Background: In the United States, Hispanics are disproportionately affected by HIV infection. However, Hispanic subgroups of varied national origin differ culturally and HIV may impact them differently.
Methods: We used information on Hispanics/Latinos diagnosed with HIV during 2006-2009 in 40 states and Puerto Rico, and aged ≥13 years, reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through June 2010, to examine the distribution of disease by selected characteristics, including place of birth and place of residence at diagnosis. We used Poisson regression to calculate the estimated annual percent change in the rate of HIV diagnoses and estimated prevalence ratios of a short HIV-to-AIDS interval (AIDS diagnosis within 12 months of HIV diagnosis). Analyses were adjusted for reporting delays and missing risk factor information.
Results: During 2006-2009, HIV infection was diagnosed among 33,498 Hispanics/Latinos. From 2006 to 2009, the annual rate of diagnoses decreased among Hispanics/Latinos [estimated annual percent change = -4.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -6.5 to -2.0) including men (-2.8%; 95% CI = -5.2 to -0.4) and women (-9.8%; 95% CI = -13.2 to -6.3). The rate of HIV diagnosis remained stable by place of birth but decreased among Puerto Ricans (-13.1%; 95% CI = -17.0 to -9.0). Among Hispanics/Latinos, a short HIV-to-AIDS interval was more common in nonurban areas than in urban areas.
Discussion: Diagnosis of HIV infection among Hispanics/Latinos decreased and HIV-to-AIDS intervals varied by place of birth and area of residence. To continue to decrease the incidence of HIV infection among Hispanics, prevention programs need to address cultural and regional differences.