Abstract

Cultural considerations and recommendations for HIV testing services among hispanic/latinx victims of intimate partner violence

Oluwamuyiwa Adebayo, PhD, RN¹ and Jessica Williams, PhD, MPH, PHNA-BC²
(1)Penn State University, University Park, PA, (2)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

APHA 2021 Annual Meeting and Expo

Problem Statement: HIV continues to be a health burden to the Hispanic/Latin communities in the United States. Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are at a heightened risk for HIV infection and experience worsened health outcomes. A crucial challenge to prevention is the low rates of HIV testing and diagnoses. Recent studies point to the important role of culture in seeking or obtaining an HIV test; however, there is still a dearth of knowledge on how to promote and offer culturally tailored HIV testing service to Hispanic/Latin victims of IPV. The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural influences and considerations for HIV testing among Hispanic victims of IPV.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with seventeen key informants that included women with a history of IPV, HIV service providers, and IPV service providers. Study participants were recruited from IPV service agencies and HIV testing sites in South Florida. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and audio-recorded individual in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.

Results: The findings from this study describe the influence of culture in the HIV testing decisions of victims of IPV. Additionally, findings from this study elicited recommendations on how to provide culturally tailored HIV testing services. The supporting themes from this study include Ambivalence, Silence, Powerlessness, Diversity, Competence, and Familiarity.

Implication: To effectively address the burden of HIV infection among Hispanic/Latin victims of IPV, it is vital to understand the cultural considerations that influence HIV testing decisions. The findings from this study can be used to provide culturally tailored and trauma-informed HIV testing services to Hispanic/Latin people in the United States.

Public health or related nursing Social and behavioral sciences