Using community-based participatory research methods as a tool to adapt an HIV intervention for African American young men who have sex with men

Issues: African American men account for a disproportionate number of HIV/AIDS cases; similarly, incidence rates for African American young men who have sex with men (AAYMSM) are higher than Caucasian and Latino YMSM. In spite of this, there are few evidence-based interventions designed for YMSM and none specifically for AAYMSM. There remains a need to develop and/or adapt developmentally and culturally relevant HIV interventions for this population.

Description: To address this need, a data, youth and community-driven adaptation process for Young Men's Adult Identity Mentoring (YM-AIM) was initiated to validate whether the tenets of the Adult Identity Mentoring intervention (Project AIM) resonate with AAYMSM ages 18-24. The youth-informed adaptation included a series of working groups comprised of 6-12 AAYMSM. Through the use of participatory techniques such as Photovoice, participants discussed which elements from Project AIM should remain, be revised or replaced to be relevant for AAYMSM.

Lessons Learned: Working group sessions indicate that Project AIM's framework and theory resonate with AAYMSM. However, intervention activities should be changed to be developmentally appropriate and relevant for emerging adults and same-sex relationships. For example, Project AIM asked participants to begin considering career choices, while many AAYMSM desire more focused discussions on career. Additionally, the groups helped identify new areas of focus including relationship building/maintenance and health.

Recommendations: Community and youth advisory boards were convened to provide input on the revised curriculum. Pilot testing of the adapted curriculum is currently underway. Upon completion, plans include developing an efficacy trial for the YM-AIM curriculum.