Birthplace is associated with patterns of condom use, HIV testing, self perceived risk, and ownership of HIV/AIDS among Latinos

Background: While Latinos represent 14% of the overall U.S. population, they account for 19% of the cumulative HIV/AIDS cases. Latinos have widely diverse structural backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and behaviors which may be influenced by their country of birth. This study explored the differences by birthplace in self reports of: 1)condom use, 2)HIV testing, 3)perceived risk, and 4)ownership of the HIV/AIDS problem among six Latino nationalities residing in Broward County, Florida. Methods: We conducted a series of cross-sectional computer assisted telephone interview (CATI) surveys. Analysis was restricted to Hispanic respondents interviewed in 2002, 2003 or 2005, born in one of six countries: U.S., Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, Peru or Puerto Rico (N=1523). Logistic regression was applied to assess differences by birthplace for the four dependent variables, simultaneously controlling for age, gender, marital status and educational attainment. Results: Condom use in the last year was less likely to be reported by Cubans (OR=0.65, p<0.05) compared to U.S.-born. Colombians, Mexicans and Puerto Ricans were less likely than U.S.-born to have ever been tested for HIV (OR=0.57-0.62 p<0.001). Colombians, Mexicans, and Peruvians were more likely than U.S.-born to perceive themselves at high or medium risk for HIV (OR=1.82-3.23, p<0.01). All foreign-born Hispanics, except Puerto Ricans, were more likely than U.S.-born to feel that they were most responsible for HIV/AIDS, rather than the government or others (p<0.001). Conclusions: Significant differences by birthplace exist among Latino populations. Cultural and structural differences must be taken into account when designing and implementing HIV/AIDS prevention interventions.