Anthony P. Natale

Service Engagement with High-Risk Men Who Have Sex with Men: Challenges and Implications for Social Work Practice

This article reviews social work challenges in treatment engagement of men who have sex with men (MSM) and details issues co-morbidity creates for reaching HIV-positive MSM engaged in substance abuse. The literature reviewed within the article identifies HIV and substance use risk factors influencing out of care dynamics and examines relevant research identifying contextual and cultural factors central to achieving cultural competence. The article examines aspects of cultural sensitivity and competence in service development and engagement and identifies service qualities and characteristics social workers can incorporate into practice and programs to increase the likelihood of successful engagement and treatment adherence.

HIV Positive Hispanic/Latinos Who Delay HIV Care: Analysis of Multilevel Care Engagement Barriers

This article overviews a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) study with a sample population consisting of 470 Hispanic/Latino persons living with HIV/AIDS who received primary HIV/AIDS medical services from one of five HRSA Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Border Health demonstration projects. The study purpose was to identify multilevel barriers that affect delayed entry into HIV/AIDS medical care among Hispanic/Latino persons living along the U.S.–Mexico border. Multilevel variables along individual, community/cultural, and structural/systems were assessed relative to delayed care entry. The results of this examination indicate that individual and structural/system-level variables affect delayed care entry, whereas support was not found for community/cultural-level barriers. Study findings inform treatment engagement strategies aimed to decrease HIV disease progression by bringing Hispanic/Latinos into care sooner.

HIV Transmission Factors: Denver MSM Culture and Contexts

ABSTRACT Qualitative methods aid in classifying and assessing cultural and environmental factors and their effect on HIV transmission risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). The present study includes the perspectives of four MSM subgroups (HIV positive MSM, Latino MSM, Black MSM, and MSM between ages 18 and 24) obtained through ethnographic interviews, focus groups, and a sociodemographic survey. Study findings based upon a cross-case analysis of these interviews point to cultural norms such as limited sexual negotiation and substance use as influencing MSM HIV transmission risk. In addition, MSM environments for seeking sexual partners (gay bars, bathhouses, the Internet) contribute to risk in setting-specific ways. The rich information provided by the MSM point to suitable recommendations for systemic intervention including increasing substance use prevention efforts among MSM, development of interpersonal and sexual negotiation skills, chiefly among young MSM, and the importance of MSM environments for improving HIV prevention.

Denver MSM Sociostructural Factors: Preliminary Findings of Perceived HIV Risk

This qualitative rapid ethnographic study identifies, describes and classifies the impact of sociostructural domains and their factors on men who have sex with men (MSM) HIV transmission risk. Included are the perceptions of HIV risk by four MSM subgroups: HIV positive, Latino, black, and young (aged 18 to 24). Results classify participant-perceived MSM transmission factors into sociostructural domains (e.g., social, health, economic, political, and mental health). Included in the article is a discussion of domain factors perceived as suitable for systemic intervention including addressing social stigma and discrimination, promoting MSM health and sexual health, and preventing and treating substance use. A review of study limitations and recommendations for future research conclude this article.

Thinking about Think Tanks: Strategies for Progressive Social Work

Conservative think tanks have socialized and trained a fleet of media-ready advocates and pundits and linked their conservative agenda directly to the public via the media. Promoting ideology over science, conservative think tanks have lowered expectations around rational and empirically validated policy choices while demonizing individuals and communities, justifying the drastic funding cuts and ideologically based policies and programs that further marginalize oppressed groups in the United States. This article details the strategies of conservative think tanks and their role in influencing public policy and considers the smaller impact and influence experienced by the progressive movement. Implications for progressive social work practice, education, and research are highlighted.

Same-Sex Marriage Policy: Advancing Social, Political, and Economic Justice

This article serves as an informational and resource tool on the policy topic of same-sex marriage. The authors begin by distinguishing between benefit levels of marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships. Chronological and global overviews of same-sex marriage history along with a review of applicable U.S. Constitution amendments that apply to marriage recognition are included. The social, political, and economic impacts of same-sex marriage exclusion are discussed relative to advancing justice for these individuals and families. The authors conclude with advocacy strategies relative to advancing the rights of same-sex families to access federal marriage.

Global HIV and AIDS: Calling all Social Work Educators

As the HIV/AIDS global pandemic continues to grow through a third decade, the need for social work educators to prepare social workers in distinct fields of practice with skills to assist those infected with and affected by HIV is of paramount importance. HIV/AIDS holds multi-level and multi-system effects for vulnerable populations. This article features global HIV and AIDS teaching resources beginning with common global practice challenges. Next, five teaching units focus on practice needs and challenges of divergent vulnerable populations including men who have sex with men, women, injecting drug users (IDU), commercial sex workers, and children orphaned by AIDS. Discussion questions, selected readings and electronic resources accompany each unit. The authors close the article with suggested recommendations for content integration into social work courses, and next steps for the profession.

Comparing Theoretical Perspectives on Female Sexual Offending Behaviors: Applying a Trauma-Informed Lens

This article provides historical and contemporary perspectives on female sexual offending behavior, divided into three sections. The first section provides background context including incidence, prevalence, and mediating factors in female sex offender (FSO) behavior. The second section overviews the evolution of theories used for understanding the etiology of FSO behaviors including psychodynamic, behaviorist, and trauma-informed perspectives. This discussion includes each theory’s background, key concepts, and application to understanding FSO behavior. The final section focuses on lessons learned from this analysis of theoretical thought on FSO etiology and the state of FSO etiology science today.

HIV/AIDS Prevention: MSM Wants, Desires, and Needs

HIV prevention exhaustion has occurred among MSM, with resurgence of HIV beginning in 2000 a palpable effect. A stratified snowball sample was recruited from MSM social venues including gay bars, parks, and social service agencies in order to develop targets and strategies for future prevention efforts. Three methods of data collection were used: (a) individual interviews (n = 30), (b) focus groups (total n = 64), and (c) demographic survey (n = 94). Study results found support for several education topics, substance abuse intervention, and development of MSM interpersonal skills. The article concludes with a discussion of cultural and contextual strategies to curb rising HIV cases among MSM.

Transnational human trafficking: a case study for educators

In this paper, the authors provide a case study of transnational human trafficking (THT) so as to construct lessons for social work educators and educators in allied professions, such as psychology and sociology. First, the context of THT, including types of trafficking, characteristics of trafficked victims, and trafficking origination and destination points is provided. Next, the authors develop a theoretical/conceptual framework in a matrix format in order to categorise the contributing factors of this dehumanising transnational phenomenon. This is followed by a conceptual analysis of THT contributing factors within an ecosystems matrix that emphasises the relationships between oppressed and oppressor, privileged and victims, supply and demand, and the global south and north. From this THT conceptual analysis, five broad lessons are drawn from the case study for educators that include classroom conversation starters for increasing student’s knowledge of THT as a means to develop their international perspectives in preparation for global practice.