Factors associated with latino sexual minority men's likelihood and motivation for obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine: a mixed-methods study.

Minoritized communities are underreached by biomedical interventions, such as the COVID-19 vaccine. This mixed-methods study identified factors associated with vaccine likelihood (VL) and uptake (VU) among 187 Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) in South Florida. Regression models with LASSO variable selection and Classification and Regression Trees (CART) assessed determinants of VL and VU while open-ended questions were evaluated using thematic content analysis. VL (range 1-7; M = 6.00, SD = 1.84) and VU (63.6%) was high. LASSO modeling identified being insured, worrying about others, fear of transmitting COVID-19, and financial stress as the most influential factors for VL; working remotely from home was important for VU. Time (weeks) since addition of COVID-19 vaccination-related questions (December 2nd, 2020) was associated with both outcomes across both modeling techniques. Convergence between data suggests capitalizing on altruistic motivations and improving accessibility to vaccine campaigns are valuable assets to increase LSMM's vaccine confidence.

Addressing COVID-19 Misinformation and Resiliency Among Latinos Living With HIV: Formative Research Guiding the Latinos Unidos Microgame Intervention

Besides the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) itself, the indirect and unprecedented effects of mitigation strategies including shelter-in-place orders and social distancing combined with the widespread COVID “infodemic” disseminated by media interacted synergistically to worsen already compromised mental health outcomes of Latino people living with HIV (PLWH). This funded project directly addresses the sources of health disparity in Miami Dade County: mental health and misinformation by developing a culturally tailored resilience and media literacy intervention for Latinos living with HIV. Extant research on resilience strategies and media literacy skills have documented their effectiveness in assisting individuals make realistic appraisals and informed decisions that could benefit their health outcomes and improve health-related challenges. We utilized a community-based approach by collaborating with two local community partners (Open Arms and Borinquen) and conducting 27 qualitative interviews with Latino PLWH, infectious disease providers, and community health workers who directly informed content of the Latino Unidos microgame intervention. This article describes the formative research process guiding the Latinos Unidos microgame intervention—a three-module gamified intervention. Study outcomes provide the foundation for media and educational strategies that increase adherence to health guidance and enhance mental health responses to adversity as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Latinx Sexual Minority Men's Access to HIV and Behavioral Health Services in South Florida During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study of Barriers, Facilitators, and Innovations.

ABSTRACT: Despite the availability of HIV prevention and treatment tools, HIV disparities continue to affect Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM). Behavioral health concerns further exacerbate HIV disparities among LSMM. This study used rapid qualitative analysis to understand factors influencing LSMM's access to HIV and behavioral health services during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Participants included LSMM with (n = 10) and without HIV (n = 10). The analysis identified 15 themes. Themes revealed that LSMM's access was disrupted by new and worsening barriers resulting from COVID-19, such as anxiety about COVID-19 exposure, confusion and disruptions to services, and new structural challenges. Other themes highlight positive changes, such as telehealth and relaxed clinic protocols, which enhanced LSMM's access to services during COVID-19. The findings suggest the need for HIV and behavioral health clinics to innovate and ensure LSMM's continued access to services during and beyond COVID-19.

Latinx Sexual Minority Men's Behavioral, Psychosocial, and Medical Experiences during COVID-19: Differences across Immigration Statuses.

Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) are at the intersection of two communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. To develop and deploy appropriate resources to support LSMM, it is important to understand the behavioral, psychosocial, and medical experiences of this population during COVID-19, as well as for LSMM of different immigration statuses. The current study uses the Pandemic Stress Index (PSI) to describe LSMM's self-reported behavioral, psychosocial, and medical experiences during COVID-19. Logistic and linear regressions compared experiences during COVID-19 among LSMM across different immigration statuses (recent, established, and US-born as the reference group). LSMM's responses to the PSI indicated they experienced anxiety (64.4%), depression (59.0%), alcohol/substance use (27.6%), as well as loneliness (50.1%) and sleep problems (60.4%). Overall, over half reported personal financial loss, the odds of which were 2.75 times greater among LSMM who were recent immigrants compared to US-born LSMM (OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.30, 5.82). Nearly 8% reported being diagnosed with COVID-19, with the odds four and a half times greater among established immigrants compared to US-born LSMM (OR = 4.52, 95% CI: 1.60, 12.81). The findings have implications for tailored support resources and public health interventions to reach LSMM in general and LSMM with immigration histories.