Sexual health for men in culturally diverse communities—some psychological considerations

Abstract

This paper will look at some psychological issues for clinicians, educators and researchers in the provision of sexual healthcare for black and ethnically non-Western men. Brief reference will be made to the literature about men's sexual health needs in other cultures, and what has already been found to be theraputically effective. Culture-bound syndromes and the beliefs they betoken will be referred to in this context. Where clinicians have adapted Western techniques to suit diverse groups, these will be discussed, even if only partially successful. Differences between black and white men in STD prevalence and vulnerability to AIDS will be described. Clinicians are urged to increase their awareness, their knowledge base, their repertoire of clinical skills, and last but not least, their desire to establish better services for diverse communities.