The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58104

Jillian T. Henderson, MPH¹, America Casillas¹, Leo Mendez², and S. Marie Harvey, DrPH¹. (1) Center for the Study of Women in Society, University of Oregon, 1201 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1201, (541)346-4120, jthender@umich.edu, (2) Public Health Institute, 2001 Addison St., #200, Berkeley, CA 94704-1103

The majority of research addressing HIV/STI risk factors within the Hispanic population is focused upon risk factors for women and for men who have sex with men (MSM), with less emphasis on risks for men who have sex with women (MSW). The goal of this study is to examine the multiple factors that increase the risk for HIV/STIs among a sample of young Latino heterosexual men living in Los Angeles, CA. Baseline data on 193 men who completed face-to-face interviews for a multi-site, longitudinal, RCT of an intervention to prevent transmission of HIV/STIs in high risk populations are analyzed. The majority of men in the sample (91%) are bilingual or speak only Spanish, 50% are living with their current sexual partner, and the average age is 23. Over one-third report having been in prison and 45% report use of illicit drugs within the past 3 months. Seventy-nine percent perceive the risk of HIV infection to be very or extremely high for young adult Latinos in the LA area who engage in vaginal sex without a condom. However, a similar proportion of men (76%) report it is “extremely unlikely” that they could become infected with HIV from unprotected sex with their current partner. Further analyses will examine how relationship factors intervene between general risk perceptions and relationship specific perceptions of risk. Implications for the design and delivery of health services and programs with the goal of reducing unprotected intercourse among young Latino men at increased risk of HIV/STIs will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to:
• - Describe HIV/STI risk factors for Latino men who have sex with women.
• - Articulate individual and relationship characteristics that contribute to HIV/STI risk for high risk Latino men
• - Discuss implications of findings for health service delivery and program design.

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.