HIV Prevention: Effects of Masculinity and Condom Barriers on Condom Use among Black Male Substance Users

Rates of new HIV infections remain high among Black male substance users. Effective HIV prevention interventions are warranted, but many ignore relevant social-contextual factors that could influence sexual behaviors. This study measured the extent to which dimensions of masculinity (instrumental and expressive) and perceived condom barriers moderate the relationship between HIV treatment type (i.e., Control group vs. an HIV risk-reduction intervention known as Real Men are Safe or REMAS) and unprotected sexual occasions (USO) for 128 Black male substance users at 90- and 180-days post-intervention. Multiple regression analyses revealed that both partner and access barriers significantly predicted condom use at 180-days post-intervention with casual partners. However, only partner barriers moderated the relationship between treatment group and USO. REMAS men entering treatment with high partner barriers to condom use reported fewer USO than the control group at 180-days post-intervention with casual partners. Neither masculinity nor condom barriers were related to treatment response with main or casual partners at 90-days post-intervention. Masculinity was unrelated to treatment response at 180-days post-intervention. Implications for the development of effective HIV prevention interventions are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Arts and Sciences: Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Cincinnati

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Wilson, Jerika

Contributors dc:contributor

• Burlew, Ann Kathleen Hoard

• Psychology
• HIV prevention
• Substance Users
• Masculinity
• Condom Barriers
• Condom Use
• Black men

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1353950402

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:ucin1353950402