Public health research increasingly recognizes that focusing on changing individual health behaviors without addressing social and situational factors is insufficient. To gain a broad understanding of social and environmental factors related to risk of HIV among gay men in Dallas, we are conducting a two-year study to identify such factors and to propose interventions. We will conduct approximately 18 focus groups, 90 key participant interviews, and 100 computerized situational presentations among African-American, Hispanic and white gay men between the ages of 18 and 26 recruited from a variety of public venues. Findings from the Dallas Young Men's Survey, an HIV prevalence survey of young gay and bisexual men, confirm that HIV incidence is highest in this population. The purpose of focus groups is to generate a list of factors that will be explored further through individual interviews to determine how each factor contributes to decision making during a risky sexual situation. We will demonstrate the interactive computer-assisted situational analysis technique used in our study that allows participants to indicate their choices in sexually risky situations in response to randomized variables. The results of this qualitative research data collection will be presented, and implications for the development of interventions to reduce HIV incidence will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Identify social and environmental influences upon HIV risk-taking behavior of gay men. 2. Articulate the qualitative research processes used to elicit and validate these influences. 3. Assess the utility of an interactive computer-assisted situational analysis technique
Keywords: Gay Men, HIV Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.