The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #36181

William N. Elwood, PhD, Center for Public Health Evaluation Research, 3355 Donald Avenue, Key West, FL 33040-4488, 305/295-9929, wnelwood@earthlink.net and Kathryn Greene, PhD, School of Communication, Information, and Library Sciences, Rutgers University, 4 Huntington Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

This essay argues that unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the public setting of bathhouses is facilitated by cultural mores of gay identified men and/or men who have sex with men (MSM). Specifically, mores that have existed since the era of gay liberation and mores associated with bathhouse patronage conflict with motives of safer sex and the opportunity to discuss sexual acts and potential condom use. Content analysis of interviews with men who patronize bathhouses, bathhouse staff members, and release forms from bathhouse establishments in Houston, TX, Key West, FL, Miami, FL, and New York, NY, reveals a complex situation that cannot accommodate policies that mandate condom use. The authors provide conclusions regarding the economics of bathhouses, the perceptions associated with sex in bathhouse settings, and their relationships with condom use and UAI. From these findings, the authors suggest an intervention approach that links condom use to the construction of gay community.

Learning Objectives:

• * Understand the economics of bathhouses in the gay community
• * Recognize the meanings MSM attach to sex in bathhouse settings
• * Identify the intersection of gay male cultural values, meanings attached to sex in bathhouse settings, and the possible facilitation of condom use
• * List the attitudes of bathhouse establishments and employees toward business practices, their clientele, condom provision and usage, and corporate responsibility
• * Identify an HIV prevention approach that links condom use to the construction of gay community.

Keywords: Condom Use, Cultural Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.