Objectives: To estimate/assess HIV prevalence, risk behaviors, and access to care of young Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, California. Methods: We are recruiting 250 Latino MSM 18 to 29 years old within each site from gay-identified venues and cruising sites. Participants are interviewed from a standardized questionnaire, then have blood drawn. The questionnaire explores risk behaviors (such as unprotected anal intercourse [UAI] and injection drug use [IDU]), health care access, and attitudes towards HIV-related issues. Each blood specimen is tested for HIV antibody. Results: We report results from the Tijuana sample (n=250), which largely came from reputed areas of prostitution. Over half reported at least five lifetime male sex partners. Over 72% reported ever having insertive UAI, but only 29% receptive. About 80% reported ever having unprotected vaginal intercourse, and over 40% UAI with a female. Almost half (48%) reported ever having sex with men from the USA. Over 40% reported lifetime IDU, with 90% of these (36% overall) ever sharing needles or works. Of the 250 blood specimens collected, 51 (20.4%) tested positive for HIV antibody. Over half of these MSM had never tested for HIV, and 29% were previously diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease. Conclusions: HIV has greatly impacted MSM in the Tijuana-San Diego area and poses a concern for public health on both sides of the border, particularly given the high rates of risk behaviors and interaction between MSM from each side of the border.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Latinos
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.