Results from a pilot small-group HIV prevention intervention for immigrant Latino men: A community-based participatory research approach

Background: Immigrant Latinos in the US are disproportionately affected by HIV. The objective of this study was to refine, implement, and evaluate an intervention to reduce sexual risk among immigrant Latino men using community-based participatory research.

Methods: A CBPR partnership developed a multi-session, 6-hour small-group intervention known as: HoMBReS-2. HoMBReS-2 was based on social cognitive theory and empowerment education.

Immigrant Latino men in rural NC were randomized to either the intervention condition or a cancer-education comparison condition. The interventions were delivered by 4 trained male Latino peer educators from the community.

Results: Of the 141 participants, mean age was 31.27 (range: 18- 66) years. About three-fourths reported being originally from rural Mexico. Over half reported 6 years of education or fewer. Acculturation was low. Knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention was low. The majority (95.7%) self-identified as heterosexual and 48.2% reported being partnered or married, and of these, 33.3% reported having multiple sexual partners.

Three-month follow-up data were collected from 139 (98.5%) participants. Relative to the comparison condition, participants in the intervention reported using condoms more consistently in the past 3 months (unadjusted analysis, intervention, 58.5% versus comparison, 31.3%; P<.004). Adjusting baseline behaviors, participants in the intervention were more likely to report condom use (adjusted odds ratio=4.04; 95% CI=1.4-11.4; P<.009).

Conclusions: Although further research is needed, interventions for Latino men that are developed in partnership with community members, are led by well trained community members, and are culturally congruent can enhance preventive behaviors and may reduce HIV risk.