title: Reconciling Reality with Fantasy: Exploration of the Sociocultural Factors influencing HIV Transmission among Black Young Men who have Sex with Men (BYMSM) within the House Ball Community: A Chicago Study.
abstract: Studies involving the House Ball Community (HBC) have found high rates of HIV prevalence and undiagnosed HIV infection, as well as unique social and sexual network-related HIV risk and protective behaviors (Murrill et al., 2008; Sanchez et al., 2010). Efforts to understand culturally-appropriate and effective methods of HIV prevention services within the relatively understudied HBC are scarce (Phillips et al., 2011). This qualitative study, utilizing a Diffusion of Innovation Theoretical framework, aimed to explore social norms regarding HIV and accessibility of HIV prevention services within the HBC. Thirty-seven participants (16 community leaders and 21 youth) engaged in focus group discussions. Participants discussed the perceptions of HIV and stigmatization within the HBC, general and HBC-specific risk factors for HIV transmission, as well as HIV prevention needs and strategies for culturally-appropriate HIV interventions. Findings from this qualitative study highlight both the vulnerability of the HBC to HIV transmission and the corresponding support for HIV prevention interventions.
authors.affiliation: Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Department of Psychiatry.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lemos
authors.affiliation: Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Department of Psychiatry.
authors.forename: Sybil G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Hosek
authors.affiliation: Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Division of Adolescent Medicine.
authors.forename: Margo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bell
keywords: GBT social communities; HIV intervention approaches; HIV prevention; House Ball community