Objectives: To identify trends among Latino AIDS cases in California with respect to ethnic subgroup. Methods: Information for all Latino AIDS cases diagnosed through 1999 and reported to California’s AIDS case registry through June 30, 2000 were extracted from this database. Cases with indeterminate Latino subethnicity were matched to California Vital Statistics Death Files to seek subethnic information. Demographic information such as age, gender, and reported mode of HIV infection were compared between Latino subgroups. Results: The reported subethnicity of these 22,939 Latino AIDS cases was 49% Mexican, 24% unknown, 11% Central American, 3% each for South American, Cuban, and Puerto Rican, and under 1% for all other subgroups. Compared to all other Latino subgroups, Central American AIDS cases are more likely to be female (p<0.01) and under 30 years old (p<0.01). Over 56% of female cases identified with Mexican or Central American ethnicity were reported with heterosexual HIV exposure, compared to 42% for all other Latina subgroups (p<0.01). The proportion of Latino male cases reported with gay/bisexual HIV exposure is significantly higher within the South American subgroup (85%) and lower within the Puerto Rican subgroup (52%) compared with all other Latino subgroups (p<0.01 for both). Differences in trends among Latino AIDS cases at the national and state levels are explainable when considering Latino subethnicity. Conclusions: Substantial diversity exists within California Latino AIDS cases, and significant differences exist between the AIDS cases of Latino subgroups. Education and prevention programs targeting Latino populations should consider their subethnic composition to maximize effectiveness.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Latinos
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.