Building HIV/AIDS prevention communication strategies through community-informed formative research for a biobehavioural couple-based HIV prevention intervention for Latino men who have sex with men.

Purpose: Developing effective HIV/AIDS prevention communication strategies is critical to engaging diverse populations in HIV prevention efforts. While many programmes have demonstrated success, there remains a need for more tailored approaches for non-white and immigrant populations, who continue to face disproportionate burdens. Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM) are particularly impacted, underscoring the urgency of culturally responsive communication strategies. Guided by the social-ecological model and principles of community-based participatory research, we convened a Community Advisory Board (CAB) composed of community stakeholders and service providers to inform the adaptation of a biobehavioural, couple-based HIV prevention intervention for Latino men and their same-sex partners. Participants completed questionnaires and engaged in structured discussions to develop culturally and linguistically appropriate recruitment materials and refine intervention content.

Methods: Qualitative data were collected through transcribed notes and questionnaire responses, then analysed using content analysis.

Results: Four key themes emerged as essential to effective HIV prevention messaging: (1) inclusivity across race, gender and relationship types (including non-monogamous couples); (2) language and literacy considerations; (3) visual appeal and (4) responsiveness to broader social and contextual factors. CAB members recommended the use of simple, direct messages framed around positive outcomes (e.g., 'increasing safety' vs 'reducing HIV risk') and highlighted the need to address how hypersexualised portrayals of Latino men contribute to risk behaviours and negatively affect mental health.

Conclusion: To enhance the relevance and impact of HIV prevention efforts for LMSM, communication strategies must address within-group diversity and the sociocultural context. CAB engagement is a critical foundation for designing scalable, community-informed interventions.