Determinants of public health and interventions to address HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA.

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been recognized as a public health problem in Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA. This was found to be a significant problem in our need assessment as evidenced by the HIV incidence rate of 28.4 per 100,000 population, which is higher than the average incidence reported for the state of Florida. MSM account for the mostly affected group, reaching 59% of all the new cases. A review of the HIV determinants was conducted using an ecological framework. At the individual level, sexual abuse, alcohol, and drug consumption were identified as determinants of HIV infection in this population. Family rejection was recognized as a determinant at the interpersonal level. Connection to the gay community can function as a protective factor but it can also be possible predictor of HIV infection. Among structural factors, poverty was found to be positively associated with HIV prevalence. Additionally, we highlighted the importance of sexual health education and especially pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as protective factors. By using systems thinking tools, we designed a causal loop diagram that illustrates visually the recognized determinants of public health. Finally, we presented several studies that evaluate evidence-based interventions to improve the uptake and retention in care of PrEP in MSM. We also described existing interventions implemented in Miami-Dade County, and reported studies that may contribute to the development of new HIV preventive strategies in the future.