The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43235

Alicia Salvatore, Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Rosenau Hall, CB# 7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7400, 919-932-4806, salvator@email.unc.edu and Elizabeth Freeman, MSW, MPH, NC Office of Research, Demonstrations and Rural Health Development, North Carolina Farmworker Health Program, 311 Ashe Ave., Raleigh, NC 27606.

Abstract: North Carolina ranks fifth among U.S. states that employ migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs). Despite the growing numbers of MSFWs who come to work in NC agriculture each year, much is unknown about STD and HIV-related risk of this vulnerable population. The goal of this study, the first of its kind in NC, was to explore STD and HIV-related risk factors in Latino male MSFWs.

Study Design: Twelve focus group interviews were conducted with 139 Latino male MSFWs in 12 counties throughout the state.

Results: Results of this study reveal a confluence of migration-related factors that put MSFWs at risk for contracting STDs and HIV while they are in NC. Data reveal an aggressive commercial sex industry that targets MSFWs as well as multiple social, cultural, and economic factors that make men vulnerable to the advances of commercial sex workers (CSWs). Men’s belief that they cannot go with out sex, long-periods of separation from primary partners, physical and social isolation, machismo, coupled with the economic and structural availability of CSWs frame STD and HIV risk for MSFWs. Despite perceptions of high STD and HIV risk with CSWs and perceptions of higher risk in the U.S. versus Mexico, perceived use of CSWs was high among MSFWs. In addition, knowledge of STDs and perceived condom use were low. Barriers to condom use and STD and HIV testing were high. Implications of these findings for STD and HIV/AIDS prevention program development and future research with Latino MSFWs will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participant (learner) will be able to

• Identify multiple STD and HIV-related risk factors among Latino male MSFWs.
• List cultural and behavioral factors salient to STD and HIV prevention with MSFWs.

Keywords: Migrant Farm Workers, Latino

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.