Latinos and HIV/AIDS: examining factors related to disparity and identifying opportunities for psychosocial intervention research

AIDS Behav. 2009 Jun;13(3):582-602. doi: 10.1007/s10461-008-9402-4. Epub 2008 May 23.

Abstract

Latinos maintain an AIDS case rate more than 3 times higher than whites, a greater rate of progression to AIDS, and a higher rate of HIV/AIDS-related deaths. Three broad areas are reviewed related to these disparities: (1) relevant demographic, socioeconomic, and socio-cultural factors among Latinos; (2) drug abuse and mental health problems in Latinos relevant to HIV/AIDS outcomes; and (3) opportunities for psychosocial intervention. Latinos living with HIV are a rapidly growing group, are more severely impacted by HIV than whites, and confront unique challenges in coping with HIV/AIDS. A body of research suggests that depression, substance abuse, treatment adherence, health literacy, and access to healthcare may be fruitful targets for intervention research in this population. Though limited, the current literature suggests that psychosocial interventions that target these factors could help reduce HIV/AIDS disparities between Latinos and whites and could have important public health value.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / ethnology*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / ethnology
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Minority Groups / psychology*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous
  • United States