ASHA American Social Health Association

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HISPANICS AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

At a projected 32.1 million, Latinos constitute 11.8 percent of this nation’s population. Latinos compose a diverse community, representing 30 plus geographic regions. Their language is rich and composed of extensive dialects, accents and localisms. Country of origin, religious conviction, political affiliation, education, employment and acculturation all play a role in defining Latino individuals and communities within the United States.

U.S. Latinos are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Rates of reportable STDs are known to be higher in Latinos than in non-Hispanic whites. While representing only 11.8 percent of the population, Latinos represent 17 percent of all AIDS cases diagnosed within the United States. Complex issues regarding sexuality, gender, faith and immigration are all factors contributing to increased rates of STD infection. Language barriers, legal status, limited clinic hours, cultural differences, lack of health insurance and insufficient transportation all affect access to needed diagnosis and treatment.

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Fast Facts
  • Latinos are among those populations at the greatest risk for contracting the hepatitis C virus.

  • Hispanic women are seven times more likely to contract AIDS and have higher rates of syphilis compared to non-Hispanic white women.

  • Among minorities, Hispanic women report the second highest number of cases of gonorrhea.

  • Nearly one in four cases of AIDS reported in children under the age of 13 is among Latinos.
The American Social Health Association (ASHA) is committed to reaching Latinos with messages of prevention, screening and treatment. Every day, culturally competent health communications specialists answer thousands of requests for information via CDC-sponsored hotlines and bilingual referral services concerning AIDS, STDs and Immunization. In the farming community of Chatham County, N.C., ASHA is reaching Latinas through cervical cancer prevention and reproductive health workshops. In the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, ASHA conducted an award winning STD awareness campaign targeting Mexican-American adolescents. ASHA publications such as Protección Es Vida [a popular bilingual fotonovella] and Paso A Paso [an in-depth resource guide for individuals living with HIV] meet the growing need for linguistically appropriate, graphically appealing and culturally sensitive Spanish language education.

About ASHA

For over 90 years the American Social Health Association has been working to improve the quality of life and the public health for all Americans. It is the only not-for-profit organization speaking out about risks, prevention, screening, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), community and family health. People communicate with ASHA each day via hotlines, web sites, e-mail and letters to get accurate and reliable information from health communication specialists. More than 10,000 health clinics and community-based organizations depend on ASHA information and support to inform and educate the people they serve.

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