Correlates of sexual-risk behaviors among young black MSM: implications for clinic-based counseling programs

Abstract

This study applied an 8-item index of recent sexual risk behaviors to young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) and evaluated the distribution for normality. The distribution was tested for associations with possible antecedents of sexual risk. YBMSM (N=600), ages 16–29 years, were recruited from an STI clinic, located in the Southern United States. Men completed an extensive audio-computer assisted self-interview. Thirteen possible antecedents of sexual risk, as assessed by the index, were selected for analyses. The 8-item index formed a normal distribution with a mean of 4.77 (sd=1.77). In adjusted analyses, not having completed education beyond high school was associated with less risk, as was having sex with females. Conversely, meeting sex partners online was associated with greater risk, as was reporting that sex partners were drunk during sex. The obtained normal distribution of sexual risk behaviors suggests a corresponding need to “target and tailor” clinic-based counseling and prevention services for YBMSM. Avoiding sex when partners are intoxicated may be an especially valuable goal of counseling sessions.

Resilience, condom use self-efficacy, internalized homophobia, and condomless anal sex among black men who have sex with men, New York City

“…Condomless anal sex was prevalent among BMSM in our study. This finding is consistent with other reports of prevalent condomless anal sex among MSM [29, 30], including one study that suggests an increasing trend in condomless anal sex among MSM, including BMSM, in recent years [31]. This condomless anal sex trend may be associated with treatment optimism (defined as favorable perceptions regarding the availability or use of antiretroviral therapy in the era of treatment as prevention [TasP]), especially among serodiscordant or unknown status male partners of HIV-positive men; further study is needed.…”

Correlates Associated With Willingness to Start Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) in Jackson, Mississippi

“…Sexual behavior and demographic variables were selected on the basis of prior literature examining HIV and sexual risk behaviors. 19,20 Sexual behavior variables were derived from questionnaire items about the number of male partners, discussion of condom use with male sexual partners, having female vaginal partners, perceived risk of acquiring HIV, consistent condom use for both insertive and receptive sex, consistent condom use for insertive sex, and consistent condom use for receptive sex. Most of the sexual behavior variables were derived from responses reported at 3-month followup, which was when the PrEP question was asked.…”