Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this research study was to compare HIV-related risk behaviors between African American bisexual males, heterosexually identified African American MSM and MSM/W. Distinctively, the present study tested the relationships with barrier use and the use of substances/drugs while engaging in sexual activity. These variables were examined among the three sex categories and the three partner types among a population of African American males serviced at the Minority AIDS Project in Los Angeles, California. Method. This case control study was based on data collected from archival case files. Demographic, sexual orientation, partner history, drug and substance abuse history and other risk factors variables were collected for approximately 250 clients from the years 2003–2005 that met the inclusion criteria. First, frequencies for the participant sample demographics and characteristics were computed for the total sample. Second, Pearson correlations were computed among all independent and dependent variables. Third, eleven analyses of variance (ANOVAs) (five 2 x 3; six 3 x 3) were computed using several combinations of independent and dependent variables for the sample. Fourth, three one-way ANOVAs were computed using the dichotomized independent variable sex worker partner type (yes, no) and dependent variables of frequency of oral, vaginal and anal insertive sex with condom usage. Results. The statistical analyses indicated several factors to have and to not have statistical significance. Overall, it was revealed that the MSM/W sex category practiced more condom usage when engaging in oral and vaginal sex with their female partners than the heterosexual or bisexual men. Discussion. Based on this studies findings and what the current research reports, it would appear that the MSM/W population requires more attention in regard to HIV/AIDS prevention. More specifically, it would appear that the bisexual and "down low" men require population specific prevention strategies as the current prevention messages may not be effective in promoting safer sex practices among these two groups.