Developing a typology of the Latino immigrant sex industry in a new receiving community to aid in HIV prevention efforts

The Latino immigrant population is rapidly growing in certain areas of the U.S., including Baltimore City.  Latinos in the U.S. continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS, with rates of new HIV infections 2.8 times those of non-Hispanic Whites. Women who engage in sex work and their clients are considered at high risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The few studies available suggest that the use of sexual services from female sex workers (FSW), and primarily Latina immigrant sex workers, may be high among Latino immigrant men.  Surveys of Latino immigrant men have found use of FSW services in the past year ranging from 28% to 45%. Despite the active engagement of Latino immigrant men with Latina immigrant FSW and the implications for HIV/STI transmission, there is little data about the structure and context of sex work among this immigrant population to inform local HIV prevention efforts.  During Spring 2014, in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department Latino Outreach Program, we will recruit key informants (e.g. bar managers, sex worker advertisers), clients of Latina immigrant FSWs, and Latina immigrant FSWs and conduct in-depth interviews to aid the development of a typology of the Latino immigrant sex industry, identify variations in indicators of HIV/STI risk, and inform local HIV/STI prevention efforts particularly focused on Latina immigrant FSWs.  Preliminary results of the in-depth interviews and lessons learned in the recruitment of Latina immigrant FSWs and individuals controlling their sex work will be discussed.