Measures of social context for HIV research with non-heterosexual Latinos

The goal of the proposed research is to develop, validate, and apply measures of state-level social context for Latino and non-heterosexual populations. Non-heterosexual Latinos have poorer HIV prevention and treatment outcomes than other populations. Moreover, they experience multiple forms of social rejection, which research by our team and others has shown to impact HIV-related outcomes. However, most work has focused on the individual level, while measuring and mitigating these phenomena at the state level is a key strategy for Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States. Studies of social contexts impacting Latino populations are hampered by a lack of validated measures. Research on social contexts of non-heterosexual populations has expanded in recent years but the field lacks consensus on which domains, constructs, and items to include in analyses and on methods to ensure rigor and reproducibility of the research. Over this 4-year project, the investigative team led by MPIs Scheim and del Rio-Gonzalez will work with Scientific and Community Advisory Boards to build consensus on the domains and constructs needed to assess state-level social contexts affecting Latino and non-heterosexual populations through systematic reviews and a modified Delphi study (Aim 1); draw on the consensus developed in Aim 1 to develop and validate multidimensional indices of state-level social context for Latino and non-heterosexual populations (Aim 2); and examine relationships between social context and HIV prevention and treatment outcomes among non-heterosexual Latinos (Aim 3). This study will advance measurement science by using community-engaged, rigorous, and reproducible approaches to develop measures for Latino and/or non-heterosexual health research across multiple domains of health. We will make the validated indices and their underlying datasets publicly available for the research community, alongside consensus-based guidelines for selection and application of social context measures. A multipronged dissemination and research translation strategy will ensure the utility of study products and results for community organizations and researchers working to improve the health of Latino and/or non-heterosexual populations.