title: Chinese Culture, Homosexuality Stigma, Social Support and Condom Use: A Path Analytic Model.
abstract: PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine the interrelationships among individualism, collectivism, homosexuality-related stigma, social support, and condom use among Chinese homosexual men.  METHODS: A cross-sectional study using the respondent-driven sampling approach was conducted among 351 participants in Shenzhen, China. Path analytic modeling was used to analyze the interrelationships.  RESULTS: The results of path analytic modeling document the following statistically significant associations with regard to homosexuality: (1) higher levels of vertical collectivism were associated with higher levels of public stigma [β (standardized coefficient) = 0.12] and self stigma (β = 0.12); (2) higher levels of vertical individualism were associated with higher levels self stigma (β = 0.18); (3) higher levels of horizontal individualism were associated with higher levels of public stigma (β = 0.12); (4) higher levels of self stigma were associated with higher levels of social support from sexual partners (β = 0.12); and (5) lower levels of public stigma were associated with consistent condom use (β = -0.19).  CONCLUSIONS: The findings enhance our understanding of how individualist and collectivist cultures influence the development of homosexuality-related stigma, which in turn may affect individuals' decisions to engage in HIV-protective practices and seek social support. Accordingly, the development of HIV interventions for homosexual men in China should take the characteristics of Chinese culture into consideration.
authors: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
authors: Hongjie
authors: H
authors: Liu
authors: Tiejian
authors: T
authors: Feng
authors: Toan
authors: T
authors: Ha
authors: Hui
authors: H
authors: Liu
authors: Yumao
authors: Y
authors: Cai
authors: Xiaoli
authors: X
authors: Liu
authors: Jian
authors: J
authors: Li