"La Familia" HIV prevention program: a focus on disclosure and family acceptance for Latino immigrant MSM to the USA.
Rita M Melendez, Jorge Zepeda, Rafael Samaniego, Deepalika Chakravarty, Gabriela Alaniz
Author Information
Rita M Melendez: Sexuality Studies Department, Center for Research and Education on Gender and Sexuality, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA, 94103, rita.melendez@gmail.com.
Jorge Zepeda: San Francisco AIDS Foundation, San Francisco, California, EUA.
Rafael Samaniego: Área de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, México.
Deepalika Chakravarty: Sexuality Studies Department, Center for Research and Education on Gender and Sexuality, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, EUA.
Gabriela Alaniz: San Francisco AIDS Foundation, San Francisco, California, EUA.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to pilot test and evaluate a HIV prevention program that used a Freirean approach to engage Latino immigrant MSM (men who have sex with men) on issues of sexual orientation, family acceptance, stigma as well as HIV prevention and sexual risk behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were evaluated using a survey before and after participation in the program and compared to a control group. Focus groups where participants discussed their experiences in the program as well as perceptions of the program were held and analyzed. RESULTS: Survey results indicate that after their participation in the program, participants increased their safer sex behaviors, comfort disclosing their sexual orientation and support from friends. CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevention needs to incorporate cultural, social and structural factors.
