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Abstract
Racial/ethnic differences in gay identity-related factors and their association with sexual risk among men who have sex with men
S. Flores1, G. Mansergh1, G. Marks1, R. Guzman2, M. Rader1, G. Colfax2
Background: Gay identity is a complex, multidimensional construct. Little is known about how gay identity-related factors associate with sexual risk among men who have sex with men (MSM), and how associations may differ by race/ethnicity. This study explores differences in HIV risk behavior by examining gay identity-related factors and unprotected anal sex in African-American, Latino, and white MSM .
Methods: 483 men (mean age 34 years) reporting recent same-sex behavior were recruited through community-based methods in the San Francisco Bay Area. The analytic sample consisted of comparable proportions of African-American (33%), Latino (34%) and white (33%) men. Data were collected on demographic and gay identity-related variables (Gay Community Involvement, Gay Bar/Club Attendance, Gay Identity Importance, Self-Homophobia, and Gay Peer Affiliation), and unprotected anal sex (UA) in the past 3 months (insertive, receptive; overall, and with a partner of different or unknown HIV-status [discordant]).
Results: 47% of the sample reported UA (46% African-American, 45% Latino, 51% white). Gay Community Involvement and Bar/Club Attendance were associated with sexual risk behavior. Controlling for non-gay identification (22% of sample), alcohol use, and other variables, Community Involvement was associated with receptive UA in the past 3 months (adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=1.30, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=1.06-1.60). Bar/Club Attendance was associated with insertive UA (AOR=1.20, 95% CI=1.01-1.43), particularly with HIV-discordant partners (AOR=1.35, 95% CI = 1.08-1.69). For Latinos, Bar/Club Attendance was associated with HIV-discordant insertive UA (AOR=1.84, 95% CI=1.16-2.93). For African-Americans, Bar/Club Attendance was associated with HIV-discordant receptive UA (AOR=1.63, 95% CI=1.04-2.55).
Conclusions: Some gay identity-related factors were associated with unprotected anal sex among MSM while others were not. Results suggest the importance of pursuing racial/ethnic-specific approaches to reducing sexual risk. Implications for prevention include attempting to alter community norms and encouraging alternatives to bars as settings in which to meet and socialize with other MSM.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WEPE0654
Suggested Citation
"S.Flores, et al.
Racial/ethnic differences in gay identity-related factors and their association with sexual risk among men who have sex with men.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WEPE0654"
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