title: From Their Voices: Barriers to HIV Testing among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men Remain.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  HIV testing continues to be a major priority for addressing the epidemic among young Black men who have sex with men (BMSM).
  
  
  METHODS
  This study explored barriers to HIV testing uptake, and recommendations for motivating HIV testing uptake among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) aged 18 to 30. BMSM (N = 36) were recruited through flyers and social media for six focus groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From the perspectives and experiences of young BMSM, participants recommended that information be included in HIV testing messages that would help young BMSM do self HIV-risk appraisals. Particularly, participants recommended that more knowledge about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and the role of PrEP in safer-sex practices be provided. This information is important to help those untested, or who infrequently test, better understand their risk and need for testing. Likewise, participants recommended that more information about a person being undetectable and the risk of condomless sex with an HIV negative sex partner; this information will be helpful for both the HIV negative and HIV positive sex partner for making safer sex decisions. Participants also recommended that interventions should focus on more than drug use as risk; the risk posed by the use of alcohol before and during sex deserves attention among young BMSM.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings may inform new HIV testing interventions being tailored for young BMSM. The interventions should also consider revisiting street-based peer-outreach approaches for those young BMSM with limited access to social media campaigns due to limited access or infrequent use of social media.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, California State University, 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas Alex
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Washington
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Equity Research, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), CA 90840, USA.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: D'Anna
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, California State University, 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Meyer-Adams
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Equity Research, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), CA 90840, USA.
authors.forename: C Kevin
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Malotte
keywords: HIV; HIV testing; MSM; health disparities; men’s health; social media