Ethnic differences in HIV risk perceptions and behaviors among Black 18-39 year-old residents of Broward County, Florida.

The study assessed ethnic differences in the perceived risks of HIV infection, sexual experiences, and HIV-antibody testing histories among Black populations in Broward County, Florida. Data were analyzed for 2,731 well-characterized survey respondents 18-39 years old who indicated they were African Americans, Caribbean Islanders, English-speaking, or Creole-speaking Haitians. Creole-speaking Haitians were least likely to consider themselves at risk of HIV infection, report using condoms in the last 12 months, and indicate that they had ever been tested for HIV. English-speaking Haitians were more likely than African Americans to report never engaging in sexual intercourse and were less likely to have ever been tested for HIV. English-speaking Caribbean Islanders reported preventive behaviors similar to those of African Americans, but had lower perceptions of HIV risk and were less likely to have ever been tested. Health promotion programs designed to improve HIV prevention practices must appreciate social and cultural differences among Black populations.

Identifying HIV risk-reduction strategies for Hispanic populations in Broward County.

PURPOSE: To improve the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for Hispanic young adults, we studied their perceived risks for HIV infection, lifetime and more recent sexual experiences, use of condoms, and HIV-antibody testing histories. METHODS: Logistic regression was used to analyze computer-assisted telephone-interview surveys of 1,596 randomly selected Hispanic residents of 12 high AIDS-incidence ZIP-code areas. RESULTS: After we controlled for gender, age, marital status, educational attainment, and language of preference, differences were found by country of origin. Those coming from Peru (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=3.45; 95%CI=1.85-6.43) and Colombia (AOR=1.94; 95%CI=1.12-3.36) were more likely than U.S.-native Hispanics to perceive their risk of acquiring HIV as above average. Sexually active Mexicans (AOR=1.80; 95%CI=1.04-3.10) were significantly more likely than U.S. natives to have used a condom in the past 12 months. Young adults coming from Puerto Rico (AOR=0.55; 95%CI=0.33-0.91) were less likely than U.S.-native Hispanics to have ever been tested for HIV. Virginity and sexual abstinence were unrelated to country of origin, but respondents interviewed in Spanish were more likely than those interviewed in English to be sexually active (AOR=2.57; 95%=1.39-4.75). CONCLUSIONS: To maximize the impact of behavioral interventions, risk-reduction programs must adjust for social and cultural differences within the Hispanic-American population.

Benefits and adverse effects of hepatitis C screening: early results of a screening program.

OBJECTIVE: Early benefits and adverse effects of hepatitis C screening among people who screened anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive were investigated. METHODS: Hepatitis screening program records were abstracted to identify the target population and obtain information about hepatitis A and B vaccination (recommended vaccines if anti-HCV positive). Telephone interviews were conducted using a standardized questionnaire with items regarding clients' medical evaluation, behaviors to prevent liver damage and prevent HCV transmission, and adverse effects experienced. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Of 269 eligible clients, 147 were susceptible to hepatitis A (IgG negative), and 116 (78.9%) received at least 1 hepatitis A vaccine dose. Of 119 clients susceptible to hepatitis B, 101 (84.9%) received at least one dose of hepatitis B vaccine. Fifty-six (20.8%) were reached by phone, and 44 (78.6%) consented to the interview. All interviewed clients reported one or more positive behaviors to protect their liver or prevent HCV transmission; 51.2 percent reported at least one adverse effect related to knowing their positive anti-HCV status, most commonly difficulty obtaining health insurance; and 86.0 percent reported satisfaction with their decision to be tested. Results suggest that most anti-HCV-positive clients had some benefit from screening, and highlight the need for further studies.

Risky sexual behaviors associated with recreational drug use among men who have sex with men in an international resort area: challenges and opportunities.

South Florida is home to a highly transient population of approximately 145,000 men who have sex with men (MSM) and annually hosts over 1.8 million gay and bisexual visitors. To develop more effective interventions for HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention in this setting, we conducted a cross-sectional study of recreational drug use and risky sexual behaviors among MSM. A standardized, self-administered questionnaire, reviewed and approved by a university Institutional Review Board, was offered to men 18 years of age and older who reported ever having sex with a man. Men were approached on weekends in five diverse locations in Miami-Dade County and five in Broward County in winter 2004. An honorarium of $10 was offered to those who completed and returned a questionnaire. Of 407 participants, 115 men (28%) lived in Miami-Dade, 147 (36%) lived in Broward, 46 (11%) lived in another county in south Florida, and 99 (24%) lived elsewhere. Overall, 32% reported using one or more "club drugs" in the past year. Club drug use was highly associated with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) (P < .001). MSM residing outside of south Florida were more likely than local residents to report using cocaine and ketamine and engaging in unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI) in the past month (P = .03). Tourists may be even more likely than residents to engage in risky sexual behaviors and use certain recreational drugs. Interventions must be developed, implemented, and evaluated that take into account the unique characteristics of international resort areas.