The goal of this proposal is to culturally adapt and tailor an existing, theory-based intervention, using state-of-the-art methods designed to maximize cultural sensitivity, feasibility and acceptability to HIV+ Latino MSM, and to test it in a small randomized controlled trial (n=60 intervention; n=60 control).
While early receipt of and adherence to antiretroviral therapy are critical for effective HIV treatment, engagement with and retention in HIV care are essential first steps. Retention in HIV care is particularly important for traditionally disadvantaged groups, such as Latino MSMs, who are over-represented in the HIV epidemic. HIV+ Latino MSM therefore urgently need interventions to improve their retention in HIV care, which may be affected by a number of culture-specific factors. The goal of this proposal is to culturally adapt and tailor an existing, theory-based intervention, using state-of-the-art methods designed to maximize cultural sensitivity, feasibility and acceptability to HIV+ Latino MSM, and to test it in a small randomized controlled trial (n=60 intervention; n=60 control). The study will be conducted among insufficiently retained HIV+ Latino MSM at AltaMed, the largest provider of HIV medical services for Latinos in Los Angeles. The proposed intervention is designed to retain participants in HIV care by addressing barriers to and facilitators of HIV care salient to Latinos, using group-based as well as one-on-one, peer-based learning approaches.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
118
Peer navigators will teach HIV retention and linkage skills and knowledge using group-based as well as one-on-one, peer-based learning approaches.
AltaMed
Los Angeles, California, United States
Retention in care
Retention in care will be assessed through the following measures: HIV medical care visits, ART use, self-reported adherence, acute care utilization, viral load, and health-related quality of life
Time frame: Six month follow up
Intermediate outcome variables
Social support, perceived social norms, retention knowledge, retention self-efficacy, outcome expectations
Time frame: Six month follow up
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