@article{Flores2021,

title = {Parents ASSIST: Acceptability and Feasibility of a Video-Based Educational Series for Sexuality-Inclusive Communication between Parents and Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Sons},

author = {Dalmacio D. Flores and Kate Hennessy and Andre Rosario and Jamie Chung and Sarah Wood and Trace Kershaw and Antonia Villarruel and Jose Bauermeister},

doi = {10.3390/ijerph19010379},

issn = {1660-4601},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-00},

journal = {IJERPH},

volume = {19},

number = {1},

publisher = {MDPI AG},

abstract = {Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) between the ages of 13 and 24 are a key population for HIV prevention. The parents of gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) adolescent males and the sex communication they have with their sons has yet to be explored as an HIV prevention intervention. We developed an online video series called Parents ASSIST (Advancing Supportive and Sexuality-Inclusive Sex Talks) to educate parents about sexual health topics pertinent to GBQ males. We pilot tested the series with a sample of 54 parents of GBQ males using a single-group post-test design. Participants viewed the videos and completed a survey measuring the acceptability and feasibility of an online video series to educate parents. Most of the parents (70.4%) believed that the videos would make parents more likely to initiate talking about sex with their sons. The results suggest that online videos are an acceptable way for parents to learn about GBQ sexual health topics.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Wood2022,

title = {Strengthening HIV Prevention Services Through an Implementation Science Approach: Perspectives From the HIV Testers in Philadelphia},

author = {Sarah M. Wood and Steven Meanley and Stephen Bonett and Mary E. Torres and Dovie L. Watson and Javontae L. Williams and Kathleen A. Brady and José A. Bauermeister},

doi = {10.1097/qai.0000000000002969},

issn = {1525-4135},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-00-00},

volume = {90},

number = {S1},

pages = {S90--S97},

publisher = {Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)},

abstract = {

            Background:

            Strengthening HIV prevention services is a key priority of the Ending the HIV Epidemic plan. Informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we examined HIV testers' perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing HIV prevention services, including testers' strengths and weaknesses; enabling factors within the inner and outer settings; and willingness to adopt potential implementation strategies.

          

          

            Methods:

            In 2019, the Penn Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) partnered with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) to examine system-level challenges and opportunities experienced by PDPH-funded HIV testers (individuals conducting HIV testing) in Philadelphia. We recruited HIV testers to complete 2 web surveys (n ≈ 40 each) and in-depth interviews (n = 11).

          

          

            Results:

            Testers self-reported high HIV testing self-efficacy and competence, despite identifying gaps in their knowledge of STI testing, reporting moderate willingness to recommend pre-exposure prophylaxis, and having insufficient cultural competency when working with priority populations. Testers indicated that educational materials and policies within their agencies might require realignment to affirm sexual and gender minority clients. In qualitative interviews, testers noted challenges to implementing PDPH priorities because limited funding fueled competition between local agencies, deterred interagency partnerships, and limited their ability to serve key populations locally.

          

          

            Discussion:

            HIV testers are critical partners in addressing agency-level barriers to HIV prevention service provision through multilevel implementation strategies. In partnership with PDPH, we will create and implement a train-the-trainers program consisting of skill-building activities, technical assistance, and capacity-building for all agency personnel to address missed opportunities in HIV prevention. These activities will reinforce scalability and sustainability of PDPH-supported HIV prevention programs.

          },

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Jones2022,

title = {Explorations of the Role of Digital Technology in HIV-Related Implementation Research: Case Comparisons of Five Ending the HIV Epidemic Supplement Awards},

author = {Jeb Jones and Justin Knox and Steven Meanley and Cui Yang and David W. Lounsbury and Terry T. Huang and Jose Bauermeister and Graciela Gonzalez-Hernandez and Victoria Frye and Christian Grov and Viraj Patel and Stefan D. Baral and Patrick S. Sullivan and Sheree R. Schwartz},

doi = {10.1097/qai.0000000000002983},

issn = {1525-4135},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-00-00},

volume = {90},

number = {S1},

pages = {S226--S234},

publisher = {Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)},

abstract = {

            Introduction:

            The use of digital technology in HIV-related interventions and implementation strategies is increasing. Whether the use of technology is to directly improve patient outcomes (ie, part of the intervention) or as part of the strategy to implement interventions has important implications. In this article, we present 5 case studies of projects that feature the use of technology in HIV-related implementation research to identify and describe challenges specific to technology-based implementation research about study design, outcome measurement, implementing in an evolving technology landscape, and equity.

          

          

            Methods:

            For each case study, we identified the technological components, classified the components as intervention or implementation strategy, and identified implications for measuring performance and ensuring equity. The Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment framework was used to identify the research stage of each project.

          

          

            Results:

            Technology is being leveraged across a diverse array of implementation strategies to promote Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States. The case studies were primarily in the exploration and preparation phases of implementation, yet technology played a different role in each project— developing educational materials, mass media to recruit participants or distribute evidence-based campaigns, providing training, guiding tailoring, and implementing novel methods to democratize intervention development.

          

          

            Discussion:

            Technology can play multiple roles in HIV-related implementation research projects, including serving as the intervention, being leveraged within implementation strategies, or both. We identified multiple considerations across projects that should be taken into account when measuring success and planning for equitable and sustained impact.

          },

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Choi2022b,

title = {Correlates of Engagement Within an Online HIV Prevention Intervention for Single Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: Randomized Controlled Trial},

author = {Seul Ki Choi and Jesse Golinkoff and Mark Michna and Daniel Connochie and José Bauermeister},

doi = {10.2196/33867},

issn = {2369-2960},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-00-00},

journal = {JMIR Public Health Surveill},

volume = {8},

number = {6},

publisher = {JMIR Publications Inc.},

abstract = {

            Background

            Digital HIV interventions (DHI) have been efficacious in reducing sexual risk behaviors among sexual minority populations, yet challenges in promoting and sustaining users’ engagement in DHI persist. Understanding the correlates of DHI engagement and their impact on HIV-related outcomes remains a priority. This study used data from a DHI (myDEx) designed to promote HIV prevention behaviors among single young men who have sex with men (YMSM; ages 18-24 years) seeking partners online.

          

          

            Objective

            The goal of this study is to conduct a secondary analysis of the myDex project data to examine whether YMSM’s online behaviors (eg, online partner-seeking behaviors and motivations) are linked to participants’ engagement (ie, the number of log-ins and the number of sessions viewed).

          

          

            Methods

            We recruited 180 YMSM who were randomized into either myDEx arm or attention-control arm using a stratified 2:1 block randomization. In the myDEx arm, we had 120 YMSM who had access to the 6-session intervention content over a 3-month period. We used Poisson regressions to assess the association between YMSM’s baseline characteristics on their DHI engagement. We then examined the association between the participants’ engagement and their self-reported changes in HIV-related outcomes at the 3-month follow-up.

          

          

            Results

            The mean number of log-ins was 5.44 (range 2-14), and the number of sessions viewed was 6.93 (range 0-22) across the 3-month trial period. In multivariable models, the number of log-ins was positively associated with high education attainment (estimated Poisson regression coefficient [β]=.22; P=.045). The number of sessions viewed was associated with several baseline characteristics, including the greater number of sessions viewed among non-Hispanic YMSM (β=.27; P=.002), higher education attainment (β=.22; P=.003), higher perceived usefulness of online dating for hookups (β=.13; P=.002) and perceived loneliness (β=.06; P=.004), as well as lower experienced online discrimination (β=–.01; P=.007) and limerence (β=–.02; P=.004). The number of sessions viewed was negatively associated with changes in internalized homophobia (β=–.06; P<.001) and with changes in perceived usefulness of online dating for hookups (β=–.20; P<.001). There were no significant associations between the number of log-ins and changes in the participants’ behaviors at the 90-day follow-up.

          

          

            Conclusions

            DHI engagement is linked to participants’ sociodemographic and online behaviors. Given the importance of intervention engagement in the intervention’s effectiveness, DHIs with personalized intervention components that consider the individuals’ differences could increase the overall engagement and efficacy of DHIs.

          

          

            Trial Registration

            ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02842060; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02842060.

          },

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Bauermeister2022,

title = {An Identity-Affirming Web Application to Help Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Cope With Minority Stress: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial},

author = {Jose Bauermeister and Seul Ki Choi and Emma Bruehlman-Senecal and Jesse Golinkoff and Arianna Taboada and Joshua Lavra and Lionel Ramazzini and Fred Dillon and Jana Haritatos},

doi = {10.2196/39094},

issn = {1438-8871},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-00-00},

journal = {J Med Internet Res},

volume = {24},

number = {8},

publisher = {JMIR Publications Inc.},

abstract = {

            Background

            Efficacious mental health interventions for sexual and gender minority youth have had limited reach, given their delivery as time-intensive, in-person sessions. Internet-based interventions may facilitate reach to sexual and gender minority youth; however, there is little research examining their efficacy.

          

          

            Objective

            This study aims to describe the results of a pilot randomized controlled trial of imi, a web application designed to improve mental health by supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority identity affirmation, coping self-efficacy, and coping skill practice.

          

          

            Methods

            Sexual and gender minority youth (N=270) aged 13 to 19 (mean 16.5, SD 1.5) years and living in the United States were recruited through Instagram advertisements. Approximately 78% (210/270) of the sample identified as racial or ethnic minorities. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to the full imi intervention web application (treatment; 135/270, 50%) or a resource page–only version of the imi site (control; 135/270, 50%). The imi application covered four topical areas: gender identity; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority identity; stress and coping; and internalized homophobia and transphobia. Participants explored these areas by engaging with informational resources, exercises, and peer stories at a self-guided pace. Both arms were assessed via web-based surveys at baseline and 4-week follow-up for intervention satisfaction, stress appraisals (ie, challenge, threat, and resource), coping skills (ie, instrumental support, positive reframing, and planning), and mental health symptoms among other outcomes. Main intent-to-treat analyses compared the arms at week 4, controlling for baseline values on each outcome.

          

          

            Results

            Survey retention was 90.4% (244/270) at week 4. Participants in the treatment arm reported greater satisfaction with the intervention than participants in the control arm (t241=–2.98; P=.003). The treatment arm showed significantly greater improvement in challenge appraisals (ie, belief in one’s coping abilities) than the control (Cohen d=0.26; P=.008). There were no differences between the arms for threat (d=0.10; P=.37) or resource (d=0.15; P=.14) appraisals. The treatment arm showed greater increases in coping skills than the control arm (instrumental support: d=0.24, P=.005; positive reframing: d=0.27, P=.02; planning: d=0.26, P=.02). Mental health symptoms improved across both the treatment and control arms; however, there were no differences between arms. Within the treatment arm, higher engagement with imi (≥5 sessions, >10 minutes, or >10 pages) predicted greater improvement in stress appraisals (all P values <.05).

          

          

            Conclusions

            The results provide initial evidence that asynchronous psychosocial interventions delivered via a web application to sexual and gender minority youth can support their ability to cope with minority stress. Further research is needed to examine the long-term effects of the imi application.

          

          

            Trial Registration

            ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05061966; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05061966

          },

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Bonar2020,

title = {Training Young Adult Peers in a Mobile Motivational Interviewing‐Based Mentoring Approach to Upstream HIV Prevention},

author = {Erin E. Bonar and James R. Wolfe and Ryan Drab and Rob Stephenson and Patrick S. Sullivan and Tanaka Chavanduka and Benyam Hailu and Jodie L. Guest and José Bauermeister},

doi = {10.1002/ajcp.12471},

issn = {1573-2770},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-03-00},

journal = {American J of Comm Psychol},

volume = {67},

number = {1-2},

pages = {237--248},

publisher = {Wiley},

abstract = {AbstractMentoring relationships are characterized by a sustained, high quality, and skill‐building relationship between a protégé and mentor (Handbook of Youth Mentoring, Los Angeles, SAGE, 2014). Within prevention science, youth mentoring programs emphasize creating a specific context that benefits a young person. Program‐sponsored relationships between youth and adults allow for creating a mentor–mentee partnership, but do not require the establishment of a strong bond in order to deliver prevention‐focused activities and experiences (Handbook of Youth Mentoring, Los Angeles, SAGE, 2014). Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling style used widely to promote health behavior change and in prevention interventions. As part of an upstream approach to HIV prevention, we combined mentoring and MI by training peer mentors to use MI skills in their interactions as part of a large RCT of a mobile life skills intervention for adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM). Our training model developed for training peer mentors in MI skills resulted in peers reaching and exceeding established MI fidelity thresholds (e.g., mean percentage of complex reflections = 80%, mean reflection to question ratio = 2.2:1). We offer reflections on lessons learned and future directions for those researchers and practitioners who may benefit from adapting this blended approach for mentoring AMSM.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{SextonTopper2021,

title = {Relationship Timelines, Dyadic Interviews, and Visual Representations: Implementation of an Adapted Visual Qualitative Technique},

author = {Patrina Sexton Topper and José A. Bauermeister},

doi = {10.1177/16094069211016708},

issn = {1609-4069},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Qualitative Methods},

volume = {20},

publisher = {SAGE Publications},

abstract = { Increasingly popular in qualitative and mixed-methods research design, visual timelines help organize participants’ life histories with an emphasis on temporality and the context in which important life events and experiences take place. Often, research using timelines focuses on individual participants. Yet, we know that life events, experiences, and decisions that individuals highlight in life history and narrative forms of research are relational in nature. Dyadic interviews allow for participant interaction, exploration of relationality, and the potential for increased breadth and depth in data collection. Recently, LGBTQ+ researchers have begun to evaluate dyadic approaches to timeline research. This paper describes a dyadic approach to timeline development designed to be combined with dyadic narrative interviews. We explain the data elicitation process, utility and value derived from the approach, and detail the development of post hoc linear, graphic timelines. This complementary approach leverages the strengths of dyadic narrative interviews and visual qualitative data synthesis and analysis to explore shared lives in context, highlighting their value as applied in research focused on a sample of sexual minority female couples (a community in which particular types of health disparities have been documented) from across the United States engaged in a series of clinically intensive shared decisions. },

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}