Tu Amigo Pepe: Evaluation of a Multi-media Marketing Campaign that Targets Young Latino Immigrant MSM with HIV Testing Messages.

Latino immigrant men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for HIV and delayed diagnosis in the United States. This paper describes the evaluation of a pilot of the Tu Amigo Pepe, a multimedia HIV testing campaign aimed at Latino MSM in Seattle, WA particularly targeting immigrants who may not identify as gay, ages 18-30 years old. The 16-week campaign included Spanish-language radio public service announcements (PSAs), a Web site, social media outreach, a reminder system using mobile technology, print materials and a toll-free hotline.

Content validity of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) items in the context of HIV clinical care.

Purpose: To assess content validity and patient and provider prioritization of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression, anxiety, fatigue, and alcohol use items in the context of clinical care for people living with HIV (PLWH), and to develop and assess new items as needed.

Methods: We conducted concept elicitation interviews (n = 161), item pool matching, prioritization focus groups (n = 227 participants), and cognitive interviews (n = 48) with English-speaking (~75 %) and Spanish-speaking (~25 %) PLWH from clinical sites in Seattle, San Diego, Birmingham, and Boston. For each domain we also conducted item review and prioritization with two HIV provider panels of 3-8 members each.

Impact of a chronic care coordinator intervention on diabetes quality of care in a community health center.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of a clinic-based chronic care coordinator (CCC) intervention on quality of diabetes care, health outcomes and health service utilization within six community health centers serving predominantly low-income Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients.

Methods: We used a retrospective cohort study design with a 12-month pre- and 12-month postintervention analysis to evaluate the effect of the CCC intervention and examined: (1) the frequency of testing for glycated hemoglobin (HbAIC), cholesterol LDL level, and microalbumin screen and frequency of retinal and foot exam; (2) outcomes for HbAIC levels, lipid, and blood pressure control; and (3) health care service utilization. Patients with diabetes who received the CCC intervention (n = 329) were compared to a propensity score adjusted control group who are not exposed to the CCC intervention (n = 329).

HIV Prevention Messages Targeting Young Latino Immigrant MSM.

Young Latino immigrant men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for HIV and for delayed diagnosis. A need exists to raise awareness about HIV prevention in this population, including the benefits of timely HIV testing. This project was developed through collaboration between University of WA researchers and Entre Hermanos, a community-based organization serving Latinos.

Attitudes towards and Beliefs about HIV Testing among Latino Immigrant MSM: A Comparison of Testers and Nontesters.

Latino immigrant men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for HIV and delayed diagnosis. An exploratory study using qualitative interviews that assess the beliefs and attitudes of 54 Latino immigrant MSM in Seattle, Washington, is presented. The goal of this research is to determine whether attitudinal differences exist between participants who had and had not been tested and to use any insight into the development of a media campaign to promote testing.

A family intervention to reduce sexual risk behavior, substance use, and delinquency among newly homeless youth.

Purpose: We evaluate the efficacy of a short family intervention in reducing sexual risk behavior, drug use, and delinquent behaviors among homeless youth.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial of 151 families with a homeless adolescent aged 12 to 17 years. Between March 2006 and June 2009, adolescents were recruited from diverse sites in Southern California and were assessed at recruitment (baseline), and at 3, 6, and 12 months later.

Comparing Measures of Late HIV Diagnosis in Washington State.

As more US HIV surveillance programs routinely use late HIV diagnosis to monitor and characterize HIV testing patterns, there is an increasing need to standardize how late HIV diagnosis is measured. In this study, we compared two measures of late HIV diagnosis, one based on time between HIV and AIDS, the other based on initial CD4(+) results. Using data from Washington's HIV/AIDS Reporting System, we used multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of late HIV diagnosis.

The "Latina epidemiologic paradox" revisited: the role of birthplace and acculturation in predicting infant low birth weight for Latinas in Los Angeles, CA.

The "Latina epidemiologic paradox" refers to the observation that despite socioeconomic disadvantages, Latina mothers in the United States (US) have a similar or lower risk for delivering an infant with low birth weight (LBW) compared to non-Latina White mothers. An analogous paradox may exist between foreign-born (FB) and US-born (USB) Latinas. Our goal was to assess differences in LBW in USB Latinas, FB Latinas, and non-Latina Whites in Los Angeles County in 2003 using birth records and survey data.

Discrimination and mental health problems among homeless minority young people.

Objective: We examined the associations among perceived discrimination, racial/ethnic identification, and emotional distress in newly homeless adolescents.

Methods: We assessed a sample of newly homeless adolescents (n=254) in Los Angeles, California, with measures of perceived discrimination and racial/ethnic identification. We assessed emotional distress using the Brief Symptom Inventory and used multivariate linear regression modeling to gauge the impact of discrimination and racial identity on emotional distress.

Case-mix adjustment and the comparison of community health center performance on patient experience measures.

Objective: To assess the effect of case-mix adjustment on community health center (CHC) performance on patient experience measures.

Data Sources: A Medicaid-managed care plan in Washington State collected patient survey data from 33 CHCs over three fiscal quarters during 2007-2008. The survey included three composite patient experience measures (6-month reports) and two overall ratings of care.

Who is using emergency contraception? Awareness and use of emergency contraception among California women and teens.

Introduction: Emergency contraception (EC) reduces women's risk for pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, and women's awareness of the method is increasingly important for expanding access. However, knowledge of EC alone does not predict use, and few population data exist to describe EC use among those aware of the method.

Methods: Using data from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey, we measured EC awareness among 11,392 women ages 15-44, and EC use among 7,178 respondents who were aware of EC and at risk for pregnancy.

Predictors of sexual risk behaviors among newly homeless youth: a longitudinal study.

Purpose: To longitudinally examine the association between newly homeless youth individual factors (sociodemographic characteristics, depression, substance use), and structural factors, such as living situation (family, institution, nonfamily), with sexual risk behaviors.

Methods: A cohort of newly homeless youth from Los Angeles County (N = 261; aged 12-20 years) was interviewed at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. At each assessment youth were asked about symptoms of depression (using the Brief Symptom Inventory), substance use, living situation, and sexual risk behaviors (number of sexual partners and condom use).

Newly homeless youth typically return home.

Newly homeless adolescents from Melbourne, Australia (n = 165) and Los Angeles, United States (n = 261) were surveyed and followed for 2 years. Most newly homeless adolescents returned home (70% U.S.

The STI and HIV testing practices of primary care providers.

Objectives: To examine the sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing practices of primary care providers (PCPs) practicing in predominantly Hispanic communities.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. PCPs were identified by matching ZIP codes of physician directories with ZIP codes of Los Angeles County areas that have a population that is > 50% Hispanic (N = 191).

Emotional distress and mental health service use among urban homeless adolescents.

The Expanded Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations was used to examine the predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with mental health service use in a homeless adolescent sample (N = 688). Among all youth, 32% perceived a need for help with mental health problems and 15% met Brief-Symptom Inventory (BSI) criteria for emotional distress. The rate of mental health service use in our sample was 32%.

Newly homeless youth STD testing patterns over time.

Purpose: To use the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations to examine the predisposing and need characteristics of newly homeless youth that are associated with sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing over time.

Methods: A longitudinal cohort of newly homeless youth from Los Angeles County (n = 261; ages 12-20 years) were followed for 24 months. Youth were interviewed at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and asked about their background, housing situation, emotional distress (using the Brief-Symptom Inventory), substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and their STD testing rates.

Predictors of sexually transmitted infection testing among sexually active homeless youth.

We examined the association between sexual risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing in a sample of homeless youth. Of 261 youth interviewed, 50% had been sexually active in the past 3 months. Gender variation in sexual behaviors and risk were found.

HIV health care services for Mexican migrants.

This article reviews the literature on HIV/AIDS health care services for Mexican migrants in the United States. Because so little research has been conducted on Mexican migrants per se, we include literature on Latinos/Hispanics in the United States, because some characteristics may be shared. Furthermore, we focus special attention on data from California because it is on the front line of issues regarding health care for Mexican migrants.

A comparison of Hispanic and white adolescent females' use of family planning services in California.

Context: In California, the adolescent birthrate among Hispanics is three times that among whites. Because Hispanics are projected to make up one-half of the state's adolescents by 2020, it is important to determine how cultural and health policy-relevant factors are linked to this group's use of family planning services.

Methods: Data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey were used to examine characteristics of Hispanic and white females aged 14-17, including patterns of use of family planning services in the past year.

Risk among young gay and bisexual men living with HIV.

The influence of sexual orientation was examined on sexual risk behaviors, disclosure patterns, substance use, and stressful live events among 231 gay and bisexual youth living with HIV. Youth were mainly of ethnic minority heritage: 69.3% were Hispanic, African American, or biracial.

The association of access to medical care with regular source of care and sociodemographic characteristics in patients with HIV and tuberculosis.

Purpose: To examine satisfaction with access to health care in two populations, one with HIV and one with TB, and examine the effect of having a regular doctor and sociodemographic characteristics.

Design: Cross-Sectional survey.

Patients: A sample of HIV inpatients hospitalized at seven Los Angeles sites (N = 217) and TB outpatients chosen randomly from the Los Angeles County TB Registry Census (N = 313).

An anomaly within the Latino epidemiological paradox: the Latino adolescent male mortality peak.

Objective: To describe the anomaly of the Latino adolescent male mortality peak in relation to the overall Latino epidemiological paradox and in relation to the need for new conceptual models describing the health of a culturally diverse population.

Design: Population-based study using California's 1989 to 1997 summary death files for death-related information and the State of California Department of Finance population estimates for population denominators for corresponding years.

Participants: California's general population for 1989 to 1997, including California's 15- to 19-year-old and 20- to 24-year-old populations.