Condom use among formerly incarcerated Latino men

BACKGROUND: Latinos in the United States are disproportionally affected by the AIDS epidemic, resulting in AIDS being the fourth leading cause of death among Latinos. Formerly incarcerated Latino men (FILM) are a critical group in the spread of the AIDS epidemic. Nationwide, Latinos represent more than a quarter of all inmates. Research suggests that upon release, FILM engage in high rates of HIV-related sexual risk behaviors. This analysis documents perspectives on condom use among FILM. METHODS: We conducted 45-60 minute open-ended interviews with 60 FILM who have served jail or prison time within the past 5 years, ages 18 to 45. Participants were selected through peer-outreach conducted in 4 urban communities. RESULTS: 70% reported finding nothing positive about using condoms, 60% reported that not using condoms felt more real and natural, although no major perceived barriers to condom use were reported. In fact the vast majority of respondents reported confidence in using condoms (e.g., “I can use condoms if I want to”). Three quarters of respondents reported difficulty talking to sexual partners about condom use because of the perception that they may have been infected with HIV while incarcerated. Sixty five percent reported concurrent sexual partnerships within the last 4 months. Type of partners included: wifeys (long-term female partners), wives (legal spouses) and baby mamas (mothers of their children). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to increase condom use among FILM should focus on emphasizing the positive aspects of condom use and empowering FILM to overcome incarceration stigma and negotiate condom use with partners.