Equality in sexual health promotion: a systematic review of effective interventions for black and minority ethnic men who have sex with men

Lopes

Jamal³

et al. 2019

Sex. Health

Self Cite

Background Black and minority ethnic (BME) men who have sex with men (MSM) face a major burden in relation to HIV infection. Using a cross-sectional correlational survey design, the present study explored the relationships between HIV knowledge and reported sexual health and sexual behaviour in this population. Methods: A convenience sample of 538 BME MSM was recruited in London, Leicester and Leeds: 346 (64%) self-identified as South Asian, 88 (16%) self-identified as Latin American, 76 (14%) self-identified as Black, 13 (2%) self-identified as mixed, and 15 (3%) self-identified as other. Results: HIV knowledge was low across the board, and South Asian MSM manifested the lowest scores. Respondents who perceived their HIV risk to be low possessed the least HIV knowledge. There were interethnic differences in the frequency of gay sauna visits, sex-seeking on mobile applications, drug use and attendance at sex parties. Respondents reported a high frequency of racism and discrimination, with Black MSM reporting highest frequency. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to raise awareness of HIV in BME MSM, and a culturally competent approach to HIV awareness-raising in BME MSM is required. These findings shed light on the contexts in which HIV prevention efforts should be targeted to reach specific ethnic groups, as well as some of the potential syndemics that can increase HIV risk or undermine HIV outcomes in BME MSM patients.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

HIV knowledge, sexual health and sexual behaviour among Black and minority ethnic men who have sex with men in the UK: a cross-sectional study

Lopes

Jamal³

et al. 2019

Sex. Health

Self Cite

“…Most HIV and sexual health promotion interventions focus primarily on components of sexual health knowledge and behavior (e.g., condom use, PrEP awareness and uptake, HIV testing, etc. ), with less acknowledgment of social psychological constructs, such as identity, authenticity, and social connectedness (Fish et al, 2016). This is important for increasing the acceptability of sexual health promotion in the sauna.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Yet, effective interventions should be informed by social psychological research that captures the views, perceptions, and behaviors of the target population in the target context, that is, the diverse identities of the people whom we wish to target (Fish, Papaloukas, Jaspal, & Williamson, 2016). This demonstrates the need for a social psychological approach to sexual health promotion, focusing on identity.…”

Section: Hiv Risk and Prevention In The Gay Saunamentioning

confidence: 99%

Identity, Connectedness, and Sexual Health in the Gay Sauna

Papaloukas

2020

Sex Res Soc Policy

Self Cite

Introduction This study focuses on the meanings and experiences that men living in Leicester, UK attribute to the gay sauna, the role of the gay sauna in their sense of identity, and how they construe their sexual behavior in this context. Methods In 2015, twenty male sauna users participated in a qualitative interview study. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The analysis yielded four themes: (1) identity authenticity in the gay sauna; (2) social connectedness among sauna users; (3) sexual risk and sexual health in the sauna; and (4) protecting the identity functions of the gay sauna. The themes show that engagement with the gay sauna can enhance feelings of identity authenticity and belongingness, and that individuals seek to protect these identity functions of the gay sauna despite recognizing the gay sauna as a "high-risk" environment. To protect identity, the notion of sexual risk is distanced from their own identities. Discussion Sauna users may experience better psychological health as a result of frequenting the saunait may promote identity authenticity and belongingness, and alleviate isolation, loneliness, and depression. The promotion of sexual health information and services in gay saunas may enable us to access individuals who might not ordinarily engage with sexual health services. Social Policy Implications There must be closer collaboration between sexual health services, sexual health outreach, and gay saunas in the area of sexual health, and identity concerns must be incorporated into the design of interventions.

“…As universities become increasingly diverse, there is a need for them to be cognizant of growing diversity in both pedagogy and pastoral support (Jaspal, 2015). A culturally competent approach to sexual health education is necessary given that this will increase the likelihood of engagement with, and acceptability of, a sexual health education program among students from diverse backgrounds (Fish, Papaloukas, Jaspal, & Williamson, 2016).…”

Section: Toward a University Sexual Health Education Programmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual Health Perceptions Among First-Year Students at a British University

American Journal of Sexuality Education

2019

Self Cite

First-year undergraduate students in the United Kingdom undergo significant change in their lives as they embark upon their university experience. They may be exposed to various social and psychological factors that increase their risk of poor sexual health. Indeed, epidemiological data suggest that young people (including students) face sexual health inequalities compared to the general population. People's perceptions are key to understanding their behavior. This study explores the sexual health perceptions of a group of first-year students at a British university. Sixteen heterosexual students were interviewed, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis revealed three content categories: (1) sexual freedom and exploration at university, (2) university environmental sexual risk factors, and (3) stigma as a barrier to sexual health. These risk factors can undermine sexual health outcomes in students in the long term and should, therefore, be considered in sexual health education programs for university students in the United Kingdom. It is argued that the incorporation of social and psychological factors into such programs will lead to more effective sexual health promotion in this high-risk population.