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Despite significant progress in Ghana’s HIV response, disparities in HIV prevalence persist among different populations. Gays, bisexuals, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the country remain vulnerable to HIV infection due to high levels of stigma and discrimination, limited access to healthcare services, and low HIV knowledge levels. While limited studies focus on HIV prevention and care in the Ghanaian GBMSM context, we did not find studies on GBMSM in slums. We, therefore, explored stigma and motivations of HIV testing among GBMSM in slums. In collaboration with our community partners, we recruited and conducted face-to-face interviews among 12 GBMSM from slums in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Our multiple-reviewer summative content analysis identified the following: under HIV stigma, we identified two categories, avoidance of GBMSM living with HIV and fear of testing positive for HIV. Under motivations for HIV testing, we identified three categories; HIV vulnerability, knowing one’s HIV status, and positive messaging about HIV. Our findings provide valuable insights into stigma and motivations for HIV testing among GBMSM in Ghanaian slums. They also highlight the importance of targeted HIV education interventions to empower GBMSM to take responsibility for their sexual health and address the unique challenges they face accessing HIV testing services.

Objectives. To examine how perceived authenticity may buffer the impact of racial discrimination on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among young Black/African American men. Methods. In 2024, we collected data online in the United States using Qualtrics. Participants were 350 Black men aged 18 to 24 years (mean = 21.49; SD = 1.96), most of whom identified as heterosexual or straight and had completed a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma. We measured suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, racial discrimination, and perceived authenticity through self-report questionnaires. Results. Authenticity reduced suicidal ideation (b = −0.24; P < .001) and depressive symptoms (b = –0.22; P < .001). An interaction effect emerged for suicidal ideation (b = −0.09; P = .045) but not depressive symptoms (b = 0.02; P = .58). Conclusions. Perceived authenticity served as a protective factor for young Black men. Public Health Implications. Practitioners may consider incorporating strategies to enhance perceived authenticity as part of interventions aimed at improving men’s mental health. ( Am J Public Health. 2025;115(9):1417–1425. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308148 )

Developmental assets are critical to the health and wellbeing of youth. The current study examines the influence of developmental assets on PrEP use and HIV testing among YBMSM ages 18–24. Using a cross-sectional survey of YBMSM (N = 225), this study explored the role of external (e.g., family support, other adult support) and internal (e.g., personal responsibility) assets in explaining HIV prevention behaviors. Participants were recruited from Mechanical Turk (M-Turk) internet-based platform, social media sites, and community-based organizations. A path analysis was conducted to investigate the direct/indirect effects of internal and external assets on PrEP use and HIV testing. Family support (β = 0.40, p  < 0.001) and other adult support (β = 0.22, p  = 0 . 004) were both associated with personal responsibility. Personal Responsibility (β = 0.15, p  = 0.03) and positive identity (β = 0.28, p  < 0.001) were both associated with an increase HIV testing. Personal responsibility was positively associated with increased PrEP use (β = 0.30, p  < 0.001). Our study results indicated that external assets play a role in helping to build internal assets that support increased HIV testing and PrEP use among YBMSM. Our findings suggest the need for strength-based interventions that help YBMSM build assets and increase HIV prevention behaviors.

Sexual health communication warrants greater attention as it may help to reduce the rates of HIV incidence among youth. A growing body of literature suggests that conversations about sexual health among Black and Latino youth may serve as a potential strategy for HIV prevention. The current study investigates whether sexual health communication—in particular, conversations about sexual health and HIV—influences Black and Latino youth’s personal agency regarding their role in achieving an HIV-free generation. For this secondary data analysis, we used the National Survey of Teens and Young Adults on attitudes towards HIV/AIDS (n = 701). Participants included youth between the ages 15 and 24, and the average was 20 years. We used a multiple regression analysis to examine whether sexual health communication contributed to youth knowledge and awareness of (1) the national plan for EHE, and (2) their role in ending the epidemic”. (1) knowledge and awareness of the national plan for EHE, and (2) role in ending the epidemic. The final multiple regression model was statistically significant [R2 = 0.16 F (12, 701) = 001, p < 0.001] for both outcomes. Study results found that sexual health communication was positively related to Black and Latino youth’s awareness of efforts to end the HIV epidemic (EHE) and their belief that they could play a role in achieving EHE. In addition, HIV stigma influenced personal agency and whether youth were aware of efforts to achieve EHE. Our results demonstrated that openly communicating about sexual health and HIV may contribute to a sense of personal agency among Black and Latino youth. In addition, understanding whether sexual health communication contributes to a sense of personal agency among youth may inform HIV prevention efforts to achieve the goals set forth by the national EHE plan for the U.S.

Parents’ beliefs about their children’s schools are important influences on their parenting and on their children’s outcomes. Because of Black parents’ concerns that their children may encounter racial discrimination in their schools, they may be particularly wary of that environment. We examined whether parents’ school climate perceptions regarding how parents and children are treated in school were related to parents’ own attainment expectations in a sample of Black parents. Five hundred and eighty-six Black parents took part in the study (92% female). Results indicated that parents’ school climate perceptions regarding how parents are treated in schools were associated with parents’ attainment expectations (β = 0.080, p < 0.05). However, parents’ school climate perceptions regarding how their children are treated in school were not associated with parents’ attainment expectations. Our findings highlight the importance of parents’ school climate perceptions on parents’ attainment expectations. These results also provide insights into the ways in which Black parents’ beliefs about the school environment impact their beliefs about their children. The implications of the current findings are discussed in terms of parents’ beliefs and the role of school experiences. Recommendations for future research are discussed.HighlightsBlack parents’ school climate perceptions were related to parents’ attainment expectations.The findings of this study highlight the important role schools play on the link between parenting and children’s educational success.Parents’ school climate perceptions regarding how parents are treated in schools were associated with parents’ academic attainment expectations.

Objective Suicidal behaviors among young Black sexual gender minority males ages 14–24 is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. This study aims to fill a significant gap in the literature by investigating how internal assets impact suicidal behaviors among young Black sexual minority men (SMM) ages 14–24. Methods This study utilized a cross-sectional survey of young Black SMM ( N  = 538) from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, to examine the influence of internal assets (such as positive values, positive identity) on suicidal behaviors. A logistic regression was performed to examine the associations between internal assets and suicidal behaviors. Results Our findings indicated that positive identity was associated with lower levels of suicidal behaviors (β = − 0.29; p  < 0.001). Positive values (β = − 0.24; p  < 0.001) and social competencies (β = − 0.29; p  < 0.001) were also associated with fewer suicidal behaviors. Conclusions Our results indicate that internal assets play a significant role in influencing suicidal behaviors among young Black sexual gender minority males. By promoting positive values, positive identity, and social competencies, we can help build resilience and reduce the risk of suicide among Black SMM.

Suicide rates among Black young adults have significantly increased over the past two decades, presenting a critical public health issue. Although research indicates the association of positive mental health attitudes with better outcomes, limited attention has been paid to the structural and cultural factors that influence suicidal behaviors and help-seeking attitudes in this demographic. Guided by intersectionality and trauma-informed frameworks, this study examines how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), age, and suicidal behaviors interact to influence mental health help-seeking attitudes among Black young adults. We recognize that these outcomes are shaped by interlocking systems of oppression, including racism, ageism, and historical mistrust of mental health institutions. The sample consisted of 359 Black young adults aged 18 to 24 ( M  = 21; SD  = 1.90), recruited through Qualtrics panels (a pre-recruited group of individuals who have agreed to participate in surveys) in the Midwestern United States from February 1, 2023, to April 1, 2023. Using path analysis, our study results indicated that ACE scores had a significant and positive direct relationship with suicidal ideation (β = 0.29, p  < .001) and suicide planning (β = 0.30, p  < .001). Additionally, there was a significant indirect association with suicide attempts (β = 0.04, p  < .001). Further, suicide attempts negatively impacted attitudes toward seeking mental health help (β = -0.14, p  < .01). Suicidal ideation and planning also had significant negative indirect associations with these attitudes (β = -0.05, p  = .01; β = -0.08, p  = .01). These findings underscore the urgent need for culturally grounded and structurally responsive suicide prevention and intervention strategies that reflect the lived experiences of Black young adults. By addressing the unique interplay of trauma, identity, and systemic inequity, we can enhance mental health support and overall well-being for this population.

Background Developing an understanding of the negative impact of discrimination is critical when examining the suicidality of Black young adults in the US. Suicide rates among Black young adults have increased at alarming rates. One of the reasons for this increase is the disparities related to access to mental health services, which has long-term health consequences. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by examining associations between experiences of everyday discrimination, attitudes towards mental health help-seeking attitudes, on the outcomes suicide ideation, planning to die by suicide, and suicide attempts. Methods The data came from a national study of the experiences of Black young adults regarding mental, physical, and sexual health. Participants were recruited from across the Midwestern region of the United States through Qualtrics Panels, an online survey delivery service used to recruit study participants. The total sample for this study was N  = 362, and the average age of the sample was 21 (SD: 1.96). We used a logistic regression analysis to examine the role of everyday discrimination, mental health support-seeking attitudes, and covariates on the outcomes: suicide ideation, planning to die by committing suicide, and suicide attempts. Results Black young adults with positive mental health help-seeking attitudes were 34% less likely to attempt suicide ( OR  = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.96) and 35% less likely to experience suicide ideation ( OR  = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.89). However, those young adults who experienced discrimination daily were more likely to report having attempted suicide ( OR  = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.15). Conclusions Our findings offer valuable insights into the complex interplay between experiences of discrimination, attitudes toward seeking mental health support, and suicidal behaviors. However, our research also underscores how experiences of discrimination can significantly exacerbate feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and inadequacy, further contributing to suicidal behaviors in this population. By promoting positive mental health help-seeking behaviors, actively addressing discrimination, and applying an intersectional approach to suicide prevention efforts, we can take significant strides towards building a more supportive and inclusive society. This approach aims to empower individuals to seek help, reduce the risk of suicidal behaviors, and create a more welcoming environment for all members of our community.

In the USA, suicide is a leading cause of death for adolescents ages 12 to 18 (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2019). Given the urgency of this public health crisis, this paper aims to explore the impact of a sense of school belonging and teacher-based discrimination and peer-based prejudice on suicidal ideation and attempts among Black youth. This secondary analysis used a sample of Black youth ( N  = 4229; M age  = 16) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescents to Adult Health data. Independent variables included a sense of school belonging, school-based teacher discrimination, and school-based peer prejudice; the dependent variable was suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The results of multinomial regression analyses revealed that as Black adolescents’ sense of school belonging decreased, they were 35% more likely to be at risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. Findings from our study support the assertion that the school microsystem plays a substantial role in modifying the risk of suicidal behavior among Black youth.

Background Prior research has consistently shown that the involvement of families plays a vital role in reducing risk behaviors, such as engaging in condomless sex, and promoting HIV prevention behaviors among young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). With the aim of expanding the existing knowledge, this study aimed to examine the specific influence of families and other supportive adults in facilitating casual condom use, partner condom use, HIV testing, and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization among young Black MSM. Methods A sample of YBMSM aged 18–29 years ( N  = 400) was collected online. We used a path analysis to examine the influence of family factors on PrEP stigma and PrEP use. Respondents were recruited from December 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022. We used a path analysis to examine the direct and indirect effects of family factors on PrEP use through HIV testing and encouraging condom use. Results Among BMSM, other adult support was positive and directly associated with condom use by both casual partners (β = 0.04, p  < .05) and partners (β = 0.17, p  < .01). Condom use by casual partners was negative and was directly associated with HIV testing (β = − 0.15, p  < .01). Conclusion The primary aim of this research was to examine the influence of family and adult support on HIV prevention behaviors among young Black MSM, including condom use, HIV testing, and PrEP use. Our findings highlight the significance of implementing interventions that incorporate families and other supportive adults to enhance the engagement of young Black MSM in HIV prevention behaviors.