Understanding HIV/AIDS prevention and care in the context of competing health and well-being priorities among Black men who have sex with men in Baltimore, MD

ABSTRACT

This study examines health and well-being priorities among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Baltimore, MD and their association with condom use. Among 148 sexually active BMSM, 43% were HIV positive. The majority ranked financial stability (68%), physical health (53%), and stable housing (59%) as top priorities. Fewer participants identified top priorities as mental health (37%), HIV prevention (35%), relationships with family (25%), and romantic partners (23%). Identifying HIV prevention (aOR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.07-4.72) and relationship with family (aOR: 2.19; 95% CI: 0.99-4.89) as top priorities were associated with increased odds of always using condoms. Reporting stable housing as a top priority (aOR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.22-1.00) reduced the odds of always using a condom. To increase relevance, HIV/AIDS prevention programs should address BMSM’s financial, housing and physical health needs.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV/AIDS
• BMSM
• Competing Priorities
• Intervention

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by study participants and the National Institutes of Health under grants R01DA031030 & R01DA032217. We thank Roeina Love, Tonya Johnson, Denise Mitchell, Charles Moore, Marlesha Bates, and Joanne Jenkins for their assistance and support in data collection.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health: [Grant Number R01DA031030, R01DA032217].