Improving HIV Outreach to the Latinx Community
If you haven’t already discovered it, My Health Agenda is an eye-opening look into the lives of Latinx individuals from the LGBTQ community. While not directly focusing on living as an HIV+ person, this web channel offers in-depth personal accounts describing the intersectionality between being Latinx, LGBTQ, and health.
Nutrition, of course, plays a key role in optimizing health. For a number of reasons, optimizing nutrition in this specific community can be difficult. I had the opportunity to virtually “sit down” with My Health Agenda content contributor Dr. Ariel Ourian and Creator/Director Andres Palencia to discuss this intersectionality with the intention of improving awareness and outreach to this community.
What are common barriers to receiving appropriate health care for Latinx people living with HIV?
Dr Ourian: Many patients, particularly in the Latinx community, have barriers from receiving the appropriate care they need. Studies have shown that patients that belong to a minority race or ethnicity, including the Latinx population, are more likely to drop out of care or be inconsistent with care.
(Note: the likelihood of being inconsistent with care can further be associated with healthcare discrimination such as reduced access to care and being under/uninsured.)
There is also an unfortunate, perceived stigma associated with an HIV diagnosis which deters some from receiving necessary medical care. HIV is a very treatable virus—It is the social stigma that is the deadly disease. It is our duty and responsibility to look out for our fellow community members by reaching out, offering a helping hand, and empowering each other to get necessary medical treatments and care.
With advancement in HIV treatments, the landscape of nutrition-related issues in the HIV+ community has changed.
What are the biggest nutrition concerns for this community now; how do they specifically pertain to the Latinx population?
Dr. Ourian: The combination of poor diet, liquid calories (from sodas and alcohol), as well as a sedentary lifestyle, have contributed to this. An unhealthy weight contributes to and increases the risk of developing other serious diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, digestive problems, sleep apnea, severe COVID-19 symptoms, and even certain cancers.
(Note: nutrition becomes an important factor in managing many of these conditions. Many HIV medications may exacerbate diabetes, so working with a registered dietitian is important.)
Can you discuss the intersectionality between food insecurity, addiction, sex work, and discrimination among those who are LGBTQ and Latinx?
Dr. Ourian: The LGBTQ population unfortunately faces harassment, social stigma, discrimination, and many other challenges. As a result of these issues, the LGBTQ population is at an increased risk for various behavioral health issues, including food insecurity, drug and alcohol addiction, and (survival) sex work. Studies have shown that LGBTQ adults are twice as likely as their heterosexual counterparts to use drugs and suffer from a substance abuse disorder. The Latinx community is at an even higher risk. This is an unfortunate vicious cycle, as these behavioral issues further lead to other health issues.
The important thing to know is that nobody should ever feel alone in their struggle, and that behavioral and mental health services are available.
Andres Palencia: This is why it’s so important for us to elevate those who have persevered despite these challenges. Often, many of our chosen family find themselves subject to the toxic patterns of misogyny and homophobia from their own culture while also facing marginalization and discrimination from the outside. It’s important to keep in mind that existence is heroism when you’re LGBTQ+ Latinx, so we created My Health Agenda because when you shine a light on the heroes of our community, you’re showing a realistic path for how we can thrive.
What advice would you give to someone in the Latinx community who has been recently diagnosed with HIV and is hesitant to seek healthcare?
Dr. Ourian: If you have recently been diagnosed with HIV, please know that we physicians are here to help and guide you every step of the way during your treatment. It gives us a tremendous amount of fulfillment and satisfaction to be able to help our patients. With proper treatment, HIV can become undetectable in the blood. We are a stigma-free zone and here to greet you with open arms.
Palencia: We always talk about how important it is to inform people about health, fight stigmas around HIV and engage the community, and I want to add that it’s equally important to make space to involve and empower leadership from those within the community to lead these efforts. Important projects like My Health Agenda are so impactful in making a difference in the lives of LGBTQ Latinx folks because they are driven by the undeniably powerful force of queer creativity.
To learn more about My Health Agenda, go to: latv.com/series/myhealthagenda
