Risk Factors for HIV Acquisition in Urban Latinos and Implications for Prevention

The risk of HIV in the Latino population in the United States is increasing. This population has a disproportionate number of new HIV cases, with the largest burden in the seventeen southern states. The purpose of this study is to assess risk factors for HIV among HIV-positive Latinos in care in New Orleans, Louisiana, through a retrospective chart review. The Chi square test of proportions, Student's t-test, and Wilcox rank sum test were used to test differences by sex and immigration status. Men were more likely to be incarcerated, use drugs, and drink alcohol. Undocumented Latinos were younger and had increased language barriers. Legally documented participants were more likely to use drugs, have a psychiatric diagnosis, and syphilis. Understanding the complex risk factors that surround HIV in the Latino population is useful for the development of effective and comprehensive prevention programs.