Estimated worldwide HIV infections: 50 314 764 at 4.43pm on Wednesday January 15 2003
Hispanic women in Pennsylvania suffer twice the national rate of HIV infection, in part because they often feel pressured by their husbands to have unprotected sex, according to a study released this week.
The high percentage in infections was caused by a different set of family values and cultural attitudes within the Hispanic community, which were identified in the research by the Philadelphia Aids Consortium and other groups.
The study was based on surveys sent to 57 community organisations statewide, asking questions about Aids, sexual behaviour and drug use. The results showed that for every 100 000 Hispanic women 13 and older, 25 are infected with the virus, compared with the national rate of 14 per 100 000.
‘Bottom line, what we find is it’s a question of values,†said Lawrence Hochendoner, executive director of the Philadelphia Aids Consortium. ‘We basically found that the issues are ones of self-esteem and empowerment.â€
The study’s results indicate that Hispanic women are frequently pressured by their husbands to keep quiet about the disease.
In response to the study, the consortium is launching a campaign to inform Hispanic women about Aids and to teach them ways to talk to their husbands about having protected sex.
Source: AP