Targeting HIV Prevention Messaging to a New Generation of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Young Men Who Have Sex With Men

Abstract

HIV prevention messaging has been shown to reduce or delay high-risk sexual behaviors in young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Since the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, a new generation of YMSM has come of age during an evolution in communication modalities. Because both these communication technologies and this new generation remain understudied, the authors investigated the manner in which YMSM interact with HIV prevention messaging. In particular, the authors examined 6 venues in which YMSM are exposed to, pay attention to, and access HIV prevention information: the Internet, bars/dance clubs, print media, clinics/doctors' offices, community centers/agencies, and educational classes. Data were drawn from a community-based sample of 481 racially and ethnically diverse YMSM from New York City. Significant differences in exposure to HIV prevention messaging venues emerged with respect to age, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Attention paid to HIV prevention messages in various venues differed by age and sexual orientation. Across all venues, multivariate modeling indicated YMSM were more likely to access HIV messaging from the same venues at which they paid attention, with some variability explained by person characteristics (age and perceived family socioeconomic status). This suggests that the one-size-fits-all approach does not hold true, and both the venue and person characteristics must be considered when generating and disseminating HIV prevention messaging.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Live-Chat Social Media Intervention to Reduce HIV Risk Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men

“…Future research ought to compare MiCHAT against an inoffice MI/CBT intervention or against a social media control intervention [39, 97–99] without the enhanced components of MiCHAT, in order to determine MiCHAT’s causal role in health behavior improvement and potential mechanisms of change, such as reduced depression [27, 35]. A fast-developing modality of reaching YMSM includes mobile and application (app)-based avenues, for which MiCHAT would constitute an ideal candidate given its strong potential for mobile adoption, as well as some of our participants’ desire to access sessions on their mobile devices.…”

Acceptability of PrEP Uptake Among Racially/Ethnically Diverse Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: The P18 Study

“…In addition, community organizations that provide outreach and social support services to YMSM of color ought to be equipped with materials in multiple formats, languages, and so forth that can convey to a wider audience the potential benefits of PrEP. Such approaches are also appropriate for this generation of millennials, who rely more so than previous generations on e-technologies for information (Kingdon et al, 2013). …”

HIV Diagnoses, Prevalence and Outcomes in Nine Southern States

“…Higher HIV diagnosis rates among the younger age categories, particularly in the targeted states region and the rest of the South, could be attributed, in part, to lack of education about HIV transmission and less gravity placed on HIV infection due to improvements in available drug regimens [21]. The higher concentration of HIV in younger ages in the targeted states is an important factor to consider in prevention and treatment planning, as response to prevention education and interventions may differ by age [22]. Development and implementation of effective prevention and treatment strategies for the younger population will be critical to stemming HIV transmission in the targeted Southern states.…”