Density, Migration, and Mobility of Mexican Latino Immigrant MSM in the United States

Keywords: Migration, Immigrant Destinations, HIV, Health Geography
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

With a growing Latinx men who have sex with men (MSM) population, particularly from Mexico, it is imperative to acknowledge the vast health disparity that exists between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites regarding HIV. Hispanics are 2.5 times more likely to acquire HIV and this disparity is exacerbated among migrant Hispanics. This paper specifically seeks to examine the density, migration, and mobility of Mexican Latino immigrant MSM at the county level in the United States. We seek to examine the difference in primary destination counties between this subset of MSM and the overall MSM population. In addition, we will examine the difference in migrant destinations among Mexican Latino immigrant MSM and Mexican migrants. The goal is to understand how these migrant population dynamics coincide with areas of higher HIV infection rates. Recent findings show a growing number of Latinx migrants moving to the Midwest and Southern regions of the United States, which are not considered traditional destination areas. Our preliminary estimates of Mexican immigrant Latino MSM show a similar expansion to these regions, and we seek to explore how these shifting population dynamics are related to HIV risk in these regions. Further research is needed to explore this relationship based on HIV infection rates being higher in the Midwest and South and have fewer HIV specific health amenities.