228893 A critical literature review to identify possible causes of higher rates of HIV infection among young black and Latino men who have sex with men

Monday, November 8, 2010

Matthew B. Feldman, PhD, MSW , Department of Health Informatics and Organizational Knowledge, Gay Men's Health Crisis, New York, NY
Background: Young men of color who have sex with men (YMSMOC)—particularly blacks and Latinos are disproportionately impacted by HIV infection, however the reason for this disparity is unclear. A critical literature review was conducted to identify possible causes of the higher rates of HIV infection in this population.

Methods: Psychological and behavioral hypotheses developed by Millett et al. (2006) for a literature review designed to explain the high rates of HIV infection among adult black MSM were evaluated using data from studies of HIV infection and risk-related behaviors among YMSMOC. Additional hypotheses about impact of childhood sexual abuse and family support and HIV infection were also included in this review.

Results: High rates of HIV infection might be attributable to unrecognized HIV infection among YMSMOC. Social networks, including patterns of sexual mixing, may also influence HIV infection rates among YMSMOC, in addition to childhood sexual abuse. High rates of HIV infection among YMSMOC were not attributable to risk-related behaviors.

Conclusions: More research is needed to understand the risk factors for HIV infection among YMSMOC, and how to address them in the context of HIV prevention interventions.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Epidemiology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Define the possible causes of higher rates of HIV infection among young men of color who have sex with men. 2. Discuss how risk factors for HIV infection among young men of color who have sex with men can be addressed in the context of HIV prevention interventions.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Primary Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I conceptualized the literature review, gathered the literature, evaluated the hypotheses, and interpreted the findings.
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: 3320.0: Dialogue on Diversity in HIV/AIDS Issues 2