Grants

This K01 will provide the candidate, Dr. Algarin, with skills to conduct complex longitudinal multi-level structural equation modeling to examine the direct and indirect effects between intersectional stigma and methamphetamine use risk and PrEP cascade progression through coping, resistance, and resilience (AIM 1) and how sources of social network intersectional stigma moderate these pathways (AIM 2) leveraging data from 500 LMSM enrolled in NEXUS: a novel social network approach to study the effects of intersectional stigma on HIV prevention among Latino MSM (NEXUS; R01MH123282; PI: Smith). Using a community-engaged approach, Dr. Algarin will draw from these analyses to adapt a multi-level intervention to address intersectional stigma through coping, resistance, and resilience to decrease methamphetamine use risk and improve PrEP cascade progression (AIM 3). As an emerging gay Latino scholar, Dr. Algarin will leverage the UCSD training infrastructure to build his professional independence and skills to promote HIV prevention interventions in medically marginalized groups, positioning him as the next generation of under-represented minority scholars to end the HIV epidemic among MSM of color disproportionately burdened by HIV in the US. Specifically, Dr. Algarin seeks training to advance his statistical capacities (T1), gain proficiency multi-level intervention theories and concepts (T2) and multi-level intervention development and adaptation (T3), gain additional training in the ethical conduct of research (T4), and build skills for his professional development (T5). This K01 will provide Dr. Algarin with the necessary training and data to forge his research independence and produce a competitive future R34 to test the community- engaged, multi-level intervention he adapts as part of this study.

Leveraging the patient-provider communication framework and a person-centered approach, this SIRC pilot grant will provide the additional resources necessary for Dr. Algarin (PI) and Co-Investigators (Drs. Daniels, Robillard, and Gur-Arie) to analyze the collected qualitative data  from a previous seed funding mechanism (AIM 1) and to design (AIM 2) and preliminarily assess feasibility (AIM 3) of MyData-MyChoice, a multi-level electronic screening methodology to facilitate sexuality and HIV risk behavior disclosure to improve PrEP uptake among HIV priority populations in Maricopa County (Arizona). 

This two-part study aims to better understand 1) ecologies that promote HIV risk behaviors during Mexican tourism among LMSM and 2) barriers and facilitators in accessing HIV prevention (including HIV testing, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis) services while in Puerto Vallarta. The first part will leverage an online cross-sectional survey among n=500 LMSM recruited from the American Men’s Internet Survey who have traveled to Mexico in the past year. The second part will leverage a community engaged approach with SETAC, a community-based organization (CBO) in Puerto Vallarta, to inform and complete cross-sectional surveys among n=200 LMSM tourists. Identifying specific ecologies that promote HIV risk behaviors and barriers and facilitators to HIV prevention services are critical for real-time intervention to limit cross-border HIV transmission that may contribute to the disproportionate burden of HIV among LMSM.