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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 11/2014

01-11-2014 | Original Paper

Beyond the Ball: Implications for HIV Risk and Prevention Among the Constructed Families of African American Men Who Have Sex with Men

Authors: Julia Dickson-Gomez, Jill Owczarzak, Janet St.Lawrence, Cheryl Sitzler, Katherine Quinn, Broderick Pearson, Jeffrey A. Kelly, Yuri A. Amirkhanian

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 11/2014

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Abstract

African American men who have sex with men (AAMSM) are disproportionately burdened by new and existing HIV infections. In spite of this, few HIV prevention interventions have been developed that meet the specific needs of AAMSM and that are culturally appropriate and build on strengths and resources. In this paper, we examine constructed families, including those who belong to houses and those who do not, from a three city sample of 196 AAMSM. Results show that the majority of AAMSM who belong to constructed families do not participate in houses or balls. Both house and non-house affiliated constructed families are important sources of social support among AAMSM. Participants reported limited success in spreading HIV messages at ball events, but talk about HIV within their constructed families. Social network approaches to HIV prevention may capitalize on existing social ties within constructed families to promote safer sexual behaviors.
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Metadata
Title
Beyond the Ball: Implications for HIV Risk and Prevention Among the Constructed Families of African American Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors
Julia Dickson-Gomez
Jill Owczarzak
Janet St.Lawrence
Cheryl Sitzler
Katherine Quinn
Broderick Pearson
Jeffrey A. Kelly
Yuri A. Amirkhanian
Publication date
01-11-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 11/2014
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-014-0836-6

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