Wisconsin: Research Focuses on HIV Risk in Latino Immigrants

The Medical College of Wisconsin has been awarded a two-year, $411,000 federal grant to explore ways to boost HIV testing and counseling among recent immigrants. MCW's Center for AIDS Intervention Research is one of five U.S. HIV prevention research facilities funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Mental Health.

Laura Glasman, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine in the center, will investigate peer-led strategies to engage recent Latino immigrant men in testing and counseling. The project aims to help cut their HIV risks and get those who are HIV-infected diagnosed earlier.

In 2009, the HIV infection rate among Latinos was nearly three times as high as that of whites, according to CDC. Reasons behind the disparity include uncertain immigration status, high levels of HIV/AIDS stigma, and lack of risk awarenes -- especially among those from areas with a low prevalence of HIV.

Back to other news for February 2012