HIV Risk Knowledge among Hispanic Adults in a U.S. – Mexico Border Community: Opportunities for Sexual Health Promotion and Education

Background and Purpose: Hispanics experience a disproportionate burden of chronic disease, including HIV/AIDS. Community-level data regarding HIV risk and transmission are vital to effectively respond to health disparities in unique, high-risk populations. This study described HIV risk behavior knowledge among Hispanics in El Paso, Texas, in order to contribute to culturally and linguistically appropriate services for clinical and community settings in this U.S.-Mexico border community. Specifically, this project highlights misconceptions and gaps in HIV risk knowledge in two Mexican-American adult samples: (1) 103 men recruited primarily through agencies providing HIV-related medical and social services, and (2) 98 women recruited primarily through events hosted at a local community center. Methods: Data were gathered through structured interviews with participants as part of a larger study of HIV risk factors. Results: Less than 20% of men and 5% of women answered all 12 knowledge items correctly. Conclusion: This study builds on previous research identifying gaps in HIV knowledge by prioritizing two different at-risk populations in a U.S.- Mexico border community, where sociodemographic factors such as poverty, stigma, and limited access to healthcare services may contribute to increased HIV risk

Creating Paths: Living with a very low birth weight infant.

Advances in neonatal nursing and medical interventions have made it possible for the very low birth weight (VLBW) infant to survive. However, it is now time to recognize the intangible costs, emotional stress, marital stress, grief, pain, sorrow, and the disruption of the role transition to parenthood. To facilitate progress in the area of neonatal nursing, systematic efforts were undertaken to examine and describe parental adaptation to the VLBW infant and potential risk for parenting problems after hospital discharge. The purpose of this study was to describe parents' method of adaptation to the problems of caring for a VLBW infant at home. Specifically this study was designed to identify: (1) What strategies parents employed during the adaptation process. (2) What resources parents combined with their strategies of adaptation. (3) What situations promoted or inhibited parental adaptation. The informants consisted of parents of VLBW infants (<1500 grams) following hospital discharge. The number of subjects for this study was 14. An exploratory design was used to conduct this study. Each subject was involved in three interview sessions, one months, three months, and five months following hospital discharge of their VLBW infant. Data were sampled theoretically, as guided by the emergent theory. The constant comparative method was used for data analysis. A basic social process, Creating Paths, was identified as the core category of the theory. Creating Paths is the continuous process experienced by parents living with a VLBW infant the first five months after hospital discharge. The process consists of three stages: Gathering, Emerging, and Affirming. Results of this investigation provide a beginning theoretical foundation for assessing the adaptation process of parents with VLBW infants the first five months at home. Neonatal nurses can utilize the model to provide anticipatory guidance and support to benefit parents and their VLBW infant

A Pilot Study to Evaluate Ethnic/Racial Differences in Depressive Symptoms, Self-Esteem, and Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for certain physical and psychological health conditions. Ethnic minority MSM are at an increased risk related to the combination of sexual minority and ethnic minority status. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the levels of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors by ethnicity in a sample of MSM (N = 70) residing in South Florida. More than one-third of the sample (N = 26; 37%) had high levels of depressive symptoms. Using non-parametric statistics, statistically significant differences were noted in the levels of depressive symptoms as African-American MSM had higher levels of depressive symptoms when compared to the other ethnic groups. Statistically significant differences were not found when self-esteem and sexual behaviors were compared by ethnicity. Regardless of ethnicity, MSM in this study were at risk for the sequela of depressive symptoms and infections with HIV and/or sexually transmitted infections because of the high levels of unsafe sexual behaviors. More research is needed to explore the relationship of mental health and sexual behaviors among the various ethnic groups of MSM

Risk Factors for Hispanic Male Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

© 2015, © The Author(s) 2015. The literature review analyzed 24 studies that explored male intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration risk factors among men, in particular Hispanics, using the socioecological model framework composed of four socioecological levels for violence prevention. Six databases were reviewed within the EBSCO search engine for articles published from 2000 to 2014. Articles reviewed were specific to risk factors for IPV perpetration among Hispanic men, focusing particularly on Mexican American men. Many key factors have previously been associated with risk for IPV perpetration; however, certain determinants are unique to Hispanics such as acculturation, acculturation stress, and delineated gender roles that include Machismo and Marianismo. These risk factors should be incorporated in future targeted prevention strategies and efforts and capitalize on the positive aspects of each to serve as protective factors

Health disparities in access to health care for HIV infection, substance abuse, and mental health among Latino men who have sex with men in a U.S.–Mexico Border City

© 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. A cross-sectional study among 150 community-dwelling Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) in a U.S.–Mexico border city was conducted to describe health disparities in access to care for HIV infection, substance use/abuse, and mental health. Data were collected in 2013 and 2014. Median age of participants was 26 years, and the majority of participants identified as a sexual minority and born in the United States. Half did not have health insurance and reported suicidal ideation. One-eighth reported living with HIV. Most common substances reported were alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Clinicians who provide care for Latino MSM should be aware of intersecting comorbidities

A Comparison of Sexual Relationships Among Hispanic Men by Sexual Orientation: Implications for HIV/STI Prevention

Hispanic men experience high rates of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when compared to non-Hispanic whites. Many factors contribute to HIV/STI risk among Hispanic men. Some researchers have suggested that primary relationships may be a source of HIV/STIs because some men engage in sexual relationships outside of the primary relationship. However, little is known about this among Hispanic men, and less is known about how sexual relationships differ by sexual orientation. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine if Hispanic men engage in sexual relationships outside of primary relationships; and (2) to compare sex outside of primary relationships by sexual orientation. Data for this study were obtained from a larger study that investigated health risks of Hispanic men residing in the U.S.–Mexico border community. Participants were recruited from agencies that provided services to Hispanic men. Participants completed a structured interview that included questions about primary relationships and sex outside of primary relationships. The sample consisted of 103 Hispanic men (50 heterosexual, 43 gay, and 10 bisexual Hispanic men), but two participants refused to answer relationship questions, resulting in a sample of 101 Hispanic men. About one-third of the participants (n = 29) reported sex outside of the primary relationship, but no differences were found between the gay/bisexual and heterosexual men, X 2 (2, N = 101) = 9.91, p = .128. More gay/bisexual men reported sex with the primary partner and another person at the same time than heterosexual men, X 2 (2, N = 101) = 13.32, p = .010. More gay/bisexual men reported open relationships when compared to heterosexual men, X 2 (2, N = 101) = 17.23, p = .008, and more gay/bisexual men reported sex outside the primary relationship without the primary partner’s knowledge, X 2 (2, N = 101) = 15.09. p = .020. However, more heterosexual men reported that condoms were not used for sex outside the primary relationship when compared to gay/bisexual men, X 2 (2, N = 101) = 14.01, p = .029. Sex outside of primary relationships presents some implications for HIV/STI prevention among Hispanic men. Because gay/bisexual men experience higher rates of HIV/STI, more attention needs to be focused on all forms of relationships to prevent acquisition of HIV/STIs. Among heterosexual Hispanic men more attention needs to be given to reinforcement of safer sex practices both outside the primary relationship, and within the primary relationship if high risk sex is occurring outside the primary relationship. More research is needed on the reasons for sex outside the primary relationship among Hispanic men, as well as research to promote safer sex practices when sex occurs outside of the primary relationship

Psychosocial and Cultural Correlates of Depression among Hispanic Men with HIV Infection: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Depression is a common mental health condition among persons with HIV infection. Depression influences quality of life, social relationships, and adherence to medication therapy. Little is known about depression among Hispanic men with HIV infection. AIM: The purpose of this pilot study was to describe the relationships of depression to other psychosocial factors (self-esteem, Hispanic stress, substance abuse, and violence) and cultural factors (familism & Hispanic stress) among a sample of Hispanic men with HIV infection. METHOD: Using a cross-sectional, descriptive research design a convenience sample of 46 Hispanic men with HIV infection was recruited and surveyed from the South Florida area of the United States. RESULTS: The majority of the participants (65%; n = 30) were depressed. In addition, the majority of participants reported high familism and self-esteem and low Hispanic stress. A history of substance abuse and childhood and adult violence were common. Significant relationships were noted between depression, and self-esteem, Hispanic stress, substance abuse, and adult physical violence. IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare providers need to be aware of the high rates of depression, substance abuse, and violence that may occur among Hispanic men with HIV infection. More research is needed to further explore the relationship of these factors, as well as to determine the impact that these variables have on adherence to medication therapy among Hispanic men with HIV infection

Acculturation, Depression, Self-Esteem, and Substance Abuse among Hispanic Men

The demographics of the United States are rapidly changing as a result of immigration from Latin America. Predictions indicate that by the year 2050, one of every four persons in the United States will be of Hispanic ethnicity. If health disparities relating to substance abuse and related mental health conditions among Hispanics are not fully understood and addressed, these will continue grow along with this population. The purpose of this pilot study was to describe the relationships among acculturation, depression, self-esteem, and substance abuse among a community sample of Hispanic men in South Florida (N = 164, 82 heterosexual men and 82 men who have sex with men). Standardized instruments measuring acculturation, depression, self-esteem, and substance abuse were administered in English or Spanish in a face-to-face interview format. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used to illustrate participant characteristics and test relationships among the variables. Despite the fact that the majority of participants were more acculturated to the Hispanic culture than US culture, reported low levels of education and income, were depressed, and used substances, this group of men reported high levels of self-esteem. However, age and depression were the only predictors of substance abuse. Acculturation and self-esteem were not predictors of substance abuse. Clinicians need to be aware of the high rates of depression and substance abuse in this population and screen frequently for signs and symptoms of depression and substance abuse during health care encounters

Cultural Considerations for Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Risk in Hispanics

Immigration from Latin America is changing the demographics of the United States. By the year 2050, one of every four persons in the United States will be of Hispanic ethnicity. As this segment of American society grows, interventions that improve health status for these individuals must be expanded and enhanced. HIV infection disproportionately affects people in the Hispanic community. Hispanics have unique cultural and social characteristics and norms that place them at risk for HIV exposure. The purpose of this report is to highlight culturally related issues that have been associated with HIV risk in Hispanics. Clinicians can broaden their knowledge of and appreciation for the complex cultural issues related to HIV research. Additionally, clinicians can steer interventions toward more culturally competent care for this rapidly growing segment of American society

Reflections of Men of Mexican Origin: A Grounded Theory Study of Intimate Partner Violence Risk Factors

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a societal problem with many repercussions for the health care and judicial systems. In the United States, women of color are frequently affected by IPV and experience negative, physical, and mental ramifications. Increasing IPV perpetration and perpetration recurrence rates among men of Mexican origin (MMO) warrants a better understanding of unique risk factors that can only be described by these men. Qualitative studies regarding MMO and distinct IPV risk factors among this populace are few and infrequent. The purpose of this study was to describe IPV risk factors among men of MMO and to describe the process by which these men are able to overcome IPV perpetration risk factors. Fifty-six men of Mexican origin from a low-income housing community in far-west Texas were recruited for participation in audiotaped focus groups. Grounded theory (GT) methodology techniques were utilized to analyze, translate, and transcribe focus group data. Data collection ended when saturation occurred. Participants described risk factors for IPV. Emerging themes included: environment as a context, societal view of MMO, family of origin, normalcy, male and female contributing factors to IPV, and breaking through. Theme abstractions led to the midrange theory of Change Through Inspired Self-Reflection which describes the process of how MMO move from IPV perpetration to nonviolence. The results of the study provide insight on what MMO believe are IPV risk factors. There are implications for clinicians who provide services to MMO, and provide the impetus for future research among this population