Young Latino fathers' perceptions of paternal role and risk for HIV/AIDS

This study explored young Latino fathers' feelings about their fathering role and perceptions of risk for HIV. Many teen parents have engaged in activities that place them at risk for exposure to HIV. Compared with young mothers, little is know about teen fathers. Young Latino fathers (N = 45) living in the inner-city participated in focus group interviews; 10 also completed individual interviews. Participants provide an account of the influence of lifelong poverty/social oppression on their worldviews and life choices, describing experiences with community violence, substance abuse, and risky sexual activity. Findings illustrate the profound change that some young men make after becoming fathers, including an understanding of the importance of relationships based on equality. Because of these youths' ability to make difficult behavioral changes for the sake of their children, young Latino fathers are excellent candidates for intervention programs, such as HIV prevention.