1 Prenatal Care Providers

The rapid increase in Latinos in South Carolina that has occurred within the past 15 years is associated with both in-migration and high birth rates. Limited ethnic-specific data and communication barriers between Latinas with limited English proficiency have contributed to difficulties in assessing the provision of recommended routine prenatal HIV screening among this vulnerable population. This qualitative descriptive study examined providers' perceptions and practices related to obtaining informed consent for routine HIV screening for pregnant Latinas with limited English proficiency. Findings indicate the need for focused educational interventions with providers and patients and implementation of culturally and linguistically tailored practice guidelines to improve patient understanding and acceptance of prenatal HIV screening options.