Understanding the needs of older (Mature) black men who have sex with men: Results of a community-based survey

Older (mature) Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are an understudied group disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and experience competing priorities such as medical comorbidities, social isolation, and financial stressors. The purpose of this study was to assess the needs and priorities of a sample of urban mature BMSM to inform HIV prevention programming. A cross-sectional survey of BMSM ages 40 and older was conducted among men recruited from community-based organizations. Men ranked priorities from seven domains: financial and housing stability, physical health, mental health, relationships with family, relationships with partners, HIV prevention. Men were also asked whether mature BMSM should mentor younger BMSM. Financial and housing stability and HIV prevention were ranked in the top three by a majority. Desired program features included a safe physical space for socializing that provides information and aid. The majority of the sample agreed that mature BMSM should mentor younger BMSM.