Hombre a Hombre: Results from a Feasibility Study of an Adapted Relationship Education Program for HIV Prevention Among Latino Sexual Minority Men

Abstract Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) experience HIV health disparities and co-occurring intimate partner violence, depression, and substance use disparities that worsen HIV-related outcomes. One possibility for addressing these co-occurring health concerns among LSMM through a common intervention point could be strengthening LSMM’s romantic and sexual relationship skills. The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and preliminary outcomes of Hombre a Hombre (HaH), a culturally adapted relationship education program delivered to a group of LSMM ( N = 16). Quantitative assessments indicated HaH was highly acceptable and appropriate (all rating above the “agree” anchor point). We explored intervention outcomes, which non-significantly shifted in the expected direction for relationship outcomes (e.g., sexual agreement self-efficacy) and minority stress/resilience outcomes (e.g., internalized homonegativity, community connectedness). Participants reported high engagement with biomedical prevention/treatment at all time points, limiting our ability to detect changes across time. Exit interview themes underscored the acceptability and appropriateness of HaH for LSMM, while also identifying opportunities to culturally adapt the program to a greater extent, refine the program’s structure, and support peer facilitators. Overall, this initial study suggests HaH’s promise for potential sexual health impacts on LSMM via theoretically linked constructs. The study also informed refinements that could enhance HaH’s impact a fully powered trial focused on LSMM with HIV acquisition or transmission risk. Clinical Trial Registry This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06056661) on September 20, 2023.