Evaluation of an HIV/AIDS prevention intervention targeting Latino gay men and men who have sex with men in Puerto Rico.

This article presents the evaluation of an HIV prevention model and intervention targeting Latino gay males and men who have sex with men in Puerto Rico. Based on the health belief model in combination with concepts of self-efficacy, cognitive theory, and community development, a series of workshops were developed to enhance safer sex behavior among participants. A total of 587 men recruited by availability in gay meeting places and through peer referral participated in the intervention between 1992 and 1995. Participants engaged in a 3-hour small group meeting and four 3-hour workshops as part of the intervention. Pretests and posttests were administered to measure knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to HIV infection; a risk index was calculated to measure the level of behavior risk for HIV infection. Participants demonstrated lower risk indexes after the intervention. This model represents a culturally competent and relevant intervention for similar communities.