HIV prevention among Hispanic youth and young adults in South Texas

5^th International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs and STIs

November 13-14, 2017 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Eugenia Curet

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

The residents of South Texas continue to be heavily impacted by HIV, accounting for high rates of new infections, AIDS diagnoses and people living with HIV. The Texas-Mexico Border region is a major port of drug-trafficking as well as string market for â�?�?holding housesâ�? for drug redistribution. A significant consequence of the drug trafficking in the area is the increase of HIV largely due to intravenous drug use and risky sexual behaviors. The Substance Abuse and HIV Prevention Project resulted in the establishment of an evidence-based approach to prevent substance abuse and the spread of HIV/AIDS among college students and community members and to facilitate the referral process of those who are at risk. By implementing the peer educator and community-health worker model, the project provided enhanced comprehensive substance abuse and HIV prevention education to more than 600 participants during 2013-2014. Level of awareness of important knowledge related to HIV/AIDS and Substance Use is measured through the administration of a pretest and posttest. Through the statistical analysis it was learned that the information sessions were successful at changing perceptions concerning risky sexual behaviors and drug use. This project outlines the sociocultural, structural and individual issues that both facilitate and limit the access to health care and prevention services. The evidence for the effectiveness of minority serving institutions in collaboration with community-based organizations strategy is strong; that is why the project continues to increase system capacity to address substance use and HIV infection prevention.

Biography :

Eugenia Curet is currently working at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Department of Social Work. She served as Post-Secondary Part-time Lecturer at UTRGV College of Health Sciences (January 2016); Part-time Lecturer at UTRGV School of Medicine (June 2015); Instructor in Public Health at Weill Cornell Medical College (June 1, 1992 - March 30, 2008); Professional Assistant Dean of Student Support Counseling and Wellness, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (June 2015); Assistant Dean of Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services Center, UTPA (September 1, 2013 - May 30, 2015) and; Clinical Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Student Health and Mental Health Services, The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (April 1, 2008 - August 31, 2013). He/She received 2013 Leadership on University Campuses and in the Community Award by the Texas Suicide Prevention Council, Texas Suyicide Prevention Council (April 1, 2013) and taught courses like Adv SOCW Pract Individuals SOCW Practice w/ Latinos.