Hispanic Health Care International

The rate for new infections of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has increased for Hispanic males.

This descriptive correlational study describes knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of HIV and other STIs and explores the relationship between age and HIV and STI knowledge among young adult Hispanic males. A sample of 179 Hispanic men aged 18 to 64 years attending college completed the 80-item Community Health Packet, the 18-item Brief HIV Knowledge Questionnaire, and the 27-item STD Knowledge Questionnaire.

Almost half of the participants were involved in some form of high-risk sexual practices such as having multiple sex partners, holding apathetic views on condom use, showing low rates of HIV testing, having incorrect knowledge of STI transmission, and holding misconceptions about HIV. Findings included a moderate positive relationship between age (M = 24.05; SD = 7.08) and HIV knowledge scores (M = 13.21; SD = 4.04), r(175) = .43, p < .00, as well as a positive relationship between age (M = 24.05; SD = 7.08) and STI total scores (M = 14.47; SD = 7.20), r(173) = .31, p < .00.

Study findings reveal the need to continue HIV and STI prevention education programs on college campuses to increase knowledge and help decrease new cases of STIs and HIV in Hispanic men.

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) has been shown to be associated with depression; however, this relationship has not been confirmed among Hispanic Americans.

This study examined the link between EDS and depression among Hispanic Americans (N = 411) and explored the potential moderating roles of age, gender, income, education, health status, and acculturation. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire–9 measured EDS and depression, respectively.

Hierarchical linear regression demonstrated that EDS was significantly related to depression. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the Epworth Sleepiness Scale discriminated with adequate sensitivity and specificity between participants with moderately severe depression and those with less severe symptoms. No sociodemographic variables moderated the EDS–depression relationship.

These findings suggest that depression should be considered when Hispanic Americans present with EDS.

Hispanics suffer disproportionately compared with non-Hispanic Whites from health conditions that are affected by physical inactivity and poor dietary habits.

A needs assessment was conducted in Hialeah, Florida, the largest enclave of Cubans in the United States, to assess the perspectives of community stakeholders and members regarding the roles of physical activity and nutrition environments. Interviews were performed with community stakeholders (n = 21), and responses were grouped into major themes. Surveys were conducted with community members (n = 85). Descriptive analyses were used to categorize responses and potential differences across responses were explored.

Both community members and stakeholders reported that the local park system was a major asset to healthy living in Hialeah and agreed that traffic issues and a lack of walkability were major barriers to being physically active; however, there was variability in the response to the quality of the food environment.

The perspectives of the community members and stakeholders will be valuable in highlighting pathways to enhancing the health and wellness of the residents of Hialeah.

Camine Con Gusto (CCG) is the Hispanic version of an evidence-based walking program for people with arthritis. This study examined CCG outcomes, feasibility, tolerability, safety, and acceptability and potential tailoring.

A pre and post 6-week evaluation was conducted in Hispanic people with arthritis. Outcomes included pain, stiffness, fatigue, functional capacity, helplessness, and self-efficacy. A formative evaluation with program participants and key stakeholders explored program tailoring.

Participants’ mean age was 46.9 years, 44.4% had a high school degree or less, 2.5% were born in United States, 60.1% spoke only Spanish, and 74.7% were female. Moderate effect sizes were found: 0.50 for pain, 0.75 for fatigue, 0.49 for stiffness, 0.33 for function, 0.26 for helplessness, and 0.24 for self-efficacy. There were 285 participants recruited with an 82% 6-week retention (feasibility), no adverse events were reported (safety), and 98% reported program satisfaction (acceptability). Recommended adaptations included simpler language, more pictures and content addressing nutrition and chronic conditions, shortened materials, and inclusion of motivational strategies.

CCG showed improvement in outcomes in Hispanic individuals comparable to those noted in non-Hispanic White and Black individuals with arthritis.

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic, and the rates are disproportionately higher in minorities. Clinical guidelines have contributed to decreased prevalence overall, but the rates in Hispanic preschoolers have increased.

This review of the literature summarizes the perceptions and beliefs of caregivers of Hispanic preschool children regarding weight status and feeding behaviors, as well as the perceived cultural barriers to guideline adherence. A search of the CINAHL, PubMed, Joanna Briggs, and Global Health databases identified studies performed between January 1, 2008, and April 1, 2016. Search terms included Hispanics, guideline adherence, gap, barriers, obesity, overweight, and attitude to obesity.

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, including some about Hispanic caregivers of preschool-aged children. Several cultural perceptions and beliefs were identified.

Further study is needed to develop more culturally relevant and sensitive guidelines and to design specific and effective interventions for this population.