Laying the groundwork for an HIV prevention intervention: a descriptive profile of the Los Angeles House and Ball communities.

African American young men who have sex with men (AAYMSM) represent the largest proportion of new HIV infections among MSM. While evidence-based interventions are lacking, all too often HIV interventions are implemented in a community without thoroughly understanding its needs, risks and assets. AAYMSM are not homogenous; subgroups exist that may require different approaches to be effective. The House and Ball communities represent one such subgroup. A community-engaged, mixed-methods approach was used. Participant observations, qualitative interviews (N = 26), and a survey at House/Ball events (N = 252) were completed. Survey data broadly describe the community. For example: 69 % of survey respondents identify as gay; 25 % as bisexual; 13 % reported recent use of ecstasy and 11 % recently participated in sex exchange. The depth of qualitative data is key for intervention development. For example, while the survey provides broad descriptions of respondents' involvement in the House and Ball communities, leaders provided in-depth descriptions of the structure of the House and Ball scene-something vital to the development of HIV prevention programs within these communities. This kind of rigorous study is recommended prior to implementing an intervention. Findings are discussed in relation to leveraging the communities' supportive aspects to design culturally relevant HIV prevention programs.