HIV/STI and Intimate Partner Violence Prevention for Latinos

Purpose: The proportion of newly diagnosed HIV cases has increased in the last 10 years among Latinos, which are the largest ethnic minority group in the U.S. Latinos comprise about 24% of Florida’s total adult population, and they account for 21% of all people living with HIV and 17% of AIDS cases. Latino men and women are vulnerable to acquire HIV because of risky sexual behaviors as well as drug and alcohol use. The cultural value of machismo promotes male risky behaviors, female acceptance, and community silence about these behaviors. Understanding how these factors influence Latinos HIV risk is needed to reduce HIV rates among them. Community based programs are needed that are both culturally appropriate and accessible for them. The purpose of the proposed study is to identify risk factors for HIV/STI and intimate partner violence, and to assess effective prevention strategies among Latinos (men and women) in the U.S.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect information about HIV/STI risk factors, intimate partner violence and information about effective prevention strategies that can be used for Latino men and women. The sample consisted of 23 Hispanic men and women between 18 and 50 years old, English or Spanish speaking, sexually active in the last 3 months that participated in focus groups. Two focus groups included Latino men and women (n=13), one group included men (n=3), and the other only women (n=7). The focus groups were transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was used to identify and define the major themes that emerged from the focus groups.

Results: Participants age ranged from 22 and 49 years old, with an average of 35.91 + 5.9. Participants were Latino men and 18 (78.3%) were Latina women. The language of preference was Spanish (n=18, 78.3%). More than a third (n=8; 34.8%) were in a relationship, 11 (47.8%) were married, 3 (13%) were single, and 1 was divorced (4.3%). The average number of children was 3.13 + 1.4 (range= 1-7). In relation to the country of origin, the majority were from Mexico (n=9, 39.1%), followed by United States (n=4; 17.4%), Guatemala (n=4, 17.4%), El Salvador (n=2, 8.7 %), Colombia (n=2, 8.7%), and other countries from Latin America (n=2, 8.6%). In relation to education, the majority of the participants (n=16; 69.6%) had more than high school education. The qualitative analysis revealed that both Latino men and women have a lack of knowledge and misconceptions regarding HIV and STI and they have not received information about prevention. In addition, results revealed that Latino men and women engaged in high risk sexual behaviors such as multiple partners, substance abuse, and lack of condom use. The results also showed that participants do not talk about risk behaviors and prevention with their partners. They also mentioned the presence of different types of IPV (psychological, verbal, financial, and sexual) among men and women and how abusive relationships increase the risk to acquire HIV/STI. In relation to effective prevention strategies, results revealed that there is a lack of interventions tailored to them. Latino men and women said that they would feel comfortable learning about HIV prevention with other men and women but only if their partners were not on the same group/intervention. They also reported no preference in terms of a female or male facilitator. Latino men were willing to learn about HIV/STI prevention as long as it did not interfere with their job and social/family activities

Conclusion: Several factors increase the risk of HIV/STI among Latino men and women. Latinos are willing to receive information about prevention in mixed groups. Culturally-specific interventions have promise in preventing HIV for Latino women and men in the U.S.