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A new study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health reveals a concerning trend of alcohol misuse among Black men aged 15-29 who have sex with men (MSM) in New York City. Thinh Vu, PhD candidate at CUNY SPH and the co-first author of the study, analyzed data from a randomized controlled trial focused on HIV testing among young Black MSM.
Alcohol misuse is defined as alcohol consumption that poses a heightened risk of adverse health and social consequences. Using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C), in which scores of at least 4 out of 12 indicate alcohol misuse, our study found that over one-third (33.2%) of participants reported alcohol misuse in the past year, with one-quarter (28.0%) acknowledging alcohol misuse in the past three months. These figures were substantially higher than the New York State’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System report in 2022, which indicated that one in five adults in NYS (18.4%) reported excessive alcohol use in the form of either binge or heavy drinking. Our findings illustrate the threat posed by alcohol misuse to the health and well-being of young Black MSM in NYC. They also underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness and targeted alcohol risk reduction initiatives.
Further analysis showed several factors associated with alcohol misuse among young Black MSM, including marijuana use, a history of drug use, and engaging in sexual activity with multiple male partners. The interplay of these factors emphasizes the complex socio-behavioral dynamics contributing to alcohol misuse within this demographic.
“The study points to the importance of developing culturally tailored interventions that tackle both alcohol misuse and HIV risk reduction among young Black MSM,” says Vu. “By raising awareness of this issue and investing in culturally appropriate programs, we can work towards improving the health and well-being of young Black MSM in New York City and beyond.”
