AEGiS-14IAC: Preliminary findings on a drug Treatment and HIV/AIDS program for high risk Latinas in East Los Angeles.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Preliminary findings on a drug Treatment and HIV/AIDS program for high risk Latinas in East Los Angeles.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. LbPeF9056)

Cervantes R, Kappos B, Gonzalez G
Clinic, East Los Angeles, United States

ISSUE: According to the 1999 LA County, HIV Strategic Plan, Latinos account for an increasing percentage of AIDS cases. Among AIDS cases diagnosed in 1997, Latinos accounted for the largest percentage of all AIDS cases (39%) for the first time. Census tracts with low median household incomes have the highest cumulative AIDS rates (384 per 100,000) with decreasing rates according to increasing median household incomes. Latinas represent 38% of female AIDS cases in LA.

DESCRIPTION: The project is designed to assist participating Latinas with achieving parenting skills, family relations and expanding natural support networks; reducing risks and increasing protective factors associated with youth substance abuse; and increasing the community's capacities to address substance abuse and HIV/AIDS among Latina mothers. Services are gender specific and provided by culturally competent staff. The pretest is administrated after orientation and a follow-up is conducted 6 months after program initiation. Finally, a 12 month follow-up and discharge form are completed.

ISSUES: Since the inception of the program, the TCE - HIV project has served 130 participants. [table: see text] Based on preliminary findings are both positive and important in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS among drug using Latinas. The results suggest significant improvements and positive change in a number of important HIV risk factors. First, the perception of parent stress was decreased. While not statistically significant, there was a trend toward women's increased knowledge and attitudes regarding STDs/HIV. Although, STD/HIV knowledge and attitudes were not significantly changed, the respondents have shown an increase in drug knowledge (p<.05) and a significant decrease in the use of illicit drugs (p<.05). Recomendation Overall, the project has achieved a positive effect on participants risk behaviors associated with substance abuse and HIV.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Hispanic Americans, HIV Seropositivity, Risk-Taking, Los Angeles, Mothers, Human, Female, therapy, Diagnosis

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