228900 A community needs assessment to inform HIV and Substance Abuse Prevention for black and Latino young men who have sex with men in New York City

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Matthew B. Feldman, PhD, MSW , Department of Health Informatics and Organizational Knowledge, Gay Men's Health Crisis, New York, NY
Background: A community needs assessment was conducted to inform the development of an HIV and substance abuse prevention program for young men of color who have sex with men (YMSMOC)—particularly blacks and Latinos—who are disproportionately impacted by HIV in New York City (NYC).

Methods: The community needs assessment was guided by three aims: 1) to identify neighborhoods statistically associated with HIV infection among YMSMOC using data from the NYC health department; 2) to identify risk and protective factors for HIV infection and; 3) to identify gaps in services for YMSMOC by conducting focus groups and interviews with YMSMOC and providers who work with YMSMOC.

Results: HIV infections among YMSMOC in NYC are concentrated in Brooklyn (31%) and Queens (26%). YMSMOC are more likely than other groups of YMSM to be HIV-infected and unaware of their diagnosis. Social networks, particularly patterns of sexual mixing, may also influence HIV infection rates among YMSMOC. Peer norms that favor condom use may function as a protective factor against risk behavior among YMSMOC. Providers emphasized the need for mental health and substance use services for YMSMOC, and services for YMSMOC aging out of the child welfare system.

Conclusions: HIV testing should be a routine component of this program. Prevention should address issues of partner choice and communication around HIV status, in addition to the mental health and substance use needs of YMSMOC. Outreach efforts should focus on Brooklyn and Queens, in collaboration with other community agencies.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the HIV and substance abuse prevention needs of young men of color who have sex with men. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the needs assessment process in the program development process.

Keywords: Needs Assessment, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I designed and carried out the needs assessment described in this abstract.
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.