Factors Associated with HIV Testing Among Spanish and English-Speaking Latino Adolescents Aged 13-18.

Adolescent Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM) in the U.S. are disproportionately impacted by HIV. However, there has been limited focus on their HIV prevention and risk behaviors. In this study, we examine the rates of HIV testing and explore the significant demographic and healthcare factors that influence HIV prevention among adolescent LMSM. The analysis for this study utilized data collected during the baseline assessment of SMART, a pragmatic trial aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an online HIV prevention intervention for adolescent LMSM (N = 524). Only 35.5% of participants had ever had an HIV test in their lifetime. Rates of testing increased among adolescent LMSM who had a doctor with whom they spoke about their sexual health (odds ratio: 4.0; 95% confidence interval: 2.1-8.4; P < 0.001) or HIV testing (odds ratio: 5.8; 95% confidence interval: 3.1-10.7; P < 0.001). Out of the 61 participants who took part in the survey conducted in Spanish, only 26% reported ever having an HIV test. Additionally, 24.5% stated that they had discussed their sexual orientation with a doctor, and only 8.2% had undergone HIV testing. Spanish-speaking adolescents who completed the SMART survey were less likely to openly discuss their sexual orientation or sexual health with most people or have a doctor with whom they discussed these topics, compared to those who completed the survey in English. These findings suggest that Spanish-speaking adolescent LMSM may face obstacles in accessing HIV prevention services in the U.S.

RESUMEN: Los adolescentes latinos hombres que tienen sexo con otros hombres (LHSH) tienen mayor probabilidad de recibir tratamiento para el VIH más tarde en comparación con todos los casos nuevos del VIH en los Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, se ha estudiado muy poco sus prácticas de prevención de VIH o prácticas de riesgo, que similar a la de jóvenes no latinos, es determinada por múltiples factores. En este estudio describimos las tasas de pruebas para el VIH e identificamos los factores lingüísticos, individuales, familiares, escolares y de cuidado de salud que influencian a los adolescentes LHSH. Los datos provinieron de la evaluación inicial para SMART, un ensayo práctico de una intervención en línea para prevenir el VIH entre adolescentes LHSH (N = 524). Las medidas incluían la experiencia de hacerse la prueba del VIH a lo largo de la vida, factores de aculturación, datos demográficos, prácticas sexuales, educación sobre el VIH en la escuela y el hogar, comunicación sobre salud sexual con los médicos, conocimiento sobre el VIH y actitudes de riesgo. Solo 35.5% de los participantes se han realizado la prueba de VIH al menos una vez en su vida. La tasa de pruebas del VIH fue más alta entre los adolescentes LHSH que indicaron haber hablado con su médico sobre su salud sexual (odds ratio: 4.0; intervalo de confianza del 95%: 2.1­8.4; P < 0.001) o de la prueba del VIH (odds ratio: 5.8; intervalo de confianza del 95%: 3.1­10.7; P < 0.001). Más de 60 participantes completaron la encuesta en español. De estos, pocos reportaron alguna vez haberse hecho la prueba del HIV (26%), tener un médico con quien hablar sobre su orientación sexual (24.5%) o hablar sobre la prueba del VIH (8.2%). Estas cifras son significativamente más bajas que las obtenidas en la encuesta en inglés. Este estudio es uno de los primeros en evaluar los factores para hacerse la prueba del VIH entre adolescentes latinos que hablan inglés y español con edades entre 13 y 18 años. Los adolescentes latinos que completaron SMART en español tuvieron menos probabilidad de haber compartido sobre su orientación sexual con la mayoría de las personas o tener un médico con quien hablar sobre su orientación sexual o su salud sexual, en comparación con aquellos que completaron SMART en inglés, lo que sugiere que los jóvenes latinos que prefieren comunicarse en español pueden experimentar mayores barreras para acceder a los servicios de prevención del VIH en los Estados Unidos.

The association between egocentric sexual networks and sexual meeting venues with PrEP conversation and encouragement for use among Latinx men who have sex with men.

Despite the increasing availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Latinx men who have sex with men (LMSM) are not receiving PrEP-related information. To understand the influence of LMSM sexual networks on PrEP-related conversations and encouragement to use PrEP, this cross-sectional egocentric network study characterized the PrEP-related communication of 130 LMSM egos with 507 sexual partners (alters). Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling methods from a Miami-Dade County community-health organization. Egocentric-level data were collected from 2018-2019 and analyzed using multilevel modeling. Of egos, 30% reported using PrEP. Closeness between participants and sexual partners played a role in PrEP conversation and encouragement. Participants believed they would have less success convincing sexual partners to use PrEP if partners were older. Participants perceived higher likelihood to talk about PrEP or success in encouraging alters to use PrEP if, relative to meeting sexual partners on Grindr, they met at a friend's party, gay-centric community event, or school/work. Given that increased closeness and in-person sexual partner meeting venues are associated with PrEP information dissemination and encouragement, social network-based interventions can capitalize on PrEP navigators who run network visualizations, and with this information develop a longitudinal plan to increase PrEP conversation and encouragement as needed for each network.

Improving HIV medical care engagement by attending to status disclosure and social support.

Expeditious linkage and consistent engagement in medical care is important for people with HIV's (PWH) health. One theory on fostering linkage and engagement involves HIV status disclosure to mobilize social support. To assess disclosure and social support's association with linkage and engagement, we conducted a qualitative study sampling black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM of color) in the U.S. Participants' narratives presented mixed results. For instance, several participants who reported delaying, inconsistent access, or detachment from care also reported disclosing for support purposes, yet sporadic engagement suggests that their disclosure or any subsequent social support have not assisted. The findings contribute to the literature that questions disclosure and social support's influence on care engagement, especially when decontextualized from circumstances and intentions. Our findings suggest the mechanics of disclosure and social support require planned implementation if intending to affect outcomes, especially among MSM of color. From the findings, we explore steps that may bolster interventions seeking to anchor medical care engagement.

Acculturation as a Moderator of HIV Risk Behavior Correlates Among Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Acculturation is associated with increased sexual risk behaviors among heterosexual Latinos, but its influence among Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) remains less clear. Elements of acculturation may create distinct lived experiences among sexual minority Latinos, moderating how beneficial and adverse influences contribute to their sexual risk behaviors. Latino MSM living in New York City (n = 412) were recruited using a modified time-space venue- and web-based sampling method. Negative binomial regression models estimated associations between indicators of acculturation (i.e., language use, nativity status, ethnic identification), sexual minority stressors (i.e., internalized homophobia, sexual orientation-based discrimination), peer condom use norms, and the number of serodiscordant condomless anal intercourse (SDCAI) encounters. Acculturation indicators were then tested as simultaneous moderators of the influence of each predictor variable on the outcome. The association between internalized homophobia and SDCAI was significant only among English language speakers (aIRR = 3.05 [2.13, 4.37]) and those born outside of the U.S. (foreign-born = 0, aIRR = 0.17 [0.08, 0.36]). Sexual orientation-based discrimination and SDCAI were also positively associated among both English-speaking (aIRR = 1.82 [1.22, 2.72]) and foreign-born men (aIRR = 0.34 [0.14, 0.84]). Stronger ethnic identification also moderated the protective effects of peer condom use norms on SDCAI (aIRR = 0.28 [0.15, 0.52]). Results suggest that different dimensions of acculturation help shape how both stressors and protective factors influence HIV risk among Latino MSM. Future research is needed to examine the mechanisms through which these differences in acculturation may act on sexual risk behaviors among Latino MSM.

"We have a stronger survival mode": exploring knowledge gaps and culturally sensitive messaging of PrEP among Latino men who have sex with men and Latina transgender women in Los Angeles, CA.

Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM) and Latina transgender women (LTGW) often lack access to HIV prevention information and strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We explored knowledge gaps and culturally sensitive messaging about PrEP among HIV-negative LMSM and LTGW in Los Angeles. We recruited participants from a Latinx LGBT community-based organization. We conducted nine focus groups (n = 91 participants) with 52 LMSM and 39 LTGW. We used a rapid assessment process to create narrative reports that we analyzed using thematic analysis. Key quotes were transcribed verbatim; they were reviewed by the team, then uploaded to Dedoose to identify themes across sites and between groups. Three themes emerged for both LMSM and LTGW: knowledge gaps regarding PrEP remain; people who have knowledge about PrEP often served as its champions; highlighting positive aspects of culture could help improve PreP's uptake and sustained use. Only LMSM worried that PrEP could impact condom use. Some issues were more pronounced among LTGW (e.g., more limited access to PrEP); others were unique to LTGW (e.g., worry about drug-hormones interactions). Collaborative research, programs, and policies, informed by LMSM and LTGW themselves, are needed to narrow existing knowledge gaps and promote PrEP uptake and sustained utilization.

HIV/AIDS stigma among a sample of primarily African-American and Latino men who have sex with men social media users.

The recent increase in social media use allows these technologies to rapidly reach communities with higher HIV prevalence, such as African-American and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). However, no studies have looked at HIV/AIDS stigma among social media users from African-American and Latino MSM communities, or the association between stigma and social media use among these groups. This study sought to assess the level of HIV/AIDS stigma among a sample of social media-using African-American and Latino MSM from Los Angeles. A total of 112 (primarily African-American and Latino, n = 98, 88%) MSM Facebook users completed a survey on demographics, online social network use, and HIV/AIDS stigma. A composite stigma score was created by taking the cumulative score from a 15-item stigma questionnaire. Cumulative logistic models were used to assess the association between HIV/AIDS stigma and online social network use. In general, participants reported a low level of HIV/AIDS stigma (mean = 22.2/75, SD = 5.74). HIV/AIDS stigma composite score was significantly associated with increased time spent on online social networks each day (Adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.15). Among this diverse sample of MSM online social network users, findings suggest that HIV/AIDS stigma is associated with usage of social media. We discuss the implications of this work for future HIV prevention.

Still a hard-to-reach population? Using social media to recruit Latino gay couples for an HIV intervention adaptation study.

BACKGROUND: Online social networking use has increased rapidly among African American and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM), making it important to understand how these technologies can be used to reach, retain, and maintain individuals in care and promote health wellness. In particular, the Internet is increasingly recognized as a platform for health communication and education. However, little is known about how primarily Spanish-speaking populations use and engage with each other through social media platforms. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to recruit eligible couples for a study to adapt "Connect 'n Unite" (an HIV prevention intervention initially created for black gay couples) for Spanish-speaking Latino gay couples living in New York City. METHODS: In order to successfully design and implement an effective social media recruitment campaign to reach Spanish-speaking Latino gay couples for our ongoing "Latinos en Pareja" study, our community stakeholders and research team used McGuire's communication/persuasion matrix. The matrix guided our research, specifically each marketing "channel", targeted "message", and target population or "receiver". We developed a social media recruitment protocol and trained our research staff and stakeholders to conduct social media recruitment. RESULTS: As a result, in just 1 month, we recruited all of our subjects (N=14 couples, that is, N=28 participants) and reached more than 35,658 participants through different channels. One of the major successes of our social media recruitment campaign was to build a strong stakeholder base that became involved early on in all aspects of the research process-from pilot study writing and development to recruitment and retention. In addition, the variety of "messages" used across different social media platforms (including Facebook, the "Latinos en Pareja" study website, Craigslist, and various smartphone applications such as Grindr, SCRUFF, and Jack'd) helped recruit Latino gay couples. We also relied on a wide range of community-based organizations across New York City to promote the study and build in the social media components. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating communication technologies into the recruitment and engagement of participants in HIV interventions. Particularly, the success of our social media recruitment strategy with Spanish-speaking Latino MSM shows that this population is not particularly "hard to reach", as it is often characterized within public health literature.

Using the Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (MIPA) Framework to Assess the Engagement of Sexual Minority Men of Color in the US HIV Response: a Literature Review.

Black and Latino sexual minority men (SMM) continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV. We utilized eight components of the Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (MIPA) framework to assess the engagement of Black and Latino SMM. Thirty-six (36) studies were included in the literature review. Forty-two percent of studies were Black SMM-specific, followed by Latino SMM-specific (31%) studies. Twenty-eight percent of studies were conducted among both groups. Most studies (72%) were intervention-related and focused on HIV prevention. The top five most common methods of community engagement were focus groups (39%), followed by interviews (36%), community-based participatory research (14%), the utilization of community advisory boards or peer mentorship (11%), and the establishment of multi-stakeholder coalitions, observations, or surveys (8%). We documented at least 7 MIPA components in 47% of the included studies. Community-based participatory research was more commonly utilized to engage Latino SMM. Researchers were more likely to initiate the engagement across all included studies. Few studies documented how Black and Latino SMM perceived the engagement. Engagement responsiveness was a well-documented MIPA component. In terms of engagement power dynamics, there were several examples of power imbalances, especially among Black SMM-specific studies. The inclusion of Black and Latino SMM had robust impacts on HIV research and interventions. There were limited examples of engagement capacity and maintenance. This is one of the first studies focused on utilizing MIPA to document the engagement of SMM of color. MIPA served as a useful framework for understanding the engagement of SMM of color in the US HIV response. The engagement of SMM of color is critical to reducing health inequities.

Barriers and Facilitators for Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence Among HIV-Positive African American and Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Some Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV do not take antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted semistructured interviews with 84 adult, Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino MSM with HIV to understand ART barriers and facilitators. We used chi-square statistics to identify factors associated with ART use (p ≤ .05), and selected illustrative quotes. Over half (51.2%) said they followed their doctor's instructions; however, only 27.4% reported consistently taking ART. Some men delayed ART until overcoming diagnosis denial or becoming very sick. ART use was facilitated by encouragement from others, treatment plans, side effect management, lab test improvements, pill-taking reminders, and convenient care facilities that provide "one-stop shop" services. Men were more likely to take ART when having providers who communicated effectively and were perceived to treat them with respect. Healthcare personnel can use our findings to strengthen services for MSM of color.

Barriers and Facilitators for Clinical Care Engagement Among HIV-Positive African American and Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Achieving optimal health among people living with HIV (PLWH) requires linkage to clinical care upon diagnosis, followed by ongoing engagement in HIV clinical care. A disproportionate number of black/African American and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV do not, however, achieve ongoing care. We conducted semistructured interviews in 2014 with 84 urban black/African American and Hispanic/Latino MSM living with HIV to understand their barriers and facilitators to engagement. We classified men as care-engaged or not at the time of the interview, and conducted content analysis of the interview transcripts to identify barriers and facilitators to engagement. Respondent mean age was 42.4 years (range, 20-59). Over half (59.5%, n = 50) were black/African American. Slightly more than a third (38.1%, n = 32) reported not being continuously care-engaged since diagnosis, and 17.9% (n = 15) delayed entry, although they have subsequently entered and remained in care. Sustained engagement began with overcoming denial after diagnosis and having treatment plans, as well as having conveniently located care facilities. Engagement also was facilitated by services tailored to meet multiple patient needs, effective patient-provider communication, and providers who show empathy and respect for their patients. Respondents were less likely to be care-engaged when these factors were absent. It can be difficult for racial and ethnic minority MSM living with HIV to begin and sustain care engagement. To optimize care engagement, our findings underscore the value of (1) convenient multipurpose HIV care facilities that meet patient needs; (2) excellent provider-patient communication that reinforces respect, trust, and HIV treatment literacy; and (3) assisting PLWH to create personalized treatment plans and overcome possible challenges such as diagnosis denial.

Adaptation of a Couple-Based HIV/STI Prevention Intervention for Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men in New York City.

Predominantly Spanish-speaking Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) and their same-sex partners continue to be at high risk for HIV and STIs. Behavioral research has identified how relationship dynamics for male couples are associated with sexual risk behavior. Connect 'n Unite (CNU), an evidence-based HIV/STI prevention intervention originally created for Black MSM and their same-sex partners, was adapted for predominantly Spanish-speaking Latino MSM and their same-sex partners on the assumption that its key elements would be translatable while its efficacy would be retained. A systematic adaptation process utilizing qualitative methods was used, including intervention adaptation sessions with 20 predominantly Spanish-speaking Latino gay couples and 10 health service providers. The process included five steps: (1) engaging community stakeholders, (2) capturing the lived experiences of Latino gay couples, (3) identifying intervention priorities, (4) integrating the original intervention's social cognitive theory into a relationship-oriented, ecological framework for Latino gay couples, and (5) adapting intervention activities and materials. The adapted intervention, which we called Latinos en Pareja or Latinos in a Relationship, incorporates elements that effective HIV prevention interventions share, including: a solid theoretical foundation; emphasis on increasing risk reduction norms, sexual communication skills and social support for protection; and guidance on how to utilize available, culturally and linguistically appropriate services. The systematic adaptation approach used for a couples-based HIV prevention intervention also can be employed by other researchers and community stakeholders to adapt evidence-based interventions that promote wellness, linkage to care, and disease prevention for populations not originally targeted.

Syndemic factors associated with adult sexual HIV risk behaviors in a sample of Latino men who have sex with men in New York City.

OBJECTIVE: Syndemic theory has been proposed as a framework for understanding the role of multiple risk factors driving the HIV epidemic among sexual and gender minority individuals. As yet, the framework has been relatively absent in research on Latinos/as. METHODS: We used logistic regression to assess relationships among cumulative syndemic conditions - including clinically significant depression, high-risk alcohol consumption, discrimination, and childhood sexual abuse - engagement with multiple partners and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in a sample of 176 Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) in New York City. RESULTS: In bivariate analyses, an increase in the number of syndemic factors experienced was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting multiple partners and CAI. In multivariable analyses, participants with 2, 3, and 4 factors were significantly more likely to report multiple partners than those with 0 (aOR=4.66, 95% CI [1.29, 16.85); aOR=7.28, 95% CI [1.94, 27.28] and aOR=8.25, 95% CI [1.74, 39.24] respectively; p<0.05. Regarding CAI, only participants with 3 and 4 factors differed from those with 0 aOR=7.35, 95% CI [1.64, 32.83] and OR=8.06, 95% CI [1.39, 46.73] respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive approaches that address syndemic factors, and capitalize on resiliency, are needed to address the sexual health needs of Latino MSM.