Experts have long noted and emphasized that for young men who casually have sexual intercourse with other men, or commonly dubbed as YMSM, and particularly racial or ethnic minorities and the youth sector who are found to be living in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, are disproportionately affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in the United States. Currently, a new study has suggested that through geospatial indicators, certain strategies can be used to intensify prevention efforts in communities where HIV is heavily concentrated.
Preventing HIV Through Geospatial Characteristics
According to reports revealed by Science Daily, the experts were able to come up with their findings by determining how the demographic, physical and social contexts where individuals interact relate to behavioral and biological HIV risk. Through this approach, the researchers involved in the study were able to identify a range of geospatial vulnerabilities that allegedly contribute to HIV disparities among YMSM across 17 different studies that has been published since 2010.
It was found that the study directly aligns with the vision of the National HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategy's call for policy and community efforts to strengthen accessibility to, and quality of, HIV prevention and care resources for YMSM. Moreover, the experts have revealed that the study has further seen new areas of inquiry and informs the design of future multilevel interventions for this population.
Study Proposition
Meanwhile, in of his statements reported by Penn Nursing Science, study lead author and Presidential Associate Professor of Nursing, José A. Bauermeister, PhD, MPH, has also revealed that the findings obtained from the study highlights the importance of understanding how structural factors shape the access to high-quality HIV prevention and care services and contribute to HIV disparities across geographic areas. Additionally, Bauermeister has also been noted to be the director of the Program in Sexuality, Technology and Action Research (PSTAR). Ultimately, it was found that the study has been supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.
