Work

Perceived Importance of Five Different Health Issues for Gay and Bisexual Men

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: This study assessed the perceived importance of five health issues for gay and bisexual men (N = 660) using time-space sampling in gay bars/clubs and bathhouses in New York City: "HIV & STDs," "Drugs & Alcohol," "Body Image," "Mental Health," and "Smoking." This study compared ratings based on demographic differences, recent substance use, recent sexual risk behavior, and whether or not participants owned a smart device (e.g., "smart" phone, iPad, iPod touch). Contrary to research indicating that gay and bisexual men may be experiencing HIV prevention fatigue, this study identified that HIV and STIs were perceived as most important. Drugs and alcohol and mental health were also rated high, suggesting that providers may be well served to include mental health and drugs and alcohol as part of their comprehensive approach to HIV prevention. A majority of participants (72%) owned a smart device. Smart device owners rated health issues similarly to those who did not, suggesting that such devices may be a useful platform to reach gay and bisexual men for health education and prevention.

Source: American Journal of Men s Health

DOI: 10.1177/1557988312463419

Authors: Christian Grov, Ana Ventuneac, H. Jonathon Rendina, Ruben H. Jimenez, Jeffrey T. Parsons

Institutions: City University of New York, Hunter College, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Brooklyn College, The Graduate Center, CUNY

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases