Syndemic factors associated with adult sexual HIV risk behaviors in a sample of Latino men who have sex with men in New York City

Objective Syndemic theory has been proposed as a framework for understanding the role of multiple risk factors driving the HIV epidemic among sexual and gender minority individuals. As yet, the framework has been relatively absent in research on Latinos/as. Methods We used logistic regression to assess relationships among cumulative syndemic conditions – including clinically significant depression, high-risk alcohol consumption, discrimination, and childhood sexual abuse – engagement with multiple partners and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in a sample of 176 Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) in New York City. Results In bivariate analyses, an increase in the number of syndemic factors experienced was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting multiple partners and CAI. In multivariable analyses, participants with 2, 3, and 4 factors were significantly more likely to report multiple partners than those with 0 (aOR = 4.66, 95% CI [1.29, 16.85); aOR = 7.28, 95% CI [1.94, 27.28] and aOR = 8.25, 95% CI [1.74, 39.24] respectively; p < 0.05. Regarding CAI, only participants with 3 and 4 factors differed from those with 0 aOR = 7.35, 95% CI [1.64, 32.83] and OR = 8.06, 95% CI [1.39, 46.73] respectively. Conclusions Comprehensive approaches that address syndemic factors, and capitalize on resiliency, are needed to address the sexual health needs of Latino MSM.