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HIV Risk Behaviors Among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latina Female Partners of Men Who Have Sex With Men and Women

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Abstract

We examined the frequencies of HIV-related risk factors among women reporting and not reporting sex with a man who has sex with men and women (MSMW). We used data from 15,625 visits of Black and Hispanic/Latina females, ages 15–64 years, to Los Angeles County HIV testing sites (2007–2008). The following risk factors were associated with reporting an MSMW partner: number of sex partners, use of party drugs, anal sex, and sexual partners with other risk factors. Overall, females who reported an MSMW partner differed little in their likelihood of testing HIV positive (0.93%) compared to those who did not (0.58%, p value = 0.19). Among females reporting one male sex partner, having an MSMW partner was strongly associated with HIV (2.8 vs. 0.63%, p = 0.03). Interventions targeting women who report other risky behaviors may reach many who have been with MSMW. Women with one partner are an important focus of such efforts.

Resumen

Se examinó la frecuencia de factores de riesgo relacionados con el VIH entre las mujeres que reportaron y no reportaron relaciones sexuales con un hombre que tiene sexo con hombres y mujeres (HSHM). Se utilizaron los datos de 15.625 visitas de mujeres afro-americanas e hispanas/latinas, de 15-64 años de edad, a sitios de prueba del VIH del Condado de Los Angeles (2007-08). Los siguientes factores de riesgo se asociaron con reportar una pareja HSHM: número de parejas sexuales, uso de drogas de fiesta, el sexo anal, y parejas sexuales con otros factores de riesgo. En general, las mujeres que reportaron una pareja HSHM se diferenció poco en sus probabilidades de tener una prueba positiva de VIH (0,93%) en comparación con las que no reportaron una pareja HSHM. (0,58%, valor p = 0,19). Entre las mujeres que reportaron sólo una pareja sexual masculina, tener una pareja HSHM estuvo fuertemente asociado con el VIH (2,8% versus 0,63%, p = 0,03). Las intervenciones dirigidas a las mujeres que reportan otras conductas de riesgo pueden llegar a muchas que han estado con HSHM. Mujeres con una pareja son un foco importante de estos esfuerzos.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, award #1 SC3 GM083780. Thanks to Sophia Rumanes of the Office of AIDS Programs and Policy, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for data access and input on our study design and to our Community Advisory Board for their input and feedback.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Research, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731, East 120th Street, Building J, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA

    Nina T. Harawa & William J. McCuller

  2. Research and Evaluation Division, Office of the Medical Director, Office of AIDS Programs and Policy, 600 S. Commonwealth Avenue, 10th fl, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Constance Chavers & Mike Janson

Authors
  1. Nina T. Harawa
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  2. William J. McCuller
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  3. Constance Chavers
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  4. Mike Janson
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Correspondence to Nina T. Harawa.

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The Office of AIDS Programs and Policy has since merged with two other departments: the HIV Epidemiology Program and STD Programs. The new unit is now titled the Division of HIV and STD Programs.

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Harawa, N.T., McCuller, W.J., Chavers, C. et al. HIV Risk Behaviors Among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latina Female Partners of Men Who Have Sex With Men and Women. AIDS Behav 17, 848–855 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-012-0138-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-012-0138-9

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