In 2009 Latinos represented 16% of the
U.S. population but 20% of all new HIV infections. Latino men
accounted for 79% of all new HIV infections among Latinos, and
male-to-male sexual contact accounted for 81% of new infections
among Latino males. Despite the high levels of HIV/STD infection
risk that affect Latino men who have sex with men (MSM), no
efficacious behavioral interventions are available to prevent
HIV/STD infection among them. There is an urgent need for
efficacious, culturally congruent prevention interventions for
Latino MSM. This study is using a randomized controlled trial
design to collect data needed to assess the efficacy of the
Spanish-language, small-group HOLA en Grupos intervention compared
to a general health comparison intervention. HOLA en Grupos is
designed to increase participants' consistent and correct condom
use, HIV testing and receipt of test results, decrease unprotected
anal and vaginal sex with partners of unknown HIV serostatus or
with HIV-positive partners and the numbers of their sexual
partners, and increased discussion with their sexual partner about
risk reduction. Latino MSM in rural central North Carolina are
being recruited to the study. HOLA en Grupos will be delivered to
25 participants who are randomly assigned to the intervention
condition during four 4-hour sessions on four separate days over a
two week period. The general health comparison intervention will be
delivered to 25 participants who are randomly assigned to the
comparison condition during four 4-hour sessions on four separate
days over a two week period. The study is collecting behavioral and
related data from study participants at baseline before the
interventions are delivered and six months later. Eligible
participants are Spanish speaking males 18 years of age or older
who self-identify as Latino or Hispanic, speak Spanish, and have
sex with another man since attaining age 18.
US Code:
42
USC 301 Name of Law: Public Health Service Act
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