Search

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]

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]

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]