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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 4/2013

01-05-2013 | Original Paper

Homophobia is Associated with Sexual Behavior that Increases Risk of Acquiring and Transmitting HIV Infection Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men

Authors: William L. Jeffries IV, Gary Marks, Jennifer Lauby, Christopher S. Murrill, Gregorio A. Millett

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 4/2013

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Abstract

We investigated whether the experience of homophobic events increases the odds of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among black men who have sex with men (MSM) and whether social integration level buffered the association. Participants (N = 1,154) reported homophobic events experienced in the past 12 months. Social integration measures included social support, closeness with family members and friends, attachment to the black gay community, openness about sexuality within religious communities, and MSM social network size. Logistic regression analyses indicated that experiencing homophobia was associated with (1) UAI among men not previously diagnosed with HIV and (2) sexual HIV transmission risk behavior among men who knew they were HIV-infected. None of the social integration measures buffered these associations. Homophobia may promote acquisition and transmission of HIV infection among black MSM. Interventions are needed to reduce homophobia experienced by black MSM.
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Metadata
Title
Homophobia is Associated with Sexual Behavior that Increases Risk of Acquiring and Transmitting HIV Infection Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors
William L. Jeffries IV
Gary Marks
Jennifer Lauby
Christopher S. Murrill
Gregorio A. Millett
Publication date
01-05-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-012-0189-y

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