Best practices for screening and Early treatment for HIV in the Hispanic Community

Best Practices for Screening and Early Treatment for HIV in the Hispanic Community by Juliana Deboviel MSN, Walden University, 2016 BSN, College of New Rochelle Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University March 1, 2020 Abstract The Hispanic community is among the ethnic minorities that are adversely affected by HIV/AIDS in the United States. HIV transmission rates and rates of death are high among Hispanic communities because of delays in HIV testing and late participation in HIV treatment, especially in the state where this study was conducted. However, advanced practices for screening and early treatment of HIV can improve patient outcomes and inform practice. Thus, this systematic review was conducted to identify the best available evidence for HIV screening and care in the Hispanic population in the Western United States that shares a border with Mexico. This review was organized using the modified social-ecological model, which specifies 5 layers: stage of the epidemic, public policy, network, individual, and community. The review revealed that communitybased education programs using local input and lay health educators from the Hispanic community were most successful in expanding screening and treatment. Fear of cultural stigma remains a significant barrier for gay and bisexual men and needs targeted solutions. The results of the study will be presented to public health and community health workers, aiming to inform them of the best practices that can be used to effect positive social change by improving care to the Hispanic population.The Hispanic community is among the ethnic minorities that are adversely affected by HIV/AIDS in the United States. HIV transmission rates and rates of death are high among Hispanic communities because of delays in HIV testing and late participation in HIV treatment, especially in the state where this study was conducted. However, advanced practices for screening and early treatment of HIV can improve patient outcomes and inform practice. Thus, this systematic review was conducted to identify the best available evidence for HIV screening and care in the Hispanic population in the Western United States that shares a border with Mexico. This review was organized using the modified social-ecological model, which specifies 5 layers: stage of the epidemic, public policy, network, individual, and community. The review revealed that communitybased education programs using local input and lay health educators from the Hispanic community were most successful in expanding screening and treatment. Fear of cultural stigma remains a significant barrier for gay and bisexual men and needs targeted solutions. The results of the study will be presented to public health and community health workers, aiming to inform them of the best practices that can be used to effect positive social change by improving care to the Hispanic population. Best Practices for Screening and Early Treatment for HIV in the Hispanic Community by Juliana Deboviel Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University March 1, 2020 Dedication This project is dedicated to my best friends who provide care to patients in a caring and non-judgmental way. Acknowledgments I wish to thank Walden University for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a DNP graduate. I wish to thank my DNP project committee Dr Cohen, Dr Garner, Dr Holly and Dr MC Ginnis for guiding and supporting me through the process. My sincere appreciation and gratitude goes to Dr Cohen and Dr Garner who have taken time out of their busy schedules to schedule appointments for my oral defense presentations at times that were convenient to me. My deepest gratitude and appreciation goes to Dr Garner who has been on this journey with me, guiding, supporting and encouraging me through every step of this process. It is Dr Garner’s exceptional leadership and mentorship that has helped me to reach the end of this extraordinary journey. I would also like to thank my Nurse Manager, Sharon Lebron, who constantly changed my work schedule to fit into my school schedule. And finally, I wish to thank my family for all their love and support.