title: Levels and correlates of internalized homophobia among men who have sex with men in Pretoria, South Africa.
abstract: This study examines levels and correlates of internalized homophobia among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Pretoria, South Africa. Using respondent-driven sampling, we recruited 324 MSM from February to August 2009. Results were adjusted using RDSAT analysis to yield population-based estimates. High levels of internalized homophobia exist among South African MSM: 10-15% reported "often/very often" and over 20% reported "sometimes" having feelings of internalized homophobia. A greater level of internalized homophobia was significantly associated with a lower level of education [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1-4.9], a higher level of HIV misinformation [AOR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.3-5.3], bisexual identity (vs. homosexual) [AOR = 5.5; 95% CI: 2.5-12.0], and HIV-related conspiracy beliefs [AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.02-5.8]. These findings contribute valuable information to our understanding of internalized homophobia in South Africa, highlighting the need to empower the gay community, promote self-acceptance of homosexual identity, and address conspiracy beliefs among MSM to reduce internalized homophobia and increase access to HIV prevention interventions.
authors.affiliation: HIV and AIDS Program, Population Council, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 280, Washington, DC 20008, USA. lvu@popcouncil.org
authors.forename: Lung
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vu
authors.forename: Waimar
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tun
authors.forename: Meredith
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sheehy
authors.forename: Dawie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005783:Gender Identity; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult