PROGRESO-II: Developing Culturally Tailored Materials for a Social Network-Based Intervention to Promote HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Initiation Among Latina Seasonal Farmworkers

Latina Seasonal Farmworkers (LSFW) in South Florida are a community affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to cultural barriers, stigma, and lack of awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Building on the PROGRESO study, this study sought to: (1) develop and pre-test scientifically supported and culturally tailored PrEP materials for PROGRESO and (2) assess the acceptability of these PrEP materials by LSFW who use alcohol and/or drugs. PrEP messages were selected based on a literature review, feedback from experts working on PrEP programs, and recommendations from a four-member scientific expert panel through a two-level Delphi method. A culturally tailored PrEP presentation was developed and presented to sixteen LSFW, who engaged in four focus groups. Materials were modified based on participants' suggestions. Thematic analysis was used to assess the acceptability and usability of these materials in the LSFW community. Participants responded positively to the PrEP messages and understood their importance for Latinx communities. Participants felt empowered and comfortable enough with the information to distribute the messages to partners, children, and friends with the aid of a physical pamphlet or flyer. A strong cultural context of familialismo and confianza was present in comments made by our participants. This study has the potential to increase LSFW's PrEP awareness and initiation. Future studies may implement a hybrid-interview approach, allowing individuals to self-select into a virtual or in-person focus group. Such flexibility may increase participation and discussion by allowing participants to attend in a format they are most comfortable with, as noted by participants in this study.

Measurement Invariance of Family Functioning Among Latina/o/x Sexual Minority Youth and Heterosexual Latina/o/x Youth

Positive family functioning is negatively associated with drug use, sexual risk behaviors, and depression; however, existing measures of family functioning were not specifically developed for Latina/o/x sexual minority youth (LSMY). This study examined the factor structure of family functioning and whether it is invariant across sexual orientation (i.e., LSMY and heterosexual Latina/o/x youth). Participants included 454 Latina/o/x youth (LSMY: n = 115, 25.3%). Results yielded a higher-order family functioning factor consisting of parental involvement, positive parenting, parent-adolescent communication, and parental monitoring. The model fit for the sample was acceptable (CFI/RMSEA = .91/.04) and configural invariance indicated that the model fit the data adequately in both groups (CFI/RMSEA = .87/.05). Fit of the metric invariance model (∆χ2 (42) = 54.83, p = .09, ΔCFI, ΔRMSEA, ΔTLI < .001) was not significantly worse than the configural model, however, the scalar invariance model (∆χ2 (42) = 80.18, p < .001, ΔCFI = .01, ΔRMSEA, ΔTLI < .001) was significantly worse than the less constrained models, suggesting that family functioning was noninvariant with regard to sexual orientation. Noninvariance may be related to the unique experiences of LSMY related to sexual orientation that are not captured in existing measures of family functioning.

Cancer risk and mortality among firefighters: a meta-analytic review

Background

Firefighting is a hazardous occupation that is associated with an increased risk of select cancers. The number of studies has grown in recent years allowing for a synthesis of findings.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, multiple electronic databases were searched to identify studies on firefighter cancer risk and mortality. We computed pooled standardized incidence risk (SIRE) and standardized mortality estimates (SMRE), tested for publication bias, and conducted moderator analyses.

Results

Thirty-eight studies published between 1978 and March 2022 were included for final meta-analysis. Overall, cancer incidence and mortality were significantly lower for firefighters (SIRE = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.91-0.95; SMRE = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.92 - 0.95) compared to the general population. Incident cancer risks were significantly higher for skin melanoma (SIRE = 1.14; 95% CI:1.08 - 1.21), other skin cancers (SIRE = 1.24; 95% CI:1.16-1.32), and prostate cancer (SIRE = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.04-1.14). Firefighters showed higher mortality for rectum (SMRE = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.02-1.36), testis (SMRE = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.00-2.67), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SMRE = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02-1.40). There was evidence of publication bias for SIRE and SMRE estimates. Some moderators explained variations in study effects, including study quality scores.

Conclusion

Firefighters are at higher risk for several cancers; to the extent that some (e.g., melanoma and prostate) are screening amenable, more study into firefighter-specific recommendations for cancer surveillance is needed. Moreover, longitudinal studies with more detailed data on the specific length and types of exposures are necessary, as well as on unstudied subtypes of cancers (e.g., subtypes of brain cancer and leukemias) are needed.

Black Women Living with HIV: A Latent Profile Analysis of Intersectional Adversities, Resilience, and Mental Health

Black women living with HIV (BWLWH) face adversities, including discrimination (race, HIV, and gender related) and trauma. This study examines which latent profiles of resilience (R) and adversity (A) are most prevalent and their relationships to mental health among 119 BWLWH [age = 44.1 (standard deviation = 10.9)]. Questionnaires measured resilience (post-traumatic growth, trait/coping resilience, religious coping, social support), adversity (discrimination, trauma, microaggressions), and mental health [post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, post-traumatic cognitions (PTC), and depressive symptoms]. Four salient profiles emerged through latent profile analysis and mental health differences were evaluated. Profile 1 (19.8%) reported lowest scores on 4 resilience measures, lowest traumas, and second lowest on discrimination (low resilience/low adversity-LR/LA). Profile 2 (13.8%) had second lowest on 3 resilience measures but second highest social support, highest/second highest on traumas and discrimination and microaggressions (low resilience/high adversity-LR/HA). Profile 3 (59.5%) exhibited higher scores on resilience and lowest scores on 3 of 4 adversity measures (high resilience/low adversity-HR/LA). Profile 4 (6.9%) reported high on 3 resilience measures, but third lowest on social support, and second highest/highest traumas, discrimination, and microaggressions (high resilience/high adversity-HR/HA). For PTC, the HR/LA group had significantly lower scores compared with the LR/LA and LR/HA groups; and LR/HA had higher PTC scores than the HR/HA group. PTSD scores were significantly lower for HR/LA than all profiles. Depression scores were significantly higher for LR/LA and LR/HA groups than HR/LA. Findings indicate that lower adversity alongside higher resilience leads to better mental health. Policies must address intersectional discrimination and prevent trauma impacting BWLWH; interventions are needed to improve social support and healing. Clinical Trial Registration number NCT02764853.