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.