[Internalized oppression and high-risk sexual practices among homosexual and bisexual males, Mexico].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between engaging in high-risk sexual practices for HIV infection and the internalized oppression of homo and bisexual males due to the prejudice and discrimination they face.


METHODS
An observational cross-sectional study was carried out between September and November 2001. A questionnaire was applied to 318 males who sought services and institutions in Mexico City. The studied variables were: internalized homophobia, perception of stigma, concealing sexual orientation, and sexual practices in the six months prior to the survey. The relationship (odds ratios) between forms of internalized oppression with high-risk sexual practices was estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for confounders.


RESULTS
Of all respondents, 256 reported having had at least one sexual relationship in the last six months, 50 reported having none, and 12 did not answer this question. More than 30% had not used condoms when they engaged in insertive or receptive anal sex. Internalized homophobia was associated with higher risk of drug consumption before or during sexual encounters, unprotected insertive/receptive anal sex, and swallowing semen from other men.


CONCLUSIONS
Engaging in high-risk sexual practices is still frequent among homo and bisexual males. Of the three forms of internalized oppression studied, homophobia was associated with higher high-risk sexual practices. This information may be incorporated into the design of programs for promoting condom use among homo and bisexual males.
Ortiz Hernández
Luis
L
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco, Mexico. lortiz@correo.xoc.uam.mx
García Torres
María Isabel
MI
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires