Disparities in HIV prevention interventions for youth: What about the needs of gay youth?

Background: The HIV pandemic among youth in the United States is increasingly impacting young gay/bisexual/questioning [GBQ] males, especially youth of color. CDC data between 2000 and 2004 reveal increasing numbers of males living with HIV for both adolescents (13-19 years: 39% male in 2000; 61% male in 2004) and young adults (20-24 years: 55% male in 2000; 70% male in 2004). The vast majority of these males were infected through sex with males. Despite this rapid increase in HIV infection among male youth, there has not been a commensurate increase in HIV prevention programs focused on GBQ youth.

Methods: This presentation will present data from a content analysis of journal articles published between 1996 and 2006 that report findings from evaluations of HIV primary prevention programs for youth ages 12-25.

Results: Comparisons of interventions that did and did not include GBQ male youth will be presented, with a focus on characteristics of the target populations (e.g., age, ethnicity), interventions (e.g., methods, content), and evaluations (e.g., design, measures). Results reveal disproportionately few HIV prevention interventions for GBQ youth, as well as limited complexity and diversity in existing intervention components.

Conclusions: Possible explanations for this disparity include discriminatory public policies that limit funding for LGBT public health research/interventions, discomfort by some public health professionals with LGBT issues, and fears of discrimination for conducting LGBT research/interventions experienced by some LGBT-identified public health professionals. Changes in public policies and social climate are needed to encourage increased focus on HIV prevention interventions for GBQ youth.