HoMBReS-2: A small group HIV prevention intervention for heterosexual Latino men in rural NC

Background: Latinos in the US have been disproportionately affected by HIV. The primary objective of this ongoing study is to refine, implement, and evaluate an intervention to reduce sexual risk among Latino men in central North Carolina, USA, using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach.

Methods: Using an iterative process, a co-learning partnership of community members and researchers developed a multi-session small-group intervention known as: HoMBReS-2. HoMBReS-2 is based on social cognitive theory and empowerment education. It is designed to increase awareness of HIV; provide information on STDs, modes of transmission, signs and symptoms, and local testing and treatment options; change health-compromising norms of what it means to be an immigrant Latino man; and increase the use of condoms and healthcare services.

Four Latino peer educators known as "companeros de salud" have been trained and, along with the project coordinator, have completed 6 cohorts of each group. 78 men have been randomized to the intervention group and 63 have been randomized to the cancer-education comparison group.

Results: Of the 141 participants, mean age was 31.27 (range: 18- 66) years. About three-fourths reported being originally from Mexico; others reported being from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Nearly half reported educational attainment of 6 grades or fewer. Acculturation was low. Knowledge of HIV and STD transmission and prevention was low.

Conclusions: An urgent need exists to address the health issues facing newly-arrived immigrants through authentic participatory approaches. The developmental process and preliminary implementation and evaluation of the HoMBReS-2 intervention will be presented.