BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS prevalence rates among African-American men who have sex with men (AAMSM) are rising both nationally and in New York City, despite targeted public health outreach efforts. This study examines if the doctor-patient interaction between AAMSM and medical providers has an impact on the utilization of health care services by this population. METHODS: Seven focus groups conducted in Atlanta, New York City and upstate New York with AAMSM between the ages of 18 and 65. All participants also completed a 24-question survey. RESULTS: Seventy-three participants comprised the 7 focus groups. The average age was 36.5 years, the youngest and oldest participants were 19 and 61, respectively. Forty-seven percent (34/73) of the men reported they were HIV positive, and 84.9% of the participants reported having primary medical providers. Major themes included perceived cultural insensitivity by medical providers, homophobia amongst the general black community and church, fear of judgement and rejection by medical providers, and personal responsibility in navigating the complicated and frustrating web of health care access. CONCLUSIONS: The health care behaviors of AAMSM are influenced by people and factors on several ecological levels, and the rising rates of HIV/AIDS in this community can be viewed through this context. Recommendations include increased qualitative research with this population regarding health care beliefs and utilization, incorporation of culturally specific sexuality training into medical cultural competency programs, creating multi-organizational collaborative health care empowerment seminars for black men, and establishing partnerships between academic medical institutions and community churches.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner in this session will be able to: 1. Identify 5 major influences on the interaction between AAMSM and medical providers. 2. Assess the impact of the black, faith-based, and medical communities on health-related behaviors of AAMSM. 3. Articulate the ecological levels of a health promotion intervention aimed at AAMSM. 4. Evaluate the role of the black church in future HIV prevention efforts for AAMSM. 5. Discuss the role of cultural competency and sensitivity training for the doctor-patient interaction. 6. Recognize the complex racial, sexual, social, and spiritual factors that make AAMSM health care expericence different from their gay white counterparts. 7. Create innovative health promotion collaborations/initiatives targeted toward the AAMSM community
Keywords: Minority Health, Health Care
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.