Psychosocial issues among gay- and non-gay-identifying HIV-seropositive African American and Latino MSM.

Abstract

This qualitative study examined sociocultural and behavioral factors including sexual health, sexual identity, and sexual risk among HIV-seropositive African American and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) who also have a history of sexual abuse. Twenty-three men participated in 4 focus groups, responding to conceptually organized questions regarding the relationship between histories of violence and sexual and drug-related HIV risk behaviors for reinfection and transmission. Consensual qualitative research methods were used to analyze audiotaped transcriptions. Seven domains focusing on consensual and nonconsensual sexual practices, cultural and gender-bound beliefs, and social expectations were identified. Implications of these psychosocial issues for HIV-seropositive gay- and non-gay-identifying African American and Latino MSM with histories of sexual abuse in future interventions are discussed.

Exploring Determinants of Unprotected Sexual Behaviours Favouring HIV Transmission among Men who Have Sex with Men in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

“…Some participants in current study findings had knowledge about protective functions of condoms, but did not use condoms consistently. This is not surprising as similar findings have been noted in previous studies (Malebranche, Fields, Bryant, & Harper, 2009;Wheeler, 2006;Williams, Wyatt, Resell, Peterson, & Asuan-O'Brien, 2004), where participants continued to engage in unprotected sexual behaviours after being exposed to such knowledge. Furthermore, similar to previous reporting (McLean, et al, 1994), the findings of the current study support the notion that individuals' expectations for sexual pleasure or perceptions that condom use interfere with sexual satisfaction were associated with unprotected sexual behaviours among MSM.…”

Using Syndemic Theory to Understand Vulnerability to HIV Infection among Black and Latino Men in New York City

“…These experiences often lead to an increased likelihood of participating in violence and being incarcerated. 35,36 Incarceration. Indeed, incarceration represents a serious issue in Black and Latino communities.…”

Exploring the Validity and Statistical Utility of a Racism Scale Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men

“…In particular, gayidentified men are expected to desire emotional connections with another man because of a level of presumed comfort with and acceptance of their sexual identity (Adam, 2000;Crawford et al, 2002;Floyd & Stein, 2002;Mohr & Fassinger, 2006). Non-gay-identified men (i.e., bisexual and heterosexual), however, are expected to primarily search for physical or sexual connections with other men because of the uneasiness with, denial about, and lack of acceptance of their sexual identity (Ford et al, 2007;Miller et al, 2005;Williams et al, 2004).…”

“…Particularly based on the beliefs of a predominately heterosexual culture, Black MSM are socialized to personify a strong masculine gender role or identity-which oftentimes implies procreating (or producing "babies") and behaving characteristically "straight" (Harawa et al, 2008;Malebranche, Fields, Bryant, & Harper, 2009). Pointedly some Black MSM may preserve their heterosexual identity by engaging in sex with men without any emotional involvement, whereas, comparatively, their heterosexual identity may be maintained as a result of having sex with women while developing a level of intimacy and emotional connectedness (Miller, Serner, & Wagner, 2005;Williams, Wyatt, Resell, Peterson, & Asuan-O'Brien, 2004).…”