The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45567

Britt Kirsten Rios-Ellis, PhD¹, Maura Dwyer, MPH², Susan M. Enguidanos, MPH³, Rocio De Leon, BA², Roman Roman, MPH⁴, Bernardo Useche, PhD², and Carlos Ugarte, MSPH². (1) Health Science, California State University Long Beach, CSULB 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840, (562) 430-0044, bellis@csulb.edu, (2) Institute for Hispanic Health, National Council of la Raza, 1111 19th Street, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20036, (3) Social Work, Partners In Care Foundation and University of Southern California, 101 S. First Street, Suite 1000, Burbank, CA 91502, (4) HIV/AIDS Programs, Health Resources Services Administration, 19359 Circle Gate Drive #201, Germantown, MD 20874

Over 20% of AIDS cases diagnosed are among Latinos, and women are disproportionately affected, with an AIDS case rate which increased 6% from 1990 to 1998, representing over 21% of new cases. The Latina HIV/AIDS Needs Assessment is a qualitative national study to evaluate HIV risk behaviors and prevention practices among Latinas throughout the U.S. This three-year study, funded by of Office of Minority Health through the National Council of la Raza, targeted 10 sites in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Interviews with HIV positive Latinas and focus groups with high-risk and at-risk Latinas were conducted in: Miami, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Paterson, New Jersey; New York City; Hartford, Connecticut; San Antonio, Texas; Harlingen, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Washington, DC; and, Boston, Massachusetts. A total of 213 Latina participants, aged 16-71, participated in the study. Participants from 15 Spanish speaking countries were involved in the needs assessment. The long term objective of the study was to reduce HIV infection among Latinas by developing and/or strengthening HIV/STI prevention interventions targeting Latinas, specifically media messages and risk-reduction education programs. To this end, Latinas were asked about their exposure to prevention messages and their opinions regarding culturally appropriate development of such messages. Latinas also discussed their histories of HIV risk and successful prevention programs in their communities.

The first session of this two part presentation describes the purpose of the study, the research population, methodologies used to insure participation of community based organizations, and demographic findings regarding condom use and unprotected sex.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session the participant should be able to

• Identify the HIV prevention issues faced by Latinas in the US.
• Define the culturally specific beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors which place Latinas at risk for HIV infection in the US.
• Prioritize the elements needed for a national HIV prevention campaign for Latinas.

Keywords: Latinas, Community Health Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Office of Minority Health National Council of la Raza
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Grant Recipient