Social impacts of concurrent sexual partnerships for formerly incarcerated Latino men

BACKGROUND: Latino men are overrepresented in correctional facilities across the United States. Imprisonment represents a major source of HIV/STI risk. Compared to the general US population, incarcerated populations have 8-10 times higher rates of HIV and STIs. This heightened risk of contracting an STI stays with incarcerated men after their release given the challenges of re-entry into their communities and their sexual risk, alcohol and drug use behaviors. This paper explores levels of concurrent sexual partnerships (CSP) among formerly incarcerated Latino men (FILM) and risks associated with CSP. METHODS: From 2009-2011, we conducted a mixed methods study examining the network determinants of risk practices among FILM ages 18 to 45. In this analysis we use descriptive and linear regression statistics with the quantitative data (n=270) and semantic analysis with the life history interviews (n=20). RESULTS: The main findings were: a) 23.4% reported CSP in the prior 4 months; b) 66.1% reported CSP since release from jail/prison; c) 75.5% reported unprotected sex with CSP partners; and, d) having a STI was associated with high CSP. In the quantitative and qualitative analyses, CSP was associated with difficulties finding jobs in the formal economy, high conflict in spousal relationship and high connectedness with drug networks. CONCLUSIONS: CSP plays a critical role in the reentry process as a form of building social connections and regaining a perceived notion of masculinity and control over lives post-incarceration. In this presentation we will discuss the social and health costs of CSP for FILM and their families.