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Sexual Networking and HIV/STI Prevention Among Men who have Sex with Men and Identify as Persons of Color in the Era of COVID-19 in Boston, MA: Qualitative Findings from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Project

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Abstract

Men who have sex with men and identify as persons of color (MSM of color) are significantly impacted by HIV in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic may have disproportionately exacerbated HIV-related disparities among MSM of color by affecting sexual networking behaviors and disrupting access to sexual health care. The current study explored the impact of COVID-19 on sexual networking and HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention behaviors among MSM of color in Boston, MA. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted via the 2020–2021 Boston sample of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project. Eligible participants were at least 18 years old, identified as a man or non-binary person assigned male at birth and as a person of color, and endorsed ever having sex with men. Interviews were coded using inductive and deductive approaches, and themes were extracted using thematic analysis. When participants were asked about the impact of COVID-19 on sexual networking and HIV/STI prevention, the following themes emerged: (1) differing interpretations of COVID-19 public health guidance, (2) behavior change to meet social and sexual needs, (3) limited or changed access to HIV/STI prevention services; and (4) avoidance of healthcare appointments. Overall, the pandemic affected sexual networking and HIV/STI prevention behaviors among MSM of color. Though changes in sexual networking varied, most participants decreased in-person networking, increased dating app use, and prioritized longer-term relationships. Despite loosening of restrictions, these impacts may persist and should inform the adaptation of sexual networking guidance and interventions to mitigate HIV-related disparities in communities of color.

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Acknowledgements

This research was graciously supported by the National Institute of Mental Health Grant (K23MH131438), PI: Stanton, and the Harvard Center for AIDS Research Bio-Behavioral and Community Science Core (5P30AI060354), PI: Walker.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Conall O’Cleirigh, Jacklyn D. Foley, Amelia M. Stanton, Samantha M. McKetchnie, Lauren R. Gulbicki, Calvin Fitch & Christina Psaros

  2. The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA

    Conall O’Cleirigh, Jacklyn D. Foley, Amelia M. Stanton, Samantha M. McKetchnie, Peter Chai & Calvin Fitch

  3. Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Conall O’Cleirigh, Jacklyn D. Foley, Calvin Fitch & Christina Psaros

  4. Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

    Amelia M. Stanton

  5. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA

    Jennifer Muten, Shauna Onofrey & R. Monina Klevens

  6. Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA

    Peter Chai

  7. The Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA

    Peter Chai

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O’Cleirigh, C., Foley, J.D., Stanton, A.M. et al. Sexual Networking and HIV/STI Prevention Among Men who have Sex with Men and Identify as Persons of Color in the Era of COVID-19 in Boston, MA: Qualitative Findings from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Project. AIDS Behav 28, 473–487 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-023-04238-2

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