Adaptation and pilot testing of an HIV Behavioral Intervention- Chicos Net (CN) for Gay Latino Men (GLM)

Abstract

Chicos Net (CN) is a globally oriented research program aimed at preventing HIV transmission, initially developed for Latino MSM (men who have sex with other men) in Toronto, Canada. Later, it was modified to fit the cultural preferences of gay men living in Cali, Colombia. The study aimed to reduce the incidence of HIV infection in these communities. The intervention consisted of four sessions, 12 hours, following a prearranged manual. CN covers a range of subjects, such as deepening knowledge about HIV, investigating the impacts of homophobia, studying migration experiences on international (Canada) and local (Cali, Colombia) rural-to-urban scales, exploring dating, analyzing the repercussions of social isolation, and navigating LGBT environments. The intervention consisted of administering a questionnaire before and after and doing a pre-post t-test. The results demonstrate positive effects in terms of social support and efficacy in negotiating condom use.