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. 2019 Aug;6(4):775-789.
doi: 10.1007/s40615-019-00576-x. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

Implementation of a Socio-structural Demonstration Project to Improve HIV Outcomes Among Young Black Men in the Deep South

Russell Brewer  1 , Chris Daunis  2 , Sabira Ebaady  2 , Leo Wilton  3   4 , Sarah Chrestman  2 , Snigdha Mukherjee  5 , Mary Moore  6 , Renee Corrigan  7 , John Schneider  8
Affiliations

Implementation of a Socio-structural Demonstration Project to Improve HIV Outcomes Among Young Black Men in the Deep South

Russell Brewer et al. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2019 Aug.

Abstract

Background: We describe the background, rationale, intervention components, and formative results of a demonstration project aimed to ameliorate five socio-structural barriers to HIV services for young Black men aged 18-29 living with and at risk for HIV in Louisiana.

Methods: The interventions and activities consisted of (1) five person-centered approaches to enhance linkage to HIV services and improve socio-economic outcomes; (2) the implementation of systematic mystery shopping tests to document instances of housing discrimination; (3) the development and implementation of a multi-prong communications campaign to increase knowledge about the signs of housing discrimination and community resources among young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM); (4) the integration of HIV/STI services and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT)-inclusive events on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); and (5) the development of a safe space for YBMSM. A multi-method approach was used to evaluate the outcomes of the different interventions.

Results: The majority (62%) of participants living with HIV were linked to HIV care and 49% had achieved viral suppression. More than 40% of participants were employed during the project. Thirty-seven percent (37%) of the mystery shopping tests showed definite or possible signs of housing discrimination. The housing campaign's duration was limited with unknown long-term impact among YBMSM. Fifteen cases of syphilis were identified during two HBCU events. A safe space was specifically created for YBMSM at a community-based organization.

Conclusion: Multi-component holistic health interventions are needed to improve HIV outcomes and curb the high HIV rates among young Black men, particularly YBMSM in the United States and the Deep South.

Keywords: Black men who have sex with men (BMSM); HIV prevention; Social and structural factors; South; Young Black men.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: Dr. Russell Brewer currently serves as advisory to Gilead’s Implementation Science Group and ViiV Healthcare’s Accelerate Initiative.

References

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    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV among African American Gay and Bisexual men 2017. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/group/racialethnic/africanamericans/cdc-hiv-.... Accessed July 26, 2017.
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