10.1177/0739986304269167 Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences Martinez-Donate et al. / Risk for HIV Infection Risk for HIV Infection Among Adolescents in the Border City of Tijuana, Mexico Ana P. Martinez-Donate Elaine J. Blumberg Melbourne F. Hovell Carol L. Sipan Jennifer A. Zellner Suzanne Hughes Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health, San Diego State University Previous studies have suggested high rates of HIV infection and other sexually transmit- ted infections in the U.S.–Mexico border region. However, no information is available on the risk for HIV infection among Mexican adolescents living in this geographic area. This study examines the prevalence of HIV risk practices and psychosocial correlates among 370 high school students in the border city of Tijuana, Mexico, by gender and age group. The results indicate substantial risk for HIV infection among Tijuana youth due to unpro- tected sexual practices, lifetime rates of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, and needle-sharing practices, mostly related to tattooing and body piercing. These find- ings suggest the need for HIV prevention programs for Tijuana adolescents. These pro- grams must be culturally sensitive and tailored to meet the needs of the different age and gender groups in this region. Keywords: HIV/AIDS; sexually transmitted infections; Mexican adolescents; U.S.– Mexico border; risk factors Approximately 150,000 persons aged 15 to 49 and 2,400 children aged 15 and younger are living with HIV/AIDS in Mexico (World Health Organiza- tion, 2000). Among 25- to 44-year-olds in Mexico, AIDS is the third leading AUTHORS’ NOTE: The authors would like to thank Dr. Lozada at the Tijuana Health Depart- ment, ISESALUD; Francisco Robles (in memoriam) and Ulises Mercado at the Proyecto de Consejo y Apoyo Binacional; the principals, professors, and students from the participating Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 26 No. 4, November 2004 407-425 DOI: 10.1177/0739986304269167 © 2004 Sage Publications 407