Challenge
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are the group most affected by HIV in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates MSM represent approximately 2% of the U.S. population, but account for more than half of new HIV infections. HIV surveillance data indicate there is considerable variation between different local jurisdictions in prevalence of HIV, awareness of HIV status, and in rates of new diagnosis of HIV infection among MSM. CDC sought a contractor to support the Local Effectiveness Assessment Project (LEAP), which seeks to increase understanding of local jurisdictional trends and needs for HIV prevention among MSM through a series of detailed case studies.
Solution
Atlas Research and partner Abt Associates are designing and implementing a pilot case study in one local jurisdiction with high rates of HIV among MSM (Philadelphia, PA). This study will analyze local HIV prevention and care efforts, barriers and facilitators to controlling the HIV epidemic among MSM, and opportunities to improve the response to the HIV epidemic among MSM.
Result
Findings from in-depth key participant interviews, structured observations, and document review instruments will inform the larger LEAP project and provide an important and necessary link to the other LEAP activities, facilitating the development of theory to better understand the control of the HIV epidemic at local levels. Together, the LEAP case studies will provide credible and current information on the experiences in the ongoing work to advance HIV prevention and care, specifically among the populations and geographical locations most impacted by the epidemic. Exploring the impact of these local trends on MSM will offer new insights, strategies, and tools that yield sustainable and cost-effective high impact results.