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The purpose of the BROTHERS Study is to gather information on new and better ways to slow the spread of HIV among black men who have sex with men ("MSM").

Studies show that Black MSM are much more likely to become infected with HIV than other groups.  We are not sure why this is, but other research suggests several possible reasons why:

  • Many have never been tested for HIV

  • Black MSM have greater difficulty getting the health care they need

  • The people who they hang out with and have sex with may behave in ways that make it harder for Black MSM to stay healthy and avoid HIV

We have ideas about how to deal with these problems and slow the spread of HIV between Black MSM.  This study will help us see how well these ideas work.   Some of the ideas we will use in this study include:

  • Offering Black MSM free HIV testing
  • Help those who test positive for HIV get the care they need
  • Connect Black MSM with a trained person (called a "peer health care system navigator") who can help them get medical care - whether or not they have HIV
  • Encourage Black MSM to invite some of their sexual partners to also receive information and counseling if they are interested

The BROTHERS Study will include about 2,400 participants from six cities in the United States, and we expect it will take about one year to reach our enrollment goals in all six cities.

In Atlanta, this study is being performed by Dr. Carlos del Rio at Emory University facilities at Grady Hospital in Atlanta and the Hope Clinic located in downtown Decatur, GA. 

 

To enroll, or for more information, please call 877-841-2767 or e-mail us at  brothers@emory.edu

For more information check out www.blackmenstandtogether.org