Abstract
Background: HIV testing continues to be a major priority for addressing the epidemic among young Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Methods: This study explored barriers to HIV testing uptake, and recommendations for motivating HIV testing uptake among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) aged 18 to 30. BMSM (N = 36) were recruited through flyers and social media for six focus groups. Results: From the perspectives and experiences of young BMSM, participants recommended that information be included in HIV testing messages that would help young BMSM do self HIV-risk appraisals. Particularly, participants recommended that more knowledge about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and the role of PrEP in safer-sex practices be provided. This information is important to help those untested, or who infrequently test, better understand their risk and need for testing. Likewise, participants recommended that more information about a person being undetectable and the risk of condomless sex with an HIV negative sex partner; this information will be helpful for both the HIV negative and HIV positive sex partner for making safer sex decisions. Participants also recommended that interventions should focus on more than drug use as risk; the risk posed by the use of alcohol before and during sex deserves attention among young BMSM. Conclusions: These findings may inform new HIV testing interventions being tailored for young BMSM. The interventions should also consider revisiting street-based peer-outreach approaches for those young BMSM with limited access to social media campaigns due to limited access or infrequent use of social media.
Highlights
IntroductionYoung Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are the group most affected by HIV in the U.S [1]
Young Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are the group most affected by HIV in the U.S [1].BMSM between the ages of 18–29 represent close to half of new HIV infections among MSM within their respective racial groups [1]
Because we wanted to understand the perspectives of young BMSM whose status is unknown and have not tested within the last 24 months; tested positive in the last 24 months; and tested negative with the last 24 months, we recruited using those criteria and placed participants in groups based on the group criteria
Summary
Young Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are the group most affected by HIV in the U.S [1]. BMSM between the ages of 18–29 represent close to half of new HIV infections among MSM within their respective racial groups [1]. HIV testing continues to be a major priority for addressing the epidemic among young Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Methods: This study explored barriers to HIV testing uptake, and recommendations for motivating HIV testing uptake among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) aged 18 to 30. Participants recommended that more knowledge about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and the role of PrEP in safer-sex practices be provided This information is important to help those untested, or who infrequently test, better understand their risk and need for testing
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