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HIV Prevention Research: Are We Meeting the Needs of African American Men Who Have Sex with Men?

University of California, Los Angeles, mays{at}ucla.edu

Susan D. Cochran

UCLA School of Public Health

Anthony Zamudio

USC/California Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program

Two decades of HIV prevention efforts with men who have sex with men (MSM) have not eliminated the risk of new HIV infections in this vulnerable population. Indeed, current incidence rates in African American MSM are similar to those usually only seen in developing countries. A review of the existing literature suggests that the prevention research agenda for Black MSM could benefit from reframing conceptualization of risk as a function of individual properties to a broad consideration of social and interpersonal determinants. Studies that investigate dyadic and social-level influences on African American MSM’s relationships are needed. This includes research explicating the diversity existing within the categorizations of Black MSM with respect to perceived identity (gay, bisexual, "men on the down low," "homo thugz"), constructions of masculinity, sexual scripts, sources of social support, and perceived norms and expectations. Recommendations are proposed for a research agenda focusing on linkages between interpersonal and social-structural determinants of HIV risk.

Key Words: down low • MSM • African American • Black • homo thugz • HIV prevention • social determinants • inequality • mental health

Journal of Black Psychology, Vol. 30, No. 1, 78-105 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0095798403260265


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