1. Panther Mpower: Adapting a Community-Based HIV Prevention Intervention to a College Campus-Based
Intervention for High Risk Young Minority Men who have sex with Men (YMSM)
Eric A. Fenkl, PhD, RN, CNE1; Sandra “Sande” Gracia Jones, PhD, ARNP, ACRN, ACNS-BC1; Juan C. Oves, MPH2,
1Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami 2 Latinos Salud, Wilton Manors, Florida
Results
This community-level intervention has established partnerships with the university’s student health services, student organizations, and local community-based organizations. HIV testing has increased significantly among YMSM on campus through the use of geosocial networking apps and social media such as Facebook, Grindr, and Yik Yak. Program activities have increased HIV/AIDS knowledge including topics such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), nPEP, condom use, and stigma.
Introduction
The South Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area is the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S., with the Miami division specifically number one in the U.S. for its rate of new HIV infections. 1 Most new infections in South Florida are among young Hispanic and African-American men who have sex with men (YMSM). 1 South Florida’s university and college settings provide windows of opportunities for high impact prevention compliant programs for YMSM. While conventional wisdom might hold that college students are shielded from the risk behaviors of their peers with lower educational attainment, risk taking on campus and / or amongst college students has fueled local HIV outbreaks in many regions.
Geosocial networking apps were utilized by trained HIV/STD counselors to increase HIV testing awareness and provide comprehensive sexual health education.
M-Group topics discussed among university students:
PrEP/nPEP
HIV and other STIs
Relationships & Dating
Stigma and Discrimination
Substance Use
Ecological Approach to HIV/AIDS (Glanz, 2005) F
Methods
Latinos Salud, Florida’s only gay, minority-based HIV agency, partnered with the College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Florida International University, the most diverse university in the Florida state university system, to launch an Mpowerment intervention in Miami-Dade County. Mpowerment is an adaptable community-level intervention, designed to increase HIV/AIDS and STDs education and prevention, increase HIV testing, decrease sexual risk behavior, and provide a welcoming and safe environment for YMSM. Mpowerment is a theory-based intervention to mobilize YMSM to reduce sexual risk behaviors and educate their peers. 2 The local project, called Miami Mpower, is developed from a core group of volunteers who participate in small group discussions, outreach, events, and a community campaign on campus. Intervention components provide opportunities for YMSM on campus to connect with their community and increase awareness of HIV and other STIs prevention. 2
Miami Mpower provides:
Culturally competent prevention messages
A welcoming and inclusive setting for LGBTQ youth
A sex positive environment to learn about risk reduction skills
Partnerships and relationships with local LGBTQ venues for condom distribution and educational encounters
February 2015 – October 2015
132 Total HIV 4th Generation Rapid Tests
Testing was performed on campus and Latinos Salud Miami Beach location.
Acknowledgments
Project is funded by a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant.
Florida International University
Latinos Salud
Florida Health Miami Dade County, HIV/AIDS Surveillance, December 2013.
Florida Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Surveillance, 2014 Monthly Surveillance Reports, February 2014.
Glanz, Karen. Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice. Bethesda? Md.: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, 2005.