Abstract
Health and social disparities are widespread among men who have sex with men (MSM). Although literature indicates that Black
MSM (BMSM) are no more likely than other MSM to report sexual risk behaviors, such as unprotected anal intercourse, studies
have reported that buying and trading sex appear to be important risk factors for BMSM. Substance use generally is not significantly
greater among BMSM than other MSM, studies have found that BMSM report more powder and crack cocaine use than other MSM. The
lack of adequate coping skills and social support for BMSM has also been documented. This paper examines differences in substance
use, sexual risk behaviors and social support among Black and non-black MSM, in a sample of 515 men participating in a randomized
intervention trial. BMSM reported higher rates of substance dependence (72.2 vs. 59.5 %, P = .015) and buying sex (49.1 vs. 17.4 %, P < .000) than non-Black MSM. BMSM also reported lower levels of social support than other MSM on all measures included in
the study; e.g., getting help and emotional support from others (38.0 vs. 52.8 %, P < .006). Mediation analyses showed that BMSM’s higher rates of substance dependence and buying sex are partially mediated
by lower levels of social support. Our data appear to show that lack of social support is an important influence on risk behaviors
among BMSM. Qualitative data also supported these findings. Sexual risk and substance use prevention interventions should
address BMSM’s capacity to build adequate and supportive relationships.
MSM (BMSM) are no more likely than other MSM to report sexual risk behaviors, such as unprotected anal intercourse, studies
have reported that buying and trading sex appear to be important risk factors for BMSM. Substance use generally is not significantly
greater among BMSM than other MSM, studies have found that BMSM report more powder and crack cocaine use than other MSM. The
lack of adequate coping skills and social support for BMSM has also been documented. This paper examines differences in substance
use, sexual risk behaviors and social support among Black and non-black MSM, in a sample of 515 men participating in a randomized
intervention trial. BMSM reported higher rates of substance dependence (72.2 vs. 59.5 %, P = .015) and buying sex (49.1 vs. 17.4 %, P < .000) than non-Black MSM. BMSM also reported lower levels of social support than other MSM on all measures included in
the study; e.g., getting help and emotional support from others (38.0 vs. 52.8 %, P < .006). Mediation analyses showed that BMSM’s higher rates of substance dependence and buying sex are partially mediated
by lower levels of social support. Our data appear to show that lack of social support is an important influence on risk behaviors
among BMSM. Qualitative data also supported these findings. Sexual risk and substance use prevention interventions should
address BMSM’s capacity to build adequate and supportive relationships.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10900-012-9582-8
- Authors
- Mance E. Buttram, ARSH: Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities, Nova Southeastern University, 2121 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Ste. 430, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA
- Steven P. Kurtz, ARSH: Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities, Nova Southeastern University, 2121 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Ste. 430, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA
- Hilary L. Surratt, ARSH: Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities, Nova Southeastern University, 2121 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Ste. 430, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA
- Journal Journal of Community Health
- Online ISSN 1573-3610
- Print ISSN 0094-5145