Implementing a Community-Based LGBTQ+ and Sexual Health Program in Providence, Rhode Island.

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities experience significant health disparities related to sexual health, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Improved access to culturally congruent primary care and sexual health services, including HIV/STI prevention and care, are needed. We describe how we developed a new community-based LGBTQ+ primary care clinic and implemented safety-net sexual health and STI screening and care services in Providence, Rhode Island.

Perspectives on a peer-driven intervention to promote pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among men who have sex with men in southern New England: a qualitative study.

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective pharmaceutical intervention that prevents HIV infection, but PrEP uptake across the US has been slow among men who have sex with men (MSM), especially among Black/African American (B/AA) and Hispanic /Latino (H/L) MSM. This study investigates the acceptability and essential components of a peer-driven intervention (PDI) for promoting PrEP uptake among MSM, with a specific focus on B/AA and H/L communities.

Methods: We conducted 28 semi-structured, qualitative interviews with MSM in southern New England to explore the components of a PDI, including attitudes, content, and effective communication methods.

Sexual Minority Women Report Higher Weight Stigma Levels Than Heterosexual Women in the National Weight Control Registry.

Background: Little is known about weight stigma in sexual minority women, and even less is known about weight stigma in those who have attained substantial weight loss and maintenance.

Purpose: This study examined weight stigma experiences and internalization in sexual minority women from the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) who had lost ≥30 pounds and maintained this weight loss for ≥1 year, and compared weight stigma levels between sexual minority women versus heterosexual women in the NWCR.

Methods: NWCR participants completed an electronic survey.

Long-Term HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Persistence and Reinitiation in Connecticut from 2012 to 2018.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective biomedical prevention for HIV infections. PrEP persistence is critical to achieving optimal protection against HIV infection. However, little is known about PrEP persistence in the United States.

Early adopters of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections in a real-world clinical setting.

Objectives: Doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) is a novel prevention approach which has demonstrated efficacy in preventing bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) including people who are living with HIV and those on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We evaluated patient knowledge and interest in DoxyPEP, as well as early adopters of its use.

Methods: In 2023, patients presenting for HIV and STI services at a primary care and sexual health clinic were asked about DoxyPEP knowledge, interest and use.

Perspectives of a peer-driven approach to improve pre-exposure prophylaxis and HIV prevention among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men.

Background: Black/African American (B/AA) and Hispanic/Latino (H/L) men who have sex with men (MSM) are significantly less likely than white MSM to initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). A peer-driven intervention (PDI) may be an effective approach to addressing this disparity. In this study, we explored community member perspectives of a PDI to promote PrEP uptake among B/AA and H/L MSM.