Creating a structural HIV intervention for Black men who have sex with women: A CBPR collaboration at an urban community health center

Background: There are few HIV programs with demonstrated effectiveness with Black men who have sex with women (MSWs). Inadequate consideration of Black men's structural risks for HIV, such as unemployment and homelessness, has impeded the success of existing models. This poster outlines the work of an academic-community collaborative which has developed a structural HIV intervention for Black MSWs, known as the MEN [Making Employment Needs] Count Program. MEN Count integrates HIV risk reduction with case management to support employment and stable housing. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with the target population (4 groups, n=24) and service providers serving this population (2 groups, n=13). Currently, a shorter version of MEN Count is being pilot-tested with 14 men. At baseline, all participants were unemployed (n=6 were homeless) and reported at least 2 sex partners and unprotected sex in the past six months. Results: Formative research documented the following recommendations: a) counselors reflecting the target population; b) provision of a community engagement group; and c) collection of “success stories” to encourage other men in the program. The revised program is now being pilot tested; findings will be available for presentation at APHA. Conclusion: Preliminary findings indicate the utility of a structural intervention approach to reducing HIV risk among Black MSWs; this approach should include risk reduction counseling, practical support for employment and housing, and group counseling to build skills, self-esteem, and productivity. Such an approach is labor intensive; pilot findings will examine the feasibility of conducting the model in the clinical setting.