Abstract
Hispanic men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV infection. However, few interventions have been shown to be effective in decreasing high-risk sexual behaviors among Hispanic MSM. The purpose of this dissertation study was to explore factors that may contribute to Hispanic MSM engagement in interventions to decrease high-risk sexual behaviors and to add relevant data to inform a culturally appropriate intervention. A qualitative descriptive research design was utilized to conduct in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a sample of 21 Hispanic MSM from various collaborator community sites in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Data were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis method to develop codes, categories, and themes. Two overarching themes emerged from the data, Intervention Modalities and Factors Contributing to Sexual Risk Behaviors. The overarching theme of Intervention Modalities provided affirmation that Hispanic MSM need an intervention to decrease sexual risk behaviors, as well as specific insight on the facilitation and delivery methods that should be incorporated into a successful culturally appropriate intervention. The second overarching theme Factors Contributing to Sexual Risk Behaviors, revealed two subthemes Life Events Resulting in Stress and Depression and Macho Risk Behaviors. These themes revealed a combination of life-altering events resulting in stress and depression, and descriptions of the influence of cultural and societal perceptions on sexual risk behaviors (e.g. gender roles and sexual relationship roles, multiple partners, unprotected sex, and substance use). Study results highlight existing challenges with present interventions, and the need for further refinement and development of future interventions to decrease sexual risk behaviors in Hispanic MSM. Lastly, implications derived from study findings are presented based on contributions to nursing education, practice, research, and health policy.