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Homophobia is Associated with Sexual Behavior that Increases Risk of Acquiring and Transmitting HIV Infection Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men

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Abstract

We investigated whether the experience of homophobic events increases the odds of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among black men who have sex with men (MSM) and whether social integration level buffered the association. Participants (N = 1,154) reported homophobic events experienced in the past 12 months. Social integration measures included social support, closeness with family members and friends, attachment to the black gay community, openness about sexuality within religious communities, and MSM social network size. Logistic regression analyses indicated that experiencing homophobia was associated with (1) UAI among men not previously diagnosed with HIV and (2) sexual HIV transmission risk behavior among men who knew they were HIV-infected. None of the social integration measures buffered these associations. Homophobia may promote acquisition and transmission of HIV infection among black MSM. Interventions are needed to reduce homophobia experienced by black MSM.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded through cooperative agreements from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The authors thank the Brothers y Hermanos research team, study participants, community-based partners, and community advisory boards who contributed to the design and implementation of the study.

Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Applied Sciences, Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road MS E-37, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA

    William L. Jeffries IV

  2. Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA

    William L. Jeffries IV, Gary Marks & Gregorio A. Millett

  3. Public Health Management Corporation, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Jennifer Lauby

  4. Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Christopher S. Murrill

  5. Office of National AIDS Policy, The White House, Washington, DC, USA

    Gregorio A. Millett

Authors
  1. William L. Jeffries IV
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  2. Gary Marks
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  3. Jennifer Lauby
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  4. Christopher S. Murrill
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  5. Gregorio A. Millett
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Correspondence to William L. Jeffries IV.

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Jeffries, W.L., Marks, G., Lauby, J. et al. Homophobia is Associated with Sexual Behavior that Increases Risk of Acquiring and Transmitting HIV Infection Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 17, 1442–1453 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-012-0189-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-012-0189-y

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