title: 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), aged 16-29 years, were recruited from a sexually transmitted infection clinic, located in the southern US. 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.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Health, Behavior & Society , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA.
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Crosby
authors.affiliation: b Division of Infectious Diseases , University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson , MS , USA.
authors.forename: Leandro
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mena
authors.affiliation: c Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion , The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA.
authors.forename: JaNelle M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ricks
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000523:psychology*; D012731:Sex Counseling; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Black/African American; HIV/AIDS; men having sex with men; sexual behaviors; youth