Cultural Considerations for Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Risk in Hispanics

Immigration from Latin America is changing the demographics of the United States. By the year 2050, one of every four persons in the United States will be of Hispanic ethnicity. As this segment of American society grows, interventions that improve health status for these individuals must be expanded and enhanced. HIV infection disproportionately affects people in the Hispanic community. Hispanics have unique cultural and social characteristics and norms that place them at risk for HIV exposure. The purpose of this report is to highlight culturally related issues that have been associated with HIV risk in Hispanics. Clinicians can broaden their knowledge of and appreciation for the complex cultural issues related to HIV research. Additionally, clinicians can steer interventions toward more culturally competent care for this rapidly growing segment of American society.

Key words: acculturation, familismo, Hispanic, HIV, intimate partner violence, machismo, marianismo