Patterns and Predictors of HIV/STI Risk Among Latino Migrant Men in a New Receiving Community

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine patterns and predictors of HIV/STI risk over time among Latino migrant men in a new receiving community. Latino men (N = 125) were interviewed quarterly for 18 months and HIV/STI tested annually. Selected individual, environmental and cultural factors by partner type and condom use were explored longitudinally and in a cross-section. Sex with female sex workers (FSWs) and multiple partners decreased, sex with main partners and abstinence increased, while the number of casual partners remained stable. Consistent condom use was highest with FSWs, lowest with main partners and midrange with casual partners with no trends over time. STI morbidity was low; no HIV was detected. Drug use and high mobility were associated with inconsistent condom use with FSW, whereas having family in the household was protective. HIV/STI prevention efforts should focus on drug using Latino migrants who are highly mobile and should foster healthy social connections.

Sexually transmitted infection diagnoses among Hispanic immigrant and migrant men who have sex with men in the United States

“…5 There are no national estimates of bacterial STD diagnoses for Hispanic immigrants but studies among Hispanic immigrant men in the US in the last 10 years have reported a prevalence of syphilis infection ranging from 0% to 2%, 6-10 prevalence of chlamydia infection ranging from 1.2% to 3.5%, 6,7,[9][10][11] and prevalence of gonorrhea infection ranging from 0% to 0.5%. 6,[9][10][11] Risk factors associated with a bacterial STD identified in these studies have been few because of the low number of participants diagnosed with an STD. However, Brammeier et al 9 reported that the majority of participants in their study did not use any methods to protect themselves against STDs, Rhodes et al 8 reported low levels of STD/HIV knowledge among participants, and Kissinger et al 6 reported that all participants in their study diagnosed with chlamydia reported inconsistent condom use.…”

“…6,[9][10][11] Risk factors associated with a bacterial STD identified in these studies have been few because of the low number of participants diagnosed with an STD. However, Brammeier et al 9 reported that the majority of participants in their study did not use any methods to protect themselves against STDs, Rhodes et al 8 reported low levels of STD/HIV knowledge among participants, and Kissinger et al 6 reported that all participants in their study diagnosed with chlamydia reported inconsistent condom use.…”

Newcomer Status as a Protective Factor among Hispanic Migrant Workers for HIV Risk

“…This perception, coupled with the stress that often accompanies working and functioning in a different culture, may encourage the use of high risk coping mechanisms such as heavy drinking and/or risky sexual behaviors (3, 10, 11). Even when the norm involves consumption of large amounts of alcohol in their home countries, studies have shown that alcohol consumption increases with every year migrant workers reside in the U.S. (9, 12).…”

Enhancement of a Locally Developed HIV Prevention Intervention for Hispanic/Latino MSM: A Partnership of Community-Based Organizations, a University, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“…Compared to Hispanics/Latinos in states that have a history of Hispanic/Latino immigration (e.g., Arizona, California, Florida, New York, and Texas), immigrant Hispanics/Latinos in NC resemble those in the Southeast more generally; they tend to be younger and disproportionately male, come from rural communities in southern Mexico and Central America, have lower educational attainment, and settle in communities without histories of immigration. These communities also lack developed infrastructures to meet their needs (Kissinger et al, 2012; Kochhar, Suro, & Tafoya, 2005; Painter, 2008; Rhodes, 2012). …”