Are HIV Prevention Services Reaching all LGBTQ+  Youth? An Intersectional Analysis in a National Sample

This study examines disparities in consistent condom use, HIV testing, and PrEP awareness and use across assigned sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and racial/ethnic identity in a large sample of sexually active LGBTQ+  youth (mean age = 16.5) who completed the 2022 LGBTQ National Teen Survey. Four social identities were included as indicators in Chi-Square Automated Interaction Detection models to uncover disparate rates of HIV preventive behaviors. Generally, HIV testing and PrEP services were higher among gay/lesbian and queer youth assigned male, and lower among those assigned female. Certain LGBTQ+ youth may be systematically missed by these services, (e.g., those assigned female; those assigned male who also identify as bisexual, pansexual, asexual, questioning, or straight (and trans/gender di verse)). Providers should strive to serve populations who are not being reached by HIV prevention services.
Source: AIDS and Behavior - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research