Understanding the HIV Prevention Needs of Young Black MSM—Voices from Our Youth

Issues: Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for more than half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. each year (53%, or an estimated 28,700 infections). In 2006, most new infections among black MSM occurred among those aged 13–29. The number of new infections among young black MSM was nearly twice that of young white MSM and more than twice that of young Hispanic/Latino MSM. CDC provides funding to community-based organizations (CBOs) and health departments to implement HIV prevention activities for young black MSM. This presentation will explore the unique HIV prevention needs of this population.

Description: Working with communities from the inside out to identify HIV prevention needs and priorities is paramount to the planning of effective HIV prevention programs. CDC conducted a series of Listening Sessions (n=5) across the United States to identify the HIV prevention needs of young black MSM.

Lessons Learned: Through this qualitative study, CDC was able to determine ways to address barriers to HIV testing among young black MSM as well as motivators to seeking HIV testing and prevention services. The study also identified ways to reach young black MSM as well as methods to engage and retain young black MSM in HIV prevention programs

Recommendations: Organizations providing HIV prevention services to young black MSM should seek to engage them in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of program activities and also include appropriate referrals and linkages to services such as housing, education, mental health, substance abuse, and HIV care and treatment.