 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Nina T. Harawa, MPH, PhD and Trista Bingham, MPH, MS. HIV Epidemiology Program, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, 600 S. Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 1920, Los Angeles, CA 90005, 213 351-8654, nharawa@dhs.co.la.ca.us
Background/Objectives: To better target HIV-prevention services for Latinos and understand the influence of immigration status on HIV-risk, we examined differences between US- and foreign-born Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: We analyzed data from blinded HIV-1 antibody testing of specimens drawn between 1993 and 1999. Samples were collected for routine syphilis testing at STD clinics in seven Los Angeles County public health centers. We examined the characteristics of the 1,353 men who reported a history of sex with other men, using chi-square and T-tests to evaluate differences by US nativity. Results: HIV seroprevalence was 19% for both groups. Compared to US-born, foreign-born Latino MSM were more likely to be married (12% vs. 3.2% p <0.001), to recently have had sex with both men and women (27% vs. 21% p = 0.025), and to not identify as homosexual (56% vs. 45% p = 0.001). With the exception of sex in exchange for money or drugs, foreign-born MSM reported lesser participation in risky drug use, including sex while under the influence, drug injection, and crack cocaine use. They were also less likely to have previously tested for HIV (61% vs. 73% p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite their similar HIV prevalences, US- and foreign-born Latino MSM's risk profiles differed substantially. Because foreign-born MSM were less likely to identify as homosexual or participate in risky drug use and more likely to have sex with women, they and their female partners may be less frequently the targets of HIV prevention efforts.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Risk Behavior, Latinos
Related Web page: www.lapublichealth.org/hiv
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.