Evaluation of an HIV Prevention and HIV-Stigma Reduction Behavioral Intervention in a Population of High Risk Latino Youth

Background: Pregnancy rates and rates of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are high among young Latinos. HIV-stigma contributes to delays in care and barriers to health services. Comprehensive prevention programs are needed for Latino youth to reduce unwanted pregnancy; prevent HIV/STIs; and reduce HIV-stigmatizing attitudes. We evaluated a community-based comprehensive behavioral risk-reduction curriculum with high-risk youth, including Latino youth.

Methods: Participants in the five-session course included homeless/runaways and substance users recruited in San Diego, California. Participants completed: demographic survey, pre-/post-test; and 3-6-month follow-up survey. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests analyzed data from 102 Latino youth with pre-/post-tests.

Results: Latino youth were 52% male, 48% female; mostly (63%) in 10-12th grade and had a mean age of 16 years (range 13 to 20). Pre-post self-reports indicated significantly (p<=05) increased HIV/STI knowledge; intention to use condom with new partner; perceived risk of unsafe sex; and decreased stigmatization of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Among responses to an open-ended stigma question 30% reported that the class contributed to a decrease in stigmatizing attitudes towards persons living with HIV and 25% reported an increase in awareness about HIV risk. Most (74%) Latino participants reported that they would recommend the class to their peers.

Conclusions: Among Latino youth we observed significant improvements in knowledge about HIV/STIs, intention to practice safer sex, and perceived risk of unsafe sex. Importantly, quantitative and qualitative data indicated a decrease in HIV-stigmatizing attitudes. This study contributes to improved understanding of effective risk-reduction behavioral interventions for at-risk Latino youth.