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. 2023 Mar;79(1):390-409.
doi: 10.1111/josi.12566. Epub 2022 Nov 12.

Associations between social network characteristics and sexual minority disclosure concern among Black men who have sex with men living with and without HIV

Evan L Eschliman  1 , Ohemaa B Poku  2 , Abigail K Winiker  3 , Carl A Latkin  1 , Karin E Tobin  1
Affiliations

Associations between social network characteristics and sexual minority disclosure concern among Black men who have sex with men living with and without HIV

Evan L Eschliman et al. J Soc Issues. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

In addition to the pervasive anti-Black racism faced by Black people in the United States, Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) face sexual minority stigma and, among BMSM living with HIV, HIV-related stigma. These multilevel social forces shape social networks, which are important sources of resources, support, and behavior regulation. This study quantitatively examined the relationship between social network characteristics and sexual minority stigma (e.g., homophobia, biphobia), assessed by reported concerns around disclosing one's sexual minority status, among BMSM in Baltimore, Maryland in 2014 (N = 336). A majority of participants (63.7%) reported experiencing medium or high levels of sexual minority disclosure concern. In a multiple linear regression model, participants with higher sexual minority disclosure concern reported lower network density and having fewer good friends who are gay or bisexual men. Stratifying the same multiple linear regression model by HIV status supports the importance of an intersectional understanding of sexual minority and HIV-related stigma. These findings can help health-related programs address the complex relationships between sexual minority stigma, social networks, and HIV status within this multiply-marginalized and high-priority population.

Keywords: Black Men Who Have Sex with Men; HIV; Intersectionality; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Social Networks; Stigma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pictorial representation of the results of the multiple linear regression for the entire sample
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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