Abstract
To evaluate the implementation outcomes of a culturally responsive social media outreach campaign and peer navigation program to improve access to HIV status-neutral sexual health services-which encompass both HIV prevention and care, regardless of HIV status-for Latino gay and bisexual men (LGBM) in metropolitan Atlanta. We designed and implemented a social media outreach campaign linked to a peer navigation program. The study included four stages: peer navigator recruitment/training, social media campaign development, program implementation, and exit interviews. Data from social media engagement, intake forms, follow-ups, and exit interviews evaluated reach, effectiveness, acceptability, usability, and patient-centeredness. A total of 70 participants, primarily young, foreign-born, Spanish-speaking, uninsured, and undocumented, enrolled in the study over 6 months. The program facilitated same-day service referrals, providing access to HIV/STI testing, PrEP, and care. Participants reported high acceptability, usability, and patient-centeredness. Factors impacting acceptability included ease of use, practical assistance, effective communication, and empathetic approach of the navigator. A community-informed social media outreach campaign connected with a culturally responsive peer navigation program was very well received by LGBM participants in the Atlanta area and led to successful linkage the HIV status-neutral services. Given the ongoing disparities in HIV prevention and care in this group, further intervention scale-up in the setting of a clinical trial is warranted, to assess its effectiveness in increasing uptake of PrEP and HIV treatment services in this population.