The Impact of Restricted Clinical Experiences During a Pandemic on Newly Graduated Nurses' Experiences: A Descriptive Study.

A multihospital study examined the impact of restricted clinical opportunities during COVID-19 on newly graduated nurses' experiences, self-reported competence, and self-reported errors upon entry into a nurse residency program and at 6 months. Newly graduated nurses' experiences (n = 2,005) were described using comparative data from cohorts before and during restricted experiences across 22 hospitals; minimal differences were observed. Nursing professional development specialists can utilize this information when creating and sustaining transition-to-practice programs.

Will all youth answer sexual orientation and gender-related survey questions? An analysis of missingness in a large U.S. survey of adolescents and young adults.

Some researchers and clinicians may feel hesitant to assess sexual orientation and gender-related characteristics in youth surveys because they are unsure if youth will respond to these questions or are concerned the questions will cause discomfort or offense. This can result in missed opportunities to identify LGBTQ+ youth and address health inequities among this population. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and sociodemographic patterns of missingness among survey questions assessing current sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE), and past change in sexual orientation (sexual fluidity) among a diverse sample of U.S. youth. Participants (N = 4,245, ages 14-25 years; 95% cisgender, 70% straight/heterosexual, 53% youth of color), recruited from an online survey panel, completed the Wave 1 survey of the longitudinal Sexual Orientation Fluidity in Youth (SO*FLY) Study in 2021. Current SOGIE, past sexual fluidity, and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed for missingness. Overall, 95.7% of participants had no missing questions, 3.8% were missing one question, and 0.5% were missing ≥ 2 questions. Past sexual fluidity and assigned sex were most commonly missing. Sociodemographic differences between participants who skipped the SOGIE questions and the rest of the sample were minimal. Missingness for the examined items was low and similar across sociodemographic characteristics, suggesting that almost all youth are willing to respond to survey questions about SOGIE. SOGIE and sexual fluidity items should be included in surveys and clinical assessments of youth to inform clinical care, policy-making, interventions, and resource development to improve the health of all youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Differences in the sexual health information parents/guardians give their adolescent sexual minority sons by outness.

Introduction: Parents and guardians are a potentially valuable source of sexual health information for adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM). The current study examines what sexual health topics ASMM report discussing with a parent/guardian and whether topics differ by outness about sexual attraction to other males. Methods: ASMM (N=154; ages 14-17) in the United States completed the baseline of an online sexual health intervention pilot in 2020. They reported which of twelve sexual health topics they discussed with a parent/guardian and if they had disclosed their sexual attraction to other males. Associations between topics discussed and outness to a parent/guardian were examined with Firth logistic regression. Results: Eighty-eight (57%) participants reported being out to a parent/guardian. Six sexual health topics were significantly more likely to be discussed if participants were out. The three categories with the largest differences by outness were how to: discuss with a partner what they would not like to do sexually (aOR = 7.0, 95% CI: 2.0-24.6), use condoms (aOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 2.3-15.1), and prevent HIV/AIDS (aOR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.4-8.7). Conclusions: Interventions on parental/guardian provision of sexual health information are needed to ensure ASMM receive relevant sexual health knowledge.

"An escape from the isolation": Youth thoughts about the impact of COVID-19 on adolescent sexual behavior and alcohol use.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic likely affected adolescent sexual behaviors and alcohol use, although how is not well understood. METHOD: Youth were sampled from the national, online longitudinal Growing up with Media study. They responded via text messaging to open-ended questions about how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the sexual behavior and alcohol use of adolescents. Conventional content analysis summarized open-ended responses. RESULTS: 416 responses were analyzed from 335 participants (aged 15-30, US residents), 81 of whom provided data for both topics. Participants suggested that the pandemic affected some youths' sexual health precautions (increased and varying) and attitudes about sex (positive and negative). They discussed how adolescents met partners during the pandemic, including increased use of online platforms. Participants also suggested researchers investigate sexual risk in the realm of COVID-19 transmission and the practice of "safe sex." Many participants believed adolescents were drinking alcohol more as a result of the pandemic, both alone and with friends; however, others perceived adolescents were drinking less. Participants proposed researchers investigate adolescent drinking habits during the pandemic, as well as how this compares to before the pandemic and the type and quantity of alcohol consumed. CONCLUSIONS: Young people believe adolescent sexual relationships and drinking behaviors changed due to the pandemic, though how varied. Future research could examine the contexts and individual differences that shape these varying behaviors. Overall, this study highlights the importance of directly asking youth about their pandemic experiences and the diversity of views on how the pandemic has influenced adolescent behavior.

Preferred Characteristics for mHealth Interventions Among Young Sexual Minoritized Men to Support HIV Testing and PrEP Decision-Making: Focus Group Study.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological trends in the United States have shown an increase in HIV cases among young sexual minoritized men. Using mobile health (mHealth), which refers to health services and information delivered or enhanced through the internet and related technologies, is a crucial strategy to address HIV disparities. However, despite its potential, the practical implementation of mHealth remains limited. Additionally, it is important to consider that young individuals may become accustomed to, distracted from, or lose interest in these apps, highlighting the need for regular updates and monitoring of relevant content. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we sought to highlight the voices of young sexual minoritized men aged 17-24 years and explored preferred mHealth intervention characteristics and willingness to adopt these technologies among a diverse, nationwide sample of young sexual minoritized men. METHODS: From April to September 2020, we recruited participants through web-based platforms such as social media and geosocial networking apps for men. These individuals were invited to participate in synchronous web-based focus group discussions centered around topics pertaining to HIV testing and prevention and their preferences for mHealth technologies. RESULTS: A total of 41 young sexual minoritized men, aged between 17 and 24 years, participated in 9 focus group discussions spanning April to September 2020, with 3-7 participants in each group. The findings shed light on three key insights regarding young sexual minoritized men's preferences: (1) the need for personalized and representative content, (2) a preference for mobile and web-based simulation of prevention scenarios, and (3) a preference for digital software with individually tailored content. As expected, preference for mHealth apps was high, which supports the potential and need to develop or adapt interventions that use smartphones as a platform for engaging young sexual minoritized men in HIV prevention. This study expands on previous research in multiple meaningful ways, delving into the use and perceptions of mHealth information amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also highlighted the importance of streamlined access to health care providers, especially in light of the barriers faced by young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of presentation and navigation, participants favored a user-friendly design that was easy to use and appropriate for their age, which was effectively addressed through the implementation of web-based simulations. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, this study provides valuable insight into the preferences of young sexual minoritized men when it comes to mHealth interventions and highlights the need for further research in order to develop effective and tailored HIV prevention tools. A future direction for researchers is to evaluate how best to address participants' desire for personalized content within mHealth apps. Additionally, as technology rapidly evolves, there is a need to re-assess the effectiveness of web-based simulations, particularly those that are used in HIV prevention.

Hydrogen peroxide-dependent oxidation of ERK2 within its D-recruitment site alters its substrate selection.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are dysregulated in many pervasive diseases. Recently, we discovered that ERK1/2 is oxidized by signal-generated hydrogen peroxide in various cell types. Since the putative sites of oxidation lie within or near ERK1/2's ligand-binding surfaces, we investigated how oxidation of ERK2 regulates interactions with the model substrates Sub-D and Sub-F. These studies revealed that ERK2 undergoes sulfenylation at C159 on its D-recruitment site surface and that this modification modulates ERK2 activity differentially between substrates. Integrated biochemical, computational, and mutational analyses suggest a plausible mechanism for peroxide-dependent changes in ERK2-substrate interactions. Interestingly, oxidation decreased ERK2's affinity for some D-site ligands while increasing its affinity for others. Finally, oxidation by signal-generated peroxide enhanced ERK1/2's ability to phosphorylate ribosomal S6 kinase A1 (RSK1) in HeLa cells. Together, these studies lay the foundation for examining crosstalk between redox- and phosphorylation-dependent signaling at the level of kinase-substrate selection.

"I wish I actually had known what the heck sex was:" What adolescent sexual minority males knew and wish they knew prior to sexual debut with a male partner.

Introduction: Understanding the sexual health needs of adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) at the time of sexual debut will inform programs seeking to decrease sexual health inequities experienced by ASMM. Methods: In 2020, sexually active, cisgender ASMM (n=102, age 14-17) in the United States completed the baseline assessment of an online sexual health intervention pilot trial. Participants responded to closed- and open-ended questions about their sexual debut with a male partner, including sexual behavior, skills and knowledge they knew and wish they knew at the time of their debut, and sources of said skills and knowledge. Results: On average, participants were 14.5 years old (SD=1.4) at their debut. Participants reported knowing how to say no to sex (80%) and wishing they knew how to talk with partners about what they would (50%) and would not (52%) like to do sexually. Open-ended responses indicated that participants desired sexual communication skills at sexual debut. Personal research (67%) was the most common knowledge source prior to debut, and open-ended responses suggest that Google, pornography, and social media were the most frequently used websites and phone applications to find information about sex. Conclusions: Results suggest sexual health programs for ASMM should occur prior to sexual debut, teach sexual communication skills, and teach media literacy skills to help youth deduce credible sexual health resources. Policy Implications: Incorporating the sexual health needs and wants of ASMM into sexual health programs will likely improve acceptability and efficacy, and ultimately decrease sexual health inequities experienced by ASMM.

Sexual Fluidity in Identity and Behavior Among Cisgender Youth: Findings from the Longitudinal Growing up with Media Study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine fluidity in sexual orientation identity and behavior among cisgender youth. STUDY DESIGN: Data were analyzed from 5 survey waves of the longitudinal US Growing Up with Media Study (2010-2019). Participants were 989 cisgender youth, aged 13-20 years at baseline, who completed online surveys assessing sexual orientation identity and behavior (gender of sexual partners). Amount of change (mobility) and patterns of change across waves were assessed for identity and behavior. RESULTS: Consistently heterosexual was the most common sexual orientation identity (89%-97% for boys, 80%-90% for girls), followed by gay (3%) for boys, and bisexual (8%) for girls. Sexual minority identities increased (3%-11% for boys, 10%-20% for girls) over time, same-gender sexual behavior also increased. Girls had more identity mobility than boys; no gender difference was found for behavior mobility. Movement from heterosexual to a sexual minority identity occurred for 9% of girls and 6% of boys; movement from different-gender sexual behavior to same-gender sexual behavior occurred for 2% of girls and boys. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the need to assess multiple dimensions and patterns of change of youth sexual orientation in research and clinical care. Recognizing and creating space for conversations about changes in sexual identity and behavior over time will help providers accurately and effectively address the health needs of all patients.

Minor Consent Laws for Sexually Transmitted Infection and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Services in the United States: A Comprehensive, Longitudinal Survey of US State Laws.

Objectives. To assess changes in minor consent laws for sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia from 1900 to 2021. Methods. We coded laws into minor consent for (1) health care generally; (2) STI testing, treatment, and prevention; (3) HIV testing, treatment, and prevention; and (4) pre- or postexposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. We also coded confidentiality protections and required conditions (e.g., threshold clinician judgments). Results. The largest increase in states allowing minors to consent to STI services occurred during the 1960s and 1970s. By 2021, minors could consent independently to STI and HIV testing and treatment in all 50 states plus DC, STI prevention services in 32 jurisdictions, and HIV prevention services in 33 jurisdictions. Confidentiality protections for minors are rare. Prerequisites are common. Conclusions. Although the number of states allowing minors to consent independently to STI and HIV services has increased considerably, these laws have substantial limitations, including high complexity, prerequisites requiring clinician judgments, and neglect of confidentiality concerns. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(4):397-407. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307199).

Sociodemographic Patterns in Retrospective Sexual Orientation Identity and Attraction Change in the Sexual Orientation Fluidity in Youth Study.

PURPOSE: This study examined sociodemographic patterns of retrospective fluidity in sexual orientation identity (i.e., any change from one identity to another) and attractions (i.e., any change in attractions to one or more gender(s)) in a large sample of US youth. METHODS: Participants were 4,087 youth (58% cisgender girls/women, 38% cisgender boys/men, 5% transgender or nonbinary individuals), ages 14-25 years, from across the United States, who were recruited from an online survey panel. Sexual and gender minorities and people of color were oversampled. Participants completed the Wave 1 survey of the longitudinal Sexual Orientation Fluidity in Youth study, which assessed sociodemographic characteristics and retrospective fluidity in sexual orientation identity and attractions. RESULTS: Across the sample, 17% reported a retrospective change in identity and 33% reported a change in attractions. Participants who were most likely to report identity change were in the younger age group (14-17 years), were transgender or nonbinary, had a plurisexual identity (pansexual, queer), and reported attractions to more than one gender. Participants who were most likely to report attraction change were nonbinary, had a plurisexual identity (pansexual, queer, bisexual), and reported attractions to more than one gender. DISCUSSION: This study found retrospective changes in sexual orientation identity and attractions were common in this sample of youth, with the prevalence of these changes differing by sociodemographic characteristics. Results from this study inform future research on adolescent health and have implications for supporting and caring for this age group, for whom sexual fluidity is common.

#ChokeMeDaddy: A Content Analysis of Memes Related to Choking/Strangulation During Sex.

Recent research indicates that some young people initially learn about sexual choking through Internet memes. Thus, a qualitative content analysis was performed on 316 visual and textual memes collected from various social media websites and online searches to assess salient categories related to choking during sex. We identified nine main categories: communication, gendered dynamics, choking as dangerous, choking as sexy, sexualization of the nonsexual, shame and worry, romance/rough sex juxtaposition, choking and religious references, instructional/informational. Given that memes, through their humor, can make difficult topics more palatable and minimize potential harm in the phenomenon they depict, more concerted, synergistic effort that integrates media literacy into sexuality education programming on the potential risks that may ensue for those engaging in sexual choking is warranted.

Leading Nursing Excellence Through a System Magnet® Program Director Council.

American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet® designation is prestigious to healthcare institutions. Setting the expectation for all hospitals within a system to be Magnet designated is a lofty but achievable goal. Nursing leaders at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center set organization-wide designation as a goal in 2010. A robust system-wide Magnet Program Directors Council facilitated this effort by standardizing practices and supporting members through the journey.

A Pediatric-Specific View on Improved Nurse-Sensitive Indicators Related to Increased BSN or Higher Rates Over Time.

BACKGROUND: Nurses obtaining higher levels of education has been recommended nationally for more than a decade to support improved patient outcomes. LOCAL PROBLEM: Organizational strategies were implemented to achieve a highly educated workforce at the project site over 14 years. However, there was no evaluation of relationship with increasing education levels and pediatric patient outcomes. METHODS: A quality improvement project explored the relationship of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher prepared nurses with 9 different nurse-sensitive indicators (NSIs). Educational preparation and NSI data were retrieved retrospectively from hospital databases from up to 14 years. RESULTS: Moderate to moderately strong correlations were noted between the proportion of BSN or higher prepared nurses and 2 NSIs (central line-associated bloodstream infections, r = -0.55 and surgical site infections, r = -0.71). Four of the 9 indicators were approaching moderate correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the proportion of highly educated nurses at the project site correlated with improvements in select NSI outcomes.

Disclosure of male attraction to primary care clinicians by adolescent sexual minority males.

Introduction: Adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) experience higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) relative to their heterosexual peers. Primary care clinicians (PCCs) are well positioned to discuss sexual health and STI prevention with adolescent males; however, ASMM report they are rarely asked about their sexual health, especially with respect to attraction and identity. This study sought to determine variables associated with disclosure of male attraction ("being out") to a PCC. Methods: ASMM (N=206; 14 to 17 years in the United States) completed an online sexual health survey in 2017. We assessed socio-demographics, sexuality, being out to a guardian, and being out to a PCC, and calculated proportions and associations among the variables using univariable (Fisher exact) and multivariable (Firth logistic regression) analyses. Results: Only 20% (n=41) of ASMM were out to their PCC even though 53% (n=109) were out to a parent or guardian. ASMM who were out to a parent or guardian were seven times more likely to be out to their PCC (adjusted odds ratio = 6.69, 95% confidential interval 2.69 to 16.60). No other variables were associated with being out to a PCC. Conclusions: Among ASMM, the only predictor of outness to a PCC in this study was outness to a parent or guardian, yet only half were out to a parent or guardian. Policy Implications: PCCs should proactively and routinely inquire about sexual health and screen adolescent males for same sex attraction and sexual minority identity in order to provide optimal health care.

The Inventory of Anal Sex Knowledge (iASK): A New Measure of Sexual Health Knowledge Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge about sexual health is a key determinant of sexual behavior among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM). No measures exist to assess anal sex knowledge, even though anal sex is the primary route by which ASMM acquire sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including a disproportionate burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIM: We developed a new measure as a first step toward assessing the prevalence and correlates of anal sex knowledge and potential effects of interventions to improve knowledge. METHODS: Two coders independently outlined domains of knowledge within 2 sex education videos designed to address anal sex knowledge among ASMM. An initial set of 56 items, some duplicative, encompassed all domains. A larger team, including a psychometrician, then iteratively revised and reduced the set of items, and assessed construct validity via cognitive testing among ASMM (N = 4, aged 16-17 years old, 75% identifying as racial/ethnic minorities). For the final set of 10 items, factor structure and convergent and divergent validity were assessed using baseline responses to an online survey within a randomized controlled pilot trial among 154 ASMM. Open-ended questions assessed their comprehension and the acceptability of items. OUTCOMES: We examined correlates that we anticipated would be theoretically related (ie, the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire [HIV-KQ-18] and the STD-Knowledge Questionnaire [STD-KQ]) and theoretically distinct (ie, the Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-2], Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-2], and employment status). RESULTS: The one-factor model explained 42% of the items' common variance and demonstrated acceptable internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.72). The measure withstood tests of convergent and divergent validity when compared to current measures (HIV knowledge, r = 0.35 and STI knowledge, r = 0.24, both P < .05; internalizing mental health symptoms, r = -0.07 and employment status, r = 0.13, both P > .05). Few respondents found words unfamiliar or uncomfortable. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A method for assessing anal sex knowledge may offer opportunities to intervene to lessen harmful sequelae of a lack of knowledge. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: We developed a brief, psychometrically valid measure of anal sex knowledge. The measure may neither generalize to all anal health knowledge nor to more sexually experienced, older SMM. CONCLUSION: The resulting 10-item, single-factor measure, the Inventory of Anal Sex Knowledge (iASK), is psychometrically sound and addresses the lack of anal sex knowledge measures among ASMM. The iASK can function to assess the prevalence and sequelae of anal sex knowledge among ASMM as well as the impact of interventions targeting anal sex knowledge. Kutner BA, Perry N, Stout C, et al. The Inventory of Anal Sex Knowledge (iASK): A New Measure of Sexual Health Knowledge Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males. J Sex Med 2022;19:521-528.

The Young Men and Media Study: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Community-Informed, Online HIV Prevention Intervention for 14-17-Year-Old Sexual Minority Males.

The Young Men and Media study developed and pilot tested a community-informed, online HIV prevention program for adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) in the United States. The developed intervention uses nine interactive modules to increase sexual health knowledge, promote critical examination of pornography, and decrease sexual risk among ASMM. Participants (N = 154, age 14-17 years) were recruited online in Spring 2020 and randomized to the intervention (n = 77) or other existing HIV websites (n = 77). Of the 65 intervention participants who logged in to the website, most completed all nine modules and found the content useful (average module score 4.3 out of 5 stars). The intervention also showed improved HIV/STI knowledge, increased pornography knowledge, and reduced beliefs that pornography is an accurate depiction of male-male sex. Results indicate that the Young Men and Media intervention is feasible, acceptable, and may positively impact sexual health outcomes.

PrEP Use and Persistence Among Young Sexual Minority Men 17-24 Years Old During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to health care access for sexual and gender minorities in the U.S. We sought to explore the impact of COVID-19 on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use and sexual health services by assessing PrEP eligibility and use, changes in sexual behaviors, and HIV/STI testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed 239 young sexual minority men (YSMM) 17-24 years old between April and September 2020 in the U.S. One-in-seven YSMM PrEP users discontinued use during the pandemic, and all those who discontinued PrEP reported a decrease in sexual activity. Twenty percent reported difficulty getting prescriptions and medications from their doctors or pharmacies, and more than 10% reported challenges accessing HIV/STI testing. Among those who met Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for PrEP (n = 104), 86.5% were not currently using PrEP. Among those surveyed 3 months or later after the start of major COVID-19 stay-at-home measures (n = 165), 35.8% reported CAS with a causal partner within the past 3 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeking HIV testing was associated with reporting condomless anal sex in the previous 3 months, indicating the necessity for ensuring continuity of basic sexual health services for YSMM. Failure to adequately adjust HIV prevention services and intervention in the face of pandemic-related adversity undermines efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S.

RESUMEN: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha causado interrupciones en el acceso a la atención médica para las minorías sexuales y de género en los EE. UU. Buscamos explorar el impacto de COVID-19 en el uso de la profilaxis de preexposición al VIH (PrEP) y los servicios de salud sexual mediante la evaluación de la elegibilidad y el uso de PrEP, los cambios en los comportamientos sexuales y las pruebas de VIH/ITS durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Encuestamos a 239 hombres jóvenes de minorías sexuales (YSMM) de 17 a 24 años entre abril y septiembre de 2020 en los EE. UU. Uno de cada siete usuarios de PrEP YSMM interrumpió su uso durante la pandemia, y todos los que interrumpieron la PrEP informaron una disminución en la actividad sexual. El veinte por ciento informó tener dificultades para obtener recetas y medicamentos de sus médicos o farmacias, y más del 10% informó tener dificultades para acceder a las pruebas de VIH/ITS. Entre los que cumplieron con los criterios de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades para la PrEP (n = 104), el 86,5% no estaba usando PrEP actualmente. Entre los encuestados 3 meses o más después del inicio de las principales medidas de COVID-19 para quedarse en casa (n = 165), el 35,8% informó CAS con una pareja causal en los últimos 3 meses durante la pandemia de COVID-19. La búsqueda de la prueba del VIH se asoció con la notificación de sexo anal sin condón en los 3 meses anteriores, lo que indica la necesidad de garantizar la continuidad de los servicios básicos de salud sexual para YSMM. No ajustar adecuadamente los servicios de prevención del VIH y la intervención frente a la adversidad relacionada con la pandemia socava los esfuerzos para poner fin a la epidemia del VIH en los EE. UU.