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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Edward Mamary, DrPH, MS, Health Science Department, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, 408-924-2986, emamary@email.sjsu.edu, Jacqueline McCright, MPH, San Jose State University Foundation, 210 N. Fourth St 4th floor, San Jose, CA 95112, and Amy LaGoy, EdD, Consultant, 2516 Piedmont Avenue, #1, Berkeley, CA 94704.

Background: African American men who have sex with men (MSM) and who do not identify as gay (NGI) are at high risk for HIV infection. Previous prevention strategies have, for the most part, been ineffective with this population. Methods: Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted to explore perceptions of NGI African American MSM in the San Francisco Bay Area regarding their HIV risk and the social, cultural, community, and family influences associated with conducting outreach and HIV prevention. Results: The majority of men perceived same gender sex in strictly behavioral terms, rather than associating it with a specific sexual identity. Although many men characterized the church as opposing same gender sexual behavior, they reported strong Christian beliefs. Despite awareness of safer sex practices, many men reported engaging in high risk sex. Harm reduction as an HIV prevention strategy held little currency with this sample; there was little awareness of HIV rapid testing. Disclosing men-to-men sexual behavior to women sexual partners was a challenge for many of the men. Other women (mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and friends) were identified as major supports by many men. Conclusion: Identifying specific social supports in the lives of African American NGI MSM may serve as valuable resources for HIV prevention efforts. Because most men do not regard same gender sex behavior as part of their sexual identity and due to a lack of access to specific venues where men meet men, street outreach and HIV prevention activities with this population present unique challenges to public health workers.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants in this session will be able to

• Recognize relevant social, cultural, community, and family influences regarding HIV risk among a sample of non-gay identified African American MSM in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Identify challenges and opportunities related to conducting outreach and prevention with NGI African MSM.
• Describe at least two benefits of convening a community advisory group to consult on all aspects of conducting behavioral research.

Keywords: African American, Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation