Hispanic/Latina Women and AIDS: A Critical Perspective. JSRI Working Paper No. 36. JSRI Research & Publications Working Paper Series.

Women are a rapidly growing group of people with AIDS in the United States, and Hispanic/Latina and African American women are disproportionately represented. This paper reviews the literature on the epidemiology of AIDS/HIV infection among Latina women, children, and adolescents and discusses the needs of Latinas regarding AIDS prevention education. Approximately a half million U.S. cases of AIDS had been reported through October 1995, of which women accounted for 11 percent. Hispanics and African Americans represented 21 and 53 percent, respectively, of cases among women. Intravenous drug use by self or partner was a major risk factor, particularly in the Northeast. Children under age 13 were usually infected via maternal transmission, and Hispanic children accounted for a third of pediatric cases. Inner-city adolescents were also at increased risk for HIV infection related to high-risk sexual behaviors and drug abuse. Other risk factors for Latinas are poverty, lack of access to health care, inadequate prenatal care, culturally prescribed gender roles and attitudes, and socioeconomic and political disempowerment. Educational interventions must address the needs of Latinas within cultural context. Cultural norms may dictate that a woman appear sexually naive, making it difficult for her to negotiate safe sex practices. Development of peer support groups may be the best approach. Recommendations are offered for working with the Hispanic community. (Contains 27 references.) (SV)