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According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2006 African-Americans accounted for nearly half (45%) of new infections in the USA. They also account for a inconsistent 24% of reported HIV cases among gay and bisexual men. Studies have not found a higher rate of risky sexual behavior among black men versus white men -- but a range of factors are likely at work.
The current study looked at one possible social factor: homophobia.
Using data from a U.S. health survey, the researchers found that, generally, African-Americans were more likely to report a negative attitude towards homosexuality than their white counterparts.
In 2008, 72% of black adults said that homosexuality was "always wrong", whilst only 52 % of white males expressed that view.
A similar pattern was seen among men who reported having sex with other men. Of these men, 57 % of African Americans said they believed homosexuality was always wrong, versus 27 % of whites.
When the researchers looked at the men's reported rates of HIV testing, they found that homophobic men were less likely to have been tested : 36% versus 73% of those with a more favorable view of homosexuality.
Researchers report that this pattern does not prove that homophobia is a factor in the racial inconsistency in HIV infection among gay and bisexual men in the U.S, but it does raise that possibility.
men who know they're infected with HIV are likely to change their behavior to avoid infecting others and seek treatment.
According to the researchers, other studies have shown that black men who have sex with men tend to prefer other black partners - who would inevitably bear the brunt of any reluctance to go for HIV testing.
"Negative attitudes toward homosexuality, either from their surrounding community or from within themselves, could make it difficult for men who have sex with men to acknowledge their risk for HIV and seek testing," lead researcher Sara Nelson Glick, of the University of Washington in Seattle.
"These kinds of studies are important," said Francisco Roque, director of community health for Gay Men's Health Crisis.
Roque says this kind of data is helpful for gaining support for campaigns to address homophobia, as well as HIV/AIDS prevention.
However, homophobia should not be seen as an issue particular to African Americans, as there are many factors involved in such attitudes.
In this study, the attitudes towards homosexuality varied according to education, income, religion,etc. Among Americans with less than a high school education, 83 % said homosexuality was always wrong, compared with 47 % of those with a college degree.
One issue, according to Roque, is the lack of positive media representations of gay and bisexual men of color.
It is unknown whether any efforts to address homophobia will ultimately curb HIV rates among gay and bisexual men.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its web site that it is presently "conducting research to better understand and plan interventions to address the social, community, financial, and structural factors that place many African Americans at risk (for HIV) and hinder access to prevention and care."
Do you think homophobia is more rife in black culture? Tell us your thoughts in the box below.
The current study looked at one possible social factor: homophobia.
Using data from a U.S. health survey, the researchers found that, generally, African-Americans were more likely to report a negative attitude towards homosexuality than their white counterparts.
In 2008, 72% of black adults said that homosexuality was "always wrong", whilst only 52 % of white males expressed that view.
A similar pattern was seen among men who reported having sex with other men. Of these men, 57 % of African Americans said they believed homosexuality was always wrong, versus 27 % of whites.
When the researchers looked at the men's reported rates of HIV testing, they found that homophobic men were less likely to have been tested : 36% versus 73% of those with a more favorable view of homosexuality.
Researchers report that this pattern does not prove that homophobia is a factor in the racial inconsistency in HIV infection among gay and bisexual men in the U.S, but it does raise that possibility.
men who know they're infected with HIV are likely to change their behavior to avoid infecting others and seek treatment.
According to the researchers, other studies have shown that black men who have sex with men tend to prefer other black partners - who would inevitably bear the brunt of any reluctance to go for HIV testing.
"Negative attitudes toward homosexuality, either from their surrounding community or from within themselves, could make it difficult for men who have sex with men to acknowledge their risk for HIV and seek testing," lead researcher Sara Nelson Glick, of the University of Washington in Seattle.
"These kinds of studies are important," said Francisco Roque, director of community health for Gay Men's Health Crisis.
Roque says this kind of data is helpful for gaining support for campaigns to address homophobia, as well as HIV/AIDS prevention.
However, homophobia should not be seen as an issue particular to African Americans, as there are many factors involved in such attitudes.
In this study, the attitudes towards homosexuality varied according to education, income, religion,etc. Among Americans with less than a high school education, 83 % said homosexuality was always wrong, compared with 47 % of those with a college degree.
One issue, according to Roque, is the lack of positive media representations of gay and bisexual men of color.
It is unknown whether any efforts to address homophobia will ultimately curb HIV rates among gay and bisexual men.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its web site that it is presently "conducting research to better understand and plan interventions to address the social, community, financial, and structural factors that place many African Americans at risk (for HIV) and hinder access to prevention and care."
Do you think homophobia is more rife in black culture? Tell us your thoughts in the box below.
