Ten Strategies to Develop a Culturally Sensitive Prevention Program for Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Analysis

Prevention programs are designed to expose participants to information, activities, and strategies to cultivate certain capacities and outcomes. Programs to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS among young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are no different and are particularly important given the disproportionate rates at which the virus affects this population. However, studies show the limited number of culturally sensitive prevention programs specifically designed for YBMSM. The current study reflects a content analysis of 78 in-depth interviews with YBMSM ages 18 to 24 years old who participated in the prevention program, the IAM! Experience . The overwhelming majority of individuals describe the program favorably and provide ideas to make it even better. Ten suggestions emerge that illustrate the importance of cultural sensitivity that takes the form of: exciting, innovative, research-informed program content informed by racial, gender, sexuality, economic, and age-related issues; processes that build intra-group support; and, well-prepared, funded personnel to develop prevention programs that attract and retain YBMSM. The featured results document the importance of developing culturally sensitive preventions to combat HIV/AIDS among YBMSM as well as incorporating the suggestions and practices of participants during program development, implementation, and maintenance.