Social Networks and HIV Testing among Latino Men and Transgender Women in a New Destination Community: Insights from a Mixed-Method Study

Clare Barrington, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Anisha Gandhi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Adrienne Gill, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Laura Villa Torres, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Priscilla Brietzke, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Lisa Hightow-Weidman, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Latinos in the US are disproportionately affected by HIV and are more likely to present with a late diagnosis compared to non-Latinos. We conducted a mixed-method formative study to explore the social networks of Latino men and transgender women in Durham, North Carolina, and identify how social networks may be leveraged to improve access to earlier and more regular HIV testing. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews (n=17) and a survey (n=47) and offered HIV testing to all survey participants. Prevalence of HIV-related risk behaviors was high and HIV testing in the last year uncommon. Recruitment for the survey through networks referrals, however, was challenging. Participants “risk networks”, or the number of people they knew and considered at heightened risk for HIV, did not include much overlap with their “personal” networks, or the people they were closest to. We consider implications for social-network based approaches to recruitment for HIV testing programs.