| It is well documented that Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) disproportionately affects Hispanics and Latinos in the United States (US). While Hispanics represented 17% of the US population in 2014, they accounted for nearly one-fourth (23%) of all new estimated HIV diagnoses. Furthermore, Hispanics/Latinos made up nearly one-fifth (21%) of all persons living with HIV infection in the United States (and six dependent areas). Hispanic/Latino populations face numerous barriers that negatively impact their outcomes along several steps of the HIV care continuum. This paper will discuss the HIV Care Continuum, particularly focusing on disparities that Hispanic and Latino populations may face progressing through several steps of the continuum. Furthermore, a focus on defining barriers that this population may face accessing and maintaining regular HIV care will be used to explore ways that providers can deliver culturally tailored, appropriate HIV care to this population. An emphasis on the social determinants of health on the HIV outcomes of Hispanics/Latinos will be crucial in addressing the disproportionate share of the HIV burden that this population encounters. |
