Latinas and sexually transmitted diseases: implications of recent research for prevention.

Latinas are among the poorest members of this society, and are not only exposed to greater health risks, but are less likely to have access to health care services. Both HIV infection and cervical cancer are associated with low socioeconomic status, and both have also been linked with sexual transmission. Because of their overrepresentation among the poor, Latinas are at greater risk of cervical cancer, and have also been identified as being at higher risk of HIV/AIDS. Since neither the economic status of Latinas nor the health services available to them are likely to improve within the near future, Latinas are a critical target for health promotion and prevention. This paper documents the urgent need for prevention of cervical cancer and AIDS in the Latina community and makes recommendations for gender-sensitive and culturally competent public health social work practice at the individual, community, and policy-making levels.