Social Venues Research Articles

Group sex and behavior change associated with the 2022 Mpox outbreak among men who have sex with men in Southern California.

The Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak disproportionately affected sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. To understand community-level changes in sexual behavior, we surveyed individuals in a semi-urban area in Southern California. Participants were recruited between October 2022 to April 2023, using palm cards, and geolocation-focused online advertisements on social media and dating apps. Eligible participants were male, ≥18 years, reported sex with men, residents of San Bernardino or Riverside counties, California, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-negative, currently not taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Descriptive analyses were performed. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Student's T-tests examined the association between group sex behaviors and demographics. We enrolled 91 gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men with a median age of 35 years (range 18-70 years). Nearly half reported having participated in group sex in the past year. Overall, 48.9% of group sex participants reported changing their sexual behaviors to prevent Mpox transmission, with limiting the number of sex partners being the most reported prevention strategy (47.6%). To prevent Mpox infection, participants that engage in group sex reported limiting the number of sex partners (34.4%), using condoms for anal sex (16.7%), avoiding crowded social venues (14.3%), and asking partners about Mpox symptoms before sex (9.5%). Survey participants reported modest sexual behavior changes in response to the Mpox outbreak. Group sex may increase the risk for Mpox, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections; therefore, public health messages should include specific discussion of safer group sex practices in sexual health promotion.

The Role of Purchase Behavior in Consumers' Intent to Revisit and Recommend Coffee Shops in Manila: A Mediation Analysis

The study investigates the influence of purchase behaviour on customers' intentions to revisit and recommend coffee shops in Manila, utilizing a mediation analysis. In light of coffee shops' growing significance as social and recreational venues, this study attempts to comprehend the all-encompassing experience that fosters patron loyalty. The study specifically examines how characteristics such as product, service, price, and physical environment quality influence consumer satisfaction and buying behaviour. These factors then influence consumers' inclination to recommend and return. We employed a causal quantitative research methodology to gather data from 235 customers of coffee shops located in Metro Manila through a structured survey. We used a structural equation modelling technique known as partial least squares (PLS-SEM) to examine the correlations between the variables. The results indicate that the quality of the product and the pricing significantly influence customer satisfaction and purchasing behaviour, two major factors that determine intents to return and recommend. However, there was no substantial direct effect of either physical environment or service quality on purchasing behaviour, indicating the possibility of other factors at play. The study emphasizes how crucial it is to uphold fair pricing policies and excellent standards for products in order to increase client loyalty. It also emphasizes how intricate client experiences may be and how important it is for coffee shops to concentrate on the whole experience rather than just their product lines. For coffee shop owners and managers looking to improve consumer advocacy and retention in a cutthroat industry, the findings offer insightful information.

The Roles of Alcohol Availability, Overserving, and Enforcement in Recreational and Social Settings on Alcohol Misuse and Harms: A Comparison of Australia and the United States.

To examine how alcohol availability, overserving, and enforcement in recreational and social settings are related to alcohol misuse and alcohol-impaired driving among young adults in Victoria, Australia and Washington State, United States. Longitudinal data came from 1,430 participants in Victoria (n = 757; 52% female) and Washington (n = 673; 53% female), surveyed in 2014 (age 25) and 2018 (age 29) from the International Youth Development Study, a population-based, cross-national study to examine factors influencing substance use. Path modeling tested associations between age 25 perceptions of the alcohol environment, age 25 social alcohol consumption, and age 31 alcohol-related harms. Multiple-group modeling examined differences in parameter estimates across both states. Age 25 perceptions of the alcohol environment (alcohol availability, overservice in evening social venues, legal enforcement) and alcohol consumption in evening social settings were similar between the two states. Higher alcohol availability and perceived tendency of evening social venues to overserve were associated with higher alcohol consumption in these contexts. In turn, higher alcohol consumption in these settings was associated with more problematic alcohol use and an increased likelihood of alcohol-impaired driving 4 years later. Perceived likelihood of legal enforcement in evening social settings was not related to alcohol consumption in these contexts. The recreational and social settings commonly frequented by young adults can influence drinking behaviors and alcohol-related harms. Reducing alcohol availability and over-servicing in settings where young adults often congregate and socialize could reduce problematic alcohol use and alcohol-impaired driving.

Characterising HIV acquisition risk, treatment gaps and populations reached through venue-based outreach and clinical services in Blantyre, Malawi: findings from a district-wide CLOVE Study.

In 2017, Blantyre district had the highest adult HIV prevalence in Malawi (17.7%) and lowest viral suppression (60%). In response, the Ministry of Health expanded prevention and treatment services. We assessed whether outreach to social venues could identify individuals with increased HIV acquisition risk or with unsuppressed HIV not currently reached by clinic-based services. We conducted a cross-sectional bio-behavioral survey in Blantyre, Malawi, from January to March 2022. We visited social venues where people meet new sexual partners and government clinics providing HIV testing or STI screening. Participants aged > 15 years were interviewed, and tested for HIV infection if not on ART. HIV recency tests were performed on those testing positive, and dried blood spots (DBS) was collected to quantify viral load and also to identify acute infection in those with HIV- results. HIV prevalence (18.5% vs 8.3%) and unsuppressed HIV infection (3.9% vs 1.7%) were higher among venue-recruited (n=1802) compared with clinic-recruited participants(n=2313). Among PLHIV at both clinics (n=199) and venues (n=289), 79% were virally suppressed. Few had acute(n=1) or recent infection(n=8). Among women, HIV prevalence was four times higher (38.9% venue vs 8.9% clinic). At clinics, PLHIV reporting visiting venues were less likely to be suppressed (54.6 vs 82.6%). More men at venues than at clinics reported paying for sex (49% vs 30%) or having multiple sex partners in the past 4 weeks (32% vs 16%). Enhanced venue-based prevention and testing for men and women could reduce treatment lapses, HIV treatment outcomes and reduce onward transmission.

Trigger Warnings in Nursing Education: Psychiatric Mental Health Instructors' Practices and Perspectives.

Psychiatric mental health (PMH) nursing education covers topics that some students find potentially distressing and anxiety-producing. Trigger warnings are commonly found in entertainment and social media venues, but there is little research to explore the use of trigger/content warnings in undergraduate nursing education. This current research surveyed PMH nursing instructors ( n = 48) and found that most give trigger warnings and believe them to be helpful. However, there is no consistency on how and when warnings are provided, nor their content. Overall, results indicate that trigger warnings may be one aspect of implementing supportive and trauma-informed pedagogy.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: "I Decided to Keep Quiet": A Qualitative Inquiry Into the Coping Experiences of Young People (15-24) Working at High-Risk Venues for HIV in Uganda.

Employment linked with social venues has long been described as permissive environments for excessive drinking, disruptive/aggressive behaviors, and overt sexual behaviors, which are known risk factors for HIV. Yet, our understanding of the extent to which workers in such high-risk work settings cope with the various risks therein is still limited. This study explored the coping strategies employed by workers at social venues. We interviewed 47 workers at 22 social venues through small group discussions (15) and in-depth interviews (10) in 2021 in Rakai district, Uganda. All discussions were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim before analysis. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. We found two main categories of coping strategies used by workers: acceptance of sexual risks and keeping safe. Acceptance of risks such as transactional sex was the most used strategy, hence highlighting negative coping. This calls for interventions for improving workers' coping efficiency and adjustment as well as interventions ameliorating the conditions underpinning increased risk of HIV at the venues.

Awareness, willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis, and use of post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men in Mexico.

Little is known about awareness and willingness to use or purchase HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Mexico. MSM in Mexico were recruited via advertisements on online social venues to participate in Encuesta de Sexo Entre Hombres, an online behavioral survey. Awareness of PrEP, willingness to take PrEP if available for free, willingness to purchase PrEP, awareness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and ever PEP use were assessed in descriptive and multivariate analyses. Overall, 54.8% (4588/8376) of participants were aware of PrEP. Of those aware, 77.6% were willing to use PrEP if free and 52.6% were willing to purchase PrEP, generally at a maximum monthly cost of $500MXP. Both awareness of and willingness to use PrEP if free or for purchase were significantly greater among MSM who were younger, and varied by demographic, recent healthcare use, and behavioral risk factors. Only 8.2% had ever used PEP, which was highly associated with healthcare utilization. About half of Mexican MSM were aware of PrEP. The majority of those aware were willing to use PrEP if available for free and many were willing to purchase PrEP at low cost. Leveraging demographic, recent healthcare use, and behavioral risk characteristics associated with awareness and willingness to use PrEP could be useful in designing future PrEP programs for MSM in Mexico. Expanding healthcare settings in which PEP is available may also support identifying candidates for PrEP and scaling up PrEP implementation.

Acceptability of venue-based HIV testing and prevention interventions for men who have sex with transgender women and transgender women in Lima, Perú: a formative, qualitative study

Background Despite being at elevated risk for HIV, men who have sex with transgender women (MSTW) are an overlooked population in the global HIV response. Venue-based HIV interventions have previously had success reaching other HIV priority populations, including transgender women (TW). Similar approaches could be applied for MSTW. Objective To evaluate the prospective acceptability of venue-based HIV testing and prevention interventions for MSTW and TW in Lima, Peru. Methods In this exploratory qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGD) with three types of participants: MSTW (7 IDIs, 1 FGD), TW (1 FGD), and owners of social venues frequented by MSTW/TW in Lima (2 IDIs). We elicited participants’ attitudes and perceptions related to the following four hypothetical interventions delivered at social venues in Lima: rapid HIV testing; HIV self-test distribution; condom/lubricant distribution; and enrolment in a mobile app supporting HIV prevention. We performed a mixed deductive-inductive thematic analysis using the framework method, then applied the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability to classify the overall acceptability of each intervention. Results Condom/lubricant distribution and app-based HIV prevention information were highly acceptable among all participant types. The two HIV testing interventions had relatively lower acceptability; however, participants suggested this could be overcome if such interventions focused on ensuring discretion, providing access to healthcare professionals, and offering appropriate incentives. Conclusions Overall, MSTW and TW shared similar favourable attitudes towards venue-based HIV interventions. Venue-based outreach warrants further exploration as a strategy for engaging MSTW and TW in HIV prevention activities.

Optimal strategies to improve uptake of and adherence to HIV prevention among young people at risk for HIV acquisition in the USA (ATN 149): a randomised, controlled, factorial trial

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), condom use, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and sexual partner reduction help to prevent HIV acquisition but have low uptake among young people. We aimed to assess the efficacy of automated text messaging and monitoring, online peer support, and strengths-based telehealth coaching to improve uptake of and adherence to PrEP, condom use, and PEP among adolescents aged 12-24 years at risk of HIV acquisition in Los Angeles, CA, USA, and New Orleans, LA, USA. We conducted a four-arm randomised controlled factorial trial, assessing interventions designed to support uptake and adherence of HIV prevention options (ie, PrEP, PEP, condom use, and sexual partner reduction). We recruited young people aged 12-24 years who were at risk of HIV acquisition from 13 community-based organisations, adolescent medicine clinics, and organisations serving people who are unstably housed, people who were previously incarcerated, and other vulnerable young people, and through dating apps, peer referrals, and social venues and events in Los Angeles, CA, USA, and New Orleans, LA, USA. Young people who tested seronegative and reported being gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, transgender men or women, or gender diverse (eg. non-binary or genderqueer) were eligible for inclusion. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four intervention groups in a factorial design: automated text messaging and monitoring (AMMI) only, AMMI plus peer support via private social media, AMMI plus strengths-based telehealth coaching by near-peer paraprofessionals, or AMMI plus peer support and coaching. Assignment was further stratified by race or ethnicity and sexual orientation within each interviewer's group of participants. Participants were masked to intervention assignment until after baseline interviews when offered their randomly assigned intervention, and interviewers were masked throughout the study. Interventions were available throughout the 24-month follow-up period, and participants completed baseline and follow-up assessments, including rapid diagnostic tests for sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and substance use, at 4-month intervals over 24 months. The primary outcomes were uptake and adherence to HIV prevention options over 24 months, measured by self-reported PrEP use and adherence, consistent condom use with all partners, PEP prescription and adherence, and number of sexual partners in participants with at least one follow-up. We used Bayesian generalised linear modelling to assess changes in outcomes over time comparing the four study groups. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03134833) and is completed. We screened 2314 adolescents beginning May 1, 2017, to enrol 1037 participants (45%) aged 16-24 years between May 6, 2017, and Aug 30, 2019, of whom 895 (86%) had follow-up assessments and were included in the analytical sample (313 assigned to AMMI only, 205 assigned to AMMI plus peer support, 196 assigned to AMMI plus coaching, and 181 assigned to AMMI plus peer support and coaching). Follow-up was completed on Nov 8, 2021. Participants were diverse in race and ethnicity (362 [40%] Black or African American, 257 [29%] Latinx or Hispanic, 184 [21%] White, and 53 [6%] Asian or Pacific Islander) and other sociodemographic factors. At baseline, 591 (66%) participants reported anal sex without a condom in the past 12 months. PrEP use matched that in young people nationally, with 101 (11%) participants reporting current PrEP use at baseline, increasing at 4 months to 132 (15%) and continuing to increase in the AMMI plus peer support and coaching group (odds ratio 2·31, 95% CI 1·28-4·14 vs AMMI control). There was no evidence for intervention effect on condom use, PEP use (ie, prescription or adherence), PrEP adherence, or sexual partner numbers. No unanticipated or study-related adverse events occurred. Results are consistent with hypothesised synergistic intervention effects of evidence-based functions of informational, motivational, and reminder messaging; peer support for HIV prevention; and strengths-based, goal-focused, and problem-solving telehealth coaching delivered by near-peer paraprofessionals. These core functions could be flexibly scaled via combinations of technology platforms and front-line or telehealth HIV prevention workers. Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions, US National Institutes of Health.

Heated tobacco products and cigarette marketing in nightclubs in Gdansk, Poland: A mixed-methods analysis.

Although advertising and promotion of tobacco products in Poland are prohibited, tobacco companies exploit legal loopholes and insufficient enforcement of the laws to conduct their marketing. To reach young adults, advertisements are placed in entertainment and social venues. This aspect of tobacco product marketing in Poland remains under-researched. The main aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of advertising and promotion of tobacco products in nightclubs in Gdansk, a large city in northern Poland. We conducted a single-center observational study of nightclubs in Gdansk, between July and October 2022. Two independent observers visited 30 nightclubs and collected information using pre-prepared research form. The occurrences of tobacco branded bar accessories, logo signs, package displays and other forms of advertising and promotion were recorded. Where possible, photographs of visible marketing displays were taken. Advertising of tobacco products was present in 2/3 of the nightclubs observed. The most commonly advertised product category were heated tobacco products. Tobacco brand representatives promoted and offered consumers free tobacco product samples. Multi-level marketing activities were observed, including tobacco branded bar accessories, prominent sale points and tobacco brand logo signs. The majority of nightclubs observed in Gdansk advertise and promote tobacco products. The ban on tobacco advertising and promotion is being violated in nightclubs, where the most commonly advertised products are heated tobacco products. The authorities should take steps to extend the bans to cover private promotion and enforce the law to protect high-risk individuals from smoking initiation and relapse.

The unwritten rules and HIV: a qualitative study of informal institutions and HIV vulnerability among workers at social venues in Uganda.

There is increasing appreciation of the need to understand how social and structural factors shape HIV risk. The unwritten rules, also known as informal institutions or social norms, are increasingly recognized as important determinants of HIV transmission. Unfortunately, these informal institutions, especially among high-risk environments for HIV, such as social venues like bars, lodges, remain poorly understood. This study explored the informal institutions at social venues, and how these institutions influenced vulnerability for HIV for venue workers in Uganda. We conducted a qualitative study in two districts of Kyotera and Rakai in Central Uganda. We purposively selected and interviewed 44 workers including, cleaners, waiters, and waitresses and 22 venue managers at 22 social venues to explore the informal institutions at these establishments and how the institutions shaped HIV vulnerabilities among the workers. 31.8% (14) of the participants were males, and 68.2% (30) females. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. We found that the informal institutions at the venues were both officially and socially created, communicated, and sanctioned. The most common institutions operated through; selective hiring, rigid reporting structures, and informal job contracting procedures. Meager salaries, varying and delayed payments as well as attractive benefits and bonuses from customers were also important forms of informal institutions at the venues. Drinking alcohol, and offering sexual services at the venues were acceptable, although excessive drinking, and committed sexual relationships with customers were disapproved. These informal institutions shaped a risk environment at the venues by creating risk exposure opportunities that influenced workers' engagement into sexual risk behaviors. The risk environment at social venues is shaped by the informal institutions at these venues. Thus, the need for venue-based HIV programs that integrate social norms interventions to better address the contextual determinants of HIV risk behaviors at the venues.

Demand creation and retention strategies for oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men and transgender women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) have a disproportionately higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection than other groups. Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention tool and should be offered to those at higher risk. Identifying demand creation strategies (DCS) and retention strategies (RS) to improve PrEP persistence is essential to control the HIV epidemic.AimWe aimed to identify the (DCS and RS with higher proportions among MSM and TGW.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies were conducted, with studies retrieved from five databases until November, 2022 following the Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022323220). The outcomes were DCS and RS for PrEP use among MSM and TGW. Strategies used for users enrolled in the PrEP-recruited (DCS) were classified as face-to-face (peer educator recruitment at social venues, nongovernmental organizations, and parties; direct referrals by health services; friends and/or sexual partners); online (chatbot or peer educator recruitment on social media [e.g., , Instagram or Facebook] or dating/hook-up apps [e.g., Grindr, Tinder, Badoo, and Scruff]); and mixed (face-to-face and online). RS was classified as provider counseling (face-to-face by a health professional; prevention of HIV risk counseling, distribution of condoms, lubricants, and testing for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections); online counseling (text messages, chatbots, telephone calls, social media, and peer educators); and mixed (all previous strategies). Subgroup analyses were conducted for each treatment strategy. Meta-analyses were performed using the R software version 4.2.1.ResultsA total of 1, 129 studies were retrieved from the five databases. After eligibility, 46 studies were included. For MSM, most DCS and RS were online at 91% (95% CI: 0.85–0.97; I2=53%), and 83% (95% CI: 0.80–0.85; I2=17%) respectively. For TGW, mixed DCS and RS were the most frequent at85% (95% CI: 0.60–1.00; I2=91%) and online counseling at 84% (95% CI: 0.64–0.95) compared to other strategies.ConclusionCritical issues play. Pivotal role in increasing PrEP awareness among MSM and TGW, minimizing access gaps, and ensuring retention of PrEP services. Offering oral PrEP using online DCS and RS can reach and retain high numbers of MSM and TGW, and reduce HIV incidence in these populations.

Geographical, social, and political contexts of tuberculosis control and intervention, as reported by mid-level health managers in Uganda: ‘The activity around town’

Training district-level health officers and other mid-level health system managers revealed multiple contextual factors across political, administrative, and social axes affecting tuberculosis (TB) and TB control in Uganda. Individual relationships between local health, political, and media leaders affect efforts to inform the public and provide services, yet greater administrative coordination between national-level logistics, implementing partner funding, and local needs is required. Social challenges to TB control include high population mobility, local industries, poverty with high-density living and social venues, and misinformation about TB. Capitalizing on implementation knowledge and sharing data can overcome social geographic challenges to TB-prevention planning through strategic healthcare capacity-building at the district level.

New Paradigm of Music Listening: Hearing Protection Perceptions and Treatment Decision-Making Among Music Venue Attendees.

Investigate the prevalence of hearing protection (HP) use and behavioral motivations and barriers among adults attending music venues. Cross-sectional online survey study. Noise exposure levels at popular social music venues often exceed national guidelines. Surveys were distributed on online music communities. Respondents (n = 2352) were asked about demographics, HP use at music venues, knowledge about noise exposure impact, and perceptions of HP use. Data were characterized through descriptive statistics. Multivariable regression analysis explored differences in knowledge and perception between HP users and nonusers. In this cohort (mean age 29 ± 7 years, 61% male), HP users were significantly more aware of the impact of music venues on hearing (P < .01), believed their hearing ability had decreased after attending music venues (P < 0.01), and believed HP could protect from hearing loss (P < .01) than non-HP users. HP nonusers most frequently cited never considering HP (14.45%) and apathy about it affecting music quality (12.71%). Common sources of HP information were recommended by a friend/peer. Multivariable regression analysis accounting for demographics, medical history, and attendance characteristics found belief that HP use at music venues could protect from hearing loss (β = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.49-0.78]) and HP use (β = 1.73, 95% CI = [1.47-1.98]) were significantly associated with increased subjective enjoyment while wearing HP. HP users and nonusers have significantly different perceptions of HP use and its impact. Our findings have implications for understanding motivations and barriers related to HP use and developing strategies to promote HP use at music venues.

The Influence of Social Media, Price, and Venue on Concert Ticket Purchasing Decisions at The Motikdong.Com Website

This study examines whether social media, price, and venue influence the Decision to Purchase Concert Tickets. This research is quantitative. The sample in this study is concert audience customers who have purchased concert tickets on the Motikdong.com website. The population in this study were Motikdong Indonesia Instagram account followers and ticket buyers who had bought directly on the motikdong.com website. The sample in this study was 335 respondents who were determined using the Slovin formula. The results of data analysis using SPSS 23 prove that there is a positive and significant influence both partially and simultaneously between Social media, price, and Venue variables on Purchase Decisions on concert tickets on the motikdong.com website with a contribution (R2) of 77.2% and a value F count, which is 373,982 &gt; F table, which is 2,631, which means that social media, price, and venue variables influence the decision to purchase tickets on the motikdong.com website. Partially, each independent variable significantly influences the dependent variable, where the venue variable has a dominant value compared to other independent variables, with a value of 93.4.

Social venues and HIV vulnerability of young venue workers: a cluster analysis of data from a national-level cross-sectional survey of social venues in Uganda

ObjectiveVenues where people socialize, such as bars, play a significant role in HIV transmission risk. However, little research has been done that identifies characteristics of high-risk venues, to inform HIV...

Blueprints for well-being: Modeling the way through Human-Centered Leadership and Pathway to Excellence.

Blueprints for well-being: Modeling the way through Human-Centered Leadership and Pathway to Excellence.

'Everything turned upside down': A thematic analysis of adolescents' experiences of everyday life during COVID-19 restrictions.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people were encouraged to practice social distancing, and schools and leisure venues closed. We aimed to explore the everyday experiences of Norwegian adolescents during COVID-19 restrictions, when in-person contact with peers was severely limited. A total of 622 high-school students (16-18 years of age) replied to an online survey containing open-ended questions about the changes they experienced in everyday life during the first three months of the pandemic. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in four themes: (a) 'Everyday life turned upside down - everything is on hold'; (b) 'Alone with my thoughts - new concerns'; (c) 'A loss of social life - a fear of wasting important time'; and (d) 'Gratitude - new perspectives in life'. The results are discussed according to mental-health concerns and psychological developmental challenges during adolescence, such as social exploration of roles with peers, autonomy and identity formation during a crisis. The results underline individual variations and positive experiences among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite social restrictions. Still, the lack of in-person contact with friends is related to an increased experience of loneliness and mental-health concerns for many adolescents.

Association of internalised homonegativity with partner notification after diagnosis of syphilis or gonorrhoea among men having sex with men in 49 countries across four continents

BackgroundPartner notification (PN) after a sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis is being promoted as a means to interrupt transmission chains. We investigated whether Internalised Homonegativity (IH) is associated with PN among men having sex with men (MSM).MethodsPN, defined as notifying at least one partner after diagnosis of syphilis and gonorrhoea, was queried in two internet-based self-completion surveys conducted between Oct 2017 and May 2018 in 68 countries in Europe, Latin America, Canada, and the Philippines. IH is defined by a man’s level of agreement or disagreement with negative social beliefs about male homosexuality. Covariates included in a multivariate regression model with a random intercept at country level were age, HIV diagnosis, partnership status, sexual self-efficacy, HIV serostatus communication during last sex with a non-steady partner, place where this partner was met, and PN-related socio-historical background of the country of residence. We grouped countries in three areas: North- and Central-Western European countries plus Canada, former socialist countries, and Latin-American/Mediterranean countries plus the Philippines. In each of the three areas individuals were assigned to 4 subgroups based on IH quartiles and PN rates were determined for each subgroup.ResultsPN rates were calculated for 49 countries (excluding countries with less than 10 diagnoses). Mean proportions of MSM notifying their partners were 68.1% and 72.9% after syphilis and gonorrhoea diagnoses, respectively. PN rates were lower in Latin American countries and the Philippines compared to European countries. Within Europe, a North–South divide with lower PN rates in Mediterranean countries was observed. In each of the three regions we mostly observed a stepwise increase of PN rates with decreasing IH.Regression analysis showed lower IH scores associated with higher PN rates. Higher perceived self-efficacy, living in a partnership, and HIV status communication were positively associated with PN. Men who had met their last partner in a gay social venue were more likely to have notified their partners of a syphilis diagnosis compared to men who had met this partner online. Men with diagnosed HIV were less likely to report PN.ConclusionsWe could demonstrate that IH was associated with PN among MSM across all countries included in our analysis. Reducing cultural homophobia and ensuring inclusive policies may contribute to STI prevention and control.

War stories in social media: Personal experience of Russia-Ukraine war

In light of the current Russia-Ukraine war, traumatic stress in civilian Ukrainians is a critical issue for psychological science to examine. Social media is often viewed as a tribune for authors’ self-expressing and sharing stories on the war’s impact upon their lives. To date, little is known about how the civilians articulate their own war experience in social media and how this media affects the processing of traumatic experience and releasing the traumatic stress. Thus, the goal of the study is to examine how the personal experience of the Russia-Ukraine war 2022 is narrated on Facebook as a popular social media venue. The study uses a corpus of 316 written testimonies collected on Facebook from witnesses of the Russia-Ukraine war and compares it against a reference corpus of 100 literary prosaic texts in Ukrainian. We analyzed both corpora using the Ukrainian version of the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software – LIWC 2015 (Pennebaker et al., 2015). We identified psychological and linguistic categories that characterized the war narratives and distinguished it from the literary reference corpus. For instance, we found the style of Facebook testimonies to be significantly less narrative and more analytic compared to literary writings. Therefore, writers in the social media focus more on cognitive reappraisal of the tragic events, i.e., a strategy known to lead to a reduction of stress and trauma.