Sexual Network Profiles and Risk Factors for STIs Among African-American Sexual Minorities in Mississippi: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

LGBT Health. 2015 Sep;2(3):276-81. doi: 10.1089/lgbt.2014.0019. Epub 2014 Oct 30.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study assessed sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics, substance use, sexual behaviors, and sexual network profiles among African American sexual minorities in Jackson, Mississippi. Bivariate chi-square tests and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models explored individual and partner-related factors. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, male African American sexual minorities reported fewer sex partners (odds ratios [OR] 0.33, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.16-0.65) and lower concurrency levels (OR 0.42, 95%CI 0.24-0.72). African American sexual minority women reported greater substance abuse, more sex partners (OR 2.54, 95%CI 1.47-4.38), higher concurrency levels (OR 1.81, 95%CI 1.24-2.64), and more transactional sex (OR 2.52, 95%CI 1.25-5.11). These results highlight the need for nuanced STI interventions tailored to African American sexual minorities in Mississippi.

Keywords: African Americans; HIV; Mississippi; STIs; risk factors; sexual minorities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minority Groups / statistics & numerical data*
  • Mississippi / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexuality / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology