Behavioral HIV Prevention Interventions Among Latinas in the US: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Abstract

Compared to White women, Latinas are 4 times more likely to contract HIV. In an effort to determine the overall state of the science meant to address this disparity, we reviewed the current HIV prevention intervention literature for U.S. Latinas. We searched 5 online electronic databases from their inception through July, 2014, for HIV prevention interventions including a majority sample of Latinas. Of 1041 articles identified, 20 studies met inclusion criteria. We documented study designs, participant characteristics, outcomes, theories used, and other intervention characteristics. Overall, HIV knowledge and attitudes were the predominant outcome; a small minority of studies included self-reported condom use or STD incidence. Strategies used to address cultural factors specific to Latinas and HIV included; lay health advisors, using ethnographic narratives, or using the Theory of Gender and Power, however few of the interventions adopted these strategies. This study identified several gaps in the intervention literature that need to be addressed. In addition to including more direct measures of decreased HIV risk (ex. condom use), more systematic use of strategies meant to address gender and cultural factors that may place Latinas at increased risk (e.g., gender inequity, traditional gender role norms such as machismo and marianismo, and relationship power dynamics).

Reproductive health among Venezuelan migrant women at the north western border of Brazil: A qualitative study

“…Women’ knowledge on STDs/HIV prevention and transmission was adequate; a fair proportion of the FGDs participants knew the main risk factors for sexual transmission of these diseases and agreed that the use of condom and monogamy are the two effective means for prevention. The predominance of traditional gender imbalance in the relations was observed among the participants, a similar situation was identified among Latino migrant women in the USA ( Daniel-Ulloa et al., 2016 ). Also, these attitudes have been discussed as a barrier for migrant women, in general, to protect themselves against HIV/STD infection ( Webber, 2007 ; Gupta et al., 2008 ).…”

Sexual risk during initial months in US among Latina young adults

“…Because recent immigrants may have less stable living circumstances that make them harder-to-reach than other populations, interventions that include community-based participatory research principles (e.g., bilingual facilitators, childcare) may improve participation and outcomes (Organista, 2012). Culturally-tailored programs that empower women to have greater comfort with sexual communication and decision-making power also could be beneficial (Daniel-Ulloa et al, 2016). Research and interventions focusing on the time immediately after arrival are encouraged to understand the social and cultural complexities of recent Latina immigrants’ sexual health.…”

Where you learn about sex matters: Sexual information sources during adolescence and current sexual values and sexual behaviors in Latinx emerging adults.

“…The increase in rates of sexual activity during college is accompanied by an increase in the number of sexual partners including “hookup culture” (Claxton & van Dulmen, 2013) and “serial monogamy” (Corbin & Fromme, 2002), which have been linked to unplanned pregnancy (Williams & Bonner, 2006) and STIs. Adverse sexual health outcomes (e.g., higher rates of unwanted pregnancies and STIs; CDC, 2018) linked with risky sexual behaviors, particularly before the age of 20 (Rocca et al, 2010), may contribute to attrition in college enrollment (Daniel-Ulloa et al, 2016). Since sexual activity and risky sexual behaviors among Latinxs peak in young adulthood (ACHA, 2006; Gilliam et al, 2007), identifying early determinants of sexual values and sexual behaviors might be helpful for tailoring interventions.…”