Barriers to HIV Services among MSM in Rural Georgia
Abstract
Using information gathered from men who have sex with men (MSM) and service providers in four rural Georgia health districts (Valdosta, Rome, Gainesville, Waycross), this presentation will examine how Predisposing, Enabling and Need characteristics (as described in the Andersen Healthcare Utilization Model) affect access and utilization of HIV prevention and treatment services among rural MSM in Georgia.
Proposal Summary
OBJECTIVES: This presentation will examine results of a qualitative study designed to identify and describe barriers to HIV prevention and treatment services among MSM living in rural Georgia. BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) living in the Southeast region of the United States are at highest risk of contracting HIV. Furthermore, MSM that live in rural communities experience unique challenges in access to HIV treatment and prevention services STUDY METHODS: The Andersen Healthcare Utilization Model (HUM) was used to guide the investigation of barriers to HIV prevention and treatment services. The study was conducted in two phases. For Phase I, seven healthcare workers were enrolled and participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. For Phase II, 17 MSM participants were enrolled and participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was utilized to explore themes within the data. STUDY RESULTS: Among the barriers identified by the study were stigma, lack of knowledge, lack of prevention services, lack of personal and community resources, perceived health and health status, and the social structure of rural life. LEARNING OUTCOMES: Participants will gain a greater understanding of MSM living in rural Georgia and the barriers they face in accessing HIV prevention and treatment services.
Relevance And Significance
This presentation is relevant to the Prevention and Intervention Track as it addresses programs targeting a marginalized population, MSM in rural Georgia. It could also be included in the Family and Community Track because it addresses social determinats.
Session Format
Presentation Session
Keywords
MSM, rural, barriers, prevention, treatment
Publication Type and Release Option
Presentation (Restricted to Georgia Southern)
Recommended Citation
Helms, Jordan; Nehl, Eric J.; Mootry, Brooke; and Seabolt, Michael, "Barriers to HIV Services among MSM in Rural Georgia" (2017). 9th Annual Rural HIV Research and Training Conference (2014-2019). 4.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/ruralhiv/2017/2017/4
Barriers to HIV Services among MSM in Rural Georgia
Using information gathered from men who have sex with men (MSM) and service providers in four rural Georgia health districts (Valdosta, Rome, Gainesville, Waycross), this presentation will examine how Predisposing, Enabling and Need characteristics (as described in the Andersen Healthcare Utilization Model) affect access and utilization of HIV prevention and treatment services among rural MSM in Georgia.