ACCULTURATION, SEXUAL RISK-TAKING, AND HIV HEALTH PROMOTION AMONG LATINAS

Latinas are nearly 3 times more likely to acquire AIDS than other wome n in the United States. It is critical to understand this vulnerabilit y and to identify predictors of risk. Structural equation models were used to test predictors, mediators (including components of the health belief model), and sex-related outcomes and behavior. Interview data were collected from a random, cross-sectional community sample of 227 sexually active Latinas (M age = 32 years). Acculturation was associat ed with higher HN-related risks within primary relationships. Older La tinas were less likely than younger Latinas to make behavior changes o r use barrier methods of contraception to prevent HIV, and they had hi gher rates of unintended pregnancies. Marriage was related to greater relationship risk and less behavior change. Theoretical models must ac count for ethnicity, race, and culture to understand better unwanted s exual outcomes for Latinas, including HIV risks. Strategies are needed that specifically address these issues in HIV prevention and counseli ng programs.