Issues with Targeting
The Solution Part One: Testing
MSM are not an easy group to target in the HIV/AIDS epidemic because of several specific problems and behaviors among MSM (Grov, et al., Katzman, et al., Millett, et al.). And, because the high-risk MSM in Santa Clara County is not related to any specific racial or ethnic group, every group needs to be targeted efficiently and effectively. Unfortunately, that is not so easy to do. Research has indicated that young Hispanics and Latinos, and African-Americans are groups that are reluctant to participate in any program or service that is likely to stigmatize them in their community, because of conspiracy theories (Roberts, et al., Fullilove, et al.). Also, the “down-low” African-Americans are reluctant to admit they are MSM (Wheeler). Also, Latinos in general have higher risk factors (Agronick, et al.). But as well as certain ethnic and racial groups among MSM, there are certain groups of MSM, such as “barebackers,” who are more difficult to target (Grov, et al., Rhodes, et al.). Also, MSM with higher rates of high-risk behavior tend to be more difficult to target individually in general “Barebacking” in general is a large problem among HIV+ men, as in the Grov study, barebackers were 7.7 times more likely to be HIV+ and HIV+ barebackers were 2.37 times more likely to disregard a partner’s serostatus when choosing a partner. (Rhodes, et al., Grov, et al.).