Social networks, substance use and HIV risk among black South African men who have sex with men (MSM)

Justin Knox, MPH
Doctoral student, Epidemiology

Columbia University

A heavy burden of HIV and substance use has been observed among black South African men who have sex with men (MSM). Many of these men live in townships, peri-urban areas that were reserved for non-Whites under Apartheid and which are still residential communities for millions of black South Africans today. South African townships continue to be characterized by lack of resources, low levels of education, and high unemployment rates. MSM living in South African townships suffer further social deprivation through discrimination and stigma, which they face because of their sexual preferences. Using mixed methods, my research has explored how these men are connected socially, as well as what puts them at an increased risk for substance misuse and HIV infection.