Open AccessDevelopmental Barriers to Couples’ HIV Testing and Counseling Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males: A Dyadic Socio-ecological Perspective
Author(s) -
Tyrel J. Starks,
Travis I. Lovejoy,
Daniel Sauermilch,
Gabriel Robles,
Mark J. Stratton,
Demetria Cain,
Sylvie Naar,
Sarah W. Feldstein Ewing
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
aids and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.994
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1573-3254
pISSN - 1090-7165
DOI - 10.1007/s10461-020-03044-4
Subject(s) - health psychology , psychology , formative assessment , sexual minority , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , public health , thematic analysis , sexual orientation , qualitative research , medicine , social psychology , nursing , pedagogy , social science , sociology
Couples HIV Testing and Counseling (CHTC) is now a standard of care for partnered sexual minority men. While adolescent sexual minority men (ASMM; ages 15-19) face disproportionate HIV risk, the emergent nature of relationships and communication skills may present challenges to accessing and engaging in CHTC. This study utilized qualitative data from 28 ASMM recruited in 4 urban centers in the USA during the formative stage of Adolescent Trials Network study ATN-156. Participants were cis-male, HIV-negative, and in a relationship with a similarly-aged cis-male partner. Thematic analysis indicated low and high levels of commitment were barriers to CHTC. Concerns about caregiver attitudes towards HIV testing were salient. Adolescents' perception of structural barriers highlighted reliance on caregiver resources, which limited access to sexual health services. Prevention programming must address structural barriers to access encountered by adolescents. ASMM in relationships may benefit from programming that includes options for individual and dyadic participation.