‘Proyecto Orgullo’, an HIV prevention, empowerment and community mobilisation intervention for gay men and transgender women in Callao/Lima, Peru

Abstract

We used qualitative, quantitative and observational methods to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of Proyecto Orgullo (PO), a pilot community mobilisation intervention to decrease sexual risk, promote health-seeking behaviours, and facilitate personal and community empowerment among gay men (GM) and transgender women (TW) in Peru. PO was adapted from Mpowerment and Hermanos de Luna y Sol, two US interventions. PO included six interrelated core elements: 1) Self-reflection Small Group sessions; 2) Supporting peers in HIV prevention; 3) Mobilisation Activities addressing HIV, GM/TW issues, and community empowerment; 4) A Core Group (staff + GM/TW volunteers) designing/implementing those activities; 5) A Project Space; 6) Publicity. PO included specific components for TW, but promoted that GM/TW, who historically have not worked well together, collaborate for a common goal. We found that PO was embraced by GM/TW. PO positively influenced GM/TW's HIV prevention beliefs, self-efficacy, and behaviours; provided social support and created community; facilitated individual and community empowerment; achieved that GM/TW collaborate; and established a functional Community Centre for socializing/conducting mobilisation activities. Community mobilisation strategies, lacking from HIV prevention efforts in Peru but considered key to HIV prevention, can help improve health-seeking behaviours and consolidate social norms supporting preventive behaviours among GM/TW.

Experienced HIV-Related Stigma and Psychological Distress in Peruvian Sexual and Gender Minorities: A Longitudinal Study to Explore Mediating Roles of Internalized HIV-Related Stigma and Coping Styles

“…Simultaneously, policy and community-level interventions are warranted that address structural and interpersonal levels of experienced HIV-related stigma in Peru (69, 70). Indeed, recent HIV prevention and control efforts have sought to leverage community mobilization and resources in Peru (37, 73). These interventions may complement individual-level interventions and be crucial in decreasing the likelihood of experiencing HIV-related stigma and thus engaging in maladaptive coping among Peruvian MSM and TW living with HIV.…”

“And Then Break the Cliché”: Understanding and Addressing HIV Vulnerability Through Development of an HIV Prevention Telenovela with Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transwomen in Lima, Peru

“…Differential access to social services has also been associated with health disparities in the LGBT community. High levels of discrimination, poor specialized knowledge among medical providers, and structural barriers stemming from enforced binary cisgender identity in legal documentation have been identified as determinants of LGBT health disparities in Peru (Maiorana et al, 2016 ). Most Peruvians are adherent to Christian religions (81% Roman Catholic; 15% Evangelical), which is reflected in social tensions and conservative policy agendas that constrain health and services for LGBT persons (Caceres, Cueto, & Palomino, 2008 ).…”

Integration of a Technology-Based Mental Health Screening Program Into Routine Practices of Primary Health Care Services in Peru (The Allillanchu Project): Development and Implementation

“…Mobile communications have also shown increasing potential for the improvement of health care [22]. Some mobile health (mHealth) strategies have proven to be useful in improving the efficiency of health care delivery, including interventions provided via technological platforms for the management of physical conditions [23][24][25], mental disorders [26][27][28], and as clinical decision support tools [29][30][31][32]. Moreover, strategies using short message service (SMS) as periodic reminders and informative messages have had a positive impact on medication adherence, appointment attendance, symptom monitoring, satisfaction with health services, and promotion of healthy behavior [27,33,34].…”