BAY AREA NETWORK for POSITIVE HEALTH Access to HIV Care An - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

BAY AREA NETWORK for POSITIVE HEALTH

Access to HIV Care An Assessment of Peer Navigation for HIV+ African American Men in Oakland Outcomes of Two Focus Groups Presented by: Nicholas Alvarado & Maurice Graham

Objectives  To learn what the barriers and facilitators are in seeking and maintaining HIV care among HIV+ African American men in Oakland, with an emphasis on Men who have Sex with Men, (MSM).  To obtain feedback on whether a male peer navigator program would be effective in linking HIV+ African American men into care, in Oakland and the East Bay.

The Problem  African Americans make up just 11% of Oakland Transitional Grant Area (O - TGA) Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, but they make up 42% of HIV infections and 43.2% of AIDS diagnosis. 1  Men who have sex with men (MSM) continues to be the highest HIV exposure category. 1  From 2006 – 2009 new HIV infections among young black MSM in the US, (13 – 29) increased by 48%. 2  Distrust and stigma are found to be barriers around HIV disclosure among African American men, which may impact their ability to access HIV care. 3

Three Questions What are some reasons these HIV+ men are not accessing care or not receiving adequate care? What would help these men access HIV care and keep them involved in their care? What could make a peer navigator program successful for HIV+ African American men in Oakland?

Three Main Themes  Stigma Around Sex and HIV from Family, Friends, Work and Church  The Expectation of Inadequate Care  HIV Education and Resources

Addressing Barriers Through Peer Navigation Stigma Around Stigma around Sex & HIV Sex & HIV Peer Navigation  Training  Resources A Peer  Outreach Navigation Model  Education  Support & empowerment  Build trust, respect & healthy relationships Expectation of Inadequate Care

In Conclusion  Participants appreciated the focus group involvement  There were a few men who were skeptical and not sure such a model would work  Both groups felt stigma and trust were major barriers to care  Genuine support, respect, and meeting the client where he is, were reported as critical for effective care  Further exploration is needed