262933 Masculine Identity, Sexual Behavior, and Young Black Men

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Angelica Geter, MPH , Department of Psychology, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
Sinead Younge, PhD , Department of Psychology, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
Introduction: In 2009, persons aged 13-29 accounted for 39% of all new cases of HIV, with the highest incidence of HIV (51%) being among Black men. In order to develop effective health messages and interventions that promote HIV/AIDS awareness, there must be an understanding of the antecedents that inform sexual risk perception and dictate the sexual behaviors of young Black men. The present study examined the interconnected relationships of popular culture, masculine identity and high risk sexual behavior among young Black men.

Methods: Black male collegiate students, (N=23) aged 18-26, were recruited to complete a brief questionnaire and participate in a focus group discussion on the present topic.

Results: The men discussed how a lack of self esteem and self identity were key factors in the adoption of masculine ideologies that are displayed in popular culture. The participants' safe sex behaviors seemed to be influenced by their commitment level to their partner(s) and previous HIV/STI prevention knowledge. When seeking HIV testing, masculine ideologies seemed to have an impact on the participant's safe sex behavior do to a fear of being labeled as gay or homosexual within their communities.

Conclusions: Using popular culture and “traditional” masculine ideologies to engage high risk persons in the discussion on HIV prevention is a nontraditional approach to intervention development and program enhancement. Further exploration of the social determinants of health concerning Black males outside of the academic setting is needed.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the interconnected relationship of popular culture and the presented images of masculine ideologies that are frequently adopted by young Black men. Discuss the possible risk that is associated with the adoption of these masculine ideologies and sexual behavior (e.g. concurrent partnerships and inconsistent condom usage).

Keywords: African American, Sexual Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the co-principal of a federally funded grant focusing on sexual risk behavior, HIV/AIDS prevention among young Black men. I am an applied evaluator and behavioral scientist with experience in outcome, process and formative evaluations, and intervention design and dissemination in the area of HIV/AIDS and STIs among underserved populations.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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