Daisy Ramírez-Ortiz

Project Title: Multilevel barriers to retention and re-engagement in HIV care among Latino immigrants with HIV in Miami-Dade County, Florida: a multi-method study

In the U.S., as many as 41% of Latinos with HIV who were engaged in care at some point are no longer retained in HIV care, increasing their risk for higher viral loads, morbidity and mortality, and transmission of HIV to others. Poor retention in HIV care among Latinos demonstrate the need for evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing barriers to care engagement, particularly for sub-groups such as Latino immigrants who may face more pronounced barriers to care. The objective of this study is to assess multilevel barriers preventing retention and re-engagement in care among Latino immigrants with HIV who have disengaged from care to inform the adaptation of the CDC evidence-based intervention, Antiretroviral Treatment and Access to Services (ARTAS) to re-engage this population in care. We will conduct in-depth interviews with Latino immigrants with HIV who are disengaged from care and their providers to identify key barriers to retention and re-engagement in HIV care. In addition, we will examine longitudinal patterns of engagement in HIV care among Latino immigrants with HIV using a multi-state modeling analysis of Florida statewide HIV surveillance data, to identify sub-groups at highest risk of disengaging from care who may benefit the most from re-engagement interventions.

Research Interests

Latino and immigrant health, HIV prevention and care, minority health and health disparities

Postdoctoral Associate
Department of Epidemiology

Dr. Daisy Ramírez-Ortiz is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Epidemiology at Florida International University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, her Master in Public Health from University of Miami, and her PhD in Public Health with specialization in Epidemiology from Florida International University. Much of her research work during the PhD program focused on identifying determinants of HIV prevention and alcohol use behaviors among diverse groups of Latinos (i.e., immigrants, emerging adults, farmworkers). Dr. Ramírez-Ortiz’s current research interest is in improving retention and reengagement in HIV care in Latino populations with specific attention to immigrants and migrants, and developing targeted public health interventions that address the unique challenges to HIV care faced by Latinos in the United States.