Prevention Strategies for HIV Among At-risk Latinos

Recruiting at 2 trial locations

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Medical College of Wisconsin

Disqualifiers: Cis-gender female, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 10

456 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment HIV counseling and testing, Network intervention for preventing HIV among at-risk Latinos?

Research shows that personalized cognitive counseling, a form of HIV counseling, effectively reduced risky sexual behavior among men of color, including Latinos. This suggests that similar counseling approaches could be beneficial in preventing HIV in at-risk Latino populations. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is HIV counseling and testing safe for humans?

The research indicates that HIV counseling and testing, including rapid testing strategies, are generally safe and well-accepted among Latino communities, with no specific safety concerns reported in the studies. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

How does the treatment 'HIV counseling and testing, Network intervention' differ from other treatments for HIV prevention among at-risk Latinos?

This treatment is unique because it focuses on culturally tailored behavioral interventions, emphasizing community and relationship dynamics, which are particularly effective for Latino populations. It incorporates elements like increasing risk reduction norms and sexual communication skills, and it is adapted to be culturally and linguistically appropriate, unlike standard medical treatments that may not address these specific cultural factors. ^{1 5 9 10 11}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study is a randomized controlled trial that evaluates the efficacy of a network intervention to promote regular HIV testing and prevention (risk reduction and PrEP awareness and referrals) among friendship networks of Latino men who have sex with men and transwomen (LMSMT) in three mid sized Midwestern cities.

Research Team

Laura R Glasman

Principal Investigator

Medical College of Wisconsin

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Latino men who have sex with men and transwomen over 18 years old, living in Milwaukee, Cleveland, or Indianapolis. Participants must be able to consent and belong to a network where at least 80% are of Latinx descent. Cisgender females and those not identifying as homosexual or bisexual cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Additional inclusion criteria for networks: 80% or more of the network is of Latinx descent.

I am a Latinx man who has sex with men or a transgender woman, and I am 18 or older.

Can provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

Cannot provide consent.

I am a cisgender female.

I do not identify as homosexual or bisexual nor have sex with men.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive a network intervention to promote regular HIV testing and prevention

4 sessions

4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for regular HIV testing and prevention behaviors

18 months

Assessments at 6, 12, and 18 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• HIV counseling and testing
• Network intervention

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of HIV prevention strategies among friendship networks through regular testing, risk reduction counseling, PrEP awareness, and referrals. It's a randomized controlled trial comparing these interventions within selected communities.

Participant Groups

Group I: Standard of Care plus Network Intervention Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Network intervention

Group II: Standard of Care Active Control 1 Intervention

HIV counseling and testing

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Medical College of Wisconsin

Lead Sponsor

Trials

645

Recruited

1,180,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Findings from Research

The study identified key sociocultural factors influencing HIV risk among adult Latino men, highlighting barriers to healthcare access and the impact of traditional masculinity on risk behaviors.

Engaging Latino soccer leagues as social networks presents a promising strategy for developing targeted interventions to promote health and reduce sexual risk, addressing a population often overlooked by standard HIV prevention programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring Latino men's HIV risk using community-based participatory research. Rhodes, SD., Eng, E., Hergenrather, KC., et al.[2022]

The 'Connect 'n Unite' intervention was successfully adapted for predominantly Spanish-speaking Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) and their partners, ensuring that its key elements remained effective while being culturally relevant.

The adaptation process involved qualitative methods and community engagement, resulting in a new intervention called 'Latinos en Pareja' that focuses on enhancing sexual communication, risk reduction norms, and access to culturally appropriate health services.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adaptation of a Couple-Based HIV/STI Prevention Intervention for Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men in New York City. Martinez, O., Wu, E., Frasca, T., et al.[2021]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring Latino men's HIV risk using community-based participatory research. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Barriers and facilitators to PrEP use and HIV testing for subgroups of Latino sexual minority men. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of personalized cognitive counseling in men of color who have sex with men: secondary data analysis from a controlled intervention trial. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Engaging Latino sexual minority men in PrEP and behavioral health care: multilevel barriers, facilitators, and potential implementation strategies. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors of HIV testing among Latinos in Baltimore City. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and acceptability of door-to-door rapid HIV testing among latino immigrants and their HIV risk factors in North Carolina. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Disparities in access to HIV prevention among men of Mexican descent living in the Midwestern United States. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Identifying opportunities to increase HIV testing among mexican migrants: a call to step up efforts in health care and detention settings. [2019]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review and meta-analysis of behavioral interventions to reduce HIV risk behaviors of Hispanics in the United States and Puerto Rico. [2021]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adaptation of a Couple-Based HIV/STI Prevention Intervention for Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men in New York City. [2021]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Summary of comments and recommendations from the CDC consultation on the HIV/AIDS Epidemic and prevention in the Hispanic/Latino community. [2021]