Associations of adverse and protective childhood experiences with thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicide risk among sexual minority men.

BACKGROUND: Sexual minority men (SMM) experience higher suicidal ideation and suicide attempts than the general population. We examined the associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and protective and compensatory childhood experiences (PACES) with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in adulthood via thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness among SMM. METHODS: Data are from the UNITE study, a national longitudinal cohort study of HIV-negative SMM from the 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Between 2017 and 2019, participants (N = 6303) completed web-based assessments at baseline and 12-month follow-up. ACES and PACES occurring before the age of 18, and current symptoms of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness were assessed at baseline. Past-week suicidal ideation and past-year suicide attempt were assessed at follow-up. RESULTS: 424 (6.7%) participants reported past-week suicidal ideation and 123 (2.0%) reported a past-year suicide attempt. The results of our multivariate model suggest that each additional adverse childhood experience was prospectively associated with 14% higher odds of past-week suicidal ideation (AOR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-1.19) and 19% higher odds of past-year suicide attempt (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.11-1.29). Each additional protective childhood experience was prospectively associated with 15% lower odds of past-week suicidal ideation (AOR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.81-0.90) and 11% lower odds of past-year suicide attempt (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.98). Perceived burdensomeness partially mediated these prospective associations. CONCLUSION: To reduce suicide, screening and treating perceived burdensomeness among SMM with high ACES may be warranted. PACES may decrease perceived burdensomeness and associated suicide risk.

Examining inequities in rates of undiagnosed HIV and rectal STIs in a large nationwide cohort study of sexual minority men.

OBJECTIVE: Sexual minority men (SMM) of colour are disproportionately impacted by HIV and bacterial STIs (bSTIs). To better understand within-group heterogeneity and differential risk factors by race and ethnicity, we sought to examine rates of undiagnosed HIV and rectal bSTI at the intersection of racial and ethnic identity with other sociodemographic factors. METHODS: We examined data from 8105 SMM conducting home-based self-testing at enrolment in a nationwide cohort study collected from November 2017 to August 2018. We conducted analyses stratified by racial and ethnic groups to examine within-group (ie, subgroup) unadjusted rates of HIV and rectal bSTI infection across a range of characteristics. RESULTS: Rates of undiagnosed HIV were highest among Black (4.3%, n=39) and Latino (2.4%, n=38) SMM, with lower rates among those identified as multiracial (1.6%, n=15), white (1.3%, n=56) and other races (1.3%, n=6). Across the stratified analyses of HIV infection, 15 significant associations emerged showing that age, region, insurance type, sexual positioning and incarceration history had differential impacts across racial and ethnic groups. In particular, private and public insurance were protective against HIV for white but not Black and Latino SMM, and incarceration was associated with substantially higher rates of HIV infection for Black and Latino SMM relative to white SMM. We found significant co-occurrence of HIV and bSTI rates for participants who identified as Latino (OR=7.5, 95% CI 2.12 to 26.54), white (OR=3.19, 95% CI 1.14 to 8.98) and multiracial (OR=5.5, 95% CI 1.08 to 27.90), but not those who identified as Black (OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.10 to 6.56) or other races (OR=3.56 95% CI 0.31 to 40.80). CONCLUSIONS: Stratified analyses showed differential rates of HIV infection at the intersection of racial and ethnic groups with other characteristics, particularly insurance status and incarceration history, pointing to structural inequities rather than individual behaviours underlying disproportionately high rates of HIV for Black and Latino SMM.

Spirituality, self-compassion, and anxiety among sexual minority men: a longitudinal mediation analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Research related to anxiety among sexual minority men (SMM) typically focuses on risk factors. It has seldom examined factors that may be associated with lower levels of anxiety. This gap in the literature represents an opportunity to explore positive psychological factors that may be related to lower levels of anxiety among this group. Spirituality and self-compassion are two positive psychological factors that have been associated with reduced anxiety in general samples but have been understudied among SMM. This study aimed to determine the longitudinal associations between spirituality, self-compassion, and anxiety. DESIGN AND METHODS: Guided by an Afrocentric psychological framework, we conducted a secondary quantitative analysis with data from a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 697 U.S. SMM. RESULTS: Utilizing Hayes PROCESS Macro Model 4, we found that spirituality at baseline was positively associated with self-compassion at baseline, which in turn was inversely associated with anxiety at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings provide evidence that spirituality and self-compassion are two positive psychological factors that are inversely associated with anxiety among SMM.

Attachment buffers against the association between childhood sexual abuse, depression, and substance use problems among transgender women: a moderated-mediation model.

Previous research shows a greater prevalence of substance use among childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors. Transgender women experience CSA at a significantly higher rate compared to the general population. Previous studies show a high prevalence of substance use and find that CSA predicts increased drug use among transgender women. It is proposed that the process through which CSA influences substance use behaviour, is mediated by depression. Further, research has shown that secure attachment may buffer against these associations.Participants were 213 transgender women participating in a behavioural intervention to reduce sexual risk and substance use. A moderated mediation model, including a three-way interaction, examined the indirect effect of CSA, through depression, on both substance use problems and alcohol use disorder, as well as the protective effect of secure attachment on these pathways. Findings from the moderated mediation analysis provide evidence to support our hypothesis that depression mediates the pathways from CSA to both substance use problems and alcohol use disorder for transgender women. We also observed a significant three-way interaction (e.g. attachment anxiety x attachment avoidance x CSA) indicating that secure attachment buffered against the association between CSA and symptoms of depression, as well as CSA and substance use problems.

The Use of HIV Pre- and Postexposure Prophylaxis Among a Web-Based Sample of HIV-Negative and Unknown Status Cisgender and Transgender Sexual Minority Men: Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: HIV disproportionately affects sexual minority men (SMM) in the United States. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine past HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) use and current and prior pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among a web-based sample of cisgender and transgender men who have sex with men. METHODS: In 2019, HIV-negative and unknown status SMM (n=63,015) were recruited via geosocial networking apps, social media, and other web-based venues to participate in a brief eligibility screening survey. Individuals were asked about past PEP use and current and prior PrEP use. We examined associations of demographics, socioeconomic indicators, and recent club drug use with PEP and PrEP use, as well as the association between past PEP use and current and prior PrEP use using generalized linear models and multinomial logistic regression. Statistical significance was considered at P<.001, given the large sample size; 99.9% CIs are reported. RESULTS: Prior PEP use was reported by 11.28% (7108/63,015) of the participants, with current or prior PrEP use reported by 21.95% (13,832/63,015) and 8.12% (5118/63,015), respectively. Nearly half (3268/7108, 46%) of the past PEP users were current PrEP users, and another 39.9% (2836/7108) of the participants who reported past PEP use also reported prior PrEP use. In multivariable analysis, past PEP use was associated with current (relative risk ratio [RRR] 23.53, 99.9% CI 14.03-39.46) and prior PrEP use (RRR 52.14, 99.9% CI 29.39-92.50). Compared with White men, Black men had higher prevalence of past PEP use and current PrEP use, Latino men had higher prevalence of PEP use but no significant difference in PrEP use, and those identifying as another race or ethnicity reported higher prevalence of past PEP use and lower current PrEP use. Past PEP use and current PrEP use were highest in the Northeast, with participants in the Midwest and South reporting significantly lower PEP and PrEP use. A significant interaction of Black race by past PEP use with current PrEP use was found (RRR 0.57, 99.9% CI 0.37-0.87), indicating that Black men who previously used PEP were less likely to report current PrEP use. Participants who reported recent club drug use were significantly more likely to report past PEP use and current or prior PrEP use than those without recent club drug use. CONCLUSIONS: PrEP use continues to be the predominant HIV prevention strategy for SMM compared with PEP use. Higher rates of past PEP use and current PrEP use among Black SMM are noteworthy, given the disproportionate burden of HIV. Nonetheless, understanding why Black men who previously used PEP are less likely to report current PrEP use is an important avenue for future research.

Testing Mindful Awareness as a Moderator in the Association Between HIV-Related Stress and Drug and Alcohol Use Problems Among People Living with HIV.

OBJECTIVES: People living with HIV (PLWH) are disproportionately affected by stressful life events. HIV-related stress adds to general life stressors to increase health risks among this population. Stress has not only been associated with HIV progression but it is also linked to HIV transmission risk behavior (e.g., substance use). Older adults living with HIV (OALWH) experience additional age-related stress and are at increased risk for substance use. Mindfulness buffers against stress for PLWH; however, research has yet to examine mindfulness as a buffer between HIV-related stress and substance use for OALWH. METHODS: Participants were 130 OALWH (M age = 54.65, SD = 4.20) and 74.6% were Black. The majority were male (69.2%), and nearly half identified as heterosexual (48.5%). A hierarchical linear regression examined the main and interactive effects of mindful awareness and two types of HIV-related stress (e.g., stigma and rumination) on alcohol and drug use problems. RESULTS: In step one of the model, we examined HIV stigma (ß = .231, p = .015) and found no significant interaction with mindful awareness. In step two, HIV rumination (ß = .288, p = .001) was added. We found a significant interaction (ß = .196, p = .020), indicating those with low mindful awareness and high rumination reported the greatest substance use problems. Exploratory analyses revealed an indirect effect of HIV stigma on substance use through HIV rumination as well as a significant effect for second-stage moderated mediation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support mindful awareness as a buffer against HIV rumination for OALWH. Further, our results have important implications for the utility of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) with OALWH and comorbid substance use disorders.

Comparative Effectiveness of Community-Based vs Clinic-Based Healthy Choices Motivational Intervention to Improve Health Behaviors Among Youth Living With HIV: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Youth living with HIV make up one-quarter of new infections and have high rates of risk behaviors but are significantly understudied. Effectiveness trials in real-world settings are needed to inform program delivery. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of the Healthy Choices intervention delivered in a home or community setting vs a medical clinic. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted from November 1, 2014, to January 31, 2018, with 52 weeks of follow-up. Participants, recruited from 5 adolescent HIV clinics in the United States, were youths and young adults living with HIV aged 16 to 24 years who were fluent in English, were currently prescribed HIV medication, had a detectable viral load, and had used alcohol in the past 12 weeks. Individuals with an active psychosis that resulted in an inability to complete questionnaires were excluded. Data were analyzed from May to December, 2019. Interventions: Participants were randomized to receive the Healthy Choices intervention in either a home or clinic setting. Four 30-minute individual sessions based on motivational interviewing to improve (1) medication adherence and (2) drinking behavior were delivered during 10 weeks by trained community health workers. In session 1, participants chose which behavior to discuss first. Using motivational interviewing strategies, the community health worker elicited motivational language, guided the development of an individualized change plan while supporting autonomy, delivered feedback, and addressed knowledge gaps. Session 2 focused on the second target behavior. In subsequent sessions, community health workers reviewed the individualized change plan, monitored progress, guided problem solving, and helped maintain changes made. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were viral load and alcohol use change trajectories during 52 weeks of follow-up. Alcohol use severity and frequency were measured using the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) (scores range from 0 to 33, with higher scores indicating greater severity of alcohol-related problems) and number of drinks consumed each day over a 30-day period, with timeline followback. Results: A total of 183 young people living with HIV (145 male [79.2%]; mean [SD] age, 21.4 [1.9] y) were randomized to the home setting (n = 90) or clinical setting (n = 93). Using growth-curve analysis, both groups showed declines in viral load after the intervention: among participants with available viral load information, in the home group, 12 participants (21%) had an undetectable viral load at 16 weeks, 12 (22%) at 28 weeks, and 10 (20%) at 52 weeks; in the clinic group, 16 participants (24%) had an undetectable viral load at 16 weeks, 20 (39%) at 28 weeks, and 18 (35%) at 52 weeks. However, the clinic group maintained gains, whereas those counseled at home had a significantly different and increasing trajectory during follow-up (unstandardized ß = -0.07; 95% CI,-0.14 to -0.01; P = .02). A similar pattern was observed in ASSIST scores during follow-up, with reduced ASSIST scores in the clinic group (unstandardized ß = -0.44; 95% CI,-0.81 to -0.07; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance: In this trial, the Healthy Choices intervention resulted in improvements in viral load and alcohol use over 12 months. Unexpectedly, the clinic setting outperformed home-based delivery for viral suppression. Although cross-sectional differences in ASSIST scores were nonsignificant, clinic delivery did improve the trajectory of ASSIST scores during follow-up. Thus, clinics may be the more effective site for interventions aimed at viral load reduction for young people living with HIV. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01969461.

Attachment as a Predictor of Psychological and Sexual Wellbeing Among Transgender Women in New York City.

Transgender women are disproportionately affected by HIV and experience high rates of depression and anxiety. The importance of secure attachment in buffering against negative sexual and mental health outcomes is well established. However, few studies have examined attachment among transgender women. We recruited a community-based convenience sample of 213 transgender women in New York City (Mage =34.3; SD = 11.7). The majority were women of color (75.6%), almost half identified as heterosexual (47.4%), and 34.7% were HIV-positive. Preliminary analyses examined the sample distribution across attachment categories using the Revised Experiences in Close Relationships scale. Specifically, Brennan, Clark and Shaver's guidelines were used for categorization (43.19% fearful, 22.5% preoccupied, 21.6% dismissive, and 12.7% secure). Regression analyses examined the association of dimensional attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and their interaction with depression, anxiety, self-efficacy for condom use, temptations for condomless sex, and condomless sex acts. Results indicated a positive association between attachment anxiety and depression, anxiety, temptations and probability for condomless sex; and also between attachment avoidance and condomless sex probability. A significant interaction indicated that individuals with low attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance (i.e., secure) had the greatest condom use self-efficacy and the lowest probability of engaging in condomless sex.