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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Antonio Estrada, PhD, Mexican American Studies & Research Center, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210023, Cesar E. Chavez Bldg, #23, Room 208-C, Tucson, AZ 85721-0023, 520-621-5121, aestrada@u.arizona.edu, Barbara D. Estrada, MS, Impact Consultants, Inc., 5632 N. Cherokee Ridge Rd., Tucson, AZ 85750, and Stephen Trujillo, El Rio/Special Immunology Associates, 1701 W. St. Mary's Rd., Suite 160, Tucson, AZ 85745.

Background: The increased militarization of the U.S. Mexico border has had a profound effect on the ability to access health care in border communities.

Methods: Between 2000 and 2005, 1200 HIV positive persons were recruited into a multi-site study involving several health care centers along the U.S.-Mexico border (the HRSA SPNS Border Initiative). The present analysis examines data from 669 HIV positive Latinos of Mexican origin. Access barrier questions were asked relative to trouble crossing the border to obtain needed HIV care, and related to the presence of the border patrol in preventing needed HIV care.

Results: Of the 669 HIV positive Latinos, 53 indicated that they had trouble crossing the border to obtain care (7.9%), and 34 indicated that the Border Patrol prevented them from obtaining care (5.1%). After initializing care, patients were asked if these barriers still prevented them from obtaining care. Among those who indicated that they had trouble crossing the border to obtain care, 23 or 43.4% said it was still a problem (p < .001). In addition, among those who indicated that the presence of the Border Patrol prevented them from obtaining care, 12 or 54.5% said it was still a problem (p < .001).

Conclusions: The magnitude of the problems related to the crossing of the U.S.-Mexico border and the presence of the Border Patrol in preventing HIV positive Latinos of Mexican origin from obtaining medical care is underestimated in the present study. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the problem is much larger.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the presentation attendees will be able to

• Understand how militarization of the US-Mexico Border impacts health care among Latinos.
• Describe the access barriers presented by the US Border Patrol and crossing the border to obtain needed care.
• Discuss potential solutions to overcoming these barriers.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Latinos

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation