The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57430

Anthony J. Silvestre, PhD, LSW¹, Mark S. Friedman, PhD, MSW², John A. Encandela, PhD³, Mary Beth Zeni, ScD⁴, and John F. Faber, PhD, LSW¹. (1) Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 3520 Fifth Avenue, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, 412.624.5080, tonys@pitt.edu, (2) Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, 3520 Fifth Avenue, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, (3) Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, 3520 Fifth Avenue, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, (4) Research Consultant, 502 Highland Avenue, Quincy, FL 32351

Problem: Recent studies indicate that a significant amount of unsafe sexual activity is taking place among men who have sex with men (MSM). Researchers identify higher levels of unsafe activity among younger MSM of all races, members of racial and ethnic minorities, and rural men.

Methods: Seven focus groups of 130 diverse MSM were organized in Pennsylvania. Data was collected about their knowledge about HIV, barriers to prevention, attitudes towards safer sex, and suggestions for interventions. These data were compared to similar data collected in 1994.

Results: The Caucasian, urban, older men in 2001 had more comprehensive and detailed discussions about the nature of HIV/AIDS than did the other men. Minority, rural, and young men stated that their friends lacked basic knowledge about HIV. All of the men stated that there had been a ‘retreat from prevention’ since the early 1990s and that their friends rarely talked about HIV anymore. They said that HIV information and condoms were seldom available through gay groups or HIV service organizations, health departments or health care professionals. Men specifically advocated for culturally competent, peer-led outreach programs targeting specific groups such as racial/ethnic minority groups, rural men, and youth.

Recommendations: The 'retreat' from prevention must be countered by a re-invigoration of HIV prevention efforts. Future interventions need to deal with self-esteem, issues of stigma and social isolation. Innovative interventions are needed for young, rural, minority, and HIV infected men.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees will:
• Understand differences in MSM perceptions about barriers to HIV prevention since 1995.
• Develop insights that can guide the development of effective HIV prevention interventions targeting MSM.
• Understand differences in knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about HIV prevention among subpopulations of MSM, viz., rural men, racial and ethnic minority men, and young men.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Gay Men

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.