HIV/AIDs risk among migrant workers is often examined through individual determinants with limited consideration of social context. We used data from systematic ethnographic observations, structured interviews (n=50), and life history interviews (n=10) to examine the relationship between loneliness and HIV/AIDS risk for recently arrived (within the last 3 years) male Mexican migrant workers in New York City. Higher levels of loneliness were strongly associated with frequency of sexual risk behavior (r=0.64; P=.008). From our ethnographic observations, we found that loneliness was a dominant element in workers' migration experience and that 2 different kinds of social spaces served as supportive environments for dealing with loneliness: bars or dance clubs and Catholic churches. Loneliness should be addressed as a critical factor in reducing HIV/AIDS risk among Mexican male migrant workers.

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HIV Infections sexual behavior Human immunodeficiency virus infection human controlled study coping behavior Adaptation, Psychological Mexico migrant worker Humans male risk factor ethnography Risk Factors clinical article Article Risk-Taking Questionnaires adult Social Environment New York City sexual intercourse Emigration and Immigration Loneliness Transients and Migrants acquired immune deficiency syndrome