title: Using structural equation modeling to identify predictors of sexual behaviors among Hispanic men who have sex with men.
abstract: Hispanic men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections related to high-risk sexual behaviors. The aim of this study was to test a model that predicts the sexual behaviors of Hispanic MSM that is based on an epidemiologic framework. The results of this study provide some important new information regarding the predictors of sexual behaviors among Hispanic MSM. The final model suggests that mental health is a significant predictor of sexual behaviors in this sample. Major implications for the development of interventions to address high-risk sexual behaviors highlight the need for health care providers and researchers to be cognizant of the influence of mental health issues on sexual behaviors.
authors.affiliation: University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, 5030 Brunson Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA. jdesantis@miami.edu
authors.forename: Joseph P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: De Santis
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arcia
authors.forename: Amber
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vermeesch
authors.forename: Karina A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Gattamorta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D005431:Florida; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D054526:Men's Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult