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Abstract
A qualitative assessment to identify hiv risk behaviors and barriers to prevention among aamsm
D Porche1, R Swayzer III2
1Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, United States; 2Brotherhood, Incorporated, New Orleans, United States
BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS incidence rates continue to disproportionately impact the African American community. Within the African American community, the majority of HIV/AIDS cases are found among African American men who have sex with men (AAMSM). These rates indicate that AAMSM continue to engage in high risk behaviors.
METHODS: The objectives of this qualitative needs assessment were to identify 1) risk behaviors; 2) barriers to HIV testing; and 3) barriers to safer sex practices among AAMSM. Focus groups were conducted with African American MSM by a trained facilitator according to an interview schedule designed for this study and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring themes in the areas of risk behaviors, barriers to HIV testing, and barriers to safer sex practices. Investigator triangulation was utilized to confirm themes.
RESULTS: Seven focus groups were conducted with a total of 40 participants. Ages ranged from 19-53, with an average age of 27.3 years. Barriers to HIV testing were fear, knowledge of and location of testing site, risk of being stigmatized, and lack of perceived risk. Barriers to safer sex were careless behavior, societal/peer pressure, arousal/intimacy, drugs/alcohol use, and knowledge deficit. Risk behaviors identified included unprotected anal and oral sex, promiscuity, sex under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, sexual exploration, and prostitution.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite broad focused HIV prevention interventions, AAMSM continue to engage in behaviors that place them at risk for HIV infection. HIV prevention interventions in AAMSM should be directed towards reducing the barriers identified in this study. Future research should identify the social, economic, and cultural antecedents that influence the sexual behaviors of AAMSM.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WePeC6163
Suggested Citation
" D Porche , , et al.
A qualitative assessment to identify hiv risk behaviors and barriers to prevention among aamsm
.
Poster Exhibition:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WePeC6163"
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