Discriminatory Distress, Hiv Risk Behavior, And Community Participation Among American Indian/Alaska Native Men Who Have Sex With Men

Objectives Research regarding men who have sex with men (MSM) indicates that exposure to discrimination based on race and sexuality are positively associated with increased incidence of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). In an effort to better understand this association, we assessed the associations of discriminatory distress with UAI among a sample of 183 American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) MSM using survey data drawn from the HONOR Project. Design The HONOR Project examined the relationship between trauma, coping, and health behaviors among Two-Spirits (a contemporary name for gender and sexual minorities among American Indian and Alaska Native people). Results Using multivariable logistic regression techniques, our analysis showed participants reporting higher mean levels of distress from two-spirit discrimination had higher odds of reporting UAI (OR=1.99, 95% CI, 1.19-3.32) compared to those reporting lower levels of distress. This analysis also showed lower odds of engaging in UAI among participants reporting higher levels of participation in LGBT specific online forums (OR=0.86, CI=0.75, 0.99; p<.05) and attending Two-Spirit events (OR=0.82, CI=0.71, 0.94; p<.01). Conclusions Future prevention research and program designs should address the differential impact of discrimination and community participation on sexual behavior specifically among AI/AN MSM.