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

Abstract

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.

• Authors: David J Malebranche, Kimberly Jacob Arriola, Tyrrell R Jenkins, Emily Dauria, Shilpa N Patel
• Journal: American journal of public health (Am J Public Health) Vol. 100 Issue 1 Pg. 159-64 (Jan 2010) ISSN: 1541-0048 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19910348 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Black or African American (psychology)
• Bisexuality (ethnology, psychology)
• Condoms (statistics & numerical data)
• Disclosure
• Georgia
• Homosexuality, Male (ethnology, psychology)
• Humans
• Interviews as Topic
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Qualitative Research
• Risk-Taking
• Sexual Behavior (ethnology, psychology)
• Young Adult