Abstract #234  -  Can scientists working within non secular settings truly address research targeted at reducing HIV incidence among men who have sex with men? Lessons from MaBwana
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Dr Clemon George - University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Additional Authors:  Ms Lydia Makoroka, Dr.  Winston  Husbands,
Aim: To create dialogue, stimulate awareness and address social justice issues that may arise within religiously sponsored institutions that undertake research to improve the lives of Black men who have sex with men.
Method / Issue: Issue: There is growing evidence that Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are at an increased risk for contracting HIV whether they are situated in Africa, North America, the Caribbean or Europe. Anecdotal and empirical evidence suggest that BMSM may not respond to prevention strategies that are often marketed for other populations and that their prevention needs should be situated within their larger cultural, political, social and economic framework. Historically, Black individuals of the African Diaspora have held strong faith connectedness and this may have important consequences for their sexual behaviour and HIV outcome. Therefore innovative research methods to cull the spread of HIV in this group are paramount.
Results / Comments: The African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario voiced a need for knowledge about the HIV risks and the increasing prevalence of HIV among BMSM. The MaBwana Black mens Study was developed as a Community-Based Research study to improve understanding of BMSM communities and networks in Toronto. The Mabwana Black Men��s study received ethics approval from the respective Research Ethics Board (REB), where the academic researchers were located. However, a significant issue arose from one of the institutional REB, even before the study could be reviewed and this considerably delayed the study implementation. This institutional REB initially refused to approve the study and gave reasons that suggested a lack of support for research that involve men who have affective, sexual and emotional relationship with other men and that seek to understand condom use. Through advocacy, non religious affiliated institute became the board of record for the study.
Discussion: Lessons learned: While the study subsequently gained REB approval from this non secular institution, it is apparent that the established ethics clearance process at some institutions does not sufficiently accommodate community needs and research that is grounded in those needs. Research ethics boards in publicly funded institutions should be able to accommodate a range of research issues that are consistent with the public interest rather than private values. We suggest a need for greater clarity and oversight of the ethics review infrastructure and process, and support for research ethics board that are responsive to community concerns and demonstrate accountability to communities.
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