The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46233

Patrick A. Wilson¹, Hiro Yoshikawa, PhD¹, and John L. Peterson, PhD². (1) Department of Psychology, New York University, 6 Washington Place, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003, 212-998-3760, paw215@nyu.edu, (2) Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303

Black MSM represent a group at great risk for HIV, as they have the highest incidence of AIDS in the U.S. Research is needed on individual- and ecological-level factors that place these men at risk. This paper asks: 1) what are the profiles of social network and social/political group involvement for Black MSM? 2) do levels of peer norms, AIDS knowledge, self-efficacy and AIDS ethnocentrism differ for Black MSM according to their social networks and social activity? 3) does HIV-risk differ for Black MSM according to their social involvement? The sample consisted of 318 Black MSM. The average age was 31 years old, and 88% of participants were single. 1/3 reported engaging in sexual behavior with both men and women. Measures included demographics, make-up of social networks (race, sexual orientation), participation in social/political groups of Black gay, White gay, and heterosexual types, condom efficacy, peer norms, AIDS knowledge, AIDS ethnocentrism and instances of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the past 6 months. Data were analyzed using cluster analysis, regression analysis and ANOVA. Results of the study show that men who were active in social/political groups were less likely to engage in UAI than men who were not active. This effect was mediated by higher condom efficacy and lower AIDS ethnocentrism. The study also showed that men with Black gay networks reported higher UAI than men with White gay social networks. These findings indicate that different social patterns among Black MSM can lead to different outcomes regarding HIV-risk.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants in this session will learn about the variability in the social routines and behaviors of African-American MSM and will understand how these variations affect HIV-risk behaviors of men in this population. This information will be useful to researchers and practitioners targeting African-American MSM. Participants will also be exposed to research methods that can be useful in examining African-American MSM and HIV risk.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS,

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.