P2-S9.10 HIV testing behaviours among undocumented Central American immigrant women in Houston, Texas, 2010

Abstract

Introduction Undocumented Central American immigrants in the US are at increased vulnerability to HIV. Almost half of infections are attributed to high-risk heterosexual contact and HIV detection is often delayed. Although HIV testing is a cornerstone of HIV prevention and treatment, we are unaware of any studies that describe HIV testing in this population. The purpose of this paper is to describe HIV testing behaviours among undocumented Central American immigrant women in Houston, Texas. Methods We recruited 230 Guatemalan, Honduran, and El Salvadoran women, ages 18–50 years, living in Houston without a US visa or residency papers for an HIV behavioural survey using respondent driven sampling. Present analyses are limited to sexually active participants who provided information on HIV testing (N=182). Ever testing for HIV was defined as receiving an HIV test at least once during one9s lifetime. Prevalence estimates are RDS-adjusted. Results Sixty seven per cent of women reported ever testing for HIV infection. Among testers, 49% tested at a public health clinic and 30% tested at other healthcare facilities; 50% tested within the past 2 years. The most common reason for getting tested was pregnancy (50%) and to get rid of doubt” regarding their partner9s infidelity (29%). Testers were significantly more likely than non-testers to be from Honduras and to have resided in the US for over 5 years. Testers were also older, more educated, and wealthier than non-testers. Testers were more likely than non-testers to have a regular healthcare provider, to have visited a healthcare provider in the past 12 months, and to have healthcare coverage or insurance. Healthcare coverage was predominantly through the indigent healthcare program see Abstract P2-S9.10 Table 1. Discussion The prevalence of ever testing for HIV among undocumented Central American immigrant women in Houston was high. This seems to be due to their access to public health services through the county hospital district, which provides healthcare to all indigent residents regardless of immigration status. The association between HIV testing and regular healthcare indicates that access to public health services in this population increases the prevalence of HIV testing. Given that HIV detection among Central American immigrants is often delayed (leading to negative consequences for morbidity, mortality, and transmission), access to HIV screening is integral to HIV prevention in this population.