Examining HIV organizational structures and their influence on engagement with young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Atlanta, Georgia

Abstract

Young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YB-GBMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Structural influences on these disparities, including characteristics of the various organizations that serve YB-GBMSM living with HIV, remain understudied. We drew on Weick’s model of organizing to conduct and analyze qualitative interviews with 28 HIV service providers representing healthcare and community-based organizations in Atlanta, Georgia. Enactment of HIV service provision was described as following simplified and standardized responses-defined as “rules”, and/or more dynamic exchanges to formulate responses -otherwise known as “communication behavior cycles” (CBCs). Rules, including patient quotas and limited hours of operation, were viewed as rigid, out-of-touch, and inhibiting engagement with YB-GBMSM. CBCs, such as patient feedback loops and rejection of traditional hierarchies, fostered creative insights to combating the epidemic and increased levels of cultural awareness and community buy-in. Organizations should strive to enact CBCs, to foster culturally congruent approaches to service delivery for YB-GBMSM.

Keywords:

• Black/African-American gay and biseuxal men
• HIV
• HIV/AIDS
• organizational theory
• qualitative research

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to our study participants for their thoughtful participation. We also acknowledge our Youth Advisory Board for their input throughout the research process. Transcription services were provided by Audrey Dixon and Exceptional TBS services.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [U01 PS 005112] and the Emory Center for AIDS Research [P30 AI050409].