The Effect of Trauma on Recent Inconsistent Condom Use Among Young Black Gay and Bisexual Men

Abstract

The authors examined lifetime prevalence of sexual assault, emotional abuse, and physical violence, in a statewide sample of 180 Black gay and bisexual males ages 14 to 24. Rates of exposure to each form of abuse was high; 33% reported sexual assault, 74% reported at least one type of physical violence, and 91% reported at least one type of emotional abuse. Co-occurring trauma was the dominant pattern. Sexual assault and number of types of trauma experienced were associated with inconsistent condom use. Physical violence and number of types of trauma experienced were associated with depression and substance abuse. Implications for intervention are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV/AIDS prevention education
• needs assessment
• sexual risk-taking
• adolescents
• African Americans
• violence exposure
• ethnic MSM

Notes

^a 0 = in school, 1 = not in school.

^b 0 = Detroit area, 1 = outstate.

^c 0 = no sex, 1 = consistent condom use, 2 = inconsistently or never used condoms.

**p <.01, *p <.05.