The interaction of sexual identity with sexual behavior and its influence on HIV risk among latino men: results of a community survey in northern San Diego County, California.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the sexual behavior, sexual identities, and HIV risk factors of a community sample of Latino men to inform efforts to reduce Latinos' HIV risk.


METHODS
In 2005 and 2006, 680 Latino men in San Diego County, California, in randomly selected, targeted community venues, completed an anonymous, self-administered survey.


RESULTS
Most (92.3%) respondents self-identified as heterosexual, with 2.2%, 4.9%, and 0.6% self-identifying as bisexual, gay, or other orientation, respectively. Overall, 4.8% of heterosexually identified men had a lifetime history of anal intercourse with other men. Compared with behaviorally heterosexual men, heterosexually identified men who had sex with both men and women were more likely to have had a sexually transmitted infection, to have unprotected sexual intercourse with female partners, and to report having sex while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Bisexually identified men who had sex with men and women did not differ from behaviorally heterosexual men in these risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Latino men who have a heterosexual identity and bisexual practices are at greater risk of HIV infection, and efforts to reduce HIV risk among Latinos should target this group.
Zellner
Jennifer A
JA
Center of Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
Martínez-Donate
Ana P
AP
Sañudo
Fernando
F
Fernández-Cerdeño
Araceli
A
Sipan
Carol L
CL
Hovell
Melbourne F
MF
Carrillo
Héctor
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002140:California; D003142:Communication; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000635:transmission; D006306:Health Surveys; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012933:Social Identification; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult