Abstract
Who's the Man? Examining the Relationship Between Black Masculinity, Perceived Social Support, and Sexual Behavior in Black Male College Students
APHA 2022 Annual Meeting and Expo
Background: Sexual health disparities in college-aged Black men remains a critical public health issue. Black men are likely to have an earlier sexual debut, acquire sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV at higher rates, and enter fatherhood at earlier ages than their White counterparts. Research demonstrates masculinity and perceived social support as predictors of sexual risk behavior for men in the U.S. However, these studies in Black male populations are few. The study purpose was to explore the relationship between Black masculinity, perceived social support, and risky sexual behaviors in Black male college students. Methodology: A sample of 175 Black male college students attending a PWI and HBCU completed the study survey. Measures included perceptions of Black masculinity, perceived social and institutional support, and sexual behavior. Logistic regression, ordinal regression, and moderation analyses were performed. Results: Black men who identified with traditional masculinity were positively associated (B=1.12, p= 0.023*) with alcohol/drug use prior to sexual activity, and those who were culturally influenced by Black masculinity were negatively associated (B= -1.47, p=0.016*) with sexual behavior. Having high levels of perceived and institutional social support also moderated the relationship between masculinity and risky sexual activity. Conclusion: The findings of this study illustrate importance of cultural competence and value of including Black men’s social networks when developing sexual health interventions. Interventions must consider how Black males perceive masculinity in order to effectively address stigmas related to sexual health behaviors that result in adverse health outcomes experienced by Black men.