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Early infectious syphilis. Male homosexual relations as a mode of spread.

Homosexual relations play an important part in the transmission of infectious syphilis. A preponderance of the males with infectious syphilis treated in Los Angeles City Health Department clinics in 1959 admitted to exclusively homosexual relations during the period in which they became infected. In the interviewing of males with infectious syphilis, inquiry should routinely be made relative to possible homosexual relations, for investigation of the sexual partners of homosexual males is particularly productive in terms of new case finding. The practicing physician's awareness of the epidemiological significance of homosexual activity will influence his degree of clinical suspicion, his attitude in the physician-patient relationship and his concept of the opportunity and responsibility of bringing to examination the infected patient's sexual partners.

Attitude↗

Adolescent homosexuality.

Homosexuality has existed in all civilizations, but societal disapproval and cultural taboos have negatively influenced its recognition. A significant percentage of youths identify themselves as homosexual, and even more experience sex with the same sex or are confused about sexual feelings. A unifying etiological theory attributes the expression of sexual orientation to genes that shape the central nervous system's development, organization, and structure via prenatal sex steroids. Environmental factors may influence the expression of genetic potential. Several models of psychosocial development describe initial stages of awareness and confusion about same-sex attractions, followed by acknowledgement of homosexuality, disclosure to others, and eventual integration of sexual identity into a comprehensive sense of self. Stressors related to isolation, stigma, and violence may predispose homosexual adolescents to impaired social, emotional, and physical health, resulting in depression and suicide, school problems, substance abuse, running away eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, and illegal conduct. As with all adolescents, the overall goals in the care of homosexual youth are to promote normal adolescent development, social and emotional well-being, and physical health. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is required to address medical, mental health, and psychosocial issues within the context of the adolescents' community and culture.

Adolescent↗

The development of gender schemata about heterosexual and homosexual others during adolescence.

Perceptions of heterosexual and homosexual individuals were investigated among 12-, 16-, and 20-year-old French adolescents. Participants described heterosexual and homosexual males and females with typical masculine and feminine personality traits. Overall, they perceived heterosexual males as having more masculine traits than homosexual males. The 16- and 20-year-olds perceived homosexual males as more feminine than heterosexual males, whereas the reverse was observed in 12-year-olds. Furthermore, the 12-year-olds perceived heterosexual females as more feminine than homosexual females, a difference that disappeared in the older age groups. Results support the view of early adolescence as a crucial period in the development of gender schemata about sexually significant others.

Adolescent↗

Decreased helper T lymphocytes in homosexual men. I. Sexual contact in high-incidence areas for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

In June 1982, sexual and other behavioral patterns were examined in 245 homosexual men in relationship to T-lymphocyte phenotypes that are characteristic of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Mean helper T-cell counts in New York City (579 +/- 32 cells/mm3) and Washington, DC, homosexual men with sexual contacts in areas at high risk (endemic) for AIDS (567 +/- 24 cells/mm3) were significantly lower than in Washington, DC, residents without such contacts (672 +/- 36 cells/mm3, p = 0.04 by analysis of variance). Helper T-cell counts in the Washington men were inversely correlated with a greater number of endemic-area homosexual contacts (p = 0.005), even after adjustment for multiple confounding variables (p = 0.02). The 31 Washington men with more than 15 endemic-area partners had a mean helper T-cell count of 517 +/- 44 cells/mm3, and 12 of those 31 men had helper T-cell counts less than 400 cells/mm3. AIDS patients are known to have a marked reduction in the number and function of helper T-lymphocytes. The data suggest that deficits of helper T lymphocytes can be acquired by homosexual contact with men in cities where AIDS is common. This supports the hypotheses that low helper T-cell counts may be caused by a sexually transmissible agent and that frequent homosexual exposure to residents of high-risk areas for AIDS may be an important means of spread of this agent.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Sexual behavior and status for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 among homosexual and bisexual males in Mexico City.

The authors examined sexual behaviors, the seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and condom use among 2,314 homosexual and bisexual men tested during 1988-1989 at the AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) National Center in Mexico City. Bisexuals constituted 24% of the sample; the seroprevalence rate was lower for bisexuals than homosexuals (21 vs. 34%). In logistic regressions, HIV-1 seropositivity was independently related to age, education, pattern of insertive/receptive behavior in anal sex, lifetime number of male sex partners, having sex with someone with AIDS, homosexual versus bisexual behavior, and a history of condyloma. The same logistic regressions were found to fit bisexuals and homosexuals. The rate of HIV-1 was reduced in individuals who indicated always requiring their partners to use a condom when practicing receptive anal sex (1% of the total). The most common practice for both homosexuals and bisexuals was "mixed" behavior (i.e., both insertive and receptive anal sex); this was also the practice with the highest risk. Bisexuals practiced both vaginal and anal sex with women and reported little condom use. The substantial seroprevalence among bisexuals, their frequent sexual contact with women, and their low rate of condom use imply a continuing role as a bridge of infection to females. Whether this risk will lead to a sustained heterosexual epidemic remains to be determined.

Adolescent↗

Detection of human immunodeficiency virus antibody among homosexual men from Bombay.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In India, heterosexual transmission of HIV-infection is considered to be the major mode of transmission. However, no report is available on transmission of HIV-infection among homosexually active men. The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and human immunodeficiency virus-2 (HIV-2) infections among homosexual men from Bombay is discussed. GOAL OF THE STUDY: To determine the extent of presence of anti-HIV-1, anti-HIV-2 antibodies, or both anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2 antibodies among homosexual men in India. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-three blood samples were collected from two STD clinics of Bombay over a 6-month period from men with a history of homosexual behavior who were asymptomatic for HIV-infection. The mean age of the subjects was 31.6 years. For serological detection anti-HIV-1 antibody ELISA was used as the primary screening test followed by Western blot to confirm the results. For distinction between anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2 antibody, line immunoassay was used. The sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were diagnosed clinically, although Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests were carried out as a routine test for screening STDs. For detection of gonorrhea, Gram stains of urethral smear were done routinely. RESULTS: From the 63 blood samples tested, 10 samples were reactive by ELISA for HIV-1 infection, and three samples were borderline reactive. These three samples were found to be reactive for anti-HIV-2 by the line immunoassay. The above 10 samples were also positive by Western blot for anti-HIV-1 antibody. Two blood samples were positive for both anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2 antibodies. Using clinical diagnosis as the criteria, the different types of STD among the 63 subjects were as follows: condylomata (22), herpes (20), gonorrhea (15), candidiasis (3), and syphilis (3). However with VDRL, seven subjects were found to be reactive. Gram stains indicated gonorrhea in all the 15 subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports for the first time the homosexual transmission of both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections in India, although heterosexual transmission still is the major mode of transmission of the infection. The associated incidence of STDs among these men and that a few of these subjects were bisexual make them at high risk for transmission of HIV infection.

Adult↗

Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions in heterosexuals, homosexuals, and bisexuals.

Click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (CEOAEs) were previously shown to be significantly less strong in homosexual and bisexual females than in heterosexual females. Here it is reported that the spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) of those same 60 homosexual and bisexual females were less numerous and weaker than those in 57 heterosexual females. That is, the SOAEs of the homosexual and bisexual females were intermediate to those of heterosexual females and heterosexual males. The SOAE and CEOAE data both suggest that the cochleas of homosexual and bisexual females have been partially masculinized, possibly as part of some prenatal processes that also masculinized whatever brain structures are responsible for sexual orientation. For males of all sexual orientation, the SOAEs were less numerous and weaker than for the females, and there were no significant differences among the 56 heterosexual, 51 homosexual, and 11 bisexual males. All subjects passed a hearing screening test. When all SOAEs above 3000 Hz were excluded (as a control against incipient, undetected hearing loss) the same results were obtained as with the full range of data (550-9000 Hz). The differential use of oral contraceptives by the heterosexual and nonheterosexual females also could not explain the differences in their OAEs.

Adult↗

The effect of homosexual imagery in advertising on attitude toward the ad.

This study examines the differential impact that images in magazine advertising suggestive of either homosexuality or heterosexuality have on attitude toward the ad. Results support the hypothesis that homosexual imagery in advertising led to more positive attitude toward the ad among viewers more tolerant of homosexuality than among those less tolerant of homosexuality. Surprisingly, ads with heterosexual imagery were rated less favorably by viewers tolerant of homosexuality than by those less tolerant.

Adolescent↗

Anti-homosexual attitudes in college students: predictors and classroom interventions.

Undergraduate college students (N = 173) enrolled in business or psychology classes were studied to investigate (1) predictors of anti-gay and lesbian attitudes and (2) two educational approaches for counteracting negative attitudes toward homosexuality. Students' gender and other demographic characteristics, gender role orientation, gender role attitudes, and personal history variables were employed as independent variables in a multiple regression analysis to predict anti-homosexual attitudes. Results indicated that attitudes were significantly predicted by gender role attitudes, personal acquaintance with a gay man, lesbian, or bisexual person, and religious conviction. Gender, gender role orientation, age, prior participation in a workshop on homosexuality, sexual experience, and class type (psychology or business) were not significant predictors. One-way independent groups analysis of variance indicated no significant differences in level of anti-homosexual attitudes between heterosexual students who had interacted with gay and lesbian students in a one hour classroom panel discussion, viewed a video presentation on homosexuality, or had no classroom intervention.

Attitude↗

HIV and Kenya's homosexuals.

According to UNAIDS, fewer than 5% of AIDS cases in Kenya are the result of sexual transmission of HIV between men. However, studies by AMREF of STDs among truck drivers show evidence of homosexual activity, especially between older men and boys aged 12-16 years. The studies are supported by anecdotal evidence which suggests that sex between men in Kenya is more common than generally believed. Statistics are hard to come by as homosexuality is a criminal offense. As society disapproves, homosexuals often manage to keep their sexuality a secret but unprotected sex with their wives and male partners increases the risk of HIV transmission. On the Kenyan coast, homosexuality is more accepted and there are "marriages" between men. Maina Kahindo of the Ministry of Health does not see this as a area needing urgent attention: "Taking into account other modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS, homosexuality is negligible and should not take up our resources and time." Also in Kenya, the Nakuru District Commissioner has been speaking at the opening of a 2-day workshop for youth. He announced that nearly 28% of the district's youth were infected with HIV.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Childhood sexual identity, childhood religiosity, and "homophobia" as influences in the development of transsexualism, homosexuality, and heterosexuality.

We have studied the interaction between boyhood cross-gender behavior, "homophobia," and religiosity in men raised as Catholics who, during adulthood, considered themselves transsexual, homosexual, or heterosexual. The sample consisted of 43 transsexual, 78 homosexual, and 43 heterosexual subjects matched for age, race, educational level, and economic status. The transsexual men recalled the most "feminine" behavior during boyhood, followed by the homosexual men. The heterosexual group was most "homophobic," followed by the transsexuals. "Homophobia" positively correlated with religiosity among adult transsexuals and heterosexuals. Transsexuals, recalling childhood, perceived their parents as being more religious than did the homosexuals. At intermediate levels of "femininity," greater "homophobia" scores were associated with more transsexual characteristics. These data support the thesis that early developmental aspects of sexual identity, and later concerns over homosexuality that are partly of a religious derivative, may contribute to a transsexual outcome.

Attitude↗

Amebiasis. An increasing problem among homosexuals in New York City.

During a five-year period at The New York Hospital, Entamoeba histolytica was identified in the stools of 20 men who had not traveled outside the New York area. All of the patients were found subsequently to homosexual. During this same period amebiasis was diagnosed in 30 men who had traveled; only two were homosexual. Of ten patients with E histolytica infection seen during the first year of this study, none were homosexual whereas eight of 11 patients in the fifth year were homosexual, suggesting a gradual increase during this period of this disease in the homosexual community.

Adult↗

Homosexuality and illegal residency status in relation to substance abuse and personality traits among Mexican nationals.

Maladaptive behavioral and personality reactions to severe stressors among Mexican homosexual men were assessed by comparing substance abuse and Rorschach data obtained from three samples: (a) homosexuals residing illegally in the United States (n = 40), (b) homosexuals living in Mexico (n = 21) and (c) heterosexuals living illegally in the United States (n = 25). The results of orthogonal contrasts showed very similar personality structure and substance abuse patterns among the participants in the two homosexual groups. As predicted, these men were found to be using alcohol or drugs to a greater extent than the heterosexual controls. Rorschach findings indicated that the homosexual subjects were experiencing dysphoric mood and distorted perceptions; they were also having significant difficulties coping with an environment that was discerned as increasingly dangerous. These results are relevant to the stress reduction hypothesis of addiction and provide quantitative information regarding the extent of psychopathology in this underserved Hispanic population.

Acculturation↗

Homosexuality as a specific risk factor for eating disorders in men.

OBJECTIVE: The current study examined whether homosexuality is a specific risk factor for disordered eating in men. METHOD: Men (64 heterosexual and 58 homosexual) completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), the Masculinity and Femininity scales of the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), the Bulimia Test-Revised (BULIT-R), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). RESULTS: Homosexual men had more pathological scores on the BDI, RSE, BULIT-R, EAT-26, and BSQ. Additionally, homosexual men reported greater discomfort with sexual orientation. After controlling for differences in depression, self-esteem, and comfort with sexual orientation, sexual orientation continued to account for significant variance in BULIT-R, EAT-26, and BSQ scores. DISCUSSION: Future research may benefit from exploring aspects of homosexuality that may contribute specifically to risk for disordered eating in men.

Adolescent↗

Delta hepatitis in homosexual men in the United States.

To assess the incidence and prevalence of delta hepatitis in homosexual men, we tested serum specimens for delta markers in participants in two previous studies: a hepatitis B vaccine trial among homosexual men conducted in the early 1980's and the Centers for Disease Control sentinel counties hepatitis study for 1983-1984. In the vaccine trial, men found to be hepatitis B surface antigen positive at the time of enrollment and those men who had serologic evidence of new hepatitis B virus infection during follow-up were tested. In the sentinel counties study that determined risk factors for viral hepatitis in reported cases, all homosexual men with acute and chronic hepatitis B virus infections were tested for delta markers. Specimens were tested for delta antigen and IgM and total delta antibody. In seven different cities, among 321 men found to be HBsAg positive at the time of screening, eight (2%) were positive for any delta marker. Among 290 men with new hepatitis B virus infections during follow-up, three (two coinfections, one superinfection) had serologic evidence of delta hepatitis. In the sentinel counties study, 0/63 acute hepatitis B virus infections in homosexual men were associated with delta hepatitis. This study indicates that the delta agent is an infrequent cause of viral hepatitis in homosexual men in the United States.

Hepatitis D↗

A comparison of LH secretion and brain estradiol receptors in heterosexual and homosexual rams and female sheep.

This study examined endocrine components of sexual orientation of male sheep. Sexual orientation of adult rams was identified through standardized sexual performance tests. Four rams that copulated with ewes, four rams that never mounted females and copulated with males, and eight ewes were used in the experiments. Exogenous estradiol benzoate (50 micrograms, i.m.) stimulated (P < .05) a preovulatory-like LH surge 16-22 hr after administration to females. Estradiol did not (P > .05) affect LH release of heterosexual or homosexual rams. Thirty days after the estradiol challenge, sheep were euthanized and areas of the amygdala (AMY), hypothalamus (HYP), anterior pituitary (AP), and preoptic area (POA) of the hypothalamus were collected. Occupied and unoccupied content of estradiol receptors (ER) was determined. The content of ER in the amygdala of both homosexual rams and ewes was similar, but less than (P < .05) the content of ER in heterosexual rams. The ER content measured in other brain regions did not differ by sex or orientation. In summary, results from these data show that the preovulatory LH surge mechanism that is a characteristic of the female does not occur in either homosexual or heterosexual rams. Conversely, the ER content of the AMY of homosexual rams is similar to that of ewes and differs from the heterosexual male. Differences in ER content between heterosexual and homosexual rams imply that the amygdala serves as a link for input from potential mates. These data suggest that the amygdala not only plays a role in sexual behavior but may be involved in sexual orientation of rams.

Animals↗

Abnormality of Leu 2+7+ cells in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), AIDS-related complex, and asymptomatic homosexuals.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related complex (ARC), asymptomatic homosexuals, and healthy heterosexuals were analyzed for the proportions and numbers of Leu 7+ cells and double-labeled Leu 2+7+ cells and for the natural killer functions. A significant increase in the proportions and numbers of Leu 7+ cells was observed in patients with AIDS and ARC and in asymptomatic homosexuals compared to healthy heterosexual men. The proportions of Leu 2+7+ cells were significantly increased in AIDS, ARC, and asymptomatic homosexuals, whereas the numbers were increased in asymptomatic homosexuals and ARC but not in AIDS compared to heterosexual controls. A significant increase in the number of Leu 2+7+ cells was observed in AIDS with Kaposi's sarcoma but not in AIDS with opportunistic infections. The natural killer function was significantly depressed in patients with AIDS and ARC and in asymptomatic homosexuals. These data suggest that the quantitative abnormalities of Leu 2+7+ cells appear early during the evolution of immunologic changes in HTLV III/LAV infection.

AIDS-Related Complex↗

Homosexual orientation in twins: a report on 61 pairs and three triplet sets.

Twin pairs in which at least one twin is homosexual were solicited through announcements in the gay press and personal referrals from 1980 to the present. An 18-page questionnaire on the "sexuality of twins" was filled out by one or both twins. Thirty-eight pairs of monozygotic twins (34 male pairs and 4 female pairs) were found to have a concordance rate of 65.8% for homosexual orientation. Twenty-three pairs of dizygotic twins were found to have a concordance rate of 30.4% for homosexual orientation. In addition, three sets of triplets were obtained. Two sets contained a pair of monozygotic twins concordant for sexual orientation with the third triplet dizygotic and discordant for homosexual orientation. A third triplet set was monozygotic with all three concordant for homosexual orientation. These findings are interpreted as supporting the argument for a biological basis in sexual orientation.

Adult↗