HIV
Conditions
Brief summary
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).
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPeer Navigator Intervention
Peer navigators will teach HIV retention and linkage skills and knowledge using group-based as well as one-on-one, peer-based learning approaches.
Sponsors
University of California, Los Angeles
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
include: 1) being HIV+; 2) \> 18 years old; 3) male; 4) fluent in Spanish; 5) self-identify as having Latino or Hispanic ethnicity; 6) Self-identify as gay or as ever having sex with men; 7) Must have scheduled visit with AltaMed in the prior 12 months and have a) fewer than one visit in the prior four months or b) detectable viral load
Exclusion criteria
include 1) not having a scheduled visit with AltaMed in the prior 12 months and having a) more than one visit in the prior four months or b) undetectable viral load; 2) being unable to give informed consent; 3) Lack of Spanish language skills
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Retention in care | Six month follow up | 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 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate outcome variables | Six month follow up | Social support, perceived social norms, retention knowledge, retention self-efficacy, outcome expectations |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed