Keywords

geographic accessibility, geographic information systems, HIV prevention, Latino men, spatial epidemiology

 

Authors

  1. Kanamori, Mariano PhD, MA
  2. Shrader, Cho-Hee MPH

Abstract

Abstract: The U.S. HIV incidence has decreased or stabilized among all subgroups except for young Latino men who have sex with men (YLMSM). Previous research has suggested that Latinos experience geographic accessibility barriers to YLMSM-friendly HIV prevention services. We aimed to characterize the geographic accessibility of young Latinos ages 15-29 years to HIV preventive services in Miami-Dade County, the domestic HIV epicenter. Using ArcMap, we created a density map of 18 YLMSM-friendly HIV programs, then used Network Analysis Tools to generate service areas describing time and travel distance for walking, public transit, and driving. Our results show that accessibility to YLMSM-friendly HIV prevention services by YLMSM varies by mode of transportation. Of YLMSM, HIV prevention services are available to 2% by walking, 19% by public transit, and 70% by driving. To increase accessibility, future public health interventions should use geographic information system and geodemographic data to identify areas for culturally appropriate service expansion.