Comparison of HIV Viral Suppression Between a Sample of Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Women of Color in the United States

We investigate the association between nativity status (U.S.- vs foreignborn) and viral suppression among women of color (WOC) with HIV (HIV +) and whether this association was modified by education and housing.

Methods: Data were from 549 HIV + WOC, who participated in the Health Resources and Services Administration-funded WOC Initiative 2009-2013. We used generalized estimating equation models to quantify the association between the respondents' nativity status and viral suppression.

Results: After adjusting for covariates, foreign-born WOC were 2.2 times (95% confidence interval: 1.25, 3.85) more likely to achieve viral suppression than U.S.-born WOC. This association was not modified by education or housing status.

Conclusions: Despite facing barriers to care, foreign-born WOC were more likely to achieve viral suppression than U.S.-born WOC. Programs aiming to end the HIV epidemic and reduce HIV disparities in the U.S. should consider these findings as they provide a more nuanced understanding of HIV + WOC.