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

Abstract #68399

Jamal C. Harris, BA¹, Sarah Anne Stewart, MPH, MSc¹, Babafemi Babawande Pratt, BA¹, Elizabeth R. Woods, MD, MPH², and Cathryn L. Samples, MD, MPH³. (1) Harvard Medical School, 36 Goodrich Rd, Apt 2, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, (617) 480-3217, jamal_harris@student.hms.harvard.edu, (2) Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Ave, LO 306, Boston, MA 02115, (3) Boston Adolescent Trials Unit and Connect to Protect: Boston, Martha Eliot Health Center and Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Wolbach 309, Boston, MA 02115

Background: High rates of HIV and STDs in communities of color and low utilization of the health care system make young men of color a critical population in which to focus efforts to identify new cases of HIV and to increase rates of HIV counseling and testing. Qualitative methods can elucidate motivators and barriers of HIV testing as well as their meanings and interactions. Objectives: Among Black and Latino young men: 1) To assess knowledge and attitudes about HIV risk, treatment, testing benefits, access, and sites; 2) To explore health care utilization patterns, perceptions, and preferences; and 3) To examine alternative approaches to motivate HIV testing and risk reduction counseling and/or health care utilization. Methods: Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted exploring HIV testing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors among Black and Latino males ages 15-23 in Boston. Previously tested and untested young men participating in risky behaviors were identified through partnerships with diverse community based organizations and street outreach. Interviews were taped and two investigators independently coded the transcripts using grounded theory to identify themes. Results: Preliminary themes identified include distrust of medical providers, awareness of testing opportunities, responsibility in romantic relationships, influence of the media, cost of testing and HIV treatment, and concern about the origins of the HIV epidemic. Conclusion: Young men of color identify multiple modifiable factors that influence their decision to test for HIV. Our pilot study suggests possible interventions to increase rates of HIV testing in young men of color.

Learning Objectives:

"At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Articulate barriers and motivators to the use of HIV counseling and testing services by young men of color as described by the young men themselves.
• Recognize potential opportunities for intervention to increase HIV testing among young men of color.
• Define further research questions related to HIV testing in young men of color that can be investigated using qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.

Keywords: HIV Interventions, Youth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.