Determinants of HIV/STD risk behaviors among recent Latino immigrants in South Florida, USA

Background: Researchers have documented multiple behavioral risk factors associated with HIV infection.  Their research has recently expanded to include the social and cultural determinants associated with HIV/STDS among immigrant Latinos.  Most research concerning Latino immigrants has primarily focused on exploring their HIV risk behaviors after they have immigrated to the US.  Research findings indicate that alcohol significantly influences risky sex practices. However, the association between alcohol use and Latinos’ sexual risk behaviors prior to immigrating to the U.S. is scarce.   Given the prevalence of alcohol use in Latin America, and this population growth, documenting the influence of alcohol use on Recent Latino Immigrants’ (RLI) sexual risk behaviors may narrow this  literature gap. Methods: The data examined are from the pre-immigration first wave of a longitudinal study. Data prior to immigration were retrospectively collected from immigrants living in the U.S. for 12 months or less.  A sample of 527 RLI between the ages of 18-39 was recruited and interviewed at home or at a convenient place for them. The Timeline Follow-back Interview was administered to document quantity and frequency of alcohol use during the 90 days prior to immigration. Pre-immigration sexual risk behavior was measured using the Center for Disease Control’s Risk Behavior Assessment scale. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the data. Results: Males, single participants, and participants with higher incomes reported more alcohol use. Higher alcohol use was associated with lower condom use frequency, having sex under the influence, and more sexual partners. Age and marital status were associated with condom use. Older participants and participants who were married reported less condom use frequency. Discussion:  Results points to the importance of targeting adult RLI men, given their likelihood to engage in alcohol-consumption, sex under the influence of alcohol, and sex with multiple partners without using condoms.