Intersectional Discrimination in HIV Healthcare Settings Among Persons with Diagnosed HIV in the United States, Medical Monitoring Project, 2018-2019.

Experiences with stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings are associated with negative health outcome for persons with HIV (PWH). PWH may experience discrimination due to the intersection of multiple marginalized social identities. Describing these experiences is important for informing interventions and strategies to reduce stigma and discrimination. We report experiences with discrimination in HIV healthcare settings attributed to multiple characteristics, e.g., sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, income, or social class, and/or injection drug use, among a nationally representative sample of persons with diagnosed HIV in the United States using data from the Medical Monitoring Project (MMP). We calculated weighted prevalences and associated 95% confidence intervals for any discrimination and discrimination attributed to multiple characteristics (intersectional discrimination). Among those experiencing discrimination, nearly 1 in 4 persons reported intersectional discrimination, with a higher burden among key populations of focus for HIV prevention and treatment. Discrimination was attributed to HIV status (62.5%), sexual orientation (60.4%), and race/ethnicity (54.3%). Persons who experienced intersectional discrimination were less likely to have a regular HIV care provider, have trust in HIV care or treatment information from healthcare providers, and be antiretroviral treatment or HIV care visit adherent. Future studies should explore methods to operationalize and assess experiences with intersectional stigma and discrimination and use the outcomes to inform qualitative research that provides more context and a deeper understanding of experiences with intersectional discrimination among PWH.

Effectiveness of HIV Stigma Interventions for Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) With and Without HIV in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.

Stigma may contribute to HIV disparities for men who have sex with men (MSM). This systematic review quantified the effects of HIV stigma interventions for MSM on stigma and sex risk. We conducted a systematic search to identify US-based studies published between 2000 and June 2019 focused on HIV and MSM, and either measured stigma pre-post or included a stigma intervention component. Twenty-nine articles, representing 26 unique studies met inclusion criteria. Random effect models showed no intervention effect for reducing stigma and a non-significant increase in HIV testing. Significant decreases in condomless sex with males, condomless sex with females, and substance-influenced sex were found. Few intervention studies measured stigma pre-post. Findings suggest that including a stigma reduction component in interventions can improve HIV testing and reduce sex risk for MSM. Developing interventions to address stigma may be important in decreasing HIV infection among MSM and ending the HIV epidemic.

Trends in Diagnosis of HIV Infection, Linkage to Medical Care, and Viral Suppression Among Men Who Have Sex with Men, by Race/Ethnicity and Age - 33 Jurisdictions, United States, 2014-2018.

During 2018, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for 69.4% of all diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the United States (1). Moreover, in all 42 jurisdictions with complete laboratory reporting of CD4 and viral load results,* percentages of MSM linked to care within 1 month (80.8%) and virally suppressed (viral load <200 copies of HIV RNA/mL or interpreted as undetected) within 6 months (68.3%) of diagnosis were below target during 2018 (2). African American/Black (Black), Hispanic/Latino (Hispanic), and younger MSM disproportionately experience HIV diagnosis, not being linked to care, and not being virally suppressed. To characterize trends in these outcomes, CDC analyzed National HIV Surveillance System† data from 2014 to 2018. The number of diagnoses of HIV infection among all MSM decreased 2.3% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9-2.8). However, diagnoses did not significantly change among either Hispanic MSM or any MSM aged 13-19 years; increased 2.2% (95% CI = 1.0-3.4) and 2.0% (95% CI = 0.6-3.3) per year among Black and Hispanic MSM aged 25-34 years, respectively; and were highest in absolute count among Black MSM. Annual percentages of linkage to care within 1 month and viral suppression within 6 months of diagnosis among all MSM increased (2.9% [95% CI = 2.4-3.5] and 6.8% [95% CI = 6.2-7.4] per year, respectively). These findings, albeit promising, warrant intensified prevention efforts for Black, Hispanic, and younger MSM.

Associations Between Neighborhood Problems and Sexual Behaviors Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Deep South: The MARI Study.

There is a disproportionately high HIV incidence among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) despite equal or lower levels of HIV risk behaviors compared to White MSM. Due to high levels of racial segregation in the U.S., Black MSM have an elevated likelihood of living in neighborhoods that contain psychosocial stressors, which, in turn, may increase behaviors promoting HIV infection. We examined associations between perceived neighborhood problems and sexual behaviors among Black MSM in the Deep South, a population at highest risk of HIV. Data came from the MARI Study, which included Black MSM ages 18-66 years recruited from the Jackson, MS, and Atlanta, GA, metropolitan areas (n = 377). Participants completed questions about neighborhood problems (e.g., excessive noise, heavy traffic/speeding cars and trash/litter) and sexual behaviors (e.g., condomless sex and drug use before or during sex). We used Poisson's regression model with robust standard errors to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR; 95% confidence intervals [CI]) of neighborhood problems (coded as tertiles [tertile 1 = low neighborhood problems, tertile 2 = medium neighborhood problems, tertile 3 = high neighborhood problems] as well as continuously) with sexual behaviors, after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and other variables. About one-fourth of the sample reported at least one neighborhood problem, with the most common (31.6%) being no/poorly maintained sidewalks, which indicates an infrastructural problem. In multivariable models, compared to those in the lowest tertile, those reporting more neighborhood problems (tertile 2: aPR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.14 and tertile 3: aPR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.24) reported more drug use before or during sex (p for trend = .027). Neighborhood problems may promote behaviors (e.g., drug use before or during sex) conducive to HIV infection. Structural interventions could improve community infrastructure to reduce neighborhood problems (e.g., no/poorly maintained sidewalks and litter). These interventions may help to reduce HIV incidence among Black MSM in the Deep South.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men - 23 Urban Areas, 2017.

In 2017, preliminary data show that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for 67% of new diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, that MSM who inject drugs accounted for an additional 3%, and that African American/black (black) and Hispanic/Latino (Hispanic) MSM were disproportionately affected (1). During 2010-2015, racial/ethnic disparities in HIV incidence increased among MSM; in 2015, rates among black and Hispanic MSM were 10.5 and 4.9 times as high, respectively, as the rate among white MSM (compared with 9.2 and 3.8 times as high, respectively, in 2010) (2). Increased use of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which reduces the risk for sexual acquisition of HIV infection by approximately 99% when taken daily as prescribed,* would help to reduce these disparities and support the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America initiative† (3). Although PrEP use has increased among all MSM since 2014 (4), racial/ethnic disparities in PrEP use could increase existing disparities in HIV incidence among MSM (5). To understand racial/ethnic disparities in PrEP awareness, discussion with a health care provider, and use (steps in the HIV PrEP continuum of care) (6), CDC analyzed 2017 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) data. Black and Hispanic MSM were significantly less likely than were white MSM to be aware of PrEP, to have discussed PrEP with a health care provider, or to have used PrEP within the past year. Among those who had discussed PrEP with a health care provider within the past year, 68% of white MSM, 62% of Hispanic MSM, and 55% of black MSM, reported PrEP use. Prevention efforts need to increase PrEP use among all MSM and target eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in PrEP use.§.

Reducing the African American HIV Disease Burden in the Deep South: Addressing the Role of Faith and Spirituality.

Nearly half of HIV infections in the United States are concentrated among African Americans, and over half of new HIV infections occur in the South. African Americans have poorer outcomes in the entire continua of HIV and PrEP care. Complex social, structural, and behavioral factors contribute to our nation's alarming racial disparities in HIV infection, particularly in the Deep South. Despite the importance of faith, spirituality and religious practice in the lives of many African Americans, there has been little scientific investment exploring how African Americans' religious participation, faith and spirituality may impact our nation's HIV epidemic. This article summarizes the state of the science on this critical issue. We also identify opportunities for new scholarship on how faith, spirituality and religious participation may impact HIV care continuum outcomes in the South and call for greater federal research investment on these issues.

Determinants of HIV Incidence Disparities Among Young and Older Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States.

This study sought to determine why young men who have sex with men (MSM) have higher HIV incidence rates than older MSM in the United States. We developed hypotheses that may explain this disparity. Data came from peer-reviewed studies published during 1996-2016. We compared young and older MSM with respect to behavioral, clinical, psychosocial, and structural factors that promote HIV vulnerability. Compared with older MSM, young MSM were more likely to have HIV-discordant condomless receptive intercourse. Young MSM also were more likely to have "any" sexually transmitted infection and gonorrhea. Among HIV-positive MSM, young MSM were less likely to be virally suppressed, use antiretroviral therapy, and be aware of their infection. Moreover, young MSM were more likely than older MSM to experience depression, polysubstance use, low income, decreased health care access, and early ages of sexual expression. These factors likely converge to exacerbate age-associated HIV incidence disparities among MSM.

Stigmatizing Attitudes Toward People Living with HIV Among Adults and Adolescents in the United States.

Stigmatizing attitudes toward people living with HIV (PLWH) cause psychological distress for PLWH and hinder HIV prevention efforts. We estimated the prevalence of stigmatizing attitudes among 6809 adults and 885 adolescents who responded to online surveys in 2015. Fear of casual contact with PLWH was reported by 17.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.3-18.6%] of adults and 31.6% (CI 27.8-35.4%) of adolescents. Among adults, 12.5% (CI 11.6-13.5%) endorsed a measure of moral judgment toward PLWH. Stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWH persist in the United States. Continued monitoring of these attitudes and efforts to reduce associated stigma are warranted.

Latent Classes of Sexual Risk Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women.

Black men who have sex with men and women (BMSMW) are at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite knowing that HIV/STI risk varies by sexual positioning practices, limited data have characterized the risk profiles of BSMW. This study utilized latent class analysis (LCA) to explore BMSMW's sexual risk profiles regarding condomless sexual positioning practices. Participants were BMSMW in intervention studies in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia. LCA was used to characterize their sexual risk profiles. Age, study location, HIV status, social support, and internalized homophobia were used as covariates in a multinomial regression model predicting the likelihood of class membership. Among the 546 participants, three latent classes of risk were identified: Seropositive Serosorters, Seronegative/unknown Serosorters, and Main Partners Only. All groups had the greatest probabilities of condomless sex with main partners. Seropositive Serosorters had the highest probabilities of condomless sex with HIV-positive partners. Seronegative/unknown Serosorters had the highest probabilities of condomless sex with HIV-negative or unknown status partners. HIV-positive BMSMW had 87% lower odds of being classified as Seronegative/unknown Serosorters than Seropositive Serosorters than HIV-negative/unknown status BMSMW (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.06, 0.28). HIV-positive BMSMW had 71% lower odds of being classified as Main Partners Only than Seropositive Serosorters than HIV-negative/unknown status BMSMW (AOR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.16, 0.51). Findings highlight opportunities for clinicians to promote condom use and risk reduction among BMSMW with differing sexual risk profiles. Increased understanding of sexual positioning practices among BMSMW might help address HIV/STIs among this group.

HIV Acquisition and Transmission Potential Among African American Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women in Three U.S. Cities.

Black men who have sex with men and women (BMSMW) are at increased HIV risk, but few efficacious interventions meet their unique needs. Three HIV prevention interventions were evaluated with a common protocol. Baseline data were pooled to describe sexual behavior involving transmission risk with male, female, and male-to-female transgender partners and identify factors associated with transmission risk. BMSMW from Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Chicago who reported sexual risk and bisexual behavior in the past year were recruited via modified chain referral sampling and community recruitment. Baseline assessments were conducted via audio computer-assisted interview and sexual behaviors assessed over the past 3 months. From December 2010 to November 2012, 584 BMSMW were enrolled across the three cities. More than half (55%) were recruited by other participants. Overall, the mean age was 43 years. Seventy-five percent reported an annual income <$10,000 and selling sex was prevalent (31%). Three-quarters identified as bisexual. Thirty-nine percent were HIV-positive. Among HIV-positive participants, 46% reported sex without condoms with HIV-negative or unknown male partners and 45% with HIV-negative or unknown female partners. Overall, factors associated with sex without condoms included network size, education, income, sexual orientation identification, HIV status, exchange sex, homonegativity, and social support. Findings support the need for enhanced HIV prevention efforts for this population. Future studies should examine contextual factors in addition to individual risk behaviors to inform the development and implementation of promising strategies to prevent HIV and promote the overall health and wellness of BMSMW and their sexual partners.

Protective behaviours among young African American women with non-monogamous sexual partners.

In the USA, partner non-monogamy is reported to be more common among African American women than White women and may contribute to African American women's increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Few studies have explicitly and comprehensively described the protective behaviours that African American women employ with non-monogamous partners to reduce their HIV risk. We conducted interviews to examine protective behaviours among 11 African American women aged 18-24 years who perceived that a partner in the preceding 12 months had another sex partner. Participants described three types of partnerships with 29 non-monogamous men; these partnerships clustered into three categories. Narrative analysis revealed an overall paucity of protective behaviours with non-monogamous partners. Protective behaviours (i.e. communication and condom use) were informed by partnership type, rather than perceptions of non-monogamy. There were few instances in which partner non-monogamy motivated women to terminate sex partnerships. Rather, these decisions were often motivated by changes in other relationship dynamics. To address HIV/STI risk related to partner non-monogamy, HIV prevention strategies for young African American women should emphasise the importance of condom use in all non-marital partnership types. Interventions where testing is available may be effective for women who frequently test for HIV/STIs but do not use condoms.

Internalized Homonegativity and Substance Use Among U.S. Men Who Have Sex with Men Only (MSMO) and Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women (MSMW).

BACKGROUND: Internalized homonegativity may promote substance use among U.S. men who have sex with men only (MSMO) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). However, studies have produced mixed findings, used non-representative samples, and not adequately examined MSMW. OBJECTIVES: We investigated (1) internalized homonegativity in relation to substance use and (2) the extent of temporal change in internalized homonegativity among MSMO and MSMW. METHODS: Using merged 2002, 2006-2010, and 2011-2013 cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth-a nationally representative U.S. sample of persons aged 15-44 years-we acquired subsamples of MSMO (n = 419) and MSMW (n = 195). Rao-Scott chi-square tests examined internalized homonegativity in relation to past-month binge drinking and use of marijuana. These tests examined past-year use of any illicit substance, cocaine, crack, injection drugs, and methamphetamine. Multivariable logistic regression models controlled for covariates. Rao-Scott chi-square tests examined temporal changes in internalized homonegativity. RESULTS: Among MSMO, internalized homonegativity was associated with increased odds of using any illicit substance, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Among MSMW, however, internalized homonegativity was associated with decreased odds of using any illicit substance, cocaine, crack, injection drugs, and methamphetamine. The proportion of MSMO and MSMW who expressed internalized homonegativity did not significantly change during 2002-2013. Conclusions/Importance: Internalized homonegativity may be positively associated with substance use among MSMO, but negatively associated with substance use among MSMW. Future studies should seek to better understand internalized homonegativity and other determinants of substance use among MSMO and MSMW.

Evaluation of the Acceptance Journeys Social Marketing Campaign to Reduce Homophobia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Acceptance Journeys social marketing campaign to reduce homophobia in the Black community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. METHODS: We assessed the campaign's effectiveness using a rolling cross-sectional survey. Data were collected annually online between 2011 and 2015. Each year, a unique sample of Black and White adults, aged 30 years and older, were surveyed in the treatment city (Milwaukee) and in 2 comparison cities that did not have antihomophobia campaigns (St. Louis, MO, and Cleveland, OH; for total sample, n = 3592). RESULTS: Black self-identification and Milwaukee residence were significantly associated with exposure to the campaign, suggesting successful message targeting. The relationship between exposure and acceptance of gay men was significantly mediated through attitudes toward gay men, perceptions of community acceptance, and perceptions of the impact of stigma on gay men, but not through rejection of stereotypes. This model accounted for 39% of variance in acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: This evidence suggests that the Acceptance Journeys model of social marketing may be a promising strategy for addressing homophobia in US Black communities.

HIV acquisition and transmission among men who have sex with men and women: What we know and how to prevent it.

Men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) compose a subset of men who have sex with men (MSM) and represent an estimated 35% of MSM. Research on the HIV risk behaviors of MSMW has largely focused on their behaviors in comparison to men who have sex with men only (MSMO). Results suggest that compared to MSMO, MSMW are less likely to have ever had an HIV test, are at greater risk of being unaware of their HIV infection and are less likely to have encountered HIV prevention activities or materials. Additional research is needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the unique sexual behaviors and lived experience of MSMW as a group in order to better inform HIV prevention efforts. The purpose of this paper is to summarize existing data and discuss strategies to reduce HIV acquisition and transmission among MSMW.

Implementation of Evidence-Based HIV Interventions for Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides trainings to support implementation of five evidence-based HIV prevention interventions (EBIs) for men who have sex with men (MSM): d-up: Defend Yourself!; Many Men, Many Voices; Mpowerment; Personalized Cognitive Counseling; and Popular Opinion Leader. We evaluated trainees' implementation of these EBIs and, using multivariable logistic regression, examined factors associated with implementation. Approximately 43% of trainees had implemented the EBIs for which they received training. Implementation was associated with working in community-based organizations (vs. health departments or other settings); acquiring training for Mpowerment or Popular Opinion Leader (vs. Personalized Cognitive Counseling); having ≥3 funding sources (vs. one); and having (vs. not having) sufficient time and necessary EBI resources. Findings suggest that implementation may vary by trainee characteristics, especially those related to employment setting, EBI training, funding, and perceived implementation barriers. Efforts that address these factors may help to improve EBI implementation among trainees.

On the Battlefield: The Black Church, Public Health, and the Fight against HIV among African American Gay and Bisexual Men.

HIV affects African American gay and bisexual men (AAGBM) more disproportionately than any other group in the USA. The Black Church, which has been a historic mainstay for African American empowerment and well-being, has the potential to be a public health partner for HIV prevention with AAGBM. Public health partnerships with the Black Church can strengthen HIV prevention efforts with AAGBM by [1] adapting church-based prevention strategies developed for other African American subgroups [2], providing prevention and referral services [3], considering how scripture supports prevention efforts, and [4] emphasizing the tenets of liberation theology. Public health should consider how thoughtful engagement, research, and interventions can support these approaches. Developing partnerships with the Black Church and African American clergy can promote effective HIV prevention efforts for AAGBM.

Homonegative Attitudes and Risk Behaviors for HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sexually Active Men in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: We examined associations between homonegative attitudes and HIV and other sexually transmitted infection (HIV/STI) risk behaviors among sexually active US men. METHODS: We used the 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth (n = 10 403) and multivariable logistic regression models to examine homonegative attitudes in relation to condom use, number of past-year sex partners, HIV/STI testing, and STI diagnoses. RESULTS: Among men who had sex with men, homonegative attitudes were associated with lower odds of condom use during anal sex with women (before the past year) and past-year STI testing. Among men who had sex with men and women, homonegative attitudes were associated with lower odds of condom use during vaginal sex and sex with men, having 4 or more partners, and HIV testing ever. Among men who had sex with women, homonegative attitudes were associated with lower odds of condom use during vaginal sex and sex with men (before the past year), HIV testing ever, and contracting herpes, human papillomavirus, or syphilis. CONCLUSIONS: Homonegative attitudes may promote HIV/STI acquisition and transmission among sexually active men of all sexual orientations. Interventions should address homonegative attitudes in the United States.

An exploration of religion and spirituality among young, HIV-infected gay and bisexual men in the USA.

Although religion and spirituality can promote healthy behaviours and mental well-being, negative religious experiences may harm sexual minority men's health. Despite increasing vulnerability to HIV infection among young gay and bisexual men, few studies examine how religion and spirituality might affect them. To this end, we interviewed young gay and bisexual men who were diagnosed with HIV infection during January 2006-June 2009. Questionnaires assessed religious service attendance, disclosure of sexuality within religious communities, and beliefs about homosexuality being sinful. A subset described religious and spiritual experiences in qualitative interviews. We calculated the prevalence of religion- and spirituality-related factors and identified themes within qualitative interviews. Among men completing questionnaires, 66% currently attended religious services, 16% believed they could disclose their sexuality at church, and 37% believed homosexuality was sinful. Participants who completed qualitative interviews commonly discussed religious attendance and negative experiences within religious settings. They often expressed their spirituality through prayer, and some used it to cope with adverse experiences. These data suggest that religion and spirituality are notable factors that shape young, HIV-infected gay and bisexual men's social contexts. Programmes and interventions that constructively engage with religious institutions and are sensitive to spiritual beliefs may promote these men's health.