The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71431

Juan D. Ruiz, MD, DrPH¹, Assunta Ritieni, MHS¹, Matthew R Facer, PhD¹, and Fred Molitor². (1) HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Branch, Office of AIDS, California Department of Health Services, 611 North 7th St., Suite A, Sacramento, CA 95814, 916-445-0700, jruiz1@dhs.ca.gov, (2) ETR Associates, 926 J Street, Suite 617, Sacramento, CA 95814

Objective: To assess HIV prevalence, sexual and drug using behaviors, and history of HIV testing among a cross-section of Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) from San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico.

Methods: From May 2000 to April 2002, a cross-sectional survey of Latino men aged 18 to 29 years was conducted at MSM-identified venues (e.g., bars, dance clubs) and cruising sites (e.g., parks, shopping areas) in San Diego and Tijuana. Participants were interviewed using a standard questionnaire, had blood drawn for HIV testing, were given appointments to obtain test results, and were provided HIV-prevention counseling and referral for care when needed.

Results: Of the 122 participants in San Diego, 42 (34%) tested positive for HIV compared to 47 (19%) of the 249 participants in Tijuana. Of the HIV-infected MSM in San Diego, 34 (81%) were unaware of their infection compared to 26 (55%) of the HIV-infected MSM in Tijuana. Over 40% of the Tijuana MSM reported lifetime injection drug use, with 90% of these ever sharing needles or works. Of the 107 men in San Diego who reported recent sex with men (in the last 4 months), 69 (65%) reported having unprotected anal intercourse compared to 68 (49%) of the 140 men in Tijuana who reported recent sex with men. Of the 139 MSM in Tijuana who reported recent sex with women, 107 (77%) indicated engaging in anal/vaginal unprotected intercourse.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgency of improving HIV-prevention efforts for all young MSM at this U.S.-Mexico border region.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. At the end of the presentation, the audience will be able to describe the prevalence of HIV infection among young Latino men who have sex with men in the San Diego-Tijuana border region.
• 2. At the end of the presentation, the audience will be able to identify sexual and drug using risk behaviors practiced by young Latino men who have sex with men in the San Diego-Tijuana border region.
• 3. At the end of the presentation, the audience will be able to identify three predictors of HIV infection among young Latino men who have sex with men in the San Diego-Tijuana border region.

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.