Experiences of antihomosexual attitudes and young black men who have sex with men in the South: A need for community-based interventions

Angelica Geter, Ja Nelle M. Ricks, Margaret Mcgladrey, Richard A. Crosby, Leandro A. Mena, Jessica M. Ottmar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: In 2012, Jackson, Mississippi, had the third highest incidence rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among young Black men who have sex with men (MSM). The goal of this qualitative study (the initial phase of an HIV prevention clinical trial) was to explore how cultural norms regarding antihomosexual attitudes interfere with the safe sex practices and relationship norms of young Black MSM in Mississippi. Methods: Nine focus groups (N = 54) were conducted with young Black MSM aged 18-29. Participants were recruited through medical providers at local sexually transmitted infection clinics and through community organizers at local LGBT outreach programs. The data were analyzed through the use of grounded theory, multiple coders for consistency and intercoder reliability, and a qualitative data analysis software. Results: Three major themes were identified during the analysis: (1) resiliency and condom use, (2) inconsistent condom use among closeted young Black MSM, and (3) intimate partner violence (IPV) among closeted young Black MSM. Black MSM in Mississippi continue to be highly stigmatized within their social networks (i.e., families, sexual partners, and community). Conclusions: The findings suggest that cultural and community norms regarding antihomosexual attitudes may be a barrier to the practices of safe sex and a contributing factor to IPV among young Black MSM. There is a need for tailored interventions that address these cultural norms and establish social and community support for young Black MSM in Mississippi.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)214-218
Number of pages5
JournalLGBT Health
Volume3
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2016

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This study was funded by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health awarded to Dr. Richard Crosby, R01MH092226. Funding support for this work through the Satcher Health Leadership Institute Health Policy Leadership Fellowship Program is received from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Grant Number U54MD008173, a component of the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Food and Drug Administration Office of Minority Health, the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, and Northrop Grumman. The content and opinions are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of any of the funders.

Publisher Copyright:
© Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2016.

Keywords

  • African American/Black
  • MSM
  • condom use
  • intimate partner violence
  • resiliency

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Urology

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