A recent CDC publication made the following statement: """"""""African American men who have sex with men (MSM) may experience higher rates of [HIV] infection than any other population in the industrialized world."""""""" Indeed, according to recent CDC estimates, one in 50 African American men are infected with the HIV virus. Of these, 37 percent were infected through same sex behavior. Furthermore, studies have consistently shown higher rates of infection among Black MSM as compared to White MSM; however many studies have also found that risk behavior may vary little between the two populations. In light of these factors, the publication called for the examination of other more complex variables. Responding to this call, the aims of this research proposal are to gain a more sound understanding of Black male sexual behavior and sexual risk for HIV infection. In particular, the research, using primarily qualitative methods, will attempt to examine further the influence of ideations and perceptions of masculinity among Black MSM on their HIV sexual risk behavior and risk perceptions. Engaging Black men through focus groups and one-on-one interviews, the research will seek to examine the interplay of masculinity and sexual identity and how this interplay affects risk perceptions and HIV sexual risk behavior in this population. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31HD045008-04
Application #
7188962
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-C (29))
Program Officer
Newcomer, Susan
Project Start
2004-02-29
Project End
2009-02-27
Budget Start
2007-03-01
Budget End
2008-02-29
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$45,025
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218
Fields, Errol L; Bogart, Laura M; Smith, Katherine C et al. (2012) HIV risk and perceptions of masculinity among young black men who have sex with men. J Adolesc Health 50:296-303