HIV/STI risks in Latino day laborers in central Texas: a mixed-method study

Abstract

Background: Latinos in the USA have been disproportionally affected by HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemics and the prevalence of heterosexual transmission of HIV among this population is increasing. Latino day laborers (workers who seek jobs at day labor sites) are especially vulnerable to these risks due to their immigration status, poverty, and social isolation. While day laborers remain marginalized and vulnerable, studies on their HIV-related risks are limited. Methods: A total of 40 male day laborers were recruited from a day labor site in a semi-rural area in central Texas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Spanish by male interviewers and subsequently transcribed and translated. Results: Most day laborers were from Mexico, and ranged in age from 21 to 51 (mean = 43, SD = 11.5); about three-quarters of them were undocumented. More than 80% of the men were married, 65.8% of men were married but their wives were in their country of origin. Many participants had short-term or multiple sexual partners; some patronized commercial sex services, but condom use rate was low. While the great majority of participants knew that HIV was transmitted through sexual contact, participants perceived themselves at low risk of HIV infection. Conclusion: Poverty, limited education, isolation, high mobility, and limited access to healthcare were the main structural factors that put these day laborers at high risk of HIV/STI transmission. Culturally appropriate interventions targeting vulnerable populations, such as day laborers, are urgently needed.