Young Men's Relationships: Opportunities for HIV Prevention
Creators: name: University Of California Office Of The President
Publisher: name: University of California Office of the President
publisherIdentifier: https://ror.org/00dmfq477
publisherIdentifierScheme: ROR
Year: 2024

description: Background/Significance: Research indicates that the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among men who sex with men (MSM) and young men who sex with men (YMSM) is similar to rates with heterosexual women; however, to date no evidence-based intervention has been developed to address this need. IPV among MSM and YMSM has been linked to sexual risk, substance use, and mental health issues. These relationships are especially alarming as unprotected intercourse is the most common mode of HIV transmission. Interventions addressing IPV and healthy relationship development may be an important new avenue for addressing HIV risk with this population. Many research gaps remain in our ability to effectively address IPV and its relationship to HIV among YMSM, a group that accounts for the largest percentage of new HIV infections in the U.S. This study will begin to fill those gaps by addressing the following issues: 1) perceived relationship dynamics and challenges; 2) conceptualization of power and its role in IPV; 3) perceived causes of IPV in YMSM relationships; 4) help-seeking behaviors of YMSM involved in IPV; 5) contexts in which alcohol/other drugs play a role in IPV; 6) the extent and in what contexts IPV influence sexual decision- making; and 7) the intervention opportunities to reduce IPV and HIV risk among YMSM. Specific Aims: The specific aims are to: 1. Characterize relationship dynamics among an ethnically diverse sample of YMSM to better understand underlying issues related to IPV (e.g., gender roles, power, internalized homophobia, conflict resolution); 2. Explore HIV risk and protective factors in the context of IPV, such as sexual decision-making processes and substance use; 3. Refine a conceptual model that delineates factors influencing IPV among YMSM and the relationship of those factors to HIV-risk behaviors; and 4.Use community participatory research techniques to work with community members in identifying possible IPV intervention strategies to reduce IPV among YMSM. Methods: Phase 1: Recruit up to 120 YMSM of the four largest ethnic/racial groups in Los Angeles (i.e., Latino/Hispanic, African American, White/Caucasian, Asian) to participate in 12 focus groups. Using open-ended questions and vignette research, focus groups will be conducted to address Aim 1. Participants will also complete a short survey (e.g., demographics, correlates of IPV, involvement in IPV, HIV-risk behaviors). Phase 2: Participants reporting prior or current involvement in IPV (based on survey responses) will be invited to complete qualitative interviews to address Aim 2. These will include couple interviews (n=20-25 dyads) for YMSM reporting current involvement in IPV (their current partners will also be recruited) and YMSM who report a history of IPV but are no longer involved in IPV (n=15-20). Data from both phases will be used to refine a conceptual model as described in Aim 3.To address Aim 4, we will convene community and youth advisory boards to participate in the design of data collection instruments, data interpretation, and identification of intervention strategies and opportunities. Expected Results/Impact: The goals of this study are to obtain a better understanding of the context and correlates of IPV among YMSM. After completing this project, we will submit an intervention research application to NIH to develop/adapt and pilot test a culturally and developmentally appropriate prevention intervention for YMSM in Los Angeles.