Relationship power and HIV risk among young Black men who have sex with men in the Southern United States
JaNelle M. Ricks A D , Richard A. Crosby B and Leandro Mena C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Health Behavior and Health Promotion, Ohio State University College of Public Health, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
B Health, Behavior & Society, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, 111 Washington Avenue, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
C Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
D Corresponding author. Email: ricks.13@osu.edu
Sexual Health 15(4) 292-297 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH17084
Submitted: 24 April 2017 Accepted: 16 December 2017 Published: 1 May 2018
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of relationship power on HIV risk behaviour among young Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Southern US. Methods: Data from 425 Black/African American males aged 18–29 years who reported recent anal intercourse with a male partner were analysed. Five selected measures of relationship power were tested for correlation and association with protected receptive anal intercourse using contingency tables and logistic regression analysis. Results: Acts of 100% protected receptive anal intercourse were common (n = 277, 65.2%). Men who reported low barriers to condom negotiation were significantly more likely to report protected acts (P < 0.001). Men who reported 100% protected acts were less likely to report financial dependence on male sexual partners and serosorting behaviour (12.0% vs 20.7%, P = 0.02; 31.5% vs 49.8%, P < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Future efforts should further examine the role of relationship power in HIV risk among young Black MSM, including the intersection of individual, dyadic and social-structure risks.
Additional keywords: sexual behaviours, social context.
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