Sexual health and socioeconomic-related factors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Puerto Rico.

Abstract

Most of the research among HIV-positive populations has been approached from behavioral risk models. This is particularly true for those otherwise socially vulnerable groups like men who have sex with men (MSM). As a response to this pattern, we examined data from an ongoing health promotion research being conducted in Puerto Rico (PR). The study is limited to HIV-positive MSM and consists of the participation in a survey interview that includes domains used to assess indicators of socio-economic-related factors (age, educational level, employment, religion, and partnership status) and sexual health (sexual satisfaction, condom use, and sexual health knowledge(SHK)). Participants reported a relatively high level (75%) of sexual satisfaction and inconsistent condom use (50.9% reported always using a condom). A deficient (61%) SHK was also reported. In multivariate analyses, a higher educational level was associated with higher sexual satisfaction (aβ=3.223; 95% CI 0.291-6.156) and higher levels of SHK (aβ=1.328; 95% CI 0.358-2.297), while unemployment was associated with less condom use (aOR 0.314; 95% CI 0.122-0.810). Not having a primary sexual partner was associated with less sexual satisfaction (aβ=-3.871; 95% CI -7.534-0.208) and more condom use (aOR 4.292; 95% CI 1.310-14.068). Findings support the notion that men of a disadvantaged socioeconomic position may have a poorer sexual health status; with a lower level of education and unemployment leading this disparity. Findings also evidence that partnership status may have a role in the sexual health of HIV-positive MSM. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive analysis of sexual health and socioeconomic indicators among Hispanic/Latino HIV-positive MSM in PR and in the Caribbean. Findings provide valuable information to address the sexual health needs of an underserved population.