2015 APHA Annual Meeting & Expo

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Recorded Annual Meeting Presentations (RAMP) are now available for purchase.
Only $90 for presenters, $140 for registered attendees and $200 for non-attendees.

Online Program

335608
Increasing behavioral HIV prevention strategies for high-risk young men who hae sex with men at urban universities


Monday, November 2, 2015 : 1:10 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Jean Breny, PhD, MPH, Department of Public Health, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT
Michael Tweedie, MPH-C, Department of Public Health, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT
Audio (mp3) recording Recorded Presentation (mp4)
Background: New infections of HIV occur among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) more than any other population in the United States, particularly YMSM of color. Epidemiological data demonstrates the progression of the HIV epidemic towards YMSM on urban college campuses. HIV testing and subsequent treatment is a critical step in reducing HIV transmission. Yet, rates of testing in this population continue to be lower than ideal to prevent new HIV infections. Using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework, the aims of this study were to: 1) develop a better understanding of attitudes and knowledge among YMSM about HIV transmission, testing and treatment and; 2) develop targeted HIV prevention messages on college campuses.

Methods:   Interviews were conducted with 20 YMSM undergraduate students in two urban colleges. Questions included HIV transmission knowledge, behaviors, and HIV testing history.  Interview transcripts were read through for themes using inter-coder reliability.  Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis to be used to develop intervention messaging for YMSM.

Results: YMSM are minimally aware of their personal HIV-risk behavior and state that HIV still holds great stigma. Participants indicated interest in learning more about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a way to help them reduce their risks for HIV. Regarding messaging, participants strongly encouraged the use of social media sites (i.e. Grinder, Manhunt) as a way of reaching YMSM.

Conclusion: Understanding the knowledge and attitudes YMSM have around HIV testing and risk behaviors, will strengthen the health promotion programming provided by college health centers.

Learning Areas:

Program planning
Public health or related education
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe three barriers preventing YMSM from accessing HIV testing. List two ways of increasing knowledge of HIV risks among YMSM. Design messaging for YMSM about the importance of HIV risk reduction and HIV testing.

Keyword(s): HIV Risk Behavior, Men’s Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have my PhD in public health from UNC Chapel Hill. For twenty years I've been doing research in the areas of sex education and HIV prevention. I am the PI in this project being submitted for presentation.
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: 3262.0: HIV/AIDS and Young Men Who Have Sex With Men