Abstract
To explore sexual health knowledge among Latino immigrants in a Southern U.S. city, we conducted 20 qualitative interviews,
(10 Women and 10 Men). We explored knowledge and factors associated with sexual health among male and female Latino immigrants
in a Southern U.S. city experiencing a major growth of Latino immigrants in the past 10 years. Both genders demonstrated limited
knowledge of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and risks of sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. Neither gender perceived
that they could have an asymptomatic STI, including HPV. Gender differences exist in sexual behaviors and perceptions of STI
risk. Females indicated that female Latinas tend to have older sexual initiation age, fewer lifetime sexual partners and more
pro-active sexual health than did Latinos when referring to Latino males. Consequently, male and female Latino immigrants
could benefit from culturally relevant programs to alleviate STI disparities.
(10 Women and 10 Men). We explored knowledge and factors associated with sexual health among male and female Latino immigrants
in a Southern U.S. city experiencing a major growth of Latino immigrants in the past 10 years. Both genders demonstrated limited
knowledge of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and risks of sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. Neither gender perceived
that they could have an asymptomatic STI, including HPV. Gender differences exist in sexual behaviors and perceptions of STI
risk. Females indicated that female Latinas tend to have older sexual initiation age, fewer lifetime sexual partners and more
pro-active sexual health than did Latinos when referring to Latino males. Consequently, male and female Latino immigrants
could benefit from culturally relevant programs to alleviate STI disparities.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9576-8
- Authors
- Paula S. Seal, Division of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1542 Tulane Ave, Ste 331, Box T4M-2, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Isabel C. Garcés-Palacio, School of Public Health, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
- Jewell H. Halanych, Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Isabel C. Scarinci, Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912