Abstract #1645  -  Focus groups as a healthy sexuality intervention among gay, bisexual, and queer adolescent males
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Ms. Tonya Prescott - Center for Innovative Public Health Research
Additional Authors:  Dr.  Michele Ybarra, Dr.  Zachary DuBois, Dr. Jeffrey Parsons, Dr.  Sheana Bull, Dr.  Brian Mustanski,
Aim: Identifying low-cost, easily scalable interventions for gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) males - who face disproportionate HIV burden - could have significant public health impact.
Method / Issue: Four online, asynchronous focus groups (FG) were conducted with GBQ youth ages 14-18 (n=75). Groups were stratified by sexual experience. Participants answered questions about sexual decision making, experiences with healthy sexuality education, and opinions about an HIV prevention program we are developing. At the end, participants were asked the extent to which the FG experience had changed their views and future behavior.
Results / Comments: Preliminary finding suggest that, among sexually inexperienced youth, approximately half said their views had changed or been reinforced by the FG experience: "This discussion has helped me realize just how many guys out there want to wait for the right guy for sex..." About one-quarter of youth said that their sexual decisions would change or had been reinforced. Among sexually experienced youth, over half said their views had changed or been reinforced by the FG. A similar number said their behavior would change: "I feel like I will definitely think alot more about the choices I make and whether or not they are safe..." The FG also seemed to foster connection with others: "I never am around other LGBT people so it was rather interesting to hear other people's viewpoints and realize how similar they are to mine..."
Discussion: FGs may have a beneficial impact on GBQ youth. Further investigation to quantify their influence on healthy sexual behaviors appears warranted.
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