Researchers have explored issues of cultural beliefs particular to Gay Latino men which affect HIV prevention, but to date,the literature offers little regarding beliefs impacting HIV treatment concerns, including adherence. As a front-line worker in HIV-care since 1988, experience has demonstrated that knowledge about cultural norms and nuances can help significantly in framing educational and psychosocial interventions to improve treatment outcomes. Non-adherence to HAART has severe implications: medication failure, narrowed treatment options, and development of resistant strains of HIV. Given the high rate of adherence (90-95%) necessary for optimal therapy, starting HIV medication requires multiple behavior changes. Any HIV+ client faces multiple challenges with adherence, but Gay, Latino men's needs have been ignored or poorly understood by healthcare providers. Healthcare providers of all disciplines can support clients fully with a holistic approach that includes pertinent cultural factors that impact adherence. This presentation draws from the critical base of cultural factors that influence safer sex practices by Gay, Latino men as developed by Rafael Diaz, PhD. It is this writer's contention that issues of religion/spirituality, immigrant status, disclosure of HIV+ status, time-orientation, in addition to Diaz' factors of machismo, homophobia, familia, sexual silence, poverty, and racism must be addressed directly in the context of HIV treatment interventions. This presentation promotes a client-centered approach to adherence which illuminates issues of importance to HIV+, Gay Latino men.
Learning Objectives: To examine and better understand cultural factors and beliefs among HIV+ Gay Latino men that may help healthcare providers competently support adherence to HAART
Keywords: Adherence, HIV Interventions
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Mission Neighborhood Health Center, Clinica Esperanza, HIV Services, San Franciso, CA
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.