This study has demonstrated the importance of social media in supporting informal peer-peer learning and support, augmenting online and offline relationships, and building professional identity as a nurse.
Literature suggests that sexual minority young people ('SMYP') use alcohol at disproportionate levels when compared with their heterosexual counterparts. Little is known about alcohol dependency symptoms, and correlations between high-risk alcohol use/dependency symptoms and minority stress in this population in general and between subgroups.
Study DesignCross-sectional study
MethodsDescriptive statistics, adjusted Odds Ratios, and Analysis of Covariance were used to determine high-risk alcohol use, dependency symptoms, differences between subgroups, and correlations between alcohol use, dependency symptoms, and minority stress.
ResultsA total of 1,556 Australian SMYPs aged 18 to 35 completed the survey. Fifty percent of the participants reported high-risk alcohol consumption with significant differences between subgroups. Typical dependency symptoms such as 'health, social, legal or financial problems due to alcohol consumption' (16.8%, n=247) were identified in large parts of the sample.High-risk consumption and dependency symptoms were significantly correlated with minority stress.
ConclusionHigh levels of high-risk alcohol use and dependency symptoms were found, largely consistent with existing literature. However, disparities are not distributed equally in this population, suggesting that future health promotion interventions should focus on SMYP subgroups. Significant correlations between minority stress and dependency symptoms/highrisk use suggest a potential route for future interventions in these populations.
Background
Sexual Minority Young People (SMYP) use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs at disproportionate levels when compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Limited research has been conducted on dependency symptoms in this population as well as correlations between risky use of alcohol and minority stress including potential differences between identity subgroups.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 1,556 SMYPs (mean age: 22.6 years) from Australia. Variables include demographics, alcohol use, dependency symptoms and different dimensions of minority stress. Descriptive and correlational analyses, and binary logistic regressions were conducted.
Results
Most participants surveyed identified as gay or lesbian (59%) and as men (55%). Regular binge drinking (43%), as well as general high-risk alcohol use (52%), was prevalent in the sample. Dependency symptoms were also common in the sample including health, social, legal or financial problems as a result of alcohol consumption (17%). Meaningful differences in consumption and symptoms between subgroups were identified. Minority stress, including negative family reactions and homophobic harassment were significantly correlated with higher alcohol use and dependency symptoms.
Conclusions
High-risk alcohol consumption including binge drinking as well as dependency symptoms are highly prevalent in Australian SMYP but are not distributed equally across subgroups. Public health initiatives should consider targeting SMYP subgroups and concentrate on the role of alcohol as a potential maladaptive coping mechanism for minority stress.
Key messages
Risky alcohol consumption and dependency symptoms common in sexual minority young people but not equally distributed in subgroups. Minority stress likely to be linked to risky alcohol consumption and dependency symptoms.
Background
International sexual minority students, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM), experience disparities in health, including a significantly higher prevalence of HIV and other STIs and lower levels of sexual health services use. Limited research has been conducted in this population around sexual health knowledge, behaviour and services use.
Methods
A multi-language cross-sectional online survey was completed by 168 international MSM tertiary students (median age: 25 years) in New South Wales (Australia). Variables included demographics, sexual identity and behaviour, sexual health knowledge and behaviour including PrEP use as well as sexual health services use. Descriptive and correlational analyses, and binary logistic regressions were conducted.
Results
Sexual health knowledge including routes of HIV transmission was overall high in the sample, while 20% had limited knowledge regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and 28% regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Less than half (44%) reported inconsistent condom use. PrEP use was low in the sample (14%) and not correlated with condom use. Sexual health behaviours and dimensions LGBT Community connectedness were significantly correlated with the use of different sexual health services.
Conclusions
This first comprehensive study among international MSM tertiary students in Australia demonstrates a high level of inconsistent condom use and low levels of PrEP use as well as strong correlations between sexual health behaviour and HIV/STI testing, and connectedness with other sexual minority men. International MSM students do not feel included in the local LGBT Community but demonstrate a strong desire to be involved. Those included were more likely to use vital sexual health services.
Key messages
International MSM students are an emerging priority population for sexual health research and practice. Future health promotion campaigns should consider incorporating strong community building and connectedness elements.
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