Benjamin Parchem1, Sherry Davis Molock2. 1. Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2125 G St NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA. Electronic address: bparchem@gwmail.gwu.edu. 2. Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2125 G St NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Young Black sexual minority men represent a high priority population for HIV prevention research yet the existing literature is not proportional to the current health disparity observed. The challenge of engaging this intersectional population in research on a stigmatized topic likely contributes to the dearth of literature. METHODS: This brief report examines the current recruitment strategies for engaging sexual minority men in HIV-related research and identifies individual and system-level barriers that contribute to the underrepresentation of Black sexual minority men in HIV-related research. Qualitative data is integrated from Project HATCH (Helping African American Teens Combat HIV), an ongoing recruitment effort of 14-21-year-old Black sexual minority men in Washington D.C., United States. RESULTS: Identified barriers to recruiting young Black sexual minority men include cultural stigma, mistrust of research institutions, the 'coming out' process for queer youth, assent procedures for youth, and others. CONCLUSIONS: We propose several solutions for recruitment including geospatial technology, social media, and community spaces of trust (i.e., churches and schools). Additional larger scale solutions include destigmatizing youths' sexuality and prioritizing the advancement of Black scholars in academia and research endeavors.
INTRODUCTION: Young Black sexual minority men represent a high priority population for HIV prevention research yet the existing literature is not proportional to the current health disparity observed. The challenge of engaging this intersectional population in research on a stigmatized topic likely contributes to the dearth of literature. METHODS: This brief report examines the current recruitment strategies for engaging sexual minority men in HIV-related research and identifies individual and system-level barriers that contribute to the underrepresentation of Black sexual minority men in HIV-related research. Qualitative data is integrated from Project HATCH (Helping African American Teens Combat HIV), an ongoing recruitment effort of 14-21-year-old Black sexual minority men in Washington D.C., United States. RESULTS: Identified barriers to recruiting young Black sexual minority men include cultural stigma, mistrust of research institutions, the 'coming out' process for queer youth, assent procedures for youth, and others. CONCLUSIONS: We propose several solutions for recruitment including geospatial technology, social media, and community spaces of trust (i.e., churches and schools). Additional larger scale solutions include destigmatizing youths' sexuality and prioritizing the advancement of Black scholars in academia and research endeavors.
Authors: F Hovaguimian; E Martin; M Reinacher; M Rasi; A J Schmidt; E Bernasconi; E Boffi El Amari; D L Braun; A Calmy; K Darling; V Christinet; C Depmeier; C Hauser; S Läuchli; J Notter; M Stoeckle; B Surial; P Vernazza; P Bruggmann; P Tarr; D Haerry; R Bize; N Low; A Lehner; J Böni; R D Kouyos; J S Fehr; B Hampel Journal: HIV Med Date: 2021-10-03 Impact factor: 3.094