HIV risk factors, condom use, and HIV antibody testing among heterosexual Hispanics: The national AIDS behavioral surveys (NABS)

The rate of HN infection and AIDS cases among heterosexual Hispanics is increasing. Data from a national probability survey of HN-related risk factors among 4,390 heterosexual Hispanics in the 1990-1991 National AIDS Behavioral Surveys reveal that 16.4% of respondents reported an HN risk factor; of these, 35.3% had been tested for HIV. Multiple sex partners and risky main sexual partner were the major risk factors. Men and middle-income Hispanics reported a higher prevalence of HN testing. Half of those at highest risk for HN infection had neither been tested for HN antibody nor had used condoms to protect themselves. The results suggest that HN infection poses a great threat particularly among certain heterosexual Hispanic subgroups where condom use and HN resting is relatively low, illustrating the extreme need for developing new HN prevention strategies among specific Hispanic risk groups.