Psychosocial Syndemic Burden, Sexual Behaviors, and Engagement in HIV Prevention Care Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youths: United States, 2022.

Objectives. To examine linear and nonlinear associations between psychosocial syndemic factors and HIV risk and engagement in HIV prevention care among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youths. Methods. Between February and October 2022, we recruited 17 578 SGM youths aged 13 to 18 years in the United States for an online survey. We examined the relationship of syndemics (i.e., binge drinking, drug use, sexual victimization, and anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender discrimination) with sexual behaviors (i.e., sexual initiation, condomless anal or vaginal sex, and number of sexual partners) and HIV prevention care (i.e., HIV testing, preexposure prophylaxis awareness and utilization) using regression. Results. Psychosocial syndemic burden (number of syndemic factors reported) was linearly and cubically associated with engagement in sexual behaviors. Psychosocial syndemic burden was linearly associated with higher HIV testing and preexposure prophylaxis awareness and cubically associated with higher preexposure prophylaxis utilization. Conclusions. Our findings are evidence of synergism across psychosocial syndemic factors regarding HIV risk and engagement in HIV prevention care among SGM youths in the United States. Public Health Implications. Multicomponent interventions may help reduce HIV risk and promote access to HIV prevention services among SGM individuals aged 13 to 18 years. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(9):892-902. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307753).

High Interest in the Use of mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nepal.

Mobile technology growth in Nepal offers promising opportunities for using mobile health (mHealth) interventions to facilitate HIV prevention efforts. However, little is known about access and utilization of communication technology and their willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention services in Nepal. We conducted a cross-sectional respondent-driven sampling survey of 250 MSM in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal from October to December 2022. We collected information on participant characteristics, HIV risk-related behaviors, ownership, or access to and frequency of use of communication technology (phones, tablets, laptops, and computers), and willingness to use mHealth to access HIV prevention services. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. Almost all participants had smartphones with the internet (231/250, 92.4%) and accessed the internet daily (219/250, 87.6%) on the smartphone (236/250, 94.4%). The median score for willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention was 10 (IQR: 3 to 17). Willingness to use mHealth was higher among those participants with a high school or above education (ß = 0.223, p = < 0.001), had experienced violence (ß = 0.231, p = 0.006), and had moderate to severe depressive symptoms (ß = 0.223, p = < 0.001). However, monthly income above NPR 20,000 (USD 150) (ß= -0.153, p = 0.008), disclosure of their sexual orientation to anyone (ß= -0.159, p = < 0.007), and worry about being negatively judged by health care workers (ß= -0.136, p = 0.023) were less willing to use mHealth strategies. The findings from this study suggest that there is a high willingness for utilizing mHealth interventions for HIV prevention in MSM population who are at higher risk of HIV acquisition.

PrEPare for Work: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an Intervention to Optimize HIV PrEP Outcomes Among Male Sex Workers.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is limited among male sex workers, who are at exceptionally high-risk for HIV infection. We developed a theory-informed, two-pronged intervention ("PrEPare-for-Work") to optimize PrEP initiation and adherence among male sex workers, which was preliminarily evaluated in a two-stage pilot randomized controlled trial of 110 male sex workers in the US Northeast. Individuals randomized to the Stage 1 PrEPare-for-Work Case Management arm were three times as likely as those in the standard of care (SOC) arm to initiate PrEP (RR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.57-5.57). Participants who initiated PrEP and were randomized to the Stage 2 PrEPare-for-Work Adherence Counseling arm had higher rates of prevention-effective adherence (measured via tenofovir in hair) compared to those in the SOC arm (RR = 1.7, 95% CI 0.64-4.77; 55.6% vs. 28.6%, respectively); though not statistically significant. Given the need and the promise of this pilot RCT, further efficacy testing is warranted and should be prioritized.

RESUMEN: El uso de la profilaxis prexposición (PrEP) para prevenir la adquisición del VIH es limitado entre trabajadores sexuales masculinos, que están en muy alto riesgo de contraerlo. Desarrollamos una intervención de dos partes basada en la teoría para optimizar el inicio y la observancia del tratamiento de la PrEP entre trabajadores sexuales masculinos, que se evaluó preliminarmente en un ensayo piloto controlado y aleatorizado (ECA) de dos fases de 110 trabajadores sexuales masculinos en el noreste de Estados Unidos. Las personas aleatorizadas al grupo de intervención (la primera fase de nuestro programa "PrEPare for Work" ­ la atención individualizada) eran tres veces más probable que las aleatorizadas al grupo control (la norma de atención) a iniciar la PrEP (RR = 2.95, 95% IC = 1.57­5.57). Los participantes que iniciaron la PrEP y se aleatorizaron al grupo de intervención (la segunda fase de "PrEPare for Work" ­ la terapia para aumentar la adherencia al tratamiento) tenían tasas más altas de adherencia al tratamiento (medido por tenofovir en el cabello) que los aleatorizados al grupo control (RR = 1.7, 95% IC 0.64­4.77; 55.6% vs. 28.6%, respectivamente); aunque la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa. En vista de la necesidad y el potencial de este ECA piloto, más pruebas de eficacia son necesarias y deben ser priorizadas.

Psychosocial and structural stressors and engagement in medical care among young sexual minority men across racial identities.

Psychosocial and structural stressors and low engagement in medical care likely contribute to the disproportionate burden of chronic disease among sexual minority men (SMM) across the life course. However, how these stressors impact engagement in medical care among young SMM (YSMM) across racial identities remains understudied. The association of psychosocial and structural stressors with forgoing care among YSMM across racial identities was examined using race-stratified adjusted logistic regression of cross-sectional data. Among 737 HIV-negative SMM aged 16-24 years, nearly all (93%) experienced discrimination in their daily lives. Non-Hispanic/Latinx Black participants reported significantly higher levels of discrimination, exposure to community violence, and food insecurity. Medical mistrust and mental health were not significantly different across racial groups. In the full sample model, education, food insecurity, and discrimination were associated with forgoing care. Among the non-Hispanic/Latinx White sample, medical mistrust and discrimination were associated with forgoing care. Among the non-Hispanic/Latinx Black sample, discrimination was associated with forgoing care. Among the Hispanic/Latinx sample, food insecurity was associated with forgoing care. Psychosocial and structural stressors were common in this YSMM cohort, and significantly different across racial/ethnic identities. Race-stratified analysis revealed differences in the association of stressors with forgoing care among YSMM across racial identities, not appreciated in the analysis limited to the total study population. Our findings may support efforts to address health inequity and improve engagement in medical care among SMM.

Next Generation Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for Young Men who have Sex with Men: Lessons from System and Provider-level barriers to oral PrEP.

Next generation pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) modalities that do not require daily regimens may address some of the barriers to daily oral PrEP among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). We conducted online semi-structured interviews with 30 YMSM to examine experiences and preferences related to HIV prevention care that may inform implementation of next generation PrEP. Barriers to PrEP care included initiating conversations about sexuality with providers; confidentiality concerns regarding disclosure of sexual practices and PrEP use to family; gaps in access to healthcare; and limited availability of affordable health services. Future implementation of next generation PrEP may benefit from providers addressing confidentiality concerns when discussing PrEP with YMSM; PrEP programs accounting for discontinuities in healthcare access among YMSM while strengthening access to affordable services; and collaborations between generalist providers and specialized clinics and providers to address providers' education needs, which may increase as next generation PrEP becomes available. We have linked affiliation 9 to author name "Katie B. Biello". Please check and confirm. Okay!

RESUMEN: Las modalidades de próxima generación de la profilaxis pre-exposición (PrEP) que no requieren un régimen diario pueden disminuir las barreras de tomar la PrEP oral diariamente por hombres jóvenes que tienen sexo con hombres (YMSM). Llevamos a cabo entrevistas semiestructuradas en línea con 30 YMSM para entender sus experiencias y preferencias relacionadas con el cuidado de la prevención del VIH que puedan informar la implementación de la próxima generación de la PrEP. Las barreras al cuidado de la PrEP incluyeron tender conversaciones sobre la sexualidad con proveedores médicos; las preocupaciones de confidencialidad al divulgar información sobre las relaciones sexuales y el uso de la PrEP con la familia; las brechas en el acceso al cuidado médico; y la disponibilidad limitada de servicios de salud accesibles. La futura implementación de la próxima generación de la PrEP se puede beneficiar de proveedores que hablan sobre las preocupaciones de confidencialidad al discutir la PrEP con YMSM; los programas de la PrEP que tienen en cuenta las discontinuidades en el acceso de salud por YMSM mientras que fortalezcan acceso a servicios accesibles; y las colaboraciones entre proveedores de atención primaria y proveedores especializados para entender las necesidades educativas de proveedores, que puedan aumentar cuando la próxima generación esté disponible.

PrEParing for NextGen: Cognitive Interviews to Improve Next Generation PrEP Modality Descriptions for Young Men Who have Sex with Men.

Next generation PrEP formulations may circumvent factors that impede daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). We conducted video-based cognitive interviews with 20 YMSM (age 16-24) recruited in the US Northeast to assess participants' attitudes and comprehension of written descriptions of next generation PrEP modalities. Participants were predominately racial/ethnic minorities and half used daily oral PrEP. We identified four main areas for improvement of descriptions: defining scientific terms and balancing medical jargon and casual language; referencing more established products to contextualize PrEP formulations (e.g., hormonal implants); ensuring clarity and reducing redundancy; and including imagery (e.g., rectal douche applicator). The refined descriptions serve as exemplar text that may be used in future studies examining YMSM's preferences across next generation PrEP modalities. Accurate descriptions of next generation PrEP products strengthen measurement accuracy and can help roll-out products that become approved for clinical use.

RESUMEN: Las formulaciones de próxima generación para la profilaxis pre-exposición (PrEP) pueden eludir los factores que impiden el uso diario del PrEP oral en hombres jóvenes que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres (YMSM). Realizamos entrevistas cognitivas usando videoconferencia con 20 YMSM (de 16 a 24 años) reclutados del noreste de los Estados Unidos con el fin de evaluar sus actitudes y su comprensión de las definiciones desarrolladas para describir las modalidades de PrEP de próxima generación. Los participantes eran predominantemente minorías raciales/étnicas y la mitad usaba PrEP oral diariamente. Identificamos cuatro áreas principales para mejorar las descripciones: definir términos científicos y equilibrar la jerga médica y el lenguaje casual; hacer referencia a productos más establecidos para contextualizar las formulaciones de PrEP (por ejemplo, implantes hormonales); garantizar la claridad y reducir la redundancia; e incluir imágenes (por ejemplo, aplicador de duchas rectales). Las descripciones refinadas sirven como texto ejemplar y pueden usarse en estudios futuros que examinen las preferencias de modalidades de PrEP de próxima generación entre YMSM. Las descripciones precisas de los productos PrEP de próxima generación fortalecen la precisión de la medición y pueden ayudar a implementar productos que se aprueben para uso clínico.

Prospective relationships between stigma, mental health, and resilience in a multi-city cohort of transgender and nonbinary individuals in the United States, 2016-2019.

PURPOSE: Gender-based stigma is a fundamental cause of mental health disparities among transgender and non-binary (TGNB) individuals, while resilience factors may be protective. We examined prospective relationships between gender-based enacted stigma, psychological distress, and resilience factors among TGNB individuals. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2017, we enrolled 330 TGNB individuals in three metropolitan areas in the U.S. in a prospective cohort study focused on gender identity development, risk, and resilience across the lifespan. Using multilevel regression, we examined prospective associations between enacted gender-based stigma and psychological distress (measured by the Global Severity Index/BSI-18), and examined transgender pride and social support as moderators, adjusting for age, sex assigned at birth, race/ethnicity, education, and income. RESULTS: Our sample was diverse in age (M = 34.4, range 16-87) and race/ethnicity (56.4% non-White). Over 2 years of follow-up, there was a decrease in reported gender-based stigma (b = - 0.61, p < 0.001) and transgender pride (b = - 0.14, p = 0.003), increase in social support (b = 0.21, p < 0.001), and no change in psychological distress. In adjusted analyses, gender-based stigma was positively associated with psychological distress (b = 1.10, p < 0.001) and social support was negatively associated with psychological distress (b = - 2.60, p < 0.001). Transgender pride moderated the relationship between stigma and psychological distress (p < 0.01), such that the association was stronger for lower levels of transgender pride. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides longitudinal evidence for the deleterious role of gender-based stigma among TGNB individuals. Future interventions should consider fostering transgender pride and social support to promote mental health and mitigate negative effects of gender-based stigma.

Solidarity, support and competition among communities of female and male sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya.

Female and male sex workers are at elevated risk for HIV infection, psychological distress and other adverse health outcomes. It is therefore important to understand how sex workers' social relationships with one another might inform psychosocial support services for this population. We conducted semi-structured interviews to examine the formation and nature of social networks of 25 female and 25 male sex workers recruited from bars and clubs in Mombasa, Kenya. Relationships between and among female and male participants were often formed based on a mutual understanding of the challenging nature of sex work. Both groups described their relationships in terms of friendship and brotherhood/sisterhood and highlighted the following benefits of sex worker social networks: economic benefits, access to information about HIV/STIs and protection, and support against violence from clients and law enforcement agents. Social networks were often threatened by competition for clients and hence could result in conflict. However, sex workers explained that their sense of solidarity and reliance on one another for health, protection and economic well-being helped minimise conflict. The social networks of sex workers could therefore be used to leverage or optimise access to HIV prevention and care.

"Health Is on the Back Burner:" Multilevel Barriers and Facilitators to Primary Care Among People Who Inject Drugs.

BACKGROUND: The estimated 2.2 million people who inject drugs (PWID) in the USA experience significant gaps in preventive healthcare and a high burden of infectious, psychiatric, and other chronic diseases. Many PWID rely on emergency medical services, which are costly and not designed to deliver preventive services, manage chronic conditions, or address social needs. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators to primary care utilization from the perspectives of PWID in New England, a region highly affected by the overdose crisis. DESIGN: Participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring substance use and healthcare utilization patterns. PARTICIPANTS: We recruited 78 PWID through community-based organizations (e.g., syringe service programs) in 16 urban and non-urban communities throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. APPROACH: Thematic analysis identified barriers and facilitators to primary care utilization at the individual, interpersonal, and systemic levels. KEY RESULTS: Among 78 PWID, 48 described recent primary care experiences; 33 had positive experiences and 15 described negative experiences involving discrimination or mistrust. Individual-level barriers to primary care utilization included perceived lack of need and competing priorities (e.g., avoiding opioid withdrawal, securing shelter beds). Interpersonal-level barriers included stigma and perceived low quality of care for PWID. Systemic-level barriers included difficulty navigating healthcare systems, inadequate transportation, long wait times, and frequent provider turnover. Participants with positive primary care experiences explained how appointment reminders, flexible hours, addiction medicine-trained providers, case management services, and transportation support facilitated primary care utilization and satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Findings regarding the multilevel barriers and facilitators to accessing primary care among PWID identify potential targets for programmatic interventions to improve primary care utilization in this population. Based on these findings, we make recommendations for improving the engagement of PWID in primary care as a means to advance individual and public health outcomes.

The Past, Present, and Future of PrEP implementation Among People Who Use Drugs.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent HIV outbreaks among people who use drugs (PWUD) necessitate additional HIV prevention tools. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly efficacious yet uptake among PWUD remains exceedingly low. To address multilevel, complex barriers to PrEP use among PWUD, a range of intervention strategies are needed. RECENT FINDINGS: The literature on interventions to optimize PrEP use among PWUD is nascent, comprising small pilots and demonstration projects in early phases of intervention development. Initial studies suggest that structural, healthcare, interpersonal, and individual-level interventions can improve PrEP use for PWUD, and a number of efficacy trials are underway. Future studies are needed to optimize the use of new PrEP modalities (e.g., injectable PrEP), simultaneously target multilevel challenges to PrEP use, and evaluate the integration of PrEP into other service settings and substance use treatment modalities.

Behavioral and social science research to support development of educational materials for clinical trials of broadly neutralizing antibodies for HIV treatment and prevention.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Early integration of behavioral and social sciences research into clinical trials can improve trial conduct and facilitate future implementation of biomedical interventions. We sought to examine participants' experiences in clinical trials with broadly neutralizing antibodies and describe the development of educational materials for use in future broadly neutralizing antibody research. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with trial participants in phase 1 trials evaluating safety and efficacy of broadly neutralizing antibodies for HIV prevention and treatment and key informants (i.e. trial staff involved in broadly neutralizing antibody research). Semi-structured interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Based on findings from the interviews, we developed educational materials addressing concerns and misconceptions identified among trial participants with input from community and research stakeholders. Educational materials were used in subsequent clinical trials with broadly neutralizing antibodies. We evaluated trial staff's experiences with newly developed educational materials in follow-up key informant interviews. RESULTS: Although most participants were concerned about long-term harms related to the investigational product upon enrollment, absence of severe side effects in the trial led to an underestimation of risks related to the study during trial participation. Participants showed a poor understanding of what broadly neutralizing antibodies are and the differences between broadly neutralizing antibodies and other HIV prevention and treatment products, such as antiretrovirals. Many trial participants overestimated the possible public health impact of the broadly neutralizing antibody trials in which they were enrolled, associating broadly neutralizing antibody research with the development of vaccine or cure for HIV in the near future. Based on these concerns and misconceptions among trial participants, we developed a frequently asked questions document and adapted an existing educational video about broadly neutralizing antibodies. In follow-up interviews, key informants reported that materials helped address trial participants' concerns and questions related to the trial. Key informants reported using the educational materials not only during informed consent but also throughout trial participation, which contributed to making informed consent an "ongoing" process. CONCLUSION: Integration of behavioral research into clinical trials with broadly neutralizing antibodies is key to identify and address key concerns among trial participants. Behavioral and social sciences research promotes communication between trial participants and biomedical researchers, facilitates engagement of participants and trial staff, and strengthens trial conduct. Development of educational materials collaboratively by behavioral and clinical scientists, trial staff, and community stakeholders is feasible and may help to address trial participants' concerns and misconceptions. Future research should evaluate the impact of educational materials in recruitment and retention of trial participants.

Development and Evaluation of a Mobile App Designed to Increase HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States: Open Pilot Trial.

BACKGROUND: HIV disproportionately affects young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States. Uptake of evidence-based prevention strategies, including routine HIV testing and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is suboptimal in this population. Novel methods for reaching YMSM are required. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the development and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the MyChoices app, a mobile app designed to increase HIV testing and PrEP use among YMSM in the United States. METHODS: Informed by the social cognitive theory, the MyChoices app was developed using an iterative process to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake among YMSM. In 2017, beta theater testing was conducted in two US cities to garner feedback (n=4 groups; n=28 YMSM). These findings were used to refine MyChoices, which was then tested for initial acceptability and usability in a technical pilot (N=11 YMSM). Baseline and 2-month postbaseline assessments and exit interviews were completed. Transcripts were coded using a deductive approach, and thematic analysis was used to synthesize data; app acceptability and use data were also reported. RESULTS: The MyChoices app includes personalized recommendations for HIV testing frequency and PrEP use; information on types of HIV tests and PrEP; ability to search for nearby HIV testing and PrEP care sites; and ability to order free home HIV and sexually transmitted infection test kits, condoms, and lube. In theater testing, YMSM described that MyChoices appears useful and that they would recommend it to peers. Participants liked the look and feel of the app and believed that the ability to search for and be pinged when near an HIV testing site would be beneficial. Some suggested that portions of the app felt repetitive and preferred using casual language rather than formal or medicalized terms. Following theater testing, the MyChoices app was refined, and participants in the technical pilot used the app, on average, 8 (SD 5.0; range 2-18) times over 2 months, with an average duration of 28 (SD 38.9) minutes per session. At the 2-month follow-up, the mean System Usability Scale (0-100) score was 71 (ie, above average; SD 11.8). Over 80% (9/11) of the participants reported that MyChoices was useful and 91% (10/11) said that they would recommend it to a friend. In exit interviews, there was a high level of acceptability for the content, interface, and features. CONCLUSIONS: These data show the initial acceptability and user engagement of the MyChoices app. If future studies demonstrate efficacy in increasing HIV testing and PrEP uptake, the app is scalable to reach YMSM across the United States. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03179319; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03179319. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/10694.

Social Capital Moderates the Relationship Between Stigma and Sexual Risk Among Male Sex Workers in the US Northeast.

Stigma contributes to elevated HIV incidence among male sex workers (MSW). Social capital (i.e., resources accessed through one's social relationships) may act as a buffer between stigma and sexual risk behaviors and HIV acquisition. Using negative binomial regression, we examined the association between both sex work-related stigma and social capital with respect to number of condomless sex acts among 98 MSW living in the US Northeast. In models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, sex work-related stigma was associated with number of condomless sex acts with any non-paying partner (i.e., male and female) (aIRR = 1.25, p < 0.001) and male non-paying partners (aIRR = 1.27, p = 0.09) among individuals with low social capital, not among those with high social capital. Sex work-related stigma was not associated with number of condomless anal sex acts with male paying clients at any level of social capital. Future HIV prevention interventions should consider promoting social capital among MSW.

"I Couldn't Afford to Resist": Condom Negotiations Between Male Sex Workers and Male Clients in Mombasa, Kenya.

Male sex workers in Kenya face a disproportionate burden of HIV and often engage in condomless sex with their commercial partners, yet little is known about how condom negotiations between male sex workers and clients take place. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 male sex workers and 11 male clients of male sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya, to examine barriers and facilitators to condom use and how condom use negotiation takes place in these interactions. Participants reported positive attitudes toward condom use and perceived condom use to be a health-promoting behavior. Barriers to condom use included extra-payment for condomless sex, low perceived HIV/STI risk with some sexual partners, perceived reduced pleasure associated with using condoms, alcohol use, and violence against male sex workers by clients. Future interventions should address individual- and structural-level barriers to condom use to promote effective condom use negotiation between male sex workers and male clients.

Stigmatization, Resilience, and Mental Health Among a Diverse Community Sample of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Individuals in the U.S.

Transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) individuals were recently designated a health disparity population by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. We examined the effect of gender-related discrimination and resilience factors on the mental health of a community sample diverse in gender identity, age, and race/ethnicity. We report on the baseline data of a longitudinal study of transgender identity development across the lifespan with 330 TGNB individuals recruited through venue-based recruitment in three major metropolitan areas in the U.S. Mean age of participants was 34.4 years (SD = 13.7). Structured interviews collected self-report data on sociodemographics, gender-related discrimination, mental health, and resilience. We used hierarchical regression to examine the association between gender-related discrimination and psychological distress (BSI-18) and tested the moderating effect of family support, transgender community connectedness, gender literacy, and transgender activism on this relationship. In adjusted analyses, gender-related discrimination was positively associated with psychological distress. Family support was negatively associated with psychological distress. Contrary to our expectations, gender literacy and transgender activism were positively associated with psychological distress, while no significant relationship was found for transgender community connectedness. Family support, transgender community connectedness, gender literacy, and transgender activism did not moderate the effect of gender-related discrimination on psychological distress. Future mental health interventions should consider leveraging family support among TGNB individuals. Longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the role of gender literacy and activism with respect to mental health and development of identity and resilience among TGNB people.

Sexual orientation and social network size moderate associations between stigma and problematic alcohol use among male sex workers in the US Northeast: an observational study.

Background Stigma is associated with poor health among sexual minority individuals. However, no studies have examined the relationship between stigma and problematic drinking among male sex workers (MSWs). This study examined the relationship between sex work stigma and problematic alcohol use among MSWs. METHODS: Using baseline data from a cohort of 98 MSWs in the US Northeast enrolled between 2015 and 2016, we used logistic regression to examine associations between sex work stigma and hazardous drinking (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score ≥8) and sex work while drunk, and tested whether sexual orientation (gay vs non-gay identified) and social network size moderated these associations. RESULTS: Almost half the sample (n = 46; 44%) reported hazardous drinking and 56 MSWs (57%) reported engaging in sex work while drunk. Sex work stigma was associated with hazardous drinking (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.36). Sexual orientation marginally moderated this relationship (P = 0.07), such that it was only significant among gay-identified MSWs (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.11-3.28), not among non-gay MSW. Similarly, sexual orientation moderated the effect of sex work stigma on sex work while drunk (P = 0.02), which was only significant among gay-identified MSWs (aOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.05-1.60). Social network size also moderated the effect of sex work stigma on sex work while drunk (P = 0.02), which was only significant among MSWs with small networks (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00-1.58), suggesting large networks can be protective. CONCLUSIONS: Gay MSWs may be particularly vulnerable to alcohol-related effects of stigma. Future interventions should consider engaging social networks to curb problematic drinking among MSWs.

Zika and Reproductive Rights in Brazil: Challenge to the Right to Health.

The Zika virus epidemic rapidly spread across Brazil and Latin America, gaining international attention because of the causal relationship between Zika and birth defects. The high number of cases in Brazil has been attributed to a failure of the state to contain the epidemic and protect the affected people, especially women. Therefore, the public health crisis created by Zika exposed a stark conflict between Brazil's constitutional right to health and the long-standing violation of reproductive rights in the country. Although health is considered to be a right of all in Brazil, women struggle with barriers to reproductive services and lack of access to safe and legal abortions. In response to the epidemic, women's rights advocates have filed a lawsuit with Brazil's supreme court that requires the decriminalization of abortion upon the diagnosis of Zika virus. However, the selective decriminalization of abortion may lead to negative social consequences and further stigmatization of people with disabilities. A solution to the reproductive health crisis in Brazil must reconcile women's right to choose and the rights of people with disabilities.

Readiness to Provide Oral and Injectable PrEP for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Among Healthcare Providers and Clinics in the U.S. Northeast.

PURPOSE: To examine readiness to provide oral and injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) and to explore decision-making for HIV prevention strategies (e.g., condom use, daily and event-driven oral PrEP, and injectable PrEP) among healthcare providers. METHODS: Between February and April 2022, we recruited 31 prescribing providers (M.Ds, D.Os, P.As, and N.Ps) practicing in primary care and specialized clinics in the U.S. Northeast for focus groups or individual interviews. Focus groups and interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Most providers specialized in Pediatrics (42%) or Adolescent Medicine (23%) and 58% had previously prescribed PrEP. Main barriers to PrEP readiness were low PrEP knowledge, limited time for visits, and competing clinical priorities. Organizational factors such as routine HIV/STI testing, PrEP-specific electronic health records templates, and specialized staff (e.g., PrEP navigators) promoted PrEP readiness. Providers held positive attitudes toward injectable PrEP to promote adherence among SGMY, yet barriers to implementation of this modality were identified (e.g., patient anxiety about needles, additional staffing needs). Providers described event-driven oral PrEP as an option for SGMY with episodic HIV risk. Assurances of conditional confidentiality, including preventing disclosure of sensitive information through insurance forms, and shared decision-making facilitated conversations about HIV prevention with SGMY. DISCUSSION: Future PrEP implementation efforts for SGMY should consider combined efforts targeting provider knowledge about PrEP modalities (e.g., decision aids) and clinic organizational factors (e.g., routine HIV/STI testing, resources to assist providers and patients in navigating the multiple steps between prescription and adherence to PrEP).

Positive patient-provider relationships among transgender and nonbinary individuals in New York City.

Background: Transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) individuals have diverse health needs and may face disproportionate barriers to healthcare, including developing positive patient-provider relationships. While there is mounting evidence of gender-based stigma and discrimination in healthcare, little is known about how TGNB individuals develop positive patient-provider relationships. Aims: To examine TGNB individuals' interactions with healthcare providers and identify main characteristics of positive patient-providers relationships. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 13 TGNB individuals in New York, NY. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively for themes related to characteristics of positive and trusting relationships with healthcare providers. Results: Participants' mean age was 30 years (IQR = 13 years) and most participants were nonwhite (n = 12, 92%). Receiving peer referrals to specific clinics or providers helped many participants find providers perceived to be competent and created initial grounds for positive patient-provider relationships. Providers with whom participants had positive relationships commonly managed primary care and gender-affirming care and relied on a network of interdisciplinary providers for other specialized care. Providers who were positively evaluated were perceived to possess in-depth clinical knowledge on the issues they were responsible for managing, including gender-affirming interventions, particularly for TGNB patients who perceived themselves to be knowledgeable about TGNB-specific care. Provider and staff cultural competence and a TGNB-affirming clinic environment were also important, particularly early in the patient-provider relationship, and if combined with TGNB clinical competence. Discussion: Provider-focused training and education programs should combine components of TGNB clinical and cultural competence to facilitate development of positive relationships between TGNB patients and providers, thereby improving the health and wellbeing of TGNB people.