Sex and Drug Risk Behavior Pre- and Post-Emigration Among Latino Migrant Men in Post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans

Abstract

High rates of sex and drug risk behaviors have been documented among Latino migrant men in the U.S. Whether these behaviors were established in the migrants’ home countries or were adopted in the U.S. has not been described and has implications for prevention strategies. Quarterly surveys were conducted to gather information on selected sex and drug risk practices of Latino migrant men who arrived in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina seeking work. Both kappa scores and McNemar’s tests were performed to determine if practice of these behaviors in home country was similar to practice post-emigration to the U.S. Female sex worker (FSW) patronage, same sex encounters (MSM), and crack cocaine use was more likely to occur post-rather than pre-emigration. Of those who ever engaged in these selected behaviors, most adopted the behavior in the U.S. (i.e. 75.8% of FSW patrons, 72.7% of MSM participants, and 85.7% of crack cocaine users), with the exception of binge drinking (26.8%). Men who were living with a family member were less likely to adopt FSW patronage OR=0.27, CI=0.10-0.76, whereas men who earned >$465 per week were more likely to adopt crack cocaine use OR=6.29 CI=1.29, 30.57. Interventions that facilitate the maintenance of family cohesion and provide strategies for financial management may be useful for reducing sex and drug risk among newly arrived migrants.

Social Support Networks and HIV/STI Risk Behaviors Among Latino Immigrants in a New Receiving Environment

“…Belonging to a social organization was found to be protective against multiple sexual partnerships, drug use, and binge drinking, which indicates that community support may play a protective role against engaging in high-risk behaviors (10). Another study of this population found the majority of these risk behaviors were adopted upon migration to the U.S. including patronage of a female sex worker, men having sex with men behavior and cocaine usage and that those living with family were less likely to engage in these risk behaviors (14). …”

Immediate Impact of Hurricane Sandy on People Who Inject Drugs in New York City

“…As seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi in 2005, PWID are particularly vulnerable to the effects of hurricanes (Bennett, Golub, & Dunlap, 2011; Mills, et al, 2009). Disruption of illicit drug markets can add to the difficulties in evacuating and obtaining food and shelter for PWID, and can lead to increased risks of transmission of HIV and other blood-borne infections (Bennett, et al, 2011; Mills, et al, 2009). Unfortunately, with ongoing global warming, climactic events such as storms, floods and droughts have increasing potential to exacerbate HIV epidemics through population displacement, trauma, service disruption and economic instability (Ebi, Kovats, & Menne, 2006).…”

Determinants of Problem Drinking and Depression among Latino Day Laborers

“…For example, studies conducted with farmworkers, with whom Latino day laborers share similarities, have found that time spent in the United States was related to higher rates of depression (Vega, Kolody, Valle, & Hough, 1986; Vega, Scribney, Aguilar-Gaxiola, & Kolody, 2004). Although Latino day laborers do not seem to acquire drinking as a result of living in the U.S. (Mills et al, 2012) and generally report low rates of alcohol use, when they drink, they drink heavily (Mills et al, 2012; Organista & Kubo, 2005; Worby & Organista, 2007). …”