Improving Access to Care Through Youth-Focused Virtual Sexual Health Navigation.

PURPOSE: Gender and sexually diverse adolescents and young adults in Baltimore City, Maryland, are disproportionately impacted by HIV. The Virtual and Online Integrated Sexual Health Services for Youth program is a health navigation program which combines virtual sexual health service delivery and health navigation to link youth at risk for HIV acquisition to HIV testing/prevention and sexual healthcare services. METHODS: Youth between 13 and 26 years old and residing in the Baltimore area were eligible to participate in the program. Demographic and engagement data from 238 youth (average age 21.4, SD = 2.5) who requested navigation were collected and recorded in a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-secure medical database and examined for associations between demographics, referral source, and the number of navigational services to which they were linked. Focused populations were defined as residents of high HIV prevalence zip codes who identify as sexual and gender diverse youth. RESULTS: Receipt of navigational services was significantly associated with self-identifying as sexually diverse. A multivariate regression revealed a significant association between the count of navigational services a youth was linked to and recording one's sexual orientation, identifying as a cisgender male, and residing in a high HIV-prevalence zip code. DISCUSSION: Virtual health navigation has the potential to engage priority populations, including sexual and gender diverse youth. By refining linkage and identification approaches to health navigation, future outreach attempts can be tailored to support vulnerable communities, with the potential to improve sexual healthcare access.

Discordance Between HIV Risk Perception, Sexual Behavior, and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Young Sexual and Gender Minorities in the United States.

PURPOSE: In the United States, youth experience suboptimal HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence. One common idea posits that this is due to their developing decision-making skills. However, quantitative evidence of this assumption is limited. We therefore examined whether individual decision-making factors, such as HIV risk perception and sexual behavior, predicted PrEP adherence in a national trial of young sexual and gender minorities (YSGMs). METHODS: In 2019-2021, the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV Interventions 142 study enrolled 225 PrEP users (ages 16-24) throughout the country. Regression models estimated the associations between HIV risk perception (using a modified Perceived HIV Risk Scale), sexual behavior (condomless anal sex in ≤ 3 months), and self-reported oral PrEP adherence (≥4 pills in the past week) at the same time point (baseline) and longitudinally (3 months). RESULTS: Baseline risk perception (risk ratio [RR]: 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82, 1.04) and condomless anal sex (RR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.25) were not associated with PrEP adherence at the same time point and did not predict 3-month adherence (RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.11; RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.19, respectively). Baseline risk perception was not associated with condomless anal sex at either time point (baseline RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.94, 1.43; 3-month RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.28). DISCUSSION: In this national trial of YSGM, HIV risk perception and condomless anal sex did not predict PrEP adherence. Targeting individual-level perceptions and behaviors will likely insufficiently address youth's suboptimal PrEP use. Future research should identify YSGM-specific adherence drivers and train providers to recognize such motivations.

From Invisibility to Inclusion: A Call to Action to Address COPD Disparities in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer+ Community.

COPD is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality both in the US and worldwide. LGBTQ+ individuals (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer with the plus sign indicating inclusion of people who are questioning, intersex, asexual, or who hold other gender/sex/romantic identities not specifically identified) have a higher rate of tobacco smoking, predisposing them to an increased risk of developing COPD. Despite this risk, the burden of COPD in LGBTQ+ individuals is not known. Moreover, there is limited focus on efforts to identify and reduce disease risk in this population. In this perspective, we present the results of a focused literature review of COPD in LGBTQ+ populations. We found only 8 studies that reported the prevalence of COPD in different sub-groups of the LGBTQ+ population. All studies found an increased prevalence of COPD in the studied LGBTQ+ sub-groups compared to their heterosexual and/or cisgender counterparts. We propose a three-pronged call to action to improve the care of LGBTQ+ people with COPD. First, we must improve awareness and education about COPD in the LGBTQ+ community through the effective development and dissemination of educational resources to LGBTQ+ people and their healthcare providers. Second, we call for prevention and intervention efforts through targeted tobacco cessation initiatives and case-finding via screening spirometry among symptomatic LGBTQ+ smokers. Finally, well-designed cohort studies are required to better characterize COPD burden among LGBTQ+ populations. With targeted approaches in these three areas, we can improve the health of this vulnerable population, historically marginalized from current COPD research efforts.

Substance Use and Misuse among Sexual and Gender Minority Communities Living in Former Soviet Union Countries: A Scoping Review.

Objectives: We reviewed literature examining substance use among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) living in the former Soviet Union (USSR) nations. Methods: Searches were conducted across five databases (PubMed, SocINDEX, CINAHL, PscyInfo, LGBTQ + Source) to identify peer-reviewed literature. Results: Across 19 studies, high hazardous substance use prevalence was documented. Substance use was correlated with (a) sexual health and behaviors and (b) mental wellbeing and the use of other substances. Conclusion: We discuss minority stress implications and challenges presented by the paucity of evidence in the literature examining substance use among SGM women and SGM living in countries unrepresented in reviewed studies.

The 5 C model and Mpox vaccination behavior in Germany: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Due to the authorization of the Mpox vaccines, we aimed to identify determinants of the intention to get vaccinated, actively trying to receive vaccination, and for successfully receiving a vaccination in Germany employing the 5 C model of vaccination readiness. METHODS: Data stem from a cross-sectional online survey that was available online from August 13, 2022 to August 31, 2022. To assess the influence of the 5 C Model on vaccination behavior, we conducted a multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: 3,338 participants responded to the survey, with 487 already vaccinated and 2,066 intending to receive a vaccination. Confidence and collective responsibility were positively associated with intention to get vaccinated, while complacency was negatively correlated. A higher score on the calculation scale increased the odds of intention to receive vaccination but not with actively having tried to receive a vaccination. Fewer perceived constraints were associated with higher odds to be vaccinated. Patients in practices that focus on HIV treatment were more likely to intend to get vaccinated, to have tried to get vaccinated and to be vaccinated, regardless of indication. While level of education had no impact, having an indication to get vaccinated was a strong predictor of vaccination behavior in all groups. CONCLUSION: Future vaccination campaigns should aim to reduce specific constraints of the target group and make vaccines widely available in primary care institutions beyond HIV-focused practices.

'I created my own access:' understanding mental healthcare access experiences among LGTBQ + youth who use cannabis in Canada.

In North America, LGBTQ+ youth have high rates of cannabis use and face mental health issues. We conducted a photovoice study to describe the perspectives, needs, and motivations of forty-six LGBTQ+ youth who use cannabis as they access mental healthcare services. Participants' photographs were discussed in individual semi-structured interviews conducted by peer researchers. Following a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts, we first found that, beyond medication, LGBTQ+ youth sought mental health services facilitating introspection to better understand their sexual and gender identities and mental health. Second, participants sought affirming health professionals but often felt judged by providers. Third, access to desired services was often described as uncertain and taxing, which impacted their mental health. Fourth, participants' agency was determined by their experience with mental health services, which translated into resilience to tackle access challenges and cannabis use to mitigate their mental health struggles. Our findings point to the need for mental healthcare delivery that goes beyond medication provision but which in addition foster therapeutic processes based on a holistic understanding of mental health. A trusting dynamic between health professionals and LGBTQ+ youth is imperative to counteract the feelings of stigma experienced by LGBTQ+ youth using cannabis in Canada.

Reach of GetCheckedOnline among gay, bisexual, transgender and queer men and Two-Spirit people and correlates of use 5 years after program launch in British Columbia, Canada.

OBJECTIVES: Understanding who uses internet-based sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) services can inform programme implementation, particularly among those most impacted by STBBIs, including gender and sexual minority (GSM) men. GetCheckedOnline, an internet-based STBBI testing service in British Columbia, Canada, launched in 2014. Our objectives were to assess reach, identify factors associated with use of GetCheckedOnline 5 years into implementation and describe reasons for using and not using GetCheckedOnline among GSM men. METHODS: The Sex Now 2019 Survey was an online, cross-sectional survey of GSM men in Canada administered from November 2019 to February 2020. Participants were asked a subset of questions related to use of GetCheckedOnline. Multivariable binary logistic regression modelling was used to estimate associations between correlates and use of GetCheckedOnline. RESULTS: Of 431 British Columbia (BC) participants aware of GetCheckedOnline, 27.6% had tested using the service. Lower odds of having used GetCheckedOnline were found among participants with non-white race/ethnicity (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.41 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.74)) and those living with HIV (aOR=0.23 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.76)). Those who usually tested at a walk-in clinic, relative to a sexual health clinic, had greater odds of using GetCheckedOnline (aOR=3.91 (95% CI 1.36 to 11.61)). The most commonly reported reason for using and not using GetCheckedOnline was convenience (78%) and only accessing the website to see how the service worked (48%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Over a quarter of GSM men in BC aware of GetCheckedOnline had used it. Findings demonstrate the importance of social/structural factors related to use of GetCheckedOnline. Service promotion strategies could highlight its convenience and privacy benefits to enhance uptake.

Assessing Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable PrEP Among Young Adult Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women.

PURPOSE: Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission. However, oral PrEP uptake is low, particularly among sexual and gender minority youth who are vulnerable to HIV infection. Alternative methods of PrEP delivery, such as long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP may overcome barriers and be preferred. However, attitudes and preferences of younger sexual and gender minorities towards LAI PrEP have not been well studied. The purpose of this study is to describe preferences for initiating LAI PrEP among sexual and gender minority youth. METHODS: We analyzed data collected as part of an HIV prevention randomized trial from January 2022 to February 2023, using multiple regression to identify factors associated with a preference for LAI PrEP. RESULTS: The study sample (N=265) was 50% youth of color, mean age 25 years (SD=3.4, range=18-31), and primarily identified as gay (71%) and male (91%). 42% had heard of LAI PrEP and 31% preferred LAI PrEP over other prevention methods. In multiple regression analysis, LAI PrEP preference was associated with identifying as White, previous PrEP experience, and perceived LAI PrEP efficacy. DISCUSSION: We conclude that gaps in awareness exist for LAI PrEP, however it may be preferred over other prevention methods especially in White youth, those with PrEP experience and higher perceptions of its efficacy. More education and outreach are needed to prevent extension of existing race/ethnicity disparities in use of oral daily PrEP to LAI PrEP. WHAT'S NEW: Findings from this study suggest that awareness of LAI PrEP is low, however it may be preferred over other prevention methods especially in White youth, those with PrEP experience and higher perceptions of its efficacy.

Willingness and preferences for long-acting injectable PrEP among US men who have sex with men: a discrete choice experiment.

INTRODUCTION: Cabotegravir long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (LA-PrEP) was shown to be safe and effective in multiple clinical trials. Increasing uptake and persistence among populations with elevated risk for HIV acquisition, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM), is critical to HIV prevention. OBJECTIVE: This analysis aims to understand potential users' preferences for LA-PrEP, with audience segmentation. DESIGN: Willingness to use and preferences for LA-PrEP were measured in HIV-negative, sexually active MSM in the 2020 American Men's Internet Survey. Respondents answered a discrete choice experiment with paired profiles of hypothetical LA-PrEP characteristics with an opt-out option (no LA-PrEP). Conditional and mixed logit models were run; the final model was a dummy-coded mixed logit that interacted with the opt-out. SETTING: US national online sample. RESULTS: Among 2506 MSM respondents, most (75%) indicated a willingness to use LA-PrEP versus daily oral PrEP versus no PrEP. Respondents were averse to side effects and increasing costs and preferred increasing levels of protection. Respondents preferred a 2-hour time to obtain LA-PrEP vs 1 hour, with a strong aversion to 3 hours. Overall, there was an aversion to opting out of LA-PrEP, with variations: those with only one partner, no/other insurance or who were Black, Indigenous or People of Colour were significantly less likely to prefer LA-PrEP, while those who were Hispanic/Latino, college educated and <40 years significantly preferred LA-PrEP. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of MSM expressed a preference for LA-PrEP over daily oral pills. Most respondents chose LA-PrEP regardless of cost, clinic time, side effects or protection level; however, preferences varied by sociodemographics. These varied groups likely require tailored intervention strategies to achieve maximum LA-PrEP uptake and persistence.

Awareness of U = U among Sexual and Gender Minorities in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru: Differences According to Self-reported HIV Status.

The slogan Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U = U) communicates that people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) will not transmit HIV to their sexual partners. We describe awareness of U = U among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) living in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru by self-reported HIV status (PLHIV, negative, unknown) during 2021 using an online survey. We estimated two models using Poisson regression for each population group: Model A including socio-demographic factors (country, gender, age, race, education, and income), and then Model B including taking ART (for PLHIV) or risk behavior, ever-taking PrEP, and HIV risk perception (for HIV-negative or of unknown HIV status). A total of 21,590 respondents were included (Brazil: 61%, Mexico: 30%, Peru: 9%). Among HIV-negative (74%) and unknown status (12%), 13% ever used PrEP. Among PLHIV (13%), 93% reported current use of ART. Awareness of U = U was 89% in both Brazil and Mexico, which was higher than in Peru 64%. Awareness of U = U was higher among PLHIV (96%) than HIV-negative (88%) and HIV-unknown (70%). In multivariate models, PLHIV with lower education were less aware of U = U, while those taking ART were more aware. Among HIV-negative, non-cisgender, lower income, and those with lower education had lower awareness of U = U, while individuals ever using PrEP had higher awareness. In conclusion, awareness of U = U varied by HIV status, socio-demographic characteristics, and HIV risk behavior. The concept of U = U should be disseminated through educational strategies and include a focus on SGM to combat HIV stigma.

RESUMEN: Indetectable = Intransmisible (I = I) comunica que las personas que viven con VIH (PVVIH) y reciben tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) no transmitirán el VIH a sus parejas sexuales. En este estudio, describimos la concienciación sobre I = I entre las minorías sexuales y de género (MSG) de Brasil, México y Perú según el estado de VIH autoreportado (PVVIH, negativo, desconocido) durante 2021 utilizando una encuesta en línea. Se estimaron dos modelos mediante regresión de Poisson para cada grupo: Modelo A, que incluyó factores sociodemográficos (país, sexo, edad, raza, educación e ingresos) y Modelo B, que incluyó recibir TAR (para PVVIH) o comportamiento de riesgo, uso de PrEP y percepción de riesgo (para VIH negativo o desconocido). Se incluyó 21,590 encuestados (Brasil: 61%, México: 30%, Perú: 9%). Entre aquellos negativos para VIH (74%) y con estado desconocido (12%), el 13% utilizó alguna vez PrEP. Entre las PVVIH (13%), el 93% reportó recibir actualmente TAR. La concienciación de I = I fue del 89% tanto en Brasil como en México, superior al 64% de Perú. La concienciación de I = I fue mayor entre PVVIH (96%) que entre los VIH-negativos (88%) y los VIH-desconocidos (70%). En los modelos multivariados, las PVVIH con menor educación eran menos conscientes de I = I, mientras que los que tomaban TAR eran más conscientes. Entre los VIH-negativos, las personas no cisgéneros, con menores ingresos y con menor educación eran menos consciente de I = I, mientras que los que tenían experiencia usando PrEP eran más conscientes. En conclusión, la concienciación sobre I = I varió según el estado serológico de VIH, las características sociodemográficas y el comportamiento de riesgo. El concepto de I = I debe difundirse a través de estrategias educativas, incluyendo un enfoque en MSG para combatir el estigma del VIH.

Racial HIV Testing Inequalities in Adolescent Men who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Three Brazilian Cities.

Many barriers to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing among Black people exist. This study analysed the association between race/skin colour and lifetime HIV testing among adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) and transgender women (ATGW) in three Brazilian cities. This cross-sectional study was nested within the PrEP1519 cohort, a multicentre study of AMSM and ATGW aged 15-19 years in Belo Horizonte, Salvador, and São Paulo, Brazil. The outcome variable was the lifetime HIV testing (no or yes). The main exposure variable was self-reported race/skin colour as White and a unique Black group (composed of Pardo-mixed colour and Black, according to the Brazilian classification). Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to determine the association between the main exposure and outcome, adjusted for covariates. White adolescents were tested more frequently than the unique Black group (64.0% vs. 53.7%, respectively; Ρ = 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the unique Black group of AMSM and ATGW had 26% (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55-0.98) and 38% (aOR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45-0.87) lower odds of being tested for HIV in a lifetime than Whites in model 1 and 2, respectively. Our findings highlight the role of racism in lifetime HIV testing among AMSM and ATGW. Therefore, an urgent need for advances exists in public policies to combat racism in Brazil.

RESUMEN: Existen numerosas barreras para la realización de las pruebas del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) entre la población negra. Este estudio analizó la asociación entre la raza/color de piel y haber realizado pruebas de VIH a lo largo de la vida entre hombres adolescentes que tienen sexo con hombres (AHSH) y mujeres transgénero (AMTG) en tres ciudades brasileñas. Este estudio transversal es parte de la cohorte PrEP1519, un estudio multicéntrico de AHSH y AMTG de 15 a 19 años en Belo Horizonte, Salvador y São Paulo, Brasil. La variable de resultado fue haber realizado la prueba del VIH a lo largo de la vida (no o sí). La variable de exposición principal fue la raza/color de piel autoinformada, categorizada como blanca y un grupo negro único (compuesto por color pardo/mixto y negro, según la clasificación brasileña). Se realizaron estadísticas descriptivas y análisis de regresión logística bivariada y multivariada para estimar los odds ratios (OR) ajustados y los intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC del 95%) con el fin de determinar la asociación entre la exposición principal y el resultado, ajustado por covariables. Los adolescentes blancos se hicieron la prueba del VIH con más frecuencia que el grupo negro único (64,0% frente a 53,7%, respectivamente; Ρ = 0,001). El análisis de regresión logística múltiple reveló que el grupo negro único de AHSH y AMTG tenía 26% (OR ajustado [aOR], 0,74; IC 95%, 0,55­0,98) y 38% (aOR, 0,62; IC 95%, 0,45­0,87) menores probabilidades de realizarse la prueba del VIH a lo largo de su vida que los blancos en los modelos 1 y 2, respectivamente. Nuestros hallazgos resaltan la influencia del racismo en la realización de pruebas de VIH a lo largo de la vida entre AHSH y AMTG. Por lo tanto, es urgente avanzar en la implementación de políticas públicas para combatir el racismo en Brasil.

Scoping review of experiences of sexual minority women treated for breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To summarize and critique research on the experiences and outcomes of sexual minority women (SMW) treated with surgery for breast cancer through systematic literature review. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search identified studies from the last 20 years addressing surgical experiences and outcomes of SMW breast cancer survivors. Authors performed a quality assessment and thematic content analysis to identify emergent themes. RESULTS: The search yielded 121 records; eight qualitative studies were included in the final critical appraisal. Quality scores for included studies ranged 6-8 out of 10. Experiences and outcomes of SMW breast cancer survivors were organized by major themes: 1) Individual, 2) Interpersonal, 3) Healthcare System, and 4) Sociocultural and Discursive. CONCLUSIONS: SMW breast cancer survivors have unique experiences of treatment access, decision-making, and quality of life in survivorship. SMW breast cancer survivors' personal values, preferences, and support network are critical considerations for researchers and clinicians.

Defining acceptable data collection and reuse standards for queer artificial intelligence research in mental health: protocol for the online PARQAIR-MH Delphi study.

INTRODUCTION: For artificial intelligence (AI) to help improve mental healthcare, the design of data-driven technologies needs to be fair, safe, and inclusive. Participatory design can play a critical role in empowering marginalised communities to take an active role in constructing research agendas and outputs. Given the unmet needs of the LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex) community in mental healthcare, there is a pressing need for participatory research to include a range of diverse queer perspectives on issues of data collection and use (in routine clinical care as well as for research) as well as AI design. Here we propose a protocol for a Delphi consensus process for the development of PARticipatory Queer AI Research for Mental Health (PARQAIR-MH) practices, aimed at informing digital health practices and policy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The development of PARQAIR-MH is comprised of four stages. In stage 1, a review of recent literature and fact-finding consultation with stakeholder organisations will be conducted to define a terms-of-reference for stage 2, the Delphi process. Our Delphi process consists of three rounds, where the first two rounds will iterate and identify items to be included in the final Delphi survey for consensus ratings. Stage 3 consists of consensus meetings to review and aggregate the Delphi survey responses, leading to stage 4 where we will produce a reusable toolkit to facilitate participatory development of future bespoke LGBTQI+-adapted data collection, harmonisation, and use for data-driven AI applications specifically in mental healthcare settings. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: PARQAIR-MH aims to deliver a toolkit that will help to ensure that the specific needs of LGBTQI+ communities are accounted for in mental health applications of data-driven technologies. The study is expected to run from June 2024 through January 2025, with the final outputs delivered in mid-2025. Participants in the Delphi process will be recruited by snowball and opportunistic sampling via professional networks and social media (but not by direct approach to healthcare service users, patients, specific clinical services, or via clinicians' caseloads). Participants will not be required to share personal narratives and experiences of healthcare or treatment for any condition. Before agreeing to participate, people will be given information about the issues considered to be in-scope for the Delphi (eg, developing best practices and methods for collecting and harmonising sensitive characteristics data; developing guidelines for data use/reuse) alongside specific risks of unintended harm from participating that can be reasonably anticipated. Outputs will be made available in open-access peer-reviewed publications, blogs, social media, and on a dedicated project website for future reuse.

Examining suicide risk in sexual and gender minority youth: A descriptive observational study on depressive symptoms, social support and self-esteem.

AIM: To understand the factors that contribute to the risk of suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (sexual minorities) youth. BACKGROUND: The increase in the likelihood of suicide has made it an urgent issue in public health, particularly among young people, where it now ranks as the fourth leading cause of death. This issue becomes even more significant when focusing on sexual minorities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in targeted young individuals (15-29 years). Several variables were assessed, including suicide risk, self-esteem, presence and severity of depressive symptoms, perceived social support and self-reported levels of anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Statistically significant disparities were observed in suicide risk, presence of depressive symptoms and self-reported levels of anxiety and depression, all of which were more pronounced in sexual minority youth compared to heterosexual cisgender individuals. Likewise, statistically significant differences were noted concerning self-esteem and family support, both of which were lower in sexual minority youth. CONCLUSION: This study has identified risk factors, such as anxiety, depression and limited social support, as well as protective factors, like higher self-esteem and self-concept. Understanding and addressing all these factors are essential in reducing the elevated rates of suicide among sexual minority youth. Consequently, evidence-based interventions such as Gender and Sexuality Alliances, which empower and create safe spaces for sexual minority youth, possess substantial potential for effectively addressing this issue. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION: Given sexual minorities vulnerability, healthcare pros, especially nurses, must grasp suicide risk factors. They can help by educating, offering care, assessing risk and fighting stigma. This guarantees safety and access to mental health services for at-risk individuals from sexual minorities. REPORTING METHOD: The reporting follows the STROBE checklist. PATIENT CONTRIBUTION: People who were invited to participate voluntarily completed a range of questionnaires.

Experiences of the clinical academic pathway: a qualitative study in Greater Manchester to improve the opportunities of minoritised clinical academics.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators faced by clinical academics (CAs) in the Greater Manchester region, with particular attention to the experiences of minoritised groups. DESIGN: A qualitative study using semistructured interviews and focus groups was conducted. A reflexive thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes. SETTING: University of Manchester and National Health Service Trusts in the Greater Manchester region. PARTICIPANTS: The sample of this study was composed of 43 participants, including CAs, senior stakeholders, clinicians and medical and dental students. RESULTS: Six themes were identified. CAs face several barriers and facilitators, some of which-(1) funding insecurity and (2) high workload between the clinic and academia-are common to all the CAs. Other barriers, including (3) discrimination that translates into struggles with self-worth and feeling of not belonging, (4) being or being perceived as foreign and (5) unequal distribution of care duties, particularly affect people from minoritised groups. In contrast, (6) mentorship was commonly identified as one of the most important facilitators. CONCLUSIONS: Cultural and structural interventions are needed, such as introducing financial support for early career CAs and intercalating healthcare students to promote wider social and cultural change and increase the feelings of belonging and representation across the entire CA pipeline.

Sexualized Drug Use and Chemsex among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Europe: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: In recent years, in Europe, there has been a growing concern about the use of sexualized drugs among men who have sex with men (MSM), due to its possible link to an increase in sexually transmitted infections. The aim of this review is to study the prevalence of chemsex, and the sexualized drug used in Europe, describing both different consumption patterns and other sexual behaviors considered risky and their possible relationship with positivity in diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus. Methods: We conducted a literature review in the main scientific databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science), filtering for articles published between January 2018 and April 2023 that collect information on sexualized drug use and sexual practices conducted in European countries among men who have sex with men, including whether these behaviors can lead to diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections. Results: The definition of drugs included in chemsex is not clearly defined and shows heterogeneity between study publications; the three drugs presented in all manuscripts are mephedrone, GHB/GBL, and crystal methamphetamine. The prevalence of chemsex in Europe is 16% [11-21%] among MSM. The most frequent risky sexual behavior associated with chemsex practice was unprotected sex with a high number of partners. The log risk ratio of STIs was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.49 to 1.23). Conclusions: Adherence to definitions, stringent research methodologies, and focused interventions are needed to tackle the intricate relationship between substance use, sexual behavior, and the risk of HIV/STI transmission in MSM.

Affirming Care for LGBTQ+ Patients.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer(LGBTQ +) community is a marginalized minority group who continues to face and experience significant discrimination, prejudice, stigma, oppression, and abuse in various societal domains including health care. The older adult LGBTQ + community is an especially vulnerable group as they have unique minority stressors attributed to intersectional identities of age, ableism, ethnicity, and employment, among other factors. It is critical for health care providers to recognize and mitigate disproportionate care by engaging in strategies that promote inclusion and affirmation of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The biopsychosocial, cultural, and spiritual framework is a useful tool to care for this community in a holistic and compassionate way.

Chemsex among men who have sex with men during the Mpox health crisis in Brazil: A nationwide web survey.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the factors associated with the practice of chemsex among MSM in Brazil, especially during the Mpox health crisis, and to design effective prevention and intervention strategies specifically for this population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional and analytical study using an electronic survey, conducted from September to December 2022, during the peak of the Mpox outbreak in Brazil. SAMPLE: A total of 1452 MSM aged 18 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected via the REDCap platform through a survey with 46 questions. These addressed demographic data, sexual affiliations, practices, experiences with Mpox, healthcare service usage, and stigma or fear related to Mpox. RESULTS: The prevalence of chemsex was 19.42% (n = 282). Multivariate Poisson modeling indicated a high incidence of chemsex among those diagnosed with Mpox and those involved in high-risk behaviors. The practice of chemsex was six times higher among those diagnosed with Mpox (95% CI: 4.73-9.10). MSM who engage in bugchasing had a prevalence twice that of the main outcome (95% CI: 1.31-3.16). CONCLUSION: There is a significant need for targeted interventions for MSM in Brazil, especially given the Mpox outbreak. This study highlights the strong relationships between chemsex, experiences with Mpox, and various sexual behaviors, underscoring the importance of effective public health initiatives.

Promoting diverse perspectives: Addressing health disparities related to Alzheimer's and all dementias.

Dementia research lacks appropriate representation of diverse groups who often face substantial adversity and greater risk of dementia. Current research participants are primarily well-resourced, non-Hispanic White, cisgender adults who live close to academic medical centers where much of the research is based. Consequently, the field faces a knowledge gap about Alzheimer's-related risk factors in those other groups. The Alzheimer's Association hosted a virtual conference on June 14-16, 2021, supported in part by the National Institute on Aging (R13 AG072859-01), focused on health disparities. The conference was held entirely online and consisted of 2 days of core programming and a day of focused meetings centered on American Indian and Alaska Natives and on LGBTQIA+ populations. Over 1300 registrants attended discussions focused on the structural and systemic inequities experienced across diverse groups, as well as ways to investigate and address these inequities.