252307 Determinants of sexual decision-making and safer sex among Latino Women: A Narrative Review

Monday, October 31, 2011

Kristina Rodriguez, MPH Candidate , Department of Health Studies, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA
Amar Kanekar, MPH, CHES, CPH, PhD , Health Studies, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA
Introduction: Latinas(Latino Women) make up approximately 25% of the total number of Latinos in the United States with AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and 20% of all women ever diagnosed with the disease Cultural influences and attitudes significantly impact Latina's sexual decision making and openness in HIV/AIDS prevention communication. Latinas are less likely to take control of their sexual decision-making in regards to using condoms and are increasingly less familiar with the transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The purpose of the current narrative review is to address the determinants of sexual decision making and safer sex among Latino women. Methods:In order to collect the materials for this review, a search of PUBMED and EBSCOHOST databases was carried out for the time period 2000-2010. Results: Results indicated extremely limited published literature related to sexual decision making and safer sex among Latino women The important themes emerging from this review were increasing awareness about safer sex practices, role of acculturation in access to prevention strategy, availability of HIV testing, along with exploring role of cultural influences in practicing safer sex.Discussion: Implications for health education and public health practice entail multiple needs assessment in the Latino community. Community-based programs should increase awareness about safer sex and reinforce availability of HIV management resources among Latino women.

Keywords: sexual decision making; HIV; Latina women; condoms; culturally sensitive

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to describe the process of literature search for a narrative review . At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to discuss various determinants of safer sex and sexual decision making among Latino Women.

Keywords: Latino Health, Risky Behaviors

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an MPH student with coursework related to public health and HIV/AIDS prevention.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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