Exploring norms and beliefs related to AIDS prevention among California Hispanic men

A focus-group study gathered qualitative information from Hispanic males in California regarding ethnic factors that might enhance or interfere with AIDS prevention efforts. A predominantly working-class convenience sample of 75 men aged 18-40 participated in seven groups of 10-12 participants each. Three groups were composed of single men, three of married men and one was composed of homosexual and bisexual men. Four groups included only participants born outside the United States; and Spanish was the preferred language in five of the groups. Evaluation of the discussions indicates that while AIDS awareness is high among this population, condom use is sporadic. Few participants knew that someone infected with the human immunodeficiency virus could appear healthy; most believed they could easily determine if a woman is risky by her appearance or social standing. Although many participants thought HIV could be transmitted through casual contact, the homosexual and bisexual men were more likely to acknowledge that they were at some risk of infection; most of the heterosexual men did not perceive themselves as being at risk, even those who engaged in sex with prostitutes or women they met at bars. The participants had ambivalent attitudes toward women who suggested condom use and were often reluctant to initiate condom use themselves. Religion did not seem to play a major role in the men's attitudes about AIDS, sexuality and condom use.