Bias-motivated bullying and psychosocial problems: Implications for HIV risk behaviors among young men who have sex with men

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine whether the experience of bias-motivated bullying was associated with behaviors known to increase the risk of HIV infection among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) aged 18–29, and to assess whether the psychosocial problems moderated this relationship. Using an Internet-based direct marketing approach in sampling, we recruited 545 YMSM residing in the USA to complete an online questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses tested three regression models where we controlled for sociodemographics. The first model indicated that bullying during high school was associated with unprotected receptive anal intercourse within the past 12 months, while the second model indicated that bullying after high school was associated with engaging in anal intercourse while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the past 12 months. In the final regression model, our composite measure of HIV risk behavior was found to be associated with lifetime verbal harassment. None of the psychosocial problems measured in this study – depression, low self-esteem, and internalized homonegativity – moderated any of the associations between bias-motivated bullying victimization and HIV risk behaviors in our regression models. Still, these findings provide novel evidence that bullying prevention programs in schools and communities should be included in comprehensive approaches to HIV prevention among YMSM.

Keywords:

• HIV
• bullying
• young men who have sex with men
• risk behavior
• victimization

Acknowledgements

This work was made possible by the Department of Health Science and the Master of Public Health Program at California State University, Fullerton. The support and guidance of the faculty have been instrumental to the success of this study.