How community connection, homophobia, and racism shape gene expression in sexual minority men with and without HIV.

Objective: Although sexual minority men experience substantial discrimination, in addition to increased risk for several serious mental and somatic health problems, the biological mechanisms underlying these effects are unclear. To address this issue, we examined how experiences of social safety (i.e.

Intimate partner violence types are differentially associated with substance use among young, urban, sexual minority men of color.

Sexual minority men of color report intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use at elevated rates compared to heterosexual peers, but little is known about how types (physical/sexual, controlling, monitoring, emotional) of perpetration and victimization are connected to types of substance use. Associations between past-6-month IPV experiences and substance use (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, poppers, cocaine) were examined among sexual minority men (N = 414; 18-27 years). IPV victimization and perpetration were reported by 22% and 14% of the sample.

Strategies to promote language inclusion at 17 CTSA hubs.

The prioritization of English language in clinical research is a barrier to translational science. We explored promising practices to advance the inclusion of people who speak languages other than English in research conducted within and supported by NIH Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs. Key informant interviews were conducted with representatives ( = 24) from CTSA hubs ( = 17).

Uncertainty and the NICU Experience: A Qualitative Evaluation of Family and Provider Perspectives.

There is limited information regarding caregiver and provider perspectives on uncertainty across the continuum of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience. Open-ended semi-structured interviews were conducted with providers and English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers of infants with a history of admission to a quaternary safety-net NICU. Major themes were generated using inductive-deductive thematic analysis.

Research Ambassador Program: An innovative educational approach to addressing underrepresentation of minority populations in clinical research.

Clinical trial participation among historically underrepresented populations remains low in large part due to mistrust of academic institutions and research investigators. Mistrust may be ever greater today given misinformation related to COVID-19. The Research Ambassador Program is an interactive educational workshop delivered by /Community Health Workers and designed to both address common myths, fears, and concerns about research and encourage research participation among underrepresented populations.

Health and service utilization among a sample of gender-diverse youth of color: the TRUTH study.

Background: While there is growing research considering the experiences of transgender youth whose identities align with the gender binary, especially among young trans women, there are significantly fewer studies that accurately capture data about nonbinary youth, and even fewer studies capturing the experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth of color. The purpose of this research was to assess the prevalence of sexual health behaviors, mental health challenges, substance use, and healthcare utilization among Black/African American, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, indigenous and multi-racial/ethnic TGD youth, who have been largely underrepresented in research.

Methods: A total of 108 TGD youth ages 16-24 were recruited into the Trans Youth of Color Study (TRUTH).

Greater lifetime stressor exposure is associated with poorer mental health among sexual minority people of color.

Background: Research has shown that sexual minority people of color experience pervasive and sometimes severe life stressors that increase their risk of experiencing mental health problems, and that can contribute to lifelong health disparities. However, no studies in this population have investigated stressor exposure occurring over the entire lifespan. Moreover, it remains unknown whether these stressor-health effects differ based on the timing or types of stressors experienced.

Can a linking crosswalk table be applied to a different population? An independent validation study for a crosswalk between BSI depression and PROMIS depression scales.

A linking procedure establishes a "bridge" between the scores from different patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments that measure similar constructs. After developing a linking relationship however, it is critical to evaluate whether this relationship can be generalized to different groups. Our study aims to validate a published crosswalk for score conversion between the Brief Symptom Inventory Depression subscale and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Depression 8a using an independent sample.

The Role of Anti-Racist Community-Partnered Praxis in Implementing Restorative Circles Within Marginalized Communities in Southern California During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the adverse influence of structural racism and discrimination experienced by historically marginalized communities (e.g., Black, Latino/a/x, Indigenous, and transgender people).

A Trans Youth of Color Study to Measure Health and Wellness: Protocol for a Longitudinal Observation Study.

Background: Growing research on transgender youth is accounting for the variety of ways in which young people define their genders and sexualities. Because of this growing representation, more research is needed to understand how intersectional identities and stigma affect risk for HIV acquisition along the HIV care continuum and engagement in mental and physical health care. Little is known about accessibility to HIV-related prevention services of nonbinary and transmasculine youth, and further understanding of the impacts on transfeminine people-those who have historically faced the highest prevalence of HIV positivity-is crucial.

Intersectional stigma subgroup differences in unhealthy drinking and disordered marijuana use among Black and Latino cisgender sexual minority young men.

Background: We investigated associations of intersectional stigma subgroups with alcohol and marijuana use among Black and Latino sexual minority young men. Subgroups included Minimal Stigma (low to no stigma), Select Social Stigma (occasional stigma in social relationships), Multiform Heterosexism (internalized and interpersonal heterosexism from family/friends), Multiform Racism (racism across diverse contexts), Compound Stigma (frequent, ubiquitous racism and heterosexism).

Methods: Cohort of Black and Latino cisgender sexual minority young men (n = 414; baseline ages 16-25) surveyed semiannually 2016-2019.

Combining the HYM (Healthy Young Men's) Cohort Study and the TRUTH (A Trans Youth of Color Study): Protocol for an Expanded Mixed Methods Study Renewal.

Background: As we enter the fifth decade of the AIDS epidemic, health researchers and AIDS activists reflect both on the progress that has been made and the importance of continued prevention efforts for those most at risk. As HIV infection rates continue to fluctuate across communities, a trend has emerged with new HIV infections becoming increasingly concentrated-with cascading effects-among people aged <30 years, from marginalized racial and ethnic groups, and who are sexual or gender minorities.

Objective: In this paper, we discuss the renewal of the Healthy Young Men's (HYM) Cohort Study and the addition of a subcohort-TRUTH: A Transgender Youth of Color Study.

Gut dysbiosis and inflammatory blood markers precede HIV with limited changes after early seroconversion.

Background: Alterations in the gut microbiome have been associated with HIV infection, but the relative impact of HIV versus other factors on the gut microbiome has been difficult to determine in cross-sectional studies.

Methods: To address this, we examined the gut microbiome, serum metabolome, and cytokines longitudinally within 27 individuals before and during acute HIV using samples collected from several ongoing cohort studies. Matched control participants (n=28) from the same cohort studies without HIV but at similar behavioral risk were used for comparison.

Development of an HIV Prevention Intervention for African American Young Men Who Have Sex With Men (Y2Prevent): Study Protocol.

Background: African American young men who have sex with men (YMSM) possess many intersecting identities that may increase their vulnerability to social stigmatization and discrimination, which yields a negative influence on their well-being and behaviors. These experiences often manifest as increased general and sexual risk-taking behaviors that place this particular group at an increased risk for HIV. This scenario is exacerbated by the lack of HIV prevention interventions specifically designed for African American YMSM.

Day-to-day impact of COVID-19 and other factors associated with risk of nonfatal overdose among people who use unregulated drugs in five cities in the United States and Canada.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the longstanding drug poisoning crisis in Canada and the United States (US). Research is needed to understand the contributions of COVID-19 and subsequent infection control measures. We sought to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with nonfatal overdose among participants in nine prospective cohorts of people who use unregulated drugs (PWUD) in Canada and the US.

Use of COVID-19 testing in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic among cohorts of people at the intersection of drug use and HIV.

People living with (PLWH) and at risk for HIV and people who use drugs (PWUD) are at heightened risk for health consequences of COVID-19 because of compromised immunity and high comorbidities. We studied their use of COVID-19 testing during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight NIDA funded cohorts across North America in the Collaborating Consortium of Cohorts Producing NIDA Opportunities (C3PNO) administered multiple waves of a COVID-19 survey.

Factors associated with self-reported avoidance of harm reduction services during the COVID-19 pandemic by people who use drugs in five cities in the United States and Canada.

Background: This study examines individual-level factors associated with avoiding two important health services for people who use drugs-medications for treatment of opioid use disorder and syringe service programs-during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Data come from two subsamples of people who use drugs who were active participants in one of nine cohort studies in Vancouver, British Columbia; Baltimore, Maryland; Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; and Miami, Florida. Participants were interviewed remotely about COVID-19-associated disruptions to healthcare.

What affects timely linkage to HIV Care for Young Men of Color who have sex with Men? Young Men's Experiences Accessing HIV Care after Seroconverting.

The HIV care continuum provides intervention points that should be addressed to optimally identify, engage, and retain populations in HIV care. This study addressed the lack of research into barriers and facilitators of linkage to care for HIV-positive young men who have sex with men (YMSM) of color. Data were collected using a qualitative timeline follow-back interview approach with YMSM who had seroconverted in the last 6 months.

Employment as HIV Prevention: An Employment Support Intervention for Adolescent Men Who Have Sex With Men and Adolescent Transgender Women of Color.

Background: The purpose of this study was to adapt and pilot-test an employment support, primary HIV intervention tailored to the needs of adolescent men who have sex with men and adolescent transgender women of color.

Setting: The intervention was implemented in 2 settings: controlled environment (Phase 1) and real-world community-based (Phase 2) setting in Chicago, IL.

Methods: Eighty-seven adolescent men who have sex with men and adolescent transgender women of color ages 16-24 participated in Work2Prevent , a 4-session employment and HIV prevention intervention, designed to increase job-readiness and reduce HIV risk.

Longitudinal trajectories of prescription opioid misuse in adolescents.

Background: Adolescent misuse of prescription opioids is hazardous. This study aimed to generate data on prescription opioid misuse trajectories across adolescence and identify risk factors and mechanisms for more dangerous use trajectories.

Methods: Using a prospective longitudinal cohort repeated measures design, baseline (Fall 2013) and seven semiannual assessments were administered through Spring 2017 in 10 public high schools in Los Angeles, CA.