Hispanics/Latinos and the HIV continuum of care in the Southern USA: a qualitative review of the literature, 2002-2013

Abstract

Hispanics/Latinos are disproportionately affected by HIV infection, but access HIV care less often than non-Hispanic whites in the USA. The majority of new HIV diagnoses among Hispanics/Latinos occur in the southern USA; however, data are lacking regarding factors associated with HIV care access for Hispanics/Latinos in the South. We conducted a qualitative review of peer-reviewed articles using the HIV continuum of care framework to assess HIV care for Hispanics/Latinos in the US South. We identified 13 studies conducted in southern states that were informed by the continuum of care: testing and diagnosis of HIV infection (n = 9); linkage and retention in care (n = 2); and prescription of and adherence to ART (n = 2). Barriers to health care access included stigma, lack of Spanish-speaking health-care providers, and fear of deportation. Facilitators to health care access included provider endorsement of HIV tests and regular health care. Innovative solutions (e.g., patient navigators), tailored strategies (e.g., community outreach) and organizational-level interventions (e.g., increasing provider endorsement of HIV tests) can improve access for Hispanics/Latinos in the South.

Keywords: HIV; Hispanics; Latinos; Southern USA; care; testing.