Title

Adaptation of a Couple-Based HIV/STI Prevention Intervention for Latino men who have Sex with Men in New York City

Authors

Omar Martinez, Columbia University
Elwin Wu, Columbia University
Timothy Frasca, New York State Psychiatric Institute
Andrew Zach Schultz, New York State Psychiatric Institute
M. Isabel Fernandez, Southeastern University
Javier López Rios, New York State Psychiatric Institute
Hugo Ovejero, Latino Commission on AIDS
Eva Moya, University of Texas at El Paso
Silvia Chavez Baray, University of Texas at El Paso
Jonathan Capote, AIDS International
Columbia University, Columbia University
Chukwuemeka O. Anyamele, New York State Psychiatric Institute
Jonathan López Matos, CHEST
John Satchel Horatio Page, Columbia University
Alex Carballo-Diéguez, New York State Psychiatric Institute
Theo G. M. Sandfort, New York State Psychiatric Institute

Publication Date

Fall 4-5-2015

Document Type

Article

Comments

Volume: 11 issue: 2, page(s): 181-195 Article first published online: April 5, 2015; Issue published: March 1, 2017

https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988315579195

Abstract

Predominantly Spanish-speaking Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) and their same-sex partners continue to be at high risk for HIV and STIs. Behavioral research has identified how relationship dynamics for male couples are associated with sexual risk behavior. Connect ‘n Unite (CNU), an evidence-based HIV/STI prevention intervention originally created for Black MSM and their same-sex partners, was adapted for predominantly Spanish-speaking Latino MSM and their same-sex partners on the assumption that its key elements would be translatable while its efficacy would be retained. A systematic adaptation process utilizing qualitative methods was used, including intervention adaptation sessions with 20 predominantly Spanish-speaking Latino gay couples and 10 health service providers. The process included five steps: (1) engaging community stakeholders, (2) capturing the lived experiences of Latino gay couples, (3) identifying intervention priorities, (4) integrating the original intervention’s social cognitive theory into a relationship-oriented, ecological framework for Latino gay couples, and (5) adapting intervention activities and materials. The adapted intervention, which we called Latinos en Pareja or Latinos in a Relationship, incorporates elements that effective HIV prevention interventions share, including: a solid theoretical foundation; emphasis on increasing risk reduction norms, sexual communication skills and social support for protection; and guidance on how to utilize available, culturally and linguistically appropriate services. The systematic adaptation approach used for a couples-based HIV prevention intervention also can be employed by other researchers and community stakeholders to adapt evidence-based interventions that promote wellness, linkage to care, and disease prevention for populations not originally targeted.