Traumatic life experiences and HIV vulnerability among young Black men who have sex with men

Background: HIV incidence among young Black men who have sex with men (Y-BMSM) is disproportionately high relative to other populations. Traumatic life experiences may enhance Y-BMSM's vulnerability to HIV and increase risk-taking behaviors. Understanding the relative contributions of different traumatic experiences on HIV risk is important in identifying interventions needed to improve the health of Y-BMSM.

Methods: Data were obtained from a sample of 227 Y-BMSM (aged 18-30 years) living in New York City. Participants were recruited from community and online venues, and through referrals. Five types of traumatic life experienced were assessed: physical abuse, sexual abuse, exchange sex, homelessness, and incarcerations. HIV risk factors measured included unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), drug use, alcohol abuse, and depression. Generalized linear models were used to explore associations.

Results: Twenty-five percent of Y-BMSM had no trauma experiences, while one, two, or three trauma experiences were reported by roughly 20% each. Twelve percent reported four or more experiences. Men with four or more traumatic life events were almost 6 times more likely to report serodiscordant UAI than men with none or one experience. The probability of UAI, alcohol abuse, use of stimulant drugs, and depressive symptomology increased as number of traumatic life events increased in a statistically significant, linear fashion.

Conclusions: Traumatic life experiences appear to have an additive impact on HIV risk. Findings speak to the need for policy interventions to improve social conditions that predispose Y-BMSM to trauma, as well as behavioral interventions to reduce the impact of trauma on risk.