Binational care-seeking behavior and health-related quality of life among HIV-infected Latinos in the U.S.-Mexico border region

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2011 May-Jun;22(3):162-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2010.09.001. Epub 2010 Dec 24.

Abstract

Although binational health care-seeking is common among HIV-infected Latinos living near the U.S.-Mexico border, information is lacking on whether regional indicators of health access are associated with Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL). This study examined health care-seeking behaviors across four HRQL domains (emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, physical functioning, and pain) using linear regression. HIV-infected Latinos (n = 239) were recruited from U.S. community clinics situated near the border shared by California with Mexico. In general, the Spanish-speaking (81%) and male-dominant (84%) population had positive indicators of HRQL. AIDS diagnosis predicted poorer HRQL (cognitive functioning, physical functioning, and pain), as did receipt of traditional medications and/or herbs in Mexico (physical functioning and pain). Staying for 1 or more months in Mexico in the past year was associated with higher cognitive functioning and less pain. Border-related factors were inconsistently implicated in HRQL measures. Improved understanding of complementary and alternative medicine usage by HIV-infected Latinos is warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / physiopathology
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • HIV Infections / therapy*
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Quality of Life*
  • United States