J Racial Ethn Health Disparities

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. 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 (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 (15) 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.

30793253

PMC6661001

Journal Article

CDC Public Access