Work

“Let Me Help You Help Me”: Church-Based HIV Prevention for Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: The goal of this study was to identify strategies that could yield more inclusive church-based HIV prevention efforts. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) living in Baltimore, Maryland. The sample had an equal number of regular and infrequent church attendees. Nearly one-fourth of the sample was HIV-positive. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively using a qualitative content analytic approach. Two main recommendations emerged for churches to offer more inclusive HIV prevention efforts: (1) reduce homosexuality stigma by increasing interpersonal and institutional acceptance, and (2) address the sexual health needs of all congregants by offering universal and targeted sexual health promotion. Thus, results support a tiered approached to providing more inclusive church-based HIV prevention efforts. We conclude that Black churches can be a critical access point for HIV prevention among YBMSM and represent an important setting to intervene.

Source: AIDS Education and Prevention

DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2016.28.3.202

Authors: Terrinieka W. Powell, Ann Herbert, Tiarney D. Ritchwood, Carl A. Latkin

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Medical University of South Carolina

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases