Latino immigrant adolescents and gender ideology: Implications for safer sex

Background: Latino adolescents are at increased risk for HIV and STIs. The CDC reports that although Latino persons accounted for 16% of adolescents in the US, they represent 21% of adolescents infected with HIV. Latino adolescents who are immigrants may have increased risk and decreased access to resources. Method: As part of a large study examining the relationship between the media, gender ideologies, and sexual health, 848 adolescents from the Northeast completed a structured questionnaire. Sub-group analysis on Latino immigrants (n = 85) were conducted using standard quantitative techniques (t-tests, chi-square, and regression). Latino immigrants were compared to Latino non-immigrants (n = 93) as well as to White non-immigrants (n = 430). Results: There were a number of significant differences with regard to sexual health and gender ideologies between Latino immigrants and White non-immigrants. Latino immigrants (both boys and girls) were more likely to endorse traditional masculinity roles in relationships, were younger at first intercourse, and reported greater fear of HIV/AIDS. Immigrant boys were more likely to endorse statements condoning the use of coercion by men towards women, and immigrant girls were more likely to have older partners and endorse conventional, romantic, masculine roles. There were small differences between Latino immigrant and non-immigrant girls, and no significant differences between Latino immigrant and non-immigrant boys. Conclusions: There are a number of concerns raised by these data including increased risk for HIV. Importantly, endorsement of traditional masculinity roles and the use of coercion may contribute to increased sexual risk, particularly for girls.