“Beneficioso y Una Prioridad”: Latina Women's Perceptions about HIV Testing

Objectives: Studies indicate a higher rate of HIV infection among Latinos in the United States, and a pattern of later testing associated with poorer disease management, greater risk of spreading infection, and higher death rates. Thus, it is imperative to generate culturally holistic strategies to improve HIV testing among Latina women. Methods: We surveyed 182 Latina women in the southeastern US. We cross-tabulated demographic, social, and experiential factors of women who have taken a previous HIV test with women who have not yet been tested. We examined key comparisons between these women in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, sources of information about HIV testing, and responses to questions that identify factors enabling women to take an HIV test. Results: Our results indicate that Latina women perceive HIV testing as worthwhile, beneficial, and a priority for them. They demonstrate the importance of family networks, trusted and bilingual service providers, and known test locations associated with higher percentages of women taking the HIV test. Conclusions: The results provide input to community health advocates to identify women who need additional support to take an HIV test.