Experiences of Anti-Homosexual Attitudes and Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the South
PURPOSE:
In
2012, Jackson, Mississippi, had the third highest incidence rate of human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among young Black men who have sex with men (MSM).
The goal of this qualitative study (the initial phase of an HIV prevention
clinical trial) was to explore how cultural norms regarding anti-homosexual
attitudes interfere with the safe sex practices and relationship norms of young
Black MSM in Mississippi.
METHODS:
Nine
focus groups (N = 54) were conducted with young Black MSM aged 18-29.
Participants were recruited through medical providers at local sexually
transmitted infection clinics and through community organizers at local LGBT
outreach programs. The data were analyzed through the use of grounded theory,
multiple coders for consistency and intercoder reliability, and a qualitative
data analysis software.
RESULTS:
Three
major themes were identified during the analysis: (1) resiliency and condom
use, (2) inconsistent condom use among closeted young Black MSM, and (3)
intimate partner violence (IPV) among closeted young Black MSM. Black MSM in
Mississippi continue to be highly stigmatized within their social networks
(i.e., families, sexual partners, and community).
CONCLUSIONS:
The
findings suggest that cultural and community norms regarding anti-homosexual
attitudes may be a barrier to the practices of safe sex and a contributing
factor to IPV among young Black MSM. There is a need for tailored interventions
that address these cultural norms and establish social and community support
for young Black MSM in Mississippi.
- 1 Department of Health Behavior, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
- 2 Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia .
- 3 Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.
- LGBT Health. 2016 Feb 17.
No comments:
Post a Comment