The authors compared risk behaviors and HIV testing between recent (in the United States <5 years) and established (in the United States >5 years) Hispanic immigrant men (n=410). The investigators conducted a population-based, cross-sectional survey of HIV/sexually transmitted disease markers and risk behaviors in men ages 18-35 in low-income census block groups in three northern California counties.

The researchers found that recent immigrants were less likely to currently have a main sexual partner (45.3 percent compared to 67.2 percent, P<0.01) and more likely to have ever used the services of commercial sex workers (40.0 percent versus 27.6 percent, P<0.01). Recent immigrants were less likely to have received medical care in the last six months (21.2 percent versus 31.3 percent, P=0.04) or to have ever been tested for HIV (26.0 percent versus 43.3 percent, P<0.01). Established immigrants more likely reported unprotected sex, hallucinogen or ecstasy use, according to the report.

"Recent Hispanic immigrants have less stable sexual partnerships and less health-seeking behavior, including testing," the authors concluded. "Established immigrants report HIV test rates comparable to the national average."

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