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Men having sex with men (MSM) commonly consume 'bareback' pornography, which includes scenes of unprotected anal intercourse. Prior research on human imitative behavior suggests that these media might counteract efforts to promote safe-sex behaviors. To date, no studies have demonstrated a causal link between bareback pornography consumption and reduced safe-sex intentions. Study 1 utilized a correlational design conducted as an online survey. Study 2 was set in an actual MSM sex club, using a 2 × 2 mixed-factorial design to compare type of pornography (unprotected vs. protected anal intercourse) and age of actors (younger vs. older). As the main dependent variable in both studies, participants self-reported their inclinations toward unprotected versus protected intercourse, using a 100-point sliding scale (1 = unprotected, 100 = protected). In Study 1, more attention to unprotected sex acts on actual DVD film covers predicted lower safe-sex intentions, as compared to other elements of the film cover. In Study 2, safe-sex intentions after viewing unprotected-sex films were lower than after viewing protected-sex films. The results provide novel and ecologically valid evidence that 'bareback' pornography consumption impacts viewer's inclinations toward sexual risk-taking by lowering their intentions to use protected sex measures. Suggestions are given as to how these findings can be utilized for purposes of intervention and prevention of STI and HIV infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humiliation, the emotion associated with being lowered in status in the eyes of others, seems to be very intense. As such, humiliation has been implied to play an important role in the escalation of inter-individual and inter-group conflict. Here, we provide the first clear empirical evidence that humiliation is indeed a very intense experience. Based on the electro-encephalogram recorded from people reading scenarios that evoked humiliation, anger, or happiness, electrophysiological measures of cognitive intensity were derived for each of the emotion types. The late positive potential (LPP), a measure of the level of perceived (negative), affect was markedly increased in humiliation scenarios compared to happiness and anger scenarios. In addition, event-related desynchronization (ERD) in the alpha-frequency range, a measure of the overall intensity of cortical activation, was significantly more pronounced for humiliation than for happiness and anger scenarios. Our findings support the idea that humiliation is a particularly intense experience that is likely to have far-reaching consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The effects of social exclusion are far-reaching, both on an emotional and behavioral level. The present study investigates whether social exclusion also directly influences basic cognitive functions, specifically the ability to exert cognitive control. Participants were either excluded or included while playing an online game. To test whether exclusion altered cognitive control, we measured the electrophysiological responses to a Go/No Go task. In this task participants had to withhold a response (No Go) on a small number of trials while the predominant tendency was to make an overt (Go) response. Compared to Go trials the event-related potential evoked by No Go trials elicited an increased N2, reflecting the detection of the response conflict, followed by an increased P3, reflecting the inhibition of the predominant response. The N2 effect was larger for participants who had experienced exclusion, while the P3 effect was smaller. This indicates that exclusion leads to an increased ability to detect response conflicts, while at the same time exclusion decreases the neural processes that underlie the inhibition of unwanted behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Females are perceived to have less power than males. These differences in perceived power might render different self-regulatory strategies appropriate: Women should (as members of other low-power groups) care about security, whereas men should (as members of other high-power groups) strive for accomplishment. These regulatory implications of gender provide the basis for regulatory fit between individuals' gender and their regulatory focus. Higher fit should lead to stronger gender-based ingroup favoritism: Prevention-focused females and promotion-focused males were expected to show more ingroup favoritism than both sexes in the respective other regulatory focus. According to the regulatory fit hypothesis, this effect should occur for evaluative- but not for stereotype-based ingroup favoritism. Three studies supported these hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social-psychological research on time has pointed to the social construct of time rather than a mere physical entity that we reflect cognitively. Using two paradigms (day retrieval process and goal priming), the authors show that the time orientation is strongly prone to social influences and argue that a self-regulatory process underlies these findings. The degree of social comparison orientation in Study 1 and the degree of identification with groups for which the landmark is relevant (Study 2) both moderate the functionality of the landmarks within time orientation. Consistent with these findings, Studies 3 and 4 offer evidence that the activation of a personally relevant goal activates the day of goal attainment, a process that again can be moderated by social comparison orientation and identification. Overall, these results suggest a socially regulated time orientation. The internal clock (if any) is at least partly a "social clock." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research applied the regulatory fit hypothesis (E. T. Higgins, 2000) to the evaluation of groups, suggesting that individuals' group appraisal depends on how well the groups fit their regulatory needs. Specifically, it was predicted that higher power groups would fit and be more valued by those individuals with a promotion focus because these groups provide a better opportunity to sustain nurturance and achievement needs. Alternatively, lower power groups were predicted to fit and be more valued by those individuals with a prevention focus because these groups necessitate (and thus sustain) a focus on safety and security. Five studies found support for these predictions by both assessing and manipulating regulatory focus and group power and by using explicit and implicit measures of group attraction. Moreover, these regulatory fit effects occurred specifically for group power and not for general differences in group status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four studies tested whether social category primes did not only prime descriptions, behaviors of this respective group, and general behavioral tendencies but also specific behavioral responses toward this group. The activation (Studies 1-3) and the accomplishment of such response behavior (Study 4) were found. Study 2 showed that the activation of response behavior was based on dynamic and, thus, directional representations: Social category primes activated response behavior, but response behavior primes did not activate social category targets. Furthermore, the effect was specified by the mind-set that was operating when the social category was activated: Response behavior was activated in a differentiation mind-set but not in a similarity mind-set (Study 3). The research extends behavioral priming by adding a specific response behavior perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study addresses disparities among people with a migration background (PMB) and those in less-urban regions, across the HIV prevention and care continuum (HIVPCC). We conducted a needs assessment and assets assessment to identify gaps between existing initiatives and persisting barriers. The research was conducted in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR), encompassing bordering regions in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, and involved in-depth interviews with fifteen first-generation PMB, including nine with HIV. Six factors influencing PMB access to the HIVPCC were identified: past experiences with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV; HIV stigma and social dynamics; confidence and communication with healthcare providers and social workers; healthcare system navigation; precarity; and knowledge and beliefs about HIV/STIs. Existing assets mostly target individual or interpersonal levels, are often inaccessible due to language barriers, inadequately match PMB’s living conditions and culture, and are irregular and hyperlocal. Recommendations include enhancing cultural sensitivity, adopting participatory approaches, tailoring outreach activities to legal situations and cultural context, and fostering cooperation between healthcare and social work institutions. This study underscores the importance of considering societal and institutional dynamics in bridging gaps in the HIVPCC for PMB, advocating for targeted interventions that promote inclusivity and equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of interactions between individuals from different ethnic groups partly depends on how emotions of individual ethnic group members are interpreted. Previous research has found that facial expressions of emotions of a different ethnic group are recognized less accurately than facial expressions of members of the same ethnic group. The current research focuses on a bias in intensity perception and tests the hypothesis that individuals perceive facial expressions of emotions in ethnic outgroup members as less intense than those of ingroup members' expressions. In addition to nine previously conducted and reported studies (focussing only on embarrassment, Kommattam, Jonas, & Fischer, 2017, Studies 1–9), we conducted a series of three additional studies including white Dutch, U.S., and U.K. participants (N total = 3201) judging the intensity of nine different emotions displayed by different ethnic group members. A random effects model meta-analysis shows that individuals perceive less intense emotions in ethnic outgroup members than in ethnic ingroup members (d = 0.33 [0.08–0.59], (r = 0.16)). This intensity bias in interethnic emotion perception points to a systematic downplaying of the intensity of outgroup emotions and suggests an empathy gap towards members from other ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Objective: As the developments toward HIV cure are gaining prominence, engagement of people with HIV (PWH) becomes crucial. The aim of this study was to gain deeper insight into how PWH engage with HIV cure (research) by exploring their perspectives regarding awareness, importance, and meaning of HIV cure (research). Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 purposively sampled PWH in the Netherlands. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic data analysis was undertaken. Results: The overall necessity for an HIV cure was high, but personal perceived necessity varied based on participants' lived experiences with HIV. Most participants saw less personal necessity due to their high quality of life, while those more affected by their HIV status expressed a stronger need for a cure. Participants held high expectations for an HIV cure, considering viral eradication as the only cure. Lack of awareness of potential HIV cure strategies and techniques shaped concerns. Antiretroviral treatment-free viral suppression was met with concerns and not considered a cure, but rather an improved form of treatment. Engagement with HIV cure manifested in various forms and levels, with only a few participants actively engaged or willing to participate in HIV cure clinical research. Most participants were interested but inactive and unsure about participating in HIV cure clinical research. Conclusions: PWH's social engagement in HIV cure (research) is shaped by their perceived necessity and concerns. Understanding these perceptions can increase social engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the prospect of an HIV cure is gaining prominence, engaging key populations affected by an HIV cure becomes essential. This study examined the engagement of HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) and/or partners of people with HIV (PHIV) in the Netherlands. Interviews were conducted with 19 MSM not in relationships with a partner with HIV and 16 partners of PHIV and were thematically analyzed. Perspectives on the importance of an HIV cure were shaped by the perceived severity of HIV and the level of susceptibility to the virus. Despite concerns about potential new HIV infections and treatment intensity, most participants believed that an HIV cure could reduce HIV burden. Both HIV eradication and HIV suppression were regarded as acceptable outcomes. Engagement was demonstrated through actions like accessing information, participating in research, and showing support for partners or community members involved in HIV cure research. In conclusion, we found that most participants were engaged due to their heightened perception of HIV's severity. However, this engagement tended to remain passive due to their perceived low susceptibility to HIV, resulting in a scenario where the perceived importance of an HIV cure is high, while personal relevance remains low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) is efficacious in preventing HIV among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and will be soon available in Europe. This study investigated the intention and preference to use LAI-PrEP among MSM in the Netherlands by employing a diffusion of innovation approach. This study had a cross-sectional design nested within a cohort study established in 2017 to understand oral PrEP use among MSM. 309 MSM completed the survey on their awareness, interest, intention, and preference for LAI-PrEP in June 2022. Among them, 83% showed high/very-high interest in, and 63% showed high/very-high intention to use LAI-PrEP. A repeated innovator effect from the early adopters to LAI-PrEP was not observed. Early adopters did not show increased intention to use LAI-PrEP compared to other MSM subgroups, but neither did PrEP-naïve nor PrEP-discontinued MSM. However, among the 218 current oral PrEP users, suboptimal adherence was associated with preference for LAI-PrEP but not with intention to use it. In conclusion, our findings indicated that an effective, available, and affordable LAI-PrEP would be welcomed in the Netherlands, but that its introduction may not significantly expand PrEP coverage. However, the introduction of LAI-PrEP in the Netherlands could prove beneficial to MSM with suboptimal adherence to oral PrEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An online assessment among social media-using young men who have sex with men found that 87% were willing to use HIV self-testing with online supervision. Correlates included never tested, having higher numbers of sexual partners, and seeking partners online. HIV self-testing with online supervision may be appropriate for young men who have sex with men who have high risks and may not access venue-based settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western studies suggest that perceived pressure from family members, peers, and the media to achieve muscularity ideals are associated with higher muscle dissatisfaction and that such associations are mediated through different psychological processes. However, how such findings apply to young Chinese men has not been explored. Using an online survey, this study examined if perceived pressure from family, peers, and the media to achieve muscularity ideals was associated with muscle dissatisfaction among 319 male college students in Hong Kong and investigated the potential mechanisms explaining such associations (social comparison, uncompassionate self-responding, and body surveillance). Structural equation modeling results indicated that pressure from peers was associated with higher muscle dissatisfaction through increased uncompassionate self-responding (ß = 0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.01, 0.09]). Pressure from the media was associated with higher muscle dissatisfaction through increased social comparison (ß = 0.12, 95% CI [0.01, 0.22]) and uncompassionate self-responding (ß = 0.05, 95% CI [0.01, 0.09]). Contrary to our hypotheses, pressure from family members was not associated with muscle dissatisfaction and the mediating psychological processes. Moreover, the direct effect from perceived peer pressure to muscle dissatisfaction remained significant after considering the mediators (ß = 0.18, 95% CI [0.02, 0.33]). The mediation models were supported by satisfactory model fit indices. This study revealed that different sources of muscularity-related pressure were associated with Chinese male college students' muscle dissatisfaction through varied psychological processes. Practitioners may consider different intervention strategies to reduce the potential impacts of peer and media pressures on muscle dissatisfaction among young Chinese men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is still unknown whether the mechanisms proposed by the Reserve Capacity Model (RCM) explaining socio-economic health and wellbeing inequities in high income countries can be applied to low-income countries. This study investigates whether different reserve capacities (intra-, inter-personal, and tangible) can explain the association between relative socio-economic position (SEP) and wellbeing outcome measures among Ethiopian women working in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Method: Using a cross-sectional design, we collected quantitative survey data among 2,515 women working in the apparel and floriculture sectors in Ethiopia, measuring GHQ-12 mental health problems, multi-dimensional wellbeing, relative SEP, psychological capital (PsyCap), social support (emotional and financial social support network), and tangible assets (e.g., owning mobile phone, having access to toilet facilities). We used cluster-adjusted structural equation modelling to test whether PsyCap, social support, and/or tangible assets mediate the association between relative SEP (IV) and GHQ-12 mental health problems and multi-dimensional wellbeing (DVs). Results: PsyCap and the size of the financial support network significantly mediate the socio-economic gradient in both wellbeing outcomes. The size of the emotional social support network shows no association with multi-dimensional wellbeing and shows an unexpected negative association with GHQ-12 mental health problems scores, including a significant mediation effect. Tangible assets show no association with the wellbeing outcome measures and do not mediate socio-economic mental health problems and wellbeing inequities. Conclusions: The RCM can be applied in low-income countries, although in unexpected ways. Similar to findings from high-income countries, PsyCap and size of the financial social support network show significant mediation effects in explaining mental health problems and wellbeing inequities in Ethiopia. These reserves could therefore serve as a buffer for socio-economic inequities in mental health and wellbeing and can therefore assist in decreasing these inequities for women working in FDI sectors in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observers of Ethiopia's entry into export-oriented global value chains generally agree that social upgrading is crucial if these chains' largely female workforce is to reap the benefits of participation. They disagree, however, on the extent to which a 'business case' can be made to involve in this upgrading the managers who link frontline workers to international buyers. This article takes a novel approach to these questions by directly asking these managers and those who advise them on human resources how they understand the well-being of their frontline workers. Drawing on 37 qualitative semi-structured interviews, we find great variation in the extent to which such actors are interested in pursuing worker well-being and social upgrading beyond basic compliance. This is indeed due in part to the sectoral dynamics that have shaped managers' views of what constitutes a profitable labour regime but also by sociocultural factors that include managers' own national contexts, gender and class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health threat, disproportionately affecting young people, and men who have sex with men. In this narrative review of the current state of behavioural science research on STI prevention, we consider the definition, health impacts, correlates and determinants, and interventions to promote STI prevention behaviour. Research on STI prevention behaviour has extended from a focus on abstinence, partner reduction and condom use, to also include novel preventive behaviours, notably treatment-as-prevention, pre-exposure prophylaxis (i.e., the preventive use of medicines by uninfected people), and vaccination for some STIs. Social-cognitive factors specified by, for instance the theory of planned behaviour, are critical proximal determinants of STI prevention behaviours, and related interventions can effectively promote STI prevention behaviours. Social-ecological perspectives highlight that individual-level determinants are embedded in more distal environmental influences, with social stigma especially affecting STI prevention behaviours and requiring effective intervention. Further to providing a major domain of application, STI prevention also poses critical challenges and opportunities for health psychology theory and research. We identify a need for health behaviour theory that addresses the processes linking multiple levels of influence on behaviour and provides practical guidance for multi-level behaviour change interventions adapted to specific contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In France, oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention has been publicly available since 2016, mainly targeting at men who have sex with men (MSM). Reliable and robust estimations of the actual PrEP uptake among MSM on a localized level can provide additional insights to identify and better reach marginalized MSM within current HIV prevention service provision. This study used national pharmaco‐epidemiology surveillance data and regional MSM population estimations to model the spatio‐temporal distribution of PrEP uptake among MSM in France 2016–2021 to identify marginalized MSM at risk for HIV and increase their PrEP uptake. Methods: We first applied Bayesian spatial analyses with survey‐surveillance‐based HIV incidence data as a spatial proxy to estimate the size of (1) regional HIV‐negative MSM populations and (2) MSM who could be eligible for PrEP use according to French PrEP guidelines. We then applied Bayesian spatio‐temporal ecological regression modelling to estimate the regional prevalence and relative probability of the overall‐ and new‐PrEP uptake from 2016 to 2021 across France. Results: HIV‐negative and PrEP‐eligible MSM populations vary regionally across France. Île‐de‐France was estimated to have the highest MSM density compared to other French regions. According to the final spatio‐temporal model, the relative probability of overall PrEP uptake was heterogeneous across France but remained stable over time. Urban areas have higher‐than‐average probabilities of PrEP uptake. The prevalence of PrEP use increased steadily (ranging from 8.8% [95% credible interval 8.5%;9.0%] in Nouvelle‐Aquitaine to 38.2% [36.5%;39.9%] in Centre‐Val‐de‐Loire in 2021). Conclusions: Our results show that using Bayesian spatial analysis as a novel methodology to estimate the localized HIV‐negative MSM population is feasible and applicable. Spatio‐temporal models showed that despite the increasing prevalence of PrEP use in all regions, geographical disparities and inequalities of PrEP uptake continued to exist over time. We identified regions that would benefit from greater tailoring and delivery efforts. Based on our findings, public health policies and HIV prevention strategies could be adjusted to better combat HIV infections and to accelerate ending the HIV epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) from Latin America (LA) are still a vulnerable population for known health-related conditions and social problems, availability of comparable data across LA countries for assessment and monitoring purposes is limited. The objective of this article is to present the study design and the questionnaire of LAMIS-2018 (Latin America MSM Internet Survey), its recruitment strategy, rates and sources by country, and the lessons learned from its implementation. LAMIS-2018 was a cross-sectional, internet-based survey targeting MSM living in 18 LA countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela) that gathered data about sexual behaviors, HIV/STI and viral hepatitis knowledge, prophylactic use of antiretrovirals, psychosocial health, and access to sexual health services. The survey went online for four months and was available in three languages (Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch). Promotion was carried out using dating apps, websites, social networks, and by community-based and academic organizations of each participating country directly in gay venues and in their own premises. Overall, 64,655 MSM participated in LAMIS-2018. Dating apps and websites were the most important recruitment source in most countries, except for Honduras, Nicaragua, and Suriname, where community-based organizations recruited most of the participants. Beyond the LAMIS-2018 implementation description, we highlight the feasibility of such a study in this context, based on the collaboration between community-based and academic organizations to obtain a large sample of MSM in the region. LAMIS-2018 data will contribute to identify determinants of risk behaviors and prevention needs of vulnerable MSM populations in each country of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination HIV prevention covers a range of biomedical, behavioral, and socio-structural interventions. Despite the growing availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), it is not always accessible in European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reporting countries and may not meet the needs of all at-risk populations. Based on the Flash! PrEP in Europe data, multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering were used to identify patterns in HIV prevention strategies among 9980 men who have sex with men (MSM). PrEP interest was evaluated among four identified clusters: (A) "high condom use, sometimes Treatment as Prevention (TasP)"; (B) "mix of methods, infrequent condom use"; (C) "high condom use, tendency to choose partners based on serological status" and (D) "moderate use of condoms mixed with other prevention strategies". Clusters B and D had higher PrEP interest. These results suggest that MSM use a range of behavioral and biomedical risk reduction strategies that are often combined. On-demand PrEP may meet the needs of MSM who infrequently use condoms and other prevention methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of biomedical HIV prevention methods, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), holds the potential to overcome the serodivide. We investigated the attitudes of PrEP users towards having sex with partners living with HIV. PrEP users in the Netherlands were recruited online and completed three questionnaires over a period of six months. We investigated changes over time in feelings of fear of HIV, comfort, and attitudes towards condom use when having sex with men living with HIV (MLHIV). A majority of PrEP users in our sample (up to 71.6%) had sex with MLHIV. Feeling comfortable to have sex with MLHIV did not change over time, but was already at a high level at T1. Most importantly, feeling safe not to use condoms with HIV-positive partners significantly increased, and did so in a rather short period of time after the onset of PrEP use (3-6 months). Taken together, the findings suggest that that PrEP may contribute to decreasing the serodivide between MSM rather quickly after the onset of PrEP use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next to its benefits for HIV prevention, PrEP may have psychosocial benefits relating to improved quality of sex life. The aim of the current study was to investigate the onset of changes in the quality of sex life and sexual pleasure of PrEP users in the first months of commencing PrEP use. Moreover, we investigated what factors were related to the quality of sex life of PrEP users. We recruited 145 participants via the Dutch PrEP-advocacy website PrEPnu.nl, and they received follow-up questionnaires after three and six months. We found that PrEP users reported an increase in the quality of their sex life, which was related to reduced fear of HIV since they started using PrEP but not to decreased condom use. PrEP users were more interested in experimenting with sex practices, but they did not always feel more desirable as a sex partner because of PrEP use. Health-care providers and health promotion campaigns could emphasize the positive effects of PrEP on the quality of sex life, in addition to the HIV-preventive effects of PrEP, to decrease PrEP stigma and increase PrEP uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Transgender individuals are at risk for HIV. HIV risks are dynamic and there have been substantial changes in HIV prevention (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]). It is thus time to revisit HIV prevalence and burden among transgender individuals. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was thus to examine worldwide prevalence and burden of HIV over the course of the epidemic among trans feminine and trans masculine individuals. Methods: We conducted an updated systematic review by searching PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, for studies of any research design published in in a peer-reviewed journal in any language that reported HIV prevalence among transgender individuals published between January 2000 and January 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed methodological quality. We then conducted a meta-analysis, using random-effects modelling, to ascertain standardized prevalence and the relative burden of HIV carried by transgender individuals by country and year of data collection, and then by geographic region. We additionally explored the impact of sampling methods and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Results: Based on 98 studies, overall standardized HIV prevalence over the course of the epidemic, based on weights from each country by year, was 19.9% (95% CI 14.7% - 25.1%) for trans feminine individuals (n = 48,604) and 2.56% (95% CI 0.0% - 5.9%) for trans masculine individuals (n = 6460). Overall OR for HIV infection, compared with individuals over age 15, was 66.0 (95% CI 51.4–84.8) for trans feminine individuals and 6.8 (95% CI 3.6–13.1) for trans masculine individuals. Prevalence varied by geographic region (13.5% - 29.9%) and sampling method (5.4% - 37.8%). Lastly, PrEP effects on prevalence could not be established. Conclusion: Trans feminine and trans masculine individuals are disproportionately burdened by HIV. Their unique prevention and care needs should be comprehensively addressed. Future research should further investigate the impact of sampling methods on HIV prevalence, and monitor the potential impact of PrEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual minority men are at greater risk of depression and suicidality than heterosexuals. Stigma, the most frequently hypothesized risk factor for this disparity, operates across socioecological levels-structural (e.g., laws), interpersonal (e.g., discrimination), and individual (e.g., self-stigma). Although the literature on stigma and mental health has focused on interpersonal and individual forms of stigma, emerging research has shown that structural stigma is also associated with adverse mental health outcomes. However, there is limited data on whether changes in structural stigma, such as when a stigmatized person moves to a lower stigma context, affect mental health, and on the mechanisms underlying this association. To address these questions, we use data from the 2017/18 European Men-who-have-sex-with-men Internet Survey (n = 123,428), which assessed mental health (i.e., Patient Health Questionnaire) and psychosocial mediators (i.e., sexual orientation concealment, internalized homonegativity, and social isolation). We linked these data to an objective indicator of structural stigma related to sexual orientation-including 15 laws and policies as well as aggregated social attitudes-in respondents' countries of origin (N = 178) and receiving countries (N = 48). Among respondents who still live in their country of birth (N = 106,883), structural stigma was related to depression and suicidality via internalized homonegativity and social isolation. Among respondents who moved from higher-to-lower structural stigma countries (n = 11,831), longer exposure to the lower structural stigma environments of their receiving countries was associated with a significantly: 1) lower risk of depression and suicidality; 2) lower odds of concealment, internalized homonegativity, and social isolation; and 3) smaller indirect effect of structural stigma on mental health through these mediators. This study provides additional evidence that stigma is a sociocultural determinant of mental health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a response to a letter submitted by Tassi et al. regarding a recent paper on the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in France. The authors address concerns raised by Tassi et al. about the use of unadjusted regional data on new HIV infections and the limitations of self-reported survey-based data. They acknowledge the limitations of their approach and caution against interpreting the results as potential underestimations. The authors also discuss the potential for future research using clinical and insurance data to improve data quality. [Extracted from the article]

The World Health Organization recommends pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for all populations at substantial risk of HIV infection, including women. However, data regarding PrEP interest among women is lacking, particularly in Europe. Factors associated with interest in using PrEP were assessed among women respondents to the Flash! PrEP in Europe (FPIE) survey. This community-based cross-sectional study, conducted in 12 European countries, aimed to assess PrEP knowledge and interest. "High objective risk" (HOR) was assessed using established risk criteria following EACS and CDC guidelines. Factors associated with interest in using PrEP were assessed in univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Among 678 women, 12.5% (n = 85) were considered at HOR, 46.8% (n = 317) indicated prior PrEP knowledge and 18.0% (n = 122) reported interest in using PrEP. Among women at HOR, 40.0% (n = 34) were interested in PrEP. Factors significantly associated with PrEP interest in the final multivariable model were: younger age (18–29 years) (aOR 1.91[95CI: 1.07; 3.41]), bad self-perceived financial status (1.84[1.09; 3.11]), migrant status (south to north) (2.87[1.05; 7.89]), single or dating relationship status (1.93[1.23; 3.03]), sexual abuse history (1.86[1.17; 2.97]), "rather high"/ "high" self-perceived HIV risk (3.21[1.32; 7.81]), and HOR (2.49[1.42; 4.35]). These results show that women at HOR and those who perceived themselves to be at high risk are interested in using PrEP. There is a critical need for targeted information and improved access to PrEP to increase uptake of this HIV prevention tool to meet PrEP interest among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increased availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), PrEP uptake has remained low. To promote uptake, factors related to PrEP interest among relevant target populations warrant investigation. The aim of this study was to provide an analysis of PrEP interest among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Netherlands, while taking study recruitment strategies into account. We recruited 154 MSM from an LGBT research panel (AmsterdamPinkPanel) and 272 MSM from convenience sampling. Both samples were part of the Flash! PrEP in Europe Survey and were compared on their PrEP interest, usage intentions, and sexual behavior. We conducted logistic regression analyses to discover variables associated with PrEP interest and intentions. Participants from the AmsterdamPinkPanel were less likely to use PrEP, had less knowledge of PrEP, and were less interested in PrEP than participants from convenience sampling. Significant covariates of PrEP interest were being single, more prior PrEP knowledge, sexual risk behaviors, such as not having used a condom during last sex and having ever used drugs in a sexual context, and not participating in the AmsterdamPinkPanel. Adding the recruitment strategy to the regression increased explained variance on top of predictors already described in the literature. Increased sexual risk behavior is related to increased PrEP interest and it helps to identify PrEP target groups. Recruitment strategies have a substantial impact on findings regarding PrEP interest and usage intentions. This study emphasizes the importance of using multiple strategies for recruiting participants to obtain a more comprehensive view of MSM's attitudes toward PrEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV-related factors and suicide-risk status were assessed among YMSM aged 18–24 years recruited through various MSM-related online social apps in Bangkok (N = 1394). The online survey assessed demographic characteristics, sexual behaviours and suicide-risk status. Measure of suicide risk was taken from the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (cut-off score of seven or higher). Among participants, 249 (17.9%) reported suicide-risk. In multivariable logistic regression, correlates of suicide-risk status included having sometimes or often ever participated in group sex (AOR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.17–2.14), having received money or opportunities for sex (AOR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.09–2.17), often seeking partners online (AOR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.05–2.39), inconsistent condom use (AOR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.26–2.21), and self-assessed as having "medium" or "high" HIV risk (AOR=2.53, 95% CI: 1.61–3.98 and AOR=3.35, 95% CI: 1.92–5.82, respectively). Findings suggest that HIV risk behaviours shown by YMSM are significantly associated with higher risk of suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current mpox epidemic is most prevalent among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). Vaccination programs are being rolled-out to curb the epidemic. Behavioural measures have been called for as well, for example, by the WHO and national public health authorities to reduce the number of sexual partners and sexual activity. We investigated intentions and determinants among Dutch MSM to follow such behavioural measures.Early in July 2022, in the context of a dynamic ongoing epidemic, 394 MSM answered an online questionnaire investigating concepts such as perceived mpox risk, vaccination and behavioural change intentions and collecting socio-demographic and sexual behaviour information.The overall intentions to reduce number of partners and sexual activity were high, but only a minority had developed definite intentions. Determinant analysis revealed that dating/open relationship status was a positive predictor; vaccination intentions did not predict sexual behaviour change; those not on PrEP were more likely to change their sexual behaviour. Mpox infection concern was the main predictor for behaviour change intentions.Our results show that behavioural measures to avoid an mpox infection are present in majority of participants in our survey, but high intentions are held by a minority. Taking the historic complexity of behavioural change pleas among MSM into account sensitive, additional public health measures are necessary to reach and to inform MSM about potential benefits of sexual behaviour change.Methods: The current mpox epidemic is most prevalent among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). Vaccination programs are being rolled-out to curb the epidemic. Behavioural measures have been called for as well, for example, by the WHO and national public health authorities to reduce the number of sexual partners and sexual activity. We investigated intentions and determinants among Dutch MSM to follow such behavioural measures.Early in July 2022, in the context of a dynamic ongoing epidemic, 394 MSM answered an online questionnaire investigating concepts such as perceived mpox risk, vaccination and behavioural change intentions and collecting socio-demographic and sexual behaviour information.The overall intentions to reduce number of partners and sexual activity were high, but only a minority had developed definite intentions. Determinant analysis revealed that dating/open relationship status was a positive predictor; vaccination intentions did not predict sexual behaviour change; those not on PrEP were more likely to change their sexual behaviour. Mpox infection concern was the main predictor for behaviour change intentions.Our results show that behavioural measures to avoid an mpox infection are present in majority of participants in our survey, but high intentions are held by a minority. Taking the historic complexity of behavioural change pleas among MSM into account sensitive, additional public health measures are necessary to reach and to inform MSM about potential benefits of sexual behaviour change.Results: The current mpox epidemic is most prevalent among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). Vaccination programs are being rolled-out to curb the epidemic. Behavioural measures have been called for as well, for example, by the WHO and national public health authorities to reduce the number of sexual partners and sexual activity. We investigated intentions and determinants among Dutch MSM to follow such behavioural measures.Early in July 2022, in the context of a dynamic ongoing epidemic, 394 MSM answered an online questionnaire investigating concepts such as perceived mpox risk, vaccination and behavioural change intentions and collecting socio-demographic and sexual behaviour information.The overall intentions to reduce number of partners and sexual activity were high, but only a minority had developed definite intentions. Determinant analysis revealed that dating/open relationship status was a positive predictor; vaccination intentions did not predict sexual behaviour change; those not on PrEP were more likely to change their sexual behaviour. Mpox infection concern was the main predictor for behaviour change intentions.Our results show that behavioural measures to avoid an mpox infection are present in majority of participants in our survey, but high intentions are held by a minority. Taking the historic complexity of behavioural change pleas among MSM into account sensitive, additional public health measures are necessary to reach and to inform MSM about potential benefits of sexual behaviour change.Conclusions: The current mpox epidemic is most prevalent among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). Vaccination programs are being rolled-out to curb the epidemic. Behavioural measures have been called for as well, for example, by the WHO and national public health authorities to reduce the number of sexual partners and sexual activity. We investigated intentions and determinants among Dutch MSM to follow such behavioural measures.Early in July 2022, in the context of a dynamic ongoing epidemic, 394 MSM answered an online questionnaire investigating concepts such as perceived mpox risk, vaccination and behavioural change intentions and collecting socio-demographic and sexual behaviour information.The overall intentions to reduce number of partners and sexual activity were high, but only a minority had developed definite intentions. Determinant analysis revealed that dating/open relationship status was a positive predictor; vaccination intentions did not predict sexual behaviour change; those not on PrEP were more likely to change their sexual behaviour. Mpox infection concern was the main predictor for behaviour change intentions.Our results show that behavioural measures to avoid an mpox infection are present in majority of participants in our survey, but high intentions are held by a minority. Taking the historic complexity of behavioural change pleas among MSM into account sensitive, additional public health measures are necessary to reach and to inform MSM about potential benefits of sexual behaviour change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]