Association between being influenced by music videos and African American men's attitudes and sexual behavior toward African American women

INTRODUCTION: Limited empirical data have examined the influence of media on men's sexual attitudes and behavior towards women. To address this gap we examined the impact of exposure to music videos on African American men's attitudes and sexual behaviors with African American women.

METHODS: This study is part of a randomized control trial to evaluate an HIV/STD risk-reduction intervention for heterosexual African American men, 18-29 years, in Atlanta, GA. Data reported are from baseline ACASI surveys, prior to randomization, assessing influence of media exposure, STD history, sexual behaviors, attitudes, drug/alcohol use, and abusive behavior.

RESULTS: Half (n=40) of men reported music videos influence their behavior towards African American women. Using linear and logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, men reporting music videos influence their behavior towards African American women predicted more: prior STDs (p=0.036), sex partners (p=.017), condom barriers (p=.041), sexual concurrency (p=0.043), sexual adventurism (p=.001), and refusal of partner's condom requests (p=0.021). They were markedly more likely to report incarceration (OR=7.2,p=.025), hazardous drinking (OR=3.8,p=.026), binge drinking (OR=3.5,p=.024), marijuana use (OR=3.7,p=.009), and using marijuana to enhance sex (OR=2.7,p=.05). Importantly, men reporting videos influenced their behavior reported more abusive behavior towards women (p=.007).

CONCLUSION: Men influenced by music videos had a risk profile associated with more STDs and HIV/STD behaviors and abusive behavior towards African American women. Research should explore media influences on men's sexual behavior and attitudes. Similarly, risk reduction interventions should incorporate media literacy approaches to combat media portrayals adversely impacting sexual behaviors and attitudes towards sex partners.