The Influence of Developmental assets, HIV Prevention in Black MSM (14 - 24)

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, Columbus, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan

The purpose of this two-phase sequential mixed methods study is to investigate how strength-based approaches can optimize HIV outcomes and promote the health and well-being of Young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) (Phase I: quantitive).   In Phase 1, we will conduct a cross-sectional internet-based survey with a non-probability sample of HIV-negative YBMSM (N=500), ages 14–25 years old from Saint Louis, Missouri, and Columbus, Ohio. In Phase 2 (qualitative) we will examine perceptions of how developmental assets influence HIV prevention behaviors (HIV Testing and PrEP Use) using content analysis. We will conduct in-depth semi-structured interviews with a purposive sub-sample (n=40) stratified by age groups and the number of developmental assets—high (n=10) versus low (n=10)—for YBMSM ages 14–17 and young adults ages 18–25 on HIV prevention behaviors (n=20).