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Despite being grouped together in epidemiological risk categories, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) are not a homogenous group. In addition to traditional segmentation along race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, many GBM also identify with sexual subcultural communities. Previous research has shown differences across a variety of health outcomes between these sexual subcultural communities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HIV prevention practices among GBM differed according to sexual subcultural community. The study was conducted in collaboration with a popular social and sexual networking smartphone application company. A total of 23,577 GBM responded to the survey. A latent class analysis identified 6 distinct classes related to sexual subcultural community identification. We found significant differences across sociodemographic characteristics, HIV prevention practices, and condomless anal sex in the past 6 months related to sexual subculture identification. Findings suggest that sexual subcultural identity is related to decision-making around HIV prevention among GBM. Differences in HIV prevention strategies are likely a function of group norms, unique shared experiences among GBM identifying with a particular sexual subculture community, and sociodemographic characteristics associated with these groups. As such, sexual subculture identity should be considered in developing interventions and social marketing campaigns to increase uptake of biomedical HIV prevention tools among GBM. Identifying group norms and shared experiences related to HIV prevention practices among sexual subcultures is necessary to understand the role these identities play in lives of GBM, especially as it relates to their sexual health and well-being.

Research has focused on adolescents' feelings about their first sexual experiences, but little research has examined this topic in sexual minority adolescents. In this study, we examined how experiencing emotional and physical satisfaction at first same-sex anal sex differed by age of first sex for young gay and bisexual men. We applied the time-varying effect model to data from an Internet survey of men who initiated first sex between ages 14-26 (n = 6401) to examine emotional and physical satisfaction at first same-sex anal sex across continuous age of onset and by partner factors. The majority of men reported satisfaction across all ages; however, satisfaction was generally less likely for men who had first anal sex with a non-relationship partner, an older partner, or a partner they had sex with only once and this was particularly true at earlier ages. Findings suggest that many young gay and bisexual men report satisfaction with their first anal sex and that relationship context can be important in predicting satisfaction, particularly at younger ages.

Recent research has documented the importance of understanding the multidimensional nature of sexual risk behavior. However, little is known about patterns of sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Mexico, men who are at greatest risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections compared to other subpopulations in the country. This study applied latent class analysis to data from a large, HIV-negative sample of 18- to 25-year-old Mexican MSM recruited from a social and sexual networking website (N = 3,722) to uncover multidimensional patterns of sexual behaviors, partner factors, and protective behaviors, and examine how these were associated with health and well-being correlates. We selected a model with seven classes. The most common class included those who reported both insertive and receptive behaviors with more than one partner, but smaller groups of individuals were in classes marked by only insertive or receptive anal sex, romantic relationships, or sexual inactivity. Class membership differed by sexual orientation, age, depressive symptoms, alcohol problems, and self-acceptance, with individuals in a class marked by same-sex relationships generally reporting more positive outcomes. Findings suggest heterogeneity of behaviors among Mexican MSM and the possible efficacy of prevention messages tailored to individuals' specific patterns of sexual behavior.

Cisgender men (CM) who report transgender women (TW) as sexual partners are an understudied population in the HIV epidemic in Latin America. The current study sought to characterize this group in a 2012 cross-sectional online survey of Latin American CM who were members of a sexual networking website for men who have sex with men (N = 11,847). Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to estimate demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial correlates of having a TW sexual partner and engaging in condomless sex. Overall, 0.9% (n = 106) reported a TW sexual partner in the last 12 months; of these, 76.4% (n = 81) reported condomless sex in the last three months. Identifying as bisexual or heterosexual compared to gay, and specifying a versatile sexual role preference compared to insertive were associated with reporting a recent TW sex partner (all p < 0.05). HIV-negative serostatus, lifetime STI history, and alcohol dependence were associated with recent condomless sex (all p < 0.05). CM with TW sexual partners have distinct HIV-related vulnerabilities. Future research is needed to understand CM who report TW sexual partners, including their sexual preferences and practices, sexual networks, exposure to stigma, biomedical prevention interest and uptake, and acceptability of integrating alcohol abuse screening into sexual health services.

Objectives: In the United States, all men who have sex with men (MSM) were banned from donating blood from 1985 through 2015. In 2016, the guideline was amended such that men who had sexual contact with other men within the previous 12 months could not donate blood. We aimed to identify blood donation practices and their relationship with HIV risk and testing among young adult MSM (YMSM) at risk for having HIV., Methods: In 2014, we recruited HIV-negative non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white YMSM aged 18-24 from across the United States through social media platforms to complete an online survey. Among these YMSM who previously donated blood, we conducted a secondary analysis examining the relationship between having donated blood within the past 12 months and sexual risk behavior from recent condomless anal intercourse (CAI), HIV testing, and self-perceived risk of having an undiagnosed HIV infection., Results: Of the 2261 YMSM surveyed, 1104 (48.8%) had ever previously donated blood and 305 (13.5%) had donated blood within the past 12 months. Of the 305 blood donors, 50 (16.4%) had ever had CAI before their most recent blood donation. Among YMSM who donated blood, past-12-month blood donation was more likely among YMSM who never had CAI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-2.73) than among YMSM who had CAI and more likely among YMSM who believed it was not possible at all that they had an undiagnosed HIV infection (aOR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.14-2.16) than among YMSM who believed there was any possibility of having an undiagnosed HIV infection; it was not related to past-12-month HIV testing., Conclusions: YMSM donated blood frequently, suggesting that the deferral process in place did not prevent YMSM from donating blood. The current donor screening process should be reconsidered if it is to prevent YMSM from donating blood. Future research could identify screening questions that permit YMSM with a low risk of HIV infection to donate blood while maintaining the safety of the blood supply.

Purpose: Young men who have sex with men (MSM) are at an increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Recent research has documented the importance of understanding the multidimensional nature of sexual risk behavior; however, little is known about how multidimensional patterns of sexual behavior among MSM may be associated with STIs., Method: This study applies latent class analysis to data from a large, HIV- sample of 18- to 25-year-old MSM recruited from social and sexual networking Web sites (N = 5965; 76% white, 11% Latino, 5% black, 4% Asian, 4% other; 74% homosexual, 21% bisexual, 1% heterosexual, 3%, unsure/questioning 1% other) to uncover multidimensional patterns of past-year sexual behaviors, partner factors, and protective behavior and their associations with self-reported STI diagnosis., Results: We selected a model with 8 classes, with nearly half of participants belonging to a class marked by multiple behaviors with more than 1 partner, and smaller numbers of individuals in classes with a smaller number of behaviors, romantic relationships, and sexual inactivity. Class membership was associated with recent STI diagnosis, with classes marked by no penetrative sex or receptive anal sex with consistent condom use having lower prevalence than those with inconsistent condom use, including those engaging in only insertive anal sex., Conclusions: Findings suggest heterogeneity of behaviors within MSM and that prevention messages may be more effective if they are tailored to individuals' patterns of sexual behavior, as well as demographic and sociocontextual factors.

The purpose of this study was to understand how bear identity influenced condom use during the last anal sex event. Participants were recruited to complete an online, anonymous self-report survey through bear-related sexual and social networking websites. A total of 1,080 men who identified as gay or bisexual and as a member of the bear community and were 18 years or older completed the survey. Overall, fewer than a third of men reported condom use during the most recent receptive (28%) and insertive (30%) anal sex event. Men in bear concordant pairings were less likely to use a condom during receptive and insertive anal sex compared to those is discordant pairings (p < .05). Findings suggest that bear identity concordance influences condom use during anal sex after accounting for an individual's relationship to their most recent partner as well as other confounding variables.

This research investigates the sexuality of trans women (individuals who were assigned male status at birth who currently identify as women), by focusing on the "bodily techniques" (Crossley, 2006) they use in "doing" sexuality. The "doing sexuality" framework not only is modeled after the "doing gender" approach of West and Zimmerman (1987), but also utilizes the idea of "sexual embodiment" to emphasize the agency of trans women as they conceptualize and organize their sexuality in a socially recognized way. This is often difficult as they confront discrimination from medical and legal professionals as well as intimate partners who may find it difficult to adapt to the trans woman's atypical body and conception of gender. However, with a study group of 25 trans women from San Francisco, we found the study participants to be adept at overcoming such hurdles and developing techniques to "do" their sexuality. At the same time, we found trans women's agency constrained by the erotic habitus (Green, 2008) of the wider society. The interplay between innovation and cultural tradition provides an opportunity to fashion a more general model of "doing" sexuality.

In Venezuela, members of a social and sexual partner networking site for men who have sex with men (MSM) completed an online survey regarding sexual behaviours and HIV medical care. Among the 2851 respondents, self-reported HIV prevalence was 6.6%. Of participants living with HIV, 73.2% reported taking antiretroviral medication and 56.6% reported complete adherence within the past month. Participants living with HIV were more likely to be older (aOR = 1.04 per one-year increase in age, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.06) and diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection in the previous year (aOR 3.26, 95% CI: 2.11, 5.04). These data provide further understanding of the HIV epidemic among MSM in Venezuela, and potential targets for HIV prevention interventions., (© The Author(s) 2016.)

We sought to determine, in a sample of 2,813 HIV seronegative young men who had sex with other men age 18-24, whether physical satisfaction would explain emotional satisfaction during first anal intercourse and whether emotional satisfaction would impact having sex with a partner a second time. Emotional satisfaction was explained mostly by physical satisfaction during the event, but partner type also had direct impact on emotional satisfaction. Our findings suggest that first anal intercourse experiences in young men are both emotionally and physically satisfying and may impact subsequent sexual behavior and partner decision-making.

A sizable minority of women report lifetime sexual behavior with both men and women. In the present study, a multinational sample of women who reported genital contact with at least one man and one woman in their lifetime (N = 2,751) were asked to provide their behavioral definitions of "having sex with a woman" and "having sex with a man." Replicating previous research, participants were asked "Would you say you 'had sex' with a woman/man if the most intimate behavior you engaged in with her/him was …" followed by a list of behaviors that differed based on the hypothetical partner gender. While most participants indicated that they would consider "having had sex" if they engaged in a variety of behaviors, behaviors involving genital contact were most often included within the participants' definitions of having sex, regardless of partner gender. The percentage of behaviors included in the participants' definitions of having sex with a woman (M = 59.40%, SD = 20.77%) was higher than the percentage of behaviors included in their definition of having sex with a man (M = 37.26%, SD = 28.97%). Broadening our understanding of "having sex" for individuals with diverse sexual experiences may have important implications for clinicians and researchers.

Unlabelled: Background Relationship characteristics and day-to-day variation in affective state have been associated with HIV risk behaviour. However, no research has assessed the impact of these factors on event-level condom use among women engaging in transactional sex., Methods: Twenty-six women engaging in transactional sex were enrolled in a prospective study of their sexual health. They completed diaries about multi-level predictors of condom use during vaginal sex twice, daily., Results: Over 4 weeks, 18 participants reported 87 paid/traded vaginal intercourse events. Of these, 51.7% were condom protected. The majority of paid/traded events (81.5%) occurred with a non-romantic partner. After controlling for partner type, feeling in love on a given day was associated with higher odds of condom use during paid/traded sexual events, while having sex on the weekend and at night were associated with lower odds of condom use (all P≤0.05). There was a significant interaction between being in love and using condoms during transactional sex (P<0.01). In paid/traded sexual events with romantic partners, the frequency of condom use was 71.4% (5/7) when women did not report love and 40% (4/10) when love was reported. In sexual events with non-romantic partners, the frequency of condom use was 43.8% (14/32) when women did not report love and 59.5% (22/37) when love was reported., Conclusions: Women were less likely to report protected sex with romantic partners and more likely to report protected sex with non-romantic partners when they are in love. Interventions focusing on the link between day-to-day variation in affective state on condom use may help women with risk management across partner types., Competing Interests: We declare that we have no conflicts of interests.

Black men have historically been stereotyped as hedonistic, aggressive, and animalistic in their sexual interactions. This study sought to describe pleasure, affection, and love experienced by Black men who have sex with men (MSM) during their last male-partnered sexual event and to examine differences relative to White, Latino, and Asian MSM. A total of 21,696 (793 Black, 18,905 White, 1,451 Latino, and 547 Asian) U.S. men ages 18-87 (M Age = 39) were recruited from social/sexual networking sites targeting MSM in 2010-2011. Participants reported multiple dimensions of sexual experience (pleasure, affection, and love) occurring at their last male-partnered sexual event, partner relationship, and sociodemographic characteristics. Across relationship categories, a sizeable percentage of Black MSM reported pleasure (72-87  % orgasmed, 57-82 % experienced high subjective pleasure) and affection (70-91 % kissed, 47-90 % cuddled). Love was primarily reported for events involving main partners (felt love for partner: 96 %; felt loved by partner: 97 %; verbalized love to partner: 89 %). Latent class analysis with MSM of all races, adjusting for partner relationship and sociodemographic characteristics, revealed three distinct profiles of sexual experience: affection and love (Class 1); affection in the absence of love (Class 2); and neither affection nor love (Class 3). Pleasure was probable across profiles. Some racial differences in profile probability were present, but no overall pattern emerged. Contrary to Black male stereotypes, Black MSM commonly reported pleasure, affection, and love at their last male-partnered sexual event and did not show a meaningful pattern of difference from other-race MSM in their likelihood of experiencing all three.

There is a need to understand better the complex interrelationship between the adoption of masculinity during adolescence and the development of early romantic and sexual relationships. The purpose of this study was to describe features of adolescent masculinity and how it is expressed in the contexts of early to middle adolescent males' romantic and sexual relationships. Thirty-three 14- to 16-year-old males were recruited from an adolescent clinic serving a community with high sexually transmitted infection rates and were asked open-ended questions about their relationships-how they developed, progressed, and ended. Participants described a high degree of relationally oriented beliefs and behaviors related to romantic and sexual relationships, such as a desire for intimacy and trust. The males also described a more limited degree of conventionally masculine beliefs and behaviors. These beliefs and behaviors often coexisted or overlapped. Implications for the clinical care of similar groups of adolescents are described., (© The Author(s) 2014.)

HIV/AIDS in Latin America is concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, accurate estimates of engagement in HIV care in this population can be difficult to ascertain because many do not self-identify as MSM. Given evidence of decreased HIV transmissibility in the context of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, identifying individuals not in care who are engaging in HIV transmission risk behavior is crucial for secondary prevention. Primary aims of this study were to examine engagement in care from testing to ART adherence among MSM using online social/sexual networking across Latin America, and whether individuals not in care at each step reported greater sexual transmission risk behavior than those in care. In the overall sample (n=28,779), approximately 75% reported ever being tested for HIV, and 9% reported having received an HIV diagnosis. Among known HIV-infected individuals, 20% reported not being in care, 30% reported not taking ART, and 55% reported less than 100% ART adherence. Over one-third of HIV-infected individuals reported sexual HIV transmission risk behavior, defined as unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with a male partner of different/unknown HIV serostatus in the past three months. HIV-infected individuals not engaged in care more often reported UAI compared to those in care (OR=1.29; 95% CI=1.01-1.66). Although not statistically significant, HIV-infected individuals not on ART more often reported UAI compared to those on ART (OR=1.18; 95% CI=0.94-1.47). Individuals who reported less than 100% ART adherence more often reported UAI compared to individuals with 100% adherence (OR=1.55; 95% CI=1.26-1.90). Findings demonstrate that a substantial portion of HIV-infected MSM in Latin America who are likely not virologically suppressed from lack of ART use or adherence report sexual HIV transmission risk. Tailoring secondary HIV prevention for MSM in Latin America who are not in HIV care or adherent to ART may be warranted.

We document the historical and cultural shifts in how gay and bisexual men have used the Internet for sexuality between the 1990s and 2013-including shifting technology as well as research methods to study gay and bisexual men online. Gay and bisexual men have rapidly taken to using the Internet for sexual purposes: for health information seeking, finding sex partners, dating, cybersex, and pornography. Men have adapted to the ever-evolving technological advances that have been made in connecting users to the Internet-from logging on via dial-up modem on a desktop computer to geo-social-sexual networking via handheld devices. In kind, researchers have adapted to the Internet to study gay and bisexual men. Studies have carefully considered the ethics, feasibility, and acceptability of using the Internet to conduct research and interventions. Much of this work has been grounded in models of disease prevention, largely as a result of the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic. The need to reduce HIV in this population has been a driving force to develop innovative research and Internet-based intervention methodologies. The Internet, and specifically mobile technology, is an environment gay and bisexual men are using for sexual purposes. These innovative technologies represent powerful resources for researchers to study and provide outreach.

Black men who have sex with men (MSM) living in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. An online survey of sexual behavior was completed by Black, White, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, and other-race MSM (n=11,766) ages 18-87 years. Complete condom use, semen exposure, pre-coital rectal douching (enema use), and lubricant use at last male-partnered sexual event were compared by race, controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables and stratifying by sexual position (receptive, insertive, or both). Across sexual positions, 55-62% of Black MSM reported condom use, 5-8% reported semen exposure, 18-53% reported douching, and 33-43% reported lubricant use. Reported behavioral profiles were not significantly different from other races, except that Black MSM reported greater condom use than White MSM in the insertive position. Although findings argue against disproportionate rates of risk behavior accounting for racial disparities in HIV prevalence, they nonetheless highlight a need for continued behavioral intervention.

Background: Condom use remains central to sexually transmitted infections/HIV prevention among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). To support the development of accurate and appropriate interventions, a better understanding is needed as to how the characteristics of a given sexual event differentially influence condom use during anal intercourse., Methods: Daily diary data were collected from (n = 3877) HIV-negative MSM who were members of several online Web sites facilitating social or sexual interactions with other men. Sexual event-specific factors related to condom use during anal intercourse were evaluated using logistic regression, with generalized estimating equation adjustment for multiple within-participant sexual events (STATA, 10.0; all P < 0.05)., Results: Participants contributed 25,149 behavioral diaries. Of these, men reported 730 (2.9%) acts of anal intercourse as insertive partner and 662 (2.6%) as receptive partner. Condoms were used during 25.5% (n = 184) of insertive events, and 18.8% (n = 125) of receptive events. For both insertive and receptive anal roles, condom use was more likely with casual partners (OR = 4.24-6.59). Positive ratings of sexual pleasure were associated with condom use among men who were the insertive partner during anal intercourse, whereas condom nonuse was significantly related to higher ratings of pleasure among men who were the receptive partner., Conclusions: Event-level relational and sexual-situational factors predict condom use differently, depending on whether men are the insertive or receptive partner in anal intercourse. Understanding these differences will help clinicians and health educators engage MSM in dialogue to increase condom use in situations where it is warranted.

Introduction: Recent nationally representative data documenting event-level condom use have included samples that are predominantly heterosexual, resulting in limited information on rates of condom use for penile-anal intercourse (PAI) among men who have sex with men (MSM)., Aim: This study sought to document the demographic and event-specific situational factors associated with condom use during most recent PAI among MSM., Methods: Data were collected via an Internet survey from 14,750 MSM (ages 18-87 years) from 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia., Main Outcome Measures: Measures included items related to sociodemographics, recent sexual behavior history, event characteristics, condom use, and items associated with ejaculation during the event., Results: Participants' median age was 39.0 years; race/ethnicities included white (83.2%), Latino (7.2%), and African American (3.9%), and most men (85.3%) identified as homosexual. Age (P ≤ 0.001), race/ethnicity (P ≤ 0.001), partner status (P ≤ 0.001), and location of sexual event (P ≤ 0.001) were all significantly related to the likelihood of condom use during men's most recent PAI with another man. In total, only 2.5% of the entire sample reported that ejaculation occurred in their own or their sexual partner's anus without a condom during most recent PAI., Conclusions: This study provides a large-scale assessment of condom use during the most recent PAI among MSM in the United States. Findings from this study highlight diversity in condom use behaviors and demonstrate varying degrees of potential risk for human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections. Future prevention efforts should consider contextual components of condom use, including partner type, location of the sexual event, and semen exposure, to more accurately develop individualized risk reduction strategies., (© 2012 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

Recent studies have documented that vibrators are an important part of the sexual repertoires of both men and women and have demonstrated positive sexual health outcomes among individuals who use such products. However, little is known about the use of other sexual enhancement products, particularly among gay and bisexually identified men. This study sought to document the extent to which gay and bisexually identified men report using sex toys and the sexual and relational situations within which they used them. Data were collected via an internet-based survey from 25,294 gay and bisexually identified men throughout the U.S. recruited from an Internet site popular among men seeking social or sexual interactions with other men. A majority (78.5%) of gay and bisexually identified men reported having used at least one type of sex toy, including dildos (62.1%), non-vibrating cock rings (51.9%), vibrators (49.6%), butt plugs (34.0%), masturbation sleeves (27.9%), and anal beads or balls (19.3%). Among users, toys such as dildos or butt plugs were commonly inserted into one's own anus during masturbation (95.7%, n = 11,781) and insertion into their partners anus (72.0% n = 4,197) during partnered sexual activities. These data suggest that sex toy use is common among gay and bisexual men during both solo and partnered sexual activities and considered by these men as enhancing the quality of their sexual experiences.

Introduction: Recent reports indicate that vibrator use during solo and partnered sexual activities is common among heterosexual men and women in the United States. However, little research has comprehensively assessed vibrator use among gay and bisexually identified men., Aims: This study sought to document the extent to which gay and bisexually identified men report using vibrators, the sexual and relational situations within which they use them, and how men use vibrators on their own and their partners' bodies., Methods: Data were collected from 25,294 gay and bisexually identified men from 50 U.S. states and from the District of Columbia via an internet-based survey., Main Outcome Measure: Measures included sociodemographics, health-related indicators, sexual behaviors, and those related to recent and past use of vibrators during solo and partnered sexual interactions with other men., Results: Approximately half (49.8%) of gay and bisexually identified men reported having used vibrators. Most men who had used a vibrator in the past reported use during masturbation (86.2%). When used during partnered interactions, vibrators were incorporated into foreplay (65.9%) and intercourse (59.4%). Men reported frequent insertion of vibrators into the anus or rectum when using them during masturbation (87.3%), which was also common during partnered interactions (∼60%), but varied slightly for casual and relationship sex partners. For both masturbation and partnered interactions, men overwhelmingly endorsed the extent to which vibrator use contributed to sexual arousal, orgasm, and pleasure., Conclusions: Vibrator use during both solo and partnered sexual acts was common among the gay and bisexually identified men in this sample and was described by men as adding to the quality of their sexual experiences., (© 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

Sexual compulsivity has been associated with higher frequencies of sexual behaviors that may increase risk for transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). In a rural midwestern region where social and community resources for the sexual health of men who have sex with men (MSM) are relatively few, the patterns of partner-seeking and sexual behavior, and their relations to sexual compulsivity, may be different than findings from other assessments of men in urban centers. Using a community-based participatory approach (CBPR), data were collected from 309 men who were primarily white, identified as gay or homosexual, and had a mean age of 29.37 years (SD = 11.33), to explore relations between scores on a measure of sexual compulsivity and their sexual partner-seeking, drug and alcohol use, and sexual behaviors with men and women. The majority of men reported having engaged in sexual activity with men in the past 30 days. Those scoring higher than the sample mean (1.65 [SD = 0.66]) on the sexual compulsivity measure reported patterns of having sex with partners met online and having been the insertive or receptive partner in unprotected anal intercourse. Given the unique patterns of sexual partner-seeking in this area, interventions to decrease sexual risk-taking should take into account that the vast majority of men in rural areas are using the Internet to locate sexual partners, and prevention messages focused on rural contexts need to be tailored to include men who have a propensity for sexually compulsive behaviors. Additionally, interventions created for virtual spaces may be more sustainable with rural communities than traditional approaches to HIV/STI prevention.

Research has shown the heightened risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual risk behavior, and substance use in sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals. Further research is necessary to understand understudied sexual risk behaviors in a sample of casual substance users as the implications of substance use are not just experienced by individuals with substance use disorders. Many emerging adults (ages 18-29) experiment with substance use during the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the relationship with sexual risk behaviors are important to understand in this population. Data were collected online through Prolific from 75 participants between the ages of 18-29 who identified as being a SGM. Participants completed a survey in March 2020 indicating their substance use. In November 2021, participants indicated their risky sexual behaviors. A path analysis indicated that cannabis use at Time 1 was significantly associated with greater oral sex without a condom or dental dam, sex under the influence of alcohol and other substances at Time 2. Cocaine use at Time 1 was significantly associated with increased sex under the influence of alcohol and sex with a stranger. Results illustrate long-term implications of casual substance use in SGM populations and highlights understudied sexual risk behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Latin America, men who have sex with men (MSM) remain disproportionately impacted by HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention tool and has been FDA approved in the United States since 2012, but no Latin American state, with the recent exception of Brazil, has implemented PrEP guidelines. We carried out a multinational online survey of MSM in Latin America (n = 22698) in 2012 to assess whether MSM at highest risk of HIV acquisition (i.e., those engaging in condomless anal sex [CAS; n = 2606] and transactional sex [n = 1488]) had higher levels of awareness of PrEP, PrEP use and interest in participating in a PrEP trial. After adjusting for demographic and psychosocial characteristics including depressive symptoms, hazardous alcohol use, childhood sexual abuse, and sexual compulsivity, transactional sex and CAS were associated with increased PrEP awareness (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.05-1.59, p < .001 and aOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11-1.34, p < .001, respectively) and PrEP trial interest (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25-1.71, p < .001 and aOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.57-1.95, p < .001, respectively). Findings demonstrate substantial awareness of and interest in PrEP among MSM with behavioral risk factors for HIV in Latin America, suggesting that this region is primed for PrEP implementation, which has been slow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has shown that compared to younger individuals, older adults are at a similar risk for acquiring HIV. Additionally, screenings for HIV/STD tend to be lower among older adults, with this group seeing themselves at less risk for HIV/STD compared to their younger counterparts. Limited information exists concerning older bisexual men outside examining aggregated populations of sexual minority men (e.g., MSM). The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the sexual health, behaviors, and evaluation of last sexual event among older (≥ 50 years old) compared to younger (< 50 years old) bisexual men. Data were collected in collaboration with a social and sexual networking website catering to men who have sex with men. Findings suggest that older bisexual men continue to be sexually active and that strategies need to be developed to better reach this population regarding HIV/STD prevention and education. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Limited research has focused on the sexual behaviors of men who have sex with men (MSM) from rural communities. We examined the sexual and health-related behaviors of MSM living in rural areas of the United States in order to understand the sexual health repertoire of this population. A total of 5,357 participants living in rural settings were recruited online and completed an anonymous Internet-based survey that assessed sexual behaviors, condom use, and men’s engagement with various community activities and events. These data provide a greater understanding of sexual health profiles that exist among rural MSM and will help inform the design of effective programs for men in these often underserved communities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Latino men represent a quickly growing segment of the U.S. population. As such, it is important to document the health of these individuals. Data were collected from one of the largest gay networking Web sites in the U.S. Using multivariate logistic regression relationships between participant characteristics and sexual health outcomes and behaviors were examined. The sample included 1,880 Latino men self-identifying as gay (83.7%) and bisexual (16.3%). Findings suggest the majority of men had not tested positive for any STD (86.8 - 92.0%) or HIV (79.9%), however overall STD testing was low (33.9%) compared to HIV testing (55.6%) during the previous year. Additionally, education level, employment, sexual orientation, and relationship status significantly influenced a variety of sexual behaviors and sexual health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]