HIV Transmission Factors: Denver MSM Culture and Contexts

ABSTRACT

Qualitative methods aid in classifying and assessing cultural and environmental factors and their effect on HIV transmission risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). The present study includes the perspectives of four MSM subgroups (HIV positive MSM, Latino MSM, Black MSM, and MSM between ages 18 and 24) obtained through ethnographic interviews, focus groups, and a sociodemographic survey. Study findings based upon a cross-case analysis of these interviews point to cultural norms such as limited sexual negotiation and substance use as influencing MSM HIV transmission risk. In addition, MSM environments for seeking sexual partners (gay bars, bathhouses, the Internet) contribute to risk in setting-specific ways. The rich information provided by the MSM point to suitable recommendations for systemic intervention including increasing substance use prevention efforts among MSM, development of interpersonal and sexual negotiation skills, chiefly among young MSM, and the importance of MSM environments for improving HIV prevention.

KEYWORDS:

• Culture
• Denver
• environment
• HIV
• MSM
• prevention
• risk factors

The author acknowledges Kara Leigh Aghijlar for her insights.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anthony P. Natale

Anthony P. Natale, MSW, PhD, is Assistant Professor at University of Oklahoma, Norman.