Welcome to our National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day Twitter Chat, examining stigma & health inequities. HIV disproportionately impacts Hispanic/Latino people in the US, so join us in spreading the word about HIV testing, prevention, treatment & resources! #NHMAHIVCHAT #NLAAD

Q1: October 15 is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day, a day to help stop HIV stigma and address the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic/Latino communities. How does the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS impact testing rates within the Latinx community? #NHMAHIVCHAT

Stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS impacts testing rates within the Latino/a/x community by discouraging people from getting tested and seeking treatment. Racism and strained access to care also impact these rates. cdc.gov/hiv/group/raci… #HealthHIV #NHMAHIVCHAT #StopHIVStigma

Q2: How does the stigma of HIV and willingness to get tested affect the mental health of Latinx individuals? #NHMAHIVCHAT

Living with #HIV can be a major source of stress, depression and anxiety. This is only heightened by HIV-related stigma. Building community and having open dialogue surrounding HIV in the Latino/a/x community can address this cdc.gov/hiv/basics/liv… #HealthHIV #NHMAHIVCHAT

A2: HIV-related stigma has a strong association with anxiety and depression. One study observing emotional & psychological symptoms found the intersection of racial and sexual minority stigma predicts emotion regulation difficulties, which may lead to substance use. #NHMAHIVCHAT

Q3: How can providers address language barriers when educating the Latinx community about HIV/AIDS and debunking negative beliefs? #NHMAHIVCHAT

A3: Providers can address language barriers and stigma by being intentional and mindful when choosing their words, and by providing references to social services that use supportive rather than stigmatizing language when talking about HIV. #NHMAHIVCHAT

#NHMAHIVCHAT

Q4: What resources are available for clinicians to provide Hispanic patients to cope with the emotional and psychological effects of an HIV/AIDS diagnosis #NHMAHIVCHAT

#NHMAHIVCHAT

A4: HispanicHealth.info is an online hub providing resources and guidance for both health professionals and the general public. Clinicians can collaborate with other health entities to determine the optimal approach to HIV care and treatment. #NHMAHIVCHAT

Q5: Are there any specific risk factors for the transmission of HIV or STIs that are more prevalent in the Latinx community? How can a clinician address these issues? #NHMAHIVCHAT

A5: Part A. The fear of disclosing risky behaviors or sexual orientation, limited education on sexually-transmitted diseases, and socioeconomic factors can increase HIV risk in the Latinx community. #NHMAHIVCHAT

A5: Part B. Clinicians can work w/ patient navigators & nonmedical case managers to identify culturally competent social support services while also working w/ administrators to develop bicultural education on patient-centered approaches w/ focus on Hispanic health. #NHMAHIVCHAT

Q6: How can healthcare providers better meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals within the Latinx population as it relates to HIV/AIDS care? #NHMAHIVCHAT

Q7: What barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and treatment have arisen within the Latinx population? Are there disparities in access to PrEP medication within the Latinx community? #NHMAHIVCHAT

Q8: In discussing culturally competent care, why is it important for clinicians to understand the role of family support in combating HIV/AIDS in the Latinx population? #NHMAHIVCHAT

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