Latino Partnership: A CBPR approach to reducing HIV risk among immigrant Latino men

Background: The objectives of this ongoing study are to revise, implement, and evaluate an intervention to reduce sexual risk among members of adult male Latino soccer leagues, using a community-based participatory research (CBPR).

Methods: Using an iterative process, a CBPR partnership systematically revised and finalized a multi-level intervention known as: HoMBReS: Hombres Manteniendo Bienestar y Relaciones Saludables. This theoretically-sound intervention has preliminary evidence of effectiveness and incorporates natural helping, social cognitive theory, and empowerment education.

This study uses a quasi-experimental delayed-intervention comparison group design. In wave one, 10 lay health advisors known as "Navegantes" have been trained from 10 different teams to serve as: sexual health advisors, opinion leaders, and community activists to promote condom use and HIV testing. Five teams are in an urban setting and five teams are in a rural setting. Quantitative baseline data have been collected from 12 members of the 10 intervention teams (n=121).

Results: The refined intervention focuses on partnership priorities: increasing awareness of the magnitude of HIV and STD infection among Latinos in the US and NC; providing information on types of infections, modes of transmission, signs and symptoms, and local counseling, testing, care, and treatment options; increasing condom use; changing health-compromising norms and expectations of what it means to be an immigrant Latino man; and increasing the use of healthcare services.

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