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Implementation of a socio-structural demonstration project to improve HIV outcomes among young Black men in the Deep South
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February 21 2019
Source: J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 6(4):775-789
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Alternative Title:J Racial Ethn Health Disparities
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Description: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.
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Pubmed ID:30793253
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC6661001
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