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Bowleg L, Massie JS, Holt SL, Heckert A, Teti M, Tschann JM. How black heterosexual men's narratives about sexual partner type and condom use disrupt the main and casual partner dichotomy: 'we still get down, but we not together'. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2021; 23:1-18. [PMID: 32037967 PMCID: PMC7454036 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1683228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sexual partner types and partnership dynamics have important implications for condom use. Yet most HIV prevention research conceptualises condom use as individual-level rather than dyadic-level behaviour. Evidence of a generalised HIV epidemic in urban predominantly low-income US Black heterosexual communities highlights the need for a culturally and contextually-grounded understanding of partner types, partnership dynamics and condom use from the perspective of Black heterosexual men. We conducted individual interviews with 30 self-identified men between the ages of 18 and 44, 18 (60%) of whom reported at least two partner types in the last 6 months. Key findings include: (1) 'main and casual' partner types per the HIV prevention literature; (2) three casual-partner subtypes: primary, recurrent, and one-time casuals; (3) overlapping partnership dynamics between main partners, primary-casual partners and recurrent-casual partners, but not one-time casual partners; and (4) consistent condom use reported for one-time casual partners only. The study underscores the critical need for more condom promotion messages and interventions that reflect the dyadic and culturally-grounded realities of US Black heterosexual men's sexual partner types and partnership dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Bowleg
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jenné S. Massie
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sidney L. Holt
- Department of Psychology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrea Heckert
- Department of Psychology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michelle Teti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jeanne M. Tschann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Bowleg L, Del Río-González AM, Holt SL, Pérez C, Massie JS, Mandell JE, A Boone C. Intersectional Epistemologies of Ignorance: How Behavioral and Social Science Research Shapes What We Know, Think We Know, and Don't Know About U.S. Black Men's Sexualities. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2017; 54:577-603. [PMID: 28287844 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1295300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Epistemologies of ignorance describe how ignorance influences the production of knowledge. Advancing an intersectional epistemologies of ignorance approach that examines how conscious (or unconscious) ignorance about racism, heterosexism, and classism shapes empirical knowledge about Black men's sexualities, we conducted a critical review of the behavioral and social science research on U.S. Black men, ages 18 and older, for two time frames: pre-1981 and the most recent decade, 2006-2016. Our search yielded 668 articles, which we classified into five categories: sexual violence, sexual experiences and expressions, sexual identities, cultural and social-structural influences, and sexual health and sexual risk. We found that most of the research, particularly pre-1981, centered the experiences of White heterosexual men as normative and implicitly constructed Black men as hypersexual or deviant. Most of the research also color-blinded White privilege and ignored how racism, heterosexism, and classism structured Black men's inequities. We also found notable exceptions to these trends. Black men who are gay, bisexual, or who have sex with men, and research on HIV risk were prominent in the past decade, as was research that emphasized the social-structural (e.g., poverty, heterosexism, racism) and cultural (e.g., masculinity, religion) contexts of Black men's lives and sexualities. We provide 10 recommendations to avoid intersectional epistemic ignorance in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Bowleg
- a Department of Psychology , The George Washington University
| | | | - Sidney L Holt
- a Department of Psychology , The George Washington University
| | - Carolin Pérez
- a Department of Psychology , The George Washington University
| | - Jenné S Massie
- a Department of Psychology , The George Washington University
| | | | - Cheriko A Boone
- a Department of Psychology , The George Washington University
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Nunn A, MacCarthy S, Barnett N, Rose J, Chan P, Yolken A, Cornwall A, Chamberlain N, Barnes A, Riggins R, Moore E, Simmons D, Parker S, Mena L. Prevalence and predictors of concurrent sexual partnerships in a predominantly African American population in Jackson, Mississippi. AIDS Behav 2014; 18:2457-68. [PMID: 24803130 PMCID: PMC4224631 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0777-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Concurrent sexual partnerships, or sexual partnerships that overlap in time, have been associated with HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI). How best to measure concurrency and the personal characteristics and predictors of concurrency are not yet well understood. We compared two frequently used concurrency definitions, including a self-reported measure based on participant response regarding overlapping sex with partners, and the UNAIDS measure based on overlapping dates of last sex and intention to have sex again. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify socio-demographic, behavioral, and structural predictors of concurrency among 1,542 patients at an urban STI clinic in Jackson, Mississippi. Nearly half (44 %) reported concurrency based on self-reported sex with other partners, and 26 % reported concurrency according to the UNAIDS concurrency measure. Using the self-reported concurrency measure, the strongest predictors of concurrency were perceived partner concurrency, drug use at last sex, having more than 10 lifetime partners, and being recently incarcerated. Strongest predictors of concurrency using the UNAIDS measure were lifetime number of partners and perceived partner concurrency. Concurrency is highly prevalent in this population in the Deep South and social, structural and behavioral factors were important predictors of concurrency for both measures. Future research should use time anchored data collection methods and biomarkers to assess whether both definitions of concurrency are associated with HIV outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Nunn
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Miriam Hospital and The Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, 164 Summit Ave, RISE 109, Providence, RI, 02906, USA,
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Das A, Nairn S. Race differentials in partnering patterns among older U.S. men: influence of androgens or religious participation? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2013; 42:1119-1130. [PMID: 23605573 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-013-0096-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/25/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Using nationally representative data from the 2005-2006 U.S. National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, this study queried race differences in older men's polyamorous and casual sex, as well as stratification of these patterns by endogenous androgens (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone) and by regular religious participation. Results suggested that despite their respective prominence in the biomedical and sociological literatures on sex, neither "bottom up" hormonal influences nor "top down" religious social control were major structuring factors for greater lifetime as well as current likelihood of these behaviors among older Black than White men. Androgens were higher among the former, but did not seem to drive these race patterns. Regular church attendance--while negatively associated with non-monogamous and prolific partnering, and hence possibly a social control mechanism among all men--played only a weak role in moderating ethnic variations in these behaviors. It is speculated that these differences may instead be driven by unexamined current or early factors, including, perhaps, Black men's greater exposure to sexualizing processes in adolescence that, even in late life, may outweigh more temporally-proximal influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Das
- Department of Sociology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2T7, Canada,
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Taylor MM, Schillinger JA, Furness BW, Brewer T, Newman DR, Pathela P, Skinner J, Braunstein S, Shepard C, Ahmed T, Griffin A, Blank S, Peterman TA. Gonorrhea infections diagnosed among persons living with HIV/AIDS: identifying opportunities for integrated prevention services in New York City, Washington, DC, Miami/Dade County, and Arizona. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2013; 64:115-20. [PMID: 23945254 PMCID: PMC6751563 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e318299cf00] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
: Persons living with HIV/AIDS who acquire new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a risk for enhanced transmission of both HIV and STDs. To describe the frequency of HIV coinfection among gonorrhea cases (GC), HIV and GC surveillance databases (2000-2008) were cross-matched in New York City (NYC), Washington, DC (DC), Miami/Dade County (MDC), and Arizona (AZ). During 2000-2008, 4.6% (9471/205,689) of reported GCs occurred among persons with previously diagnosed HIV: NYC (5.5%), DC (7.3%), MDC (4%), and AZ (2%). The overall HIV-GC coinfection rates increased over the study period in all 4 sites. Real-time data integration could allow for enhanced prevention among persons with HIV infection and acute STDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie M Taylor
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Murphy AD, Gordon D, Sherrod H, Dancy V, Kershaw T. Friends, family, and foes: the influence of father's social networks. Am J Mens Health 2013; 7:228-42. [PMID: 23184334 PMCID: PMC3674848 DOI: 10.1177/1557988312467816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fathers can play an important role in child development and family functioning. However, little is known about the influence of paternal perceptions of fatherhood involvement or the influence of fathers' peer networks. We explored the network characteristics (density, closeness, and degree centrality) and peer norms regarding sex, fatherhood, and other risk behaviors of 52 urban adult males in New Haven, Connecticut. Results identify that engagement in high-risk sexual behavior was associated with fatherhood involvement, with 88% of less involved fathers engaging in high-risk sexual behavior (p = .004). Denser networks were positively correlated with unfavorable peer norms such as cheating on a partner or drinking or using drugs (p < .05). Our findings suggest that peer networks are important to father's health and behavior and that father's behaviors may be affected by peer norms. Interventions designed for men may be strengthened by including peers in programming and by addressing norms and norm changing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hans Sherrod
- Children’s Community Programs of Connecticut, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Victoria Dancy
- Children’s Community Programs of Connecticut, New Haven, CT, USA
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Nelson LE, Morrison-Beedy D, Kearney MH, Dozier A. Black adolescent mothers' perspectives on sex and parenting in nonmarital relationships with the biological fathers of their children. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2013; 41:82-91. [PMID: 22834723 DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01324.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand single Black adolescent mothers' perspectives on the sexual and parenting-related aspects of their relationships with the biological fathers of their children. METHODS The study was a qualitative description of perspectives from a convenience sample of Black single (nonmarried) adolescent mothers. Data were generated through focus groups and interviews. Participants were recruited using self-referral and health provider referrals. SETTING The study was conducted in a county public health department sexually transmitted diseases clinic in Rochester, New York. PARTICIPANTS Single mothers (N = 31) ages 15 to 19 participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 17.5 years (SD = 1.4). FINDINGS Four themes were identified that reflected the major characteristics of the relationships between the mothers and the biological fathers of their children: (a) You will always care about your "baby daddy" because of your child, (b) Negative behavior is tolerated to keep the family together, (c) The "baby daddy" can get sex as long as we are not on bad terms, and (d) He will always be part of our lives. CONCLUSION Black adolescent mothers have complex relationships with the biological fathers of their children that may include ongoing sexual activity. The intersection of coparenting and sexual health needs among adolescent mothers highlights the importance of integrating sexually transmitted infections prevention with perinatal health programs. It is important to consider this unique coparenting relationship when providing risk-reduction counseling to young mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- LaRon E Nelson
- assistant professor in the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto and in the Division of Adolescent Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada..
| | - Dianne Morrison-Beedy
- dean and a professor in the College of Nursing, University of South Florida (USF), and senior associate vice president of USF Health, Tampa, FL
| | - Margaret H Kearney
- Independence Foundation Professor, vice provost, and dean of graduate studies, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Ann Dozier
- associate professor in the Department of Community & Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
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Nunn A, Dickman S, Cornwall A, Kwakwa H, Mayer KH, Rana A, Rosengard C. Concurrent sexual partnerships among African American women in Philadelphia: results from a qualitative study. Sex Health 2012; 9:288-96. [PMID: 22697147 PMCID: PMC4203371 DOI: 10.1071/sh11099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND African American women are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Concurrent sexual partnerships may contribute to racial disparities in HIV infection. Little is known about attitudes and practices related to concurrency among African American women, or the social, structural and behavioural factors influencing concurrency. METHODS We recruited 19 heterosexual African American women engaging in concurrent sexual partnerships from a public clinic in Philadelphia in 2009. We conducted interviews exploring social norms, attitudes and practices about concurrency, and the structural, social and behavioural factors influencing concurrent sexual partnerships, guided by grounded theory. RESULTS Seventeen women reported one main and one or more non-main partners; two reported no main partners. Many women used condoms more frequently with non-main than main partners, noting they trust main partners more than non-main partners. Social factors included social normalisation of concurrency, inability to negotiate partners' concurrent partnerships, being unmarried, and not trusting partners. Lack of trust was the most commonly cited reason that women engaged in concurrent partnerships. Structural factors included economic dependence on partners, partners' dependence on women for economic support and incarceration that interrupted partnerships. Behavioural factors included alcohol and cocaine use. CONCLUSIONS Social, structural and behavioural factors strongly influenced these African American women's concurrent sexual partnerships. Many HIV interventions disseminated by the CDC focus largely on behavioural factors and may fail to address the social and structural factors influencing African American women's sexual networks. Novel HIV prevention interventions that address the social determinants of African American women's HIV risks are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Nunn
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Division of Infectious Diseases, Providence, RI, USA.
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Grieb SMD, Davey-Rothwell M, Latkin CA. Concurrent sexual partnerships among urban African American high-risk women with main sex partners. AIDS Behav 2012; 16:323-33. [PMID: 21538086 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-011-9954-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
To determine correlates of concurrent sexual partnerships among high-risk low-income urban African American women, survey responses of 337 women who had main sexual partners for over 6 months and reported high-risk behaviors were analyzed; 142 of these women also reported other sexual partnerships within the past 90 days. Unadjusted analyses showed that concurrency was significantly associated with relationship status, sexual debut, forced sex, incarceration of self and partners, depression, drug use, known or suspected partner nonmonogamy, and partner drug use. Age of sexual debut, relationship status, and indicators of problem drug use remained significantly associated with concurrency when controlling for individual factors, and only indicators of problem drug use and known or suspected partner nonmonogamy remained significantly associated with concurrency when also controlling for partner characteristics. Our results suggest the presence of extensive sexual networks within this population and document the need for interventions that address drug abuse and partnership instability. Moreover, the strong association between concurrency and perceptions of partners' nonmonogamy suggest the need for intervention to target men and women in this core group.
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