Adaptation and Pilot Evaluation of an Intervention Addressing the Sexual Health Needs of Gay Men Living with HIV Infection in Colombia

Abstract

Interventions addressing the sexual health need of HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Latin America are scarce. We adapted and evaluated GPS, a group-based intervention led by peers, developed using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral (IMB) model and motivational interviewing (MI). We used McKleroy et al framework to culturally adapt GPS to MSM living with HIV infection in Colombia. Then, a one-armed pilot trial examined changes in depressive symptoms, loneliness, self-efficacy for engaging in sexual risk reduction behaviors, sexual sensation seeking and sexual compulsivity at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. These results were complemented with semistructured interviews with participants 3 months after the intervention. GPS was identified to be culturally acceptable with few changes in materials and exercises. Facilitators showed high levels of adherence and fidelity to MI principles. Seven of 11 eligible participants finished the intervention; GPS positively influenced self-efficacy for condom negotiation, depressive symptoms, and condomless anal sex with partners of unknown HIV status. Exit interviews revealed that GPS was well-designed, relevant, facilitated discussion of sex in a nonjudgmental manner, and helped make positive changes in participants’ sexual lives. These results provided preliminary evidence of an intervention to address sexual and mental health of MSM living with HIV in Latin America.

Scales to Assess Knowledge, Motivation, and Self-Efficacy for HIV PrEP in Colombian MSM: PrEP-COL Study

“…Barriers related to PrEP uptake in MSM are also consistent with the IMB model, including lack of knowledge, negative attitudes, lack of selfefficacy, and low motivation due to stigma [12]. Hence, it is a relevant framework for the development of behavioural interventions for populations at risk of HIV infection and in need of PrEP [12][13][14].…”

The Situated Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills Model of HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Persons Living With HIV in Haiti: A Qualitative Study Incorporating Culture and Context

“…Our study contributes to the broader literature on social and cultural factors influencing ART adherence and retention (Campbell et al, 2020;Graham et al, 2018;Smith et al, 2012;Starks et al, 2008) and on cultural adaptation of the IMB and sIMB-CIM model to inform intervention design (Alvarado et al, 2021;Aunon et al, 2020;Jacobs et al, 2014;Rongkavilit et al, 2010). Culturally diverse adaptations of the IMB/sIMB-CIM framework have highlighted health system and social constraints to accessing care services (Graham et al, 2018;Starks et al, 2008).…”