KABAWIL: Reducing Intersectional Stigmas

The goal of this study is to develop and test KABAWIL, a culturally tailored intervention designed to reduce HIV-related and intersectional stigmas experienced by Indigenous communities in Guatemala and improve engagement across the HIV Continuum of Care. The study will also assess the feasibility, acceptability, and implementation of the intervention. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can a culturally adapted version of the FRESH intervention reduce HIV-related and intersectional stigmas among Indigenous men and Indigenous healers? Does participation in KABAWIL improve outcomes related to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care using a status-neutral approach? Is KABAWIL feasible, acceptable, and appropriate for implementation in Indigenous communities in Guatemala? Researchers will first adapt the existing FRESH intervention through interviews and focus groups with Indigenous men, Indigenous healers, healthcare providers, stigma experts, and Maya knowledge keepers. Researchers will then compare participants who receive KABAWIL immediately with participants assigned to a 3-month wait-list control group. Participants will: Participate in interviews or focus groups to help adapt the intervention (Aim 1). Attend one of three KABAWIL workshops or be assigned to a 3-month wait-list control group (Aim 2). Complete surveys and assessments measuring HIV-related intersectional stigma and HIV Continuum of Care outcomes before and after the intervention (Aim 2). Participate in post-intervention interviews to provide feedback on the intervention's feasibility, acceptability, and implementation (Aim 3).