An Exploratory Study of the Intrapersonal, Socio-cultural, and Behavioral Factors that Influence HIV Risk Behaviors Among Ethnic Subgroups of Black Heterosexual Men

An Exploratory Study of the Intrapersonal, Socio-cultural, and Behavioral Factors that Influence HIV Risk Behaviors Among Ethnic Subgroups of Black Heterosexual Men PDF Author: Shalewa Noel-Thomas
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Languages : en
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ABSTRACT: Twenty five years after AIDS was first scientifically described, the disease continues to take its toll on the human population. HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects marginalized groups such as poor, underserved, minority populations. In the United States, Blacks become infected with and die from HIV/AIDS more than any other ethnic or racial group. Despite a vast body of literature on HIV/AIDS, little research has focused on black heterosexual men and even fewer studies have explored the context of risk among subgroups of black men. Using qualitative research methods and a socio-ecological framework, this study explored the intrapersonal, socio-cultural, and behavioral factors that influence sexual behaviors in ethnic subgroups of black men who identify as heterosexual. Further, the study examined black women's perceptions of the sexual behaviors of black men. Conducted in a metropolitan area in Southwest Florida, the study consisted of two phases: 1) semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted among U.S.-born (N=15) and Haitian-born (N=14) heterosexual men who are 18 years and older and have lived in the U.S. for at least 3 years. 2) Using focus group methodology, phase 2 explored black women's (N=23) perceptions of black male sexual behaviors. Study findings have significant implications for public health education, research and practice. Findings reveal that while Haitian-born and U.S.-born men have high levels of knowledge about HIV, they also ascribe to HIV conspiracy beliefs and practice high risk sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex and partner concurrency. Results show that black men's sexual behaviors are influenced by socio-ecological factors such as family norms, hip-hop culture and religious beliefs. Female study participants perceived factors such as masculine ideologies, socialization, and the male-to-female ratio imbalance as critical influences on male sexual behaviors. While intrapersonal approaches are important to address HIV risk behaviors, ecological frameworks are necessary to inform the development of HIV prevention programs that address the socio-ecological factors that create an environment of risk. This inquiry underscores cultural and gender differences in the conceptualization of HIV/AIDS. Findings have implications for HIV prevention and demonstrate the need for gender-specific and culturally relevant HIV prevention approaches for U.S.-born and Haitian-born blacks.

An Exploratory Study of the Intrapersonal, Socio-cultural, and Behavioral Factors that Influence HIV Risk Behaviors Among Ethnic Subgroups of Black Heterosexual Men

An Exploratory Study of the Intrapersonal, Socio-cultural, and Behavioral Factors that Influence HIV Risk Behaviors Among Ethnic Subgroups of Black Heterosexual Men PDF Author: Shalewa Noel-Thomas
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
ABSTRACT: Twenty five years after AIDS was first scientifically described, the disease continues to take its toll on the human population. HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects marginalized groups such as poor, underserved, minority populations. In the United States, Blacks become infected with and die from HIV/AIDS more than any other ethnic or racial group. Despite a vast body of literature on HIV/AIDS, little research has focused on black heterosexual men and even fewer studies have explored the context of risk among subgroups of black men. Using qualitative research methods and a socio-ecological framework, this study explored the intrapersonal, socio-cultural, and behavioral factors that influence sexual behaviors in ethnic subgroups of black men who identify as heterosexual. Further, the study examined black women's perceptions of the sexual behaviors of black men. Conducted in a metropolitan area in Southwest Florida, the study consisted of two phases: 1) semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted among U.S.-born (N=15) and Haitian-born (N=14) heterosexual men who are 18 years and older and have lived in the U.S. for at least 3 years. 2) Using focus group methodology, phase 2 explored black women's (N=23) perceptions of black male sexual behaviors. Study findings have significant implications for public health education, research and practice. Findings reveal that while Haitian-born and U.S.-born men have high levels of knowledge about HIV, they also ascribe to HIV conspiracy beliefs and practice high risk sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex and partner concurrency. Results show that black men's sexual behaviors are influenced by socio-ecological factors such as family norms, hip-hop culture and religious beliefs. Female study participants perceived factors such as masculine ideologies, socialization, and the male-to-female ratio imbalance as critical influences on male sexual behaviors. While intrapersonal approaches are important to address HIV risk behaviors, ecological frameworks are necessary to inform the development of HIV prevention programs that address the socio-ecological factors that create an environment of risk. This inquiry underscores cultural and gender differences in the conceptualization of HIV/AIDS. Findings have implications for HIV prevention and demonstrate the need for gender-specific and culturally relevant HIV prevention approaches for U.S.-born and Haitian-born blacks.

Minority Stress and HIV Risk Behavior Among HIV-positive Bisexual Black Men with Histories of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Minority Stress and HIV Risk Behavior Among HIV-positive Bisexual Black Men with Histories of Childhood Sexual Abuse PDF Author: Kimberly Anne Kisler
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Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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In the United States, significant disparities in HIV/AIDS exist among Black men who have sex with men (MSM). For instance, in 2006, Black MSM comprised 63% of new HIV infections among Black men, and 35% of new HIV infections among all MSM (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2010a). Further, Black MSM were the only risk group in the United States to experience statistically significant increases in new HIV infections between 2006 and 2009 (CDC, 2012a). To address such disparities, HIV prevention efforts that focus on reducing the stress associated with sociocultural factors, such as experiences and perceptions of racism and homophobia, have been proposed. Utilizing the minority stress model and the theory of Intersectionality as guiding theoretical frameworks, this study examined: the relationship between indicators of minority stress (events of racial/ethnic discrimination, internalized racism, and internalized homophobia) and HIV risk behavior; whether psychological distress and/or social support moderate this relationship; and whether a culturally congruent intervention was efficacious in reducing perceptions of internalized racism and internalized homophobia, and frequency of HIV risk behavior among a sample of HIV-positive non-gay identifying Black men who have sex with men and women and who have histories of childhood sexual abuse. The full sample included 117 men who were administered a baseline survey, as well as a sub-sample of 88 men who were randomized into either the Enhanced Sexual Health Intervention for Men (ES-HIM) intervention or Health Promotion control condition as part of the ES-HIM Project. The original randomized control trial took place between 2007 and 2011. Only perception of internalized racism was found to have a direct association with HIV risk behavior in this sample, though this relationship was negative meaning increased racial pride predicted more HIV risk behavior. The full model that included all indicators of minority stress, childhood sexual abuse, and social support explained HIV risk behavior better than each indicator of minority stress on its own. This supported the additive perspective of the theory of Intersectionality, but not the primary perspective of this theory. The interactionist perspective was also tested between internalized racism and internalized homophobia, but findings did not result in support for this perspective. The role of psychological distress was inconclusive. While ample evidence supported the removal of psychological distress in order to test a direct relationship between indicators of minority stress and HIV risk behavior, some support for moderation was found. Social support showed clear indication of a moderating effect between two indicators of minority stress and HIV risk behavior when controlling for other covariates. Further, the level of social support and the indicator of minority stress contributed to the overall effect of social support on HIV risk behavior. In terms of intervention effects, internalized racism did not decrease over the four time points for either the group as a whole (n=88), or by intervention condition. Internalized homophobia, however, significantly diminished over the four time points for the group as a whole, but no differences between the ES-HIM intervention and Health Promotion control condition were found. Finally, frequency of HIV risk behavior (i.e., intercourse without a condom) also decreased from baseline to post-intervention assessment for the group as a whole, but no intervention effects were found. Indicators of minority stress, namely internalized racism and internalized homophobia, appear to play an important role in the HIV risk behavior of this population. However, the relationship is nuanced among this highly marginalized sample. Finally, while the ES-HIM intervention was unsuccessful in effecting changes in internalized racism, internalized homophobia, and frequency of HIV risk behavior over time, significant reductions in internalized homophobia and HIV risk behavior for the group as a whole were achieved.

For Us, by Us

For Us, by Us PDF Author: Mathew Davis
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Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
When compared to other racial and ethnic demographics of men who have sex with men (MSM), Black MSM contract HIV at disparately high rates. To combat these high HIV infection rates, scholarly research suggests HIV interventions, confirmed by meta-analyses to be successful in decreasing HIV risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex. However, the continued disparity in HIV infection rates among Black MSM suggests that these interventions do not effectively meet the demographic's needs. Given this continuation of HIV risk behavior among Black MSM, who bear the most inequitable burden of HIV infection, the development of HIV intervention campaigns that target the population with relevant sociocultural messaging designed to decrease said risk behavior is critical. This pilot, or pre-study, examines the potential inclusion of Health Belief Model based, sociocultural targeting into HIV intervention campaigns. Through in-depth interviews with 11 Black MSM, this research studies how HIV intervention campaigns, operationalized with the (1) common message elements, (2) barriers to HIV prevention behaviors and (3) normalization of HIV prevention behaviors -- all identified by Black MSM -- might influence HIV risk behavior of the demographic.

Exploring Factors that Influence African American Female College Students' HIV Sexual Risk Behaviors

Exploring Factors that Influence African American Female College Students' HIV Sexual Risk Behaviors PDF Author: Nicole Riddle
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ISBN:
Category : AIDS (Disease)
Languages : en
Pages : 170

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Book Description
The growing number of HIV infections among young black women is staggering and representative of a domestic, epidemiological crisis. Thus far, there is a paucity of HIV prevention programs whose specific focus encompasses the socio-cultural characteristics of African Americans. To address this shortcoming, a socio-cultural model of risk behavior was developed to examine factors associated with sexual risk behavior among young African American women using a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 51 female undergraduate college students were recruited from the Internet via the website Facebook.com and complete online survey items that included demographics, AIDS knowledge and attitudes, self-efficacy, sexual power, family communications, and sexual behavior. Multivariate linear regression analysis found that relationship power, specifically decision making control in relationship was a significant predictor of safe sex behavior. Furthermore, the multivariate linear regression analysis also demonstrated that peer support for safe sex practices was a significant predictor of condom use for this population of African American, female, college students. In conclusion, it appears that communication among peers and with male partners is the most salient factor in determining engagement in safe sex behavior for this population.

Examining Masculinity and HIV Vulnerability Among Black Heterosexual College Men

Examining Masculinity and HIV Vulnerability Among Black Heterosexual College Men PDF Author: Samuella Opoku Ware
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ISBN:
Category : African American male college students
Languages : en
Pages : 142

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"Young Black men in the Southern United States are disproportionately affected by HIV. Masculinity has an effect on HIV related behaviors for men. Hegemonic or traditional masculinity is masculinity that occupies a dominant space of patterned gender relations and can include examples of toughness, aggression, and sexual dominance. However, marginalized groups such as Black men do not benefit from the advantages of being a man due to racism and discrimination. Thus, Black men may strive to adhere to the cultural standard of traditional masculine norms. College is a transitional period that helps Black men define their manhood and the ways they engage (or not) with traditional masculine norms. This adherence to masculine norms can influence protective (e.g., HIV testing) or sexual risk behaviors (e.g., condomless sex). This mixed-methods study explored the social exchange process of masculinity development among Black heterosexual college men. It also examined the relationship between dimensions of masculinity and protective behavioral intentions and sexual risk behaviors and the role of belief of Black disadvantage. Participants were recruited from four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and one Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) to complete an online survey (n=127). Additionally, three focus groups were conducted with men at three of the five schools (n=13). The qualitative data illuminated the ways participants developed their masculinity while in and prior to college through experiences with male role models and their mothers. Participants felt conflicted in their need to adhere or deviate from masculine norms and grappled with the scrutiny they do or would receive from female partners and the campus community. The quantitative data highlighted how dimensions of masculinity such as respect/toughness were positively associated with the intent to use protective behaviors. Additionally, dimensions such as anti-femininity/hypersexuality were positively associated with condomless vaginal and anal sex. Further, lower belief of Black disadvantage negative relationship between respect/toughness and sexual risk behaviors. These data reflect the processes men go through to develop their masculinity and how certain dimensions of masculinity that influence intent to use protective behaviors and sexual risk behaviors. This highlights the need for interventions focused on masculinity that target the differing processes of masculinity development and dimensions that are helpful and harmful to sexual health among young Black heterosexual men."--Abstract from author supplied metadata

Examining Links of Racial and Sexual Identity Development, Psychological Well-being, and Sexual Risks Among HIV-Positive, Same Sex Attracted African American Men

Examining Links of Racial and Sexual Identity Development, Psychological Well-being, and Sexual Risks Among HIV-Positive, Same Sex Attracted African American Men PDF Author: Kessler Laura E.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : African American gay men
Languages : en
Pages : 269

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Book Description
The present study investigated associations among African American and same sex attracted identity developmental components, psychological well-being, difficult sexual situations, and sexual risk practices among a sample (N = 73) of HIV-positive African American men who have sex with men (MSMs). The current study responds to Mays, Cochran, and Zamudio's (2004) call for empirical investigations of culturally specific determinants impacting psychological health and sexual risk behaviors among African American MSMs. The current study parallels the methodology of Diaz, Ayala, and Bein (2004) and Diaz, Bein, and Ayala (2006), linking experiences of homophobia, racism, and poverty to psychological health and sexual risk practices among gay identified Latino men. Using a similar framework, the current study investigated the impact of African American and same sex attracted identity development on psychological health and sexual risk practices within a sample of African American HIV-positive MSMs. The current study's sample reported a diverse range of sexual identities (e.g., gay, heterosexual, "on the down low;"), with all participants having engaged in consensual sex with other men. Results indicated that higher endorsement of the Anti-White African American identity (as measured by the Cross Racial Identity Scale [CRIS, Vandiver et al., 2000]), as well as lower levels of psychological well-being, and younger ages, predicted circumstances promoting unsafe sex. Higher endorsements of the African American identities of Multiculturalist Inclusive and Miseducation, as well as the same sex attracted identity of Superiority (as measured by the Lesbian and Gay Identity Scale [LGIS; Mohr & Fassinger, 2000]), predicted interpersonal barriers to unsafe sex. Additional exploratory analyses showed higher endorsements of the same sex identity of Homonegativity to predict lower levels of psychological well-being; higher endorsements of the African American identity of Assimilation, and same sex attracted identity of Need for Acceptance, to predict circumstances predicting unsafe sex; higher endorsements of the African American identities of Anti-White and Afrocentric to predict interpersonal barriers to unsafe sex; and higher endorsements of the Anti-White identity to predict sexual risk practices outside of a committed relationship. Descriptive data suggested that participants endorsed African American and same sex attracted identities differently than scale development samples. An exploratory factor analysis showed that the six-factor structure of the CRIS generally replicated within the current sample. However, there was an insufficient sample size to investigate the LGIS factor structure within the current sample. Qualitative data also suggested that participants are experiencing racial and sexual identity challenges, but also engaging in effective ways of coping with and resolving these challenges. Qualitative data also highlighted the importance of social support that is accepting of African American and same sex attracted male identities. Results imply that interventions highlighting issues around effectively managing racial and sexual identity challenges, and psychological distress, while providing social support, could help promote sexual health among HIV-positive African American MSMs.

Prevalence of HIV-related Sexual Risk Behaviors Among African American and Hispanic Inner City Residents

Prevalence of HIV-related Sexual Risk Behaviors Among African American and Hispanic Inner City Residents PDF Author: Susan Denise Cochran
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 124

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HIV and Gay Men

HIV and Gay Men PDF Author: Rusi Jaspal
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9811572267
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 289

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Book Description
This book focuses on the clinical, social and psychological aspects of HIV among gay men and examines the complex factors that can contribute to HIV risk in this key population. With the target to end all HIV transmissions in the UK by 2030 in mind, Jaspal and Bayley combine elements of HIV medicine and social psychology to identify the remaining barriers to effective HIV prevention among gay men. The authors take the reader on a journey through the history of HIV, its science and epidemiology and its future, demonstrating the vital role of history, society and psychology in understanding the trajectory of the virus. Underpinned by theories from social psychology and clinical snapshots from practice, this book considers how psychological constructs, such as identity, risk and sexuality, can impinge on physical health outcomes. This refreshing and thought-provoking text is an invaluable resource for scholars, clinicians and students working in the field of HIV.

What it Means to be a Man

What it Means to be a Man PDF Author: Jessica Lynette Johnson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : African American men
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
HIV/AIDS is a growing concern in the African American community. From 2005 to 2008, there was a 12% increase in HIV/AIDS diagnoses among African Americans (CDC, 2010a). African American males have higher rates of HIV/AIDS diagnoses than any other ethnic or racial groups. In 2006, 65% of the HIV/AIDS cases among African Americans were from adult males (CDC, 2010a). These higher rates are in part attributed to higher levels of sexual risk-taking including unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, and sex with high-risk partners. African American adult men get tested at almost the same rate (52%) as African American women 53% (CDC, 2007). HIV testing is important to the prevention of HIV/AIDS and can result in substantial reductions in risk behaviors (Marks, Crepaz, & Janssen, 2006; Weinhardt, Carey, Johnson, & Bickham, 1999). Masculinity, a man's concept of what it means to be man, influences engagement in sexual risk-taking behaviors (Bowleg, 2004, Duck, 2009; Lichtenstein, 2004), as well as health-seeking behaviors (Hammond, Matthews, Mohottige, Agyemang, & Corbie-Smith, 2010; Royster, Richmond, Eng, & Margolis, 2006). One form of masculinity, hypermasculinity is related to sexual risk-taking behaviors, especially among young African American males. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the relationship between hypermasculinity and sexual risk-taking, and HIV testing among African American males. One hundred twenty-six African American male college students were recruited to participate in an HIV prevention intervention for African American women on a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campus. Prior to participating in the intervention, participants completed a questionnaire with measures of hypermasculinity, sexual behavior, and HIV testing. The results showed that hypermasculinity predicted frequency of sex. Hypermasculinity and frequency of sex predicted lifetime HIV testing. Frequency of sex and the number of sex partners predicted current HIV testing (in the past month). The interaction between hypermasculinity and frequency of sex was marginally significant. The findings from this research may increase our understanding of sexual risk-taking, improve HIV testing initiatives, and be useful in the development of HIV prevention programs for African American heterosexual males.

Übereinkunft zwischen dem schweizerischen Bundesrate und dem Einwohnergemeinderathe der Stadt Bern betreffend Regulierung der Bundessitzverhältnisse

Übereinkunft zwischen dem schweizerischen Bundesrate und dem Einwohnergemeinderathe der Stadt Bern betreffend Regulierung der Bundessitzverhältnisse PDF Author:
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Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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