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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Assunta Ritieni, MHS¹, Susan Gilbreath, PhD¹, James Quesada, PhD², and Alex Kral, PhD³. (1) Office of AIDS, California Department of Health Services, PO Box 997426/MS-7700, Sacramento, CA 95899, 916-449-5841, ARitieni@dhs.ca.gov, (2) Anthropology Department, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, (3) Urban Health Program, RTI International, 28 2nd Street Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94105

Background: California accounts for 44% of the Mexican-born population in the U.S. and attracts 28% of migrant workers from Mexico. Considering the vulnerability of this population to HIV, the context of HIV risk and preventive behaviors among migrants needs to be understood. This study assessed HIV testing among migrant workers in two California counties. Methods: From July 2004-March 2005, 251 Latino migrant workers aged 18 and older were recruited via convenience sampling in San Francisco (n=126) and Monterey (n=125). Quantitative interviews and ethnographic fieldwork were conducted. HIV testing correlates were explored using logistic regression models adjusting for demographic factors. Results: Sixty-four percent indicated never testing for HIV. Of those who tested, 17% never received a result, and among Mexico-born participants, 85% last tested in the U.S. Reasons for not testing varied by county and included believing they were not at risk (59%), not knowing where to test (29%), and cost (28%). Testing was associated with having a regular healthcare source (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53, 5.77), knowing someone with HIV (AOR=2.59, 95% CI: 1.15, 5.85), English language use (AOR=3.05, 95% CI: 1.35, 6.93), and study location (AOR=6.27, CI: 3.22, 12.20). Reported STD history, injection drug use, and any unprotected intercourse were not found to be associated. Conclusions: HIV testing among Latino migrants varies by urban and rural area, and appears to be influenced by factors other than reported risk behavior. Efforts to increase testing among these populations should consider the distinct cultural environments of rural-urban settings.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe HIV testing patterns among urban and rural migrant workers
• Identify correlates of testing among urban and rural migrant workers
• Discuss factors in urban and rural settings that influence HIV testing patterns

Keywords: Migrant Workers, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered