History of Violence as a Predictor of HIV Risk among Multiethnic, Urban Youth in the Southwest

Abstract

This community-based exploratory study examined the effects of a history of violence, ethnic identification, and acculturation status on HIV risk among a majority Latino sample of youth living in a large metropolitan area of the Southwest in the United States. The participants reported high rates of violence and attitudes that put them at risk for HIV/AIDS infection. They participated in 1 of 2 prevention interventions offered by a local non-governmental organization. The first intervention was tailored for adjudicated youth (N=49) who were either institutionalized or were returning to the community after involvement with the criminal justice system. The second intervention targeted youth (N=32) who were homeless/runaway and/or self-identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (GLBT). T-tests and linear regression were used to determine the differences between youth reporting a history of violence by type of perpetrator, its relationship with HIV risk, and the role of ethnic identification and acculturation status as potential protective factors. Violence by a family member was the most common type of violence reported, with a history of violence positively related to HIV risk. Ethnic identification and linguistic acculturation had a protective effect against HIV risk among the homeless and GLBT youth but not among the adjudicated youth.

Sexual minority youth of color: A content analysis and critical review of the literature

“…In general, these reports indicate that, compared to White, non-Latino participants, SMYoC are more likely to be HIV positive (Celentano et al, 2005; Lemp et al, 1994; Valleroy et al, 2000), and Black SMY appear to be at greatest risk (Balaji, Bowles, Le, Paz-Bailey, & Oster, 2013). Reports also suggest that Latino and non-Latino SMYoC have riskier attitudes about sex and engage in risky sexual behaviors (e.g., unprotected sexual behavior, multiple partners) at higher levels compared to White, non-Latino gay and bisexual youth (Marsiglia, Nieri, Valdez, Gurrola, & Marrs, 2009; Ryan, Huebner, Diaz, & Sanchez, 2009). It is important to note, however, that other reports found no differences in sexual risk behavior by racial-ethnic group (Hipwell et al, 2013; Rosario, Schrimshaw, & Hunter, 2004; Solorio, Swendeman, & Rotheram-Borus, 2003) or found riskier sexual behaviors among White youth compared to young MSM of color (Harawa et al, 2004; Torres et al, 2013).…”

Out on the street: A public health and policy agenda for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth who are homeless.

“…One example of the value of this research is in Arizona, where a community-based study of 32 homeless and/or LGBT youth in a multi-ethnic, majority Latino sample found that higher ethnic identification and linguistic acculturation may be protective against HIV risk among homeless and/or LGBT youth (Marsiglia et al, 2009). …”

“…Given that African Americans and Latino Americans are overrepresented among homeless persons in the United States (estimated at 42% and 13%, respectively; National Coalition for the Homeless, 2009; The United States Conference of Mayors [US Mayors], 2006; US Mayors, 2007), additional research is needed that focuses on the complex interplay of sexuality, gender, and both ethnic and racial identity. One example of the value of this research is in Arizona, where a community-based study of 32 homeless or LGBT youth in a multiethnic, majority Latino sample found that higher ethnic identification and linguistic acculturation may be protective against HIV risk among homeless and LGBT youth (Marsiglia et al, 2009).…”

“…Moreover, the types of violence experienced among homeless male and female LGBT youth differ. Among homeless and LGBT youth, 35% of females and 65% of males report a history of violence (Marsiglia, Nieri, Valdez, Gurrola, & Mars, 2009). Among homeless LGBT males, family violence and stranger violence are more commonly experienced than partner violence, while partner violence and stranger violence are more common than family violence among homeless LGBT women.…”