relation: http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/18157/
title: Black men on the 'down low' and the implications of HIV transmission through the 'bisexual bridge' theory for their female partners: a critical review
creator: Layne, Sylvonne
description: Purpose: There is a shortage of information on non-gay identified, non-disclosing African American men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). In 2010, African American men accounted for nearly 70% of the new cases of HIV. African American women accounted for 30% of newly acquired HIV infections in 2009 in which 85% became HIV positive through heterosexual sex. The purpose of this literature review is to examine literature on sexual behavior of non-gay identified, non-disclosing African American MSMW, the theory of a bisexual bridge as it applies to this population, and implications for their female partners and public health. Methods: The University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences Library System and PittCAT were used to search for literature on non-gay identified, non-disclosing African American MSMW. EBSCO and PUBMed databases were used to search key terms including African American men, Black men, MSMW, “down low”, non-disclosure, non-gay identified, bisexual bridge, and HIV transmission. The CDC website was searched for HIV statistics on African Americans, and the White House website was searched for details of the National HIV Strategy and its implementation plan. Results: The literature reviewed revealed differences in sexual behavior of Black MSMW with their male versus female partners. Black MSMW were more often found to engage in risky behavior with their female partners. They were more likely to disclose sexual behavior and HIV status to their male partners, but disclosure was on a continuum ranging from full disclosure to non-disclosure. Literature on the bisexual bridge theory was ambiguous. Some studies concluded significant evidence for the bisexual bridge while other studies did not identify significant evidence. Studies widely suggested different intervention strategies, and further research. Conclusion: Based on the literature reviewed, it is clear that there is a need for research on effective intervention strategies that focus on HIV and sexual behavior disclosure skill-building. In addition, there needs to be increased emphasis on safer sexual practice education to reach Black MSMW. This includes national and local grassroots campaigns in accordance with the National AIDS Strategy. Women should also be educated about controlling of their own sexual health and the issues related to HIV transmission and MSMW. Although the validity of the bisexual bridge theory is unclear, Black MSMW and their female partners should be educated to prevent HIV transmission regardless of the route.
publisher: University of Pittsburgh
date: 2013-04
type: Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
type: PeerReviewed
format: application/pdf
language: en
rights: attached
identifier: http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/18157/1/ESSAY_Layne_S_4_2013.pdf
format: text/plain
language: en
rights: attached
identifier: http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/18157/4/licence.txt
identifier:   Layne, Sylvonne  (2013) Black men on the 'down low' and the implications of HIV transmission through the 'bisexual bridge' theory for their female partners: a critical review.  Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.