Binational Care-Seeking Behavior and Health-Related Quality of Life Among HIV-Infected Latinos in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region

Although binational health care–seeking is common among HIV-infected Latinos living near the U.S.-Mexico border, information is lacking on whether regional indicators of health access are associated with Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL). This study examined health care–seeking behaviors across four HRQL domains (emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, physical functioning, and pain) using linear regression. HIV-infected Latinos (n = 239) were recruited from U.S. community clinics situated near the border shared by California with Mexico. In general, the Spanish-speaking (81%) and male-dominant (84%) population had positive indicators of HRQL. AIDS diagnosis predicted poorer HRQL (cognitive functioning, physical functioning, and pain), as did receipt of traditional medications and/or herbs in Mexico (physical functioning and pain). Staying for 1 or more months in Mexico in the past year was associated with higher cognitive functioning and less pain. Border-related factors were inconsistently implicated in HRQL measures. Improved understanding of complementary and alternative medicine usage by HIV-infected Latinos is warranted.