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The Impact of Acculturation on Utilization of HIV Prevention Services and Access to Care Among an At-Risk Hispanic Population
- Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Volume 20, Number 4, November 2009
- pp. 996-1011
- 10.1353/hpu.0.0204
- Article
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Introduction. HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects Hispanics in the United States, a diverse and heterogeneous population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of acculturation with HIV and hepatitis C testing, and access to care among Hispanics at risk for HIV.
Methods. We recruited 600 Hispanics from STD clinics, community-based organizations, and needle exchange programs in Los Angeles County.
Results. Low levels of acculturation were significantly associated with having fewer HIV tests (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.24, 3.15), no hepatitis C tests (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.77, 3.84), testing positive for HIV (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.04, 6.83), and low levels of access to care (β=0.06; p<.05).
Conclusions. Low levels of acculturation are an important barrier to the use of HIV-related health care services. Our findings may inform the development of effective interventions that address the cultural and behavioral differences among Hispanic subgroups.