health of first-generation sexual and gender minority (SGM) migrant women to the United States and identifies research gaps and future priorities. Methods: On February 1, 2022, the following databases were searched: PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, APA PsycINFO, and PAIS Index. Primary research studies based in the United States, in English, on first-generation SGM migrants (i.e., immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers) were included. Gray literature and review articles were excluded. Health outcome data were not extracted from nonbinary populations nor transgender men. Themes were generated using qualitative content analysis. Results: Thirty-three studies were reviewed, most were qualitative, and 11 focused on transgender women migrants (especially from Latin America), while only one was exclusively on sexual minority women (SMW) migrants. Premigration experiences of violence and discrimination were linked to high prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Postmigration stressors included lack of educational and employment opportunities, reduced access to social services, and experiences of stigma and discrimination, which were also associated with the development of depressive symptoms. Transgender women migrants reported not seeking formal medical care, given a lack of gender-affirming services and insurance resulting in reliance on unsafe informal care networks for hormone therapy and feminization procedures. Conclusion: Future interventions should focus on fostering social support networks of SGM migrant women to help improve their mental health outcomes. Research priorities should include studies on SMW migrants and more quantitative research that could identify additional health needs (i.e., sexual health) of SGM migrant women.

'It all dials back to safety': A qualitative study of social and economic vulnerabilities among transgender women participating in HIV research in the USA.

OBJECTIVES: Transgender women (TW) are highly burdened by HIV infection in the USA. Research is needed into drivers of the HIV epidemic for TW, including longitudinal studies to identify risks for incident HIV infection and optimal intervention targets. This formative research sought to understand TW's experiences with, perceptions of and barriers and facilitators to HIV research participation to inform future research implementation. DESIGN: Between August 2017 and January 2018, five online synchronous computer-mediated focus groups were conducted in English and two in Spanish. Recruitment used a mixed format of technology, such as geotargeted social media, and non-technology infused methods, such as peer referrals. Maximum variation sampling was used to enrol participants across a wide range of characteristics. Qualitative codes were iteratively developed and applied to focus group discussion transcripts by independent analysts. SETTING: Participants were recruited from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Miami, New York City and Washington D.C. PARTICIPANTS: Participants identified as TW≥18 years and resided in one of the six metropolitan areas or outlying regions. 33 participants elected to partake in English focus groups and eight participated in Spanish-led groups. RESULTS: The geographically diverse sample had a mean age of 41.1 years (SD=13.6), and 34% identified as Black African American and 29% as Hispanic/Latina. Social and economic factors were found to shape HIV research participation for TW. Barriers to HIV research participation included limited research opportunities, mistrust, fear of mistreatment, safety and confidentiality, competing priorities and HIV stigma. Facilitators to HIV research participation were peer involvement and engagement, monetary and non-monetary incentives, flexibility and choices, multiple modalities and methods, and transcenteredness. CONCLUSION: It is critical to address the social and economic vulnerabilities surrounding HIV research participation for TW. Results from this study can inform the design and implementation of gender-affirming and culturally tailored approaches to HIV research with TW.

Life Expectancy of Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer Over 3 Decades.

Importance: Advances in childhood and adolescent cancer treatment have been associated with increased rates of cure during the past 3 decades; however, improvement in adult life expectancy for these individuals has not yet been reported. Objectives: To project long-term survival and assess whether life expectancy will improve among adult survivors of childhood cancer who were treated in more recent decades. Design, Setting, and Participants: A microsimulation model of competing mortality risks was developed using data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study on 5-year survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed between 1970 and 1999. The model included (1) late recurrence, (2) treatment-related late effects (health-related [subsequent cancers, cardiac events, pulmonary conditions, and other] and external causes), and (3) US background mortality rates. Exposures: Treatment subgroups (no treatment or surgery only, chemotherapy alone, radiotherapy alone, and radiotherapy with chemotherapy) and individuals with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during childhood by era (1970-1979, 1980-1989, and 1990-1999). Main Outcomes and Measures: Conditional life expectancy (defined as the number of years a 5-year survivor can expect to live), cumulative cause-specific mortality risk, and 10-year mortality risks conditional on attaining ages of 30, 40, 50, and 60 years. Results: Among the hypothetical cohort of 5-year survivors of childhood cancer representative of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study participants (44% female and 56% male; mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 7.3 [5.6] years), conditional life expectancy was 48.5 years (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 47.6-49.6 years) for 5-year survivors diagnosed in 1970-1979, 53.7 years (95% UI, 52.6-54.7 years) for those diagnosed in 1980-1989, and 57.1 years (95% UI, 55.9-58.1 years) for those diagnosed in 1990-1999. Compared with individuals without a history of cancer, these results represented a gap in life expectancy of 25% (95% UI, 24%-27%) (16.5 years [95% UI, 15.5-17.5 years]) for those diagnosed in 1970-1979, 19% (95% UI, 17%-20%) (12.3 years [95% UI, 11.3-13.4 years]) for those diagnosed in 1980-1989, and 14% (95% UI, 13%-16%) (9.2 years [95% UI, 8.3-10.4 years]) for those diagnosed in 1990-1999. During the 3 decades, the proportion of survivors treated with chemotherapy alone increased (from 18% in 1970-1979 to 54% in 1990-1999), and the life expectancy gap in this chemotherapy-alone group decreased from 11.0 years (95% UI, 9.0-13.1 years) to 6.0 years (95% UI, 4.5-7.6 years). In contrast, during the same time frame, only modest improvements in the gap in life expectancy were projected for survivors treated with radiotherapy (21.0 years [95% UI, 18.5-23.2 years] to 17.6 years [95% UI, 14.2-21.2 years]) or with radiotherapy and chemotherapy (17.9 years [95% UI, 16.7-19.2 years] to 14.8 years [95% UI, 13.1-16.7 years]). For the largest group of survivors by diagnosis-those with acute lymphoblastic leukemia-the gap in life expectancy decreased from 14.7 years (95% UI, 12.8-16.5 years) in 1970-1979 to 8.0 years (95% UI, 6.2-9.7 years). Conclusions and Relevance: Evolving treatment approaches are projected to be associated with improved life expectancy after treatment for pediatric cancer, in particular among those who received chemotherapy alone for their childhood cancer diagnosis. Despite improvements, survivors remain at risk for shorter lifespans, especially when radiotherapy was included as part of their childhood cancer treatment.

Cost-Effectiveness of the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group Screening Guidelines to Prevent Heart Failure in Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

PURPOSE: Survivors of childhood cancer treated with anthracyclines and/or chest-directed radiation are at increased risk for heart failure (HF). The International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group (IGHG) recommends risk-based screening echocardiograms, but evidence supporting its frequency and cost-effectiveness is limited. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study and St Jude Lifetime Cohort, we developed a microsimulation model of the clinical course of HF. We estimated long-term health outcomes and economic impact of screening according to IGHG-defined risk groups (low [doxorubicin-equivalent anthracycline dose of 1-99 mg/m2 and/or radiotherapy < 15 Gy], moderate [100 to < 250 mg/m2 or 15 to < 35 Gy], or high [≥ 250 mg/m2 or ≥ 35 Gy or both ≥ 100 mg/m2 and ≥ 15 Gy]). We compared 1-, 2-, 5-, and 10-year interval-based screening with no screening. Screening performance and treatment effectiveness were estimated based on published studies. Costs and quality-of-life weights were based on national averages and published reports. Outcomes included lifetime HF risk, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), lifetime costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Strategies with ICERs < $100,000 per QALY gained were considered cost-effective. RESULTS: Among the IGHG risk groups, cumulative lifetime risks of HF without screening were 36.7% (high risk), 24.7% (moderate risk), and 16.9% (low risk). Routine screening reduced this risk by 4% to 11%, depending on frequency. Screening every 2, 5, and 10 years was cost-effective for high-risk survivors, and every 5 and 10 years for moderate-risk survivors. In contrast, ICERs were > $175,000 per QALY gained for all strategies for low-risk survivors, representing approximately 40% of those for whom screening is currently recommended. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that refinement of recommended screening strategies for IGHG high- and low-risk survivors is needed, including careful reconsideration of discontinuing asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction and HF screening in low-risk survivors.

Disparities by Sexual Orientation Persist for Major Depressive Episode and Substance Abuse or Dependence: Findings from a National Probability Study of Adults in the United States.

Purpose: This study updates psychiatric epidemiological research by providing recent prevalence estimates of major depression and alcohol and illicit drug abuse or dependence among sexual minority (SM) adults. Methods: Using the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we estimated prevalence differences between SM and heterosexual adults, and within SM subgroups, with logistic regression models. Results: Bisexual adults faced an increased burden across all outcomes compared with other SM adults. Gay males had the highest prevalence of alcohol and illicit drug abuse or dependence. Conclusions: Future research must consider sex differences within SM subgroups for development of targeted interventions.

Risk factors for vitamin A and D deficiencies among children under-five in the state of Palestine.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A and D are essential for the proper growth and development of a child. Due to the complex political circumstances in the state of Palestine, research on micronutrient deficiency is scarce. METHODS: The Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) and UNICEF conducted a national cross-sectional survey in 2013 after the implementation of various micronutrient supplementation and fortification programs. Risk factors for levels of vitamin A (n = 1054) and vitamin D (n = 150) were assessed among children aged 6 to 59 months using chi-square tests and logistic regression with each of the outcome variables, vitamin A and D deficiencies. A child was considered to be deficient in vitamin A and D if he/she had a serum level < 1.05 µmol/L and < 50 nmol/L respectively. Multiple logistic regression models were developed to identify independent risk factors for vitamin deficiencies. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin A and D deficiency was 73.1% and 60.7% respectively. Children in Gaza were 1.34 (95%CI 0.78-2.31) and 1.96 times (95%CI 0.67-5.71) more likely to be deficient in vitamin A and D respectively compared to children in the West Bank. Anaemic children were 1.5 times more likely to be deficient in vitamin A (95%CI 1.08-2.10). Older children (> 1 year-old) were more likely to be deficient in vitamin D, and females were 2.72 times more likely to be deficient than males (95%CI 1.21-6.01). Results suggest no association between maternal education levels, feeding practices such as breastfeeding and complementary feeding and vitamin A and D deficiency. Although not reaching conventional levels of statistical significance, it was observed that children who received their vitamin drops from the MOH were more likely to have vitamin A and D deficiencies than those children receiving the supplements from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). CONCLUSIONS: Using these results, the MOH may consider specifically targeting at risk children to increase adherence to the full supplementation regimen. Further research into effective methods of service delivery by health service providers is needed including an in depth look at the UNRWA maternal counselling and supplement provision protocols.