The Influence of Developmental Assets on HIV Prevention Behaviors in Black Men who Have Sex with Men

Young Black men experience a disproportionate burden of HIV in the United States, yet HIV prevention research has largely emphasized risk reduction rather than identifying and leveraging strengths that may promote protective behaviors. As a result, little is known about how developmental assets—internal and external assets that support healthy development—shape engagement in HIV prevention behaviors such as HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among young Black men. Guided by the developmental assets framework, this mixed-methods study will examine how patterns of internal and external assets are associated with HIV prevention behaviors among HIV-negative Black adolescent and young adult men ages 14–25. In AIM 1 (Phase 1), we will conduct a cross-sectional, internet-based survey with a non-probability sample of 500 participants recruited from two Midwestern U.S. cities.

Using latent profile analysis, we will identify distinct configurations of developmental assets and examine their associations with recent HIV testing and PrEP use. We will further assess whether developmental and contextual factors, including age group, perceived control over health decisions, and future orientation, modify these associations. In aim 2 (Phase 2), we will conduct in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a purposive subsample of 40 participants stratified by age and developmental asset profile (higher vs. lower asset groups). Qualitative content analysis will be used to explore how young Black men perceive the role of personal strengths, relationships, and access to resources in shaping health decision-making and sustained engagement in HIV prevention behaviors.

Findings from this study will advance a strength-based, developmentally informed understanding of HIV prevention among young Black men and inform the design of asset-focused interventions to improve HIV prevention outcomes across adolescence and young adulthood.

Grant Number: 1R21MH130302-01A1
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Donte Boyd