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