Abstract
Black MSM represent a group at great risk for HIV, as they have the highest incidence of AIDS in the U.S. This paper asks: 1) what are the profiles of social network and social/political group involvement for Black MSM? 2) Do levels of peer norms, AIDS knowledge, self-efficacy and AIDS ethnocentrism differ for Black MSM according to their social involvement? 3) Does HIV-risk differ for Black MSM according to their social involvement? The sample consisted of 318 Black MSM. Results of the study show that men who were active in social/political groups were less likely to engage in UAI than men who were not active. This effect was mediated by higher condom efficacy and lower AIDS ethnocentrism. The study also showed that men with Black gay networks reported higher UAI than men with White gay social networks. These findings indicate that different social patterns among Black MSM. can lead to different outcomes regarding HIV-risk.