Casual Partners Research Articles

Bhagwat Award Abstracts for Journal

Background:Association between opioid use and sexual functioning is well-known. However, data evaluating the influence of treatment on different aspects of sexuality are lacking.Aim:To compare sexual behaviour, functioning, relationship, satisfaction, and sexual quality of life (sQoL) among treatment naïve patients(GROUP-I) with Opioid(heroin) dependence syndrome (ODS-H) with those maintained on buprenorphine(GROUP-II).Methods:Married adult males diagnosed with ODS-H, currently sexually active, and living with their partner were recruited. They were assessed for their sexual practices and high-risk sexual behaviour(HRSB) through a semi-structured questionnaire and sexual functioning, relationships, satisfaction, and sQoL though structured questionnaires.Results: A total of 112 individuals (GROUP-I:63; ODS-H:49) were recruited from the out-patient settings. Mean age and employment in GROUP-II was higher (p<0.05) than GROUP- I (37vs32 years; 94%vs70%, respectively). Other sociodemographic variables and age of onset of heroin use were comparable. Current practice of HRSB (e.g., engaging in casual partner sex, sex with commercial sex workers, and sex under intoxication) was higher in GROUP-I while almost no differences were seen in lifetime HRSB. Frequency of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in the two groups were: 78%vs39% (p<0.001), and 30%vs6% (p=0.001), respectively. GROUP-II had significantly higher scores in all the scales (p<0.05) as compared to GROUP-I, indicating better sexual satisfaction, quality of life, and sexual relationship.Conclusion: Heroin use is associated with HRSB, poorer sexual functioning, overall satisfaction, and sQoL. Maintenance on Buprenorphine helps with improvement in all these parameters. Comprehensive management for substance use should target sexual problems as well.

Sexual behaviour during COVID-19: a repeated cross-sectional survey in Victoria, Australia.

During 2020, the State of Victoria (Australia) experienced two COVID-19 waves. Both resulted in community lockdowns followed by eased restrictions. We examined variation of sexual behaviour in Victorians over time during COVID-19. We conducted a repeated online survey at four timepoints corresponding with two lockdown (LD1, LD2) and two reduced restriction (RR1, RR2) periods in Victoria. A convenience sample of participants aged ≥18years was recruited via social media and asked about their recent (past 4weeks) sexual behaviour. Using multivariable logistic regression, we investigated variation in sexual behaviour between surveys. A total of 1828 surveys were completed; 72% identified as female, 69% were aged 18-29years, 90% were metropolitan residents. The proportion reporting recent partnered sex ranged from 54.9% (LD2) to 70.2% (RR1). Across all timepoints, the most common sexual partners were regular (81.5%, n =842) and 10.8% (n =111) reported casual partners (e.g. hook-ups). Compared with LD1, respondents were >2-fold more likely to report casual partner(s) during reduced restrictions (RR1: aOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1-3.7; RR2: aOR 2.8; 95% CI 1.3-5.9). Across all timepoints, 26.6% (n =486) reported using dating apps. Compared with LD1, dating app use for face-to-face activities (e.g. dates, hook-ups) was >4-fold higher during reduced restrictions (RR1: aOR 4.3; 95% CI 2.3-8.0; RR2: aOR 4.1; 95% CI 1.9-8.8). App use for distanced activities (e.g. sexting, virtual dates) was highest during LD1 (48.8%) than other periods. In this convenience sample, self-reported sexual behaviours fluctuated between lockdowns and reduced restrictions. While dating apps may provide a mechanism for virtual connections, this may be temporary until physical connections are possible.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Population of the District of St. Petersburg

Abstract It is shown that in the conditions of the metropolis young age, early sexual life, the presence of premarital sexual experience, as well as a low level of awareness of the risk of possible infection - are factors contributing to risky sexual behavior, which is characterized by a large number of both sexual partners and unprotected sexual contacts. A separate risk group consists of persons who use alcohol, psychotropic drugs and drugs, as well as persons engaged in commercial sex. There were 79 cases of STI registration among women of all age groups who applied to a venereologist, which is 70% of the incidence of STI, of which 22.8% of the incidence among those who applied for prophylactic purposes. In men, 62.5% were casual sexual intercourse; 32.1% filed complaints in the presence of a regular sexual partner; 37.5% of the applied after casual sex regular sexual partner; and 35.4% were sent to specialists in other medical institutions; 47.1% - with the purpose of the screening. The proposed creation of offices for the prevention of STIs free of charge, at clinics, with the aim of instilling in the citizens the sexual literacy and awareness in the dissemination of STIs.

Does Sexual and Emotional Behavior Differ Between Sexual Partners That Do Not Disclose HIV Status?

Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze whether the disclosure of HIV serological status among sexual partners is associated with differences in sexual affective behavior. Methods: Cross-sectional study was carried out with 173 participants in a specialized assistance service on the treatment of people with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Data were collected through interviews. Results: Our results show that from the participants who did not disclose their HIV status and who were sexually active, most had multiple sexual partners (44.6%), used combined methods of prevention (75.4%), had casual partners (63.0%), used condoms (66.2%), and had sexual intercourse while under the influence of alcohol (56.9%). The variables i.e., number of partners (p = 0.010) and type of relationship (p &lt;0.001) showed statistical differences. Conclusion: Sexual affective behavior variables influenced the decision about disclosing HIV seropositivity to sexual partners that establish different forms of sexual partnerships.

Regulatory Focus and Perceived Safety with Casual Partners: Implications for Perceived Risk and Casual Sex Intentions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Motives for security (i.e., prevention focus) or pleasure (i.e., promotion focus) help regulate risk perceptions. Individuals focused on prevention (vs. promotion) tend to be more aware of health risks, more careful in their sexual behaviors, and less likely to take risks with casual partners. However, feeling safer with casual partners seem to mitigate some of these risks. We administered an online survey in English, Spanish, and German at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to 550 participants who were single (57.6% women). Participants more focused on prevention were less fearful of COVID-19 infection, perceived to be well informed about COVID-19, and retrieved their information from scientific sources. Participants more focused on promotion were more fearful of COVID-19 infection and perceived to be well informed about COVID-19 but retrieved their information from non-scientific sources. These participants also had stronger intentions to have casual sex if they felt safer (vs. less safe) with their casual partners. Our findings show the importance of individual motivations and interpersonal dynamics for risk perception and sexual activity during the pandemic.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Stigma and Beliefs in the Efficacy of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis: An Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey of Male Couples in the United States.

Increasing the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among male couples is critical to the success of the United States' Ending the HIV Epidemic campaign. By leveraging dyadic data from a larger cross-sectional study of male couples, the present analysis examined individual, partner, and relationship characteristics associated with PrEP stigma and perceived efficacy of PrEP. Actor-Partner Independence Models were fit separately for both outcomes. Individual and partner risk behaviors, including substance use, binge drinking, and higher number of condomless casual sex partners, were associated with lower levels of both PrEP stigma and belief in the efficacy of PrEP. Networks that supported PrEP use were associated with decreased PrEP stigma and increased belief in PrEP efficacy. Stigma-informed PrEP interventions for couples should be considered foundational to the success of the United States' Ending the HIV Epidemic campaign.

Solitary and joint online pornography use during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal: Intrapersonal and interpersonal correlates

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced several people into social isolation and research has shown a paradoxical effect on people’s sexual functioning. Some people experienced decreases in sexual desire and sexual satisfaction, whereas others experienced heightened sexual desire and made new additions to their sexual repertoire, including more online pornography use, during the lockdown. Yet, studies failed to examine its interpersonal and intrapersonal correlates, distinguish between solitary and joint use, or explore differences between partnered and single people. We examined if changes in solitary or joint online pornography use since the lockdown were associated with sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, perceived health, and sleep quality. We conducted an online cross-sectional study with convenience sampling in Portugal (N = 303 participants; 56.3% men; Mage = 31.32, SD = 10.55; 71.0% in a relationship) during May and July 2020. Partnered participants who reported increases in solitary online pornography use also reported decreases in their sex life quality. For partnered and single participants, increases in joint online pornography use were associated with increases in sex life quality. Single participants who reported increases in solitary online pornography use also perceived better health and sleep quality, and those who reported increases in joint online pornography use also reported more intimacy with casual partner(s) and better sleep quality. These findings suggest that online pornography might have beens used as a sexual pleasure tool to connect with a stable or casual partner(s) in a time when social interactions were restricted.

Sexting to sex: Testing an attachment based model of connections between texting behavior and sex among heterosexually active women

A lack of clarity exists regarding associations between sexting – an increasingly common form of sexual communication – and sexual risk taking. This is particularly relevant for younger, heterosexually-active women who are at elevated risk for sexually transmitted infections and may be likely to consent to sexting that is unwanted in response to partner pressure. Separately, attachment insecurity has been associated with overall sexting and unwanted (but consensual) sexting specifically. This study tested a model comprised of two paths linking attachment insecurity, sexting and sexual risk through 1) sexual communication skills and 2) smartphone-related expectancies. Participants included 2559 women (Mage = 23.07; SD = 3.04) who reported US residence and recent (past 60 day) sex with a male partner. Attachment anxiety and avoidance were negatively associated with the odds of sex with casual partners (both with and without condoms) through sexual communication and overall sexting. Attachment anxiety was positively associated with the odds of sex with casual partners (with and without condoms) through escape motivations and overall sexting. Simultaneously, attachment anxiety was associated with increased odds of condomless sex through escape motivations and unwanted sexting. Implications are discussed for smartphone-based, sexual risk reduction interventions targeting relationship expectancies, sexual communication, and emotional regulation.

Perceived impact of COVID-19 on sexual health and access to sexual health services among university students in Canada

We examined the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual health, sexual behaviour, well-being, and access to sexual health services among university students in Canada. Between December 2020 and January 2021, 1504 university students across Canada completed an online survey focused on overall sexual health, well-being, solitary sexual behaviours, partnered sexual interactions, and access to sexual health services. The survey was designed by the Sex Information &amp; Education Council of Canada and administered by the Leger polling company. Reported levels of overall sexual health were high. Cisgender women reported significantly greater scores of COVID-19—related stress compared to cisgender men; LGBQ+ students had higher levels of stress compared to heterosexual participants. Overall, solitary sexual behaviours (i.e., masturbation, porn use, vibrator use) remained unchanged or were perceived to increase compared to the time before the pandemic. Cisgender men reported higher scores (i.e., greater perceived increases) on masturbation and porn use than cisgender women. Frequency of sex with casual partners was perceived as similar or lower than what was usual before the pandemic, and most participants did not engage in sex where the close personal contact put them or their partner at risk for COVID-19. Declines in access were reported for all sexual health care services surveyed, with cisgender women and students of colour more likely to report decreased access to services. Results highlight the need for targeted public health messaging regarding sexual behaviour, investment in sexual health services, and supports tailored to the needs of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of colour.

"It Was Scary, But Then It Was Kind of Exciting": Young Women's Experiences with Choking During Sex.

Choking/strangulation during sex is prevalent among young adults, with one study finding that 58% of women college students had ever been choked during sex. However, no qualitative study has examined women’s experiences with choking/strangulation during sex outside of intimate partner violence. The purpose of our qualitative interview study was to investigate women’s experiences with choking and/or being choked during partnered sex. Through in-depth interviews with 24 undergraduate and graduate women students ages 18 to 33, we sought to understand how women communicate about choking, their learning about and initiation into choking, their feelings about being choked and choking others, as well as consent and safety practices used in relation to choking. We found that women had first learned about choking through diverse sources including pornography, erotic stories, magazines, social media, friends, and partners. While all 24 women had been choked during sex, only 13 of 24 had ever choked a partner. They described having engaged in choking with men as well as women and with committed as well as more casual partner types. Participants described consensual and non-consensual choking experiences. While many women enjoyed choking, others did it largely to please their sexual partner. Women described different methods and intensities of having been choked. Although very few had ever sought out information on safety practices or risk reduction, and only some had established safe words or safe gestures with partners, participants consistently expressed a belief that the ways in which they and their partner(s) engaged in choking were safe.

Modelling response strategies for controlling gonorrhoea outbreaks in men who have sex with men in Australia.

The ability to treat gonorrhoea with current first-line drugs is threatened by the global spread of extensively drug resistant (XDR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) strains. In Australia, urban transmission is high among men who have sex with men (MSM) and importation of an XDR NG strain in this population could result in an epidemic that would be difficult and costly to control. An individual-based, anatomical site-specific mathematical model of NG transmission among Australian MSM was developed and used to evaluate the potential for elimination of an imported NG strain under a range of case-based and population-based test-and-treat strategies. When initiated upon detection of the imported strain, these strategies enhance the probability of elimination and reduce the outbreak size compared with current practice (current testing levels and no contact tracing). The most effective strategies combine testing targeted at regular and casual partners with increased rates of population testing. However, even with the most effective strategies, outbreaks can persist for up to 2 years post-detection. Our simulations suggest that local elimination of imported NG strains can be achieved with high probability using combined case-based and population-based test-and-treat strategies. These strategies may be an effective means of preserving current treatments in the event of wider XDR NG emergence.

Consumption of sexually explicit media and unprotected anal sex in men who have sex with men.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of bareback sexually explicit media (SEM) consumption on anal sex without a condom by men who have sex with men (MSM). To this end, a page was created on the Facebook® social network with a link that directed interested parties to a questionnaire. Cisgender men, aged 18 years and over, who had sex with other men in the last 12 months, were included. Data were collected in 2017 and analyzed using univariate and bivariate inferential statistics and multivariate logistic regression. A total of 2,248 MSM participated in the research, with a mean age of 24.4 years and a mean number of 3.9 partners in the last 30 days. Having multiple sexual partners (ORa: 9.4; 95% CI 3.9-22.4), preferring movies with bareback scenes (ORa: 2.6; 95% CI 1.5-4.6), considering this practice a fetish and realizing it (ORa: 3.52; 95% CI 2.3-5.4), having casual partnerships (ORa: 1.8; 95% CI 1.5-1.9) and being aware of the partner's negative serological status for HIV (ORa: 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-2.3) were factors that increased the likelihood of engaging in anal sex without a condom. Thus, we found an association between the consumption of bareback SEM and sex without a condom among MSM.

HIV Serostatus Disclosure Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China in the Era of U=U and PrEP

Given the recent evidence on “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the present study aimed to investigate HIV disclosure behaviors and their associations with sexual risk behaviors and U=U and PrEP awareness among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 689 MSM recruited through a gay-friendly non-governmental organization located in Chengdu, China in 2018–2019. Information was collected by a structured self-administrated questionnaire. The enrolled sample included 554 (80.4%) participants who were HIV-negative and 135 (19.6%) participants with an unknown HIV status. In terms of disclosure, 41.4% of participants informed all partners about their HIV status all the time (informing behavior), while 30.4% asked all partners about their HIV status all the time (asking behavior). Only one-fifth knew about U=U, but this was not statistically associated with either informing or asking behavior. Half (50.5%) had heard of PrEP but this was not statistically associated with either informing or asking behavior. Common barriers to informing and asking behaviors were lower risk perception of HIV infection, a history of sexually transmitted infections, engagement in receptive sex, and a history of sex with casual partners. We found that both U=U and PrEP awareness and HIV serostatus disclosure were infrequent and not associated in this study of Chinese MSM. These data indicate huge information gaps among MSM in China.

Correlates of condomless anal intercourse with different types of sexual partners among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru

ABSTRACT In Lima, Peru, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Patterns of sexual behavior vary by sexual partner type, which has implications for HIV prevention intervention design. We examine correlates of sex and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with each of four types of partners among HIV-negative MSM and TW in Lima who completed monthly questionnaires about partnership types and CAI. Odds ratios were calculated using generalized estimating equations to identify correlates of being in different types of partnerships and CAI within those partnerships. Among 1,831 MSM and TW with over 14,792 study visits, CAI was most reported with main partners, followed by casual partners, one-time partners, and clients. Presence of an alcohol use disorder (AUD) significantly increased the odds of CAI with all types of partners (main: OR 1.36 (95% CI 1.17-1.57); casual: 1.49 (1.27-1.75); one-time: 1.45 (1.22-1.72); client 1.52 (1.12-2.08)); recent alcohol use increased odds of CAI with main partners. Having one main partner decreased the odds of being in casual and one-time partnerships and of CAI in all types of partnerships. Interventions targeting AUDs and individuals with multiple sexual contacts could reduce CAI and HIV risk in this population. Clinical trial registration The Sabes study was registered in March 2013 with the National Institutes of Health at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT01815580).

Prevalence and factors associated with suicidal behavior among trans women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BackgroundTrans women face disproportionate burden of adverse health outcomes, including mental health issues. Very little is known about suicidal behavior among trans women in low- and middle-income settings, such as Brazil. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of lifetime suicidal behavior and to identify its associated factors among Brazilian trans women.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among 345 trans women living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We examined the prevalence of suicidal behavior (ideation and suicide attempt) and its associated factors using stepwise backward Poisson regression analysis with robust variance.ResultsSuicidal ideation was present among 47.25% of participants, and the prevalence of lifetime suicide attempt was 27.25%. Trans women with prior physical violence perpetrated by a family member had significantly higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (adjusted prevalence ratios [aPR]1.37), whereas those who reported sex work had lower prevalence ratio of suicidal ideation (aPR 0.76). Suicide attempt was significantly associated with living alone (aPR 1.48), physical violence by a casual partner (aPR 1.92), and sexual violence by a family member (aPR 1.69). Depression was significantly associated with both outcomes (aPR 1.90 for suicidal ideation and aPR 2.21 for suicide attempt).ConclusionSuicidal behavior prevalence rates among Brazilian trans women were alarming and directly linked to violence and poor mental health. Effective mental health and public health policies addressing violence against trans women are urgently needed to prevent suicidal behavior among this highly vulnerable population.

Serodiscordance predictors among couples in the HIV context: implications for health care

BackgroundAfter HIV diagnosis, people maintain, reestablish their sexual lives, or build new relationships, often with HIV seronegative partners. Therefore, understanding the factors concerning couple-vulnerability is essential in order to design effective HIV preventive strategies. We examined HIV serodiscordant couples prevalence and their associated factors from a Brazilian city.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional analytical study carried out with people living with HIV (PLHIV) who had an active sex life and were engagement in HIV health care follow-up. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire during individual interviews. We analyzed data using bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsThere was 72.0% of HIV serodiscordant partnerships. Those who inconsistently used condoms (aOR: 0.3[0.13–0.7]) and/or had HIV detectable viral load (aOR: 0.29 [0.12–0.7]) were less likely to have an HIV serodiscordant sexual partner. On other hand, the lack of HIV transmission counseling by the health service (aOR: 5.08 [2.02–12.76]), or those who had a casual partner (aOR: 8.12 [1.7–38.8]) or a steady and casual one concomitantly (aOR: 24.82 [1.46–420.83]), were more likely to indicate an HIV serodiscordant partnership.ConclusionThe findings showed a high prevalence of serodiscordant partnerships in PLHIV. Greater visibility among couples in the health services is needed as well as a reassessment in order to provide PLHIV and their sexual partners with care strategies, by the health professionals.

Sexually transmitted infections epidemiology and risk assessment at the main correctional facility in Malta (2017-2019).

Inmates suffer from mental and physical ailments combined with substance misuse and addiction which are often underreported or disregarded by sufferers, for fear of being stigmatized. This vulnerable group has complex medical and psychosocial needs and hence gathering data is essential for a holistic approach to care. Understanding the interplay between sexually transmitted (STIs) and blood borne infections, substance misuse and mental health is essential to enable targeted interventions and outreach programmes. The aim was to analyse the occurrence of STIs, hepatitis and tuberculosis in inmates at the main custodial facility in Malta; to assess risk behaviours and vulnerabilities through an outreach programme; to offer treatment and referral and to develop recommendations for screening of prison inmates. A mixed methodology study was used which involved analysis of health data pooled from the Genitourinary Clinic (GUC) and Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF) in Malta. In the study period, 206 inmates were tested for STIs, 67.9% males, aged between 14 and 72. Only 27% were not sexually active in the 6 months prior to testing. Among those sexually active, 31% had had sex with casual partners and 43% had never used condoms for sexual intercourse. Seventy-five percent admitted to drug use. The most common STI diagnosed was HPV (16.5%), followed by syphilis (5.8%). Genital dermatoses were also frequent (9.2%). The prevalence of Hepatitis C was high (24.5%), in relation to intravenous drug use. The authors advocate for more collaboration between sexual health clinics and prisons to address educational interventions and STIs' testing. Cultural and linguistic barriers should be considered when devising national health strategies and screening recommendations in custodial settings. Adequate follow-up should extend into the community setting once inmates leave the prison to ensure a continuum of care.

Participation, retention and uptake in a multicentre pre-exposure prophylaxis cohort using online, smartphone-compatible data collection.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of a national pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme using smartphone‐compatible data collection.MethodsThis was a multicentre cohort study (NCT03893188) enrolling individuals interested in PrEP in Switzerland. All centres participate in the SwissPrEPared programme, which uses smartphone‐compatible data collection. Feasibility was assessed after centres had enrolled at least one participant. Participants were HIV‐negative individuals presenting for PrEP counselling. Outcomes were participation (number enrolled/number eligible), enrolment rates (number enrolled per month), retention at first follow‐up (number with first follow‐up/number enrolled), and uptake (proportion attending first visit as scheduled). Participant characteristics were compared between those retained after baseline assessment and those who dropped out.ResultsBetween April 2019 and January 2020, 987 individuals were assessed for eligibility, of whom 969 were enrolled (participation: 98.2%). The median enrolment rate was 86 per month [interquartile range (IQR) 52–137]. Retention at first follow‐up and uptake were both 80.7% (782/969 and 532/659, respectively). At enrolment, the median age was 40 (IQR 33–47) years, 95% were men who have sex with men, 47% had a university degree, and 75.5% were already taking PrEP. Most reported multiple casual partners (89.2%), previous sexually transmitted infections (74%) and sexualized drug use (73.1%). At baseline, 25.5% tested positive for either syphilis, gonorrhoea or chlamydia. Participants who dropped out were at lower risk of HIV infection than those retained after baseline assessment.ConclusionsIn a national PrEP programme using smartphone‐compatible data collection, participation, retention and uptake were high. Participants retained after baseline assessment were at considerable risk of HIV infection. Younger, less educated individuals were underrepresented in the SwissPrEPared cohort.

Associations Between Social Capital and HIV Risk-Taking Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Japan.

Social capital has been positively associated with reduced HIV risk. However, few studies have investigated if associations vary between men who have sex with men (MSM) or heterosexual alters (possessors of actual resources embedded within social capital networks) and HIV risk-taking behaviors. In a cross-sectional survey of 1564 MSM in Greater Tokyo, we investigated whether social capital ascertained from MSM or heterosexual alters influenced HIV risk-taking behaviors (i.e., consistent condom use and lifetime HIV testing). Multiple logistic regression revealed that MSM with high levels of social capital from heterosexual networks were twice as likely to report consistent condom use with casual male partners, while MSM who reported high levels of social capital from MSM networks were over twice as likely to have tested for HIV yet were half as likely to use condoms consistently with regular male partners. Associations between MSM, social capital, and HIV testing indicate the potential for integrating social capital enhancement programs into current HIV interventions.

Intersecting Communities and PrEP Uptake among US-based Latinx Sexual Minority Men.

The Latinx community in the USA continues to be disproportionately burdened by the HIV epidemic, especially among Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM). Research indicates that up to two-thirds of new HIV infections occur among men who have sex with men (MSM) within primary partnerships. One promising biomedical approach for HIV prevention includes community scale-up of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among LSMM. We examine the relationship between community connectedness (with the Latinx and gay communities) and PrEP uptake among 307 partnered LSMM who reported casual partner sex (i.e., non-monogamous relationships). Within the sample, approximately thirty percent (29.7%) of participants were on PrEP, and 43.3% reported partner approval for PrEP(i.e., my partner is in favor of PrEP generally), while only 7.2% were opposed to PrEP. Insurance status and income levels were significantly associated with PrEP uptake. There was a significant interaction term (gay community connectedness and Latinxgroup membership), which was positively associated with PrEP uptake (OR = 2.18; p = .007). Findings suggest that there may be structural barriers preventing this population from seeking and initiating PrEP care. Results point to the utility of integratingculturally relevant content related to intersecting identities and their corresponding communities when conceptualizing community-based and culturally informed interventions to improve the PrEP care cascade among LSMM.