Getting by: Perceived Facilitators and Barriers Encountered by Latinx-HIV Serving Organizations in the US South

Date

2021-08

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Abstract

Background: People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the United States (US) South accounted for an estimated 45% of all PLWHA in the US. More than half of all new US HIV diagnoses were reported from the US South in 2018. Latinx individuals account for 18% of the population but are disproportionately affected by HIV, with 23% of Latinx individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the US (AIDSVu, 2018; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2018; US Census Bureau, 2019). HIV service organizations (HSO) are on the front lines of providing medical and social support services to communities impacted by HIV. Latinx-HIV serving organizations led by Latinx decision-makers are often smaller, grassroots organizations that provide a host of benefits that enhance the wellbeing of their communities. Latinx-HIV serving organizations rely on innovative facilitators and experience unique barriers in receiving funding (Rodriguez, 2008). More research is needed to address facilitators and barriers to funding for Latinx-serving HSOs. Purpose: This study utilized the Social-ecological Framework to explore the funding facilitators and barriers decision-makers face in Latinx-serving HSOs in the US South. Understanding these facilitators and barriers is crucial so that macro-level structural conditions can change to adequately support the work and address the unique needs of these organizations. Results will serve to make recommendations for organizations to continue their work with Latinx communities impacted by HIV. Methods: A narrative inquiry with a qualitative research design was used to analyze the data. Five participants were selected by criteria to complete a semi-structured interview and convey the story of the participants’ perceived facilitators and barriers facing decision-makers in Latinx-HIV serving organizations in the US South. The researcher used a thematic analysis to review and code the data. To ensure intercoder reliability, two different coders reviewed data and cross-referenced results. Each interview lasted between 60-75 minutes. Data were supplemented with field notes and personal reflection journal entries from the researcher. Interview results were categorized into broad themes and sub-themes. Results will be used to develop and implement action-oriented funding opportunities that continue to enhance and support capacity-building facilitators for organizations and, in turn, minimize barriers. Results: The data analysis revealed thematic codes; systemic facilitators and barriers, organizational facilitators and barriers, and cultural facilitators and barriers. Each broad thematic code had to emerge in at least three interviews, 60% of total interviews, to be considered a significant theme. A second review of the data from the interviews yielded at least one sub-theme under the broader theme. Conclusion: This research aimed to discover the facilitators and barriers that decision-makers encounter in seeking organizational funding in Latinx-HIV serving organizations. Additionally, decision-makers’ need to continue serving Latinx communities in the US South to find perceived organizational strategies and capacity-building support related to funding access.

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Keywords

Grassroots, HIV, Funding, Facilitators, Barriers, US South, Latinx

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