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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Serena C. Lo, MS, Carol A. Reisen, PhD, Paul J. Poppen, PhD, María Cecilia Zea, PhD, and Fernanda T. Bianchi, PhD. Department of Psychology, George Washington University, 2125 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20052, 202-236-0522, slo@gwu.edu

Background: Dominican, Colombian, and Brazilian MSM constitute understudied, growing immigrant populations in the U.S. who are at high risk for HIV/AIDS. Díaz (1998) argued that experiences of discrimination can hinder the ability of MSM to protect themselves from HIV. Latino cultural attitudes reflecting simpatía and fatalism could also inhibit safe sexual practices. This study examined the effect of experiences of discrimination and Latino attitudes on unprotected anal sex, with the hypothesis that self-efficacy for condom use mediated the relationships. Methods: Participants (N=120) completed a survey via Audio-CASI. Discrimination was assessed with 12 items from Díaz, 2001. Simpatía/fatalism was measured with a 3-item subscale derived from factor analysis of a Latino Beliefs scale. Condom use self-efficacy was measured with 5 items. Participants also reported whether they had had unprotected anal intercourse during the last 3 months. Results: A set of multiple and logistic regressions, controlling for age and HIV status, revealed that endorsement of simpatía/fatalism beliefs was associated with lower condom use self-efficacy, which in turn was associated with greater likelihood of unprotected anal intercourse. There was no effect of discrimination experiences on the likelihood of unprotected anal intercourse. Conclusions: Research has consistently demonstrated the importance of self-efficacy in relation to safer sex behavior. Culturally based beliefs concerning partner conflict and fatalism may influence one's self-assessed abilities to engage in safer sex. This suggests the importance of cultural factors for efforts to promote safe sexual practices.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe how cultural beliefs may play a role in safer sex behavior.
• Identify relationships among self-efficacy, discrimination experiences, and sexual risk-taking.
• Recognize the importance of considering cultural factors in reducing sexual risk.

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Ethnic Minorities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered