Proyecto Compadre: Using Implementation Science to Tailor Peer Navigation for Latino Men in the US–Mexico Border Region
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) in San Diego have poor HIV testing and prevention outcomes compared with non-Latino White men. Peer navigation (PN) is a promising evidence-based intervention to reduce disparities but needs tailoring for Latino MSM. SETTINGS: Health centers near the US-Mexico border. METHODS: Using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment Framework, we conducted mixed-methods implementation science study. In phase I, we conducted interviews with Latino men (n = 15), focus groups with staff (n = 7), and surveys with all to understand the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment factors associated with HIV testing and care linkage. In phase II, we conducted 31 web-based surveys with Latino men and staff to rank intervention and implementation strategies from phase I. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, integrated with qualitative data, and reviewed by our community-academic partnership to develop an implementation model. RESULTS: Latino men (N = 15) were 94% Spanish speaking, 67% gay identified, 27% US born, and their suggestions were to have navigators use peer referral to address barriers such as stigma; use the Latino social network to expand reach, leverage social media for peer-led intervention, and disseminate HIV information. Staff (N = 26) were 77% Spanish speaking, 35% gay-identified, 96% trained in cultural competency, and suggested including culturally appropriate HIV educational materials in Spanish, status and identity neutral programs, administrative/supervisorial/training structure for PNs, and PN compensation and team integration. Overall, results emphasized a need for a formalized PN model centered on referrals and using existing Latino community social networks. CONCLUSIONS: Findings can be packaged for future implementation of PN programs for Latino MSM.
Institutions: University of California San Diego, San Ysidro Health
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: Refining and Implementing Technology-Enhanced Family Navigation to Promote Early Access and Engagement with Mental Health Services for Youth with Autism, G355314674, G4194558336, Adapting and Implementing an Integrated Care Model for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Psychiatric Comorbidity, SALUD: Syndemic Alcohol Use Disorders, Violence, and HIV/STI in Young Latino Men, UC San Diego Clinical and Translational Research Institute, San Diego Center for AIDS Research (SD CFAR)
OpenAlex ID: W4282963992