Exploring spatial uncertainty in HIV risk locations: individual characteristics and geographic reporting accuracy

This paper investigates the determinants of spatial uncertainty associated with respondent reporting of potential HIV risk activity, lifestyle, and healthcare locations in Los Angeles. We examine which geographic and socio-demographic variables are associated with the accuracy of location reporting. Significant variables associated with activity space reporting accuracy related to HIV risk and HIV prevention are identified. The study is based on gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (SMM) enrolled in the UCLA mSTUDY, collecting demographic characteristics and locations of recent activities. An exploratory spatial data analysis is carried out. Statistical modeling with logistic regression was used to identify sources of uncertainty and their influence on reporting accuracy. This paper concludes that demographic characteristics, activity types, and geographic location are significant predictors of reported geographic accuracy. The research also found regional variation in accuracy, with locations within regions reported with higher accuracy than those outside them. Future work aims to refine statistical models of location accuracy and establish confidence intervals to mitigate uncertainty, which is needed to improve the effectiveness of interventions aiming to reduce HIV incidence disparities.