Mapping LGBTQ plus Youth Resource Density Across Four High HIV Prevalence Corridors in the US

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Robert Stephenson, Emory University; G Sallabank, University of Michigan; Tanaka MD Chavanduka, University of Michigan; Alison R Walsh, University of Michigan; Patrick Sullivan, Emory University; James Wolfe, University of Pennsylvania; Rebecca Filipowicz, Emory University; Erin E Bonar, University of Michigan; Keith J Horvath, San Diego State University; Benyam Hailu, National Institute On Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda; José Bauermeister, University of Pennsylvania
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-10-22
• Publisher: SPRINGER
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2021
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00660-0
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: SEXUALITY RESEARCH AND SOCIAL POLICY
• Start Page: 1
• End Page: 15
• Grant/Funding Information: This study is supported by a U01 grant from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (1U01MD011274-01). Views expressed in this manuscript do not necessarily represent the views of the funding agency.
• Keywords: YOUNG GAY; STIGMA; VULNERABILITY; SERVICE PROVIDERS; Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary; HEALTH-CARE; Adolescent health; SEX; NEIGHBORHOODS; Social Sciences; LGBTQ youth; Sexual health; STI prevention; PREVENTION; Social Sciences - Other Topics; HIV prevention; DISPARITIES; Resource density; MEN
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Nursing; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Introduction: Studies using geospatial data to understand LGBTQ+-friendly sexual health and wellness resource availability have often focused on services catered to adults. While HIV rates have increased in adolescents in recent years, few studies have explored disparities in resource access for adolescent gay and bisexual men (AGBMSM). Methods: We used geospatial data of resources (collected and verified 2017–2018) from the iReach app to understand disparities in resource access for AGBMSM within and between 4 high HIV prevalence corridors in the US. Results: AGBMSM in non-metro areas had access to fewer resources and some rural counties had no LGBTQ+ -friendly resources. Corridors comprising states with legacies of punitive laws targeting sexual and gender minorities demonstrate stark geographic disparities across the US. Conclusions: Policy-makers must understand the granularity of disparities within regions. Online resources may be able to surmount LGBTQ+ resource deserts. However, physical access to LGBTQ+ -friendly services must be improved as a fundamental strategy for reducing HIV among AGBMSM.