THE ROLE OF RELATIONSHIP CHARACTERISTICS ON USE OF COMBINATION HIV PREVENTION METHODS AMONG YOUNG BLACK AND LATINO HETEROSEXUAL ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS

Purpose: Young heterosexual Black and Latino AYAs living in urban communities with both elevated poverty and high HIV incidence are at increased risk for HIV infection. Use of combination HIV prevention methods (e.g., male and female condoms, HIV testing, STI screening, and PrEP) is a high-impact approach to reducing new HIV infections. However, relationship dynamics play a significant role in AYAs' consistently using these prevention methods. The purpose of this qualitative study is twofold: 1) to assess young Black and Latino heterosexual couples' attitudes towards and use of combination HIV prevention methods, and 2) to determine how relationship factors influence their use, or non-use, of combination HIV prevention methods. Methods: Twenty-three male-female couples were recruited via street-intercept in the South Bronx. Couples completed an interview session which included a brief demographic and sexual behavior survey, a 60-minute semi-structured individual interview, and a 60-minute semi-structured dyadic interview. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and uploaded to Nvivo. Four coders independently reviewed all interview transcripts. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Discrepancies in coding were discussed among all coders until agreement was reached. Results: Couples reported having ever used the following prevention methods in their current relationship: male and female condoms (54.3% and 2.2%, respectively), HIV testing (63%), and STI testing (39.1%). PrEP use was not reported among any of the couples. In general, couples reported very favorable attitudes towards using combination HIV prevention methods; most couples also expressed a willingness to use multiple HIV prevention methods with their partner. However, there was significant variation between and within couples regarding the number and type of prevention methods they were willing to use. Three main themes emerged: the "newness" of the relationship, seriousness of the relationship, and level of trust within the relationship. Conclusions: Overall, Black and Latino heterosexual couples reported being willing to use combination HIV prevention methods. Our findings indicate, however, that relationships factors play a significant role in young couples' decision to use multiple prevention methods within their relationships. In order to meet our national goal of reducing the number of new HIV infections Black and Latino AYAs, more research exploring the impact of r