Levels of felt stigma among a group of people with HIV in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: HIV felt stigma is a major problem needing to be addressed because of its association with poor treatment adherence, decreases in help-seeking behaviors, high-risk sexual conduct, emotional discomfort, and the reduction of well-being in people with HIV/AIDS (PWHA). The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of felt stigma among PWHA in Puerto Rico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 249 subjects (59% men, 41% women). Participants completed the Puerto Rico Comprehensive Center for HIV Disparities (PR-CCHD) Sociodemographic Questionnaire and the HIV Felt Sigma Scale. RESULTS: 80% of the subjects showed some level of felt stigma. Women showed significantly higher levels of HIV-related felt stigma than did men. Disclosure, negative self-image, and public attitude scores were also higher in women than in men. Sociodemographic variables such as age, marital status, employment status, income, and educational level showed significant associations with felt stigma and its dimensions. CONCLUSION: Results of this study evidence the need to develop culturally sensitive intervention models to reduce the felt-stigma burden in PWHA.

The birds and the bees: do Puerto Rican mothers and daughters talk about sex?

INTRODUCTION: Effective communication skills that foster responsible sexual decisions are known to have the potential to reduce the risky adolescent sexual behavior. It is well understood that maternal communication is a key element in modifying the adolescent sexual behavior. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore if Puerto Rican mothers of adolescent girls have conversations about sexuality with their daughters and the content of such conversations. METHODS: A total of 22 HIV-seropositive mothers and 22 HIV-seronegative mothers were enrolled. Six focus groups were conducted, sessions were transcribed ad-verbum and coded for specific topics. All qualitative analysis was incorporated into Atlas.ti. RESULTS: Participants in both groups had a similar average age (mean=41 years old); but, the HIV-seropositive mothers were more likely single, less educated and unemployed. Regarding having engaged in conversations about sexuality and the topics covered, however, there were no differences revealed among HIV-seropositive mothers and seronegative mothers. In both groups, mothers understood the importance of these conversations, but most said they were difficult and uncomfortable. CONCLUSION: These findings reinforce the importance of communication between mothers and daughters for the prevention of STIs, HIV/AIDS, and teenage pregnancy in minority populations.Interventions are needed for mother and daughter to improve communication skills, communication about sexuality, and addressing prevention.

HIV risk factors among Puerto Rican youth in drug treatment

A cross-section of 250 youngsters enrolled in drug treatment programs in Puerto Rico were surveyed in 1991. Even though the surveyed youngsters are not intravenous drug users it was found that they have a high prevalence of behaviors considered by the Centers for Diseases Control as increasing the risk of HIV infection in youth. These behaviors include frequent experimentation with non-IV drugs, early onset of sexual behaviors (mean = 13.5 years) and drug use (mean = 13.8 years), and a high number of sexual partners (mean = 3.13) reported for the year preceding the interview. Infrequent use of contraceptives and condoms and ineffective practices to prevent STD/HIV were also reported. This subgroup of youngsters in drug treatment centers can be defined as a high risk group in need of HIV infection prevention services