High-risk sexual behavior and condom use among gay and bisexual African-American men.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. Little is known about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) high-risk sexual practices of gay and bisexual African-American men. These data are needed so that better interventions can be developed and implemented in this population. METHODS. The frequency and correlates of unprotected anal intercourse were examined among 250 gay and bisexual African-American men in the San Francisco Bay Area. The cohort was recruited in 1990 from bars, bathhouses, and erotic bookstores, and through African-American gay organizations, street outreach, advertisements in gay mainstream and African-American newspapers, health clinics, and personal referral from other participants. RESULTS. More than 50% of the men in our sample reported having unprotected anal intercourse in the past 6 months, a considerably higher percentage than that among gay White men in San Francisco through 1988 and 1989. Men who practiced unprotected anal intercourse were more likely to be poor, to have been paid for sex, or to have used injection drugs; to have a higher perceived risk of HIV infection; and to report less social support for concerns about risky sexual behavior. Condom norms, condom efficacy, and negative expectations about using condoms predicted these men's failure to use them. CONCLUSION. In the second decade of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic, risk reduction programs are still needed for gay and bisexual African-American men.

HIV Acquisition and Transmission Potential Among African American Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women in Three U.S. Cities

“…This finding echoes other research among MSM that has associated lower levels of support with HIV risk and higher levels of support with HIV testing (Carlos et al, 2010;J. L. Lauby et al, 2012;Peterson et al, 1992) and greater viral load suppression (Blashill et al, 2015;M.R. Friedman et al, 2017).…”

Evaluation of an STD/HIV intervention program among Marine security guards.

“…Attitudes toward condoms have also been found to be very consistently associated with condom use (Abraham et al, 1992;Bryan, Aiken, & West, 1997;Catania, Coates, & Kegeles, 1994;Sheeran et al, 1999). Our findings regarding the other psychosocial variables (e.g., Social Norms, Self-Efficacy) are also consistent with past research on condom use (Brown et al, 1992;Marin et al, 1997;Peterson et al, 1992).…”

Sexual Mixing Patterns and Partner Characteristics of Black MSM in Massachusetts at Increased Risk for HIV Infection and Transmission

“…Possible explanations for racial disparities in HIV and STD incidence have included socioeconomic position and cultural factors, structural barriers in accessing health care, and differences in sexual behavior. [7][8][9][10][11] Although studies have consistently found higher HIV prevalence among Black MSM relative to MSM of other races/ethnicities, comparable or lower rates of sexual risk behavior (i.e., unprotected anal sex [UAS]) have been observed among Black MSM compared to White and/or Latino MSM, 10,[12][13][14][15] suggesting that behavioral risk factors for HIV infection alone do not sufficiently explain elevated rates of HIV among Black MSM. 12 One potential explanation for higher HIV infection rates-that the sexual networks of Black MSM place them at greater risk for HIV and STDs than the sexual networks of other MSM-has not yet been sufficiently investigated.…”