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Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among sexual minority men (SMM) and is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. While a limited body of research has examined help-seeking and its potential barriers among SMM who have experienced IPV, less research has explored other forms of coping with IPV within this population. Moreover, the contextual factors that inform the use of specific coping strategies and their perceived effectiveness are not well understood. To address this gap in the literature, the present study used a qualitative design with a demographically diverse sample of (n=25) young sexual minority men (YSMM) to (1) build on current understanding of help-seeking and its potential barriers; (2) identify coping strategies used beyond help-seeking; and (3) explore contextual factors surrounding the use of these strategies. Results indicated that participants used the following strategies to cope with IPV: help-seeking (e.g., informal and formal support), distraction (e.g., substance use, casual sex, and other general distractions), cognitive reappraisal, venting, denial, and avoidance of future relationships. Participants additionally reported several barriers to help-seeking. The narratives that emerged from this study are considered within the scope of the current literature, and implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted healthcare access in the United States. This study sought to explore LGBTQ adults' changes in access and adherence to preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and contraception. This study employs data from a cross-sectional internet survey conducted between May and July 2020. The analysis was stratified by medications: PrEP (n = 147), HIV treatment (n = 78), HRT (n = 86), and contraception (n = 185). For people using PrEP, those between the ages of 18–29 and 30–39 and those with insurance did not report having difficulty accessing their medications; however, people between the ages of 30 and 39 did report that they had missed doses of this medication. For people using antiretroviral therapy (ART), cisgender (cis) gay men did not report trouble accessing medications, whereas lesbian cis women, respondents between the ages of 18–29 and 30–39, did report trouble accessing medications. For those using HRT, white non-Hispanic, black, and Latinx individuals did not have trouble accessing medication; however, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Middle Eastern participants did experience trouble accessing medication. Finally, contraceptive users with insurance did not experience difficulty in accessing medication and did not miss doses of this medication. Changes to medication access and adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic can be used to develop new protocols to help meet the needs of vulnerable populations such as the LGBTQ community. New protocols that may ensure access, as well as privacy around access to medications, are insurance coverage for telehealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to immense impacts on global community health, the public perception of healthcare, and attitudes surrounding mental health during widespread quarantine. Methods: This analysis examines the rates of depressive symptomology among a sample of LGBTQ+-identifying individuals in the United States (n = 1090). The variables examined included socio-demographic factors, the use of mental health medication, access to mental health medication, and experiences of depression symptomology. Results: The findings indicate that depressive symptoms were less severe for older adults, as they reported higher levels of minimal to moderately severe depressive symptoms. Participants who were not working and those who were using substances were less likely to report depressive symptoms. Participants who were employed full-time reported higher levels of depression compared to those who were unemployed. Conclusions: Understanding the mental health of marginalized populations such as the LGBTQ+ community is critical to providing more nuanced preventative healthcare for unique populations, as members of the LGBTQ+ community are non-monolithic and require more personalized approaches to their healthcare needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals are at increased risk for depression, making it important to understand the factors that may contribute to or attenuate this disparity. Community connectedness is one such factor, but prior research regarding its effect on depression has been mixed. It is possible that these mixed findings may be because community connectedness leads to multiple types of self-focused attention (i.e., gender reflection, gender rumination, and preoccupation with others' perceptions) which then have opposing effects on depression. To explore this possibility, the current study sought to test a mediation model in which the three types of self-focused attention would mediate the relationship between community connectedness and depression. Cross-sectional data were collected using online surveys with 309 TNB young adults aged 18–30 years old. As hypothesized, preoccupation with others' perceptions was a significant mediator explaining 35.85% of the variance in depression. Contrary to expectations, gender reflection and gender rumination were not significant mediators. However, community connectedness significantly predicted greater gender reflection, while gender rumination predicted greater depression. The present results indicate that different types of self-focused attention have differing effects on depression in this population, suggesting that clinicians working with TNB young adults should target the ways that these clients think about their gender identity. Additionally, connection to the TNB community can have multiple effects on thought processes, and efforts should be made to maximize the benefits while minimizing the costs. Future research should test these relationships using longitudinal designs and at different ages, as well as assess whether aspects of the community connectedness itself (e.g., co-rumination in TNB spaces, online vs. in-person connection) may have different effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sociodemographic characteristics and depressive symptoms were assessed for their association with increased frequency of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in a US sample of (N = 1,090) LGBTQ people, using an anonymous online survey. Among those (n = 98) endorsing IPV victimization in their current relationship, more than 18% reported increased frequency since the onset of the pandemic. Respondents in the Southern US, and those with more severe depressive symptoms, were more likely to report an increased frequency of IPV victimization. Providers, researchers, and policymakers should address this prevalent health problem, particularly during public health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among young sexual and gender minorities assigned male at birth (YSGM-AMAB). However, few studies have examined the chronicity or distinguished between minor and severe forms of IPV among YSGM-AMAB. Furthermore, while past research has documented differences in IPV by race/ethnicity, sexual identity, gender identity, income, and education in other populations, few studies have examined these sociodemographic characteristics in relation to IPV in YSGM-AMAB. Thus, the present study aims to: (1) estimate past year prevalence and chronicity of minor and severe forms of IPV victimization and perpetration in a diverse sample of (N = 665) YSGM-AMAB in New York City, and (2) examine differences in IPV prevalence and chronicity by the aforementioned sociodemographic characteristics. Cross-sectional data from [BLINDED] informed these descriptive and inferential analyses. Nearly half of all participants reported past year IPV victimization and approximately 40% reported perpetration. Psychological violence was the most common form of victimization, followed by sexual, physical, and injury victimization. Psychological violence was the most common form of perpetration, followed by physical, sexual, and injury perpetration. Regarding sociodemographic differences in last year IPV prevalence, bisexual, transgender, and lower income YSGM-AMAB were more likely to report several subtypes of IPV victimization. Whereas Asian/API, bisexual, transgender, and lower income participants were more likely to report several subtypes of IPV perpetration. Regarding last year IPV chronicity, non-graduate YSGM-AMAB reported more instances of two subtypes of IPV victimization, while Black, White, cisgender, upper income, non-graduate participants reported more instances of several subtypes of IPV perpetration. These findings may be used to develop IPV prevention and intervention programs, inform future research endeavors, and develop and strengthen policies that reduce sociodemographic inequalities and promote more favorable sociopolitical conditions for YSGM-AMAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among young gay and bisexual men (YGBM) and is associated with physical and mental health problems, as well as deleterious psychosocial conditions. Most previous studies of IPV among YGBM have been quantitative in nature and have not examined the numerous subtypes of IPV, the chronicity of IPV experiences, and how is IPV manifested in the context of these same-sex relationships. Thus, a qualitative approach may be useful in exploring these multidimensional and understudied experiences. The present qualitative study sought to (a) explore dimensions of IPV victimization, perpetration, and bidirectional IPV among a sample of (n = 26) YGBM living in New York City and (b) explore the chronicity of IPV experiences among these YGBM. Participants were recruited from an ongoing cohort study of YGBM. Participants completed semistructured interviews that included questions about IPV victimization, perpetration, and bidirectional IPV. A modified version of the consensual qualitative research method was used to analyze the data. The YGBM in this study reported numerous forms of physical, psychological, sexual, and financial IPV victimization and perpetration. Bidirectional experiences of IPV were common. The various subtypes of IPV victimization and perpetration are explored in detail in this manuscript. In addition, many participants reported multiple experiences of abuse within the same relationship, and some participants experienced a pattern of abusive relationships over time. This study corroborates findings from quantitative studies, which indicate that IPV is a prevalent and significant health problem among YGBM, and one that warrants additional attention from researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers. Furthermore, this study adds rich qualitative data to the existing literature—data that can be used to help develop and refine future measures of IPV that are tailored for use with YGBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is an understudied health problem among young gay, bisexual, and other non-identified young men who have sex with men (YMSM). According to cross-sectional studies, IPV is associated with psychosocial and mental health problems, such as stigma and depression, among YMSM. IPV is also associated with health-risk behaviors, such as substance use, among this population. Yet, to date, no studies have used longitudinal data to examine determinants of IPV among YMSM. This gap in the extant literature is problematic, as it limits our understanding of how to intervene to interrupt cycles of violence. The aim of the present study was to examine longitudinal determinants of IPV among a sample of (N = 526) YMSM living in the New York City area. Longitudinal analyses using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to examine individual, relationship, mental health, psychosocial, and substance use factors in relation to IPV victimization and perpetration. Most notably, early experiences of IPV were a robust predictor of later experiences of IPV victimization and perpetration. Relationship status, depression, public gay-related stigma, and illicit substance use were associated with IPV victimization over time. Similarly, relationship status, depression, public gay-related stigma, marijuana, and other illicit substance were associated with IPV perpetration. These findings suggest that prevention programs and awareness campaigns should aim to reach YMSM before their first experiences of relationship violence, as these early experiences of violence are strongly linked to later experiences of violence. Also, IPV interventions should be tailored to the needs of YMSM and should target depressive symptoms, gay-related stigma, and substance use behaviors. Additionally, substance use interventions may be improved by addressing IPV. Finally, policymakers should support policies that improve the social climate for LGBTQ people, thereby reducing gay-related stigma, and potentially stemming violence against and among YMSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age of sexual debut is a critical health indicator for young sexual minority men (YSMM), associated with an increased likelihood of HIV acquisition, use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, and psychological distress. This study examined the age of same-sex sexual debut for five sexual behaviors in a sample of racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse gay-identified YSMM in New York City. The mean age of sexual debut of any behavior was 14.5 years old and 19% of the sample reported sexual debut prior to age 13. Overall, mutual masturbation occurred at the youngest mean age, followed by performed oral, received oral, receptive anal, and insertive anal intercourse. There were significant differences by race/ethnicity and perceived familial socioeconomic status (SES), such that Black and Hispanic/Latino men had earlier ages of debut for performed oral and receptive and insertive anal sex, while upper SES men had later ages of debut for receptive and insertive anal intercourse. These findings are relevant to trends in HIV incidence in the U.S., which are highest among Black and Hispanic/Latino YSMM and may be associated with earlier age of sexual debut. These findings also underscore a need for comprehensive and inclusive sex education at younger ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consensual nonmonogamous (CNM) relationships (e.g., open relationships) are common among adult gay and bisexual men, and thus, younger gay and bisexual men may also engage in consensual nonmonogamy. Yet little is known about CNM relationships among young gay and bisexual men. This is problematic, as nonmonogamy may have important implications for relationship health, which is linked to individual mental and physical health. The present study explored dimensions of relationship quality among a sample of (n = 20) young gay and bisexual men in CNM relationships. Participants were recruited, along with their primary partners, from an ongoing cohort study of young men who have sex with men in New York City. Participants completed semistructured interviews that included questions about relationship quality. A modified version of the consensual qualitative research method was used to analyze the data. Participants' responses were also analyzed at the dyad level to assess agreement between partners on dimensions of relationship quality. Among the men interviewed, most reported being satisfied with their relationship with their primary partner and with nonmonogamy more generally. Many participants identified improvements in their overall relationship, communication, and sex life as a result of nonmonogamy. These findings suggest that CNM relationships are viable relationship structures for some young gay and bisexual men. Consistent with these findings, mental health practitioners should help young gay and bisexual men in CNM relationships to bolster their communication and conflict resolution skills and should avoid pathologizing nonmonogamy. Also, medical providers and HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention programs may benefit from increased competence regarding consensual nonmonogamy and should tailor their services to the unique needs of young gay and bisexual men in CNM relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geosocial-networking smartphone applications (“apps”) are widely used by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and facilitate connections between users based on proximity and attraction. MSM have sexual encounters and relationships of varying degrees of emotional and physical intimacy with app-met individuals, potentially placing them at risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). The purpose of the current study was to utilize a geosocial-networking application to investigate relationships between experiences of IPV victimization as it relates to substance use and sexual risk behaviors in a sample of MSM. Participants (n = 175) were recruited by means of broadcast advertisements on an application widely used by MSM (Grindr) to seek sexual partners. Multivariable regression models were fit to examine associations between IPV, substance abuse, and sexual risk behaviors. Lifetime experiences of IPV victimization were common, where 37.7% of respondents reported having experienced at least one form of IPV. While a marginally significant positive association between IPV and substance abuse was detected in multivariable models (p = .095), individual forms of IPV were strongly associated with substance abuse. For example, sexual IPV victimization was associated with an increase in substance abuse in the preceding month (p = .004). Experiences of IPV victimization were associated with higher numbers of partners for both condomless receptive and insertive anal intercourse (p < .05). Given the relatively high prevalence of IPV victimization and its associations with substance abuse and sexual risk behaviors, these findings suggest that IPV screening and prevention programs may reduce substance abuse and sexual risk behaviors in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HIV/AIDS continues to be a health disparity faced by sexual minority men, and is exacerbated by non-injection drug use. Objectives: We sought to delineate growth in non-injection drug use and condomless sex in a sample of racially and economically diverse of gay, bisexual, and other young men who have sex with men (YMSM) as they emerged into adulthood between the ages of 18 and 21 and who came of age in the post-HAART era. Methods: Behavioral data on drug use and condomless sex, collected via a calendar based technique over 7 waves of a cohort study of 600 YMSM, were analyzed using latent growth curve modeling to document patterns of growth in these behaviors, their associations, and the extent to which patterns and associations are moderated by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Results: Significant growth was noted in the frequencies of condomless oral and anal intercourse, alcohol to intoxication, marijuana use, and inhalant nitrate use. High levels of association were noted between all behaviors across time but associations did not differ by either race/ethnicity or socioeconomic status. The link between drug use and risky sexual behavior continue to be evident in YMSM with significant increases in these behaviors demonstrated as YMSM transition between adolescence and young adulthood. Conclusions/Importance: Healthcare for a new generation of sexual minority males must address the synergy of these behaviors and also nest HIV prevention and care within a larger context of sexual minority health that acknowledges the advances made in the last three decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]