Private MD News

Gay couples' attitudes about condom use differ by race

Category: HIV

Anonymous STD testing is a valuable resource for people who may be at risk for HIV, including men who have sex with men. Safe practices, including the use of condoms, may protect these men from contracting HIV. However, new research suggests that among gay couples, attitudes about the use of condoms may differ by race.

In order to investigate, a team of scientists from San Francisco State University conducted a study that included three types of gay couples: black men, white men and interracial pairings.

Results indicated that black couples were less likely than white couples to discuss safe sex practices. However, subjects in the former group were more likely to actually use condoms. When it came to interracial couples, the use of a protective barrier was split evenly.

"We found that black and white gay men process the information they receive about HIV in different ways, and for black men using condoms is the default choice," said researcher Chad Campbell. "The black gay men we surveyed were aware of the high rates of HIV among their demographic and were taking steps to ensure they don't become another statistic."

Regular anonymous STD testing can help men who have sex with men take the appropriate steps in protecting their health.