Black MSM and the National Strategy for HIV/AIDS: A Strengths Based Policy Analysis -
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12970/2309-0529.2017.05.01Keywords:
HIV/AIDS, Strengths, Black MSM, Social Work, Social Policy.Abstract
The National Strategy on HIV/AIDS (NHAS) is the latest in a long line of policy measures that attempt to address the needs of domestic populations who are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. This article utilizes a strengths framework to guide policy formulation, implementation, and analysis. It explores whether the NHAS is strengths based and how effectively it addresses the unique vulnerability of Black Men Who Have Sex with Men (BMSM) to HIV/AIDS. Recommendations for policy practitioners include embracing the diversity and strengths of BMSM and enhancing the involvement of social workers in the implementation and evaluation of NHAS programs.References
[1] Chapin RK. Social Policy Development: The Strengths Perspective. Social Work 1995; 40(4): 506-14. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/40.4.506
[2] Chapin RK. Social Policy for Effective Practice: A Strengths Approach (3 edition). New York: Routledge 2014.
[3] Rapp CA, Pettus CA, Goscha RJ. Principles of strengthsbased policy. Journal of Policy Practice 2006; 5(4): 3-18. https://doi.org/10.1300/J508v05n04_02
[4] Saleebey D. Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice, 6ed. Pearson, 2012.
[5] Cohall A, Dini S, Nye A, et al. HIV testing preferences among young men of color who have sex with men. Am J Public Health 2010; 100(10): 1961-66. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.140632
[6] Oramasionwu CU, Brown CM, Ryan L, et al. HIV/AIDS disparities: The mounting epidemic plaguing US blacks. J Natl Med Assoc 2010; (10): 1196.
[7] Mimiaga MJ, Reisner SL, Bland S, et al. Health system and personal barriers resulting in decreased utilization of HIV and STD testing services among at-risk black men who have sex with men in Massachusetts. AIDS Patient Care & STDs 2009; 23(10): 825-35. https://doi.org/10.1089/apc.2009.0086
[8] Katz JL, Orellana ER, Walker DD, et al. The Sex Check. J Gay Lesbian Soc Serv 18(1): 37-49.
[9] Natale AP, Moxley DP. Service engagement with high-risk men who have sex with men: challenges and implications for social work practice. Soc Work Health Care 2009; 48(1): 38- 56. https://doi.org/10.1080/00981380802440536
[10] The White House. National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States (July, 2010). Online document available at https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/uplo ads/NHAS.pdf
[11] Holtgrave DR. Development of year 2020 goals for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States. AIDS and Behavior 2014; 18(4): 638-43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-013-0579-9
[12] Centers for Disease Control. HIV among African American gay and bisexual men 2015. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/racialethnic/bmsm/facts/
[13] Oramasionwu CU, Brown CM, Ryan L, Lawson KA, Hunter JM, Frei CR, et al. HIV/AIDS disparities: The mounting epidemic plaguing US blacks. J Natl Med Assoc 2009; (10): 1196-1204. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0027-9684(15)31130-5
[14] Raymond HF, McFarland W. Racial Mixing and HIV Risk among Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS and Behavior 2009; 13(4): 630-37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-009-9574-6
[15] Bogart LM, Wagner GJ, Galvan FH, Landrine H, Klein DJ, Sticklor LA. Perceived discrimination and mental health symptoms among Black men with HIV. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology 2011; 17(3): 295. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024056
[16] Ford, CL, Whetten KD, Hall SA, Kaufman JS, Thrasher AD. Black sexuality, social construction, and research targeting “The Down Low” (’The DL’). Ann Epidemiol 2007; 17(3): 209- 16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2006.09.006
[17] Benoit E, Downing MJ. Childhood sexual experiences among substance-using non-gay identified Black men who have sex with men and women. Child Abuse Negl 2013; 37(9): 679-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2013.04.007
[18] Catania JA, Paul J, Osmond D, et al. Mediators of childhood sexual abuse and high-risk sex among men-who-have-sexwith-men. Child Abuse Negl 2008; 32(10): 925-940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2007.12.010
[19] Han C. Chopsticks Don’t Make It Culturally Competent: Addressing Larger Issues for HIV Prevention among Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Asian Pacific Islander Men. Health Soc Work 2009; 34(4): 273-81. https://doi.org/10.1093/hsw/34.4.273
[20] Hill K. A Strengths-Based Framework for Social Policy: Barriers and Possibilities. Journal of Policy Practice 2008; 7(2-3): 106-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/15588740801937920
[21] White House Office of National AIDS Policy. Community ideas for improving the response to the domestic HIV epidemic: A report on the national dialogue on HIV/AIDS 2010. Retrieved from: https://aidsetc.org/sites/default/files/ ONAP_rptApril2010.pdf
[22] Centers for Disease Control. Highlights of CDC Activities Addressing HIV Prevention Among African American Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men 2011. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/msm/brief.html
[23] Wilton L, Herbst JH, Coury-Doniger P, et al. Efficacy of an HIV/STI Prevention Intervention for Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: Findings from the Many Men, Many Voices (3MV) Project. AIDS and Behavior 2009; 13(3): 532-44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-009-9529-y
[24] Manago C. (n.d.). Introduction to Critical Thinking & Cultural Affirmation (CTCA). Retrieved from http://www.amassi.com/ assets/AmASSI_CTCA.pdf
[25] Advocates for Youth. Testing Makes Us Stronger 2008. Retrieved from http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/blogsmain/advocates-blog/2479-testing-makes-us-stronger
