Substance use and sexual risk mediated by social support among black men

Mance E. Buttram, Steven P. Kurtz, Hilary L. Surratt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

Health and social disparities are widespread among men who have sex with men (MSM). Although literature indicates that Black MSM (BMSM) are no more likely than other MSM to report sexual risk behaviors, such as unprotected anal intercourse, studies have reported that buying and trading sex appear to be important risk factors for BMSM. Substance use generally is not significantly greater among BMSM than other MSM, studies have found that BMSM report more powder and crack cocaine use than other MSM. The lack of adequate coping skills and social support for BMSM has also been documented. This paper examines differences in substance use, sexual risk behaviors and social support among Black and non-black MSM, in a sample of 515 men participating in a randomized intervention trial. BMSM reported higher rates of substance dependence (72.2 vs. 59.5 %, P =.015) and buying sex (49.1 vs. 17.4 %, P <.000) than non-Black MSM. BMSM also reported lower levels of social support than other MSM on all measures included in the study; e.g.; getting help and emotional support from others (38.0 vs. 52.8 %, P <.006). Mediation analyses showed that BMSM's higher rates of substance dependence and buying sex are partially mediated by lower levels of social support. Our data appear to show that lack of social support is an important influence on risk behaviors among BMSM. Qualitative data also supported these findings. Sexual risk and substance use prevention interventions should address BMSM's capacity to build adequate and supportive relationships.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)62-69
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Community Health
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2013

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Acknowledgments This research was supported by DHHS Grant DA024579 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute on Drug Abuse or the National Institutes of Health.

Keywords

  • African American
  • MSM
  • Sexual risk behavior
  • Social support
  • Substance use

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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