Browsing by Author "Eaton, Andrew, D."

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Open Access
Adapting Cognitive Remediation Group Therapy as an Online or Hybrid Intervention for People Aging With HIV and Cognitive Concerns: Focus Group Protocol
(SAGE Publications, 2022) Eaton, Andrew, D.; Hui, Jenny; Muchenje, Marvelous; Murzin, Kate; Carusone, Soo Chan; Ibáñez-Carrasco, Francisco; Novik, Nuelle; McCullagh, John, W.; Nicolay, Susanne; Walmsley, Sharon, L.
Cognitive impairment is a significant health issue for people aging with HIV/AIDS. Cognitive challenges can include forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and increasing struggles to learn new skills, all of which contribute to poorer mental health and decreased quality of life. Although there is no specific drug therapy that can reverse the brain impairment, group therapies may help people aging with HIV and cognitive challenges to better cope with their symptoms when combined with their usual medical treatment and follow-up. This community-based study will involve peer-led focus groups to discuss cognitive remediation group therapy – a combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities tested in a pilot randomized, controlled trial – as an in-person intervention for people aging with HIV in 2019. Via a brief demographic survey and technology-mediated focus groups (n = 40) in Ontario and Saskatchewan, we will determine how the intervention could be adapted in an online or hybrid format considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Content analysis will be employed whereby a team of independent coders will code the focus group transcripts in line with the co-design framework and “Double Diamond” model of developing interventions, including intervention structure, content, and mode of delivery. Given the aging of the HIV population in Canada, increasing support will be required in addition to medical care to improve quality of life, and proactively address concerns about cognition. This protocol provides a roadmap for adapting in-person psychosocial interventions using community-based and technology-mediated methods
Open Access
Community-level resources bolstering resilience to HIV/AIDS: Perspectives of middle-aged and older men who have sex with men living with HIV/AIDS
(2021-12) Liboro, Renato, M.; Yates, Tammy, C.; Fehr, Charles; Da Silva, George; Ibañez-Carrasco, Francisco; Eaton, Andrew, D.; Pugh, Daniel; Ross, Lori, E.; Shuper, Paul, A.
Most prior research on resilience to HIV/AIDS has utilized quantitative tools (e.g., scales and surveys) to examine individual-level assets (e.g., self-efficacy, hope, optimism) that researchers believe represent or approximate resilience to HIV/AIDS with minimal consideration for the perspectives of men who have sex with men (MSM), the population that has remained at greatest risk of, and the most impacted by HIV/AIDS in North America since the 1980s. The aim of this qualitative study is to identify community-level resources that bolster resilience to HIV/AIDS based specifically on the perspectives and lived experiences of middle-aged and older (MAO) MSM living with HIV/AIDS. Employing a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach involving the meaningful and active engagement of MSM at multiple levels (i.e., as research team members, peer researchers, Community Advisory Board representatives, community partners, and study participants), forty-one MAO MSM living with HIV/AIDS from Ontario, Canada, were included in the study’s semi-structured interviews. Utilizing thematic analysis, four major themes were identified from the interview data: (a) the 2SLGBTQ+ community; (b) community-based not-for-profit organizations; (c) public health services; and (d) neighbourhood support programs. This article discusses the value of community-level resources as important additions to individual-level assets for bolstering resilience to HIV/AIDS, as well as the implications of the study’s findings and limitations for future HIV/AIDS services and research.
Open Access
Entre la precarización de los derechos y la producción de subjetividad política en experiencias de jóvenes trans en México
(Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios de Género, 2022-07-01) Zamorano-Martínez, Lenin Adolfo; Ignacio, Lozano-Verduzco; Mendoza-Pérez, Juan Carlos; Eaton, Andrew, D.; Craig, Shelley, L.
El objetivo de esta investigación cualitativa fue comprender cómo operan las diferentes prácticas y los discursos que atentan contra la dignidad e integridad de jóvenes trans. Se realizaron grupos focales y entrevistas semiestructuradas a 23 jóvenes trans entre 16 y 29 años en México. A través de un análisis de contenido, se identificaron las prácticas y discursos desde los cuales se atentó contra sus derechos en diferentes dimensiones (identitaria, laboral, educativa, de salud, espacial). Además, se identificaron los actos y recursos que ejercieron para hacer frente a las diversas formas de vulneración, tales como las emociones, las tecnologías de información y comunicación, y el arte. Concluimos que las relaciones de desigualdad social se traducen en precarización de los derechos humanos y, al mismo tiempo, en la base que contribuye a resistir la precarización de los derechos y a la construcción de una subjetividad política trans.
Open Access
Examining the Role of Peer and Family Belongingness in the Mental Health of Black LGBTQ + Youth
(Taylor & Francis, 0023-09-27) Watts, Keith, J.; Wagaman, M. Alex; Eaton, Andrew, D.; Leung, Vivian, W. Y.; Craig, Shelley, L.
A sense of belonging to familial and peer networks is crucial for the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth. Black LGBTQ+ youth report feeling rejected and isolated due to their sexual and/or gender identities. Utilizing linear regression analyses, this study explored the relationship between peer and family belongingness and levels of depression, anxiety, and self-rated mental health among 181 Black LGBTQ+ youth in the United States and Canada . Findings suggest that family and peer belongingness are important factors in Black LGBTQ+ youth's mental health and warrant further study into the protective nature of peer and family relationships for this population.
Open Access
Experiences of COVID‐19 pandemic‐related stress among sexual and gender minority emerging adult migrants in the United States
(Wiley, 2022-09-01) Alessi, Edward, J.; Cheung, Shannon, J.; Sarna, Vincent; Dentato, Michael, P.; Eaton, Andrew, D.; Craig, Shelley, L.
There is a dearth of research that examines COVID-19-related stress among multiply marginalised individuals who are in the developmental phase of emerging adulthood. This qualitative study investigated how the intersection of emerging adulthood, sexual and gender minority (SGM) identity, and migrant status were reflected in the experiences of SGM individuals (n = 37; ages 20–25 years old) who migrated to various parts of the United States in the last 5 years. Data were collected online using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that participants' developmental processes (e.g., identity exploration, building financial independence) were shaped by pandemic-related stressors, especially unemployment and financial instability. Participants who were able to maintain employment did so but at the risk of their health and safety. Findings also showed that participants experienced feelings of anxiety and depression due to social isolation, but online communication played an important role in combatting loneliness. Findings highlight the potential for trauma-informed and intersectional approaches to practice with SGM emerging adult migrants and expanded health services and temporary entitlement programs to mitigate the pandemic's effects on this population's psychosocial and financial well-being.
Open Access
Processes and Manifestations of Digital Resilience: Video and Textual Insights From Sexual and Gender Minority Youth
(SAGE Publications, 2023) Craig, Shelley, L.; Brooks, Ashley, S.; Doll, Katrin; Eaton, Andrew, D.; McInroy, Lauren, B.; Hui, Jenny
Minority stressors harm sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY). This may be mitigated by promotive and protective factors and processes that manifest resilient coping. SGMY increasingly interact with information communication technologies (ICTs) to meet psychological needs, yet research often problematizes youths’ ICT use, inhibiting understanding about ICTs’ potential resilience-enhancing utilities. This study analyzes text and video responses of 609 SGMY aged 14 to 29 residing in Canada or the United States to an open-ended survey question about the benefits of using ICTs. Constructivist grounded theory integrating multimodal coding was used to analyze the data, producing a framework of digital resilience—digital processes and actions that generate positive growth—with four themes: Regulating Emotions and Curating Microsystems; Learning and Integrating; Advocating and Leading; and Cultivating Relationships and Communities of Care. Implications for clinical practice, survey innovation, and application of findings in fostering affirming digital microsystems for SGMY are discussed.