Background: According to the CDC, 1 in 50 African American men in the United States are infected with HIV; the largest proportion of these reported cases, 37%, are among men who engage in same sex behavior. In New York City, the Young Men’s Survey report seroprevalence among young African American men who have sex with men (MSM) as 6 times higher than that of majority population. It is clear from these and other sources that the prevalence of HIV is frighteningly high among young MSM in the African American community; however, the question as to why remains unexplained.
Objectives: 1) Assess the socioeconomic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing HIV risk taking behaviors among young African American MSM in New York City (NYC. 2) Determine which factors are most important for this population and the extent to which these factors can be altered or manipulated to achieve effective structural/ecological HIV prevention strategies for this population. 3) Using study results recommend targeted HIV prevention strategies for collaborating Community Based Organizations (CBO) and other providers serving the needs of this population.
Methods: Conduct 20-30 one-on-one interviews with clients of NYC CBOs. Participants will be men of African descent between the ages of 18-24 who identify as men who have sex with men. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to assess common themes regarding contextual factors influencing risk-taking behavior in this population.
Results: The results are pending the completion of the interviews, which will be administered in the summer of 2001.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the most important (top 3)contextual factors influencing HIV risk taking behavior among young African American MSMs 2. Recommend structural/ecological based strategies to prevent HIV transmission within this population. 3. Describe challenges facing young African American MSM's that impact health and wellness.
Keywords: Male Health, 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.