Using Social Networks to Reach Black MSM for HIV Testing and Linkage to Care |
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Authors: | Vincent Fuqua Yea-Hung Chen Tracey Packer Teri Dowling Theresa O Ick Binh Nguyen Grant N Colfax H Fisher Raymond |
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Institution: | (1) San Francisco Department of Public Health, AIDS Office, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102-6033, USA; |
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Abstract: | Black men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV infection. Black MSM in San Francisco may have
higher rates of unrecognized HIV infections. Increased HIV testing among Black MSM may reduce the numbers of unrecognized
infections, inform more men of their status and thus reduce the potential for ongoing transmissions. Social network HIV testing
programs have focused on asking HIV-positive and/or high-risk negative men to recruit their social or sexual contacts. We
used a network approach to deliver HIV testing to Black MSM in San Francisco and collected risk assessment data. Participants
were asked to recruit any of their social contacts who were also Black MSM. Recruitment by risk level and HIV status was heterogeneous.
HIV infection among this population is associated with older age, having a high school education or higher and currently being
homeless. Fully 23% of HIV positive Black MSM are unaware of their infection. Only a third of unrecognized infections were
recruited by a known HIV-positive participant. Linkage to care was a challenge and underscores the need for comprehensive
systems and support to link Black MSM to care and treatment. |
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Keywords: | |
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