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Item Open Access Recruiting and Engaging Heterosexual-Identified Men Who have Sex with Men: A Brief Report of Considerations for Sex Researchers(Informa UK Limited, 2024-07-22) Travis R. Scheadler; Salem Rao; Paul A. Shuper; Oliver W. J. Beer; Tyrone Curtis; Lauren B. McInroy; Andrew D. EatonHeterosexual-identified men who have sex with men (H-MSM) are a unique population difficult to identify and recruit for research and practice. Yet, engaging H-MSM remains a top research priority to learn more about this population’s health needs. A scoping review was conducted to develop a stronger under- standing of recruitment patterns involving H-MSM in research. The search and screening procedures yielded 160 total articles included in the present study. Most studies relied on venue-based and internet- based recruitment strategies. Thematic analysis was then used to identify three themes. Locations of H-MSM’s sexual encounters related to where sex researchers may recruit participants; sociocultural backgrounds of H-MSM related to important characteristics researchers should acknowledge and con- sider when working with H-MSM; and engagement with health services related to how H-MSM interact with or avoid HIV/STI testing and treatment and other public health services. Findings suggest H-MSM have sex with other men in a variety of venues (e.g. bathhouses, saunas) but tend to avoid gay-centric venues. H-MSM also are diverse, and these unique identities should be accounted for when engaging them. Finally, H-MSM are less likely to access healthcare services than other MSM, highlighting the need for targeted advertisements and interventions specific for H-MSM.Item Open Access Understanding the use of co-design methods for research involving older adults living with HIV: A scoping review protocol(PLOS, 2024-05-30) Brown, Paige; Singh, Hardeep; Su, Esther; Sirisegaram, Luxey; Munce, Sarah E. P.; Eaton, Andrew D.; Zhabokritsky, Alice; McKinlay, Stuart; Kokorelias, Kristina M.There is a growing population of adults aged 50 years or older living with HIV, facing unique challenges in care due to age, minority status, and stigma. Co-design methodologies, aligning with patient-centered care, have potential for informing interventions addressing the complex needs of older adults with HIV. Despite challenges, co-design has shown promise in empowering older individuals to actively participate in shaping their care experiences. The scoping review outlined here aims to identify gaps in existing co-design work with this population, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity based on PROGRESS-Plus characteristics for future patient-oriented research. This scoping review protocol is informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual to explore co-design methods in geriatric HIV care literature. The methodology encompasses six stages: 1) developing research questions, 2) creating a search strategy, 3) screening and selecting evidence, 4) data extraction, 5) data analysis using content analysis, and 6) consultation with key stakeholders, including community partners and individuals with lived experience. The review will involve a comprehensive literature search, including peer-reviewed databases and gray literature, to identify relevant studies conducted in the past 20 years. The inclusive criteria focus on empirical data related to co-design methods in HIV care for individuals aged 50 or older, aiming to inform future research and co-design studies in geriatric HIV care. The study will be limited by the exclusion of papers not published or translated to English. Additionally, the varied terminology used to describe co-design across different research may result in the exclusion of articles using alternative terms. The consultation with key stakeholders will be crucial for translating insights into meaningful co-design solutions for virtual HIV care, aiming to provide a comprehensive synthesis that informs evidence-based strategies and addresses disparities in geriatric HIV care.Item Open Access Adapting Cognitive Remediation Group Therapy Online: Focus Groups with People Aging with HIV(SAGE Publications, 2024-01) Andrew D. Eaton; Jenny Hui; Marvelous Muchenje; Taylor Kon; Kate Murzin; Soo Chan Carusone; Nuelle Novik; Adria Quigley; Kristina Kokorelias; Francisco Ibáñez-CarrascoCognitive health is a significant concern for people aging with HIV/AIDS. Psychosocial group therapies may help people aging with HIV who experience cognitive challenges cope with their symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed in-person group therapies need adaptation for technology-mediated delivery. Peer-led focus groups discussed adapting cognitive remediation group therapy (CRGT) as an online intervention. CRGT combines mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities. Purposive sampling recruited people aging with HIV (40+) who self-identified cognitive concerns and resided in one of two Canadian provinces. Thematic content analysis was employed on transcripts by seven independent coders. Ten, 2-hour focus groups were conducted between August and November 2022. Participants (n=45) responded favorably to CRGT's modalities. Alongside support for its continued implementation in-person, participants requested online synchronous and online asynchronous formats. Preferred intervention facilitators were peers and mental health professionals. We also discuss how to adapt psychosocial HIV therapies for technology-mediated delivery.Item Open Access Identity development, attraction, and behaviour of heterosexually identified men who have sex with men: scoping review protocol(BMC, 2023-09-30) Eaton, Andrew D.; Scheadler, Travis R.; Bradley, Cara; McInroy, Lauren B.; Beer, Oliver W. J.; Beckwell, Erin; Busch, Adam; Shuper, Paul A.Abstract Background Heterosexually identified men who have sex with men (H-MSM) are distinct from other hetero- sexual men and from gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men. Specifically, H-MSM experience discordance between their sexual identity (i.e., heterosexual) and behaviours (i.e., sexual encounters with other men). This sexual identity-behaviour discordance can create barriers to obtaining healthcare and social support. Understanding and accepting H-MSM as they self-identify may be necessary to implement effective public health and psychosocial interventions. The aim of the present study is to provide an overview of research on H-MSM. Methods A scoping review will be conducted to identify and describe the identity development, attraction, and behaviour of H-MSM. This scoping review will also identify and describe current trends related to the recruitment of H-MSM and recommend directions for future research. Searches will be conducted in Academic Search Complete, APA PsychInfo, CINAHL Plus with full text, Education Research Complete, Gender Studies Database, GenderWatch, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, LGBTQ + Source, MEDLINE, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collec- tion, SocINDEX with full text, Sociological Collection, Social Work Abstracts, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and ResearchGate. Primary research studies published in peer-reviewed journals will be included. Dissertations and theses that include primary research on H-MSM will also be included. Reference lists, experts in the field, pre- print servers, and relevant conferences will also be consulted for extant and in-progress literature. Two reviewers will independently pilot the data extraction form and conduct the title and abstract screening, with consultation from a research librarian. Seven reviewers will then conduct the full-text article screening. Thematic content analysis will guide the review; through independent review and reviewer meetings, themes and subthemes will be identified and reported from the extracted literature. Discussion This is the first known knowledge synthesis on H-MSM, seeking to better understand sexual identity- behaviour discordance amongst cisgender men. We anticipate that a theoretical framework of H-MSM’s sexuality, internal processes, and behaviours will be constructed from this review. Alongside implications for further research with H-MSM, this review may be relevant to sexually transmitted infection public health and to clinicians working in the field of male sexuality.Item Open Access Mindfulness and cognitive training interventions that address intersecting cognitive and aging needs of older adults(Sage, 2023-10-16) Eaton, Andrew D; Rourke, Sean B; Craig, Shelley L; Fallon, Barbara A; Emlet, Charles A; Katz, Ellen; Walmsley, Sharon LSummary Mindfulness and cognitive training interventions are promising models to address impacts (e.g., anxiety and stress) of cognitive impairment among older adults. Combining strategies may yield better outcomes than models offered in isolation. However, there are numerous uncertainties about these interventions, potential for combination, and implementation. Social workers are well placed to offer these interventions. Findings From an initial search of 3,538 records, 13 studies were included in the final review. Mindfulness studies focused on stress reduction or cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive training studies applied stimulation or activity approaches. Results indicate that the field is still emerging, as most studies were pilot or feasibility trials. A combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities may offer the most promising model for older adults with cognitive impairment, based on outcome assessments and other factors. A common limitation among the reports was detailed on engaging older adults with cognitive challenges in the design and implementation of these interventions. Applications This realist review deepens the understanding of how, why, for whom, and in what circumstances a combination of mindfulness and cognitive training could be most successful for social workers to address intersecting cognitive and aging needs of older adults. Building evidence on combining mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities among older adults with cognitive impairment could yield promising results, and this review identifies implementation considerations. The review also found a need for psychometric scale development on the benefits of brain training activities.Item Open Access Co-Creating Socio-Culturally-Appropriate Virtual Geriatric Care for Older Adults Living With HIV: A Community-Based Participatory, Intersectional Protocol(Sage, 2023-10-06) Kokorelias, Kristina M.; Wasilewski, Marina B.; Flanagan, Ashley; Zhabokritsky, Alice; Singh, Hardeep; Dove, Erica; Eaton, Andrew D.; Valentine, Dean; Sheppard, Christine; Abdelhalim, Reham; Parpia, Rabea; Zewude, Rahel; Jamieson, Laura; Grosse, Anna; Walmsley, Sharon; Brown, Paige; Sirisegaram, LuxeyThe aging cohort of persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Canada has reached a critical point, with nearly half now 50 years age or older. Older persons living with HIV have specific needs which can be effectively addressed by geriatric specialists. However, the recognition of HIV care as a domain of geriatrics is recent, resulting in a lack of clinical recommendations and modern care models for delivering geriatric care to this population. Virtual care has been demonstrated to reduce existing barriers to accessing HIV care in some populations but before it can be adapted to geriatric HIV care a critical first step is to acknowledge and understand disparities in socioeconomic circumstances, technology access and ability and cultural differences in experiences. This protocol marks the initial step in a comprehensive program of research aimed at co-designing, implementing, and evaluating culturally-appropriate virtual geriatric care for diverse older adults living with HIV. The study employs qualitative methods with older adults living with HIV to lay the groundwork, to inform the future development of a virtual model of geriatric care. We will explore the perspectives of diverse groups of older persons with HIV on (1) The value and necessity of culturally-tailored virtual interventions for geriatric HIV care; and (2) Recommendations on how best to engage older persons with HIV in the future co-design of a virtual model of geriatric HIV care. Ultimately, a more culturally-appropriate approach to care will foster a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system for all individuals affected by HIV including those who are aging. Researchers can utilize this research protocol to employ qualitative co-design and participatory methods with diverse older adults living with HIV.Item Open Access Filmed simulation to train peer researchers in community-based participatory research(Oxford University Press, 2019-09) Eaton, Andrew D.Peer researchers share identities and/or experiences with a study population. Their involvement is crucial to community-based participatory research (CBPR), however there is a lack of attention to training peer researchers. A blended learning (multimodal) training curriculum for peer researchers in CBPR has been developed; its key component is the use of filmed simulation. In two instances, HIV-positive peer researchers were filmed during simulation and then watched their simulation to reflect on their performance. Such an activity can accommodate multiple learning styles (e.g., learning best through practice, listening, or seeing) and help refine verbal and non-verbal interview skills. The activity can also benefit social work researchers, who can see interview guides in practice and refine accordingly prior to data collection. This article discusses the educational benefits of filmed simulation for peer researchers, the reciprocal benefits that academic researchers may gain from the activity, and practical considerations for implementation of this activity in community-based settings.Item Open Access Connecting MSW students to community-based practicum: Feasibility and acceptability of panel presentations(Taylor and Francis Group, 2019-09-03) Eaton, Andrew D.; Katz, Ellen; McKee, Eileen; Russell, DeniseFoundation-year MSW students in Canada often have their first practicum in community-based agencies. Orientation can be challenging as many students aim for hospital placements. Site visits are widely used for practicum orientation in Canada, however drawbacks include intensive resources and difficulty standardizing the experience. As a site visit alternative and to inspire students for community-based practicum, panel presentations were piloted to assess feasibility and acceptability. Thirty-seven panelists (primarily field instructors) presented to 135 MSW students in October 2017. Most students (90%, n=122) completed an evaluation form and 54% of panelists (n=20) completed a follow-up survey. Panels were feasible and acceptable to students and presenters. This paper details the orientation activity with considerations for research and practice.Item Open Access Can social media participation enhance LGBTQ+ youth wellbeing? Development of the social media benefits scale(SAGE Publications, 2021-01-23) Craig, Shelley L.; Eaton, Andrew D.; McInroy, Lauren B.; Leung, Vivian W. Y.; Krishnan, SreedeviSocial media sites offer critical opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexual and/or gender minority (LGBTQ+) youth to enhance well-being through exploring their identities, accessing resources, and connecting with peers. Yet extant measures of youth social media use disproportionately focus on the detrimental impacts of online participation, such as overuse and cyberbullying. This study developed a Social Media Benefits Scale (SMBS) through an online survey with a diverse sample (n = 6,178) of LGBTQ+ youth aged 14–29. Over three-quarters of the sample endorsed non-monosexual and/or and gender fluid identities (e.g., gender non-conforming, non-binary, pansexual, bisexual). Participants specified their five most used social media sites and then indicated whether they derived any of 17 beneficial items (e.g., feeling connected, gaining information) with the potential to enhance well-being from each site. An exploratory factor analysis determined the scale’s factor structure. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Sheffe post hoc tests examined age group differences. A four-factor solution emerged that measures participants’ use of social media for: (1) emotional support and development, (2) general educational purposes, (3) entertainment, and (4) acquiring LGBTQ+-specific information. Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (χ2 = 40,828, p < .0005) and the scale had an alpha of .889. There were age group differences for all four factors (F = 3.79–75.88, p < .05). Younger adolescents were generally more likely to use social media for beneficial factors than older youth. This article discusses the scale’s development, exploratory properties, and implications for research and professional practice.Item Open Access Training peers to ease hospital discharge: A community-clinical partnership in complex HIV care(Johns Hopkins University Press, 2020-08-26) Eaton, Andrew D.; Chan Carusone, Soo; Ceranto, Andre; Craig, Shelley L.; Busch, Adam; McCullagh, John W.As many people now live with HIV as a complex, chronic health condition that may require frequent medical and psychosocial services, a potential new role for HIV-positive peers involves support during an inpatient admission that extends past discharge to improve the transition home from hospital.Item Open Access Cognitive remediation group therapy compared to mutual aid group therapy for people aging with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder: randomized, controlled trial(Taylor and Francis Group, 2021-08-21) Eaton, Andrew D.; Craig, Shelley L.; Rouke, Sean B.; Sota, Teresa; McCullagh, John W.; Fallon, Barbara A.; Walmsley, Sharon L.Cognitive impairment is an important comorbidity for people aging with HIV, and group therapy may ameliorate the associated anxiety and stress. Combination psychosocial interventions may have better outcomes than single technique approaches. A pilot, parallel design, two-arm trial randomized people aging with HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND) to Cognitive Remediation Group Therapy (Experimental; combination of brain training activities and mindfulness-based stress reduction) or Mutual Aid Group Therapy (Control). Outcomes were feasibility, acceptability, fidelity, and exploratory measures of anxiety, stress, coping, and use of mindfulness and brain training activities. Amongst forty contacted participants, 15 replied, 12 recruited, and 10 completed. Assessors confirmed intervention delivery with satisfactory fidelity. The novel arm had statistically significant improvements in stress and mindfulness use compared to control, and brain training and mindfulness use sustained at 3-month follow-up. Requiring a HAND diagnosis made recruitment challenging. Further research should broaden eligibility to people aging with HIV and cognitive challenges.Item Open Access The state of doctoral social work education in Canada(Taylor and Francis Group, 2022-06-30) Fang, Lin; Pang, Nelson; Eaton, Andrew D.Doctoral education in social work is critical in nurturing the stewards of the discipline. Universities across Canada, and elsewhere, are increasing admissions for bachelor and master of social work programs. Consequently, doctoral social work programs are expanding to educate and train new social work faculty. Extant literature on doctoral social work education is predominantly American. There are fourteen Canadian doctoral social work programs, yet no study has observed the state of these programs. Using two data sources, this article provides a snapshot of PhD social work student experiences in 2019-2020. The analysis of all doctoral social work students (n=157) from the 2019 Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey (CGPSS) found that: a) the overall quality of social work PhD programs in Canada was rated by students as moderate; and b) financial obstacles may be an undue barrier to academic success. Furthermore, the analysis of an online survey of Canadian social work PhD students (n=69) regarding their experience applying for doctoral fellowships and scholarships found that workshops significantly facilitated scholarship success, and that other institutional preparation activities were identified as valuable. These findings illuminate the current state of doctoral social work education in Canada with implications for research and education.Item Open Access Cognitive screening considerations for psychosocial clinical trials in HIV, aging, and cognition(SAGE Publications, 2022-12-01) Eaton, Andrew D; Murzin, Kate; Hui, Jenny; McCullagh, John W; Walmsley, Sharon L; Chan Carusone, SooItem 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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 methodsItem 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, JennyMinority 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.Item Open Access Mitigating risks and building resilience to HIV/AIDS: Perspectives of HIV-negative, middle-aged and older men who have sex with men.(Community Psychology in Global Perspective, 2021-09-12) Eaton, AndrewPurpose: Although ample research has been conducted on resilience to HIV/AIDS, most studies have utilized quantitative methods and focused almost exclusively on people living with HIV/AIDS. A relatively untapped source of knowledge is the perspectives of HIV-negative, middle-aged and older men who have sex with men (MSM) who have been navigating risks and building resilience to HIV/AIDS since the 1980s. Our qualitative, community-based participatory research study examined the perspectives of HIV-negative, middle-aged and older MSM on factors that helped mitigate the risks of and build resilience to HIV/AIDS. Methods: In collaboration with community-based organizations, fourteen participants were recruited for in-depth interviews. Participants were aged 40 or older, identified as HIV-negative MSM, and resided in Ontario, Canada. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed salient themes. Results: Three themes were identified: (1) individual attributes (e.g., self-awareness/control), (2) protective relational factors (e.g., meaningful sexual relationships), and (3) community-based resources (e.g., competent healthcare/service providers). Conclusion: HIV-negative, middle-aged and older MSM recognized factors that helped mitigate risks of contracting and build resilience to HIV/AIDS based on their own lived experiences. Some of these factors have not been explicitly identified or extensively discussed in extant academic literature, and are worth considering in the development of community-based HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention programs.Item Open Access The influence of information and communication technologies on the resilience and coping of sexual and gender minority youth in the United States and Canada.(JMIR Research Protocols, 2017-09-28) Eaton, AndrewBackground: Sexual and gender minority youth are a population in peril, exemplified by their disproportionate risk of negative experiences and outcomes. Sexual and gender minority youth may be particularly active users of information and communication technologies (ICTs), and it is important to identify the potential contributions of ICTs to their resilience and well-being. Objective: Our aim was to (1) investigate the use of ICTs by sexual and gender minority youth, (2) identify the ways that ICTs influence the resilience and coping of sexual and gender minority youth, focusing on promotion of well-being through self-guided support-seeking (particularly using mobile devices), (3) develop a contextually relevant theoretical conceptualization of resilience incorporating minority stress and ecological approaches, (4) generate best practices and materials that are accessible to multiple interested groups, and (5) identify whether video narratives are a viable alternative to collect qualitative responses in Web-based surveys for youth. Methods: Mixed methods, cross-sectional data (N=6309) were collected via a Web-based survey from across the United States and Canada from March-July 2016. The sample was generated using a multipronged, targeted recruitment approach using Web-based strategies and consists of self-identified English-speaking sexual and gender minority youth aged 14-29 with technological literacy sufficient to complete the Web-based survey. The survey was divided into eight sections: (1) essential demographics, (2) ICT usage, (3) health and mental health, (4) coping and resilience, (5) sexual and gender minority youth identities and engagement, (6) fandom communities, (7) nonessential demographics, and (8) a video submission (optional, n=108). The option of a 3-5 minute video submission represents a new research innovation in Web-based survey research. Results: Data collection is complete (N=6309), and analyses are ongoing. Proposed analyses include (1) structural equation modeling of quantitative data, (2) grounded theory analysis of qualitative data, and (3) an integrative, mixed methods analysis using a data transformation design. Theoretical and methodological triangulation of analyses integrates an interwoven pattern of results into a comprehensive picture of a phenomenon. Results will be reported in 2017 and 2018. Conclusions: This research study will provide critical insights into the emerging use of ICTs by sexual and gender minority youth and identify intervention strategies to improve their well-being and reduce risks encountered by this vulnerable population. Implications for practice, research, and knowledge translation are provided.