230611 A Two-Way Journey: Risk Factors for HIV Infection among Deported Mexican Migrants in Tijuana, Mexico

Monday, November 8, 2010

Ana P. Martinez-Donate, PhD , University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Population Health Sciences, Madison, WI
Melbourne F. Hovell, PhD, MPH , Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Gudelia Rangel, MPH, PhD , Departamento de Estudios de Poblacion, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Mexico
Carol L. Sipan, RN, MPH , Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Jennifer A. Zellner, PhD , Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Rodolfo Corona, MS , Departamento de Estudios de Poblacion, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Mexico
Norma Kelley, BA , Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Ahmed Asadi, MA , Facultad de Medicina y Psicologia, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Tijuana, Mexico
Catalina Amuedo-Dorantes, PhD , Department of Economics, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Carlos Magis-Rodriguez, MD, MPH , Secretaría de Salud, Centro Nacional para la Prevención del VIH/SIDA, Anzures, Mexico D.F., Mexico
This study examined risk factors for HIV infection among deported Mexican men in the border city of Tijuana, Mexico. From August to November 2009, a cross-sectional, probability survey was conducted with deported Mexican men immediately after their release by immigration authorities in Tijuana. Respondents (N=625; response rate 99.5%) completed an anonymous, interviewer-administered questionnaire on HIV-related practices and theoretical correlates. Deported men were largely young (Mean age = 31.7, SD = 9.0) and low educated (only 14.6% had completed high school or higher). Most men had a previous history of migration to the US (65.1%) and had been deported previously (55.1%). The majority had migrated to the US for labor reasons (84.6%) and had entered the US illegally the last time (95.5%). On average, they had spent 7.5 months (SD = 5.2) in the US during the last 12 months, but 20.5% were apprehended during the last entry attempt. Most were planning to return to the US (64.3%). Reported HIV-related risk factors in the last 12 months included sex with multiple female partners (38.6%); unprotected sex with multiple female partners (25.6%); sex with male partners (1.5%); unprotected sex with male partners (0.5%); use of illegal drugs (35.7%); sex under the influence of alcohol (35.7%) or other substances (10.9%); use of needles for nonmedical purposes (19.1%); and needle sharing (1.9%). An estimated 8.3% had a sexually transmitted infection in the last year and nearly half rated their risk for HIV as medium or high. Only 26.7% had been tested for HIV in the previous year. These results indicate high prevalence of risk behaviors for HIV among deported Mexican migrants and underscore the need for binational prevention programs targeting this disenfranchised population on both sides of the US – Mexico border.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Diversity and culture
Epidemiology
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe the prevalence of risk factors for HIV infection among deported Mexican migrants and immigrants returned to Mexico from the U.S. through the border city of Tijuana (Baja California, Mexico). Identify factors associated with HIV risk behaviors among this population, with emphasis on social, cultural, economic, legal, and environmental factors.

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Migrant Workers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am researched that specializes in health behavior, Latino health, and HIV/AIDS prevention.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.