Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Sexual Risk Behavior Among Latino Gay and Bisexual Men

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV sexual risk behavior using a probability sample of 912 Latino gay and bisexual men from three U.S. cities. Prevalence estimates of psychological, physical, and sexual abuse are higher in our sample than usually found in the general population of gay and bisexual or heterosexual men, with 52% reporting some type of abuse. IPV also was associated with being HIV positive. Controlling for HIV status, age, and immigrant status, all three dimensions of IPV--psychological, [RR = 2.42; 95% CI = 1.02, 5.78], physical, [RR = 2.86; 95% CI = 1.21, 6.74], and sexual abuse [RR = 4.63; 95% CI = 1.63, 13.18]--were, overall, associated with significantly greater likelihood of unprotected receptive anal intercourse with a non-monogamous partner. Sexual abuse [RR = 3.22; 95% CI = 1.00, 10.37], emerged as significant even while controlling for the other two dimensions of IPV.