257834 An assessment of the HIV prevention needs of men living in Montana who have sex with men

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Annie Sondag, PhD , Department of Health and Human Performance, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT
Kelly Hart, MS , Division of Human and Community Services, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Helena, MT
Nicholas Heck, MA , Department of Psychology, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT
Background: Limited information exists regarding the HIV prevention needs of men who have sex with men (MSM) and live in rural sparsely populated states. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the demographic and contextual factors that influence high risk behaviors among MSM living in Montana and to explore gaps between needs and services.

Methods: This case study design utilized multiple sources of data including focus groups, key informant interviews, and a sexual/mental health survey. Most of the 190 participants were between the ages of 19 and 29; represented all state planning regions; and were out to family and friends. Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis and descriptive/inferential statistics.

Results: The stigma related to being a sexual minority in a conservative anti-gay community led MSM in this study to speak of fear of rejection, job loss, and physical violence. Men related going to great lengths to avoid being outed; including finding anonymous sexual partners and avoiding HIV testing. A positive correlation was found between risky sexual behavior and scores on the survey's depression and drug use scales.

Conclusion: Participants stressed the need for prevention efforts to occur on multiple levels. Individual level interventions such as education are important. However, more challenging community and policy level interventions are needed such as - mandating comprehensive school sex education; training health care providers in cultural competence; increasing opportunities for MSM to socialize in drug free venues; developing social marketing campaigns that address anti-gay attitudes; and enacting gay-friendly policy and legislation.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. identify factors that influence MSM living in rural sparsely populated states to engage in behaviors that put them at risk for HIV infection 2. describe the HIV prevention interventions and services that MSM living in rural areas believe are needed to reduce their risk of HIV infection

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Gay Men

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As a professor at The University of Montana and a contractor for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services I have been the project coordinator for multiple statewide needs assessments targeting populations that are most at risk for HIV infection. I also have conducted multiple evaluations of state sponsored HIV prevention interventions.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5015.0: HIV/AIDS Risk Correlates among Vulnerable Populations