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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Miguel Munoz-Laboy, DrPH¹, Mario De la Cruz, BA², Alea Holman, MPH¹, and Blandon Casenave, BA². (1) Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., Room 922, New York, NY 10032, (2) Prevention Programs, Bronx AIDS Services, 953 Southern Blvd, Suite 201, Bronx, NY 10459, 718-295-5690, mdelacruz@basnyc.org

ISSUES: Approximately 56% of AIDS cases among Bronx males 13–24 years of age are due to unprotected sex (53% MSM and 3% heterosexual). The exploding epidemic among YMSM of color and low level of access to MSM-friendly, culturally competent prevention services and primary care within Bronx communities, demands the development of new strategies to address HIV/AIDS in this population. DESCRIPTION: This demonstration project proposes a shift in approach to a community-organizing model emphasizing training youth in interviewing, organizing, and research skills to identify and build connections with the target population. This study examines YMSM social/sexual networks through ethnography, mapping, and key informant interviews to assess HIV risk behaviors and barriers/facilitators that exist to increasing the access of prevention services and care. LESSONS LEARNED: Approximately 114 peer facilitated interviews were conducted using Pocket PCs in various YMSM frequented locations in NYC; psychographic risk factors were operationalized by variables that measure HIV awareness, outlook and testing frequency. The majority of males (82%) ages 14-24 (N=87) reported having been tested for HIV at least once, while 8% (N=7) reported never having tested. Preliminary analysis yielded some relationships between social spaces, attitudes about HIV/AIDS and risk behavior. RECOMMENDATIONS: By training peers connected to YMSM networks to facilitate interviews and provide referrals, clients feel more enabled to disclose personal information and more encouraged to access services. Continued research of these networks and the level of access of services by HIV+ YMSM of Color will yield best practices for retaining this population in care.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• List five HIV risk factors for YMSM of Color.
• Articulate the various barriers and facilitators that exist for YMSM of color to accessing prevention services and primary care.
• Describe the correlation between YMSM of color's social/sexual networks and their susceptibility to HIV infection.

Keywords: Youth, HIV Interventions

Related Web page: www.yescenter.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation