The Influence of Shared or Separate Partner Residence on HIV Testing Among Latino Immigrants in the United States
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The Influence of Shared or Separate Partner Residence on HIV Testing Among Latino Immigrants in the United States Jane Lee 1
&
Gabriel Robles 2 & Jessica Lapham 1
Received: 3 December 2019 / Revised: 9 February 2020 / Accepted: 12 February 2020 # W. Montague Cobb-NMA Health Institute 2020
Abstract Background The relationship context is influential in shaping HIV risk and preventive behaviors. Yet, there is little understanding about how shared or separate residence of partners shapes perceptions that affect HIV prevention. Methods We explored how shared or separate residence from one’s partner impacts HIV testing intentions among Latino immigrants in the USA. We analyzed data from 206 Latino immigrants residing in New York City, and examined three potential models to assess the relationships between partner residence, partner approval of HIV testing, and HIV testing behaviors. Results Results indicated that shared residence was associated with greater partner approval to test for HIV (B = 0.48, 95% CI 0.01, 0.96, p = .04), and in turn, higher partner approval was associated with greater intention to test for HIV in the next 12 months (B = 0.38, 95% CI 0.15, 0.62., p < .01). Conclusions Results suggest the need to consider partner residency as an important factor in shaping determinants of HIV testing behaviors. Conceptualization of couples as living separately, across national borders, is warranted for couple-based health interventions given the current socio-political climate in the USA. Future research focused on couple-based HIV prevention should examine strategies and policies to preserve or strengthen partner dynamics among couples living apart. Keywords HIV testing . HIV prevention . Partner residence . Relationship context . Immigrants
Background Migration can influence HIV-related behaviors and subsequent sexual health outcomes by linking individuals and networks of geographically distinct epidemics [1]. As migrants move from one place to another, their social contexts shift from entering new environments and separating physically from prior social networks. Prior research on migration and social contexts has demonstrated how separation from partners contributes to sexual risk behaviors through the formation of new sexual relationships [2–5]. This narrative indicates that migration can lead to increased sexual opportunities and facilitate HIV risk behaviors [6, 7]. There is less understanding about how separation from partners or shifts in sexual
* Jane Lee [email protected] 1
School of Social Work, University of Washington, 4101 15th Avenue NE, Rm 225 A, Seattle, WA 98105-6250, USA
2
School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
networks may shape protective behaviors, such as HIV testing, among migrant groups. This gap is particularly relevant for HIV prevention efforts that seek to address the relationship context [8, 9]. As HIV transmission commonly occurs in the contexts of relationships, couple-based interventions present opportunities for HIV prevention [8]. The role of re
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