Abstract
Advancing research for Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM) in regions where LMSM are disproportionately impacted by HIV, such as Miami-Dade County, Florida, requires an integrated approach to effectively address the individual, interpersonal, community, and structural determinants that delay access to evidence-based HIV and behavioral health treatment. The main purpose of this dissertation will be to: 1) identify and characterize heterogeneity in HIV prevention knowledge among LMSM (n = 290) and examine the association with prevention behaviors to inform targeted prevention messaging, 2) assess how participation in peer storytelling efforts is associated with changes in HIV prevention and behavioral health engagement among LMSM (n = 33), to elucidate the interpersonal and community mechanisms underlying uptake of services, and 3) elicit feedback from Spanish-speaking immigrant LMSM and service providers on cultural adaptations, to tailor an evidence-based employment as HIV prevention intervention (n = 25) and reduce structural barriers that limit care engagement. This dissertation employs a mixed-methods approach, combining secondary data analysis and primary data collection to guide multilevel, culturally responsive HIV strategies for LMSM.