Differences in Sexual Health, Sexual Behaviors, and Evaluation of the Last Sexual Event Between Older and Younger Bisexual Men

Abstract

Research has shown that compared to younger individuals, older adults are at a similar risk for acquiring HIV. Additionally, screenings for HIV/STD tend to be lower among older adults, with this group seeing themselves at less risk for HIV/STD compared to their younger counterparts. Limited information exists concerning older bisexual men outside examining aggregated populations of sexual minority men (e.g., MSM). The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the sexual health, behaviors, and evaluation of last sexual event among older (≥ 50 years old) compared to younger (< 50 years old) bisexual men. Data were collected in collaboration with a social and sexual networking website catering to men who have sex with men. Findings suggest that older bisexual men continue to be sexually active and that strategies need to be developed to better reach this population regarding HIV/STD prevention and education.

KEYWORDS:

• bisexual
• sexual health
• HIV/STD
• sexual behavior
• condom use
• older men

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Phillip W. Schnarrs

Phillip W. Schnarrs, PhD, received his doctoral degree in health behavior with a focus in sexual health promotion and health disparities from the School of Public Health at Indiana University – Bloomington. Currently, he is a faculty member at The University of Texas San Antonio in the Department of Kinesiology, Health, & Nutrition. His research is focused on sexual health promotion, HIV prevention, LGBT population health, sexual minority health inequity, and masculinity and health. Most recently, Dr. Schnarrs has focused on understanding how the health and well-being of individuals in diverse subcommunities under the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) umbrella is differently affected. Additionally, his work focuses on understanding how the intersections of various social identities influence the health of members of the LGBTQ by examining the unique factors experienced by those with multiple stigmatized identities.

Joshua G. Rosenberger

Joshua G. Rosenberger is an Assistant Professor of Global and Community Health and teaches health promotion and health behavior theory. His research focuses on the utilization of technologies as a methodological tool for the promotion of sexual health among men, specifically focusing on subpopulations that have been traditionally marginalized as a result of age, sexual orientation, and/or race. Dr. Rosenberger is an author of numerous publications related to MSM sexual health and currently is a formal research consultant for Online Buddies Inc., owners and operators of national and international MSM websites.

David S. Novak

David S. Novak is Senior Health Strategist at Online Buddies, Inc. (OLB) and Managing Director of the OLB Research Institute. Mr. Novak oversees all health promotion and research recruitment campaigns across OLB's family of brands (Manhunt, Manhunt Cares, Jack'd) as well as the Gay Audience network.