Laron E Nelson

Biographic Data

ID	136059
NAME	Laron E Nelson
GIVEN NAMES	Laron E
FAMILY NAME	Nelson
SIGNATURE	NELSON L E
AFFILIATIONS	Yale University
ORCID	0000-0002-2630-602X
VERIFIED	Yes
TOTAL WORKS	58
TOTAL CITATIONS	37
AUTHOR COUNT	58
EDITOR COUNT	0
FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR	2016
LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR	2026
H-INDEX	3

Barriers to Same-Day Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Implementation in Federally Funded HIV Clinics Within High-Burden Areas of the U.S
Open AccessA Zamantakis, Wilson Gomez et al.ARTICLEAIDS and Behavior2026
Investigating the role of perceived autonomy support in moderating the association between diabetes stigma and psychological and diabetes self-management outcomes among adults with type 2 diabetes in …
Open AccessSamuel Akyirem, Katie Wang et al.ARTICLEPLOS Global Public Health2026
Studies on diabetes-related stigma rarely focus on identifying or examining protective factors (e.g., social support and healthcare environment) that can mitigate the adverse effect of this social phenomenon. In this cross-sectional study, we examined perceived autonomy support, a concept from the self-determination theory, as a moderator of the association between diabetes-related stigma and its adverse behavioral and psychological (depression, …
A comparison of venue-based and peer-driven recruitment strategy performance
Jackson Jr Nforbewing Ndenkeh, Yihan Shi et al.ARTICLEAIDS Care2026
Engaging gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV in Ghana is challenging due to stigma, discrimination, and fear of legal and safety consequences. This study compared venue-based (VBR) and peer-driven recruitment (PDR) strategies among MSM living with HIV to evaluate efficiency, reach, and range. An analysis was performed using data from 225 MSM living with HIV recruited from January to August 2017 in four Ghanaia…
We have our reasons”
Open AccessGloria Aidoo-Frimpong, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are et al.ARTICLEBMC Public Health2025
To bridge the gap between awareness, knowledge, and acceptability, HIV prevention programs should address access barriers and incorporate community-derived strategies
Examining Experiences of Gender Identities, Roles, and Relations among Men with Same-Gender Sexual Histories
Open AccessAmos Apreku, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are et al.ARTICLEJournal of Urban Health2025References: 5
Racial disparities in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and uptake among white, Black, and Indigenous men in Canada
Open AccessWale Ajiboye, Wangari Tharao et al.ARTICLECanadian Journal of Public Health2025References: 14
Community-based and public health interventions are immediately needed to increase PrEP awareness, access, and uptake for Black and Indigenous communities in Canada
"I told myself, be bold and go and test"
Open AccessGamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are, Gloria Aidoo-Frimpong et al.ARTICLEPLOS Global Public Health2024
Despite a disproportionately high burden of HIV, GBMSM in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa often delay testing until the point of illness. However, limited studies examine factors that affect their participation in testing. We used qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect insights into experiences, motivators, and barriers to HIV testing among GBMSM. Two community-based organizations used snowball and conve…
Barriers to and Facilitators of Help-Seeking Among Men Who are Victims of Domestic Violence
Open AccessEurosia Yu Yuan Kim, Laron E Nelson et al.ARTICLETrauma Violence & Abuse2024
Domestic violence against men poses a significant threat to men’s health and well-being and is increasingly being recognized as a public health issue. Unfortunately, men who are victims often struggle to disclose and report their abusive experiences. This review aims to examine and consolidate the evidence regarding the barriers to and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors of men who suffered from women-perpetrated domestic violence. A mixed-stu…
Experiences of Women Receiving Trauma-Informed Care
Open AccessVerity Chandelle Liu, Laron E Nelson et al.ARTICLETrauma Violence & Abuse2024
Exposure to trauma elevates the risk of illness in women, resulting in increased healthcare costs. The trauma-informed care approach seeks to enhance patient engagement and promote more effective recovery for those with a history of psychological trauma. This qualitative systematic review aims to synthesize evidence related to the experiences of women receiving trauma-informed care using Sandelowski and Barroso’s two-step approach for qualitative…
Sociodemographic correlates of late HIV diagnosis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana
Gloria Aidoo-Frimpong, G Tong et al.ARTICLEAIDS Care2024
Timely HIV diagnosis and medical engagement are crucial for effective viral load suppression and treatment as prevention. However, significant delays persist, particularly in Africa, including Ghana. This study focused on Ghanaian men whose route of exposure to HIV was through same-gender sexual contact (MSM), a group disproportionately impacted by HIV. Using structured surveys, we investigated the sociodemographic factors associated with late HI…
Barriers and Facilitators to Vaccine Equity Amidst the Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout in the United States
Open AccessRachael Piltch-Loeb, Josefina Núñez Sahr et al.ARTICLEInternational Journal of…2024
State and local health departments were responsible for ensuring equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. This qualitative study aimed to identify the challenges, strategies, disappointments, and successes in achieving equity for hard-to-reach and at-risk populations. Using a purposive sampling strategy, 16 individuals affiliated with health departments across nine states, each holding leadership roles in vaccine distribution, were intervi…
Community stigma, victimization, and coping strategies among gay, bisexual, and other cis-gender men who have sex with men in slum communities in Ghana. BSGH-003
Open AccessOsman Wumpini Shamrock, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are et al.ARTICLEBMC Public Health2024
We propose interventions such as HIV Education, Empathy, Empowerment, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy as possible measures to improve the experiences of GBMSM living in Ghanaian slum communities
A Manifesto for transformative action on HIV among Black communities in Canada
Open AccessMaureen Owino, OmiSoore H Dryden et al.ARTICLECanadian Journal of Public Health2024Cited by: 2References: 7
WhatsApp-propriate? Exploring "WhatsApp" as a Tool for Research Among Ghanaian Immigrants in the United States
Open AccessGloria Aidoo-Frimpong, Deanne Turner et al.ARTICLEJournal of Racial and Ethnic…2024Cited by: 2References: 28
Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Medicare Beneficiaries with and Without Cancer History
Open AccessHermine Poghosyan, Zhao Ni et al.ARTICLEJournal of Community Health2023
Family rejection of non-hetero sexuality–Sexual orientation and behavior anonymity among sexual minority men in slum communities-BSGH 001
Open AccessOsman Wumpini Shamrock, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are et al.ARTICLEPLOS Global Public Health2023
It can be challenging for sexual minority men (SMM) to decide whether or not to disclose their sexual orientation or behavior. The implications of this decision are significant, especially when considering how their family might react. We interviewed individuals living in slum communities (n = 12) in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Our study found that two factors primarily influenced the decision of SMM to disclose their sexual orientation. Firstly, SM…
Implementation of Client-Centered Care Coordination for HIV Prevention with Black Men Who Have Sex with Men
Open AccessDarren L Whitfield, Laron E Nelson et al.ARTICLEJournal of Racial and Ethnic…2023
A Longitudinal Study on the Influence of Sibling Support and HIV Testing Among Black Youth
Open AccessD T Boyd, S Raquel Ramos et al.ARTICLEJournal of Racial and Ethnic…2023
Strategies That Promote Equity in Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake for Latinx Communities
Open AccessJemal Demeke, S Raquel Ramos et al.ARTICLEJournal of Racial and Ethnic…2023
The Promise of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – Examining Awareness, Knowledge, and Willingness to use Different Modalities Among US-Based African Immigrants
Open AccessGloria Aidoo-Frimpong, Kafuli Agbemenu et al.ARTICLEJournal of Immigrant and Minority…2023
Structural violence and the uncertainty of viral undetectability for African, Caribbean and Black people living with HIV in Canada
Open AccessApondi J Odhiambo, Patricia O’campo et al.ARTICLEInternational Journal for Equity…2023
Biomedical advances in healthcare and antiretroviral treatment or therapy (ART) have transformed HIV/AIDS from a death sentence to a manageable chronic disease. Studies demonstrate that people living with HIV who adhere to antiretroviral therapy can achieve viral suppression or undetectability, which is fundamental for optimizing health outcomes, decreasing HIV-related mortality and morbidity, and preventing HIV transmission. African, Caribbean, …
Multi-level manifestations of sexual stigma among men with same-gender sexual experience in Ghana
Open AccessKhalida Saalim, Prince Amu-Adu et al.ARTICLEBMC Public Health2023
Sexual stigma and discrimination toward men who have same-gender sexual experiences are present across the globe. In Ghana, same-gender sexual desires and relationships are stigmatized, and the stigma is sanctioned through both social and legal processes. Such stigma negatively influences health and other material and social aspects of daily life for men who have sex with men (MSM). However, there is evidence that stigma at the interpersonal leve…
For my safety and wellbeing, I always travel to seek health care in a distant facility”—the role of place and stigma in HIV testing decisions among GBMSM – BSGH 002
Open AccessEdem Yaw Zigah, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are et al.ARTICLEHealth & Place2023Cited by: 2References: 2
Racial and Ethnic Variation in Covid-19 Vaccination Uptake Among Medicare Beneficiaries with Cancer History
Open AccessHermine Poghosyan, Michaela A Dinan et al.ARTICLEJournal of Racial and Ethnic…2023Cited by: 1References: 24
Linkage to care and treatment among men with reactive HIV self-tests after workplace-based testing in Uganda
Open AccessPatience A Muwanguzi, Laron E Nelson et al.ARTICLEFrontiers in Public Health2022
Introduction: HIV self-testing at workplaces has the potential to reach men at risk of HIV infection with lower access to HIV testing services. While several studies have reported high uptake of HIV self-testing, linkage to HIV care following a positive result remains a challenge. This study, therefore, explored the motivators for and barriers to linkage to HIV care and treatment among men who returned positive results following workplace-based H…

Economic, Legal, and Social Hardships Associated with HIV Risk among Black Men who have Sex with Men in Six US Cities
Open Accessfor the HPTN Study Team, Laron E Nelson et al.ARTICLEJournal of Urban Health2016Cited by: 7References: 8
“But the moment they find out that you are MSM…”
Open AccessSameer Kushwaha, Yasmin Lalani et al.ARTICLEBMC Public Health2017
MSM in Ghana are exposed to negative health care climates. Health care spaces that are unsupportive of MSM's autonomy undermine the uptake of prevention measures such as condoms, HIV testing, and accurate sexual health education. These findings contribute to knowledge to inform development of HIV prevention interventions for MSM in Ghana, such as culturally appropriate sexual health education, and digital technology to connect individuals with re…
Barriers, Motivators, and Facilitators to Engagement in HIV Care Among HIV-Infected Ghanaian Men Who have Sex with Men (MSM)
Open AccessAdedotun Ogunbajo, T Kershaw et al.ARTICLEAIDS and Behavior2017
Stigma in health facilities
Open AccessLaura Nyblade, Melissa A Stockton et al.ARTICLEBMC Medicine2019
Stigma in health facilities undermines diagnosis, treatment, and successful health outcomes. Addressing stigma is fundamental to delivering quality healthcare and achieving optimal health. This correspondence article seeks to assess how developments over the past 5 years have contributed to the state of programmatic knowledge-both approaches and methods-regarding interventions to reduce stigma in health facilities, and explores the potential to c…
Development and Validation of the Personalized Sexual Health Promotion (SexPro) HIV Risk Prediction Model for Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States
Open AccessHyman Scott, Eric Vittinghoff et al.ARTICLEAIDS and Behavior2019
The Association Between African American Father–Child Relationships and HIV Testing
Open AccessD T Boyd, Megan Threats et al.ARTICLEAmerican Journal of Men s Health2020
The existing literature identifies parent communication as a protective mechanism in the reduction of sexual risk behaviors among youth; however, not much is known about father–child communication and bonding and its association with HIV testing. Therefore, this study examines the link between the relationship, bonding, and communication shared by African American (AA) fathers and their children and HIV testing over time. This secondary data anal…
Microfinance and Peer Health Leadership Intervention Implementation for Men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Open AccessFrank Mhando, Kathryn Dovel et al.ARTICLEAmerican Journal of Men s Health2020
Men in sub-Saharan Africa continue to experience health disparities that are exacerbated by low employment. This study qualitatively assessed men’s perceptions of the economic and health-care-seeking effects of participation in an integrated microfinance and peer health leadership intervention on violence and HIV risk reduction in Tanzania. Three focus group discussions with 27 men, aged 20 to 44 years, examined the perceived effects on income ge…
Knowledge and Acceptability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana
Adedotun Ogunbajo, Natalie M Leblanc et al.ARTICLEAIDS Care2020
In Ghana, men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a biomedical intervention that reduces the risk of HIV infection but is not currently available in Ghana. This paper explores knowledge and acceptability of HIV PrEP among Ghanaian MSM. Qualitative content analysis was conducted on 22 focus group discussions (N = 137) conducted between March and June 2012 in Accra, Kumasi, and Many…
Implementation and evaluation of a culturally grounded group-based HIV prevention programme for men who have sex with men in Ghana
Open AccessGamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are, Laron E Nelson et al.ARTICLEGlobal Public Health2020
This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based HIV prevention programme for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana through a participatory approach. The programme involved 57 self-identified adult cisgender MSM and led by a community-based organisation in collaboration with local nurses. We used an explanatory mixed-method design to evaluate the programme. We computed descriptive statistics, relative frequency, and p…
Awakening to an Intersectional Reality
Open AccessLaron E NelsonARTICLEJournal of Urban Health2020References: 1
Community-Based Interventions as Opportunities to Increase HIV Self-Testing and Linkage to Care Among Men Who Have Sex With Men – Lessons From Ghana, West Africa
Open AccessGamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are, Gamji M'Rabiu Abubakari et al.ARTICLEFrontiers in Public Health2021
MSM in Ghana encounter challenges in accessing HIV services and may experience barriers to HIV self-testing due to multiple forms of stigma present in health care settings. We worked with community-based organization partners to implement three interventions that successfully engaged and retained MSM which provides an opportunity for linkage to self-testing and medical care. These interventions were (1) Many Men Many Voices (3MV) a locally-led cu…
Ecological and Syndemic Predictors of Drug Use During Sex and Transactional Sex among U.S. Black Men Who Have Sex with Men
Open AccessNatalie M Leblanc, Hugh F Crean et al.ARTICLEArchives of Sexual Behavior2021
Risk compensation in HIV PrEP adherence among Black men who have sex with men in HPTN 073 study
Darren L Whitfield, Geetha Beauchamp et al.ARTICLEAIDS Care2021
While HIV infections among men who have sex men (MSM) have started to decline in the United States, Black MSM continue to experience disproportionate rates of HIV infection. The purpose of this secondary analysis is to examine risk perception and its influence on PrEP adherence among Black MSM from HPTN 073. Risk perception was measured using the adapted Perceived Vulnerability to HIV Scale. The associations between risk perception and PrEP adher…
HIV Education, Empathy, and Empowerment (Hive3)
Open AccessGamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are, Gamji M’Rabiu Abubakari et al.ARTICLEInternational Journal of…2021
Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana remain at heightened risk of HIV infection, and face challenges in accessing HIV prevention and care services. Previous research in Ghana shows that MSM face intersectional stigma across ecological levels (family, peers, healthcare settings, and community level) and the criminalization of same-gender sexual behaviors in the country. To protect their wellbeing from exposure to stigma, many MSM avoid interac…
Family Support and Sociocultural Factors on Depression among Black and Latinx Sexual Minority Men
Open AccessD T Boyd, S Raquel Ramos et al.ARTICLEInternational Journal of…2021
Family-based approaches are critical for improving health outcomes in sexual minority men (SMM) of color. Yet, it is unclear how family context, internalized homophobia, and stress influence mental health outcomes among sexual minority men of color. From a cross-sectional sample of 448 participants, aged 16-24 years, survey data were analyzed to examine rates of family social support, the perception of sexuality by family, the stressfulness of li…
Participatory Design of a Web-Based HIV Oral Self-Testing Infographic Experiment (Hotie) for Emerging Adult Sexual Minority Men of Color
Open AccessS Raquel Ramos, David T Lardier et al.ARTICLEInternational Journal of…2021
Health communication is a key health promotion approach for translating research findings into actionable information. The purpose of this study was to use participatory design to create and then test the usability and comprehension of an HIV self-testing infographic in a sample of 322 emerging adult, sexual minority men of color. Our study objectives addressed three challenges to HIV self-testing: (1) correct usage of the test stick, (2) underst…
Drivers and barriers to workplace-based HIV self-testing among high-risk men in Uganda
Open AccessPatience A Muwanguzi, Robert C Bollinger et al.ARTICLEBMC Public Health2021
We recommend the involvement of employers in workplace-based HIV self-testing to encourage participation by employees. There is need for HIV self-testing support both during and after the testing process. Both employers and employees recommend the use of non-monetary incentives, and regular training about HIV self-testing to increase the uptake and acceptability of HIV testing services at the workplace
Sexual Risk Profiles Among Black Sexual Minority Men
Open AccessDerek T Dangerfield, Irene Kuo et al.ARTICLEArchives of Sexual Behavior2021References: 34
Linkage to care and treatment among men with reactive HIV self-tests after workplace-based testing in Uganda
Open AccessPatience A Muwanguzi, Laron E Nelson et al.ARTICLEFrontiers in Public Health2022
Introduction: HIV self-testing at workplaces has the potential to reach men at risk of HIV infection with lower access to HIV testing services. While several studies have reported high uptake of HIV self-testing, linkage to HIV care following a positive result remains a challenge. This study, therefore, explored the motivators for and barriers to linkage to HIV care and treatment among men who returned positive results following workplace-based H…
Strategies that Promote Equity in Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake for Undocumented Immigrants
Open AccessJemal Demeke, SarahAnn M McFadden et al.ARTICLEJournal of Community Health2022
Unmasking legislative constraints
Open AccessApondi J Odhiambo, Lisa Forman et al.ARTICLEPLOS Global Public Health2022
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic significantly impacts African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) immigrants in Canada. Health scholarship has revealed striking injustices within Canada’s public healthcare system that restrict access to healthcare and violate the human rights of ACB immigrants living with HIV who are marginalized. We conducted an institutional ethnography to comprehensively understand how HIV healthcare in Ontario is orga…
The Influence of Family Bonding, Support, Engagement in Healthcare, on PrEP Stigma among Young Black and Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men
Open AccessD T Boyd, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are et al.ARTICLEChildren2022
This study employs the ecodevelopmental theory to examine the influence of mother and father bonding, family engagement in healthcare, and family support on PrEP stigma among BLMSM. We used a cross-sectional sample from wave five of the Healthy Young Men (HYM) study, with a survey sample of 399 participants aged 16−24 years. We conducted two-path analyses to test multiple hypotheses: (1) mother/father bonding is associated with an increase in fam…
Optimizing PrEP Continuance
Open AccessS Raquel Ramos, Geetha Beauchamp et al.ARTICLEInternational Journal of…2022
At the end of year 2018, it was estimated that in the United States over 1 million people were living with HIV. Although Black/African American individuals comprise an estimated 13.4% of the US population, as of 2019, they represented an estimated 42% of all new HIV diagnoses in 2018. PrEP use among Black men who have sex with men has not reached levels sufficient to have a population impact on HIV incidence. The purpose of this study was to exam…
Community perspectives on addressing and responding to HIV-testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) people in Ontario, Cana…
Open AccessJosephine Etowa, Wangari Tharao et al.ARTICLEBMC Public Health2022
CBPR, co-led by community members, is an important strategy for identifying the multi-level individual, interpersonal, community, institutional and structural factors that increase HIV vulnerability in ACB communities, notably anti-Black systemic racism. Study findings suggest the need for targeted community-based strategies and strategies aimed at reducing health system barriers to testing and care
Perceptions of Covid-19 self-testing and recommendations for implementation and scale-up among Black/African Americans
Open AccessUcheoma Nwaozuru, Chisom Obiezu‐Umeh et al.ARTICLEBMC Public Health2022
Findings showed that most participants considered COVID-19 ST valuable for encouraging COVID-19 testing. However, cost and accuracy concerns may pose barriers. Future work should consider implementing interventions that leverage the benefits of COVID-19 ST and further assess the extent to which these identified facilitators and barriers may influence COVID-19 ST uptake