Abstract
We investigated whether the experience of homophobic events increases the odds of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse
(UAI) among black men who have sex with men (MSM) and whether social integration level buffered the association. Participants
(N = 1,154) reported homophobic events experienced in the past 12 months. Social integration measures included social support,
closeness with family members and friends, attachment to the black gay community, openness about sexuality within religious
communities, and MSM social network size. Logistic regression analyses indicated that experiencing homophobia was associated
with (1) UAI among men not previously diagnosed with HIV and (2) sexual HIV transmission risk behavior among men who knew
they were HIV-infected. None of the social integration measures buffered these associations. Homophobia may promote acquisition
and transmission of HIV infection among black MSM. Interventions are needed to reduce homophobia experienced by black MSM.
(UAI) among black men who have sex with men (MSM) and whether social integration level buffered the association. Participants
(N = 1,154) reported homophobic events experienced in the past 12 months. Social integration measures included social support,
closeness with family members and friends, attachment to the black gay community, openness about sexuality within religious
communities, and MSM social network size. Logistic regression analyses indicated that experiencing homophobia was associated
with (1) UAI among men not previously diagnosed with HIV and (2) sexual HIV transmission risk behavior among men who knew
they were HIV-infected. None of the social integration measures buffered these associations. Homophobia may promote acquisition
and transmission of HIV infection among black MSM. Interventions are needed to reduce homophobia experienced by black MSM.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10461-012-0189-y
- Authors
- William L. Jeffries IV, Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Applied Sciences, Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road MS E-37, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
- Gary Marks, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Jennifer Lauby, Public Health Management Corporation, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Christopher S. Murrill, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Gregorio A. Millett, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Journal AIDS and Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-3254
- Print ISSN 1090-7165