Male Bisexuality and HIV Risk

Abstract

Summary The HIV epidemic has led to extensive research on sexual behaviors, and our knowledge of the range of sexual behaviors in which people engage has grown considerably. In this review, we examine the theoretical and empirical literature to consider the relationship between male bisexual behavior and HIV risk. We cover theories of bisexual behavior and critique methods used to study populations of bisexual men. We then provide a brief overview of data on the prevalence of bisexual behavior, HIV infection, and AIDS cases, the prevalence and determinants of HIV-risk behaviors, and the emerging findings on prevention approaches. A range of research methods, including ethnography and other qualitative methods, population-based studies, and surveys of targeted samples, will be necessary to fully address the HIV-prevention needs of bisexual men. Although the continued study of individual-level factors is important, a focus on social structural-level factors that may encourage the expression of bisexual behavior or HIV-related risk is also necessary. Basic research on bisexuality, conducted outside the context of HIV research, as well as additional HIV-related research on populations of behaviorally bisexual men, is needed to continue to add to the knowledge base in this area.