Prevalence and correlates of “popper” (amyl nitrite inhalant) use among HIV-positive Latinos living in the U.S.-Mexico border region

Abstract

Poppers (nitrite inhalants) are legal, commonly used by men who have sex with men, and associated with HIV acquisition, yet research is lacking on popper use and associated adverse outcomes. People living with HIV (PLWH) in the U.S.-Mexico border region lead binational lives, including accessing care and having sex and drug use partners on both sides of the border, with broad personal and public health implications. Understanding popper use provides crucial information to guide policy and develop targeted interventions for binational PLWH. We examine prevalence and correlates of popper use among HIV-positive Latinos in the border region, an underserved population at risk for poor health outcomes. This cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample from agencies in San Diego and Tijuana to complete quantitative surveys. Participants (N = 121) were primarily male (82.6%) and gay/bisexual (62%). Lifetime substance use (excluding cannabis) was reported by 72% of participants, and 25.6% reported lifetime popper use. Individuals recruited in the U.S. were significantly more likely to report use of poppers than were participants recruited in Mexico. Our regression model found that identifying as gay/bisexual and having bought, sold, or traded sex for money, drugs, or other goods were independently associated with popper use. Findings shed light on the profile of individuals who use poppers and lay the foundation for further research to understand the context of popper use as it relates to high-risk behavior among PLWH in this region of high transborder mobility. Binational collaborative approaches are needed to improve regional HIV care outcomes and reduce transmission risk.

Keywords:

• HIV
• substance use
• Latino
• poppers
• health disparities
• border health

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the following individuals: Justine Kozo and Carolyn Pointing, our community partners and collaborators on both sides of the border, as well as the participants, without whom the study could not have been possible.

Disclosures

The authors have no conflicts of interests or disclosures to report.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the NIH/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine under Grant R21 10.13039/100000002 and AT004676-01A1; National Institute of Mental Health under Grant 10.13039/100000025, 1R21MH084266-01 and 5K01MH072353.