Purpose: The M'Powerment project is the only HIV prevention intervention considered to be effective for men who have sex with men (MSM). However this intervention has not been evaluated in urban Latino populations. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of small peer led HIV prevention groups using this curriculum on a sample of Latino high risk MSM and their peer networks.

Specifically, this study addressed the following questions: 1. Do HIV Prevention services that are based on the diffusion of innovations theory help high risk Latino MSM to identify barriers to safe sex behavior and encourage such among their peers? If so, how? 2. Do such programs increase HIV testing? 3. What overall effects do such programs have on participants?

Methods: Between 2001- 2004, 463 Latino MSM ages 18-29 participated in M'powerment prevention groups. Following IRB approval, this study evaluated program effects over the course of one year using quantitative and qualitative methods. Measures of HIV knowledge, intent to change risk behavior, and basic demographics were obtained from client records. From the larger group of former program participants purposive sampling techniques recruited participants for six voluntary focus groups (n=61). Each focus group lasted 60-120 minutes and was audio-recorded. Semi- structured interview protocols included participants' behavior change, safe sex and response to intervention. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Atlas-Ti, grounded theory and multistage coding. Using the constant comparative method two independent coders ensured inter-rater reliability with 90% code agreement. Rigor was achieved through Lincoln and Gubas (1985) trustworthiness standards.

Results: Participants were extremely diverse, originally from seven Latin and Central American countries. Quantitative analysis found that 81% of respondents had an increase in HIV knowledge and 97% intended to change behavior following participation in the groups. Qualitative analysis of the focus groups found several emerging themes. The intervention: 1) created learning networks, 2) decreased knowledge gaps, 3) increased participant and peer group HIV testing, and 4) led to safer sex behavior within these networks. An interesting program effect was that these groups functioned as surrogate families for participants. This finding is particularly important in light of the value placed on family in Latino culture as well as the importance of family as a protective factor against high risk behavior. Participants' motivations were noted in their description of a transient community full of sexual opportunities.

Implications for Practice: CDC studies have recently found that MSM infection rates was significant higher for African Americans (6.2%) and Latino/ Hispanics (6.1%) than for white MSM (3%). To effectively reach young gay men it is necessary to utilize innovative programs that energize the existing strengths of potential participants within the community. Intervention programming can help increase the learning networks, including increasing family components, to link Latino MSM program involvement with potential to prevent infection. Building cognitive structures to increase program effectiveness and reduce intervention barriers may be an important goal for social workers in HIV prevention settings.