Culturally sanctioned secrets? Latino men's nondisclosure of HIV infection to family, friends, and lovers.

Abstract

Spanish-speaking Latino men (n = 107) were more likely than English-speaking Latinos (n = 85) and Whites (n = 206) to withhold their HIV-positive serostatus and their gay or bisexual orientation from significant others, especially family members. Similar effects were observed when Latinos were divided by birthplace and when analyses controlled for sociodemographic and medical factors. Reasons for revealing or concealing an HIV diagnosis varied across targets. Although both Latinos and Whites were more likely to withhold their diagnosis from their parents to prevent worrying them than to avoid personal rejection, this tendency was somewhat stronger among Latinos. Our findings suggest that some traditional values may deter Latinos from seeking HIV-related social support in times of need.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender immigrant acculturation experience

“…The disclosure of HIV serostatus is frequently associated with emotional and cognitive dilemmas, where LGBT immigrants experience fear and shame and anticipate rejection upon disclosure. Quite often, in fear of shaming and burdening one's family, LGBT immigrants withhold information about their serostatus thus isolating themselves from familial and social supports (Mason et al, 1995). This finding is concerning as social and familial supports were found to have a strong influence on adherence to HIV treatment among HIV positive LGBT immigrants.…”

“…In fact, the majority of immigrant cultures view homosexuality negatively, which decreases the disclosure of information by LGBT immigrants that can be associated with nonheterosexual orientation . For example, research found that LGBT immigrants disclose their HIV-positive serostatus to their friends, family, and sexual partners less often than non-immigrant LGBT people (Mason et al, 1995). Furthermore, negative perceptions of homosexuality in immigrant cultures often prevent LGBT immigrants from sharing their experiences of discrimination and homophobia with friends and family, which is troubling because these types of conversations are often responsible for lower levels of unprotected anal intercourse (Yoshikawa et al, 2004).…”

“…In light of multiple difficulties facing LGBT immigrants, including challenges integrating sexual identity within culturally-defined immigrant environments, most LGBT immigrants report being constantly fearful of rejection and feeling bad about themselves, which results in a wide range of mental health issues including depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, eating disorders, and high risk sexual behaviours (Acevedo, 2008;Ayala & Diaz, 2001;Bianchi et al, 2004;Breslau et al, 2006;Carballo-Dieguez, 1989;Carballo-Dieguez & Dolezal, 1995;Carballo-Dieguez et al, 1997;Choi et al, 2002;Cochran et al, 2007;Diaz, 1997Diaz, , 1998Diaz et al, 1999;Domanico & Crawford, 2000;Dube & Savin-Williams, 1999;Jarama et al, 2005;Marin, 1996;Mason et al, 1995;RamirezValles et al, 2005;Ramírez et al, 1994;Van Oss-Marin, 2003;Zea et al, 2004;Zwiers, 2009). …”

Disclosure of Positive HIV Serostatus by Men Who Have Sex with Men to Family and Friends Over Time

“…It is plausible that HIV disclosure rates in the Midwest are different than that of larger metropolitan cities such as San Francisco, 5,7 Los Angeles, 3,6,8,9 New York, 3 and other larger cities. 10 If it can be accurately assumed that many gay men migrate to larger coastal cities because of issues related to negative family attitudes around their sexual orientation, rates of disclosure to family are like to be lower.…”

“…First, most investigations have been crosssectional estimates of percentages of family and friends knowing of the diagnosis at any given point in time. 1,2,6,8,9 Point prevalence studies are important as they provide a quick overview of disclosure patterns at discrete time intervals. Such studies, however, are limited because results would likely vary by how long participants had been diagnosed and in what year the study was conducted.…”