Abstract
African American young men who have sex with men (AAYMSM) represent the largest proportion of new HIV infections among MSM.
While evidence-based interventions are lacking, all too often HIV interventions are implemented in a community without thoroughly
understanding its needs, risks and assets. AAYMSM are not homogenous; subgroups exist that may require different approaches
to be effective. The House and Ball communities represent one such subgroup. A community-engaged, mixed-methods approach was
used. Participant observations, qualitative interviews (N = 26), and a survey at House/Ball events (N = 252) were completed. Survey data broadly describe the community. For example: 69 % of survey respondents identify as gay;
25 % as bisexual; 13 % reported recent use of ecstasy and 11 % recently participated in sex exchange. The depth of qualitative
data is key for intervention development. For example, while the survey provides broad descriptions of respondents’ involvement
in the House and Ball communities, leaders provided in-depth descriptions of the structure of the House and Ball scene—something
vital to the development of HIV prevention programs within these communities. This kind of rigorous study is recommended prior
to implementing an intervention. Findings are discussed in relation to leveraging the communities’ supportive aspects to design
culturally relevant HIV prevention programs.
While evidence-based interventions are lacking, all too often HIV interventions are implemented in a community without thoroughly
understanding its needs, risks and assets. AAYMSM are not homogenous; subgroups exist that may require different approaches
to be effective. The House and Ball communities represent one such subgroup. A community-engaged, mixed-methods approach was
used. Participant observations, qualitative interviews (N = 26), and a survey at House/Ball events (N = 252) were completed. Survey data broadly describe the community. For example: 69 % of survey respondents identify as gay;
25 % as bisexual; 13 % reported recent use of ecstasy and 11 % recently participated in sex exchange. The depth of qualitative
data is key for intervention development. For example, while the survey provides broad descriptions of respondents’ involvement
in the House and Ball communities, leaders provided in-depth descriptions of the structure of the House and Ball scene—something
vital to the development of HIV prevention programs within these communities. This kind of rigorous study is recommended prior
to implementing an intervention. Findings are discussed in relation to leveraging the communities’ supportive aspects to design
culturally relevant HIV prevention programs.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10461-012-0227-9
- Authors
- Michele D. Kipke, Community, Health Outcomes and Intervention Research Program, The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 6430W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 900208, USA
- Katrina Kubicek, Community, Health Outcomes and Intervention Research Program, The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 6430W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 900208, USA
- Jocelyn Supan, Community, Health Outcomes and Intervention Research Program, The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 6430W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 900208, USA
- George Weiss, Community, Health Outcomes and Intervention Research Program, The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 6430W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 900208, USA
- Sheree Schrager, Community, Health Outcomes and Intervention Research Program, The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 6430W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 900208, USA
- Journal AIDS and Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-3254
- Print ISSN 1090-7165