Search

Most prior bisexual research takes a monolithic approach to racial identity, and existing racial/ethnic minority research often overlooks bisexuality. Consequently, previous studies have rarely examined the experiences and unique health needs of biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals. This exploratory qualitative study investigated the identity-related experiences of biracial/multiracial and bisexual adults within the context of health and well-being. Data were collected through 90-min semi-structured telephone interviews. Participants were recruited through online social network sites and included 24 adults between ages 18 and 59 years. We aimed to explore how identity-related experiences shape biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals' identity development processes; how biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals negotiate their identities; how the blending of multiple identities may contribute to perceptions of inclusion, exclusion, and social connectedness; and how biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals may attribute positive and negative experiences to their identities. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Analysis highlighted four major themes: passing and invisible identities, not measuring up and erasing complexity, cultural binegativity/queerphobia and intersectional oppressions, and navigating beyond boundaries. Our findings imply promoting affirmative visibility and developing intentional support networks may help biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals cultivate resiliency and navigate sources of identity stress. We encourage future research to explore mental health and chronic stress among this community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about skin tone and skin color representation within sexuality education materials. A content analysis was performed to assess skin tone and skin color diversity among anatomical images (n = 182) within eight contemporary, college-level human sexuality textbooks. Of these images, 1.1% represented dark skin tones while 83.5% represented light skin tones. Skin colors commonly associated with Black and Brown people were underrepresented in comparison to colors generally associated with white or white-presenting people such as conch, which comprised 42.3% (n = 77) of anatomical images. We encourage sex therapists to use racially conscious and inclusive imagery and educational materials when serving clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisexual individuals have disproportionately higher rates of physical and mental health concerns compared to both heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals. Few studies have examined diverse bisexual-identified men's perceived health concerns for themselves and other bisexual men or their experiences in healthcare settings. This qualitative study explored health and healthcare experiences among cisgender and transgender bisexual men, most of whom were also men of color. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Participants included 31 self-identified bisexual men from the Chicago area. Participants were asked questions surrounding bisexual men's health and healthcare experiences in general and their personal experiences, drawing connections between intersecting bisexual and racial/ethnic identities. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants reported sexual health and mental health as the top health concerns for bisexual men. Participants viewed their bisexual identity as a motivator for seeking healthcare services and adopting safer sex practices. Mental health challenges faced by respondents were connected to bisexual stereotypes and fear of disclosing bisexual and transgender identities. Furthermore, perceptions of masculinity amongst bisexual men of color were particularly salient in connecting to their mental health experiences. The intersection of participants' transgender and bisexual identities impacted their healthcare experiences in general healthcare settings, with many participants reporting a lack of cultural competence and provider knowledge concerning their identities. LGBTQ Federally Qualified Health Centers, however, were described as providing compassionate care. Our findings suggest the need for more interventions that account for bisexual men's intersecting identities. Furthermore, increased provider training is necessary for providing affirmative care to bisexual men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facilitators and barriers of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake have been established in prior studies; however, most of these studies comprise samples of MSM from metropolitan cities and hypothetical PrEP use. There is a dearth of literature on the uptake factors among rural U.S. MSM who are prescribed PrEP. Thirty-four rural Midwestern MSM who currently take PrEP participated in semi-structured telephone interviews about their barriers and facilitators to their PrEP use. Interviews were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. There were four barriers: (1) lack of rural dissemination of PrEP information, (2) concern about side and adverse effects of using PrEP, (3) cost of PrEP uptake and engagement, and (4) lack of access to PrEP care and PrEP care quality. Individual and social facilitators that participants utilized to overcome these barriers are discussed. Findings elevate the importance of multilevel interventions that address PrEP adoption from a patient, provider, and healthcare system perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) research samples men who have sex with men (MSM) who live in metropolitan cities. There is a limited understanding of the PrEP experiences among rural MSM. Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the PrEP health care experiences among 34 rural Midwestern MSM. Of the 34 participants, 23 obtained PrEP from their non–primary care provider (PCP). Three themes were present: (1) PrEP is unavailable in rural areas, (2) PrEP is inaccessible in rural areas due to PCPs being unwilling to prescribe PrEP, and (3) PrEP services are unamicable in rural areas due to stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors of PCPs. It is important to address PrEP care continuum factors in all settings; however, these factors are often exacerbated in rural areas due to social determinants. Without further research and programming, organizational and social determinants may contribute to lower rates of PrEP outcomes in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To examine knowledge of Zika transmission and risk perception and to assess variability by condom use in a probability sample of sexually-active adults in the United States. Methods. Data for this study came from the 2016 wave of the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, a nationally representative probability sample of adults in the United States. Data were collected in November 2016 via a cross-sectional Internet-based survey administered to members of a Knowledge Panel, an address-based random sample service managed by GfK. A weighted subsample (n = 1 713) of sexually active adults, 18 - 50 years of age, was included in analyses. Results. More than 90% of men and women reported low or no perceived risk of Zika. Most participants identified mosquito bite as a route of transmission, while significantly fewer identified sexual intercourse (≈ 40%) and vertical (29% men, 41% women) transmission routes. Conclusion. Sexually-active adults in the United States, especially young men, lack awareness of sexual and vertical transmission of Zika Virus. Given the likely endemic nature of Zika, this low-risk perception is an important prevention challenge. Zika prevention messaging should address lesser known transmission routes, emphasize male education, and promote correct and consistent condom use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) efficacy in preventing HIV among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) is dependent upon adherence. Little is known about the PrEP adherence experiences among MSM who live in rural areas of the US. This qualitative study was informed by a modified version of Straussian Grounded Theory. Thirty-four 34 rural Midwestern MSM participated in telephone interviews that assessed their PrEP adherence factors. Overall, participants adhered to the PrEP regimen, ranging from missing none to a couple of doses per month. Participants had high self-efficacy (competence) and self-reliance (autonomy) in taking PrEP daily. Participants incorporated PrEP into their already existing routines. Participants were motivated to adhere to prevent HIV acquisition and be financially responsible. All participants mentioned their PrEP provider discussed the importance of adherence with PrEP's effectiveness, but future patient-provider PrEP adherence communication varied among participants. Future PrEP adherence interventions should address counseling strategies that leverage these constructs to support pill taking. Future research should explore patient-provider conversations surrounding PrEP adherence to inform provider- and patient-level interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]