Black bisexually active men who do not disclose sexual activity with men to female partners: An Internet study of factors related to being on the 'down low'

In this study of Black bisexually active men (n = 172), the majority self-identified as heterosexual (n = 62%, 108), single (54%, n = 95), and employed (87.2%, n = 150). Most had no religious affiliation (54%, n = 93), while among those who did (n = 77) a majority (78%, n = 62) reported low acceptance of their sexuality at their place of worship. Most (81.4%, n = 140) who had anal sex with men always used condoms with men, as did most (86.6%, n = 149) with female partners; of these, the majority (84.9%, n = 146) never disclosed their bisexuality to females. The sample had very high response efficacy (perceived condoms as highly effective in preventing HIV/AIDS) and condom use self-efficacy (confidence in ability to use condoms). Participants had very high self concealment (M = 37.71, SD = 6.36), while 91.8% (n = 158) reported they have secrets they would lie about should anyone ask about them; yet, most (78.5%, n = 135) disagreed/strongly disagreed that their secrets had tormented them. The majority disagreed with items showing tendencies to conceal distressing information, and a majority confided in friends. Regarding self-concept clarity, the men had a very strong sense of who they were and what they wanted. Regarding psychological well-being (autonomy), the majority (86.6%, n = 149) are not influenced by other people with strong opinions; also, for psychological well-being (self-acceptance), the majority (89%, n = 153) reported that when they look at the story of their lives, they are pleased with how things have turned out.;Against this backdrop of many positive attributes, other findings were a cause for concern, showing bisexually active men who had high scores on religious items had: low condom use self efficacy (r = -25, p < .001), low condom self efficacy (r = -26, p <.001), low self concept clarity (r = -37, p < .001), low autonomy (r = -.30, p < 001), low self-acceptance (r = -.43, p < .001), and a higher perceived susceptibility to HIV/AIDS (r = .32, p < .001). Future research needs to investigate the behavior of sub-groups of Black bisexually active men defined by level of religious affiliation.