Keosha Bond - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Keosha Bond

Research paper thumbnail of Parents ASSIST (Advancing Supportive and Sexuality-Inclusive Sex Talks): Iterative Development of a Sex Communication Video Series for Parents of Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Male Adolescents

Journal of Family Nursing, Jan 31, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Applying a Nursing Perspective to Address the Challenges Experienced by Cisgender Women in the HIV Status Neutral Care Continuum: A Review of the Literature

Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, May 1, 2021

Abstract The field of HIV research has grown over the past 40 years, but there remains an urgent ... more Abstract The field of HIV research has grown over the past 40 years, but there remains an urgent need to address challenges that cisgender women living in the United States experience in the HIV neutral status care continuum, particularly among women such as Black women, who continue to be disproportionately burdened by HIV due to multiple levels of systemic oppression. We used a social ecological framework to provide a detailed review of the risk factors that drive the women's HIV epidemic. By presenting examples of effective approaches, best clinical practices, and identifying existing research gaps in three major categories (behavioral, biomedical, and structural), we provide an overview of the current state of research on HIV prevention among women. To illustrate a nursing viewpoint and take into account the diverse life experiences of women, we provide guidance to strengthen current HIV prevention programs. Future research should examine combined approaches for HIV prevention, and policies should be tailored to ensure that women receive effective services that are evidence-based and which they perceive as important to their lives.

Research paper thumbnail of Topics for Inclusive Parent-Child Sex Communication by Gay, Bisexual, Queer Youth

Behavioral Medicine, Feb 6, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of “Whenever You’re Ready to Talk about It”: Prompts and Barriers to Inclusive Family Sex Communication with Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Sons

American Journal of Sexuality Education, Nov 14, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of “Whenever You’re Ready to Talk about It”: Prompts and Barriers to Inclusive Family Sex Communication with Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Sons

American Journal of Sexuality Education

Research paper thumbnail of sj-pdf-1-qhr-10.1177_10497323211050051 – Supplemental Material for "Making a Way Out of No Way:" Understanding the Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Experiences of Transmasculine Young Adults of Color in the United States

Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-qhr-10.1177_10497323211050051 for "Making a Way Out of No Wa... more Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-qhr-10.1177_10497323211050051 for "Making a Way Out of No Way:" Understanding the Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Experiences of Transmasculine Young Adults of Color in the United States by Madina Agénor, Dougie Zubizarreta, Sophia Geffen, Natasha Ramanayake, Shane Giraldo, Allison McGuirk, Mateo Caballero and Keosha Bond in Qualitative Health Research

Research paper thumbnail of Applying a Nursing Perspective to Address the Challenges Experienced by Cisgender Women in the HIV Status Neutral Care Continuum: A Review of the Literature

Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 2021

Abstract The field of HIV research has grown over the past 40 years, but there remains an urgent ... more Abstract The field of HIV research has grown over the past 40 years, but there remains an urgent need to address challenges that cisgender women living in the United States experience in the HIV neutral status care continuum, particularly among women such as Black women, who continue to be disproportionately burdened by HIV due to multiple levels of systemic oppression. We used a social ecological framework to provide a detailed review of the risk factors that drive the women's HIV epidemic. By presenting examples of effective approaches, best clinical practices, and identifying existing research gaps in three major categories (behavioral, biomedical, and structural), we provide an overview of the current state of research on HIV prevention among women. To illustrate a nursing viewpoint and take into account the diverse life experiences of women, we provide guidance to strengthen current HIV prevention programs. Future research should examine combined approaches for HIV prevention, and policies should be tailored to ensure that women receive effective services that are evidence-based and which they perceive as important to their lives.

Research paper thumbnail of Parents ASSIST (Advancing Supportive and Sexuality-Inclusive Sex Talks): Iterative Development of a Sex Communication Video Series for Parents of Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Male Adolescents

Journal of Family Nursing, 2020

Effective parent–child sex communication enhances heterosexual youths’ efficacy to engage in heal... more Effective parent–child sex communication enhances heterosexual youths’ efficacy to engage in health promotive behaviors, yet there is scarce research on parent–child sex communication with gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) sons during adolescence. Our aim is to describe the development of Parents ASSIST, a web-based series of animated videos for parents of GBQ adolescent males focused on (a) parental education about sexual health topics pertinent to this population’s same-sex concerns, (b) modeling of communication skills for parents to broach and sustain inclusive discussions at home, and (c) norming the role of providers as reliable sources of support when parents seek GBQ-related health information. Community-based advisory boards, comprised of parents and health care providers, respectively, informed the intervention development. Based on study notes and the research team’s reflections, we present lessons learned that focus on content-based and logistical challenges that arose duri...

Research paper thumbnail of Topics for Inclusive Parent-Child Sex Communication by Gay, Bisexual, Queer Youth

Behavioral Medicine, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Perceived Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among Sexually Active Black Women: An Exploratory Study

Journal of black sexuality and relationships, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual Orientation Identity Disparities in Mammography Among White, Black, and Latina U.S. Women

LGBT health, Sep 1, 2020

Purpose: Our goal was to examine sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography in relati... more Purpose: Our goal was to examine sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography in relationship to race/ethnicity among U.S. women. Methods: Using nationally representative 2013-2017 National Health Interview Survey data, we used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the odds of receiving a mammogram in the past year in relationship to sexual orientation identity among White, Black, and Latina U.S. women 40-75 years of age (N = 45,031) separately, adjusting for demographic factors. We also assessed whether socioeconomic and health care factors attenuated sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography across racial/ethnic groups. Results: Among White women, bisexual women had significantly lower adjusted odds of mammography compared to heterosexual women (odds ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.50-0.99). Among Black women, the adjusted odds of mammography were significantly higher among bisexual women relative to heterosexual women (2.53, 1.08-5.92). Black lesbian women appeared to have lower adjusted odds of mammography compared to their heterosexual counterparts; however, this difference was not statistically significant (0.80, 0.46-1.38). Similarly, among Latina women, lesbian women also seemed to have lower adjusted odds of mammography relative to heterosexual women, but this disparity was also not statistically significant (0.64, 0.37-1.13). Adding socioeconomic factors completely attenuated the disparity between White bisexual and heterosexual women (0.76, 0.52-1.10). Conclusions: Sexual orientation identity disparities in receiving a mammogram in the past year differed in relationship to race/ethnicity among White, Black, and Latina U.S. women. Additional research with larger samples of Black and Latina lesbian and bisexual women is needed to more accurately estimate and explain observed differences.

Research paper thumbnail of Dimensions of Sexual Health Conversations among U.S. Black Heterosexual Couples

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Sexual health communication is an important feature of healthy intimate relationships; however, s... more Sexual health communication is an important feature of healthy intimate relationships; however, some couples may avoid discussing difficult matters (e.g., HIV/STI testing, sexual satisfaction) to minimize interpersonal conflict. From October 2018 to May 2019 in New York State, we conducted a multi-method descriptive pilot study to characterize Black heterosexual couples’ (N = 28) sexual health conversations. Partners individually completed an online sexual health/relationship survey before engaging in-person for a joint dyadic qualitative in-depth interview. Quantitative descriptive statistics demonstrated that most absolute score differences among couple’s preferences for sexual health outcomes, communal coping and sexual relationship power were mainly small, but greatest regarding extra-dyadic sexual behaviors. A qualitative descriptive approach discerned, motivation and norms for sexual health conversations, and communication patterns. Thematic and content analysis revealed two c...

Research paper thumbnail of Perspectives on a Couples-Based, e-Health HIV Prevention Toolkit Intervention: A Qualitative Dyadic Study with Black, Heterosexual Couples in New York State

Archives of Sexual Behavior

Research paper thumbnail of Using an Intersectional Framework to Understand the Challenges of Adopting Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Young Adult Black Women

Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 2021

Introduction There is limited functional knowledge and utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (P... more Introduction There is limited functional knowledge and utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young adult Black cisgender women (YBW). Methods We conducted four focus groups with YBW using an intersectional framework to explore multiple levels of factors that impede YBW awareness, interest, and utilization of PrEP in conjunction with their sexual and reproductive healthcare needs. Results Influences at the cultural-environmental level included a lack of information and resources to access to PrEP and medical mistrust in the healthcare system. At the social normative level, influences included attitudes towards the long-term effects on sexual and reproductive health and self-efficacy to follow the PrEP regimen. At the proximal intrapersonal level, influences included anticipated HIV stigma from family and peers along with the fear of rejection from their main partners. Conclusions Translation of these results indicated that interventions to increase PrEP utilization and adherence among YBW will require multi-level strategies to address barriers to integrating HIV prevention into sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Research paper thumbnail of Race-Based Sexual Stereotypes, Gendered Racism, and Sexual Decision Making Among Young Black Cisgender Women

Health Education & Behavior, 2021

Background. Due to their intersecting racial identity and gender identity, Black women are charac... more Background. Due to their intersecting racial identity and gender identity, Black women are characterized by stigmatizing race-based sexual stereotypes (RBSS) that may contribute to persistent, disproportionately high rates of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes. RBSS are sociocognitive structures that shape Black women’s social behavior including their sexual scripts. Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of RBSS on the sexual decision making of young Black women (YBW). Methods. We conducted four focus groups with 26 YBW between the ages of 18 and 25, living in a New York City neighborhood with a high HIV prevalence. Qualitative analysis was used to identify emergent themes within the domains of sexual decision making as it relates to safer sex practices and partner selection. Results. Thematic analyses revealed that RBSS may cause women to adopt more traditional gender stereotypes and less likely to feel empowered in the sexual decision makin...

Research paper thumbnail of Just4Us: Development of a Counselor-Navigator and Text Message Intervention to Promote PrEP Uptake Among Cisgender Women at Elevated Risk for HIV

Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 2021

In the United States, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among eligible cisgender women has b... more In the United States, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among eligible cisgender women has been slow, despite the availability of oral PrEP since 2012. Although women make up nearly 20% of those living with HIV, there are currently few PrEP uptake interventions for cisgender women at elevated risk for acquiring HIV. Here we describe the process used to design and pre-pilot test Just4Us, a theory-based behavioral intervention to promote PrEP initiation and adherence among PrEP-eligible cisgender women. This work was part of a multiphase study conducted in New York City and Philadelphia, two locations with HIV rates higher than the national average. The counselor-navigator component of the intervention was designed to be delivered in a 60- to 90-min in-person session in the community, followed by several phone calls to support linkage to care. An automated text messaging program was also designed for adherence support. Just4Us addressed personal and structural barriers to PrEP up...

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual Orientation Identity Disparities in Mammography Among White, Black, and Latina U.S. Women

LGBT Health, 2020

Purpose: Our goal was to examine sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography in relati... more Purpose: Our goal was to examine sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography in relationship to race/ethnicity among U.S. women. Methods: Using nationally representative 2013-2017 National Health Interview Survey data, we used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the odds of receiving a mammogram in the past year in relationship to sexual orientation identity among White, Black, and Latina U.S. women 40-75 years of age (N = 45,031) separately, adjusting for demographic factors. We also assessed whether socioeconomic and health care factors attenuated sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography across racial/ethnic groups. Results: Among White women, bisexual women had significantly lower adjusted odds of mammography compared to heterosexual women (odds ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.50-0.99). Among Black women, the adjusted odds of mammography were significantly higher among bisexual women relative to heterosexual women (2.53, 1.08-5.92). Black lesbian women appeared to have lower adjusted odds of mammography compared to their heterosexual counterparts; however, this difference was not statistically significant (0.80, 0.46-1.38). Similarly, among Latina women, lesbian women also seemed to have lower adjusted odds of mammography relative to heterosexual women, but this disparity was also not statistically significant (0.64, 0.37-1.13). Adding socioeconomic factors completely attenuated the disparity between White bisexual and heterosexual women (0.76, 0.52-1.10). Conclusions: Sexual orientation identity disparities in receiving a mammogram in the past year differed in relationship to race/ethnicity among White, Black, and Latina U.S. women. Additional research with larger samples of Black and Latina lesbian and bisexual women is needed to more accurately estimate and explain observed differences.

Research paper thumbnail of HIV-Related Communication and Safe Sex Practices among Heterosexual Black Men: A Qualitative Report

Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships, 2018

HIV prevention efforts have given limited attention to the influence of social norms on the proce... more HIV prevention efforts have given limited attention to the influence of social norms on the process of communicating about safer sex practices among heterosexual Black men. To address this and inform the development of an HIV prevention behavioral intervention for heterosexual African American men, we conducted computerized, structured interviews with 61 men living in high HIV prevalence neighborhoods in New York City to participate in either one of the five focus group interviews and/or an in-depth qualitative interview. Participants had a mean age of 33 years, 25% held less than a high school education, 66% earned an annual income of $10,000 or less, and 86% had a history of incarceration Qualitative analysis was used to identify emergent themes within the domains of condom use communication, HIV status disclosure with sexual partners, and general

Research paper thumbnail of “Straight Talk” for African-American heterosexual men: Results of a single-arm behavioral intervention trial

AIDS Care, 2012

In the United States, heterosexual transmission is the second leading cause of HIV/AIDS, and two-... more In the United States, heterosexual transmission is the second leading cause of HIV/AIDS, and two-thirds of all heterosexually acquired cases diagnosed between 2005 and 2008 occurred among African Americans. Few HIV prevention interventions have been designed specifically for African American heterosexual men not seeking clinical treatment. Here we report results of a single-arm intervention trial of a theory-based HIV prevention intervention designed to increase condom use, reduce concurrent partnering and increase HIV testing, among heterosexually active, African American men living in high HIV prevalence areas of New York City. We tested our hypothesis using McNemar discordant pairs exact test for binary variables and paired t-tests for continuous variables. We observed statistically significant declines in mean number of total and new female partners, unprotected sex partners and partner concurrency in both primary and non-primary sex partnerships between baseline and three months post-intervention.

Research paper thumbnail of Participatory Design of a Web-Based HIV Oral Self-Testing Infographic Experiment (HOTIE) for Emerging Adult Sexual Minority Men of Color: A Mixed Methods Randomized Control Trial

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021

Health communication is a key health promotion approach for translating research findings into ac... more Health communication is a key health promotion approach for translating research findings into actionable information. The purpose of this study was to use participatory design to create and then test the usability and comprehension of an HIV self-testing infographic in a sample of 322 emerging adult, sexual minority men of color. Our study objectives addressed three challenges to HIV self-testing: (1) correct usage of the test stick, (2) understanding the number of minutes to wait before reading the result, and (3) how to correctly interpret a negative or a positive HIV result. This study was a two-phase, sequential, mixed methods, pilot, online, randomized controlled trial. Results suggested a significant mean difference between the control and intervention groups on HIV self-testing knowledge, with the control group outperforming the intervention group. However, two-thirds or better of the participants in the intervention group were able to comprehend the three critical steps to ...

Research paper thumbnail of Parents ASSIST (Advancing Supportive and Sexuality-Inclusive Sex Talks): Iterative Development of a Sex Communication Video Series for Parents of Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Male Adolescents

Journal of Family Nursing, Jan 31, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Applying a Nursing Perspective to Address the Challenges Experienced by Cisgender Women in the HIV Status Neutral Care Continuum: A Review of the Literature

Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, May 1, 2021

Abstract The field of HIV research has grown over the past 40 years, but there remains an urgent ... more Abstract The field of HIV research has grown over the past 40 years, but there remains an urgent need to address challenges that cisgender women living in the United States experience in the HIV neutral status care continuum, particularly among women such as Black women, who continue to be disproportionately burdened by HIV due to multiple levels of systemic oppression. We used a social ecological framework to provide a detailed review of the risk factors that drive the women's HIV epidemic. By presenting examples of effective approaches, best clinical practices, and identifying existing research gaps in three major categories (behavioral, biomedical, and structural), we provide an overview of the current state of research on HIV prevention among women. To illustrate a nursing viewpoint and take into account the diverse life experiences of women, we provide guidance to strengthen current HIV prevention programs. Future research should examine combined approaches for HIV prevention, and policies should be tailored to ensure that women receive effective services that are evidence-based and which they perceive as important to their lives.

Research paper thumbnail of Topics for Inclusive Parent-Child Sex Communication by Gay, Bisexual, Queer Youth

Behavioral Medicine, Feb 6, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of “Whenever You’re Ready to Talk about It”: Prompts and Barriers to Inclusive Family Sex Communication with Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Sons

American Journal of Sexuality Education, Nov 14, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of “Whenever You’re Ready to Talk about It”: Prompts and Barriers to Inclusive Family Sex Communication with Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Sons

American Journal of Sexuality Education

Research paper thumbnail of sj-pdf-1-qhr-10.1177_10497323211050051 – Supplemental Material for "Making a Way Out of No Way:" Understanding the Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Experiences of Transmasculine Young Adults of Color in the United States

Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-qhr-10.1177_10497323211050051 for "Making a Way Out of No Wa... more Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-qhr-10.1177_10497323211050051 for "Making a Way Out of No Way:" Understanding the Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Experiences of Transmasculine Young Adults of Color in the United States by Madina Agénor, Dougie Zubizarreta, Sophia Geffen, Natasha Ramanayake, Shane Giraldo, Allison McGuirk, Mateo Caballero and Keosha Bond in Qualitative Health Research

Research paper thumbnail of Applying a Nursing Perspective to Address the Challenges Experienced by Cisgender Women in the HIV Status Neutral Care Continuum: A Review of the Literature

Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 2021

Abstract The field of HIV research has grown over the past 40 years, but there remains an urgent ... more Abstract The field of HIV research has grown over the past 40 years, but there remains an urgent need to address challenges that cisgender women living in the United States experience in the HIV neutral status care continuum, particularly among women such as Black women, who continue to be disproportionately burdened by HIV due to multiple levels of systemic oppression. We used a social ecological framework to provide a detailed review of the risk factors that drive the women's HIV epidemic. By presenting examples of effective approaches, best clinical practices, and identifying existing research gaps in three major categories (behavioral, biomedical, and structural), we provide an overview of the current state of research on HIV prevention among women. To illustrate a nursing viewpoint and take into account the diverse life experiences of women, we provide guidance to strengthen current HIV prevention programs. Future research should examine combined approaches for HIV prevention, and policies should be tailored to ensure that women receive effective services that are evidence-based and which they perceive as important to their lives.

Research paper thumbnail of Parents ASSIST (Advancing Supportive and Sexuality-Inclusive Sex Talks): Iterative Development of a Sex Communication Video Series for Parents of Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Male Adolescents

Journal of Family Nursing, 2020

Effective parent–child sex communication enhances heterosexual youths’ efficacy to engage in heal... more Effective parent–child sex communication enhances heterosexual youths’ efficacy to engage in health promotive behaviors, yet there is scarce research on parent–child sex communication with gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) sons during adolescence. Our aim is to describe the development of Parents ASSIST, a web-based series of animated videos for parents of GBQ adolescent males focused on (a) parental education about sexual health topics pertinent to this population’s same-sex concerns, (b) modeling of communication skills for parents to broach and sustain inclusive discussions at home, and (c) norming the role of providers as reliable sources of support when parents seek GBQ-related health information. Community-based advisory boards, comprised of parents and health care providers, respectively, informed the intervention development. Based on study notes and the research team’s reflections, we present lessons learned that focus on content-based and logistical challenges that arose duri...

Research paper thumbnail of Topics for Inclusive Parent-Child Sex Communication by Gay, Bisexual, Queer Youth

Behavioral Medicine, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Perceived Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among Sexually Active Black Women: An Exploratory Study

Journal of black sexuality and relationships, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual Orientation Identity Disparities in Mammography Among White, Black, and Latina U.S. Women

LGBT health, Sep 1, 2020

Purpose: Our goal was to examine sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography in relati... more Purpose: Our goal was to examine sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography in relationship to race/ethnicity among U.S. women. Methods: Using nationally representative 2013-2017 National Health Interview Survey data, we used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the odds of receiving a mammogram in the past year in relationship to sexual orientation identity among White, Black, and Latina U.S. women 40-75 years of age (N = 45,031) separately, adjusting for demographic factors. We also assessed whether socioeconomic and health care factors attenuated sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography across racial/ethnic groups. Results: Among White women, bisexual women had significantly lower adjusted odds of mammography compared to heterosexual women (odds ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.50-0.99). Among Black women, the adjusted odds of mammography were significantly higher among bisexual women relative to heterosexual women (2.53, 1.08-5.92). Black lesbian women appeared to have lower adjusted odds of mammography compared to their heterosexual counterparts; however, this difference was not statistically significant (0.80, 0.46-1.38). Similarly, among Latina women, lesbian women also seemed to have lower adjusted odds of mammography relative to heterosexual women, but this disparity was also not statistically significant (0.64, 0.37-1.13). Adding socioeconomic factors completely attenuated the disparity between White bisexual and heterosexual women (0.76, 0.52-1.10). Conclusions: Sexual orientation identity disparities in receiving a mammogram in the past year differed in relationship to race/ethnicity among White, Black, and Latina U.S. women. Additional research with larger samples of Black and Latina lesbian and bisexual women is needed to more accurately estimate and explain observed differences.

Research paper thumbnail of Dimensions of Sexual Health Conversations among U.S. Black Heterosexual Couples

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Sexual health communication is an important feature of healthy intimate relationships; however, s... more Sexual health communication is an important feature of healthy intimate relationships; however, some couples may avoid discussing difficult matters (e.g., HIV/STI testing, sexual satisfaction) to minimize interpersonal conflict. From October 2018 to May 2019 in New York State, we conducted a multi-method descriptive pilot study to characterize Black heterosexual couples’ (N = 28) sexual health conversations. Partners individually completed an online sexual health/relationship survey before engaging in-person for a joint dyadic qualitative in-depth interview. Quantitative descriptive statistics demonstrated that most absolute score differences among couple’s preferences for sexual health outcomes, communal coping and sexual relationship power were mainly small, but greatest regarding extra-dyadic sexual behaviors. A qualitative descriptive approach discerned, motivation and norms for sexual health conversations, and communication patterns. Thematic and content analysis revealed two c...

Research paper thumbnail of Perspectives on a Couples-Based, e-Health HIV Prevention Toolkit Intervention: A Qualitative Dyadic Study with Black, Heterosexual Couples in New York State

Archives of Sexual Behavior

Research paper thumbnail of Using an Intersectional Framework to Understand the Challenges of Adopting Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Young Adult Black Women

Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 2021

Introduction There is limited functional knowledge and utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (P... more Introduction There is limited functional knowledge and utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young adult Black cisgender women (YBW). Methods We conducted four focus groups with YBW using an intersectional framework to explore multiple levels of factors that impede YBW awareness, interest, and utilization of PrEP in conjunction with their sexual and reproductive healthcare needs. Results Influences at the cultural-environmental level included a lack of information and resources to access to PrEP and medical mistrust in the healthcare system. At the social normative level, influences included attitudes towards the long-term effects on sexual and reproductive health and self-efficacy to follow the PrEP regimen. At the proximal intrapersonal level, influences included anticipated HIV stigma from family and peers along with the fear of rejection from their main partners. Conclusions Translation of these results indicated that interventions to increase PrEP utilization and adherence among YBW will require multi-level strategies to address barriers to integrating HIV prevention into sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Research paper thumbnail of Race-Based Sexual Stereotypes, Gendered Racism, and Sexual Decision Making Among Young Black Cisgender Women

Health Education & Behavior, 2021

Background. Due to their intersecting racial identity and gender identity, Black women are charac... more Background. Due to their intersecting racial identity and gender identity, Black women are characterized by stigmatizing race-based sexual stereotypes (RBSS) that may contribute to persistent, disproportionately high rates of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes. RBSS are sociocognitive structures that shape Black women’s social behavior including their sexual scripts. Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of RBSS on the sexual decision making of young Black women (YBW). Methods. We conducted four focus groups with 26 YBW between the ages of 18 and 25, living in a New York City neighborhood with a high HIV prevalence. Qualitative analysis was used to identify emergent themes within the domains of sexual decision making as it relates to safer sex practices and partner selection. Results. Thematic analyses revealed that RBSS may cause women to adopt more traditional gender stereotypes and less likely to feel empowered in the sexual decision makin...

Research paper thumbnail of Just4Us: Development of a Counselor-Navigator and Text Message Intervention to Promote PrEP Uptake Among Cisgender Women at Elevated Risk for HIV

Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 2021

In the United States, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among eligible cisgender women has b... more In the United States, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among eligible cisgender women has been slow, despite the availability of oral PrEP since 2012. Although women make up nearly 20% of those living with HIV, there are currently few PrEP uptake interventions for cisgender women at elevated risk for acquiring HIV. Here we describe the process used to design and pre-pilot test Just4Us, a theory-based behavioral intervention to promote PrEP initiation and adherence among PrEP-eligible cisgender women. This work was part of a multiphase study conducted in New York City and Philadelphia, two locations with HIV rates higher than the national average. The counselor-navigator component of the intervention was designed to be delivered in a 60- to 90-min in-person session in the community, followed by several phone calls to support linkage to care. An automated text messaging program was also designed for adherence support. Just4Us addressed personal and structural barriers to PrEP up...

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual Orientation Identity Disparities in Mammography Among White, Black, and Latina U.S. Women

LGBT Health, 2020

Purpose: Our goal was to examine sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography in relati... more Purpose: Our goal was to examine sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography in relationship to race/ethnicity among U.S. women. Methods: Using nationally representative 2013-2017 National Health Interview Survey data, we used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the odds of receiving a mammogram in the past year in relationship to sexual orientation identity among White, Black, and Latina U.S. women 40-75 years of age (N = 45,031) separately, adjusting for demographic factors. We also assessed whether socioeconomic and health care factors attenuated sexual orientation identity disparities in mammography across racial/ethnic groups. Results: Among White women, bisexual women had significantly lower adjusted odds of mammography compared to heterosexual women (odds ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.50-0.99). Among Black women, the adjusted odds of mammography were significantly higher among bisexual women relative to heterosexual women (2.53, 1.08-5.92). Black lesbian women appeared to have lower adjusted odds of mammography compared to their heterosexual counterparts; however, this difference was not statistically significant (0.80, 0.46-1.38). Similarly, among Latina women, lesbian women also seemed to have lower adjusted odds of mammography relative to heterosexual women, but this disparity was also not statistically significant (0.64, 0.37-1.13). Adding socioeconomic factors completely attenuated the disparity between White bisexual and heterosexual women (0.76, 0.52-1.10). Conclusions: Sexual orientation identity disparities in receiving a mammogram in the past year differed in relationship to race/ethnicity among White, Black, and Latina U.S. women. Additional research with larger samples of Black and Latina lesbian and bisexual women is needed to more accurately estimate and explain observed differences.

Research paper thumbnail of HIV-Related Communication and Safe Sex Practices among Heterosexual Black Men: A Qualitative Report

Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships, 2018

HIV prevention efforts have given limited attention to the influence of social norms on the proce... more HIV prevention efforts have given limited attention to the influence of social norms on the process of communicating about safer sex practices among heterosexual Black men. To address this and inform the development of an HIV prevention behavioral intervention for heterosexual African American men, we conducted computerized, structured interviews with 61 men living in high HIV prevalence neighborhoods in New York City to participate in either one of the five focus group interviews and/or an in-depth qualitative interview. Participants had a mean age of 33 years, 25% held less than a high school education, 66% earned an annual income of $10,000 or less, and 86% had a history of incarceration Qualitative analysis was used to identify emergent themes within the domains of condom use communication, HIV status disclosure with sexual partners, and general

Research paper thumbnail of “Straight Talk” for African-American heterosexual men: Results of a single-arm behavioral intervention trial

AIDS Care, 2012

In the United States, heterosexual transmission is the second leading cause of HIV/AIDS, and two-... more In the United States, heterosexual transmission is the second leading cause of HIV/AIDS, and two-thirds of all heterosexually acquired cases diagnosed between 2005 and 2008 occurred among African Americans. Few HIV prevention interventions have been designed specifically for African American heterosexual men not seeking clinical treatment. Here we report results of a single-arm intervention trial of a theory-based HIV prevention intervention designed to increase condom use, reduce concurrent partnering and increase HIV testing, among heterosexually active, African American men living in high HIV prevalence areas of New York City. We tested our hypothesis using McNemar discordant pairs exact test for binary variables and paired t-tests for continuous variables. We observed statistically significant declines in mean number of total and new female partners, unprotected sex partners and partner concurrency in both primary and non-primary sex partnerships between baseline and three months post-intervention.

Research paper thumbnail of Participatory Design of a Web-Based HIV Oral Self-Testing Infographic Experiment (HOTIE) for Emerging Adult Sexual Minority Men of Color: A Mixed Methods Randomized Control Trial

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021

Health communication is a key health promotion approach for translating research findings into ac... more Health communication is a key health promotion approach for translating research findings into actionable information. The purpose of this study was to use participatory design to create and then test the usability and comprehension of an HIV self-testing infographic in a sample of 322 emerging adult, sexual minority men of color. Our study objectives addressed three challenges to HIV self-testing: (1) correct usage of the test stick, (2) understanding the number of minutes to wait before reading the result, and (3) how to correctly interpret a negative or a positive HIV result. This study was a two-phase, sequential, mixed methods, pilot, online, randomized controlled trial. Results suggested a significant mean difference between the control and intervention groups on HIV self-testing knowledge, with the control group outperforming the intervention group. However, two-thirds or better of the participants in the intervention group were able to comprehend the three critical steps to ...