Immigrant HIV infected Latinos, and those at highest risk for infection, demonstrate strikingly different patterns of risk behaviors and origins. This complicates the already complex acculturation process impacting their lives. By weaving together immigration and AIDS epidemiological patterns, the impact of tightening immigration policy, and masked sexual behaviors, the authors express concern for a lack of communication with, and lack of health care access for, Latinos in the Western Gulf Coast. To combat this deficit, health care and social workers need to be aware of different social, cultural, and behavioral contexts in Latino populations. Policy makers should support efforts to provide health care workers with skills through appropriate language and cultural sensitivity workshops. HIV prevention strategies specific to Latinos are also discussed.

Central America Gulf States AIDS/HIV Immigration prevention Latinos

cultural anthropology immigrant HIV Infections sexual behavior Human immunodeficiency virus infection Population Surveillance human policy morbidity Central America language ethnology Human immunodeficiency virus Hispanic Americans United States Florida Humans Louisiana male immigration policy Acculturation female Review Latino people health care infection prevention infection risk health care access Emigration and Immigration Patient Acceptance of Health Care Health Policy acquired immune deficiency syndrome Health Services Accessibility Texas immigrant population