HIV Prevention Among Diverse Young MSM: Research Needs, Priorities, and Opportunities

Abstract

There remains a profound need for innovative and effective interventions designed for young men who have sex with men (YMSM) generally; and racial and ethnic minority YMSM, YMSM living in rural communities, and low-income YMSM, particularly, to prevent HIV and improve health outcomes in the United States. This introduction to this theme issue identifies some of the research needs, priorities, and opportunities that emerged during a seminal NIMHD-sponsored workshop on HIV prevention behavioral interventions for diverse YMSM. It provides researchers, practitioners, and federal partners guidance in next steps to reduce the impact of the HIV epidemic among YMSMS. The needs, priorities, and opportunities identified serve as a foundation to push both the science and the practice of HIV prevention forward. We recognize that considerably more research is needed, and this issue highlights intervention research – where we have been and where we should go. With the disparities faced by YMSM, we must act rapidly to do the work it will take to meet their prevention needs, reduce infections, and save lives.

HIV Prioritization and Risk Perception Among an Online Sample of Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States

“…Several studies have concluded a need to incorporate methods for addressing interpersonal and structural factors in HIV prevention strategies, as well as through policies aimed at increasing protections for sexual minority populations ( Nelson et al, 2016 ; Oldenburg et al, 2015 ; Whittle et al, 2015 ). The National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities has identified developing tailored interventions for diverse populations that incorporate relevant sexual minority content and experiences as priority research needs in HIV prevention ( Rhodes & Wong, 2016 ). Individual- and community-level HIV prevention efforts need to do more to integrate the interpersonal and structural factors that contribute to increased HIV risk.…”

Sexual and Gender Minority Youth’s Perspectives on Sharing De-identified Data in Sexual Health and HIV Prevention Research

“…Although research on sexual health and HIV prevention in SGM minor adolescents has increased in recent years (Mustanski, Newcomb, Du Bois, Garcia, & Grov, 2011;Rhodes & Wong, 2016), SGM adolescent participants' perspectives on sharing de-identified data from these studies have not been examined. Shedding light on this topic can inform researchers' and IRBs' decision-making around data sharing practices in sexual health and HIV prevention research with SGM adolescent participants, including how to best communicate with adolescents about the parameters of data sharing.…”

Effects of Parental Monitoring and Knowledge on Substance Use and HIV Risk Behaviors Among Young Men Who have Sex with Men: Results from Three Studies

“…Theories that address the contexts and systems of influences in the lives of young people, such as Ecological Systems Theory 24 , highlight the importance of the family-system in adolescent health and wellbeing. While there has been substantial research on the influence of parent-child relationships and interactions on heterosexual adolescent sexual health and substance use, this has received very little research attention among YMSM 9,20,25 .…”