In 2014, Black/African-American and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (BLMSM) comprised 64.1% of HIV diagnoses among MSM in the U.S. Routine HIV testing allows earlier diagnosis, linkage to care, and improved health outcomes. HIV testing campaigns may increase HIV awareness and testing behaviors, but perceptions of these campaigns by BLMSM have been understudied. We explored perceptions of HIV testing campaigns with BLMSM in New York City (NYC) to inform campaign strategies that target BLMSM for HIV testing. Using respondent-driven sampling methods, we conducted semi-structured interviews from 2011 to 2012 with BLMSM in NYC who participated in a larger HIV research study. Interview responses from 108 participants were examined for main themes using computer-assisted thematic analyses. The four main themes identified were that HIV testing campaigns should: (1) use non-stereotypical messages and images on the basis of race and sexuality, (2) use non-gay identified images, (3) be maximally inclusive and visible, and (4) raise risk perception of HIV. These findings can inform future campaigns for strengthening HIV testing among BLMSM in support of earlier diagnosis, linkage to care, and reduced disparities.

This paper describes the Internet adaptation of an evidenced-based intervention for Hispanic families, eHealth Familias Unidas, and explores whether an Internet-based format is feasible and acceptable to Hispanic families. Core intervention components from the evidence-based intervention, Familias Unidas, were transposed into a video format and edited for content. Additionally, interactive exercises and a soap opera series were incorporated to reinforce intervention content and optimize participant engagement and retention. To understand the feasibility and acceptability of eHealth Familias Unidas, we conducted a pilot study and examined findings from: (1) session completion rates for both e-parent group sessions and family sessions (n = 23 families); and (2) qualitative data collected from Hispanic parents (n = 29) that received the eHealth intervention. Engagement and attendance in the intervention showed that 83% of families engaged in the intervention and that there was an overall session completion rate of 78%. Qualitative interviews were conducted mid and post intervention with a combined total of 29 participants. A general inductive approach was used to derive themes from the collected data. Overall, parents expressed positive feedback in regards to the intervention and stated that there were multiple lessons learned from participating in eHealth Familias Unidas. Findings indicate that an Internet-based family intervention is not only feasible and acceptable for Hispanic families, but also offers a viable option to ameliorate barriers to participation and implementation of preventive interventions.

The southern United States accounted for 52% of new HIV diagnoses in 2015. Visits to primary care providers (PCPs) offer opportunities for routine HIV screening. However, of at-risk persons in the United States who visited a health care provider within the previous year, >75% were not offered a test for HIV. Perceptions of patient population risk by PCPs could offer insight into these missed opportunities, and inform development of HIV testing interventions for PCPs to increase routine screening. During April-October 2017, we conducted online surveys regarding PCP's perceptions of patient HIV risk in six areas of the South with high-HIV prevalence. Surveys queried HIV-related knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Free-text responses to the question ''Are there any unique or special risk factors relating to HIV infection in your patient population?'' were analyzed using NVivo for applied thematic analysis. Of 526 respondents, the mean age was 47 years with 65% white, 13% Asian/other, 13% black, 6% Hispanic/Latino; 71% female; 93% straight/heterosexual; and 35% offered HIV screening correctly based on standard of care. Main themes revealed were as follows: (1) provider perceptions of patient risk factors (e.g., ''injection drug use is rampant''), (2) provider perceptions of patient barriers to access and care (e.g., ''concern for parental notification and cost for treatment''), and (3) provider misconceptions of HIV risk and patient stigmatization (e.g., ''I have a low-risk population''). Our findings suggest that PCPs in the South may warrant education regarding local HIV prevalence and routine HIV screening and prevention practices.

The influence of religion and spirituality (R/S) on HIV prevention has been understudied, especially for Black and/or Latino men who have sex with men (BLMSM), who bear a disproportionate burden of HIV, and who are part of racial/ethnic communities with high engagement in R/S. The specific aim of this study was to explore perspectives about R/S among BLMSM to inform HIV prevention strategies and reduce HIV-related health disparities. Data from 105 qualitative interviews with BLMSM were analyzed; 58 (55%) stated that R/S had no personal influence on HIV prevention. For those reporting any R/S influence, main themes were: (1) R/S positively influenced decision-making and self-respect, (2) perceived judgment and stigma by religious communities, (3) belief in a higher power, and (4) altruism. These findings can inform faith-based HIV prevention interventions for BLMSM.