BLACK GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATION INFLUENCE ON HIV-RELATED KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND BEHAVIOR OF COLLEGE-ATTENDING HETEROSEXUAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Reducing health disparities in rural communities remain a major issue in the United States – especially HIV-related health disparities. Rural communities who have high rates of HIV tend to also have a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or institution of higher learning within their community. HIV-related stigma is known to be one of the main reasons for low levels of HIV-prevention efforts in rural areas and college settings. A negative correlation between HIV-related stigma and social support suggests the more social support an individual has, the lower the HIV-related stigma – which can also directly affect HIV-prevention efforts. College-attending heterosexual African-American men are at an alarmingly high risk of contracting HIV at some point in their lifetime. Therefore, interventions that increase HIV-prevention efforts that are relevant to more populations than just same-sex populations are crucial. This study qualitatively explored the influences and barriers of HIV-related knowledge, motivation, and behavior within college-attending heterosexual African-American men who are members of a social support group or a Black Greek letter fraternity via focus groups. It is recommended to conduct additional qualitative research at HBCUs and in other rural areas on this topic in order to design a culturally-tailored intervention for this unique population.