Analytical model of MSM’s risk perceptions, sexual practices and healthcare needs.

<p>Categories, sub-themes and theme (from left to right).</p

Conceptual model describing pharmacy workers' views and experiences of providing STI services for MSM clients.

<p>The core category "Stretching boundaries for pharmaceutical responsibilities" represents the transition from having limited engagement to becoming regular care providers. The categories (a-f) show the views and experiences involved in this process, and the contextual framework (illustrated by the blue outer rim) shows the influence of key external factors, i.e. socio-cultural norms concerning homosexuality and societal levels of knowledge and understanding.</p

Categories and sub-categories.

<p>Categories and sub-categories.</p

An example of properties and dimensions of the sub-category ‘Searching for answers in religion’.

<p>The properties of the codes ‘love for others’, ‘solidarity’, ‘righteousness’ and ‘rejection’ have dimensions of low extent properties and high extent properties as illustrated in the figure.</p

Informant characteristics.

<p>Informant characteristics.</p

Data_Sheet_1_HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer early detection in gay and bisexual men is an “orphan” practice: A qualitative analysis among healthcare providers.docx

IntroductionAmong US men, oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the mouth and throat) is the 8th most common cancer. If detected early, human papillomavirus (HPV)-16-associated oropharyngeal cancer has a high 5-year survival rate. Risk factors such as high numbers of oral sex partners, disparities in smoking and drinking, and low rates of HPV vaccination may put gay and bisexual men at even higher risk for oropharyngeal cancer.MethodsWe recruited 21 healthcare providers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota and Houston, Texas to participate in semi-structured interviews. Nurses, physician assistants, dental hygienists, and dentists were asked about their clinical experiences serving gay and bisexual men and opinions on potential interventions for the early detection of oropharyngeal cancer.ResultsProviders typically did not tailor health screenings and examinations for gay and bisexual men. Participants lacked confidence in their ability to effectively implement routine screening for oropharyngeal cancer. The extent to which oropharyngeal cancer screening was incorporated into clinical practice varied by specialty, and practices necessary to detect it were scattered across clinical environments. HIV- and LGBTQ-focused healthcare providers were more aware of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer in gay and bisexual men, and appeared readier to act and lead on this issue.DiscussionFurther studies should (1) evaluate protocols for oropharyngeal cancer detection; (2) identify and assess the acceptability of screening in the community; and (3) study how to best close gaps in health services for gay and bisexual men which might contribute to low early detection rates of oropharyngeal cancer.</p