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Body Mass Index, Body Esteem, and Unprotected Receptive Anal Intercourse Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Seek Partners Online

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Abstract

Research examining the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sexual risk outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM) has yielded inconsistent results. Using a web-based survey, single-identified (e.g., not in a relationship) young MSM (N = 431) between the ages of 18 and 24 years who sought romantic partners online were asked to respond to items regarding their BMI, body image (e.g., attribution, dissatisfaction, and pride), and sexual risk behaviors. We used Poisson regressions to examine the relationships between BMI, body image, and the number of unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI) occasions and partners in the past 2 months. We found a curvilinear relationship between BMI and URAI occasions, and a linear relationship between BMI and URAI partners. These relationships persisted after accounting for body image. Further, we found that body attribution served as a protective factor whereas body pride served as a risk factor. We discuss the implications of our findings for sexual health education and HIV prevention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 300 North Ingalls St., 9th Floor, Wing D, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Steven Meanley, Andrew Hickok, Michelle Marie Johns, Emily S. Pingel & José A. Bauermeister

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  1. Steven Meanley
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  2. Andrew Hickok
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  3. Michelle Marie Johns
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  4. Emily S. Pingel
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  5. José A. Bauermeister
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Correspondence to José A. Bauermeister.

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Meanley, S., Hickok, A., Johns, M.M. et al. Body Mass Index, Body Esteem, and Unprotected Receptive Anal Intercourse Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Seek Partners Online. Arch Sex Behav 43, 735–744 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-013-0159-0

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