Minority Stress Theory: An Examination of Factors Surrounding Sexual Risk Behavior Among Gay and Bisexual Men Who Use Club Drugs

Abstract

Background Few studies have examined the impact of minority stress theory upon sexual risk behavior among gay and bisexual men using club drugs. Similar studies have focused on ethnic minorities and women, however gay and bisexual men demonstrate greater likelihood for risk behaviors leading to HIV/AIDS. Objective This study examined sexual risk behavior from the perspective of minority stress theory upon substance using gay and bisexual men and their partners. Methods Multivariable logistic regression analysis examined minority stress associations with participant sexual risk behaviors, drug use and partner type, controlling for demographics. Results 396 gay and 54 bisexual respondents, ages 18-67 reported at least one time drug use while engaging in sexual risk behavior. In the adjusted model, expectations of rejection associated with lower odds of sexual risk behavior, while older age approached significance. Conclusions Theoretical origins for examining risk behavior among gay and bisexual men may underscore risk and protective factors, while ultimately holding implications for prevention and treatment interventions.

“In the Beginning, It Was Little Whispers…Now, We’re Almost a Roar”: Conceptualizing a Model for Community and Self in LGBTQ+ Health Information Practices

“…This distinction highlights the fact that even if a participant does not face immediate constraints to their health information practices (barriers), they can still respond to perceived adverse outcomes produced by these barriers (risks). This finding aligns with a central claim of minority stress theory, positing that absent of immediate barriers, LGBTQ+ people still may experience stressors due to expectations that they will face these barriers in the future [47]. Findings also advance population health [20] and resilience [21] approaches within an informational context by reframing health information practices from resultant of personal failings to empowered and intentional acts.…”

Sociodemographic Characteristics and Health Outcomes Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual U.S. Adults UsingHealthy People 2020Leading Health Indicators

“…While these may indicate the need for specific interventions in addition to continued efforts at increasing healthy behaviors (e.g., diet, exercise), studies into the cause of these health disparities are warranted. In addition to increased LGBT-specific health professional training, 19 minority stress-a stigma-related theory originally proposed by Meyer in 2003 20 that has been implicated in mental health status, 21,22 physical health status, [23][24][25] and deleterious health behaviors 26,27 -may also be amenable to intervention. 28 Several positive outcomes were also discovered.…”

The Psycho-Social and Socio-Cultural Factors of Crystal Methamphetamine Use Among the Gay, Bi and MSM (GBM) Population

“…As such, GBM of colour often become a double minority group. While a study condudcted by Dentato, Halkitis, & Orwat (2013) did not find conclusive results as to whether minority stressors play a role in substance use behaviours among GBM, the researchers suggest that further investigation in this area can result in useful knowledge in understanding how minority stress may impact individuallevel risk bahviours in sexual minority populations of colour.…”