Reducing cultural and psychological barriers to Latino enrollment in HIV-prevention counseling: Initial data on an enrollment meta-intervention

Abstract

Aspects of Latino culture (e.g., machismo, marianism) can act as barriers to enrollment in HIV-prevention programs. To lift these barriers, a culturally appropriate meta-intervention was designed to increase intentions to enroll in HIV-prevention counseling by Latinos. Latino participants (N = 41) were recruited from the community and randomly assigned to either an experimental or control meta-intervention condition that varied the introduction to a HIV-prevention counseling program. Following the meta-intervention, participants were issued an invitation to take part in HIV-prevention counseling. The outcome measure was the intention to enroll in a HIV-prevention counseling session. Findings indicated that enrollment intentions were higher in the experimental meta-intervention condition (96%) than in the control meta-intervention condition (53%). In addition, the effects of the meta-intervention were comparable across genders and participant ages. Findings suggest that the use of a culturally appropriate meta-intervention may be an effective strategy for increasing Latino enrollment in HIV-prevention programs. These promising findings warrant further investigation into the efficacy and effectiveness of this meta-intervention.

A meta-intervention to increase completion of an HIV-prevention intervention: Results from a randomized controlled trial in the state of Florida.

“…Additionally, prior work has shown that the mean age of participants enrolling in HIV-prevention intervention programs falls within this range (e.g., Durantini, & Albarracín, 2012; Liu et al, 2014; Wilson, Durantini, Albarracín, Crause & Albarracín, 2013). Despite this age range restriction, we do not believe the generalizability of the studies should be affected, as the meta-interventions used target broad psychological themes, such as seeking self-validation or maximizing objective outcomes, which are not limited to specific age groups.…”

Offending Behavior, Drug Use, and Mental Health Among Foreign-Born versus U.S. Born Latino Criminal Justice Clients

“…Studies on a range of health outcomes have emphasized the importance of culturally competent services [44]. Health interventions that take culture into account, which include nativity, have been found effective in addressing various health outcomes such as smoking [45], HIV prevention [46], and weight loss [47]. Few intervention or health service studies exist that focus on Latino criminal justice clients.…”

Exploring the Efficacy of Social Media Based HIV Prevention Strategies for Hispanic College Students

“…While homophobia and stigma related factors are a challenge for any group in HIV prevention, these challenges are particularly highlighted among Hispanics because of noted cultural concepts that reinforce common barriers to effective HIV prevention. Furthermore, machismo may lead to reluctance of utilizing services as Hispanic men are often reluctant to participate in activities, especially health promotional ones that may challenge their pride or do not reinforce their masculinity (Wilson et al, 2012). If infected with HIV, Hispanic individuals often avoid seeking testing, counseling, or treatment because of the discrimination and shame present, linked to the stigma associated with HIV.…”

“…Marianismo is a term used to identify another gender specific cultural idea that women should be sexually pure and non-confrontational in Hispanic communities (Wilson et al, 2012). This may contribute to the fears of stigma surrounding a woman being viewed as "easy" or may leave a woman disempowered to get tested or ask her partner to do so.…”

“…Fatalismo is the idea that conditions, such as HIV, are inevitable. This is closely tied with religiosity, specifically Catholicism and a "resignation to God's will" (Wilson et al, 2012). Fatalismo may also be associated with a decreased sense of empowerment to seek help (Wilson et al, 2012).…”