Latinx Sexual Minority Research Articles

Substance Use and Discrimination in a Sample of U.S.-Based Latinx Sexual Minority Men and Their Main Partners.

Substance use, including drug and alcohol misuse, is associated with myriad health conditions, including a higher risk for HIV infection. Although preliminary evidence suggests that higher levels of relationship functioning can buffer against the deleterious health consequences of discrimination on mental health broadly, such protective associations have been understudied with respect to alcohol and drug use. The topic is particularly understudied among Latino sexual minority men even though they are at greater risk for problematic substance use behaviors and are likely to experience multiple forms of discrimination (e.g., racism, homophobia). To address this gap in the literature, we sampled 95 predominantly Latino sexual minority male couples to assess their drinking and drug use behaviors, relationship functioning, and experiences of discrimination. We used Actor-Partner Interdependence models to test our hypotheses. We found that having a partner who experienced discrimination and higher partner reports of relationship functioning buffered against the negative relationship between own experiences of discrimination and drug use, but not problematic drinking. Our results suggest that higher relationship functioning serves as a buffer between the negative ramifications of discrimination on drug use, but not problematic drinking. We explicate implications for policy and practice to facilitate well-being among coupled Latino sexual minority men.

Familias con Orgullo: Pilot Study of a Family Intervention for Latinx Sexual Minority Youth to Prevent Drug Use, Sexual Risk Behavior, and Depressive Symptoms.

Families are key in the healthy development of Latinx sexual minority youth (Latinx SMY), a group that experiences behavioral, mental, and sexual health disparities. Despite this, there are no family-based interventions for Latinx SMY and their families to prevent drug use, sexual risk behaviors, and depressive symptoms. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the preliminary impact (i.e., estimated effect sizes) of Familias con Orgullo (FcO) and examine its feasibility and acceptability among 30 Latinx SMY and their parents. Parents and adolescents were randomized to FcO or a control condition and assessed pre/post-intervention. Feasibility was measured based on session completion and effect sizes. Focus groups were conducted to evaluate intervention acceptability. Findings showed promising effects favoring FcO on parent-adolescent communication (d = 0.46) and parental involvement (d = 0.34). There were also promising effects favoring FcO on suicidal thoughts (OR = 0.75) and depression symptoms (OR = 0.69). Finally, 100% of the adolescents in FcO either continued to remain drug-free or transitioned from current use to no use (from baseline to post-intervention) compared to 74% in the control. Effect sizes for condomless sex, parental monitoring, and positive parenting were small. Session completion (above 80%) and focus group findings indicated strong feasibility and acceptability. FcO holds promise for reducing drug use and depressive symptoms and improving family functioning among Latinx SMY.

Chronic Illness Perceptions and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Behaviors in Black and Latinx Sexual Minority Men with HIV: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Ethnic and racial sexual minority men with HIV have a disproportionately higher risk of HIV-related cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is a lack of tailored and culturally salient behavioral interventions to address HIV-related chronic illness in ethnic and racial sexual minority men, and literature on their understanding and awareness of modifiable behavioral risks is limited. The purpose of this study was to assess illness perceptions about HIV and HTN, and describe physical activity, tobacco, and e-cigarette use in Black and Latinx sexual minority men living with HIV. We used the validated Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) to assess perceptions about two interrelated chronic diseases, HIV and CVD. To assess CVD behavioral risk, we assessed physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Tobacco and e-cigarette use were assessed using items from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Sleep difficulties were the most prevalent symptom attributed to HIV, and were statistically associated with fatigue, upset stomach, and loss of strength. Anxiety was reported to be caused by HIV (57%) and HTN (39%). Half of the participants engaged in vigorous activity for 128 min (SD = 135) daily, and 63% engaged in moderate activity for 94 min (SD = 88) daily. Over a third reported current tobacco use and 20% reported current e-cigarette use. This study provides formative data to better understand how Black and Latinx sexual minority men with HIV perceive intersecting chronic illnesses and their engagement in modifiable CVD risk behaviors. Sleep, mental health disparities, and financial hardships were commonly reported. More research is needed to address intersecting chronic illnesses and mental health conditions that are influenced by social positioning over the life course, and impact CVD risk factors. This study was not registered.

Drug use and risk correlates among Latinx sexual and gender minority immigrants.

Drug use and risk correlates among Latinx sexual and gender minority immigrants.

Examining physical and virtual sexual and drug risk venue co-attendance among PrEP-eligible Latinx sexual minority men

Disparities in Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation and adherence demonstrate the need for innovative strategies to improve outcomes along the PrEP Care Continuum. The purpose of this study was to examine physical and virtual risk venue co-attendance among LSMM of varying stages of PrEP use living in South Florida, an Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) priority jurisdiction. Venue co-attendance may be leveraged to support equitable dissemination and implementation (D&I) of HIV and drug use preventive interventions to LSMM. Ninety-four LSMM completed surveys on PrEP use and identified physical and virtual sexual and drug risk venues (where men seek sex partners and/or have sex or access or use drugs). Bivariate analyses examined differences in demographics and venue endorsement by PrEP status. Exponential random graph models examined endorsement of venues by PrEP status. One-mode projection visualizations portray the structure of venue co-attendance networks by PrEP status. Participants identified 49 physical and virtual sexual and drug risk venues. A homophily effect of PrEP status on venue endorsement was identified for both sexual and drug risk venues. Network size and density differed by PrEP status and whether the venue was identified as a sexual or drug risk location. Online dating apps, bars, and saunas had the highest centrality in each network type suggesting their potential role in implementing preventive programming. This study identified specific sexual and drug risk venues that may be leveraged to both disseminate targeted PrEP and harm reduction information and to implement interventions to improve PrEP uptake and adherence among LSMM living in EHE priority jurisdictions.

Recommendations from Black and Latinx sexual minority males to include pharmacists to increase greater accessibility and OnlyFans stars to promote uptake of injectable PrEP

BackgroundPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication is the keystone of preventative measures to curtail the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, oral PrEP, the tablet intended to prevent HIV, has been slow to proliferate among men who have sex with men (MSM). This is of major concern given that MSM account for the largest number of new HIV diagnoses in the United States. More recently, the newest generation of PrEP in the form of a long-acting injectable (LAI) is to be administered every 2 months as an intramuscular injection and many MSM indicate preferring LAI-PrEP to the oral form of PrEP. However, uptake of PrEP, in all forms, remains low. Research is sparse that focuses on LAI-PrEP uptake among Black and Latinx MSM (BLMSM). ObjectiveThis study aimed to address this concern; this study explored the willingness to uptake LAI-PrEP and recommendations for increasing awareness and encouraging uptake of LAI-PrEP among BLMSM. MethodsQualitative data were collected between February 2022 and December 2022 through focus groups via Zoom with BLMSM (N = 30, Black = 14, Latinx = 16) aged 18 to 29 years (mean = 23, SD = 3) in Los Angeles County. ResultsFindings revealed that although 90% of BLMSM were aware of PrEP in oral form, only 10% were aware of LAI-PrEP. Findings from the qualitative analysis suggested to consider self-administration of LAI-PrEP, allow local community pharmacists to assess and administer it, and promote uptake of LAI-PrEP using high-profile male content creators and stars on OnlyFans social media platform. ConclusionIncreasing PrEP uptake, in all forms available, such as promoting awareness through popular social media stars, and engaging community pharmacists in feasible ways, is critical for addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV among the BLMSM community.

Characterizing the Communication Networks of Spanish- and English-Speaking Latinx Sexual Minority Men and Their Roles in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake

While pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated efficacy in preventing HIV transmission, disparities in access persist in the United States, especially among Hispanic/Latinx sexual minority men (SMM). Language barriers and differences in how Latinx SMM obtain information may impact access to PrEP and HIV prevention. This study used data from the 2021 American Men’s Internet Survey (AMIS) to examine differences in communication networks and PrEP use among Latinx SMM by primary language (Spanish vs. English). We examined the associations between Latinx SMM’s individual- and meso-level communication networks and PrEP-related outcomes using modified Poisson regression with robust variances. Spanish-speaking Latinx SMM in the study were less likely to test for HIV, be aware of PrEP, and use daily PrEP, compared to English-speaking participants. Sexuality disclosure to a healthcare provider was positively associated with PrEP uptake among all participants and predicted STI testing over the past 12 months among English-speaking Latinx SMM. Findings highlight disparities in PrEP awareness and uptake among Latinx SMM, especially among those whose primary language is Spanish. Addressing these disparities through targeted interventions, including improved communication with healthcare providers, may help facilitate PrEP access and use in this population.

Examining COVID-19 pandemic-related economic and household stress and its association with mental health, alcohol, and substance use in a national sample of Latinx sexual minority and heterosexual adults.

Sexual minority adults of Latinx descent faced compounded intersectional stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic across socioeconomic and health domains. Latinx people have experienced some of the highest COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality rates in the United States in addition to significant economic challenges. Yet, current data have not observed the unique pandemic-related experiences of sexual minority Latinx (SML) adults. We examined sexual identity differences in economic and household stress, social support, mental health symptomatology (depression, anxiety), alcohol, and substance use among sexual minority and nonsexual minority Latinx adults in the United States. Primary data were collected via the AmeriSpeak panel, a national probability sample of U.S.-based 2,286 Latinx adults [sexual minority = .34% (n = 465)]. Data were collected from November 2020 to January 2021, during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. SML adults endorsed higher levels of economic and household stress, mental health symptomatology, and alcohol and substance use than nonsexual minority Latinx adults. Economic stress was associated with increased mental health symptomatology, alcohol, and substance use among SML adults. Social support moderated the association between economic stress and mental health symptomatology and substance use, but not alcohol use. Findings highlighted unique intersectional considerations among SML adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the importance of social support and the negative toll of economic stress on mental health and substance use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Abstract P171: Patient and Interdisciplinary HIV Care Experts Illness Representations on HIV Comorbidities and Usability of a Virtual Environment as Heart Disease Prevention Education in Ethnic and Racial Sexual Minority Men With HIV

Background: Black and Latinx sexual minority men with HIV are at increased risk of CVD and have been underrepresented in clinical trials. The American Heart Association has called for an increase in interventions that focus on enhancing cardiovascular health in underserved communities by addressing social determinants and modifiable risk factors of CVD. Objective: To explore patient and HIV care experts’ perceptions about HIV comorbidities and assess usability of a virtual environment as CVD prevention education in Black and Latinx sexual minority men with HIV. Methods: This two-phase study is part of a pilot behavioral clinical trial informed by the American Heart Association’s metrics for cardiovascular health. Qualitative Phase 1 data were collected June 2021 to May 2022. Phase 2 data were collected August 2022 to October 2022. Using convenience sampling, we recruited a) Black and Latinx sexual minority men with HIV, and b) interdisciplinary HIV care experts. Eligibility criteria for non-HIV care experts were: 1) self-identify as gay or bisexual; 2) HIV serostatus positive; 3) ages 30 to 65; 4) access to a laptop or desktop. We explored HIV comorbidities of concern and conducted usability testing of the virtual environment. Eighty-four pages of interview data were analyzed using NVivo 12. Results: Phase 1 themes included: Mixed Perceptions about Health, High Risk for Comorbidities, and Virtual Environment Features. CVD risk factors were consistently expressed in relation to HIV, including hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Additionally, kidney, and liver disease were identified as important. Cancer was a common concern and so were the development of mental health conditions. All participants in Phase 2 completed the usability checklist with favorable feedback. Conclusions: We identified hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and cancer were comorbidities of concern. These findings carry significant implications for mitigating barriers to preventative health screenings in Black and Latinx sexual minority men with HIV, given shared risk factors between HIV, CVD, and cancer. We also found that usability of a virtual environment as CVD prevention education was promising as it offered anonymity and access to reliable health information that traverses geography. A virtual environment may serve as a novel modality for extending the reach of prevention education and clinical trials into the hands of ethnic and racial, sexual minoritized individuals that have been underrepresented in advancements in health equity.

Provider Perspectives on Multi-level Barriers and Facilitators to PrEP Access Among Latinx Sexual and Gender Minorities.

Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention intervention, inequities in access remain among Latinx sexual and gender minorities (LSGM). There is also a gap in the PrEP literature regarding providers' perspective on access inequities. This qualitative case study sought to explore barriers and facilitators to PrEP engagement in a community-based integrated health center primarily serving Latinx populations in Northern California. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with providers (9/15) involved in PrEP services and engaged in a constructivist grounded theory analysis consisting of memoing, coding, and identifying salient themes. Three participants worked as medical providers, three as outreach staff, and one each in planning, education, and research. The analysis surfaced four themes: geopolitical differences, culture as barrier, clinic as context, and patient strengths and needs. Participants referenced a lack of resources to promote PrEP, as well as the difficulties of working within an institution that still struggles with cultural and organizational mores that deprioritize sexual health. Another barrier is related to sexual health being positioned outside of patients' immediate needs owing to structural barriers, including poverty, documentation status, and education. Participants, however, observed that peer-based models, which emboldened their decision-making processes, were conducive to better access to PrEP, as well as allowing them to build stronger community ties. These data underscore the need for interventions to help reduce sexual stigma, promote peer support, and ameliorate structural barriers to sexual healthcare among LSGM.

Perceptions of HIV-Related Comorbidities and Usability of a Virtual Environment for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Education in Sexual Minority Men With HIV: Formative Phases of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sexual minority men with HIV are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and have been underrepresented in behavioral research and clinical trials. This study aims to explore perceptions of HIV-related comorbidities and assess the interest in and usability of a virtual environment for CVD prevention education in Black and Latinx sexual minority men with HIV. This is a 3-phase pilot behavioral randomized controlled trial. We report on formative phases 1 and 2 that informed virtual environment content and features using qualitative interviews, usability testing, and beta testing with a total of 25 individuals. In phase 1, a total of 15 participants completed interviews exploring HIV-related illnesses of concern that would be used to tailor the virtual environment. In phase 2, usability testing and beta testing were conducted with 10 participants to assess interest, features, and content. In phase 1, we found that CVD risk factors included high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, stroke, and diabetes. Cancer (prostate, colon, and others) was a common concern, as were mental health conditions. In phase 2, all participants completed the 12-item usability checklist with favorable feedback within 30 to 60 minutes. Beta-testing interviews suggested (1) mixed perceptions of health and HIV, (2) high risk for comorbid conditions, (3) virtual environment features were promising, and (4) the need for diverse avatar representations. We identified several comorbid conditions of concern, and findings carry significant implications for mitigating barriers to preventive health screenings, given the shared risk factors between HIV and related comorbidities. Highly rated aspects of the virtual environment were anonymity; meeting others with HIV who identify as gay or bisexual; validating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and others (LGBTQ+) images and content; and accessibility to CVD prevention education. Critical end-user feedback from beta testing suggested more options for avatar customization in skin, hair, and body representation. Our next phase will test the virtual environment as a new approach to advancing cardiovascular health equity in ethnic and racial sexual minority men with HIV. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04061915; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05242952. RR2-10.2196/38348.

Latinx sexual minority men, psychological well-being, racial sociopolitical involvement, and discomfort in LGBT community.

Latinx sexual minority men, psychological well-being, racial sociopolitical involvement, and discomfort in LGBT community.

Culturally Targeted Video Intervention to Increase PrEP Use Intentions Among Latinx Sexual Minority Men: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Latinx sexual minority men experience the greatest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden in the United States. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the most effective HIV prevention tool available, however, PrEP uptake remains low among this group. Methods: This two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial study aimed to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of delivering an online culturally targeted video intervention that aims to increase PrEP uptake intentions among Latinx sexual minority men. The intervention group received a culturally targeted video that contained the same PrEP information as the control group and incorporated positive aspects of Latinx masculinity (i.e., caballerismo). Participants were recruited through Amazon's MTurk crowd-sourcing platform. A total of twenty-five participants met the study inclusion criteria (N = 25). Results: The control group had a higher mean PrEP intentions score (M: 3.3, 95% CI: 2.7-3.9) when compared with the intervention group. A moderate, negative, linear correlation was observed between machismo and PrEP intention scores (r = -.34). In contrast, a small, positive correlation was found between caballerismo and PrEP intentions (r = .19). Conclusions: While the culturally targeted video intervention did not increase PrEP use intentions, the study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing cultural factors such as Latin masculinity.

A Community-Based Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Telehealth Program Focused on Latinx Sexual Minority Men.

Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) face multilevel barriers to accessing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). To address these barriers, we designed and implemented community-based organization (CBO)-PrEP, a collaborative community-based telehealth PrEP program for LSMM. We designed this PrEP delivery program through a collaborative process involving staff from local CBOs and a primary care-based HIV prevention program. Staff met weekly over a 3-month period to establish protocols for referrals, obtaining insurance coverage, and navigation to appointments and laboratory testing. To assess feasibility, we extracted electronic medical record data including demographics and clinical outcomes of PrEP care. Between December 2020 and May 2023, 102 individuals were referred to CBO-PrEP of which 85 had Hispanic/Latino as their ethnicity in their medical records; out of 102 individuals, 72 (70.6%) were scheduled for an initial appointment. Out of 72 individuals scheduled for an appointment, 58 (80.6%) were seen by a health care provider a median of 7.5 days after referral [interquartile range (IQR), 2-19]; 48 (82.6%) of initial appointments were through telemedicine, 10 (17.2%) were seen in person. Of the 48 patients who had a telehealth appointment, 36 (75%) underwent initial laboratory testing and 42 (87.5) were prescribed PrEP; all 10 patients who were seen in person underwent laboratory testing and were prescribed PrEP. PrEP prescriptions were received in a median of 17.5 days (IQR 4.5-33.5) after referral. CBO-PrEP successfully engaged LSMM, a population that is often hard to reach. Expanding collaborative approaches with CBOs could have a significant impact on improving PrEP uptake for LSMM and other priority populations.

Patterns of Polysubstance Use in Young Black and Latinx Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women and Its Association with Sexual Partnership Factors: The PUSH Study

Background: Adult studies have demonstrated that polysubstance use increases HIV acquisition risk through increased sexual behaviors, however, few studies have examined polysubstance in young Black and Latinx sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women (TW). Methods: We used cross-sectional data from 466 young Black and Latinx SMM and TW living in four high HIV-burden US cities enrolled in the PUSH Study, a status-neutral randomized control trial to increase HIV prevention and treatment adherence. We examined data for patterns of polysubstance use comparing age differences of use and explored associations between substance use and sexual partnership factors - inconsistent condom use, pressure to have condomless anal sex, and older partner, using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Most participants described prior substance use with alcohol and cannabis being most common (76% each) and 23% described other illicit drug use, including stimulants, cocaine, hallucinogens, sedatives, opioids, and inhalants. Polysubstance use was common with nearly half (47%) of participants reporting alcohol and cannabis use, 20% reporting alcohol, cannabis, and one other illicit drug use, and 19% reporting alcohol or cannabis use plus one other illicit drug use. Polysubstance use was associated with greater adjusted odds of pressure to have condomless anal sex, older partner (>5 years older), and inconsistent condom use. Conclusions: Associations of polysubstance use with sexual practices and sexual partnerships that are known predictors of HIV acquisition or transmission among Black and Latinx SMM and TW underscore the need for combination interventions that include substance use treatment alongside antiretroviral-based and partner-based HIV prevention and treatment interventions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03194477

Latinx Sexual Minority Adolescent Substance Use: State of the Science and Call for Intersectional Minority Stressors and Protective Factors.

Latinx sexual minority adolescents (LSMA) are at an intersection of ethnic and sexual minority (SM) status and may experience heighten risk of substance use and related problems. These youth may also hold unique protective factors that help mitigate the effects of minority stress and curb substance use. Little is known, however, about the intersectional minority stressors (i.e., due to ethnicity and SM status) and protective factors related to substance use among this population. According to the minority stress model, there are unique minority stressors and resiliency factors that can help explain differences in behavioral health rates between white SM and SM of color. Research supports the notion that minority stressors (e.g., stigma/risk, homophobic bullying, and family rejection of SM status) confer risk for substance use among LSMA. In terms of resilience, less is known, but there may be some protective factors that have not been measured that could explain lower rates in some substances (i.e., club drugs and methamphetamine). Little is known about how the intersections of ethnicity and SM status are associated with substance use in adolescence. Future research should assess the temporal relationship of multilevel (i.e., intrapersonal, relational, and system), intersectional (i.e., ethnicity and SM status) minority stressors and protective factors unique to LSMA on substance use. We propose that the findings from these future studies will help to create socioculturally appropriate behavioral health treatments that consider the intersectional risks and strengths within the LSMA population.

Sexual harassment, sexual assault, violence, self-esteem, and the role of LGBTQ-specific parental support in a sample of Latinx sexual and gender minority youth.

Oftentimes as result of racism, cissexism, and heterosexism, many Latinx and sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth are victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence. These experiences of victimization are in part related to increased negative mental health outcomes such as decreased self-esteem. Some research links LGBTQ-specific parental support to mental health outcomes among Latinx SGM youth, yet, no research has explored the role of LGBTQ-specific parental support with self-esteem among Latinx SGM youth. In a sample of 1,012 Latinx SGM youth (ages 13-17), we assessed: (a) associations between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence and self-esteem, (b) association between LGBTQ-specific parental support and self-esteem, and (c) whether LGBTQ-specific parental support moderated the relation between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence and self-esteem. Main effect and moderation analyses examined interactions between LGBTQ-specific parental support with sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence on self-esteem. Latinx SGM youth experienced low levels of LGBTQ-specific parental support and various degrees of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence. Also, transgender and nonbinary/genderqueer Latinx youth experienced lower self-esteem than their Latinx cisgender counterparts. Increased LGBTQ-specific parental support was related to increased self-esteem. We also identified a significant interaction between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence and LGBTQ-specific parental support, such that parental support was more protective at low levels rather than high levels of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence among Latinx SGM youth. Findings add to a growing body of research about the importance of LGBTQ-specific parental support for Latinx SGM youth, and the need to examine culturally appropriate approaches to understand parent-child relationship among these communities.

Ethnic identity commitment as a moderator for perceived access to health care among Latinx sexual minority men.

Gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (SMM) face more barriers to accessing health care compared to other men. In comparison to other SMM populations, Latinx SMM (LSMM) report having less access to health care. The purpose of the present study is to elucidate how theorized environmental-societal-level (i.e., immigration status, education level, and income level), community-interpersonal-level (i.e., social support and neighborhood collective efficacy [NCE]), and social-cognitive-behavioral-level factors (i.e., age, heterosexual self-presentation [HSP], sexual identity commitment, sexual identity exploration [SIE], and ethnic identity commitment [EIC]) may relate with perceived access to health care (PATHC) in a sample of 478 LSMM. We conducted a hierarchical regression analysis examining the hypothesized predictors of PATHC, as well as EIC as a moderator of the direct association between predictors and PATHC. We hypothesized that Latinx EIC would moderate relations between the aforementioned multilevel factors and PATHC. LSMM perceived greater access to care when indicating the following: higher education level, more NCE, more HSP, more SIE, and more EIC. Latinx EIC acted as a moderator of four predictors of PATHC, including education, NCE, HSP, and SIE. Findings inform outreach interventions of researchers and health care providers about psychosocial and cultural barriers and facilitators of health care access. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Drug Use, Family Support, and Depressive Symptoms Among Latinx Sexual Minority Men: A Longitudinal Analysis.

Family rejection has negative health consequences for Latinx sexual minority men(LSMM). However, LSMM often reconcile with their families, a phenomenon cross-sectional studies miss. We analyzed longitudinal data from the Healthy Young Men's Study in Los Angeles. We used individual fixed-effects Poisson regression to model changes over time in the associations among family support, drug use, and depressive symptoms. We found that (1) the initiation of drug use was associated with a 7.2% (Ratio=1.072, 95% CI 1.006 - 1.142, p = 0.03) increase in family support among LSMM who reported high depressive symptoms (depression subscale T-score ≥ 63) in at least one data wave; (2) a 1-unit increase in family support was associated with a 4.7% (RR = ;0.953, 95% CI 0.931 - 0.976, p < 0.001) decrease in the probability of high depressive symptoms; and (3) no significant association between a change in drug use and a change in high depressive symptoms. Over time, LSMM appear to benefit from the health effects of family support associated with Latinx family structures.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale With a Sample of Latinx Sexual Minority Men

The Bidimensional Acculturation Scale (BAS) is one of the most widely used acculturation scales in public health research, assessing two cultural dimensions of acculturation–Hispanic (e.g., how often participants read, speak, and think in Spanish) and non-Hispanic domains (e.g., how often participants read, speak, and think in English). The BAS has been shown to have acceptable reliability, but the factor structure of the BAS remains untested since its development in 1996 with a primarily Spanish-speaking sample (74%). Furthermore, the BAS has not been examined with a sample of Latinx sexual minorities, for whom the acculturation process may differ based on their sexual orientation. The current study examined the psychometric properties of the BAS with a sample of 357 Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk, the majority of whom identified as cisgender gay and bisexual men. Our findings confirmed that the factor structure of the BAS and the internal consistency of each factor were high. Regarding validity, the non-Hispanic domain was positively correlated with increased generational status and English language proficiency. Additionally, the non-Hispanic domain significantly predicted lower scores of lifetime experiences of intersectional forms of discrimination and the Hispanic domain significantly predicted higher scores of lifetime experiences of intersectional forms of discrimination. These findings further support the psychometric properties of the BAS with robust validity in a sample of LSMM.