Sallabank G, Chavanduka TMD, Walsh AR, Sullivan P, Wolfe J, Filipowicz R, Bonar EE, Horvath KJ, Hailu B, Bauermeister J, Stephenson R. Mapping LGBTQ+ Youth Resource Density Across Four High HIV Prevalence Corridors in the US.
SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2021;
20:300-314. [PMID:
34703505 PMCID:
PMC8532447 DOI:
10.1007/s13178-021-00660-0]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Studies using geospatial data to understand LGBTQ+-friendly sexual health and wellness resource availability have often focused on services catered to adults. While HIV rates have increased in adolescents in recent years, few studies have explored disparities in resource access for adolescent gay and bisexual men (AGBMSM).
METHODS
We used geospatial data of resources (collected and verified 2017-2018) from the iReach app to understand disparities in resource access for AGBMSM within and between 4 high HIV prevalence corridors in the US.
RESULTS
AGBMSM in non-metro areas had access to fewer resources and some rural counties had no LGBTQ+ -friendly resources. Corridors comprising states with legacies of punitive laws targeting sexual and gender minorities demonstrate stark geographic disparities across the US.
CONCLUSIONS
Policy-makers must understand the granularity of disparities within regions. Online resources may be able to surmount LGBTQ+ resource deserts. However, physical access to LGBTQ+ -friendly services must be improved as a fundamental strategy for reducing HIV among AGBMSM.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13178-021-00660-0.
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