José E. Diaz, PhD, Research Assistant Professor and Fellow, Translational Program of Health Disparities Research Training in Downstate’s STAR Program is conducting this study, in collaboration with Hong Van Tieu, New York Blood Center.
Immigrant and migrant Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience disparities in HIV prevention (e.g., lower PrEP uptake, adherence, and persistence; later and more advanced HIV diagnoses) and HIV treatment (e.g., lower ART adherence; less viral suppression; greater care disengagement) relative to their peers.
This study addresses the critical knowledge gap regarding the impact of geographic mobility on HIV prevention/treatment outcomes among this group. Geographic mobility refers to the short-or long-term movement or travel of individuals, which can include short-term trips for sexual partnering, relocation for seasonal work, domestic or international travel to visit family, and international migration. We will utilize survey data, qualitative in-depth interviews, and novel geographic mobility mapping to characterize mobility patterns and their links to status-relevant HIV prevention/treatment outcomes (via biomarkers and self-report) among 80 immigrant and migrant Latino GBMSM in New York City (NYC).
Findings from this study have the potential to inform tailored interventions to improve PrEP/HIV care among mobile Latino GBMSM men. In addition the findings may prove timely, as conversations and policies related to immigration (and travel) raise serious concerns for HIV prevention/treatment efforts among immigrant and migrant Latino GBMSM.
