Robert Bolan
Biographic Data
| ID | 4792993 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Robert Bolan |
| GIVEN NAMES | Robert |
| FAMILY NAME | Bolan |
| SIGNATURE | BOLAN R |
| AFFILIATIONS | Los Angeles LGBT Center |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-6686-1052 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 29 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 11 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 29 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1980 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
A Socioecological Perspective on Sexual Health Promotion Choices Among Youth At-Risk for and Living with HIV in Los Angeles and New Orleans
Youth in the US remain at high relative risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections compared to other age groups despite increasing diversity in the available tools to reduce HIV risk through behavioral strategies, biomedical methods, and treatment as prevention. Previous research has shown that acceptability and appeal of prevention methods vary across youth, and over-emphasis on any one strategy may overlook youth’s autonomy to make their …
Does Resilience Mediate the Relationship Between Negative Self-Image and Psychological Distress in Middle-Aged and Older Gay and Bisexual Men
Aging gay and bisexual men may have negative self-image s due to body image dissatisfaction and internalized ageism, resulting in psychological distress. Gay and bisexual men with HIV may be at greater risk for distress because of research linking HIV to accelerated aging. We examined associations between self-image and psychological distress, and potential mediating effects ( resilience, fitness engagement ) , and whether these relationships wer…
Increasing Sustained Viral Suppression Among Youth Living with HIV
Online Peer Support for Youth at Higher Risk of or Living with HIV
With the rise of technology-based interventions for HIV risk reduction among adolescents, research is needed to assess how youth participate in these strategies. We used qualitative content analysis to examine youth's posts in an online peer support intervention through the Adolescent Trials Network (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03134833, registered May 1, 2017) for youth at higher risk of or living with HIV. We analyzed 308 posts across 85 conversation…
Determinants of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Retention among Transgender Women
Transgender women (TW) face inequities in HIV and unique barriers to PrEP, an effective biomedical intervention to prevent HIV acquisition. To improve PrEP retention among TW, we examined factors related to retention using a two-phase, sequential explanatory mixed methods approach. In Phase I, we used data from a trial of 170 TW who were provided oral PrEP to examine predictors of 24-week retention. In Phase II, we conducted 15 in-depth interview…
Strategies to Facilitate Service Utilization Among Youth at Risk for HIV
Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are vulnerable to acquiring HIV and need HIV prevention and health services, but may have competing needs. A prior analysis found that PrEP use reports increased in a combination intervention study arm with coaching, peer support, and automated text-messages. This paper examines ancillary support and healthcare services utilization as secondary intervention objectives. SGMY (N = 895, 40% Black, 29% Latino) …
Advance Care Planning Among Sexual Minority Men
Objectives: Advance care planning (ACP) specifies decision-making surrogates and preferences for serious illness or end-of-life medical care. ACP research has largely neglected sexual minority men (SMM), a population that experiences disparities in health care and health status. Methods: We examined formal and informal ACP among SMM ages 40+ in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study ( N = 1,071). Results: For informal ACP (50%), younger SMM and men wi…
Substance Use, Violence, and Sexual Risk Among Young Cis-Gender Women Placed at High-Risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Gender-Based Violence and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Predict HIV PrEP Uptake and Persistence Failure Among Transgender and Non-binary Persons Participating in a PrEP Demonstration Project…
Facilitators of PrEP Persistence among Black and Latinx Transgender Women in a PrEP Demonstration Project in Southern California
Black and Latinx transgender women in the United States (U.S.) are at disproportionately high risk for HIV. Although HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces the risk of HIV infection, uptake and persistence (i.e., ability to continue taking PrEP over time) can be a challenge for Black and Latinx transgender women due to myriad social and structural forces. In this qualitative study, we present unique data on the facilitators of PrEP persisten…
Risk Behaviors Associated with Patterns of Sexualized Stimulant and Alcohol Use among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Food insecurity partially mediates the association between drug use and depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men in Los Angeles, California
Objective: To understand the relationship between drug use, food insecurity (FI) and mental health among men who have sex with men (MSM). Design: Cohort study (2014–2019) with at least one follow-up. Setting: Visits at 6-month intervals included self-assessment for FI and depressive symptoms. Urine testing results confirmed drug use. Factors associated with FI were assessed using multiple logistic regression with random effects for repeated measu…
Psychological Connection to the Gay Community and Negative Self-Appraisals in Middle-Aged and Older Men Who Have Sex With Men
Connection to the gay community may be a source of resilience for aging MSM by lessening negative self-appraisals and promoting strategies that address body image dissatisfaction and self-perceptions of aging. Interventions facilitating connections to the gay community may support healthy aging in this population
Age at first HIV test for MSM at a community health clinic in Los Angeles
Young MSM, especially ethnic and racial minority young MSM, bear a disproportionate burden of new HIV infections. This group also has the highest rates of undiagnosed infection and lowest rates of viral suppression. Previous research indicates that young MSM are testing for HIV too late, which may explain why rates of new HIV infection are rising in young Hispanic MSM and not falling in young Black and White MSM despite advances in preventive med…
Effective use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) Among stimulant users with multiple condomless sex partners
PrEP's potential benefit for men who have sex with men (MSM) who use stimulants may be limited by adherence or prescriber willingness to recommend PrEP due to concerns of non-compliance. Using data from PATH-PrEP, a 48-week study evaluating PrEP for MSM in Los Angeles, we modeled an interaction between stimulant use and condomless sex with multiple partners (CAS-MP) on prevention-effective dried blood spot tenofovir-diphosphate concentrations. At…
Mind the gaps
Behavior change following HIV diagnosis
The effect of an HIV diagnosis on subsequent behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) remains unclear. From 2009 to 2012 the NIDA funded Metromates Study enrolled and followed for one year MSM seeking testing for HIV in Los Angeles, assessing those with new HIV diagnoses for acute/recent HIV infection. Behavioral data were collected via Computer-Assisted Self-Interview from 321 men of whom 125 were classified as recently HIV infected, 91 as no…
Psychiatric Illness, Substance Use, and Viral Suppression Among HIV-Positive Men of Color Who Have Sex with Men in Los Angeles
HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Initiation at a Large Community Clinic
Objectives. To characterize uptake of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a community setting and to identify disparities in PrEP use by demographic and behavioral factors associated with increased HIV risk. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 19 587 men who have sex with men and transgender people visiting a Los Angeles, California, clinic specializing in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender care between August 2015 and Februar…
Using Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to Monitor Disparities in HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis
Objectives. To quantify sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) disparities in incidence of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and viral hepatitis. Methods. We performed a records-based study of 19 933 patients visiting a federally qualified health center in Los Angeles, California, between November 2016 and October 2017 that examined HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis incidence proportions. We created multivariable logistic reg…
Association Between Depressive Symptom Patterns and Clinical Profiles Among Persons Living with HIV
Are Partner Race and Intimate Partner Violence Associated with Incident and Newly Diagnosed HIV Infection in African-American Men Who Have Sex with Men
Syphilis Experiences and Risk Perceptions Among Repeatedly Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men
Additional qualitative studies of men who have sex with men should be conducted to better understand the continuing syphilis epidemic and to help identify the most promising intervention strategies
Acceptable Interventions to Reduce Syphilis Transmission Among High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men in Los Angeles
Objectives. We examined perceptions of and attitudes toward existing and potential syphilis interventions, including case management and Web-based programs, to increase syphilis testing among high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods. Between October 2010 and June 2011, we conducted in-depth interviews with 19 MSM in Los Angeles, California, with repeat early syphilis infections (primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis) within the …
Sex on demand
BACKGROUND: Geosocial networking applications (GSN apps) used for meeting sexual partners have become increasingly popular with men who have sex with men (MSM) since 2009. The current study aimed to determine if self-identified HIV-negative, MSM clinic attendees who used GSN apps have an increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) compared to self-identified HIV-negative, MSM attendees who met sexual partners via in-person venues…
Psychological Connection to the Gay Community and Negative Self-Appraisals in Middle-Aged and Older Men Who Have Sex With Men
Connection to the gay community may be a source of resilience for aging MSM by lessening negative self-appraisals and promoting strategies that address body image dissatisfaction and self-perceptions of aging. Interventions facilitating connections to the gay community may support healthy aging in this population
Using Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to Monitor Disparities in HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis
Objectives. To quantify sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) disparities in incidence of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and viral hepatitis. Methods. We performed a records-based study of 19 933 patients visiting a federally qualified health center in Los Angeles, California, between November 2016 and October 2017 that examined HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis incidence proportions. We created multivariable logistic reg…
Are Partner Race and Intimate Partner Violence Associated with Incident and Newly Diagnosed HIV Infection in African-American Men Who Have Sex with Men
Risk Behaviors Associated with Patterns of Sexualized Stimulant and Alcohol Use among Men Who Have Sex with Men
HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Initiation at a Large Community Clinic
Objectives. To characterize uptake of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a community setting and to identify disparities in PrEP use by demographic and behavioral factors associated with increased HIV risk. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 19 587 men who have sex with men and transgender people visiting a Los Angeles, California, clinic specializing in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender care between August 2015 and Februar…
Acceptable Interventions to Reduce Syphilis Transmission Among High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men in Los Angeles
Objectives. We examined perceptions of and attitudes toward existing and potential syphilis interventions, including case management and Web-based programs, to increase syphilis testing among high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods. Between October 2010 and June 2011, we conducted in-depth interviews with 19 MSM in Los Angeles, California, with repeat early syphilis infections (primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis) within the …
Nonspecific Proctitis
No abstract available for this article
Effect of brief safer-sex counseling by medical providers to HIV-1 seropositive patients
OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of brief, safer-sex counseling by medical providers of HIV-positive patients during medical visits. SETTING: Six HIV clinics in California. DESIGN: Clinics were randomized to intervention arms evaluated with cohorts of randomly selected patients measured before and after the intervention. PARTICIPANTS: Five-hundred and eighty-five HIV-positive persons, sexually active prior to enrollment. INTERVENTIONS: Prevention …
Assessing willingness to test for HIV among men who have sex with men using conjoint analysis, evidence for uptake of the FDA-approved at-home HIV test
Men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA, represent a vulnerable population with lower rates of HIV testing. There are various specific attributes of HIV testing that may impact willingness to test (WTT) for HIV. Identifying specific attributes influencing patients' decisions around WTT for HIV is critical to ensure improved HIV testing uptake. This study examined WTT for HIV by using conjoint analysis, an innovative method for systematically e…
Sex on demand
BACKGROUND: Geosocial networking applications (GSN apps) used for meeting sexual partners have become increasingly popular with men who have sex with men (MSM) since 2009. The current study aimed to determine if self-identified HIV-negative, MSM clinic attendees who used GSN apps have an increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) compared to self-identified HIV-negative, MSM attendees who met sexual partners via in-person venues…
Electronic vending machines for dispensing rapid HIV self-testing kits
This short report evaluates the feasibility of using electronic vending machines for dispensing oral, fluid, rapid HIV self-testing kits in Los Angeles County. Feasibility criteria that needed to be addressed were defined as: (1) ability to find a manufacturer who would allow dispensing of HIV testing kits and could fit them to the dimensions of a vending machine, (2) ability to identify and address potential initial obstacles, trade-offs in choo…
Syphilis Experiences and Risk Perceptions Among Repeatedly Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men
Additional qualitative studies of men who have sex with men should be conducted to better understand the continuing syphilis epidemic and to help identify the most promising intervention strategies
Acceptable Interventions to Reduce Syphilis Transmission Among High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men in Los Angeles
Objectives. We examined perceptions of and attitudes toward existing and potential syphilis interventions, including case management and Web-based programs, to increase syphilis testing among high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods. Between October 2010 and June 2011, we conducted in-depth interviews with 19 MSM in Los Angeles, California, with repeat early syphilis infections (primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis) within the …
Association Between Depressive Symptom Patterns and Clinical Profiles Among Persons Living with HIV
Are Partner Race and Intimate Partner Violence Associated with Incident and Newly Diagnosed HIV Infection in African-American Men Who Have Sex with Men
Behavior change following HIV diagnosis
The effect of an HIV diagnosis on subsequent behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) remains unclear. From 2009 to 2012 the NIDA funded Metromates Study enrolled and followed for one year MSM seeking testing for HIV in Los Angeles, assessing those with new HIV diagnoses for acute/recent HIV infection. Behavioral data were collected via Computer-Assisted Self-Interview from 321 men of whom 125 were classified as recently HIV infected, 91 as no…
Psychiatric Illness, Substance Use, and Viral Suppression Among HIV-Positive Men of Color Who Have Sex with Men in Los Angeles
HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Initiation at a Large Community Clinic
Objectives. To characterize uptake of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a community setting and to identify disparities in PrEP use by demographic and behavioral factors associated with increased HIV risk. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 19 587 men who have sex with men and transgender people visiting a Los Angeles, California, clinic specializing in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender care between August 2015 and Februar…
Using Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to Monitor Disparities in HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis
Objectives. To quantify sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) disparities in incidence of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and viral hepatitis. Methods. We performed a records-based study of 19 933 patients visiting a federally qualified health center in Los Angeles, California, between November 2016 and October 2017 that examined HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis incidence proportions. We created multivariable logistic reg…
Effective use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) Among stimulant users with multiple condomless sex partners
PrEP's potential benefit for men who have sex with men (MSM) who use stimulants may be limited by adherence or prescriber willingness to recommend PrEP due to concerns of non-compliance. Using data from PATH-PrEP, a 48-week study evaluating PrEP for MSM in Los Angeles, we modeled an interaction between stimulant use and condomless sex with multiple partners (CAS-MP) on prevention-effective dried blood spot tenofovir-diphosphate concentrations. At…
Mind the gaps
Age at first HIV test for MSM at a community health clinic in Los Angeles
Young MSM, especially ethnic and racial minority young MSM, bear a disproportionate burden of new HIV infections. This group also has the highest rates of undiagnosed infection and lowest rates of viral suppression. Previous research indicates that young MSM are testing for HIV too late, which may explain why rates of new HIV infection are rising in young Hispanic MSM and not falling in young Black and White MSM despite advances in preventive med…
Food insecurity partially mediates the association between drug use and depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men in Los Angeles, California
Objective: To understand the relationship between drug use, food insecurity (FI) and mental health among men who have sex with men (MSM). Design: Cohort study (2014–2019) with at least one follow-up. Setting: Visits at 6-month intervals included self-assessment for FI and depressive symptoms. Urine testing results confirmed drug use. Factors associated with FI were assessed using multiple logistic regression with random effects for repeated measu…
Psychological Connection to the Gay Community and Negative Self-Appraisals in Middle-Aged and Older Men Who Have Sex With Men
Connection to the gay community may be a source of resilience for aging MSM by lessening negative self-appraisals and promoting strategies that address body image dissatisfaction and self-perceptions of aging. Interventions facilitating connections to the gay community may support healthy aging in this population
Substance Use, Violence, and Sexual Risk Among Young Cis-Gender Women Placed at High-Risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Gender-Based Violence and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Predict HIV PrEP Uptake and Persistence Failure Among Transgender and Non-binary Persons Participating in a PrEP Demonstration Project…
Facilitators of PrEP Persistence among Black and Latinx Transgender Women in a PrEP Demonstration Project in Southern California
Black and Latinx transgender women in the United States (U.S.) are at disproportionately high risk for HIV. Although HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces the risk of HIV infection, uptake and persistence (i.e., ability to continue taking PrEP over time) can be a challenge for Black and Latinx transgender women due to myriad social and structural forces. In this qualitative study, we present unique data on the facilitators of PrEP persisten…
Risk Behaviors Associated with Patterns of Sexualized Stimulant and Alcohol Use among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Advance Care Planning Among Sexual Minority Men
Objectives: Advance care planning (ACP) specifies decision-making surrogates and preferences for serious illness or end-of-life medical care. ACP research has largely neglected sexual minority men (SMM), a population that experiences disparities in health care and health status. Methods: We examined formal and informal ACP among SMM ages 40+ in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study ( N = 1,071). Results: For informal ACP (50%), younger SMM and men wi…
Determinants of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Retention among Transgender Women
Transgender women (TW) face inequities in HIV and unique barriers to PrEP, an effective biomedical intervention to prevent HIV acquisition. To improve PrEP retention among TW, we examined factors related to retention using a two-phase, sequential explanatory mixed methods approach. In Phase I, we used data from a trial of 170 TW who were provided oral PrEP to examine predictors of 24-week retention. In Phase II, we conducted 15 in-depth interview…
Strategies to Facilitate Service Utilization Among Youth at Risk for HIV
Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are vulnerable to acquiring HIV and need HIV prevention and health services, but may have competing needs. A prior analysis found that PrEP use reports increased in a combination intervention study arm with coaching, peer support, and automated text-messages. This paper examines ancillary support and healthcare services utilization as secondary intervention objectives. SGMY (N = 895, 40% Black, 29% Latino) …
Medicine (28 works) · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions (26 works) · Demography (15 works) · Men who have sex with men (15 works) · Psychology (15 works) · Family medicine (13 works) · Psychiatry (12 works) · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk (11 works) · Public health (11 works) · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV (10 works)