"HIV is still real": Perceptions of HIV testing and HIV prevention among black men who have sex with men in New York City

• Published in: American journal of men's health Vol. 3; no. 2; p. 150
• Main Authors: Nanín, José, Osubu, Tokes, Walker, Ja'Nina, Powell, Borris, Powell, Donald, Parsons, Jeffrey
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States SAGE Publishing 01-06-2009
• Subjects: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - ethnology; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - prevention & control; Adult; African Americans - statistics & numerical data; Attitude to Health; Focus Groups; HIV Infections - ethnology; HIV Infections - prevention & control; HIV Seropositivity - epidemiology; HIV-1 - isolation & purification; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Men's Health; Middle Aged; New York City - epidemiology; Perception; Qualitative Research; Risk Assessment; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Social Perception; Urban Population; Young Adult; New York City
• ISSN: 1557-9883; 1557-9891
• DOI: 10.1177/1557988308315154

Rising HIV infection rates have been recently occurring among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in the United States. As a result, promoting HIV testing among members of this population is now considered a priority among local and federal health officials. A study was conducted to explore concerns about HIV testing among BMSM in New York City. In early 2006, data were gathered from focus groups with 29 BMSM. Discussions revealed factors affecting HIV testing, including stigma, sexuality, religion, race, and class, emphasizing responsibility, testing concerns, and media influences, among others. Recommendations were submitted to New York City health officials to inform HIV testing and prevention efforts.