Connecting Hidden Communities for Research Collaboration: A Community-Based Study of Sexual Health Among Bisexual Men

Issues: Community has previously been found to be a critically important factor in terms of effectively reaching individuals, often organized on the basis of shared behaviors and identities, with HIV/STD prevention messages. There is currently a general lack of information on the concept of community among bisexual men, one of the highest risk groups for HIV/STD infection and transmission, and a limited understanding of how bisexual men's communities can be used to deliver effective HIV/STD prevention information.

Description: This project involved an interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers at two campuses of Indiana University, the Marion County Health Department, as well as stakeholders from the broader Indianapolis community. The community-based approach was used to acquire formative data to inform the project from the perspective of bisexual men, and organizations that serve them, at key points throughout the study. In-depth interviews and STD diagnostics from a diverse sample of 75 bisexual men were collected that provide rich insights into the individual and socio-cultural factors, as well as the sexual and risk-related decision-making processes, that may be potential targets of future sexual health promotion efforts.

Lessons Learned: Given the sensitivity of the issues that were discussed and uncovered, and the relatively hidden nature of male bisexuality, engaging community members who provided insight into local, social, and cultural norms was essential in guiding and shaping our research process.

Recommendations: Integrating formative research and community/stakeholder participation in intervention development is vital in understanding the context of potential health issues associated with bisexual men and their communities.