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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ronald Brooks, PhD and Sung-Jae Lee, PhD. Ctr. for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services, University of California, Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA 90024, 310-794-6075, rbrooks@mednet.ucla.edu

Background: Gang membership is often associated with behaviors that can lead to HIV transmission. The objectives of this study were to identify risk behaviors and factors contributing to risk behaviors among a hard-to-reach gang population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 300 active gang members age 17-26 years in Los Angeles. Domains included: demographics, perceived vulnerability, self-efficacy, peer support, stigma, and sexual and substance use behaviors in the past 12 months. Chi square test and regression analyses were conducted with variables of interest. Results: Sixty four percent of participants were Latino and the remaining African American; eighty five percent were male. Risk behaviors in the past 12 months included: inconsistent condom use (89%); substance use (88%); casual sex partners (65%); heavy alcohol use (63%); sex while high or intoxicated (49%); sex with high risk partners (29%); and survival sex (27%). Correlations were found between attitudes and risk behaviors. Self-efficacy was inversely related to inconsistent condom use (p<.001) and engaging in sex while high or intoxicated (p<.001). Perceived vulnerability was positively related to engaging in sex while high or intoxicated (p<.001) and engaging in sex with high risk partners (p<.001). Peer support was inversely related to engaging in sex while high or intoxicated (p<.001) and engaging in sex with someone you just met (p<.001). Conclusion: An HIV prevention program designed to help change attitudes regarding HIV, that capitalizes on peer support and influence, and with a strong emphasis on reducing sexual risk behaviors would be appropriate for this population.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Describe HIV risk behaviors of gang members
• List factors that correlate with HIV risk behaviors
• Understand the implications for HIV prevention targeting Latino and African American gang members

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, HIV Interventions

Awards: Excellence in Abstract Submission among All Presenters--Award Winner - Recipient

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered