An examination of grit in black men who have sex with men and associations with health and social outcomes

Aims: This study sought to examine the prevalence and correlates of grit in a sample of Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Baltimore, Maryland. Methods: A trained research assistant administered the Short-Grit and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scales and surveyed participants of a community-based behavioral health intervention for demographic, health, and sexual behaviors. Results: Of 239 participants, two-thirds scored in the high grit category. A greater proportion of men with high grit demonstrated higher educational attainment, were employed in the prior 6 months, reported very good/excellent health, were human immunodeficiency virus-positive, scored < 16 on the CES-D, and had more friends who were gay. After controlling for other variables, high grit was associated with higher odds of having more friends who are gay and lower odds of alcohol use, unemployment, and a high CES-D score. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that grit could be an important mechanism upon which to focus health and behavioral interventions for BMSM.