AEGiS-NHIVPC: HIV Risks for Latino Men in Rural Virginia

National HIV Prevention Conference

Atlanta, Georgia, USA — July 27 - 30, 2003

HIV Risks for Latino Men in Rural Virginia

Natl HIV Prev Conf 2003 July 27-30:abstract no. MP-116
Bradford J, Jarama L; VCU Survey and Evaluation Research Lab, Richmond, VA

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:: In conjunction with the Virginia HIV Prevention Community Planning Group, we conducted a survey of Latino men who worked in rural areas of Virginia regarding their HIV-related knowledge, opinions and behaviors. We also interviewed key informants from the area regarding their perceptions of service and other needs of the target population. The purpose of this research was to support the development of effective HIV prevention and education strategies.

METHODS: Latino recruiters and interviewers familiar with the geographic area were selected and trained by the second author, whose primary language is Spanish. These individuals then established networks and relationships through which to recruit study participants. SPs were interviewed individually in Spanish (all chose this option rather than English) at venues convenient for them, including workplace, church, home, and community locations. Interviews averaged 35 minutes. Data were entered and analyzed at the Survey and Evaluation Research Lab in Richmond. Key informants were interviewed on the telephone by the second author and transcribed by members of SERL's professional staff.

RESULTS: 76 Latino men were interviewed for the study. Most SPs reported low knowledge of HIV transmission and risk behaviors, coupled with patterns of sexual risk-taking and episodic use of condoms. Cultural factors such as machismo had substantial influence on behaviors and lack of protective measures. In sum, SPs tended to be at moderate or high risk for HIV and without sufficient knowledge and appropriate behaviors to avoid becoming infected and/or infecting others. Key informants reported few local educational and support services for the target population and in general perceived the population to be at high risk of infection, validating results from the survey.

CONCLUSIONS: This population of Latino men, mostly migrant workers, in rural Virginia are at risk of HIV infection due to knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and cultural influences. There is a need for HIV prevention education programs to address their needs, tailored to match cultural and demographic characteristics, and in keeping with local structures and networks.

Keywords: Hispanic Americans, HIV Infections, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Risk-Taking, Interviews, Condoms, Data Collection, Virginia, Human, Male, education

030727
MP-116