Substance use experiences of HIV-positive and HIV-negative black, non-hispanic men who have sex with men (msm) ages 18–34 in the Bay Area: A qualitative narrative perspective

Abstract

Objective

Young Black men who have sex with men (MSM) represent the majority of individuals with new HIV infections in the U.S. Substance use is related to risk and acquisition t of HIV. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences about the role substance use plays in the lives HIV-positive and HIV-negative young Black MSM between the ages of 18-34.

Methods

Using a qualitative, narrative perspective, we recruited and then interviewed participants in partnership with AIDS Service Organizations. Narrative and thematic analysis was used to analyze these Black men’s personal stories with harm reduction used as the conceptual approach.

Results

Nine HIV-positive and 3 HIV-negative participants(n = 12) shared stories about their own personal experiences with family relationships and substance use. Themes related to family included early exposure and initiation of substance use, substance use as a response to stigma around sexual orientation, kicked out of house, asked to leave or left home so they could be themselves and perceived benefits and advantages of methamphetamine.

Conclusions

The participants are subjected to adverse and stressful childhood experiences. These are important stories to understand if we expect to mount an adequate response, utilizing harm reduction, to the growing number of young Black MSM at-risk for HIV.

Keywords:

• Substance use
• HIV
• Bay Area
• young
• Black
• men who have sex with men (MSM)

Acknowledgments

The views expressed in written training materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government. Additional funding support was provided by Global Life Works and the National Black Nurses Association. We would like to thank John Tayco, RN, ADN, BSN (in progress), for these contributions to editing this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no real or perceived vested interests that relate to this article that could be construed as a conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research is funded in part by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Grant # 5T06SM060559-03. Funding for this research project was made possible (in part) by Grant Number 2T06SM060559-04 (PhD/DNP) from SAMHSA.