The Effects of Previous Experiences of Healthcare Discrimination on HIV Intervention Outcomes.

Although several healthcare interventions have been developed to address HIV among young Black/African American men who have sex with men (YBMSM), the HIV epidemic in the United States continues to disproportionately burden this population. The current study examines previous healthcare discrimination and how it affects HIV intervention delivery. One hundred seventy-two YBMSM participated in the Peer Promotion of Wellness and Enhanced Linkage to Resources (PPOWER) project, which used a short, multi-faceted, community-level intervention based on Community Peers Reaching Out and Modeling Intervention Strategies (Community PROMISE).

Healthcare discrimination, anticipated HIV stigma, and income as predictors of HIV testing among a community sample of YBMSM.

Young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are at particular risk for HIV, and knowing one's HIV status is key to preventing new HIV infections. Data were derived from a community-based study involving 250 YBMSM to examine the relationships between race-based discrimination experienced in healthcare settings, anticipated HIV stigma, household income and lifetime HIV testing. Lifetime HIV testing was regressed on racial discrimination in healthcare settings, anticipated HIV stigma, and income, and a significant 3-way interaction was found.

Marijuana Use and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in California.

Young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV and continue to experience higher rates of new HIV infections when compared to other population groups. As part of the Peer Promotion of Wellness and Enhanced Linkage to Resources Project, we examined problem marijuana use and the overall sexual risk profile of 250 YBMSM. Eighty percent reported prior use of marijuana in their lifetime (n = 200).

Social Discrimination and Health Care: A Multidimensional Framework of Experiences among a Low-Income Multiethnic Sample.

The study aims to describe the perceived discriminatory health care treatment experiences and its impact on care among minority urban-dwelling adults. Semistructured qualitative interviews (N = 51) were conducted with patients from community-based health care settings, and systematic, grounded theory approach was used. Three distinct themes emerged: (a) the sources of discriminatory experiences, (b) its impact on health care, and (c) the provider/organization recommendations to address discriminatory practices.

Health Disparities in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Blueprint for Action. An Official American Thoracic Society Statement.

Background: Health disparities have a major impact in the quality of life and clinical care received by minorities in the United States. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare cardiopulmonary disorder that affects children and adults and that, if untreated, results in premature death. The impact of health disparities in the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcome of patients with PAH has not been systematically investigated.

The Relationship between Sexual Minority Verbal Harassment And Utilization of Health Services: Results from Countywide Risk Assessment Survey (CRAS) 2004.

We examined the prevalence of and associations between sexual orientation-based verbal harassment and reported utilization of health services across levels of sexual orientation in a diverse sample of adult recipients of Los Angeles County-funded HIV-related health and social services. Thirty-two percent reported they had experienced verbal harassment, the majority (80.3%) of whom identified as lesbian, gay, orbisexual.

Factors associated with condom use problems during vaginal sex with main and non-main partners.

Background: Incorrect condom use is a common problem that can undermine their prevention impact. We assessed the prevalence of 2 condom use problems, breakage/slippage and partial use, compared problems by partnership type, and examined associations with respondent, partner, and partnership characteristics.

Methods: Data were collected at 3-month intervals during a 12-month period (1999-2000) among urban sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic users.

Does health care setting matter in reports of discrimination?

We investigated the associations between the health care setting types that California adults report as their regular source of care, socioeconomic status, and perceived racial/ethnic medical care-related discrimination. Data were analyzed from the 2005 California Health Interview Survey (n = 36,694). Adults who identified clinics/health centers/hospital clinics or "other settings" as their usual source of health care had increased odds for perceived racial/ethnic discrimination compared with those who utilized private and health maintenance organizations doctors' offices, although this was true only for middle, but not lower or higher, socio-economic respondents.

Increasing HIV-related knowledge, communication, and testing intentions among Latinos: Protege tu Familia: Hazte la Prueba.

Latinos are less likely to be aware of their HIV seropositivity than African Americans and Whites. 'Protege tu Familia: Hazte la Prueba' is a culturally and linguistically-sensitive HIV/AIDS prevention and testing program targeting Latino families. Using community-based participatory research techniques, Spanish-speaking bicultural community health workers helped develop and then used an educational flip chart and materials to conduct outreach and HIV prevention education in diverse settings.

Racial and ethnic health disparities: evidence of discrimination's effects across the SEP spectrum.

Objectives: Perceived discrimination is a psychosocial stressor that plays a role in explaining racial/ethnic disparities in self-reported physical and mental health. The purpose of this paper is: (1) to investigate the association between perceived discrimination in receiving healthcare and racial/ethnic disparities in self-rated health status, physical, and emotional functional limitations among a diverse sample of California adults; (2) to assess whether discrimination effects vary by racial/ethnic group and gender; and (3) to evaluate how the effects of discrimination on health are manifest across the socioeconomic position (SEP) spectrum.

Design: Data were drawn from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey adult file (n=55,428).

Brief counseling for reducing sexual risk and bacterial STIs among drug users--results from project RESPECT.

Objective: Project RESPECT's brief risk reduction counseling (BRRC) reduced sexual risk and bacterial STIs among at-risk heterosexuals and has been packaged for use with this population. We assessed BRRC's efficacy with RESPECT participants who used drugs and examined BRRC's applicability to present-day users of heroin, cocaine, speedball, or crack.

Methods: We compared baseline demographic and economic variables, risk behaviors, and prevalence and correlates of bacterial STIs for ever-injectors ([EIs], N=335) and never-injectors ([NIs], N=3963).

Addressing the need for access to culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention for Latinos.

This article reports a comprehensive national needs assessment of Latinos' access to HIV/AIDS prevention and education services in 14 cities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with Latinos who were HIV-positive and at risk for HIV infection. The study explored risk behaviors, access to health care services, and exposure to HIV prevention messages.