Open AccessSocio-structural Factors Associated with Mental Health, Substance Use, and HIV Risk Among Black Sexual and Gender Minorities in the House and Ball Community
Author(s) -
Anna L. Hotton,
Christopher Balthazar,
Laura Jadwin-Cakmak,
Bevin Gwiazdowski,
Marné Castillo,
Gary W. Harper,
Sybil Hosek
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
aids and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.994
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1573-3254
pISSN - 1090-7165
DOI - 10.1007/s10461-020-02791-8
Subject(s) - health psychology , public health , mental health , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , substance use , psychology , sexual minority , psychiatry , clinical psychology , medicine , environmental health , sexual orientation , social psychology , family medicine , nursing
The House and Ball Community (HBC), a tight-knit social and cultural network comprised primarily of Black sexual and gender minorities (SGM), offers unique opportunities for HIV prevention that leverage naturally occurring social support networks. However, experiences of socioeconomic marginalization, stigma, violence, and trauma may impede HIV prevention efforts. This study analyzed data from 551 Black SGM recruited at HBC events in 2 cities over 24 months. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations examined associations between socio-structural stressors, mental health, substance use, and sexual behavior among HBC participants. Findings indicated high prevalence of depressive symptoms, history of trauma, intimate partner violence, and substance use, and significant associations between socioeconomic marginalization and depressive symptoms, substance use, and condomless anal sex. Future research is needed to better elucidate the temporal relationships between socioeconomic marginalization, mental health and substance use, and HIV transmission dynamics. Results highlight a need for integration of mental health services, substance use treatment, and HIV prevention for this community.