Potential Factors Related to Non-Disclosure to Female Partners and Inconsistent Condom Use for Black Men who Have Sex with Men and Women (MSMW)

This exploratory Internet study of Black men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) explored potential factors related to non-disclosure to female partners of their sexual activities with men, as well as factors related to inconsistent condom use. The majority of this sample (N=172) self-identified as heterosexual (62.8%) and employed full time (87.2%); 54% had no religious affiliation, while among those who did, 78% reported low acceptance of their sexuality at their place of worship. A full 81.4% who had anal sex with men always used condoms with men, as did 86.6% with female partners. A majority (84.9%, n = 146) had never told their female partners that they also had sex with men. The sample had very high response efficacy and condom use self-efficacy. The majority were high in self-concealment, reporting, for example (91.8%) that they have secrets they would lie about should anyone ask about them. The majority of the men had high autonomy (86.6%) and self acceptance (89%). Potentially increasing the risk of HIV transmission, BMSMW with high scores on a new religious affiliation scale (RAS) had low condom use self efficacy (r = -25, p< .001), low condom self-efficacy (r = -.26, p < .001), low self concept clarity (r = -37, p< .001), low autonomy (r = -.30, p< 001), low self-acceptance (r = -.43, p< .001), and a higher perceived susceptibility to HIV/AIDS (r = .32, p< .001). Future research needs to investigate the behavior of sub-groups of Black bisexually active men defined by level of religious affiliation, while those high in religious affiliation may need to be considered as being more vulnerable and at greater risk for HIV transmission; they may need tailored HIV prevention/intervention that accounts for this.