This cross-sectional study of 226 HIV-positive Latino men and women sampled and assessed at an outpatient HIV clinic in Los Angeles examined the associations among acculturation, use of a substance before sex, and unsafe sexual behaviour. As acculturation increased, men and women were increasingly likely to have engaged in unsafe sex in the most recent sexual encounter since testing seropositive. In men, the association was partially mediated by use of a substance (primarily alcohol) in the three hours before the sexual encounter; in women, the association was not mediated by drug use. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive, secondary prevention programmes for HIV-positive persons.

Having a better understanding of the intersection between chronic pain and obesity in the Mexican American community can be valuable for pain management specialists in determining treatment, service, and prevention strategies. The objectives of this study were (1) to describe the type and severity of chronic pain among overweight/obese Hispanic adults aged 40 years and older, and (2) to determine the association between chronic pain indices and key demographic variables, including excessive weight. Hispanic adults (N=101) were interviewed using validated questionnaires and measured for BMI and waist circumference. Data analyses revealed that most participants had widespread pain; 60% were suffering severe pain (including back, knee, and shoulder pain); the most common pain location was head (headache, 80%), followed by knee and upper back (75-76%), shoulder (73%) and lower back (73%). Greater obesity was associated with some negative pain outcomes. Results are relevant for pain management with this at-risk population.

Objectives In group interviews, we examined strategies used to manage chronic pain from the perspective of the individual. Methods Sixteen low income overweight Latino adults participated in two group interviews facilitated by a trained moderator who inquired about the type of chronic pain suffered by participants, followed by more specific questions about pain management. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim (Spanish), back-translated into English, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Participants’ pain varied in type, location, and intensity. Participants discussed pain-related changes in activities and social life, and difficulties with health care providers, and as a result, we discovered five major themes: Pain-related Life Alterations, Enduring the Pain, Trying Different Strategies, Emotional Suffering, and Encounters with Health Care System/Providers. Discussion Findings indicated that there are opportunities for providers to improve care for low income overweight Latinos with chronic pain by listening respectfully to how pain alters their daily lives and assisting them in feasible self management strategies.

Introduction The disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latino communities has resulted in greater reports of depression, anxiety, and stress. We present a community-led intervention in Latino communities that integrated social services in mental health service delivery for an equity-based response. Methods We used tracking sheets to identify 1,436 unique participants (aged 5–86) enrolled in Latino Health Access’s Emotional Wellness program, of whom 346 enrolled in the pre–COVID-19 period (March 2019–February 2020) and 1,090 in the COVID-19 period (March–June 2020). Demographic characteristics and types of services were aggregated to assess monthly trends using Pearson 𝜒 2 tests. Regression models were developed to compare factors associated with referrals in the pre–COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. Results During the pandemic, service volume ( P < .001) and participant volume ( P < .001) increased significantly compared with the prepandemic period. Participant characteristics were similar during both periods, the only differences being age distribution, expanded geographic range, and increased male participation during the pandemic. Nonreferred services, such as peer support, increased during the pandemic period. Type of referrals significantly changed from primarily mental health services and disease management in the prepandemic period to affordable housing support, food assistance, and supplemental income. Conclusion An effective mental health program in response to the pandemic must incorporate direct mental health services and address social needs that exacerbate mental health risk for Latino communities. This study presents a model of how to integrate both factors by leveraging promotor -led programs.