School‐Based HIV/STD Testing Behaviors and Motivations Among Black and Hispanic Teen MSM: Results From a Formative Evaluation. (8th November 2016) - Morris, Elana
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: This evaluation explores experiences with, and motivations for, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing among black and Hispanic school‐aged young men who have sex with men (YMSM). METHODS: Participants were recruited at community‐based organizations that serve YMSM in New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Eligible participants were 13‐ to 19‐year‐old black or Hispanic males who reported attraction to or sexual behavior with other males and/or identified as gay or bisexual, and attended at least 90 days of school in the previous 18 months. Participants (N = 415) completed web‐based questionnaires and/or in‐depth interviews (N = 32). RESULTS: In the past year, 72.0% of questionnaire participants had been tested for HIV, 13.5% of them at school or school clinic. Participants reported that they would be more likely to get an HIV test if they could be tested close to or at school (34.4%), and 64.4% would use HIV testing if offered in schools. Most interview participants reported willingness to use school‐based services if they were offered nonjudgmentally, privately, and confidentially by providers with experience serving YMSM. CONCLUSION: Schools can provide opportunities to make HIV and STD testing accessible to school‐aged YMSM, but the services must be provided in ways that are comfortable to them.