Knowledge, attitudes, and experience regarding HIV/AIDS among older adult inner-city Latinos

Although Latinos, now the largest minority group in the U.S., comprise 13% of the population, they represent 18% of all new HIV and AIDS cases. This disproportionate representation also appears among older adult Latinos. Semi-structured interviews with 45 inner-city Spanish speaking older adult Latinos provide new data regarding HIV/AIDS among this largely ignored but at risk population. Findings indicate that approximately two thirds of the sample ascribed to at least one myth regarding viral transmission (e.g., via mosquito bites; using public toilets) and less than half were aware of age and gender specific risk factors (e.g., increased mortality and side-effects from antiviral medication; greater risk of contracting HIV through intercourse among older women). Women were significantly less likely to have experience with condoms than men, and machismo, lack of perceived risk, and perceived ineffectiveness were identified as potential barriers to condom use. Recommendations are offered for the design of culturally sensitive, primary prevention programs for this older Latino population.