Self-Reported Sexual Behavioral Similarities and Differences Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men With Childhood Sexual Abuse Histories: A Qualitative Exploratory Study.

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have the highest burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a risk factor for high-risk sexual behavior and STI acquisition. Studies that have explored sexual behavior based on the type of reported sexual abuse are limited. This study aimed to further understand current sexual behaviors and perceptions among YMSM that have experienced different types of CSA. Sixteen YMSM who were survivors of CSA were interviewed utilizing a phenomenological conceptual framework and methodology. Thematic findings were divided into two parts. Part I gave an overview of the entire sample, and themes were as follows: unprotected oral sex used to evaluate penile abnormalities, trust promoting unprotected sex, and alcohol and other drugs not cited as the reason for casual sex. Part II demonstrated the differences among those with a history of CSA involving non-penile-anal intercourse and those with a history of CSA involving penile-anal intercourse. The major themes in Part II were that victims of CSA involving penile-anal intercourse reported the following: a hypersexual self-definition, an STI diagnosis and noncondom use history, and a third sexual partner during sexual activity. Based on the findings, early life experiences such as CSA should be considered when developing preventative sexual health strategies and individuals who experienced penetrative sexual abuse may have different needs which should be further explored.

Exploring Proxy Measures of Mutuality for Strategic Partnership Development: A Case Study.

Partnerships between academic and clinical-based health organizations are becoming increasingly important in improving health outcomes. Mutuality is recognized as a vital component of these partnerships. If partnerships are to achieve mutuality, there is a need to define what it means to partnering organizations. Few studies have described the elements contributing to mutuality, particularly in new relationships between academic and clinical partners. This study seeks to identify how mutuality is expressed and to explore potential proxy measures of mutuality for an alliance consisting of a hospital system and a School of Public Health. Key informant interviews were conducted with faculty and hospital representatives serving on the partnership steering committee. Key informants were asked about perceived events that led to the development of the Alliance; perceived goals, expectations, and outcomes; and current/future roles with the Alliance. Four proxy measures of mutuality for an academic-clinical partnership were identified: policy directives, community beneficence, procurement of human capital, and partnership longevity. Findings can inform the development of tools for assisting in strengthening relationships and ensuring stakeholders' interests align with the mission and goal of the partnership by operationalizing elements necessary to evaluate the progress of the partnership.

Coping and survival skills: the role school personnel play regarding support for bullied sexual minority-oriented youth.

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that bullying has serious health consequences, and sexual minority-oriented youth are disproportionately affected. Sexual minority-oriented youth include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. This study examined the bullying experiences of sexual minority-oriented youth in a predominantly rural area of a Midwestern state. The purpose of this study was to have bullied youth describe their experiences and to present their perspectives. METHODS: Using critical qualitative inquiry, 16 in-depth interviews were conducted in-person or online with youth, ages 15-20, who self-identified as having been bullied based on their perceived minority sexual orientation status. RESULTS: The role of supportive school personnel was found to be meaningful, and supportive school personnel were mentioned as assisting with the coping and survival among this group of bullied sexual minority youth. CONCLUSIONS: Supportive school personnel are crucial to the coping and survival of these youth. All school personnel need to be aware of the anti-bullying policies in their school corporations. They may then work to strengthen and enforce their policies for the protection of bullied youth.