%0 Journal Article
%T Syndemic Theory and Male Same Sex Intimate Partner Violence: An Urban/Non-Urban Comparison
%A Matt L. Pimentel
%A An-Lin Cheng
%A Patricia J. Kelly
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 2
%N 3
%P 1-9
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2015
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1101407
%X Background: The majority of research with gay
men has been conducted in urban populations, with minimal work on partner
violence in non-urban (suburban and rural) settings. Syndemic theory, the
concept that negative health outcomes are increased with the addition of each
new deleterious health variable, has been used to understand partner violence. The
aim of the study was to determine differences in prevalence and associated
factors of male same-sex intimate partner violence (MSSIPV) among gay men
residing in urban versus non-urban settings. Methods: A cross-sectional survey
was conducted with gay men in the state of California. Variables were identified
from syndemic theory and included exposure to intimate partner violence,
depression, sexual compulsivity, poly-drug use, and childhood sexual abuse. Results:
Demographic differences were evident between urban and non-urban dwelling gay
men. Rates of lifetime victimization and perpetration of MSSIPV between urban
and non-urban gay men were not significant. In regard to syndemic variables, only childhood sexual abuse
(CSA) showed any significant differences between the two populations.
Being a victim of CSA increased the odds of being a lifetime victim of MSSIPV
by a factor of five for non-urban participants and increased the odds of being
a victim by a factor of three for all subjects. Moreover, being a victim of CSA
increased the odds of being a lifetime perpetrator of MSSIPV by a factor of
three for non-urban participants. Conclusion: This appears to be the first of
its kind study differentiating between urban and non-urban MSM. More research
is needed to verify our findings of demographic and syndemic differences
between these two populations in order to fully understand and address the
needs of all members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT)
community.
%K Same Sex Intimate Violence
%K Non-Urban Populations
%K Urban Populations
%K Gay Men
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/3143543