UCSF

Objective

Young Black men who have sex with men (MSM) represent the majority of individuals with new HIV infections in the U.S. Substance use is related to risk and acquisition t of HIV. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences about the role substance use plays in the lives HIV-positive and HIV-negative young Black MSM between the ages of 18-34.

Methods

Using a qualitative, narrative perspective, we recruited and then interviewed participants in partnership with AIDS Service Organizations. Narrative and thematic analysis was used to analyze these Black men's personal stories with harm reduction used as the conceptual approach.

Results

Nine HIV-positive and 3 HIV-negative participants(n = 12) shared stories about their own personal experiences with family relationships and substance use. Themes related to family included early exposure and initiation of substance use, substance use as a response to stigma around sexual orientation, kicked out of house, asked to leave or left home so they could be themselves and perceived benefits and advantages of methamphetamine.

Conclusions

The participants are subjected to adverse and stressful childhood experiences. These are important stories to understand if we expect to mount an adequate response, utilizing harm reduction, to the growing number of young Black MSM at-risk for HIV.