Immigration, condom use and social capital among recent Latino immigrants in south Florida: A longitudinal study

Background:Immigration can cause individuals to experience a decrease in social capital in the host country, and simultaneously, to engage more in high-risk sexual behavior. A longitudinal study was conducted to explore these changes in recent Latino immigrants from pre-immigration to 2 years post-immigration. Methods:Data from 479 participants ages 18-39 who recently immigrated (within 12 months)were examined. A total social capital score as well as 5 social capital subcategories scores (family, friends, group membership, business and agency utilization) were obtained. Participants responded on a likert scale of vaginal and anal condom use (0=never, 1=less than half the time, 2=half the time, 3=more than half the time, 4=always). Univariate analysis and paired-samples t test were used to evaluate the mean differences. Results: There was a significant decrease in social capital subcategories (p˂.05). The mean for the total social capital score decreased from 18.3 (SD=7.9) to 11.44 (SD=7.8), p<.001). Among females, the mean for vaginal condom use decreased from 1.8 to 1 (p<.05), and the mean for anal condom use decreased from 1.04 to .17 (p<.05). Among males, vaginal condom use decreased from 1.8 to .9 (p<.05), and anal condom use decreased from 1.7 to .54 (p<.001). Conclusions:From pre-immigration to post-immigration there is a significant decrease in social capital among recent Latino immigrants. There is also a significant increase in unprotected sexual acts among both men and women. Immigration in the United States may be a mechanism through which social capital decreases among Latino immigrants, and HIV risk increases.