Self-identified Sexual Orientation Research Articles

Associations of military sexual harassment and assault with nonsuicidal self-injury: Examining gender and sexual orientation as moderators

Military sexual harassment (MSH) and assault (MSA) are prevalent among service members and are linked to negative psychosocial outcomes, including self-directed violence. Veterans identifying as women or as sexual or gender minorities are at heightened risk for both MSH/MSA and self-directed violence, but their relationship remains understudied in these populations. We examined associations of MSH and MSA with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and tested whether relations varied by self-identified gender or sexual orientation in two national samples of U.S. veterans. Sample 1 included post-9/11 veterans who had recently discharged from service (n = 1,494); sample 2 included veterans from any service era (n = 1,187). Veterans self-reported MSH, MSA, gender identity and sexual orientation, and lifetime and past-month histories of NSSI. We estimated logistic regressions to examine the associations of MSH and MSA history with NSSI and evaluated gender (man or woman) and sexual orientation as moderators of these relations. Results suggested significant associations of both MSH and MSA with NSSI but largely failed to support moderation of these associations by either gender or sexual orientation identity. Screening for both MSH and MSA in veterans across gender and sexual orientation identities appears indicated in clinical assessment of NSSI.

Trends in hepatitis C virus seroprevalence and associated risk factors among msm in Pakistan: insights from a community-based study

Pakistan bears a substantial burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with the second-highest prevalence globally. This community-based cross-sectional study, conducted from January to December 2022 in Punjab, Pakistan, investigates the seroprevalence of HCV among the men who have sex with men (MSM) population. The study identifies demographic and behavioral risk factors associated with HCV infection within this population group. Among the 501 participants, the study found an HCV seroprevalence of 14.86%. The association between demographic characteristics and seroprevalence is assessed by calculating the percentage of positive cases, revealing notable associations with age, education level, and self-identified sexual orientation. Furthermore, the study identified several behavioral risk factors positively associated with HCV seroprevalence, including sharing personal items such as razors and toothbrushes, histories of surgery, blood transfusion, dental procedures, intravenous drug use, and therapeutic injection histories. These risk factors were identified through structured interviews, and the prevalence of HCV seropositivity among the exposed groups was calculated accordingly. Interestingly, a lower HCV positivity rate was observed among self-reported HIV-positive individuals, contradicting previous research. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive, targeted prevention strategies such as risk factor awareness campaigns and educational programs tailored for the MSM population in Pakistan. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and better understand the complex interplay of factors contributing to HCV seroprevalence in this high-risk population.

A Prospective Examination of Sexual Orientation and Suicidal and Nonsuicidal Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Among a Diverse Sample of At-risk Young Adult Women.

Minoritized sexual orientation is an established correlate for suicide ideation (SI) and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI); however, prospective associations between sexual orientation and SI and NSSI is limited. The current study builds on existing literature by examining sexual orientation as a prospective distal risk factor for SI and NSSI risk among a diverse sample of young women after adjusting for histories of SI and/or NSSI and empirically supported correlates and risk factors. Participants were 135 young adult women (aged 18-24), who were predominately Black with approximately half of the sample experiencing poverty. Participants completed an interview that assessed SI and NSSI at baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. A single item was used to collect participants' self-identified sexual orientation at baseline. Minoritized sexual orientation was strongly associated with NSSI history and future SI and NSSI, adjusting for baseline correlates and predictors of interest. Psychological and physical victimization, race, and poverty were non-significant prospective predictors of SI and NSSI. Race and poverty did not moderate the associations between sexual orientation and follow-up SI and NSSI. These findings suggest young adult women who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning (LGBQ) are more likely than those who identify as heterosexual to experience both SI and NSSI in the following year. Sexual orientation should be part of a culturally-informed comprehensive risk assessment. A culturally-informed intersectionality approach may be necessary to identify culturally-specific risk and resiliency factors for SI and NSSI that can guide effective prevention and intervention strategies for LGBQ individuals.

A Multidimensional Understanding of the Relationship between Sexual Identity, Heteronormativity, and Sexual Satisfaction among a Cisgender Sample

Contemporary scholarship has begun to focus more on understanding the myriad health disparities (e.g., sexual anxiety, depression) related to sexual identity and its correlates. Sexual satisfaction is linked to many of these disparities, thereby serving as a potentially impactful correlate to understand more deeply in ways that might suggest potential intervention sites to mitigate various disparities. Further, there have also been calls to consider sexual identity multidimensionally beyond only self-identified sexual orientation (LGBQ+ vs. heterosexual) as well as to better understand the role of cultural factors, such as heteronormativity, as correlates of health disparities. Accordingly, this cross-sectional study used internet survey data from 455 cisgender adults of varying sexual identities to test a moderated mediating model linking two dimensions of sexual identity (self-identified sexual orientation and attraction) to sexual satisfaction as mediated by heteronormativity. Results from the multi-group path model analysis were significant for moderation and suggest that heteronormativity mediated the relationship between the attraction dimension of sexual identity and sexual satisfaction only for those who identified as queer (i.e., LGBQ+), whereas attraction was directly related to sexual satisfaction for those that self-identified as heterosexual. Thus, different dimensions of sexual identity have differential impacts on sexual satisfaction and negative impacts of heteronormativity appear significant only for those that identify as queer.

Prevalence of 12 Common Health Conditions in Sexual and Gender Minority Participants in the All of Us Research Program

Limited data describe the health status of sexual or gender minority (SGM) people due to inaccurate and inconsistent ascertainment of gender identity, sex assigned at birth, and sexual orientation. To evaluate whether the prevalence of 12 health conditions is higher among SGM adults in the All of Us Research Program data compared with cisgender heterosexual (non-SGM) people. This cross-sectional study used data from a multidisciplinary research consortium, the All of Us Research Program, that links participant-reported survey information to electronic health records (EHR) and physical measurements. In total, 372 082 US adults recruited and enrolled at an All of Us health care provider organization or by directly visiting the enrollment website from May 31, 2017, to January 1, 2022, and were assessed for study eligibility. Self-identified gender identity and sexual orientation group. Twelve health conditions were evaluated: 11 using EHR data and 1, body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), using participants' physical measurements. Logistic regression (adjusting for age, income, and employment, enrollment year, and US Census division) was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for the associations between each SGM group and health condition compared with a non-SGM reference group. The analytic sample included 346 868 participants (median [IQR] age, 55 [39-68] years; 30 763 [8.9%] self-identified as SGM). Among participants with available BMI (80.2%) and EHR data (69.4%), SGM groups had higher odds of anxiety, depression, HIV diagnosis, and tobacco use disorder but lower odds of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Estimated associations for asthma (AOR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.24-0.63] for gender diverse people assigned male at birth; AOR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.38-0.69] for transgender women), a BMI of 25 or higher (AOR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.38-1.96] for transgender men), cancer (AOR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.07-1.23] for cisgender sexual minority men; AOR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.81-0.95] for cisgender sexual minority women), and substance use disorder (AOR, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.24-0.52] for gender diverse people assigned female at birth; AOR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.49-0.87] for transgender men) varied substantially across SGM groups compared with non-SGM groups. In this cross-sectional analysis of data from the All of Us Research Program, SGM participants experienced health inequities that varied by group and condition. The All of Us Research Program can be a valuable resource for conducting health research focused on SGM people.

Evaluation of Survey Nonresponse in Measuring Cardiometabolic Health Risk Factors and Outcomes among Sexual Minority Populations: A National Data Linkage Analysis.

Understanding cardiometabolic health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people is challenged by methodological constraints, as most studies are either based on nonprobability samples or assume that missing values in population-based samples occur at random. Linking multiple years of nationally representative surveys, hospital records, and geocoded data, we analyzed selection biases and health disparities by self-identified sexual orientation in Canada. The results from 202,560 survey respondents of working age identified 2.6% as LGB, 96.4% as heterosexual, and <1.0% with nonresponse to the sexual identity question. Those who did not disclose their sexual identity were older, less highly educated, less often working for pay, and less often residing in rural and remote communities; they also had a diagnosed cardiometabolic condition or experienced a cardiometabolic-related hospitalization more often. Among those reporting their sexual identity, LGB individuals were younger, more likely to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol regularly, more likely to have heart disease, and less likely to have a regular medical provider than heterosexual persons. This investigation highlighted the potential of leveraging linked population datasets to advance measurements of sexual minority health disparities. Our findings indicated that population health survey questions on sexual identity are not generally problematic, but cautioned that those who prefer not to state their sexual identity should neither be routinely omitted from analysis nor assumed to have been randomly distributed.

Measuring the effect of self-reported sexual orientation on earnings: evidence from the general social survey

This study uses General Social Survey (GSS) data to explore the difference in earnings between gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual individuals. The most recent GSS surveys have data on self-identified sexual orientation, providing an opportunity to explore its role as a determinant of earnings with more accuracy than previous estimations in the literature relying on sexual history or cohabitation status to determine sexual orientation. Results show no significant difference between gay or bisexual men and straight men. For bisexual women, the results show a penalty of 20.8% in relation to heterosexual women which is not explained by human capital, demographics, or job characteristics. For lesbian women, the results show no significant earning difference in comparison to heterosexual women. These findings provide evidence that potential issues of misclassification resulting from using proxies to determine sexual orientation deserve careful consideration.

Sexual orientation is irrelevant in HPV screening: Infection rates in heterosexual vs. lesbian/bisexual women (135)

Objectives: To evaluate the difference in HPV positive prevalence in heterosexual women compared to lesbian and bisexual women in the United States between 2011 and 2016. Methods: Data on female respondents were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2016. Sexual orientation was self-reported by respondents. HPV infection was detected through vaginal swab samples and analyzed using the Roche Linear Array HPV genotyping test. Results: Of 3,656 respondents, 3,461 (94.5%) self-identified as straight/heterosexual and 195 (5.5%) as lesbian or bisexual. A total of 35.7% (n=1,379) of heterosexual women tested positive for any genital HPV compared to 41.6% (n=91) of lesbian or bisexual women (p=0.2). For heterosexual respondents, factors associated with positive HPV status included young age versus old age (40.0% vs 31.6%, p=0.002), more than four lifetime partners (47.1% vs 25.2%, p<0.0001), lower education (41.9% vs 33.2%, p<0.0001), below poverty line and low income versus middle and high income (44.3% and 43.5% vs 33.8% and 28.3%, p<0.0001), and divorced/separated and single versus married/living with partner (57.3% and 48.6% vs 27.8%, p<0.0001). For lesbian or bisexual respondents, the only factor associated with positive HPV was four or more lifetime partners (49.4% vs 29.9%, p=0.02). On multivariate analysis, we found that younger age (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.2-1.93), divorced/separated (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.21-2.43), and more than four lifetime sexual partners (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 2.04-3.17) were independent predictors for testing positive for genital HPV. There was no difference by self-identified sexual orientation. On intersection analysis, we found that younger women who were divorced/separated and had more than four lifetime sexual partners were at the highest risk, with a prevalence of 72.3% testing positive for any genital HPV and 35.2% for any high-risk HPV. Conclusions: There was no difference in the prevalence of HPV infection based on sexual orientation. Age, marital status, and the number of lifetime sexual partners were independent factors associated with HPV infection. Objectives: To evaluate the difference in HPV positive prevalence in heterosexual women compared to lesbian and bisexual women in the United States between 2011 and 2016. Methods: Data on female respondents were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2016. Sexual orientation was self-reported by respondents. HPV infection was detected through vaginal swab samples and analyzed using the Roche Linear Array HPV genotyping test. Results: Of 3,656 respondents, 3,461 (94.5%) self-identified as straight/heterosexual and 195 (5.5%) as lesbian or bisexual. A total of 35.7% (n=1,379) of heterosexual women tested positive for any genital HPV compared to 41.6% (n=91) of lesbian or bisexual women (p=0.2). For heterosexual respondents, factors associated with positive HPV status included young age versus old age (40.0% vs 31.6%, p=0.002), more than four lifetime partners (47.1% vs 25.2%, p<0.0001), lower education (41.9% vs 33.2%, p<0.0001), below poverty line and low income versus middle and high income (44.3% and 43.5% vs 33.8% and 28.3%, p<0.0001), and divorced/separated and single versus married/living with partner (57.3% and 48.6% vs 27.8%, p<0.0001). For lesbian or bisexual respondents, the only factor associated with positive HPV was four or more lifetime partners (49.4% vs 29.9%, p=0.02). On multivariate analysis, we found that younger age (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.2-1.93), divorced/separated (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.21-2.43), and more than four lifetime sexual partners (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 2.04-3.17) were independent predictors for testing positive for genital HPV. There was no difference by self-identified sexual orientation. On intersection analysis, we found that younger women who were divorced/separated and had more than four lifetime sexual partners were at the highest risk, with a prevalence of 72.3% testing positive for any genital HPV and 35.2% for any high-risk HPV. Conclusions: There was no difference in the prevalence of HPV infection based on sexual orientation. Age, marital status, and the number of lifetime sexual partners were independent factors associated with HPV infection.

Abstract PO-256: Knowledge and attitudes of a sample of Latinx LGBQ population regarding cancer screening, prevention, and barriers: An exploratory study

Abstract Background The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer/questioning (LGBQ) population, also referred to as sexual and gender minorities (SGM), is a medically underserved and understudied population in the United States. Literature has argued that, as of recent years, there are a limited number of early cancer detection and prevention guidelines catered specifically to LGBTQ+ community, which creates a gap in access to healthcare services for this population. Furthermore, there are potential barriers that exist for LGBT people, such as discrimination from healthcare providers and other societal constraints which could further contribute to the lack of screening for cancer. The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and individual experiences of LGBQ individuals regarding cancer prevention, screening, and treatment to develop educational material that would help cater the needs of this population Methods This study consisted of a series of structured qualitative interviews facilitated as focal groups. The interview guideline contained questions regarding the domains of knowledge, attitudes, and individuals experiences on cancer screening in SGM. The recruitment process was facilitated via online flyers in social media platforms and through local community organizations that provide services for the Puerto Rican SGM population. Participants that reached out were screened for eligibility based on age and self-identified gender and sexual orientation. The focal groups have been carried out via a video teleconferencing software to limit contact with participants considering COVID-19. The interviews have been recorded and transcribed ad-verbatim for analysis purposes. Thematic analysis with open ended coding is being used to analyze the data obtained. Results A total of 8 participants completed the informed consent and proceeded to participate in the focal groups. The cervical cancer focal group consisted of 4 participants who identified as lesbian, bisexual, and non-binary women. 2 self-identified gay men of prostate cancer focal group and the colorectal cancer focal group included 3 gay men. As analysis was carried out, the following recurring themes were identified: Treatment knowledge, Treatment limitations, General recommendations regarding Healthcare services, Social limitations for Healthcare services, Experiences on Healthcare settings. Discussion Preliminary analysis exposes participants exhibited a general lack of knowledge regarding cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer symptomatology and screening procedures. In the case of the Cervical Cancer focus group, participants agreed their general experience in healthcare settings could be improved by educating healthcare providers on being more inclusive with the LGBTQ community and adjusting the healthcare setting to be less heterocentric. The participants in the focal groups for Prostate Cancer and Colorectal Cancer, on the other hand, stated that the approach should be directed towards educating the LGTTQ+ community on cancer symptomatology and cancer screening practices. Citation Format: Gabriela López Toledo, German J. Rivera Castellar, Elmer Marrero, Marta M. Sánchez Aracil, Mirza J. Rivera Lugo. Knowledge and attitudes of a sample of Latinx LGBQ population regarding cancer screening, prevention, and barriers: An exploratory study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-256.

Effective Screening and Treatment to Reduce Suicide Risk Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth.

Effective Screening and Treatment to Reduce Suicide Risk Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth.

Identifying Correlates of Peer and Faculty/Staff Sexual Harassment in US Students

ABSTRACT Sexual harassment and its negative consequences continue to affect a large percentage of higher education students in the US. Previous research has identified a limited number of harassment risk factors, and has generally not examined them in combination. In this study, an expanded set of individual, relationship, and community-level risk factors were examined using hurdle models and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses to identify key risk factors for peer and faculty/staff sexual harassment. Secondary data analysis was conducted using data from a sample of 9,285 students from 18 two-year and four-year schools in Minnesota. CART analyses indicated that, for peer sexual harassment, being younger; consuming alcohol more than once a month; attending a four-year school; being transgender, genderqueer, self-identified, or a cisgender woman; and having experienced bullying were the most important risk factors for peer harassment on campus. For faculty/staff harassment, being gay, lesbian, bisexual, questioning, or having a self-identified sexual orientation was the most important risk factor. These and other risk factors were significant in the hurdle models. More research is needed to understand why these factors are associated with harassment. Limitations and implications for prevention programming at higher education institutions are discussed.

Labor market differentials estimated with researcher-inferred and self-identified sexual orientation

The impact of the common practice of inferring sexual orientation via cohabitation status on estimated labor market differentials for sexual minorities is understudied. Using the 2013–2018 National Health Interview Survey, I show that inferring sexual orientation via cohabitation status leads to similar estimated differentials for gay men but inflates outcomes for lesbian women. Estimates for all bisexual individuals are biased upwards, because bisexual individuals are less likely to cohabit and comprise less than ten percent of the same-sex cohabiting sample. Estimates of outcomes for sexual minority members of same-sex households are largely unaffected by the sample contamination resulting from potentially erroneous inclusion of heterosexual individuals. However, cohabitation based researcher inference of sexual orientation masks important heterogeneity in self-identified sexual orientation based labor market differentials. Results highlight the need for inclusion of sexual orientation identity on more large scale surveys.

Sexual Orientation Among Unmarried Final Year University Students in Osun State: Distribution, Determinants and Level of Satisfaction.

Sexual Orientation is an enduring pattern of romantic or sexual attraction, with the attractions broadly incorporated under heterosexuality and non-heterosexuality. Societal and other factors seem to affect individuals' perception of their self-identified orientation. Thus, this study sets out to document the distribution of sexual orientation, level of self-reported satisfaction, and factors associated with sexual orientation among unmarried university students. A cross-sectional study involving 550 respondents sampled using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data collected via a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed via IBM SPSS version 20.0. Most respondents (93.6%) were heterosexuals, 4.7% bisexuals, 1.3% lesbian women and 0.40% gay men. More heterosexuals (80.4%) were fully satisfied with their self-identified sexual orientation compared to 57.2% of non-heterosexuals. Respondents who had religious upbringing and those whose parents were currently married were less likely to have sexual orientation outside of heterosexuality. The most prevalent sexual orientation was heterosexuality, with more heterosexuals also expressing satisfaction than others. With the level of dissatisfaction expressed by those who are not heterosexuals as well as the factors associated with heterosexuality, it is plausible to conclude that societal values and/or prejudices constitute major factors in individuals self-identifying with some particular sexual orientation and the satisfaction derived therein.

Sexual consent: Exploring the perceptions of heterosexual and non-heterosexual men

ABSTRACT The current understanding of sexual consent negotiation is grounded in research conducted with heterosexual populations, and little is understood about how non-heterosexual men (bisexual, bi-curious, two-spirited, other) navigate these processes. A sample of 251 heterosexual men and 313 non-heterosexual men participated in an online survey where they were asked to respond to an open-ended question that addressed their perceptions of the differences between how heterosexual and non-heterosexual men negotiate sexual consent. Participants were recruited through social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter), Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, and via the distribution of flyers/posters. The sample consisted of men from Canada, the United States, and Western Europe. Basic demographic information was gathered along with self-identified sexual orientation. Four main themes were derived through the thematic analysis of responses:understanding of sexual interactions, understanding of sexual script, unique challenges, and the universality of sexual consent. Findings provide initial insight into some of the perceived differences and barrier both non-heterosexual and heterosexual men face in negotiating sexual consent and highlight some of the entrenched heteronormative beliefs that both heterosexual and non-heterosexual men endorse. Results can serve to inform social interactions, education, and policymaking.

The influence of sexual orientation on reputational punishment of other women’s behaviour

ABSTRACT The denigration of competitors is an evolved strategy used to give the impression that a rival is less appealing. Evidence indicates that women denigrate other women principally on appearance and sexual fidelity because men value these qualities in partners. The current investigation examined whether indirect aggression – the spreading of reputation-harming information about a rival woman – is a strategy utilised by both straight and lesbian women. Additionally, we explored whether it was influenced by the extent to which a rival target was identified as ‘threatening’ or sexually promiscuous. Female participants were assigned to one of two possible target vignette/photographic conditions (sexualised versus neutral) based on their self-identified sexual orientation. All were provided the same information about the target’s social life, asked whether they would share that information with others, and completed a threat assessment. Findings suggest that lesbian and straight women both use competitor derogation as a mating strategy and are more likely to denigrate targets they perceive as sexual rivals. Straight women reported a greater likelihood of conveying reputation-harming information about the target in the sexualised condition compared to the neutrally dressed condition, but dress did not influence lesbians’ likelihood of denigration. Potential differences in mate selection criteria are discussed.

Asexuality is inversely associated with positive body image in British adults

Research on positive body image has infrequently considered sexual minority orientations beyond lesbians, gay men, and bisexual persons. Indeed, there is no existing research on the relationships between body image and asexuality, which refers to a lack of sexual attraction to anyone or anything. In two studies, we rectified this by examining associations between asexuality – operationalised as a continuous construct – and indices of positive body image. In Study 1, 188 Britons from the community completed measures of asexuality and body appreciation. Once the effects of self-identified sexual orientation, relationship status, and body mass index (BMI) had been considered, asexuality was found to be significantly and negatively associated with body appreciation in women and men. In Study 2, an online sample of 377 Britons completed measures of asexuality, body appreciation, functionality appreciation, body acceptance from others, and body image flexibility. Beyond the effects of sexual orientation, relationship status, and BMI, asexuality was significantly and negatively associated with all four body image constructs in men, and with body appreciation and functionality appreciation in women. Although asexuality only explained a small proportion of the variance in positive body image (3–11%) and further studies are needed, the relationship appears to be stable.

Vaccination differences among U.S. adults by their self-identified sexual orientation, National Health Interview Survey, 2013-2015.

IntroductionVery few studies have explored the associations between self-identified sexual orientation and comprehensive vaccination coverage. Most of the previous studies that reported health disparities among lesbian, gay and bisexual populations were not based on a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Starting in 2013, the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) included questions to ascertain the adult’s self-identified sexual orientation that allowed national level vaccination estimation by sexual orientation. This study examined associations of self-reported vaccination coverage for selected vaccines among U.S. adults by their sexual orientation.MethodsWe analyzed combined data from 2013–2015 NHIS, a nationally representative probability-based health survey of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population ≥18 years. For vaccines other than influenza, weighted proportions were calculated. Influenza coverage was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier procedure. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted prevalence differences for each vaccine overall and stratified by sexual orientation and to identify factors independently associated with vaccination.ResultsSignificant differences were observed by sexual orientation for self-reported receipt of human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A (HepA), hepatitis B (HepB), and influenza vaccination. Bisexual females (51.6%) had higher HPV coverage than heterosexual females (40.2%). Gay males (40.3% and 53.6%, respectively) had higher HepA and HepB coverage than heterosexual males (25.4% and 32.6%, respectively). Bisexual females (33.9% and 58.5%, respectively) had higher HepA and HepB coverage than heterosexual females (23.5% and 38.4%, respectively) and higher HepB coverage than lesbian females (45.4%). Bisexual adults (34.1%) had lower influenza coverage than gay/lesbian (48.5%) and heterosexual adults (43.8%). Except for the association of having self-identified as gay/lesbian orientation with greater likelihood of HepA, HepB, and influenza vaccination, sexual orientation was not associated with higher or lower likelihood of vaccination. Health status or other behavioral characteristics studied had no consistent relationship with vaccination among all populations.ConclusionDifferences were identified in vaccination coverage among the U.S. adult population by self-reported sexual orientation. This study is the first to assess associations of sexual orientation with a comprehensive list of vaccinations. Findings from this study can serve as a baseline for monitoring changes over time. All populations could benefit from improved vaccination.

Change in adolescent mental health between age 12 and 14 predicts sexual activity and sexual orientation at age 14

This study sought to explore whether change in mental health between age 12 and age 14 relates to self-identified sexual orientation and having become sexually active at age 14. In total, 3460 Australian adolescents (1748 boys, 1712 girls) provided information on sexual activity and sexual orientation at age 14. Parents provided information on facets of mental health when the adolescent was age 12 and again when the adolescent was age 14. Results showed that higher levels of mental health problems at age 12 (hyperactivity and conduct problems) and increases in mental health problems between age 12 and 14 (hyperactivity and conduct problems) were associated with an increased likelihood of being sexually active at age 14. Results also showed that higher levels of mental health problems at age 12 (hyperactivity and peer problems) and increases in mental health problems between age 12 and age 14 (negative emotional symptoms and peer problems) were associated with an increased likelihood of reported homosexual or bisexual orientation at age 14. There were no significant sex moderation effects. These findings provide evidence that change in mental health relates to sexual activity and sexual orientation in early adolescence. Findings might be used to improve prognostic capabilities that could be valuable to health care professionals working with adolescent clients.

Factors associated with syphilis/HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Shenzhen,2011-2016

aged 18 years and above; reported having one or more anal sexual partners in the recent 6 months. A total of 3 109 men who have sex with men (MSM) were involved in the study. Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted on a one-on-one basis. Data were collected including socio-demographic information, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing history, history of blood donation and drug abuse in the recent two years, self-identified sexual orientation, role in homosexual behavior, ever being money boys (MB) and clients of MB, female sexual partners in the recent 6 months. 5 ml blood samples were taken after questionnaires. Syphilis was screened using toluidine red unheated serum test for the antibody of treponema pallidum and then confirmed by treponema pallidum particle assay. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for screening HIV and western blot was used to confirm the HIV screening results. The difference of condom use among MSM between female sexual partners and male sexual partners were compared. Multivariate unconditional stepwise logistic regression model was used to analyze factors associated with syphilis infection and HIV positive among MSM. Results: A total of 3 109 eligible participants with mean (SD) age of 31.49 (8.64) years were enrolled in this study. Among them, 565 cases were infected with syphilis (18.17%), 330 cases were infected with HIV (10.61%), and 165 cases (5.31%) were syphilis co-infected with HIV. 791 (25.44%) reported maintaining a single sexual partners in the recent 6 months. Compared to MSM with multiple sexual partners, the prevalence of syphilis and HIV infection among MSM with a single sexual partner were lower, and the OR (95%CI) were 0.64 (0.51-0.81) and 0.66 (0.49-0.90), respectively. Conclusion: The proportion of fixed single sexual partner was much lower among MSM in Shenzhen. Maintaining a single sexual partners can reduce the risk of syphilis/HIV infection among MSM.

Recreational Sport Participant Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men: An Exploratory Study of Participation, Religion, Socioeconomic Status, and Sexual Identity

This exploratory study investigated attitudes toward gay men and lesbians among the general student population of a midsized university, paying special attention to differences in demographic measures and attitudes across campus recreational sport participants and nonparticipants. Specifically, the study sought to investigate differences in attitudes toward gay men and lesbians among the following groups: campus recreational sporting participants/nonparticipants, differing religious affiliations, socioeconomic status classifications, and participant self-identified sexual orientation. This study used a modified version of the Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men scale administered in person to acquire attitudinal scores and demographics of respondents. Multivariate analysis of variance statistical testing procedures were used, revealing significant differences in attitudes of campus recreational sport participants based on religion, and sexual orientation. Overall, participants who identified as Evangelical Christian held more negative attitudes toward nonnormative sexualities than Roman Catholic or nonreligious participants, and participants who identified as heterosexual held more negative attitudes than gay or lesbian participants.