Nicholas Martinez(he/him)

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death, especially among women living with HIV (WLH). This qualitative study explored barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening from the perspective of healthcare providers and WLH at Clínica de Familia La Romana, a large primary care clinic that specializes in HIV in the Dominican Republic. Ten providers and 25 WLH participated in interviews, which were analyzed in Dedoose using inductive analysis guided by the Framework for Improving the Quality of Cancer Care. Three themes emerged: (1) continuity across stages of cancer care; (2) multilevel factors influencing clinical encounters and follow-up; and (3) organizational strategies to improve screening quality. Our findings explored needs for (1) treatment cascades that streamline sampling and results, (2) increased patient education efforts, and (3) improved linkage to treatment services.

Keywords. Cervical cancer, Dominican Republic, HIV, Latin America, Screening, Women

Young transgender men (YTM) remain underserved by HIV prevention efforts. It is estimated that 3% of transgender men have an HIV diagnosis despite a rate of only 0.4% among the U.S. population, and young people account for more than half of new HIV diagnoses. We conducted in-depth interviews with a sample of participants who used MyPEEPS YTM to assess acceptability and perceived usefulness of the app. Qualitative analysis of the interviews was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and allowed us to identify app benefits including HIV prevention reinforcement and facilitation of conversations surrounding sexual health. Thematic findings highlight that MyPEEPS YTM functioned as a relational and affirming resource in settings where culturally competent care is often unavailable. For nursing, these insights provide actionable strategies to enhance clinical practice, enrich educational preparation, and advocate for policies that support equitable access to digital health interventions.

Keywords. HIV, Non-binary, PrEP, Transgender men, Transmasculine, Youth, mHealth