Sex with sex workers among latino day laborers in Suburban Maryland.
Using the structural-environmental conceptual framework, this study employed mixed methods to address the question of whether sex with female sex workers contributes to HIV risk among male immigrant Latino day laborers in suburban Maryland. Because contextual factors can greatly affect HIV risk for both sex workers and their clients, this study investigated the organizational structure of sex work, factors that predicted men's hiring of sex workers, sexual behaviors performed with sex workers, and the use of condoms. Qualitative research was conducted to inform the development of a quantitative survey, but also provided crucial descriptions about the motivations, locations, arrangements, and sexual activities related to sex work. Key informant interviews (N = 10), in-depth interviews with day laborers (N = 10) and Latina female sex workers (N = 4), and two focus groups with day laborers (N = 11) were conducted, and a quantitative survey administered via Audio-enhanced Computer-assisted Self-interviewing (N = 174). Condom use was nearly universal in encounters with female sex workers, thus indicating that the sex workers were not an important source of HIV transmission in this context. Logistic regression was performed to test a model predicting sex with sex workers. Latino day laborers who reported more immigrant stress and who did not have a partner in the U.S. were more likely to have had sex with a sex worker, as were men who reported binge drinking. Structural and social conditions influenced the hiring of sex workers. Further research is warranted to better understand the interrelationships among these circumstances and to inform the development of programs to address them.
Department of Psychology, George Washington University, 2125 G St. NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA. fbianchi@gwu.edu
Fernanda T
FT
Bianchi
Carol A
CA
Reisen
Felisa A
FA
Gonzales
Juan C
JC
Arroyo
Maria Cecilia
MC
Zea
Paul J
PJ
Poppen
D000328:Adult; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009042:Motivation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D021841:Safe Sex; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D060386:Sex Workers; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors