Using a Measurement Model to Reconceptualize the Church Experiences of Black Men who have Sex with Men

J Relig Health. 2023 Jun;62(3):2213-2225. doi: 10.1007/s10943-022-01671-w. Epub 2022 Oct 19.

Abstract

Religious spaces have proven to be effective sites of health intervention among Black Americans. Less is known about how religious environments impact the health of subgroups of Black Americans, specifically Black men who have sex with men (MSM). Using data from the Promoting Our Worth, Equality, and Resilience study, we explored the factor structure of a 10-item religious environment scale among Black MSM (N = 2,482). Exploratory factor analysis revealed three distinct factors: (1) visibility of MSM, (2) structural support, and (3) structural homonegativity. The relationship between Black MSM and their religious environments is complex and should be investigated using measures that accurately reflect their lived experiences.

Keywords: Black MSM; Exploratory factor analysis; LGBT health; Measurement; Religion.

MeSH terms

  • Black People
  • Black or African American
  • HIV Infections*
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*