Nonsupportive peer norms and incarceration as HIV risk correlates for young black men who have sex with men.
Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are at considerable risk for HIV infection. A convenience sample of BMSM (n=252) attending nightclubs in three North Carolina cities was surveyed to investigate factors associated with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). About 45% reported UAI in the past 2 months. BMSM who strongly agreed that their male friends used condoms for anal sex were significantly less likely to report any UAI. Recently incarcerated men were significantly more likely to report unprotected insertive anal sex. In secondary analyses, men who reported experiencing discrimination based on their race and nongay identified men reported more favorable peer norms for condom use. Men who reported that their family disapproved of their being gay were more likely to have been incarcerated in the past 2 months. HIV prevention for BMSM must promote supportive peer norms for condom use and address incarceration, racial discrimination, and family disapproval.
Jones
Kenneth T
KT
Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, (MS E-37), Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. kjones4@cdc.gov
Johnson
Wayne D
WD
Wheeler
Darrell P
DP
Gray
Phyllis
P
Foust
Evelyn
E
Gaiter
Juarlyn
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009657:North Carolina; D010379:Peer Group; D011287:Prejudice; D011329:Prisoners; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners