Factors Influencing HIV Risk Among Hispanic Men Who Have Sex With Men

The Tangled Branches (Las Ramas Enredadas)

“…Focus groups allow researchers to generate data that is grounded on individuals' perceptions regarding phenomena of interest and allows participants to interact, agree, disagree and come to a consensus on this phenomenon (Morgan, 1997). Although the research team also conducted focus groups with heterosexual Hispanic males, these were analyzed separately and are reported elsewhere (Gonzalez-Guarda, Ortega, Vasquez & De Santis, 2010). …”

“…Hispanic men who have sex with men (MSM) are a vulnerable population with a number of health disparities (De Santis, 2010). These health disparities include HIV infection (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2010); substance abuse (Cochran, Mays, Alegria, Ortega & Takeuchi, 2007); and violence and abuse (Feldman, Diaz, Ream & El-Bassel, 2007).…”

A review of the syndemic components of male same-sex intimate partner violence

“…[23] Among gay men who were involved in mutual partner violence or in which both participants were aggressors, self-report of multiple substance abuse are unusually high at 64% (Kelly, Izienicki, Bimbi, & Parsons, 2011). Substance abuse rates as high as 50% have been reported among Hispanic MSM [24] MSSIPV, substance abuse and sexual risk seem to be identified together in foreign born Hispanic MSM, with one study reporting 56% of rural, immigrant MSM using marijuana and 27.1% cocaine; high levels of risky sexual behaviors and sex with multiple partners. [25,26] Drug and alcohol use, including the use of methamphetamine, which is particularly popular among gay men lowers sexual and physical inhibitions and alters critical thinking, both of which lead to high risk sexual behavior and aggression.…”

“…[27,28] Higher rates may also be a function of stigma and discrimination in the homes, workplaces, and communities of gay men. [24,29] Depression rates and other mental health problems in the form of affective disorders, anxiety disorders, and prevalence of suicide attempts are higher among gay/bisexual men compared to heterosexual. [30] The large random sample of Urban Men's Health Study reported 17% of MSM self-reported as depressed, with another 12% reporting as distressed (a less symptomatic form of depression).…”

“…[32] Among Hispanic MSM, depression has been reported in approximately 25%-33%. [24] The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) study reported high rates of depressive symptoms among gay/bisexual men. [33] This study was the first to institute a life course discussion of exposure to stresses that coincided with later syndemic production variables.…”