Miguel A. Chion, MD, MPH, Research and Evaluation Core, AIDS Project Los Angeles, 611 S. Kingsley Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90005, (213) 201-1605, mchion@apla.org, Angel Fabian, Clinica Romero Community Center, Clinica Monseñor Oscar A. Romero, 318 South Alvarado St., Los Angeles, CA 90057, and Matt G. Mutchler, PhD, Education, AIDS Project Los Angeles: The David Geffen Center, 611 S. Kingsley Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90005.

Given the new CDC initiative focusing on prevention with positives, Clínica Romero Community Center (CRCC), in partnership with the Research and Evaluation Core at AIDS Project Los Angeles, implemented a needs assessment survey in order to develop a prevention with positives program (PwP). CRCC serves underinsured multi-ethnic and multi-racial Latino populations in Los Angeles County.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional interview design, data were collected from a convenience sample of 45 HIV positive Latinos in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles during November and December of 2003. The survey included measures on demographics, risk behavior, health service accessibility, previous experience with PwP, participation intentions, and suggestions for a new PwP. Data analysis, including frequencies and chi-square, were performed using SPSS.

Results: Results from the survey (N=45) indicate that participants had a mean age of 39 years and more than 80% were Spanish speaking MSM Latinos. Half of the participants were unemployed and 42% reported not having health insurance. 27% reported unprotected sex with partners of HIV negative or unknown status. 88% of the participants stated a positive intention to participate in a PwP if offered. Suggested issues to be covered in a PwP program included: substance and alcohol use, condom use, self-esteem and disclosure. The participants also suggested holding program activities, such as social events, workshops, forums, counseling and housing services during weekdays afternoons

Conclusions: There is a need for PwP programs specifically tailored to HIV positive Latinos addressing substance and alcohol use, self-esteem and disclosure issues, and condom use.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)To learn about the risk behaviors of HIV positive Latinos.
• 2)To learn about the needs, wants, and demands of HIV positive Latinos living in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles.

Keywords: HIV Interventions, Needs Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.