Homosexuality Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Homosexuality, including details on causes, biology, signs, statistics, trends.

Exploring the "bisexual bridge": a qualitative study of risk behavior and disclosure of same-sex behavior among black bisexual men.

Malebranche DJ, Arriola KJ, Jenkins TR, Dauria E, Patel SN

Emory University School of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Suite 413, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. dmalebr@emory.edu

OBJECTIVES: We explored factors influencing sexual behavior, disclosure of same-sex behavior, and condom-use practices among Black bisexual men. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with 38 Black men in Atlanta, Georgia, who reported having had oral, vaginal, or anal sex with both men and women in the prior 6 months. RESULTS: Participants described approaches to disclosure of same-sex behavior as part of a complex decisional balance influenced by both situational and individual factors and ranging from full disclosure to total secrecy. Influences on sexual behavior and condom-use practices included: (1) type of relationship, (2) gender-specific considerations, (3) perceptions of comfort or trust, and (4) fear of disease or pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Disclosure of same-sex behavior was not a major influence on the sexual behavior and condom-use practices of the Black bisexual men in our study, who demonstrated heterogeneity in approaches to sexual behavior, disclosure of same-sex behavior, and condom-use practices. Additional research is needed to assess the social determinants of sexual risk for this population. Future HIV-prevention efforts should include initiatives to encourage accuracy in risk assessment and in taking sexual histories in clinical settings.

Published 16 December 2009 in Am J Public Health, 100(1): 159-64.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

Articles on Homosexuality published 25 November 2009:

Incidence of HIV-1, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C virus infections and predictors associated with retention in a 12-month follow-up study among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China.   J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 52(5): 604-10.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of HIV-1, syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and predictors associated with retention in a 12-month follow-up study among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China. METHODS: A total of 507 eligible seronegative MSM were enrolled. Study participants were tested for HIV-1, syphilis, HBV, and HCV and counseled at the baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up visits. The retention rates were analyzed as a ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Differential survival benefit of universal HAART access in Brazil: a nation-wide comparison of injecting drug users versus men who have sex with men.   J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 52(5): 629-35.

OBJECTIVE: Brazil accounts for approximately 70% of injection drug users (IDUs) receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in low-income/middle-income countries. We evaluated the impact of HAART availability/access on AIDS-related mortality among IDUs versus men who have sex with men (MSM). DESIGN: Nation-wide analysis on Brazilian IDU and MSM diagnosed with AIDS in 2000-2006. METHODS: Four national information systems were linked, and Cox regression was used to assess impact of ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Anal squamous intraepithelial lesions among HIV positive and HIV negative men who have sex with men in Thailand.   Sex Transm Infect, 85(7): 503-7.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASIL), the putative anal cancer precursor, in Asian HIV positive and HIV negative men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: Men who underwent anal Pap smear reported clinical, sociodemographic and behavioural information collected through questionnaire and interview between January 2007 and April 2008. Chi(2) and logistic regression were used to evaluate ASIL prevalence and risk factors among HIV ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

HIV testing trends among gay men in Scotland, UK (1996-2005): implications for HIV testing policies and prevention.   Sex Transm Infect, 85(7): 550-4.

OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in the HIV testing behaviour of gay men in Scotland over a 10-year period. METHODS: Seven cross-sectional surveys in commercial gay venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh (1996-2005). 9613 men completed anonymous, self-completed questionnaires (70% average response rate). RESULTS: Among 8305 respondents included in these analyses, HIV testing increased between 1996 and 2005, from 49.7% to 57.8% (p<0.001). The proportion of men who had tested recently (in the calendar ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Homosexuality published 11 November 2009:

State-level policies and psychiatric morbidity in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations.   Am J Public Health, 99(12): 2275-81.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the modifying effect of state-level policies on the association between lesbian, gay, or bisexual status and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders. METHODS: Data were from wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a nationally representative study of noninstitutionalized US adults (N=34,653). States were coded for policies extending protections against hate crimes and employment discrimination based on sexual ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Homosexuality published 10 November 2009:

Estimating levels of HIV testing, HIV prevention coverage, HIV knowledge, and condom use among men who have sex with men (MSM) in low-income and middle-income countries.   J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 52: S143-51.

BACKGROUND: HIV prevalence data suggest that men who have sex with men (MSM) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) are at increased risk of HIV. The aim of this article is to present global estimates on key HIV prevention needs and responses among MSM in LMIC. METHODS: Data on HIV testing, HIV prevention coverage, HIV knowledge and condom use among MSM were derived from UNGASS country progress reports submitted in 2008. Eligible country estimates were used to calculate global and ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Homosexuality published 20 October 2009:

Vascular risk factors, HIV serostatus, and cognitive dysfunction in gay and bisexual men.   Neurology, 73(16): 1292-9.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cognitive performance, risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and HIV infection in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: We evaluated the cognitive functions of men enrolled in the cardiovascular disease substudy of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study who were aged > or =40 years, with no self-reported history of heart disease or cerebrovascular disease. Results from ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Homosexuality published 19 October 2009:

Negative mood and sexual behavior among non-monogamous men who have sex with men in the context of methamphetamine and HIV.   J Affect Disord, 119(1): 84-91.

BACKGROUND: Research comparing the independent and combined contextual effects of methamphetamine dependence (METH) and HIV-infection (HIV) on mood and sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been sparse and inconsistent. This study examined the contextual influence of METH, HIV-infection and their combination on mood states and sexual behavior. METHODS: 175 non-monogamous MSM concordant or discordant for METH and HIV were included. Multivariate analysis was conducted to ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

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