Barriers and Facilitators to HIV Service Access among Hispanic/Latino Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Metropolitan Atlanta-a Qualitative Analysis

Hispanic/Latino persons are disproportionately impacted by HIV in the US, and HIV diagnoses among Hispanic/Latino men in Georgia have increased over the past decade, particularly in metropolitan Atlanta. In 2022, the Georgia Department of Public Health detected five clusters of rapid HIV transmission centered among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (HLMSM) in metropolitan Atlanta. We conducted in-depth interviews with 65 service providers and 29 HLMSM to identify barriers and facilitators to HIV service access for HLMSM. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated, if needed. Initial data analyses were conducted rapidly in the field to inform public health actions. We then conducted additional analyses including line-by-line coding of the interview transcripts using a thematic analytic approach. We identified four main themes. First, inequity in language access was a predominant barrier. Second, multiple social and structural barriers existed. Third, HLMSM encountered intersectional stigma. Finally, the HLMSM community is characterized by its diversity, and there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to providing appropriate care to this population. The collection of qualitative data during an HIV cluster investigation allowed us to quickly identity barriers experienced by HLMSM when accessing HIV and other medical care, to optimize public health response and action. Well-designed program evaluation and implementation research may help elucidate specific strategies and tools to reduce health disparities, ensure equitable service access for HLMSM, and reduce HIV transmission in this population.