What do Latino male health advisors do? Findings from the Latino Partnership Study

Background: With pilot data suggesting the potential effectiveness of a lay health advisor (LHA) intervention to increase condom use and HIV testing among heterosexually active immigrant Latino men, we explored process data collected from LHAs to characterize their work.

Methods: Ten immigrant Latino men from 10 separate soccer teams were trained in the 3 roles of LHAs: health advisors, opinion leaders, and community advocates. They were trained to utilize the “ask-assist-advice” model and work within the existing social network of their soccer teams. Low-literacy Activity Logs completed monthly by each LHA documented their formal and informal activities. They held monthly meetings to share experiences and problem solve during implementation.

Results: The mean age of the 10 LHAs was 33 (range: 28-42) years. LHAs reported a mean number of 10 activities/month. Mean number of attendees at each activity was 4 (range: 1-40). Of the total 1,200 activities that the LHAs reported engaging in during the 12-month implementation period, 58% included individuals outside their soccer teams. Of the activities identified, nearly 80% of activities included condom distribution; 40% included sexual risk reduction; 33% correct condom use; and 25% included help with sexual problems. Referrals to health departments, community-based organizations, and other providers were infrequent. Most activities targeted other men although 11% of activities included women.

Conclusions: Latino male LHAs can be an effective strategy to reach other men for condom distribution and to teach them the correct use of condoms. Further training may be warranted to increase LHA impact.