Predictors of HIV transmission risk behavior and seroconversion among Latino men who have sex with men in Project EXPLORE

AIDS Behav. 2012 Apr;16(3):608-17. doi: 10.1007/s10461-011-9911-4.

Abstract

In the US, Latino MSM are disproportionately affected by HIV, yet there is a paucity of data for this risk group. To this end, we examined data on Latino and non-Latino white MSM who participated across six cities in a 2-year randomized behavioral intervention study-Project EXPLORE. At baseline, Latinos reported significantly more serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse (SDUA) than non-Latinos. Longitudinal predictors of SDUA included marijuana, poppers, amphetamines and heavy drinking, as well as lower self-efficacy, poorer communication skills, weaker safe-sex norms and more enjoyment of risky sex. For HIV infection, Latinos had significantly higher seroconversion rate over follow-up than non-Latinos. Longitudinal predictors of seroconversion among Latinos included poppers and SDUA. Intervention effects did not significantly differ between Latino and non-Latinos. Findings support HIV intervention work with Latino MSM that includes skills training/counseling to address attitudes about safe sex and impact of substance use on HIV-risk behavior and acquisition.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / ethnology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • HIV Seropositivity / epidemiology*
  • HIV Seropositivity / transmission
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Homosexuality, Male / ethnology*
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Psychology
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Urban Population