Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108630

Antonio Estrada, PhD¹, Barbara Estrada, MS², Steve Trujillo³, Ken Burton⁴, and Kevin Carmichael, MD⁴. (1) Mexican American Studies & Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Cesar E. Chavez Bldg Rm 208, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, (520) 621-7551, aestrada@u.arizona.edu, (2) Impact Consultants, 5632 N. Cherokee Ridge Rd., Tucson, AZ 85750, (3) El Rio/Special Immunology Associates, 1701 W. St. Mary's Rd., suite 160, Tucson, AZ 85745, (4) Special Immunology Associates, El Rio Community Health Center, 1701 W. St. Mary's Rd., Suite 160, Tucson, AZ 85745

BACKGROUND: People with HIV/AIDS residing in U.S.-Mexico border communities face many barriers in accessing specialized HIV/AIDS care including but not limited to rural isolation, language difficulties, immigration status, lack of specialized care in their local areas, and issues of confidentiality. An assessment of specific barriers encountered by HIV positive Latinos was undertaken in order to elucidate and identify barriers, facilitating early treatment into HIV/AIDS care.

METHODS: From 2001-2004 recruitment of 125 HIV/AIDS patients in three Arizona-Mexico border communities was accomplished via the use of promotoras (lay health educators) and various media outlets. Once enrolled in care, patients were given an assessment that included several modules – Demographics, Risk Factors, Lifestyle, Quality of Life, Barriers to Care, and Client Satisfaction.

RESULTS: Among the HIV/AIDS Latino patients participating in the study 57% acquired HIV through male-to-male contact, 27% through heterosexual contact, 6% through IDU, and 4% via the combined category of MSM/IDU. Inferred presenting conditions included low income, mental health problems, rural isolation, transportation, and alcohol abuse. Barriers cited by participants included lack of knowledge regarding availability of HIV medical care (29%), lack of knowledge regarding how to qualify for services (56%), lack of local specialty care (65%), language problems (29%), financial costs (68%), medical side-effects (76%), fatalism (13%), and social stigma (42%).

CONCLUSIONS: Early case finding and recruitment of persons with HIV/AIDS in rural/border communities is essential for the quality of life of those impacted. Barriers to care must be overcome through both education and service delivery mechanisms. The data presented highlight the need for increased access to specialized HIV/AIDS care in rural/border communities. Programs that increase access to care via case finding and clinical co-management are critically needed in the U.S.-Mexico border region.

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