title: Addressing the need for access to culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention for Latinos.
abstract: This article reports a comprehensive national needs assessment of Latinos' access to HIV/AIDS prevention and education services in 14 cities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with Latinos who were HIV-positive and at risk for HIV infection. The study explored risk behaviors, access to health care services, and exposure to HIV prevention messages. Differences in predictors of risk behaviors were noted by sex. For women, increased age, being married, foreign-born, and a U.S. resident, and having tested for HIV previously, were associated with reduced HIV/AIDS risk. Thematic analysis of qualitative findings revealed limited awareness of risk factors, and a need for culturally and linguistically appropriate, family-centered HIV/AIDS education incorporating Latino values. Findings were incorporated into culturally relevant brochures featuring vignettes and quotes. Brochures were distributed and evaluated by 71 community-based organizations (CBOs) in the U.S. and Latin America. Evaluators responded positively to the brochures, and Latino-serving organizations in 48 states now use them for HIV/AIDS prevention outreach and education.
authors.affiliation: Health Sciences Department, National Council for La Raza - California State University Long Beach Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation and Leadership Training, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 90815, USA. bellis@csulb.edu
authors.forename: Britt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rios-Ellis
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Frates
authors.forename: Laura Hoyt
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: D'Anna
authors.forename: Maura
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dwyer
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lopez-Zetina
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ugarte
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011647:Puerto Rico / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D013240:Stereotyping; D013664:Teaching Materials / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014504:Urban Health