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Levels and Correlates of Internalized Homophobia Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Pretoria, South Africa

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Abstract

This study examines levels and correlates of internalized homophobia among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Pretoria, South Africa. Using respondent-driven sampling, we recruited 324 MSM from February to August 2009. Results were adjusted using RDSAT analysis to yield population-based estimates. High levels of internalized homophobia exist among South African MSM: 10–15% reported “often/very often” and over 20% reported “sometimes” having feelings of internalized homophobia. A greater level of internalized homophobia was significantly associated with a lower level of education [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1–4.9], a higher level of HIV misinformation [AOR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.3–5.3], bisexual identity (vs. homosexual) [AOR = 5.5; 95% CI: 2.5–12.0], and HIV-related conspiracy beliefs [AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.02–5.8]. These findings contribute valuable information to our understanding of internalized homophobia in South Africa, highlighting the need to empower the gay community, promote self-acceptance of homosexual identity, and address conspiracy beliefs among MSM to reduce internalized homophobia and increase access to HIV prevention interventions.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the men in Pretoria, South Africa for participating in the study and the American Foundation for AIDS Research for funding the study. The findings and recommendations of this study are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funder.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. HIV and AIDS Program, Population Council, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 280, Washington, DC, 20008, USA

    Lung Vu, Waimar Tun & Meredith Sheehy

  2. OUT LGBT Well Being, 1081 Pretorius Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa

    Dawie Nel

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  1. Lung Vu
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  2. Waimar Tun
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  3. Meredith Sheehy
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  4. Dawie Nel
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Correspondence to Lung Vu.

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Vu, L., Tun, W., Sheehy, M. et al. Levels and Correlates of Internalized Homophobia Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Pretoria, South Africa. AIDS Behav 16, 717–723 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-011-9948-4

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