Differences in substance use, psychosocial characteristics and HIV-related sexual risk behavior between Black men who have sex with men only (BMSMO) and Black men who have sex with men and women (BMSMW) in six US cities

J Urban Health. 2013 Dec;90(6):1181-93. doi: 10.1007/s11524-013-9811-1.

Abstract

We assessed associations in substance use, psychosocial characteristics, and HIV-related sexual risk behaviors, comparing characteristics of Black men who only have sex with other men only (BMSMO; n = 839) to Black men who have sex with men and women (BMSMW; n = 590). The study analyzed baseline data from the HIV Prevention Trials Network Brothers Study (HPTN 061), a feasibility study of a multi-component intervention for Black MSM in six US cities. Bivariate analyses compared BMSMO to BMSMW along demographics, substance use, psychosocial characteristics, and HIV-related sexual risk behaviors. Logistic regression models then assessed multivariable associations between being BMSMW and the odds of engaging in HIV-related sexual risk behaviors. Adjusted analyses revealed that BMSMW remained more likely to have unprotected anal intercourse while under the influence of alcohol (AOR: 1.45; 95 % CI:1.11-1.90) and were more likely to receive money/drugs for sex (AOR: 2.11; 95 % CI:1.48-3.03), compared to BMSMO. Substance use is an important factor to be considered when developing risk-reduction interventions for BMSMW. Structural interventions that address factors that may contribute to exchange sex among these men are also warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / ethnology
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Depression / ethnology
  • HIV Infections / ethnology*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Homophobia / ethnology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sexual Behavior / ethnology*
  • Sexuality / ethnology
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Substance-Related Disorders / ethnology*
  • Vereinigte Staaten
  • Urban Health