Abstract
Background: While HIV incidence has decreased in White sexual minority men (SMM) during 2014-2018, infection rates have remained stable amongst Latino SMM. Although multiple, interacting psychosocial conditions (i.e., Syndemics) have been shown to amplify HIV risk in SMM, relatively little is known about the influence of immigration and acculturation in Latino SMM. This cross-sectional study examined the associations of immigration and acculturation with syndemic conditions in Latino SMM residing in South Florida.
Methods: Latino SMM completed measures examining post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, suicidal ideation, use of stimulants (i.e., powder cocaine, crack-cocaine, and methamphetamine), HIV status. Part of the study inclusion criteria was to identify as having sex with men and being of Latino ethnicity. A syndemic composite score was created by adding the conditions where patients were deemed positive or presenting the condition. Substance use, suicidal ideation, and PTSD was used for the composite score. The range for the compositive score was 0-3.
Results: Among the 150 participants, 79.1% (n=118) of the sample was Latino foreign-born, the mean age being 38.4. Over a third of the sample had a Spanish language preference. Although there was no significance with Syndemic composite score and nativity, Cuban-born men (n=71) demonstrated a significantly lower HIV prevalence (17% vs 26% US born, 47% Other Latin Born p=.003) and stimulant use (8% vs28% US born ,25% Other Latin Born p=.017).
Discussion: As South Florida is a cultural hub with a prominent Cuban population, these results may serve as a steppingstone to further explore the role that community support may have on foreign-born SMM, stimulant use, and HIV risk