Mother–Son Communication About Sex and Routine Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Among Younger Men of Color Who Have Sex With Men

Abstract

Purpose To document the HIV testing behaviors and serostatus of younger men of color who have sex with men (YMSM), and to explore sociodemographic, behavioral, and maternal correlates of HIV testing in the past six months. Methods 135 YMSM aged 16–19 completed a close-ended survey on HIV testing and risk behaviors, mother-son communication, and sociodemographic characteristics. Youth were offered point-of-care HIV testing, with results provided at survey end. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed the sociodemographic, behavioral, and maternal factors associated with routine HIV testing. Results 90.3% of YMSM had previously tested for HIV and 70.9 % had tested in the past six months. In total, 11.7% of youth reported being HIV-positive and 3.3% reported unknown serostatus. When offered an HIV test, 97.8% accepted. Of these, 14.7% had a positive oral test result and 31.58% of HIV-positive YMSM (n=6) were seropositive unaware. Logistic regression results indicated that maternal communication about sex with males was positively associated with routine testing (OR=2.36; 95% CI=1.13–4.94). Conversely, communication about puberty and general human sexuality was negatively associated (OR=0.45; 95% CI=0.24–0.86). Condomless anal intercourse and positive STI history were negatively associated with routine testing; however, frequency of alcohol use was positively associated. Conclusions Despite high rates of testing, we found high rates of HIV infection, with 31.58% of HIV-positive YMSM being seropositive unaware. Mother-son communication about sex needs to address same-sex behavior, as this appears to be more important than other topics. YMSM with known risk factors for HIV are not testing at the recommended time intervals.

Criminal justice involvement history is associated with better HIV care continuum metrics among a population-based sample of young black MSM

“…It may be that having important kin relationships is associated with better care outcomes, although having a mother figure did not modify the findings when added to the model. Previous work has shown that family in the lives of YBMSM matters with respect to HIV testing and other HIV related risk behaviors [38, 39]. Relatedly, network interventions have been found to be effective including group-level interventions [40], which may hold promise for improving the HIV care continuum [41].…”

Project nGage: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Dyadic Network Support Intervention to Retain Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in HIV Care

“…Index participants reported if they had ever used marijuana (52) and engaged in condomless anal sex with a male partner of unknown HIV status in the past 6 months (53). …”

Exploring the Mother–Adolescent Relationship as a Promotive Resource for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

“…The same metric and time frame assessed the frequency of CAS with a male partner of different/unknown HIV‐status, recoded as 0 ( no ), 1 ( yes ). All three items have been used in prior research with sexual and gender minority youth of color (Bouris, Hill, Fisher, Erickson, & Schneider, ). HIV‐serostatus was based on the results of an oral rapid HIV antibody test, with 0 ( negative ), and 1 ( positive ).…”