Background: This study examined the relative influence of childhood experiences such as physical and emotional abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, parental drug use and overall childhood quality on various sexual and HIV-related behaviors in a sample of young Latino men. It is hypothesized that patterns of attachment, cultural pride, the quality of the physical environment, psychological distress, and sense of mastery (ability to feel competent, assertive, and solve problems), will mediate the effect of childhood experiences on adult outcomes. Adult outcomes include risky sexual behavior, condom use/abstinence, HIV-testing, and HIV-related attitudes and behavior change. Method: Participants is this study (N=307) are young males from a Los Angeles County community sample (mean age 17.7, S.D.=1.6), who self-identified as Latino. Structural Equation Modeling was used to examine the a priori hypotheses about relationships described above. Results: The model fit the data well with many significant relationships. Childhood maltreatment (Parental Abuse, Parental Neglect, and sexual abuse) and Parental Drug Abuse were associated with greater risky sexual behavior as an adult. The individual’s current Psychological Distress and Drug Use mediated these paths. Positive childhood quality was associated with greater concern about HIV and engaging in more protective behaviors. Further, cultural pride was associated with using condoms, and for both the individual and his partner being tested for HIV.
Learning Objectives: Following this session, the participant (learner) will be able to identify childhood predictors and external/psychological mediators of Latino men’s risky sexual behavior, use of condoms during sex, attitudes related to HIV, and whether or not they or their partners have been tested for HIV
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Latinos
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.