NCJ Number
142074
Journal
Medical Anthropology Quarterly Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1990) Pages: 72-114
Date Published
1990
Length
43 pages
Annotation
A literature review and discussion of new research findings and current epidemiological data form the basis of this analysis of the economic, social, and cultural context of AIDS among Hispano Americans.
Abstract
Statistics on reported cases demonstrate clearly that AIDS is disproportionately prevalent among Latinos in the United States. However, the limited data available on risk behaviors among Hispano Americans hampers the efforts of the Latino community to respond to the AIDS crisis. Other factors include the lack of resources in minority organizations, the dominant public image of AIDS as a disease of white homosexual males, and negative attitudes among minority leaders and populations toward homosexual individuals and intravenous drug users. Many Latino organizations are also stretched to the limit in confronting health, legal, housing, immigration, unemployment, and other social populations. Major cuts in government spending on social programs have intensified the problems. Nevertheless, the Latino community has made a strong effort to respond to the AIDS crisis and to avoid being victimized by either AIDS or hysteria about AIDS. Tables, notes, and 126 references