JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Sexual minority men (SMM) experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at rates similar to those reported by heterosexual women in the United States (U.S.) Previous studies linked both IPV victimization and perpetration to HIV risk and seroconversion, but less is known about the impact of IPV on HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing/acquisition, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, and the persistence of PrEP use among SMM experiencing IPV. While prior work suggests IPV may influence HIV prevention behavior, experiences of IPV are so highly varied among SMM (e.g., forms, frequency, severity; steady vs. casual partnerships; perpetration vs. recipient; sexual vs. physical vs. psychological violence) that additional research is needed to better understand the impact IPV has on HIV risk and protective behaviors to develop more effective interventions for SMM.

Objective:

The overall aim of this study is to contribute to our understanding of the antecedents of IPV and the direct and indirect pathways between perpetration and/or receipt of IPV and HIV/STI risk behavior, STIs, and use of PrEP among SMM experiencing IPV.

Methods:

This mixed methods study utilizes two phases. Phase I involves formative qualitative interviews with 23 SMM experiencing IPV and with 10 key stakeholders/providers of services to SMM experiencing IPV to inform the content of a subsequent online cohort study. Phase II involves the recruitment of an online cohort study of 500 currently partnered HIV-negative SMM, who reside in CDC-identified Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) priority jurisdictions across the U.S. Participants will be followed for 24 months. Participants will be assessed with a full survey and asked to self-collect and return biospecimen kits assessing for HIV, STIs, and PrEP use at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Participants will also be asked to complete abbreviated surveys to assess for self-reported changes in key study variables at 3, 9, 15, and 21 months. This mixed methods study will contribute valuable insights into the association IPV has on HIV risk and protective behaviors among SMM.

Results:

Phase I launched in May 2021 and the Phase I qualitative interviews began in December of 2021 and concluded in March 2022 once a diversity of experiences and perceptions were gathered and no new ideas were emerging in the interviews. We are currently analyzing the qualitative interviews. Recruitment of the full cohort will begin in August 2022.

Conclusions:

The findings from this study will be used to inform the development or adaptation of HIV and IPV prevention interventions for SMM who are experiencing IPV.