2026 Theses Doctoral

Navigating Sexual Health in Digital Spaces: Understanding the Role of Social Networks in HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategies for Black Gay, Bisexual, and Men Who Have Sex with Other Men: A Mixed-Methods Study

Wilkerson, Ryan Bernard

In the United States, LGBTQ+ populations, particularly Black, Gay, Bisexual Men (BGBM) who have sex with other men (MSM), face elevated risks of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV/AIDS. Despite the introduction of preventive measures such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP), risk levels remain high among BGBM. There remains a critical knowledge gap in understanding their sociocultural impact within diverse LGBTQ+ communities.

This dissertation research aimed to address this gap using social network theory and a mixed-methods approach to examine how social networks shape awareness, perceptions, and behaviors related to these preventive measures. This approach is innovative because it utilized a conceptual framework that combines critical race theory (CRT), intersectionality theory (IT), and qualitative research methods to explore individual experiences and perspectives regarding PrEP and Doxy-PEP among within BGBM.

Through the analysis of social media posts and qualitative interviews with BGBM in New York City, this research uncovered the sociocultural and systemic factors influencing the uptake and effectiveness of preventive measures as well as variations in perceptions of sexual behaviors among BGBM. The anticipated outcomes include a comprehensive understanding of the social and sexual network impact of HIV/AIDS and STI treatment and preventive measures, novel insights into preventive sexual health behaviors, and the development of targeted interventions and policies to promote health equity and address disparities within LGBTQ+ communities.

This research project is in accordance with the goals of the Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic (EHE) initiative and those set forth by Healthy People 2030. This research will provide insights into the development of tailored interventions targeting BGBM populations at risk for HIV/AIDS & STI transmission in New York City and throughout the United States. Through its diverse mixed-methods approach, the findings can facilitate the advancement of health equity by scaling up key HIV/AIDS and STI prevention and treatment strategies to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.