Evaluation of an HIV/AIDS promotores de salud intervention targeting Latino families

Background: Although Latinos represent 14% of the U.S. population, they comprise nearly one-fifth of the nation's AIDS cases. Latinos are also the more likely than all other groups to lack health insurance and access to culturally and linguistically relevant health care, including HIV prevention and testing.

Methods: This is an evaluation study of an HIV/AIDS prevention intervention utilizing a promotores de salud model implemented at three sites in San Ysidro, California; Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and El Paso, Texas. Of the 5,222 individuals that participated in this intervention, 2,003 (55% male and 45% female) completed a survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention which involved educational discussions called “charlas”. Various statistical analyses were performed including regression analyses.

Results: Ninety-five percent (95%) of charla participants found the information either very useful (70%) or useful (25%), and 81% reported that it was probable or very probable that they would test for HIV within the six month period following the charla. Statistically significant predictors of intention to test for HIV included: having heard of HIV; being married or living with a partner; speaking both English and Spanish; and being a foreign born female.

Conclusions: The promotores de salud intervention was effective in raising awareness, education and intention to seek HIV testing and care services and has the potential of greatly reducing barriers to care for Latinos who are at-risk. Future studies are needed in order to fully understand the impact on health outcomes.