Culturally Modifying MassMen for Massachusetts Latino/x Men: Formative Research for the CDC-Funded Massachusetts Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program

Increasing suicide rates among Latino/x men in the United States, particularly in Massachusetts, underscore the critical need for culturally responsive suicide prevention interventions. This study applies Barrera and colleagues' best practices for culturally adapting behavioral health interventions to modify the MassMen website, a mental health resource for men. We conducted a community-engaged study using survey data and eight bilingual (English/Spanish) focus groups with Latino/x men (N = 31, ages 19-59). We applied the principles of grounded theory to analyze transcripts. Fifteen focus group participants completed post-year surveys evaluating cultural modifications. Participants revealed significant website limitations, including inadequate representation, poor Spanish translation, and cultural irrelevance. Key modifications included professionally translating the website, repositioning important information, and developing bilingual "Everyday Stories" videos featuring Latino/x men sharing mental health experiences. A follow-up survey demonstrated that 33.3% of participants revisited the website, and 46.7% referred others to it. Participants appreciated the new videos, reporting feeling "seen" and "not alone." We engaged in three of five cultural adaptation processes to culturally modify MassMen for Latino/x men: information gathering, preliminary design, and preliminary testing. Despite limitations such as convenience sampling, a small sample size, and a 54% survey response rate, the study successfully illustrated the importance of community involvement in modifying a behavioral health intervention. Future directions include conducting focus groups with veterans and high-risk workers, applying intersectionality analysis, and expanding bilingual marketing strategies. These results emphasize the need to build relationships with Latino/x communities to promote suicide prevention resources.