AEGiS-15IAC: Cultural and psychosocial correlates of HIV risk in rural Latino men.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Cultural and psychosocial correlates of HIV risk in rural Latino men.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D12959)

Bradford JB, Jarama SL
Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory, Richmond, VA, United States

BACKGROUND: This study of Latino men, migrant workers in rural Virginia and of key informants in the same geographic area identified effective HIV prevention strategies and set resource allocation priorities for prevention services developed with consumers and providers. HIV prevalence among the study population had increased 3- or 4-fold in target counties during the previous 5 years, demonstrating the need for specific attention by the state public health agency and other stakeholders.

METHODS: A survey was self-administered or interviewer-administered (for those with literacy concerns) in Spanish to 128 Latino men. Data were collected on sexual behaviors, condom use, knowledge about HIV/AIDS, HIV testing; scales measured cultural attitudes associated with machismo, homophobia, and acculturation. Personal interviews were conducted with 10 key informants who directed service programs in the target area. These interviews focused on perceptions of HIV prevalence among the study population and perceived needs and service availability for them.

RESULTS: Respondents engaged in multiple sexual risks - 63% reported multiple partners, 83% inconsistent use of condoms, 55% did not know if their most recent partner was HIV+, 81% of those not in primary relationship never or only sometimes asked casual partners about HIV status. Only 22% had been tested for HIV. Sexual abuse as a child was also significantly associated with higher risk. Respondents were moderately machista, with high levels of homophobia. Increased machista attitudes and high levels of homophobia were significantly associated with higher risk. Key informants were generally unaware of HIV prevalence among Latino men and believed that services were inadequate.

CONCLUSIONS: This population of Latino men in rural Virginia reported behaviors consistent with high HIV risk and transmission. Culturally-based attitudes and lack of HIV knowledge were principal barriers to prevention efforts. Systemic issues in the target area would have to be addressed for culturally-based interventions to be effective.

Keywords: AEGIS, Hispanic Americans, Condoms, Sexual Behavior, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Prevalence, HIV Seropositivity, Data Collection, Transients and Migrants, Knowledge, Behavior, Attitude, Interviews, Virginia, Humans, Male, Child, ethnology

040711
D12959