Relationship-Focused Intervention Delivery Preferences for Latinx Sexual Minority Men: A Qualitative Description Study

Sexual minority men (SMM) are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Previous research suggests Latinx SMM (LSMM) experience intersecting minoritized identities (e.g., sexual, ethnic), which may place them at increased risk for IPV, poorer psychological health, and sexual risk behaviors. However, little is known about IPV in LSMM specifically. The purpose of this study is to provide the formative data necessary to begin building culturally adapted IPV interventions for this under-resourced community.

Semi-structured interviews with probes and follow-up questions explored the potential feasibility, acceptability, and preferred components of future relationship-focused interventions with 23 LSMM. Saturation was achieved with 21 key informant interviews (KIIs), and two additional interviews were conducted and analyzed to confirm results. Each interview was transcribed verbatim. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Most participants (n = 16, 70%) were between the ages of 25–34 and born in the U. S. (n = 19, 83%). Seven themes emerged from codes inductively developed from participant interviews (1) foundational principles for intervention design, (2) intervention facilitators, (3) versatile methods of delivery, (4) holistic, couple-focused content, (5) individual, couple, and group content, (6) built-in referrals to formal IPV and social services, and (7) reference materials.

This study identifies key preferences of LSMM to consider when developing relationship-focused interventions for this community.