Community recommendations for promoting HIV testing to Black young men who have sex with men in the southern United States

Abstract

Background Considering the need to increase HIV testing among racial minority youth in the southern United States, we conducted an exploratory study in Alabama to elucidate recommendations on improving testing rates among Black young men who have sex with men (BYMSM). Methods We conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with BYMSM and prevention and outreach workers. Data collection occurred online and in person between 2020–2022. Results Our sample included data from n = 56 BYMSM and n = 12 prevention and outreach workers. BYMSMs’ mean age = 24 years. Among prevention and outreach workers, 58% identified as male with mean age = 39 years; 83% identified as Black. Transcripts were coded thematically; five concurrent themes emerged from both BYMSM and prevention and outreach workers: promoting testing at younger ages, need for visibility and outreach, connecting through shared experiences, value of nonjudgmental approaches, and need to increase HIV knowledge in BYMSM. Conclusions Findings suggest that cultivating trust is salient to promoting HIV testing in BYMSM. To end the epidemic in the southern United States, a region that is heavily rural with high rates of HIV, it may be necessary to begin prevention conversations at younger ages and equip prevention and outreach workers with communication skills that leverage de-stigmatizing approaches.