Childhood Experiences and Psychosocial Influences on Risky Sexual Behavior, Condom Use, and HIV Attitudes-Behaviors Among Latino Males.

Abstract
Young Latino males in the United States are at disproportionately high risk for HIV/AIDS. Many forces influence the risky sexual behavior of this group, including childhood experiences and psychosocial and sociocultural factors. Structural equation modeling was used to test relations among ecodevelopmental domains and HIV-related outcomes in a community sample of young Latino males (N = 349; mean age = 19 years). Results revealed that internal (drug use, mastery, age at first intercourse) and external (family neglect, parental alcohol problems) microsystem domains were important determinants of behaviors related to HIV risk (condom use, HIV testing). Traditional gender roles (macrosystem) were related to more frequent intercourse and use of condoms. To use comprehensive theories like the ecodevelopmental perspective may help describe and explain the multifaceted influences on the sexual behavior of young Latino males. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)