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Abstract #156969

Wakina Scott, MPH¹, Suzanne M. Randolph, PhD², James Bridgers, PhD³, and Kimberly Van Putten-Gardner, PhD². (1) Department of Family Science, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 1204 Marie Mount Hall, College Park, MD 20742, 301-792-1314, scottwakina@verizon.net, (2) Department of Family Studies, University of Maryland, 1204 Marie Mount Hall, College Park, MD 20742, (3) Community Prevention & Treatment Research, The Mayatech Corporation, 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 900, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Background. African American and Latino families and communities are currently disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. These groups comprise approximately 70% of AIDS cases, but represent only 26% of the US population. HIV rates and AIDS-related mortality rates for these groups are also estimated to be higher than for the general population. These disparities exist despite Federal and State policies to assist persons living with HIV/AIDS. Methods. A policy analysis was conducted on Federal policies such as Ryan White, Medicaid, and Medicare and State policies on testing, needle exchange, and Medicaid expansion. The analysis was designed to examine: the availability of programs/services resulting from policies and the cultural competency of policies (i.e., their effectiveness in addressing HIV/AIDS among African Americans and Latinos). After compiling an inventory of the policies and resulting programs/services, researchers rated each policy on cultural competency criteria identified using a literature review and consensus process. Results. Access to and availability of HIV/AIDS services are no longer primary issues for minorities; policies have largely addressed these issues. However, social and institutional barriers continue to hinder progress in reducing HIV/AIDS rates among minorities, especially immigrants. Moreover, existing policies inadequately address co-occurring problems such as substance abuse, homelessness, and mental disorders. Inventories of the policies and their cultural competency ratings are presented. Conclusions. Policy visions include: systems-level changes to remove structural barriers to prevention, treatment and care; support for evidence-based public health strategies to address HIV/AIDS and co-occurring problems; and expanded training to ensure a culturally competent public health workforce.

Learning Objectives:

• List five HIV/AIDS disparities that exist for African Americans and Latinos.
• Describe three Federal or State policies that target HIV/AIDS in the U.S.
• Discuss three ways of improving U.S. Federal and State policy to effectively address HIV/AIDS among racial/ethnic minorities.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.