African Americans represent 13% of the United States (US) population, yet they account for almost half of new US HIV/AIDS cases (CDC, 2007a; 2006). In Michigan, although the average HIV prevalence rate for White men is 118 per 100,000, the prevalence rate among African American male residents is 866 per 100,000 persons. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are the predominant risk group among males in Michigan and nationally. HIV is rapidly spreading among this group, particularly among young African Americans. Men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse typically have persistent problems throughout adulthood with sexuality and other issues. Among adult men who have sex with men, the impact of sexual abuse on unsafe sex is well documented. Few studies have examined the prevalence of sexual abuse among young African American men who have sex with men (YAAMSM) and whether it is associated with unsafe sexual behaviors. This study explores the impact of being a victim of sexual abuse on risky sexual behavior among a statewide Michigan sample of YAAMSM. To address the gaps between epidemiologic, psychosocial, and behavioral data on HIV risk among YAAMSM, this study uses data from a comprehensive assessment of YAAMSM between the ages of 13 and 25. The primary goal of this study is to provide formative research on how a history of sexual abuse contributes to risky HIV behaviors such as unprotected sex. Among the 156 YAAMSM in the study, roughly one third (32.1%) reported that they had been sexually abused. The average age of assault was 10 years old, and the main perpetrators were family members and adult strangers. Findings for this study concluded that sexual abuse does not add a layer of risk for higher depressive symptoms, higher alcohol/drug abuse scores or unprotected anal or vaginal sex among young YAAMSM. However, those that reported higher alcohol/drug abuse scores had lower levels of condom use. Also, those with higher depressive scores were more likely to have higher alcohol/drug abuse scores. Through this study, it was also concluded that family support did not mediate the effects of sexual abuse on the depressive symptoms or alcohol/drug abuse scores. However, those that reported higher levels of family support were more likely to report consistent condom use. This study's findings are subject to a few limitations: use of self-reported data, and the lack of measurement of the severity and duration of the reported sexual abuse. Study implications include the need for practitioners and researchers to explore the educational and health promotion interventions that are most effective in reducing risk taking behaviors among sexually abused YAAMSM.
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