# Assessment of Latino SMM Family Relationships and Health Outcomes. Latino sexual minority men (LSMM)

> **NIH NIH U54** · CHARLES R. DREW UNIVERSITY OF MED & SCI · 2024 · $400,681

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Latinos comprise 19% of the population in the United States, yet represent 29% of new HIV infections in the
United States. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one the most important biomedical preventions
interventions currently available and provides up to 99% protection against HIV infection.[3] Access and use of
PrEP is inconsistent among LSMM. Viral suppression remains elusive among LSMM living with HIV. LSMM
also report high rates of psychologic symptoms of distress. These disparities are exacerbated by poverty,
systemic racism, and homophobia
We know little about the effect that families have on the long-term health outcomes of LSMM. Longitudinal
studies of LSMM can help answer important questions about critical upstream entry points for intervening on
HIV and mental health outcomes. We propose the following aims:
Aim 1: To determine how family ties affect mental health outcomes and HIV-related behaviors (e.g.,
substance use, condomless sex) and HIV treatment (e.g., HIV viral load) of LSMM over time. We will
analyze data on family support, depressive symptoms, HIV-related behaviors, and treatment outcomes in
mSTUDY, a NIDA-funded cohort study of diverse MSM in Los Angeles. It has collected detailed psychosocial,
behavioral, and biological assessments every six months since 2013. Hypothesis 1: LSMM with greater family
emotional support will report fewer depressive symptoms and HIV-related risk behaviors and better treatment
outcomes than LSMM who report less family emotional support.
Aim 2: Determine whether family support and experiences of discrimination affect changes in the
behaviors, mental health, and health of LSMM. We will analyze data on family support, depressive
symptoms, HIV-related behaviors, and treatment outcomes in a randomly selected cohort of 250 Latino men
every six months for 5 years and in mSTUDY. Hypothesis 2A: Increased family support and decreased
experiences of discrimination will lead to a reduction in risk behaviors and to improved mental and physical
health outcomes. Hypothesis 2B: The association between experiences of discrimination with HIV-related
behaviors, mental health, and health outcomes will be weaker in Latino men with high levels of family support.
Hypothesis 2C: The association between family support and experiences of discrimination with LSMM’s
physical health and mental health is mediated by LSMM’s behaviors.
Aim 3: Identify culturally specific strategies to integrate families into HIV prevention and treatment. We
will interview diverse LSMM and conduct focus group with families in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami to
develop strategies for service providers to integrate family members into HIV biomedical interventions.
The results will enable us to assess LSMM health nationally and obtain their input into how to design and
support family-based interventions to increase health behaviors and improve health outcomes for LSMM.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11000747
- **Project number:** 2U54MD007598-16
- **Recipient organization:** CHARLES R. DREW UNIVERSITY OF MED & SCI
- **Principal Investigator:** Homero Erwin del Pino
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $400,681
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2009-09-28 → 2029-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11000747

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11000747, Assessment of Latino SMM Family Relationships and Health Outcomes. Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) (2U54MD007598-16). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11000747. Licensed CC0.

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