{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Understanding Perceptions to Improve Intervention: HIV Risk Behavior, Testing and Prep Uptake Among Male African American and Latinx Justice-Involved Young Adults.
{Author}: Achebe IY;Campos S;Watkins J;Cadet T;Hickson R;Jones A;Sirias T;Lee J;Kim J;Elkington KS;
{Journal}: J Health Care Poor Underserved
{Volume}: 35
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: 2024
{Factor}: 1.28
{Abstract}: Justice-involved young adult (JIYA) men are at high risk for HIV, yet frequently do not access HIV services. A better understanding of testing behaviors and motivation, as well as facilitators and barriers to testing is necessary for treatment-as-prevention approaches to be implemented among JIYA. Seventeen JIYA men and nine staff were recruited from three alternative sentencing programs (ASPs). In-depth interviews and a staff focus group explored HIV risk and testing uptake behaviors. Narratives from JIYA demonstrated a lack of connection among HIV risk and behavior, views on testing, and knowledge of PreP. Youth and staff also disclosed various youth and environmental/structural barriers to HIV testing. The justice system may be a crucial point of intervention to reduce HIV risk and promote HIV testing with interventions targeted to the needs of JIYA.