HIV prevention service utilization in the Los Angeles House and Ball communities: past experiences and recommendations for the future

AIDS Educ Prev. 2012 Oct;24(5):431-44. doi: 10.1521/aeap.2012.24.5.431.

Abstract

African-American young men who have sex with men and transgender persons are at elevated risk for HIV infection. House and Ball communities, networks of mostly African-American gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who compete in modeling and dance, represent a prime venue for HIV prevention with these difficult-to-reach populations; however, little research exists on effective approaches to HIV prevention within these communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the present study sought to document participation in HIV prevention activities of a sample from the Los Angeles House and Ball communities (n = 263) in order to inform future service development. While 80% of participants were tested for HIV within the past 6 months, only 26% report HIV prevention program attendance. House leaders recommend a holistic approach to HIV prevention, one that incorporates attention to social problems beyond HIV, including poverty, housing difficulties, and lack of job training.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Black or African American*
  • Community Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Dancing
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Los Angeles
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexuality / psychology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Transgender Persons / psychology*
  • Workplace
  • Young Adult