Pilot Studies Program
El Centro sponsors a pilot studies program designed to assist researchers to build programs of research related to El Centro mission. Pilot studies are intended to provide preliminary data to be used for R01 proposals.
“ACI” – Attitudes about Circumcision
Principal Investigator: Jose Guillermo Castro, M.D.Abstract
ACI intends to provide qualitative and quantitative data of attitudes and beliefs surrounding male circumcision. This data will be used in the formulation of culturally appropriate interventions, designed to promote circumcision as part of an HIV prevention strategy in the Hispanic community. Several lines of evidence have found that male circumcision provides a strong protective effect (55% to 60%) against acquisition of HIV infection among heterosexual men. Hispanics have the second highest rates of HIV infection in the U.S. and the lowest rates of male circumcision. Before interventions to promote male circumcision can be introduced in the Hispanic community, additional information is necessary to determine the factors that are related to the acceptability of this practice among Hispanics.
HIV+ Latino Adults: Acculturation, Adherence Patterns and Healthcare Utilization
Principal Investigator: Maria LopezAbstract
HISPACARE will assess the relationship of acculturation, health literacy (i.e., HIV knowledge and neurocognitive functioning) and other psychosocial factors to adherence patterns and healthcare utilization among HIV positive Hispanics from different age groups. The information obtained will serve as the basis for the development of a culturally-tailored intervention designed to promote healthcare use and adherence among Hispanics living with HIV. Healthcare utilization and medication adherence are critical issues for HIV+ Latinos, given that they are often diagnosed at more advanced disease stages and are at greater risk for the development of AIDS and early death (Campo et al., 2005; Swindells et al., 2002). The level of acculturation and health literacy have independently been found to affect HIV adherence and healthcare utilization among Latinos (Bianchi, et al., 2004; Garcia-Teague, 2000).
Project VIDA: Violence, Intimate Relationships, and Drugs Among Latinos
Principal Investigator: Elias Vasquez, PhD, Joseph De Santis, PhD, and Rosa M. Gonzalez, MSN,MPH, Co-Investigators.Full Abstract
Project VIDA will use qualitative and quantitative methods to inform the adaptation of the SEPA (Salud-Health, Educación-Education, Promoción-Prommotion, Autocuidado-Self-Care) intervention focusing on the prevention/reduction of substance abuse, violence victimization/perpetration and risky sexual behaviors that specifically target Hispanic heterosexual men and men who have sex with men (MSM). Specific Aims are: 1) To describe the collective and individual experience of community-dwelling Hispanic heterosexual men and MSM with respect to substance abuse, violence, and intimate/sexual relationships; 2) To investigate the prevalence/levels of outcomes variables (substance abuse, violence perpetration and victimization, risk for HIV/AIDS and other STDs); factors that would likely be targeted in the SEPA intervention (partner communication, gender roles attitudes, depression, self-esteem, HIV knowledge) and culture-related factors (acculturation, culture-related stress, familism); 3) To use these findings to design adaptations to SEPA for Hispanic heterosexual men and MSM. The proposed study will build upon a program of research on the SEPA intervention and risk-taking behaviors in Hispanic adults. At the end of the pilot study, the research team will develop and submit separate applications for independent funding to conduct Stage I studies of SEPA for Hispanic heterosexual men and MSM.
Modifying Structural Ecosystems Therapy for HIV+ Hispanic Women in Prenatal Care
Victoria Mitrani, PhD, Principal Investigator.Full Abstract
This study aims to conduct basic research and clinical development to adapt/refine Structural Ecosystems Therapy (SET; Mitrani, Szapocznik & Robinson-Batista, 2000) to improve medication adherence and continuity of medical care, and reduce depressive symptoms among Hispanic HIV+ women in prenatal care. SET is a family-ecological intervention designed to improve the psychosocial functioning and health of minority women with HIV/AIDS. This study builds upon a program of research on SET for HIV+ women, and will lead to a future application to follow-up on the women in this study and conduct a small randomized trial to obtain outcome effect sizes of the newly adapted SET for Hispanic HIV+ women in prenatal care. Specific Aims of the proposed study include:1) To develop adaptations of SET to improve adherence to the prenatal regimen and continuity of medical care in HIV+ prenatal Hispanic women and incorporate the adaptations into the SET Intervention Manual; 2) To investigate the prevalence/levels and explore the linkages between: a) outcome factors (HIV adherence/continuity of care, psychological distress); b) factors that would likely be targeted in SET (HIV disclosure, HIV knowledge, sexual risk behaviors, relationship with health care providers, domestic violence, family functioning); c)culture-related factors (acculturation, culture-related stress, familism); 3) To assess the acceptability/feasibility of delivering SET within a prenatal clinic setting.