HIV Testing Among Young African American Men Who Have Sex With Men

HIV Testing Among Young African American Men Who Have Sex With Men by Tayo B. Awopeju Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health-Epidemiology Walden University November 2015 Abstract Young African American men who have sex with men (AAMSM) are at greater risk of being infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and less likely to seek HIV testing than are members of other demographic groups. This behavior results in a significant public health threat because young AAMSM with an unrecognized HIV infection are less likely to practice safer sex and, therefore, more likely to pass theYoung African American men who have sex with men (AAMSM) are at greater risk of being infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and less likely to seek HIV testing than are members of other demographic groups. This behavior results in a significant public health threat because young AAMSM with an unrecognized HIV infection are less likely to practice safer sex and, therefore, more likely to pass the infection on to their partners. This study is an examination of the social and personality factors that influence HIV testing rates among young AAMSM, using Aday’s model of the social determinants of health and the Big Five model of personality as the theoretical frameworks. A cross-sectional design was employed, and social networks were used to recruit study respondents. Forty-three young AAMSM completed online questionnaires, and multiple regression techniques were used to examine relationships among the variables of interest. Statistical analysis indicated that neither the social risk factors derived from Aday’s model nor the Big Five model predicted HIV testing. However, it is unknown whether these nonsignificant findings are attributable to a genuine lack of influence or the unique characteristics of the sample. Given the null results of this study and the mixed findings of prior research, further studies are required to draw conclusions regarding the influence of social and personality factors on HIV testing in this high-risk group. Additional research could be helpful in developing more effective strategies for encouraging HIV testing among young AAMSM. The potential for positive social change lies in slowing the spread of HIV through this vulnerable population and in engaging young AAMSM in the medical system to improve their long-term health prospects. HIV Testing Among Young African American Men Who Have Sex With Men by Tayo B. Awopeju Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health-Epidemiology Walden University November 2015 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my late grandmother, Folashade Oduekun, who supported my dreams during this journey that we call life. She gave me the drive, encouragement, and constant love that have sustained me. There is no doubt in my mind that without the discipline she instilled in me, I could not have completed this process. Acknowledgments I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my committee chair, Dr. Peter Anderson, for his continuous support of my research study. His excellent guidance and immense knowledge, as well as his patience and enthusiasm, helped me as I wrote this dissertation; I cannot imagine having had a better advisor and mentor. I would further like to thank Dr. Mary Lescoe-Long, who helped me shape my thoughts into a coherent dissertation. I also wish to thank my dissertation committee member, Dr. Richard Jimenez, for his support and guidance throughout the dissertation process. I would also like to thank the University Research Reviewer, Dr. Patrick Tschida, for his feedback and interest in my research topic. I wish to thank my family, as none of this would have been possible without all of your support over the years. You have inspired, encouraged, and been there for me at every turn of the way. I would like to thank my wife for always being there, cheering me on, and standing by me through both the good times and bad. I would also like to thank all of my friends who have been so supportive over the years. Finally, I give God the glory and thank Him for His grace and mercy.