HIV RISK AMONG WOMEN IN PUERTO RICO

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. A. Specific Aims and Results 1. Identify epidemiologic, socio-cultural, psychological, and behavioral factors associated with to increased HIV risk for women living in PHDs in Ponce, PR. This will be accomplished by developing a structured survey instrument to be administered face-to-face to a sample of women living in public housing developments (PHDs) in Ponce. This instrument will draw from focus group data, as well as relevant theories and previous empirical research with impoverished women. Multivariate statistical analyses will be used to identify and examine the relationships among the various factors and HIV risk. 2. Determine the need of an HIV prevention intervention targeting women living in PHDs in Ponce, PR. To assess need, levels of HIV risk behaviors will be measured (Aim 1) to determine if a need for HIV prevention interventions exist for these women. B. Brief Project Description: This project is an HIV-risk reduction project for Puerto Rican women living in low-income housing in Ponce. It is aimed at reducing HIV risk behaviors and promoting HIV testing through individual and social level efforts. C. Significance Explain how the findings influence the scientific field and their potential impact on health. These findings indicate that these women are at increased risk of HIV infection due to their behaviors and contributing attitudes. These findings can inform the development of an HIV prevention intervention targeting this population. D. Results 1. Preliminary results Focus groups were conducted with 39 women exploring knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the women as they relate to HIV. 1138 self-administered surveys were collected from women, which examined knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to HIV-risk. Preliminary results suggest that these women have significant gaps in knowledge and high levels of HIV risk behaviors. Preliminary results also indicate a sero-prevalence rate of approximately 3% (self-reported HIV status) among the participants.