Search Results (127)

Black gay and bisexual older men face numerous barriers across the life course that can contribute to negative health and well-being as they age. Drawing on strengths-based social determinants discussed in the health literature and literature on intersectionality, justice, and critical consciousness, this study examines qualitative data from seventeen Black gay and bisexual older men about sources and strategies of resilience and thriving amidst intersecting systems of power and oppression that shape health inequities. The findings revealed an evolution of positive support networks across their life courses, including biological family and families of choice such as “houses” and support groups. Early and ongoing negative experiences relating to intersecting positionalities (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation) also provided sources of strength and resilience. Participants identified three strategies for building resilience and thriving: naming external ignorance, acknowledging common struggles, and reconciling contradictions. These strategies reflected various levels of critical consciousness that helped them navigate complex and intersecting systems of power that they encountered as Black gay men across the life course. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of considering intersecting systems of power and critical consciousness when examining resilience and social determinants of health and contribute new insights on a vastly understudied population. Full article

HIV disproportionately affects key populations (MSM, transgender people, sex workers and psychoactive substance users), who face greater social vulnerability and limited healthcare access. This study aimed at analyzing sexual orientation and gender identity and their association with sexual practices, sexually transmitted infections and psychoactive substance use among PrEP users. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2018 and June 2021 with 736 Brazilian PrEP users from a health service in São Paulo. Sociodemographic data, sexual behaviors, STI history (past 3 months) and psychoactive substances use (past 3 months) were extracted from clinical records. The associations were analyzed using binomial logistic regression (p < 0.05). Results: Most of the participants were cisgender men (93.4%) and homosexual (84.8%), with a mean age of 34.9 years old. Condomless sex was reported by 98.5%, and 18.4% had some recent sexually transmitted infection, mainly syphilis. Psychoactive substance use was reported by 55.4%, especially marijuana, club drugs, erectile stimulants and poppers. Transgender and cisgender women were more likely to report sex work and crack use. Homosexual and bisexual participants had higher odds of using erectile stimulants. Conclusions: The study reveals key links between gender, sexual orientation and risk behaviors, highlighting the need for inclusive, targeted prevention. Full article

Background: Suicidal ideation among adolescents remains a major public health challenge. Exposure to neighborhood violence is associated with increased risk of mental health distress and school-related vulnerabilities. This study investigates the predictors of suicidal ideation among U.S. adolescents who have witnessed neighborhood violence. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a nationally representative survey of high school students in the United States. A subsample of 3495 adolescents who reported witnessing neighborhood violence was analyzed. Key variables included sociodemographic characteristics, mental health symptoms, perceived school safety, and experiences of victimization. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with suicidal ideation, defined as seriously considering suicide in the past year. Analyses were conducted using Jamovi (version 2.6), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of suicidal ideation in the sample was 34.2%. Bisexual adolescents had significantly higher odds of suicidal ideation compared to heterosexual peers (OR = 2.34, p < 0.001). Depressive symptoms were the strongest predictor (OR = 7.51, p < 0.001). Both perceived lack of safety at school and differences in ethnic and population backgrounds were significant. Black and Hispanic/Latino adolescents had lower odds compared to White peers. Conclusions: Findings highlight sexual identity, depressive symptoms, school safety concerns, and ethnic and population background differences as key correlates of suicidal ideation. Culturally responsive, trauma-informed interventions are urgently needed for youth exposed to community violence. Full article

Fourteen Ameletus species are recognized in the eastern Nearctic (south of the Artic zone), including six described as new. Keys to adult males and full-grown larvae are provided. Taxonomic decisions were based on morphologic and genetic evidence. Their justification is discussed in depth and four species groups are proposed. The vast majority of Ameletus encountered in the eastern Nearctic are members of one of three triploid, clonal parthenogenetic species, at least two of which are of hybrid origin. Bisexual progenitors of the parthenogens were inferred using a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers. The parthenogens likely arose during the Late Pleistocene when glacial advances brought previously allopatric species/populations into contact, and as glaciers retreated the parthenogens rapidly expanded their range while the sexual lineages remained in presumed glacial refugia. Although parthenogenesis is relatively common in Ephemeroptera, these Ameletus represent the first known cases of polyploidy and hybrid origin. Full article

Coming out has been found to be associated with favorable long-term social and psychological outcomes among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. It is therefore important to understand the system of social and psychological factors that predict degree of outness in this population. The integrative theoretical model proposed in this article postulates that social factors (e.g., exposure to minority stressors, access to social support) trigger changes in sexual identity, which in turn determine one’s degree of outness. The model is tested in two cross-sectional survey studies (Study 1 [N = 295]) and Study 2 [N = 156]) of LGB people in the United Kingdom. Discrimination and general social support were directly and positively associated with outness and indirectly through the mediation of sexual identity processes. LGB social support was indirectly associated with outness through sexual identity processes. Interventions should focus on facilitating access to varied social support and on preventing or alleviating sexual identity threat in the face of minority stressors. Full article

Background: Chemsex is a subtype of sexualized drug use which is increasingly more prevalent amongst gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). This use of psychoactive substances in sexual contexts poses an emerging public health concern, since it has been associated with an array of health risks, including mental health risks. Objective: As Chemsex appears to be increasing in the UK, this study aimed to explore Chemsex patterns and mental health amongst Chemsex users in the UK. Methods: Chemsex/drug use patterns and the prevalence of coexisting depression and anxiety, based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were assessed in an MSM sample via an anonymous online survey between December 2023 and February 2024. Results: A total of 141 UK adults participated in the survey (age range: 26–41 years). High overall use of the three common Chemsex-related substances was reported, including γ-hydroxybutyrate/γ-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL) (77.3%), synthetic cathinones (64.5%), and methamphetamine (47.5%). Injecting (“slamming”) was less prevalent (17.0%), although this practice was the most common amongst weekly Chemsex users (54.2%). Based on provided HADS responses, a high incidence of anxiety (49.9%) was reported among the study population, with the highest (abnormal) anxiety scores observed among weekly Chemsex users (44.4%). The incidence of depression was lower overall (27.0%), whilst the highest (abnormal) scores were also observed in weekly Chemsex users (61.5%). Conclusions: As relevant UK data remain limited, this study offers novel insight into Chemsex patterns and mental health challenges among MSM in the UK, suggesting unmet needs for targeted interventions on mental health issues among this population. Further large-scale and prospective studies are necessary to explore the nuanced interplay between the frequency of Chemsex use and its impact on mental health. Full article

The coronavirus pandemic shaped challenges for marginalized groups. Specifically, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+) people experienced community-building constraints, notably in predominantly rural regions. People are also navigating digital geographies, or online social environments, in novel ways to develop virtual communities in the face of prejudice, discrimination, and potential trauma. Through a minority coping approach, the present study explored LGBTQ+ people’s experiences navigating the dynamics of digital geographies during the pandemic while residing in socially conservative, highly rural physical spaces where they may be exposed to vicarious trauma. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews, data were gathered from 43 LGBTQ+ identifying individuals between 19 and 59 years old (M/SD = 27.7/9.2) between October 2020 and January 2021. Nearly 14% identified as transgender, nonbinary, or queer individuals, 35% as bisexual individuals, and 21% as people of color including Hispanic/Latina/o. Thematic analysis of the narratives described participants’ exposures to online discrimination and stigmatization of minority groups (racial and/or sexual/gender minority groups) during the COVID-19 pandemic, institutional constraints to identity expression, utilizing social technologies to manage their identities, and negotiating digital strategies to promote social ties. Findings emphasize improving marginalized people’s experiences with digital geographies through identity affirmation and community relationship-building to offset potentially traumatic experiences. Furthermore, service providers can utilize the findings to tailor effective virtual LGBTQ+ community programming to support underserved, marginalized populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: As the world’s population ages, the growing number of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) will undoubtedly continue to impose social and economic challenges. Informal caregivers play a crucial role in providing essential support for individuals with ADRD. However, there is limited research that investigates the psychosocial functioning of caregivers (partners) from minoritized groups. Methods: This study aimed to explore the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) caregivers of individuals with ADRDs. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with seven caregivers of partners diagnosed with ADRDs. Three themes were identified based on reflexive thematic analysis: (i) experiencing familial alienation; (ii) fear about the future; and (iii) finding strength in the face of adversity. Results: The research highlighted difficulties reported by LGBTQ+ caregivers, while also showing how such caregivers cope. The findings provide a basis for developing targeted interventions for caregivers from minoritized groups. Conclusions: These findings have important implications for policy and intervention development concerning LGBTQ+ caregivers’ mental and physical health outcomes. Full article

Background: Since 2020, there has been a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially in young people, and these include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and lymphogranuloma venereum, which are often asymptomatic but with the potential for transmission. In addition, certain risk behaviors, such as the use of dating apps, pornography, and substance use, reduce adherence to barrier methods, especially in men, thus facilitating the spread of these infections. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between the use of dating apps, drug and pornographic material consumption, and STI history in university students of the health sciences. Results: The sample consisted of 730 participants. The results indicated that individuals who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual reported significantly higher rates of dating app use, drug use, and pornography consumption compared to those who identified as heterosexual. Also, these groups showed lower adherence to contraceptive and protective methods. A statistical analysis revealed a relationship between the use of dating apps and increased sexual risk behaviors, suggesting that the accessibility of these platforms could influence the frequency and type of sexual contact. Conclusions: The increase in the prevalence of STIs in recent years has highlighted the urgency of strengthening prevention and sexual health promotion strategies, especially in young and high-risk populations. This study emphasizes the need for early and targeted interventions in high-risk groups to reduce the incidence of STIs and promote responsible sexual health practices. Full article

The chemical ecology and host plant preferences of the different Conistra species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Xylenini) are mostly unknown, even though they are essential components of the herbivorous assemblages of temperate zone forests. During field studies, (Z)-7-tetradecenyl acetate (Z7-14Ac) was identified as a sex attractant of Conistra vaccinii. Phenylacetaldehyde-based synthetic and iso-amyl alcohol-based semi-synthetic lures also attracted C. vaccinii, C. rubiginea, and C. rubiginosa, and in the case of C. vaccinii, they performed better than the newly identified sex attractant. The different efficiencies of the two bisexual lures probably reflected the different feeding source preferences of the species caught. The tested lures attracted both sexes and, thus, we can estimate the actual sex ratio. These traps can be used especially in applications where female samples are needed, i.e., surveys on the reproduction biology of moths (e.g., polyandry), or in surveys of population dynamics. Full article

Narrative therapy and expressive writing interventions have been found to improve health and wellbeing among vulnerable populations; however, few have been conducted with young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and those of other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+). This study aimed to determine how young LGBTQ+ people in Australia might make meaning of themselves and their experiences through life writing and the implications for health and wellbeing. A study was conducted with 20 LGBTQ+-identifying participants, aged 16 to 20, in or around Melbourne, Australia. The participants attended one of two writing workshops held at a public library in Melbourne in October 2019 and February 2020, where they were taught creative nonfiction writing techniques. They were asked to submit pieces of life writing (“narratives”) and reflections about participating in the study. Fifteen participants submitted one or more narratives in response to a prompt, and 10 participants provided reflections. Thematic analysis was used to code the data and identify themes that emerged. The participants’ processes of meaning-making were analysed using a performativity lens. This article explores the theme “sex and relationships” that emerged and the related sub-themes. The participants’ writing provided insights into sociocultural norms, discourses, and tropes, including those present in school-based sexuality education and in the media, that may impact the developing sexual subjectivities of young LGBTQ+ people in Australia. Engaging in life writing provided an outlet for developing self-knowledge, agency, and subjectivity. The findings can be used to promote the use of creative, youth-centred and queer-affirming practices and interventions for LGBTQ+ youth in school and community settings, including peer support and community health approaches. They indicate the need for de-pathologising the medicalised risk- and prevention-based interventions for LGBTQ+ youth in health and education research and policy, particularly around sexual and mental health. Full article

High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmissible virus that causes cancer. Vaccination against HPV is available up to age 45. Gay and bisexual men (GBM) are at high risk for oropharyngeal and anal cancers caused by HPV. As part of a larger study of HPV prevention in GBM, we obtained anal swabs for HPV and offered HPV vaccination to GBM in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were recruited by an outreach worker experienced with the GBM subculture using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) from seeds. Eighty-three of a possible one hundred participants (mean age 26) were enrolled, tested, and given a first vaccination dose. Anal swabs were tested for twenty-eight HPV genotypes, both high and low risk for carcinogenicity, and a median of seven different HPV genotypes was found in participants. A total of 87% of participants carried at least one HPV genotype, and 76% carried at least one high-risk genotype. As a result of harassment and unanticipated risk to participants and staff at the unmarked community-based site, this study was terminated before the sample size was reached. Since a full course of vaccine was the standard of care, participants were contacted using the contact method they had provided to arrange follow-up vaccination doses at an alternative clinical site. Twenty-nine percent received the additional vaccination. A further 6% made appointments but did not attend, and another 10% would have received the second vaccination if they were incentivized to attend. The rate of HPV in anal samples was significantly higher than in our study using the same recruitment method in the same city in 2011–2012. The HIV rate was 45%. Anal HPV rates, including high-risk HPV rates, were significantly higher than in a similar population of gay and bisexual men 12 years ago. It is possible to provide HPV vaccination to gay and bisexual men in Tanzania and have approximately 45% potentially re-attend for a second dose if they are incentivized. Great care must be used to situate vaccination to avoid stigma leading to harassment, especially where homosexuality is criminalized. We infer that the high-risk harassment faced by participants and lack of incentive for the second visit depressed the return rate for revaccination. Full article

Exploring the genes regulating rice fertility is of great value for studying the molecular mechanisms of rice reproductive development and production practices. In this study, we identified a sterile mutant from the mutant library induced by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), designated as meiosis abnormal bisexual sterility 1 (mabs1). The mabs1 mutant exhibits no phenotypic differences from the wild-type during the vegetative growth phase but shows complete sterility during the reproductive growth phase. Phenotypic observations revealed that both pollen and embryo sac fertility are lost in mabs1. Notably, in mabs1, the development of the anther inner and outer walls, tapetum degeneration, and callose synthesis and degradation all proceed normally, yet meiosis fails to form normal tetrads. Genetic analysis indicated that this mutant trait is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. By constructing a genetic segregation population, we successfully mapped the MABS1 gene to a 49 kb region between primer markers Y7 and Y9 on chromosome 1. Resequencing revealed a single-nucleotide substitution in the exon of the LOC_Os01g66170 gene, which resulted in a change from Valine to Isoleucine. Subsequent sequencing of this locus in both wild-type and mabs1 mutants confirmed this mutation. Therefore, we have identified the gene at LOC_Os01g66170 as a candidate for MABS1, a previously unreported novel gene involved in rice meiosis. Through RT-qPCR, we found that the expression levels of multiple meiosis-related genes were significantly changed in the mabs1 mutant. Therefore, we believe that MABS1 is also involved in the process of rice meiosis. This study lays the groundwork for a functional study of MABS1. Full article

Background/Objectives: Socioeconomic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with lower vaccine uptake. Since the pandemic has exacerbated socioeconomic challenges faced by sexual and gender minority populations, including employment income loss, housing instability, food insufficiency, and household expense difficulty, this study investigated the disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among these populations. Methods: Using the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, a nationally representative sample of 1,767,966 individuals (6% gay or lesbian, 4.2% bisexual, 1.6% something else, and 90.6% heterosexual respondents), we quantified the COVID-19 vaccine uptakes among sexual and gender minorities, as well as the effect measure modifications by socioeconomic hardships. Results: Despite higher vaccine uptake rates among sexual and gender minorities compared to their heterosexual counterparts, socioeconomic hardships triggered by the pandemic among these populations were associated with decreased vaccine uptake. Importantly, the effect measure modifications by socioeconomic hardships were more pronounced among sexual and gender minority status compared to heterosexual individuals. Conclusions: These results highlight the critical need to address socioeconomic hardships among sexual and gender minorities to enhance vaccine uptake, along with the pre-existing and exacerbated social and economic disadvantages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals often face discrimination in healthcare settings, resulting in health disparities. Evaluating healthcare professionals’ affirmative practices is essential for promoting inclusive care and addressing these disparities. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Gay Affirmative Practice Scale (GAP-ES), which measures healthcare professionals’ affirmative practices towards gay individuals. Methods: Before assessing its psychometric properties, the original Gay Affirmative Practice Scale (GAP) was translated and culturally adapted from English to Spanish. Following the translation, the psychometric properties were tested on a sample of 236 healthcare professionals. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was measured using Cronbach’s alpha and the discriminatory power index. Factor structure was evaluated with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using the Diagonally Weighted Least Squares method. Results: The sample consisted of 152 female (64.41%) and 84 male (35.59%) participants, with 58.05% identifying as heterosexual, 28.81% as homosexual, and 13.14% as bisexual. The internal consistency of the GAP-ES was strong, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.915 for the Beliefs subscale and 0.902 for the Behaviors subscale. The McDonald’s Omega coefficient was 0.942, indicating high reliability. CFA confirmed a two-factor structure with satisfactory fit indices (CFI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.071). Conclusions: The GAP-ES demonstrates strong internal consistency and a stable factor structure. It is a reliable tool for evaluating affirmative practices toward LGBT patients in Spanish-speaking healthcare contexts, supporting improved care for this population. The integration of the GAP-ES into clinical practice and training programs may support the enhancement of cultural competence among healthcare professionals, contributing to the reduction of health disparities for LGBT patients in Spanish-speaking settings. Full article