Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has been promoted among high-risk populations as an effective HIV biomedical intervention. However, limited research is available on the significance of culturally informed biomedical interventions for Latino MSM. A total of 159 self-administered Internet surveys were completed by Latino MSM ages 21–30 in San Antonio, Texas. The purpose of this research was to develop an instrument that measured Latino MSM attitudes and beliefs towards PrEP, identify associations between demographic factors and PrEP related factors and to suggest culturally appropriate strategies for the promotion of PrEP among the Latino MSM population. Research findings revealed implications for PrEP at the structural and individual level for Latino MSM. Structural level indicators emphasized the importance for raising PrEP awareness among Latino MSM in regards to PrEP related expenses, ameliorating stigmatization of high-risk populations, enhancing access to PrEP informed medical providers, and address mistrust of the government and medical providers role on addressing health disparities among Latino MSM. Overall, the findings for individual factors emphasize the need for patient-centered interventions for Latino MSM. Latino MSM currently on PrEP require supplemental resources to enhance PrEP adherence. Latino MSM not on PrEP require alternate options for PrEP delivery and/or cognitive behavioral approaches minimizing HIV risk behavior for Latino MSM concerned with PrEP toxicity, which may require non-biomedical interventions. Integration of Latino MSM currently on PrEP as peer educators provides a valuable resource for developing culturally informed PrEP interventions for Latino MSM. Peer educators are able to share their experiential knowledge of PrEP contextualized through cultural norms, beliefs, and values.

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HIV continues to disproportionately affect Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) and disparities are even greater in the South. This study examines the implications of socioeconomic status (SES) associated with awareness, access, and usage of PrEP. Latino MSM (N=154) from San Antonio, TX completed a self-administered survey. Results revealed that PrEP uptake was significantly lower for low SES Latino MSM. PrEP related barriers included lack of awareness, stigmas, and side effects. Findings underscore the importance for a multi-systemic approach to enhance awareness and access of PrEP for Latino MSM with varying levels of SES in the South. HIV incidence rates have decreased for White men who have sex with men (MSM) and stabilized for Black MSM, but have increased by 30% for Latino MSM and more than doubled for ages 25-34 (CDC, 2019). Texas (TX) has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates for Latinos (CDC, 2018a). HIV incidence rates for San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX is 15.2 per 100,000 compared to 11.8 for the nation (CDC, 2018a; Levison, Levinson, & Alegría, 2018; Pérez, Santamaria, & Operario, 2017). Recently, a highly HIV infectious cluster was identified among Latino MSM ages 20-29 in San Antonio, Texas (CDC, 2018a). The San Antonio cluster raised the concern of a missed opportunity for Latino MSM that received treatment for a sexually transmitted infection, but were not tested for HIV, despite having signs of acute infection (CDC, 2018a). The HIV epidemic in the US currently indicates that HIV prevention has been stagnant and not effectively addressing the needs of

The rapid implementation of molecular HIV surveillance (MHS) has resulted in significant challenges for local health departments to develop real-time cluster detection and response (CDR) interventions for priority populations impacted by HIV. This study is among the first to explore professionals’ strategies to implement MHS and develop CDR interventions in real-world public health settings. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were completed by 21 public health stakeholders in the United States’ southern and midwestern regions throughout 2020–2022 to identify themes related to the implementation and development of MHS and CDR. Results for the thematic analysis revealed (1) strengths and limitations in utilizing HIV surveillance data for real-time CDR; (2) limitations of MHS data due to medical provider and staff concerns related to CDR; (3) divergent perspectives on the effectiveness of partner services; (4) optimism, but reluctance about the social network strategy; and (5) enhanced partnerships with community stakeholders to address MHS-related concerns. Conclusions: Enhancing MHS and CDR efforts requires a centralized system for staff to access public health data from multiple databases to develop CDR interventions; designating staff dedicated to CDR interventions; and establishing equitable meaningful partnerships with local community stakeholders to address MHS concerns and develop culturally informed CDR interventions.