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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Serena Rajabiun, MPH, Health and Disability Working Group, Boston University School of Public Health, 374 Congress St., Suite 502, Boston, MA 02210, 617-426-4447, x15, rajabiun@bu.edu and Jesus Felizzola, MD, MHSA, MA, Consultant, 8336 NE 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33138.

Background: We examined the role of stigma and access to HIV health services among HIV-infected Latino populations in the United States. We hypothesized that outreach and advocacy interventions could reduce stigma related barriers to care and enhance retention in HIV primary care services. Methods: The sample was recruited from ten program interventions aimed at improving the engagement and retention of underserved minority populations in HIV primary medical care. Participants were recruited from urban clinic and community-based settings. Data was collected at baseline and 6-month post intervention. Chi-square analysis was performed to analyze significant differences between Latino and non-Latino groups. Logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with stigma among the Latino sample. Results: HIV-infected Latinos (n=240) were significantly more likely to report barriers to health care due to stigma compared to non-Latinos (44% vs. 36%, p=.03) Stigma was described as fear of someone finding out about HIV status, fear of revealing sexual orientation, fear of partner getting upset or angry, and concerns about health care provider asking questions about practices. Stigma was significantly associated with being female, recent HIV diagnosis, and being a monolingual Spanish speaker. At 6 month follow-up, there was a signifcant reduction in HIV stigma (p=.032). Conclusion: The study concludes that outreach and advocacy to reduce stigma can help to retain Latino populations in HIV care. Vulnerable groups are Latina and monolingual Spanish speakers. Finding and connecting HIV-infected Latinos earlier at diagnosis can help to reduce stigma.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the role of stigma as a barrier to HIV primary medical care for HIV-infected Latinos.
• Identify specific factors related to HIV stigma among Latino populations.
• Discuss interventions that can help reduce stigma among Latino populations.

Keywords: Latinos, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered