An Application of Borrayo's Cultural Health Belief Model to HIV/AIDS Seropositive Hispanics Living Along the US/Mexico Border

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study examines the factors that led Hispanic men and women residing along the US/Mexico border to be tested for HIV. These factors were identified by applying Borrayo's (1999) Cultural Health Belief Model (CHBM) for Hispanics using grounded theory methodology. Participants consisted of 32 individuals receiving services from five HIV/AIDS demonstration sites in four states along the US/Mexico border. Results indicate partial support for Borrayo's Cultural Health Belief Model. Results also indicate that Hispanic male participants tended to be directly involved in risky behaviors while the female participants were generally monogamous and unaware of their vulnerability to exposure through the risk behaviors of their male partners.

Key Words:

• Hispanic
• HIV/AIDS
• cultural health beliefs
• gender differences
• US/Mexico border health