SA-BBC Purpose:
decrease the astronomical HIV/STD
rates within the Black/African American community in San Antonio, Texas.
see SA-BBC
Scientific
Approach
Objectives:
1)
provide HIV/STD training to barbers and barber students; 2)
offer free haircuts to black male customers in exchange for completely anonymous
HIV testing; 3)
give realistic evaluations of risk factors for HIV/STD; 4)
dispel myths about transmission; 5)
deliver varied risk reduction
methods; and 6)
supply tools and resources for
HIV/STD prevention, education, and risk reduction.
Who are black men?
Black and African American men cannot
be lumped into a one-size-fits-all category. They are the fathers, brothers,
uncles and sons in Black communities. They are doctors and lawyers, barbers
and bus drivers; they are Christians and Muslims and speak many languages.
However, not every person who looks Black or African American will identify
with these labels. In the US, Black men represent a diverse group, including,
but not limited to, Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, Brazilian and African national men.
Why is HIV a concern?
HIV is currently a major health crisis
among Black and African American men of every age and sexual orientation.
In 2000, AIDS was the leading cause of death among Black men 35-44 and the
third leading cause of death for all Black men 25-44.
HIV/AIDS is not the first health crisis
faced by Black men and will not be the last one. Black men face many health
disparities and are over-represented in many diseases such as hypertension,
cancer and heart disease. HIV presents a different challenge because it is transmitted
through sex and drug use, topics that are difficult to discuss and often
stigmatized in many communities.
What needs to be done?
HIV prevention agencies must
acknowledge underlying cultural and social factors in the Black community.
There is a broadening gap between haves and have-nots, with the majority of
HIV risk and infections occurring in low-income communities. Programs
need to address issues of employment, education, incarceration, addiction and
stigma in addition to sexual and drug risk behaviors.
In order to provide a
comfortable atmosphere for open discussion about sensitive sexual and drug use
issues, research and prevention programs should take place in familiar
settings away from clubs, bars or other sexually-identified venues.
Collaborating with cultural, religious and civic organizations that
historically reach Black men (the Barbershop) can help recruit and
involve Black men.
What affects HIV risk?
We know how HIV is
transmitted, be it among Black men or any other man: through unprotected
anal or vaginal intercourse with an HIV+ person or sharing injection
equipment with an HIV+ person. We know much less about how psychosocial,
contextual, political and historical forces influence Black men's risk taking.
Education, employment and incarceration must be addressed, especially with
financially marginalized men.
Black and African American men
face discrimination in education and employment. Black male children in
schools are often characterized as disruptive and are channeled into
"special education" classes. This results in fewer Black male youth
entering high school. Because of this, Black men often cannot obtain
gainful employment, putting them at a significant disadvantage in our
technological economy. Lack of employment is linked to increased involvement
in activities that can increase risk of HIV infection such as substance use,
commercial sex, homelessness and incarceration.
Nearly one-third of all Black
men have been incarcerated either as adolescents or adults. Cycling in
and out of the prison system can negatively affect Black men's ability to keep
and maintain jobs and relationships. Fewer available Black men in the
community means Black couples have less opportunity for long-term monogamy and
more chance for multiple partnerships, which may increase the risk of HIV/STD
transmission.
In the US there has been a
significant history of sexual exploitation and objectification of the Black
male. Black men often are referred to by their presumed sexual preoccupation
and/or prowess rather than being seen as complex multi-dimensional beings with
strengths as well as weaknesses.
What are protective factors?
Many organizations across the
country promote strength and bonding among Black men. Fraternities, barber
shops, civic groups such as 100 Black Men and others build on the strength of
Black men by providing positive role models, promoting African American
history and culture and collaborating with businesses and institutions of
higher learning.
Family, community and
spirituality are important support systems that can protect Black youth from
HIV risk. Strong families where parents and adult caregivers monitor and talk
to their children are key to promoting healthy behaviors. The Black
church can provide guidance and HIV prevention education, and can set an
example by addressing and destigmatizing drug users, homosexuals and HIV+
persons.
