Work

Stigma and Mobile App Use Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Intersectional stigmas are associated with increased HIV vulnerability, and worse outcomes for YBMSM with HIV. YBMSM find sex partners through sexual networking apps, but stigma on apps has been poorly studied. We conducted cross-sectional analysis of 324 YBMSM seeking sex partners through apps to assess stigma experiences in eight dimensions compared to non-users (N = 150). We conducted detailed stratified analyses to identify granular stigma data. App users had higher median scores than non-users in perceived HIV discrimination, perceived HIV stigma, experienced sexual minority stigma, racial discrimination, and perceived homophobia. We demonstrate higher levels of intersectional stigmas among app users than non-users, but did not find an overall increase in stigma with increasing app use. Considering the prominent role of apps in YBMSM sexual networking, interventions that reduce stigma on apps are needed.

Source: AIDS Education and Prevention

DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2019.31.6.523

Authors: A. Lina Rosengren, Timothy W. Menza, Sara LeGrand, Kathryn E. Muessig, Jose A. Bauermeister, Lisa B. Hightow-Weidman

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Oregon Health Authority, Duke University, University of Pennsylvania

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities