Exploring the impact of familism on the reproductive health intentions and practices of bisexual Latino men: Preliminary findings from the Latino BiCultural Project

Background: The limited number of prior studies and interventions that have included bisexual Latino men have not examined their reproductive health practices, the social determinants of those practices, and the impact of such practices on overall health and well-being. The proposed presentation will explore the relationship between familism and the reproductive health intentions and practices of bisexual Latino men. Prior studies suggest that: 1) strong ties within Latino families may be a source of stress and conflict for bisexual Latino men, and 2) desires to have a family and protect familial honor may promote unprotected sex among bisexual Latino men and their partners. Methods: The Latino BiCultural Project is a four-year mixed methods study of the sexual and reproductive health of bisexual Latino men, consisting of: structured surveys and open-ended interviews with bisexual Latino men (n=160); ethnographic observations of social spaces occupied by bisexual Latino men (24 months); key informant interviews (n=50); and group interviews with HIV/AIDS service providers (n=25). Results: Findings indicate that: condoms are the predominant contraceptive method among the sample (81.3%); 41.7% of participants have fathered a child; 72.9% are committed to not getting partner(s) pregnant; 2.1% are trying to get partner(s) pregnant; and 44.1% did not use condoms consistently during vaginal intercourse with partners in the prior 2 months. Preliminary analyses indicate that familism, reproductive health intentions, and unprotected vaginal intercourse are statistically associated. Conclusions: Familism is a complex construct that has the potential to inform and improve future reproductive health programming targeting bisexual Latino men.