Geospatial Indicators of Space and Place: A Review of Multilevel Studies of HIV Prevention and Care Outcomes Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States

Abstract

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM), particularly YMSM who are racial/ethnic minorities, are disproportionately affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in the United States. These HIV disparities have been linked to demographic, social, and physical geospatial characteristics. The objective of this scoping review was to summarize the existing evidence from multilevel studies examining how geospatial characteristics are associated with HIV prevention and care outcomes among YMSM populations. Our literature search uncovered 126 peer-reviewed articles, of which 17 were eligible for inclusion based on our review criteria. Nine studies examined geospatial characteristics as predictors of HIV prevention outcomes. Nine of the 17 studies reported HIV care outcomes. From the synthesis regarding the current state of research around geospatial correlates of behavioral and biological HIV risk, we propose strategies to move the field forward in order to inform the design of future multilevel research and intervention studies for this population.

Funding

Drs. Bauermeister and Stephenson are supported by a National Institutes of Health project (R01DA041032; U01MD011274). Dr. Eaton was supported by two National Institutes of Health projects (R01MH094230; R01NR013865). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official views of the funding agencies.

Additional information

Funding

Drs. Bauermeister and Stephenson are supported by a National Institutes of Health project (R01DA041032; U01MD011274). Dr. Eaton was supported by two National Institutes of Health projects (R01MH094230; R01NR013865). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official views of the funding agencies.