Centers

Exploring the Social and Situational Contexts of HIV Risk, Prevention, and Treatment (2007-2012)

Principal Investigator: Patrick Wilson
Grant Supported by the CDC

This four-year study utilizes quantitative and qualitative data to explore features of the social and situational contexts in which young (18-30 yrs old) Black men who have sex with men (BMSM), meet other men, and engage in sexual behaviors.

Using in-depth interviews, a cross-sectional survey, and a longitudinal, Internet-based sex diary, the study explores how early childhood factors (e.g. experiences of poverty, discrimination, substance use, and abuse) and situational factors involved in sexual encounters (e.g. sex partner characteristics, substance use before or during sex, communication with sex partners, etc.) are linked to risk-taking behavior among BMSM.

The study focuses on developing an understanding of the distal and proximal contextual factors associated with risk behavior. It also explores resiliency and other personal and social factors associated with HIV protective behaviors among young BMSM, as well as describes the barriers and facilitators to effective HIV prevention and treatment in this population.