Characterizing the Communication Networks of Spanish- and English-Speaking Latinx Sexual Minority Men and Their Roles in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake

J Health Commun. 2024 Jul 2;29(7):467-480. doi: 10.1080/10810730.2024.2366498. Epub 2024 Jun 13.

Abstract

While pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated efficacy in preventing HIV transmission, disparities in access persist in the United States, especially among Hispanic/Latinx sexual minority men (SMM). Language barriers and differences in how Latinx SMM obtain information may impact access to PrEP and HIV prevention. This study used data from the 2021 American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS) to examine differences in communication networks and PrEP use among Latinx SMM by primary language (Spanish vs. English). We examined the associations between Latinx SMM's individual- and meso-level communication networks and PrEP-related outcomes using modified Poisson regression with robust variances. Spanish-speaking Latinx SMM in the study were less likely to test for HIV, be aware of PrEP, and use daily PrEP, compared to English-speaking participants. Sexuality disclosure to a healthcare provider was positively associated with PrEP uptake among all participants and predicted STI testing over the past 12 months among English-speaking Latinx SMM. Findings highlight disparities in PrEP awareness and uptake among Latinx SMM, especially among those whose primary language is Spanish. Addressing these disparities through targeted interventions, including improved communication with healthcare providers, may help facilitate PrEP access and use in this population.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Communication
  • Communication Barriers
  • HIV Infections* / ethnology
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Hispanic or Latino* / psychology
  • Hispanic or Latino* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Language*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / ethnology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis* / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities* / psychology
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities* / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Young Adult