Sexual Health of Rural and Urban Young Male Couples in the United States: Differences in HIV Testing, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use, and Condom Use

Sarno, Elissa L.; Bettin, Emily; Jozsa, Kyle; Newcomb, Michael E.

doi:10.1007/s10461-020-02961-8

Cited by 19 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 48 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Although these data were part of a larger data set, none of the variables we examined overlap with the primary or secondary outcomes of the RCTs, nor have any articles been previously published that use these data or test similar hypotheses. For previous published articles using baseline data from 2GETHER USA and 2GETHER Chicago see Newcomb, Sarno, et al (2020), Newcomb, Swann et al (2020), and Sarno, Bettin, et al (2020).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Examining minority stress, dyadic coping, and internalizing symptoms among male same-sex couples using actor–partner interdependence models.

Sarno¹,

Bundy²,

Dyar³

et al. 2021

Journal of Counseling Psychology

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Minority stress processes have been consistently linked to increased internalizing symptoms among sexual minority individuals. However, very little research has studied the impact of minority stress on the mental health of same-sex couples. The present study examined associations of actor and partner heterosexist microaggressions and internalized heterosexism with internalizing symptoms, moderated by dyadic coping, among male same-sex couples. Participants were 774 men who have sex with men (387 dyads). Results of actor-partner interdependence models showed that actor, but not partner, minority stress was positively associated with internalizing symptoms. Dyadic coping moderated the association of actor heterosexist microaggressions on internalizing symptoms such that for those who engaged in more dyadic coping, the association of heterosexist microaggressions with internalizing symptoms was weaker. Dyadic coping also moderated the association of partner internalized heterosexism on internalizing symptoms. For those who engaged in more dyadic coping, their partner's internalized heterosexism was associated with greater internalizing symptoms. Although dyadic coping may buffer the effects of minority stress on internalizing symptoms, if partners rely too heavily on one another to cope with stress, it may be detrimental to their mental health. Implications for relationship education interventions for same-sex couples are discussed. Public Significance StatementFor same-sex couples, an individual's experience of stress as a result of their marginalized status may impact not only their own mental health but also that of their partner. This study suggests that when male same-sex couples cope with that stress together, it can reduce this impact, but when engaged in very frequently, joint coping can exacerbate the effects of one partner's stress on the other's anxiety and depression.

show abstract

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Examining minority stress, dyadic coping, and internalizing symptoms among male same-sex couples using actor–partner interdependence models.

Sarno¹,

Bundy²,

Dyar³

et al. 2021

Journal of Counseling Psychology

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…For example, MSM in rural areas were significantly less likely to have received an STI test [33]. Similarly, young MSM (YMSM) in rural areas were less likely to have been tested for STIs than urban YMSM [34]. Among 190 Hispanic/Latino MSM in rural North Carolina, 21% reported sex with at least one woman in the past 3 months, 89% reported multiple male partners in the past 3 months, and 54% reported inconsistent condom use [35].…”

Section: Sexual Orientationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving Sexual Health in U.S. Rural Communities: Reducing the Impact of Stigma

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV, are among the most reported diseases in the U.S. and represent some of America's most significant health disparities. The growing scarcity of health care services in rural settings limits STI prevention and treatment for rural Americans. Local health departments are the primary source for STI care in rural communities; however, these providers experience two main challenges, also known as a double disparity: (1) inadequate capacity and (2) poor health in rural populations. Moreover, in rural communities the interaction of rural status and key determinants of health increase STI disparities. These key determinants can include structural, behavioral, and interpersonal factors, one of which is stigma. Engaging the expertise and involvement of affected community members in decisions regarding the needs, barriers, and opportunities for better sexual health is an asset and offers a gateway to sustainable, successful, and non-stigmatizing STI prevention programs. Keywords Sexually transmitted infections • Stigma • Rural populations • Community engagement ResumenLas infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS), incluyendo al VIH, se encuentran entre las enfermedades más diagnosticadas en los Estados Unidos y representan algunas de las disparidades de salud más significativas. La creciente escasez de servicios de atención médica en entornos rurales limita la prevención y el tratamiento de las ITS para los estadounidenses de zonas rurales. Los departamentos locales de salud son las fuentes principales para el cuidado de las ITS en las comunidades rurales, pero estos proveedores confrontan dos desafíos principales, o una doble disparidad: (1) capacidad inadecuada y (2) malas condiciones de salud entre las poblaciones rurales. Además, en las comunidades rurales la interacción entre el estatus rural y determinantes claves de la salud aumentan las disparidades asociadas a las ITS. Estos determinantes clave pueden incluir factores estructurales, de comportamiento y interpersonales, como el estigma. El involucrar la experiencia y la participación de los miembros de la comunidad afectados en las decisiones sobre las necesidades, barreras y oportunidades para una mejor salud sexual es beneficioso y ofrece una puerta de entrada a programas de prevención de ITS sostenibles, exitosos y no estigmatizantes. Palabras ClaveInfecciones de transmisión sexual • Estigma • Poblaciones rurales • Participación comunitaria

show abstract

“…First, trial results will be reported promptly in a peer-reviewed publication, regardless of study findings. We have already begun to disseminate study findings through peer-reviewed journals; because we are also currently completing another RCT of 2GETHER administered online to couples across the USA [ 30 ], we have a large combined baseline sample of YMSM couples that received the same baseline assessment that has been fruitful for analyses of various topics related to couple health [ 57 – 60 ]. Second, we have presented findings using data from the baseline assessment at multiple national and international conferences, and we will present trial results through academic conferences as well.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Protocol for an attention-matched randomized controlled trial of 2GETHER: a relationship education and HIV prevention program for young male couples

Newcomb

Sarno

Bettin

et al. 2022

Trials

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic in the USA, and a large number of new infections among YMSM occur in the context of main or primary partnerships. At the same time, healthy romantic relationships promote health and wellbeing by improving social support and encouraging healthy behaviors. Thus, we created 2GETHER: a relationship education and HIV prevention program for young male couples. 2GETHER is delivered face-to-face in a university setting and is composed of two group sessions and two individualized skills coaching sessions. We observed strong support of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of 2GETHER in a pilot trial. Methods We are conducting an attention-matched randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of 2GETHER relative to a control condition based on a well-validated positive affect enhancement program. Enrollment occurred between August 2017 and March 2021 in Chicago and surrounding areas, and we enrolled and randomized 128 dyads (N = 256 individuals). Follow-up is ongoing and we will examine primary and secondary behavioral outcomes at 12 months post-intervention, with interim follow-up at 3, 6, and 9 months post-intervention. The primary biomedical outcome is sexually transmitted infection incidence at a 12-month follow-up. Discussion 2GETHER is innovative in that it places an equal emphasis on relationship skill building and HIV prevention. Thus, the program has the potential to impact numerous health-related outcomes. Despite challenges related to the recruitment of couples and the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to enroll a robust sample of young male couples with sufficient power to detect effects on study outcomes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03186534.

show abstract

Sexual Health of Rural and Urban Young Male Couples in the United States: Differences in HIV Testing, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use, and Condom Use

Cited by 19 publications

References 48 publications

Examining minority stress, dyadic coping, and internalizing symptoms among male same-sex couples using actor–partner interdependence models.

Examining minority stress, dyadic coping, and internalizing symptoms among male same-sex couples using actor–partner interdependence models.

Improving Sexual Health in U.S. Rural Communities: Reducing the Impact of Stigma

Protocol for an attention-matched randomized controlled trial of 2GETHER: a relationship education and HIV prevention program for young male couples

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About