Stigma and Barriers to Mental Health and Substance Use Care for Hispanic/Latine Individuals Living with HIV or at Risk for HIV in Texas, United States.

OBJECTIVES

To describe levels of barriers to mental health and substance use services and to examine the associations, if any, between these barriers and substance use and mental health stigma among Hispanic/Latine adults receiving services for HIV prevention or HIV treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey as part of a mixed-method, community-based statewide study among Hispanic/Latine individuals served by HIV service delivery organizations in Texas, United States, between September 2022 and May 2023 (n = 300). Participants completed a computer-based survey at collaborating organizations. Analyses included descriptive statistics and linear regression modeling.

RESULTS

Demographic and background characteristics were significantly associated with differences in reported barriers to mental health and substance use services. Mental health-related stigma was significantly associated with barriers to mental health services.

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies to reduce barriers, tailored to specific demographic subgroups, and interventions to address mental health-related stigma should be prioritized by HIV service delivery organizations serving Hispanic/Latine communities.