HIV-related risk behavior among Hispanic immigrant men in a population-based household survey in low-income neighborhoods of northern California.

OBJECTIVES/GOAL: We compared risk behaviors and HIV testing between recent (in the U.S. <5 years) and established (in the U.S. >5 years) Hispanic immigrant men (N = 410). STUDY: This study was a population-based, cross-sectional survey of HIV/sexually transmitted disease markers and risk behaviors in men age 18 to 35 years residing in low-income census block groups in 3 northern California counties.
RESULTS: Recent immigrants were less likely to currently have a main sexual partner (45.3% vs. 67.2%, P <0.01) and more likely to have ever used commercial sex workers (40.0% vs. 27.6%, P <0.01). Recent immigrants were less likely to receive medical care in the last 6 months (21.2% vs. 31.3%, P = 0.04) or had ever been HIV tested (26.0% vs. 43.3%, P <0.01). Established immigrants more likely reported unprotected sex, hallucinogen or ecstasy use.
CONCLUSIONS: Recent Hispanic immigrants have less stable sexual partnerships and less health-seeking behavior, including HIV testing. Established immigrants report HIV test rates comparable to the national average.