Sexual Partner Selection and HIV Risk Reduction Among Black and White Men Who Have Sex With Men

Objectives. We examined differences in sexual partner selection between Black and White men who have sex with men (MSM) to better understand how HIV status of participants'' sexual partners and related psychosocial measures influence risk taking among these men.Methods. We collected cross-sectional surveys from self-reported HIV-negative Black MSM and White MSM attending a gay pride festival in Atlanta, Georgia.Results. HIV-negative White MSM were more likely than were HIV-negative Black MSM to report having unprotected anal intercourse with HIV-negative men, and HIV-negative Black MSM were more likely than were HIV-negative White MSM to report having unprotected anal intercourse with HIV status unknown partners. Furthermore, White MSM were more likely to endorse serosorting (limiting unprotected partners to those who have the same HIV status) beliefs and favorable HIV disclosure beliefs than were Black MSM.Conclusions. White MSM appear to use sexual partner–related risk reduction strategies to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection more than do Black MSM. Partner selection strategies have serious limitations; however, they may explain in part the disproportionate number of HIV infections among Black MSM.Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to make up the majority of people who are HIV infected in the United States. About one third of US HIV infections among MSM occur in Black men¹; however, Black men account for only 13% of the US male population.² Several published reports of HIV risks that stratify risk behavior by race do not demonstrate elevated risk behavior among Black MSM as compared with White MSM.^3,4 For example, Black MSM overall report fewer sexual partners and similar rates of unprotected anal intercourse when compared with White MSM. Because rates of risk behaviors fail to explain the racial disparities in HIV infections, contextual factors may offer important information for explaining the disproportionate HIV infections. Alarming rates of HIV among Black MSM have led this group to be among the top priority HIV prevention populations in the United States.⁵ Thus, a comprehensive understanding of HIV risk factors relevant to this population is warranted.Multiple contextual factors potentially drive disparities in HIV/AIDS between Black MSM and White MSM. Perceived HIV prevention strategies such as selecting unprotected sexual partners thought to have the same HIV status, or serosorting, may play a role in explaining racial disparities in HIV infections. Many HIV-infected and non–HIV-infected men believe serosorting makes HIV transmission less likely and, thus, condom use unnecessary.^6,7 This relationship may stem from the tendency for people to dislike using condoms^8–10 and to practice alternative behaviors they believe are protective, such as serosorting. As a result, partner HIV serostatus is often a determining factor in sexual risk decision making.^11,12 Several studies have found that MSM commonly use serosorting in general, but less is known about serosorting among MSM of various ethnicities.^7,13–15Data on the effectiveness of serosorting are somewhat mixed, but it is known that serosorting can lead to HIV exposure.¹⁶ Although some studies have noted the potential for serosorting to reduce overall HIV rates,^17,18 limitations of this practice, including infrequent HIV testing, lack of open communication about HIV status, and acute HIV infection place MSM who serosort at risk for HIV transmission.^19,20There are at least 2 factors that directly influence whether or not an individual is motivated to serosort. First, individuals who serosort likely do so to lower their perceived risk for HIV infection, that is, to make them feel safe while not using condoms. In this sense, serosorting can reduce HIV transmission anxiety. Hence, the perception that serosorting makes unprotected sex safer is most likely driving sexual behavior risk taking. Notably, risk perceptions have been previously demonstrated to play an important role in predicting other health-related behaviors.^21–23 Second, serosorting requires explicit verbal discussion about HIV status. As such, those who engage in serosorting need to be capable of discussing their own and their partners'' HIV status.⁷ When serosorting, merely assuming the HIV status of a partner is often substituted for explicit disclosure²⁰; however, serosorting cannot be effective under these conditions.We sought to examine partner selection practices that potentially contribute to disparate HIV infection rates among Black MSM and White MSM. First, we examined the sexual behavior of Black MSM versus that of White MSM. On the basis of previous studies, we hypothesized that Black MSM and White MSM would report similar numbers of unprotected anal intercourse partners. However, because the HIV status of partners men choose may drive the differences in HIV infection rates, we hypothesized that Black MSM would report more partners of unknown or positive HIV status than would White MSM and that White MSM would report more partners of negative HIV status than would Black MSM. In keeping with these hypotheses, we also predicted that Black MSM would report less favorable beliefs about serosorting and HIV status disclosure. Finally, we predicted that Black MSM would report higher HIV perceived risk because of their choosing serodiscordant partners.     

Correlates of Sexual HIV Risk Among African American Men Who Have Sex With Men

Objectives. We examined correlates of condomless anal intercourse with nonmain sexual partners among African American men who have sex with men (MSM).Methods. We recruited social networks composed of 445 Black MSM from 2012 to 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Cleveland, Ohio; and Miami Beach, Florida. Participants reported past-3-month sexual behavior, substance use, and background, psychosocial, and HIV-related characteristics.Results. Condomless anal intercourse outside main concordant partnerships, reported by 34.4% of MSM, was less likely in the case of no alcohol and marijuana use in the past 30 days, and higher risk-reduction behavioral intentions. High frequency of condomless anal intercourse acts with nonmain partners was associated with high gay community participation, weak risk-reduction intentions, safer sex not being perceived as a peer norm, low condom-use self-efficacy, and longer time since most recent HIV testing.Conclusions. Condomless anal intercourse with nonmain partners among Black MSM was primarily associated with gay community participation, alcohol and marijuana use, and risk-reduction behavioral intentions.HIV infection in the United States falls along sharp lines of disparity related to sexual orientation and race. Every year since HIV surveillance began, men who have sex with men (MSM) have accounted for the majority of the country’s HIV cases.1 The disease also disproportionately affects African Americans, who constitute 12% of the American population but carry 44% of its HIV infection burden.1 Yet, the starkest disparity emerges from the combined impact of race and sexual orientation. Black MSM represent only a fraction of a percent of the American population but accounted for more than 25% of the country’s new HIV infections in 2010,1 with HIV rates much higher among Black than White MSM.2 HIV incidence among racial-minority MSM in some cities ranges from 24% to 29%.3,4 Considerable attention is being given to biomedical strategies such as early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and preexposure ART prophylaxis for HIV prevention.5,6 However, the impact of these promising strategies will depend upon ART coverage and adherence, neither of which is likely to be quickly attained or complete. For this reason, integrated HIV prevention approaches are needed, including improved interventions to reduce risk behavior among racial-minority MSM.Previous research has examined but has generally failed to establish differences in individual-level risk practices between Black and White MSM.7–10 However, sexual network characteristics, high rates of undiagnosed and untreated HIV infection, high sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence, and unsuppressed viral load among HIV-positive African American MSM are believed to contribute to HIV disparities.9–16Black MSM are not a monolithic population,17–20 and multiple factors may influence extent of HIV vulnerability within the community of racial-minority MSM. These include risk-related sexual behavior norms, attitudes, and intentions21–25; substance use12,26–30; poverty and disadvantage19,20; and psychosocial domains including internalized homonegativity or homophobia,31–34 self-perceived masculinity,35,36 HIV conspiracy beliefs or mistrust,37,38 religiosity,39 and resilience.40,41 It is important to ascertain the relative importance of these and other factors to properly tailor HIV prevention interventions for racial-minority MSM.In this study, we recruited social networks of African American MSM and sought to determine the relationships of 4 types of factors with the riskiness of men’s sexual behavior practices: (1) social, economic, and demographic background characteristics; (2) substance use; (3) HIV risk–specific knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and intentions; and (4) psychosocial domains including internalized homonegativity, self-ascribed masculinity, AIDS conspiracy beliefs, resilience, religiosity, and gay community participation. We examined HIV risk–specific characteristics because they are proximal to adopting protective actions according to many behavioral science theories.42–44 We examined psychosocial domains because broader personal and contextual life experiences may also potentiate risk. We sought to identify characteristics related not only to some men’s high-risk behavior but also the adoption of very safe behavior by other African American MSM, a strengths-based question that has been insufficiently explored.     

Childhood Sexual Abuse and HIV-Related Risks Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Washington,DC

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been reported to be disproportionately higher among men who have sex with men (MSM) than among heterosexual men; it has also been found to be significantly positively associated with HIV status and HIV risk factors, including unprotected anal intercourse. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlates of CSA in a sample of community-recruited MSM, investigate race as a potential effect modifier, and describe the independent association between CSA and HIV infection in Washington, DC. A total of 500 MSM were recruited by venue-based sampling in 2008 as part of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance. More than one-half of MSM identified as White, while one-third identified as Black. CSA was reported by 17.5 % of the 451 MSM, with the first instance of abuse occurring at a median age of 8.3 (interquartile range = 5.0, 11.0). In multivariable analysis, HIV-positive men were significantly more likely to report a history of CSA compared to HIV-negative men after adjusting for intimate partner violence in the last 12 months, having been arrested in the last 12 months, and depressive symptoms. HIV-positive MSM had more than four times the odds of reporting CSA after controlling for other correlates (aOR = 4.19; 95 % CI 2.26, 7.75). Despite hypothesizing that race modified the effect of CSA on HIV infection we found this was not the case in this sample. More research is needed to investigate the potential pathway between a history of CSA and HIV infection, and how this contributes to driving the HIV epidemic among MSM in Washington, DC.     

Latent Classes of Sexual Risk Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women

Black men who have sex with men and women (BMSMW) are at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite knowing that HIV/STI risk varies by sexual positioning practices, limited data have characterized the risk profiles of BSMW. This study utilized latent class analysis (LCA) to explore BMSMW’s sexual risk profiles regarding condomless sexual positioning practices. Participants were BMSMW in intervention studies in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia. LCA was used to characterize their sexual risk profiles. Age, study location, HIV status, social support, and internalized homophobia were used as covariates in a multinomial regression model predicting the likelihood of class membership. Among the 546 participants, three latent classes of risk were identified: Seropositive Serosorters, Seronegative/unknown Serosorters, and Main Partners Only. All groups had the greatest probabilities of condomless sex with main partners. Seropositive Serosorters had the highest probabilities of condomless sex with HIV-positive partners. Seronegative/unknown Serosorters had the highest probabilities of condomless sex with HIV-negative or unknown status partners. HIV-positive BMSMW had 87% lower odds of being classified as Seronegative/unknown Serosorters than Seropositive Serosorters than HIV-negative/unknown status BMSMW (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.06, 0.28). HIV-positive BMSMW had 71% lower odds of being classified as Main Partners Only than Seropositive Serosorters than HIV-negative/unknown status BMSMW (AOR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.16, 0.51). Findings highlight opportunities for clinicians to promote condom use and risk reduction among BMSMW with differing sexual risk profiles. Increased understanding of sexual positioning practices among BMSMW might help address HIV/STIs among this group.     

Sexual Risk Behaviors Among HIV-Positive Black Men Who Have Sex With Women, With Men, or With Men and Women: Implications for Intervention Development

Objectives. We compared demographics and sexual and drug risk behaviors among HIV-positive Black men who have sex with women only, with men only, or with men and women to assess differences among and between these groups.Methods. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Supplement to HIV and AIDS Surveillance Project for 2038 HIV-positive Black men who reported being sexually active. We classified the participants by their reported sexual behaviors in the past year: intercourse with women (n = 1186), with men (n = 741), or with men and women (n = 111).Results. Respondents whose sexual partners were both men and women reported more noninjection drug use, sexual exchange, and sexual partners than did the other 2 groups. Bisexual respondents were also more likely than were heterosexuals to report unprotected intercourse with a steady female partner and were more likely than were both other groups to report having steady partners of unknown HIV serostatus and using drugs during their last sexual episode.Conclusions. HIV-positive Black men with both male and female sexual partners engaged in more sexual and drug risk behaviors than did their heterosexual and homosexual peers. More information concerning the prevention needs of behaviorally bisexual HIV-positive Black men is needed.Epidemiological studies consistently show that Black men are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.¹ Although non-Hispanic Black men composed approximately 6% of the US population, they accounted for 29.2% of the estimated number of adults and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2005.^1,2 Surveillance data show that unprotected male–male sexual intercourse and injection drug use are the primary modes of HIV transmission among Black men. Behavioral studies examining sexual risk show that some HIV-positive persons, including HIV-positive Black men, continue to engage in unprotected sexual intercourse with male and female partners of negative and unknown HIV serostatus.^3–8Considerable research has examined sexual and drug risk behaviors, partner characteristics, and sociodemographics of HIV-positive men. Factors such as use of alcohol or drugs during last episode of sexual intercourse,^9–12 partnership status (steady or nonsteady),^13,14 number of partners,¹⁵ partner''s HIV status (negative, positive, or unknown),^16–18 poverty,¹⁹ and sexual exchange (paying or receiving goods or money for sexual intercourse)^20,21 have all been associated with high-risk sexual behaviors among HIV-positive persons. Many of these studies included relatively few Black men, or Black homosexual and bisexual men were combined into 1 group, or Black men were compared with high-risk men of other race/ethnicity. Although all of these studies have produced pieces of a puzzle for understanding issues associated with HIV transmission among Black men living with HIV/AIDS, they have not specifically focused on behaviorally different groups of HIV-positive Black men.Rates of HIV seropositivity are high among Black men, and HIV infections are spreading throughout Black communities. We therefore sought to examine differences in self-reported sexual behavior between HIV-positive Black men who have sex with men (MSM), with women (MSW), or with men and women (MSMW) without regard to self-reported sexual orientation. In particular, we examined differences in sexual risk behavior between MSW and MSMW and between MSM and MSMW in the past year. Our data may identify factors contributing to the spread of HIV in Black communities, assist researchers to develop interventions to reduce and eliminate high-risk behaviors in these populations, and ultimately help reduce and prevent the transmission of HIV.     

Intimate Partner Violence Among Men Having Sex with Men,Women, or Both: Early-Life Sexual and Physical Abuse as Antecedents

Little is known about the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) or about childhood adversity as a predictor of IPV among MSM. Studies have documented high rates of childhood sexual abuse among MSM. To evaluate associations of early-life sexual and physical abuse with IPV among African American heterosexual men or MSM, prevalence of early-life (≤21 years) sexual and physical abuse was measured among 703 nonmonogamous African American men. Men were classified as (1) MSM who disclosed male sex partners; (2) MSM who initially denied male sex partners but subsequently reported oral-genital and anal-genital behaviors with men; (3) non-MSM. MSM who initially disclosed male sex partners reported significantly (P < 0.0001) higher rates of early physical abuse (36%) and lifetime abuse (49%) compared with non-MSM (15 and 22%), respectively. These MSM reported significantly higher rates of sexual abuse by age 11, age 21, and over a lifetime compared with non-MSM (P < 0.0001). Being an MSM who initially disclosed male sex partners (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.6) and early-life sexual abuse (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.8, 4.3) was associated with IPV victimization in current relationships. Similarly, being an MSM with early-life physical and sexual abuse was associated (0.0004 ≤ P ≤ 0.07) with IPV perpetration. Early-life physical and sexual abuse was higher among MSM who disclosed male sex partners compared with heterosexual men; however, all MSM who experienced early-life abuse were more likely to be IPV victims or perpetrators.     

Drug Use and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among African American Men Who Have Sex With Men and Men Who Have Sex With Women

Objectives. We investigated covariates related to risky sexual behaviors among young African American men enrolled at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).Methods. Analyses were based on data gathered from 1837 male freshmen enrolled at 34 HBCUs who participated in the 2001 HBCU Substance Use Survey. The covariates of risky sexual behavior assessed included condom nonuse, engaging in sexual activity with multiple partners, and history of a sexually transmitted disease.Results. Young Black men who had sex with men were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors than were young men who had sex with women. Two additional factors, early onset of sexual activity and consumption of alcohol or drugs before sexual activity, were independently associated with modestly higher odds of sexual risk behaviors.Conclusions. Services focusing on prevention of sexually transmitted diseases should be provided to all male college students, regardless of the gender of their sexual partners. Such a general approach should also address drug and alcohol use before sexual activity.Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) threaten the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young adults, as indicated by the fact that an estimated half of the STD cases reported in 2000 occurred among those aged 15 to 24 years.¹ African Americans and men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and other STDs. ^2–7 Moreover, although previous research indicates that Black MSM are no more likely than other MSM to engage in sexual risk behaviors,⁸ this group has been particularly affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.⁹Few studies have compared Black men who have same-gender and opposite-gender sexual partners. Thus, it is unclear whether Black MSM and Black men who have sex with women (MSW) differ in terms of their sexual risk behaviors. In addition, although a number of large studies have collected data from populations of young MSM,^10–14 few analyses have focused specifically on college populations.¹⁵In general, sexual risk-taking behaviors have received less attention among college students than among other groups; however, concerns regarding HIV/AIDS in this population were heightened by the rise in the number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses among male college students, particularly Black MSM, in North Carolina from 2001 to 2003.¹⁶ The majority of college students are sexually active, with prevalence estimates of lifetime sexual activity ranging from 74%¹⁵ to 86.1%.¹⁷ Less is known regarding students enrolled in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). In one study of students enrolled at 8 HBCUs, 82% of the respondents reported a history of sexual intercourse and 59.6% reported that they had used a condom during their most recent intercourse.¹⁸Studies have identified risk and protective factors for sexual risk taking, including early onset of sexual activity,^19–21 substance use and early initiation of use,^22–25 and academic achievement.²⁶ Although the relation of other factors to risky sexual behaviors is less clear, some studies have shown that adolescents and college students with higher levels of religiosity are less likely to report a history of sexual activity.^27–29 However, findings regarding condom use are inconsistent,^28,30 and in 1 study individuals'' religiosity during adolescence was not related to their likelihood of contracting a sexually transmitted infection 6 years later.²⁶ Among college students, living situation may also be an important factor to consider, given previous research indicating that undergraduates who live with their parents are less likely than those who do not to use marijuana and alcohol.³¹We examined covariates of risky sexual behaviors, including inconsistent condom use, engaging in sexual activity with multiple partners, and history of STD infection (the latter as a proxy for risky behavior), among Black MSM and Black MSW attending HBCUs. In addition to the association between risky sexual behaviors and partner gender, we investigated relations between risky behaviors and early onset of sexual activity, substance use in conjunction with sexual activity, religiosity, and living situation.     

HIV Prevention for Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has exacted a devastating toll upon Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States, and there is a tremendous need to escalate HIV-prevention efforts for this population.The social context in which Black MSM experience the impact of racism and heterosexism strongly affects their risk for HIV infection; thus, HIV-prevention research focused on Black MSM should focus on contextual and structural factors. There is a pronounced lack of community-level HIV-intervention research for Black MSM, but effective preliminary strategies involve adapting existing effective models and tailoring them to the needs of Black MSM.Future research should develop new, innovative approaches, especially structural interventions, that are specifically targeted toward HIV prevention among Black MSM.FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been a tremendous burden on Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. Black MSM account for an increasingly large proportion of AIDS cases and have the highest rates of AIDS mortality among MSM.^1–4 HIV prevalence and incidence rates are disproportionately high among Black MSM compared to other racial/ethnic groups of MSM, including both younger (aged 15–22 years) and older (aged 23–49 years) Black MSM.^5–10 Moreover, rates of unrecognized HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections are higher among Black MSM than among other MSM.^11–13 Black MSM in the United States now experience rates of HIV infection that rival those among the general population in the developing world.^9,11The extremely high risk of HIV infection for Black MSM portends further devastation unless prevention efforts among this population become much more successful. There is a need for community-level risk-reduction interventions with proven efficacy among this population. However, few such interventions have been developed or adapted for Black MSM. In addition, there are salient contextual factors in the lives of Black MSM—especially racism and sexual prejudice—that can diminish their access to resources needed to protect them from HIV transmission, thus presenting formidable barriers to prevention. These barriers have not been well described in the literature because HIV prevention research has typically not focused on minority men within the general MSM population. When non-White MSM were considered, the pervasive influence of social context was not well delineated.To remedy this previous omission, we offer a detailed review of the social contextual factors that influence HIV risks in the lives of Black MSM. Then we describe the paucity of community-level HIV-prevention interventions specifically designed and implemented for Black MSM in the United States. We conclude with suggestions for a social–contextual approach for future intervention research among this population.MSM are not a homogenous population; the category includes all homosexually active and bisexually active men, regardless of their sexual identity.¹⁴ In this article, we use the term MSM as inclusive of all men who have sex with men, regardless of their sexual orientation, except for those studies that explicitly state that their participants'' sexual identity is homosexual, gay, or bisexual.     

History of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Unsafe Anal Intercourse in a 6-City Study of HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men

Objectives. We assessed rates of childhood sexual abuse and its demographic and mental health correlates among HIV-positive men who reported unsafe anal intercourse with other men in the past year.Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from 593 HIV-positive men who have sex with men enrolled in the Positive Connections intervention.Results. Childhood sexual abuse was reported by 47% of participants; 32% reported frequency as often or sometimes. Men reporting abuse were more likely to be Latino (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6, 4.2; P < .001) or African American (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.2, 2.7; P = .005) than White. Among those who were abused, more frequent abuse was associated with more sexual contacts (for each, rate ratio [RR] = 1.3; P < .001) and unsafe anal intercourse (often, RR = 1.5; sometimes, RR = 2.0; P < .001) compared with men who were not abused.Conclusions. History of childhood sexual abuse is highly prevalent among HIV-positive men who engage in risky sexual behavior with other men and appears to be more common among men of color. Our findings suggest that abuse is associated with a significantly increased risk of sexually transmitted infections.Considerable evidence suggests that men who have sex with men (MSM) and who experienced childhood sexual abuse are at heightened risk for HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and associated sexual risk behaviors. Several publications have indicated that self-reported history of sexual abuse is indirectly associated with high-risk sexual behaviors among diverse samples of MSM, such as attendees at targeted events and members of support organizations for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adolescents.^1–4These reports corroborate earlier studies that found that MSM who reported childhood sexual abuse were at higher risk of becoming HIV positive and engaged in higher rates of unprotected anal intercourse. Few of these studies have focused on whether a history of childhood sexual abuse among HIV-positive MSM is associated with unprotected anal intercourse with partners who are HIV negative.^5–8 In a study of HIV-positive MSM recruited at gay venues in San Francisco and New York City, O''Leary et al. found an association between a history of childhood sexual abuse and unprotected anal intercourse with partners who were HIV negative or of unknown infection status.⁹ With little other research published on the effect of childhood sexual abuse on unsafe sexual behavior among HIV-positive MSM, the generalizability of this report is unknown.Few studies have had an adequate overall sample size to address differences in reported rates of childhood sexual abuse by race/ethnicity with precision. In a study of more than 1000 predominantly HIV-negative MSM, Doll et al. reported higher rates of childhood sexual abuse among African American and Latino than White MSM.¹⁰ Surveillance reports reveal very high rates of diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV infection among MSM of color^11,12; therefore it is critical to identify risk factors that may contribute to higher rates of unsafe sex among racial/ethnic subgroups of HIV-positive MSM.We examined the prevalence of self-reported history of childhood sexual abuse and the demographic and behavioral correlates of such abuse in a group of racially diverse HIV-positive MSM who reported anal intercourse with other men in the past year and who were enrolled in a weekend sexual health intervention to reduce unsafe sexual behavior. We hypothesized that men who reported childhood sexual abuse would also report higher rates of unprotected anal intercourse with men of HIV serodiscordant or unknown HIV infection status.     

Sexual Partnering and HIV Risk among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: New York City

Black men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected with HIV in the US. Limited event-specific data have been reported in Black MSM to help understand factors associated with increased risk of infection. Cross-sectional National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Study data from 503 MSM who reported ≥1 male sexual partner in the past year in New York City (NYC) were analyzed. Case-crossover analysis compared last protected and last unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). A total of 503 MSM were enrolled. Among 349 tested for HIV, 18% were positive. Black MSM (N = 117) were more likely to test HIV positive and not know their HIV-positive status than other racial/ethnic groups. Case-crossover analysis of 208 MSM found that men were more likely to engage in protected anal intercourse with a first time partner and with a partner of unknown HIV status. Although Black MSM were more likely to have Black male partners, they were not more likely to have UAI with those partners or to have a partner aged >40 years. In conclusion, HIV prevalence was high among Black MSM in NYC, as was lack of awareness of HIV-positive status. Having a sexual partner of same race/ethnicity or older age was not associated with having UAI among Black MSM.     

HIV Testing Preferences Among Young Men of Color Who Have Sex With Men

Objectives. We assessed awareness of and preferences for rapid HIV testing among young, urban men of color who have sex with men and are engaged in high-risk behaviors for HIV.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in New York City among 177 young men who have sex with men (MSM).Results. Among the 85% of the participants who had previously undergone HIV testing, 43% reported rapid testing at their most recent test. In terms of future tests, 64% would seek rapid testing, as compared with 36% who preferred traditional testing. Those who preferred rapid testing were significantly more likely to have attended at least some college, to have discussed HIV testing with a sexual partner, to be aware of rapid testing, and to have had a previous HIV test.Conclusions. In general, young MSM of color seem aware of rapid testing. However, our results indicate the need to carefully consider the unique needs of those who are particularly disenfranchised or engaged in high-risk behaviors and who may need concerted efforts around HIV counseling and testing. Likewise, our findings point to a need for more effective education and social marketing strategies.According to recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance data, HIV infection rates in the United States remain high among men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2005, MSM accounted for more than half (53%) of all HIV/AIDS diagnoses and 71% of reported adult male and adolescent HIV infections.¹ Racial disparities have emerged within the MSM population as the AIDS epidemic has shifted increasingly toward minorities. Despite representing only 13% of the US population in 2000, Blacks accounted for 49% of cumulative HIV/AIDS diagnoses in 2005, with same-sex contact the primary mode of infection transmission.²At the same time, young adult members of minority groups have also exhibited greater rates of HIV infection. In 2006, Black young adults accounted for 60% of HIV/AIDS diagnoses among adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 24 years. Although Black adolescents make up only 16% of the US adolescent population, they accounted for 69% of new AIDS cases reported for that age group in 2006.³Research has shown that young minority MSM are at particular risk for infection, with consistent reports of risky sexual behaviors⁴ reflected in high rates of HIV prevalence, incidence, and undiagnosed infections.^5–7 Nationally, 52% of new infections among Black MSM occur among those aged 13 to 29 years, as compared with 25% among their White MSM counterparts.⁸ A study analyzing data from the CDC''s Young Men''s Survey, a cross-sectional survey of MSM aged 15 to 22 years in Baltimore, Maryland, and New York City, New York, revealed HIV prevalence to be 10 times higher among Blacks (17.7%) than among Whites (1.7%).⁹Although HIV incidence and prevalence are high among young minority MSM, many are unaware of their status² and unknowingly expose their partners to HIV.⁷ CDC guidelines recommend at minimum annual HIV testing for sexually active MSM,⁵ especially younger MSM and those from minority groups.¹⁰ Despite these recommendations, however, testing frequency remains low. In a study assessing HIV testing behaviors among MSM, the CDC analyzed data from 5 cities participating in the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System. Results showed that nearly half (48%) of those found to be HIV positive were unaware of their infections, with the proportions highest among MSM aged 18 to 30 years and minority MSM. In fact, 64% of those with unrecognized infections were Black, and 58% had not taken an HIV test in the preceding year.²Another study analyzing data from the Young Men''s Survey revealed similar results among participating MSM aged 15 to 29 years. The odds of having an unrecognized HIV infection were nearly 7 times greater among Black MSM than they were among White MSM. Fifty-five percent of those with unrecognized infections had not undergone an HIV test during the preceding year.⁷To advance HIV prevention efforts in the United States, prevention programs must reduce unrecognized infection among young MSM by increasing the demand for and availability of HIV testing.⁷ In an effort to increase testing rates, the CDC announced in 2003 a set of new prevention strategies. A main component of this initiative is to expand HIV testing to increase the numbers of HIV-infected individuals who are aware of their status.¹¹ New HIV testing technologies have made it possible to reach and test a larger, more diverse population in nontraditional venues. The OraQuick (Orasure Technologies, Bethlehem, PA) rapid HIV test, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, allows for presumptive diagnoses of HIV infection within 20 minutes, and the test can be performed outside clinical settings with either finger-stick whole blood or oral swabs.In a 2007 literature review summarizing the available research on rapid HIV testing, Roberts et al. found considerable variation in clients'' rates of acceptance of rapid testing, ranging from 14.1% to 98%.¹² Several studies assessing acceptance rates for rapid testing technology have revealed rates upwards of 65%.^13–15 Focus group data from Black adults showed that although the rapid test was preferred over traditional HIV testing as a result of the shorter turnaround time for results, concerns were raised about the test''s accuracy.¹⁶Another study conducted with MSM, injection drug users, and high-risk heterosexuals revealed that only 13% of the participants were aware of rapid HIV tests and that, among those who were aware, only 14% had actually been tested via this modality. Preference for the standard test was reported as a primary reason for not undergoing rapid testing.¹⁷ Studies with Black young adults aged 18 to 24 years have produced similar findings. Although a majority of respondents report a preference for receiving results in 1 session, many continue to express concern about the accuracy of the test.^18,19HIV testing preferences have been well-documented among older MSM, who have shown an inclination toward anonymous over confidential testing,^20,21 as well as a preference for testing at sex clubs over clinic settings.²² Not being of minority race or ethnicity, having completed more years of schooling, and having access to testing services have been found to be factors associated with increased likelihood of testing among MSM.²³ Reasons for avoiding or delaying HIV tests include fear of positive test results and concern that others might learn about the results.²³The need to increase rates of acceptance of HIV testing among populations of color is clear, particularly among young MSM. However, relatively little is known about the factors that influence their decision to test or the circumstances that prevent them from being tested. Although 1 recent study attempted to assess the correlates of HIV testing among young minority MSM,²³ it did not explore preferences with respect to HIV testing method, which could potentially have a large impact on HIV testing rates. The researchers did find that awareness of a comfortable testing site and greater perceived social support concerning HIV were strongly associated with HIV testing among their sample.²³Given the high rates of unrecognized infection and the potential to reach greater numbers of affected individuals through rapid HIV testing, it is important to understand the awareness and acceptability of this testing modality among young minority MSM. We attempted to fill the gaps in the available literature by assessing awareness of and preferences for rapid HIV testing among a sample of young MSM of color engaged in high-risk behaviors for HIV.     

某区男男性行为人群性伴网络特征与高危行为分析

[目的]了解男男性行为（MSM）人群性伴网络特征及该人群中高危性行为的发生情况,探讨性病（STDs）、人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）在该人群中传播及向普通人群传播的模式,为开展性病、艾滋病预防控制提供依据。[方法]通过艾滋病自愿咨询检测门诊、同性恋人群活动场所、同性恋QQ群内动员、＂滚雪球＂等途径寻找MSM人群,招募151人,采用面对面匿名问卷调查方式收集信息。[结果]151名被调查者中最近6个月有30人（19.9%）与异性发生过性行为,高危性行为的发生率为53.3%;与同性性活动情况,其中91人（60.3%）有同性固定性伴,76人（50.3%）与非固定同性性伴的人发生过多次男男性行为（简称有多次男性伴）,77人（51.0%）发生过偶遇性行为（简称有偶遇男性伴）,10人（6.6%）从事商业性行为。而在与固定性伴、多次男性伴、偶遇男性伴、商业性行为中高危性行为的发生率依次是69.2%、57.9%、50.6%、70.0%。与固定男性伴高危性行为的发生率高于与偶遇男性伴高危性行为的发生率（P=0.014）。最近6个月有2种及以上性伴类型占58.9%。30名已感染HIV者中有多次男性伴及偶遇男性伴类型的比例分别为53.3%和63.3%;有过多次男性伴、偶遇男性伴性行为者中发生高危性行为的比例分别为50.0%和63.2%。感染HIV者与固定男性伴发生高危性行为的率低于未感染HIV者（P=0.029）。[结论]MSM人群性伴网络复杂多样,高危性行为发生率高。不仅使HIV在该人群中容易传播,且该人群已成为向普通人群传播HIV的＂桥梁＂人群。     

Network Mixing and Network Influences Most Linked to HIV Infection and Risk Behavior in the HIV Epidemic Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men

Objectives. We evaluated network mixing and influences by network members upon Black men who have sex with men.Methods. We conducted separate social and sexual network mixing analyses to determine the degree of mixing on risk behaviors (e.g., unprotected anal intercourse [UAI]). We used logistic regression to assess the association between a network “enabler” (would not disapprove of the respondent’s behavior) and respondent behavior.Results. Across the sample (n = 1187) network mixing on risk behaviors was more assortative (like with like) in the sexual network (r_sex, 0.37–0.54) than in the social network (r_social, 0.21–0.24). Minimal assortativity (heterogeneous mixing) among HIV-infected men on UAI was evident. Black men who have sex with men reporting a social network enabler were more likely to practice UAI (adjusted odds ratio = 4.06; 95% confidence interval = 1.64, 10.05) a finding not observed in the sexual network (adjusted odds ratio = 1.31; 95% confidence interval = 0.44, 3.91).Conclusions. Different mixing on risk behavior was evident with more disassortativity among social than sexual networks. Enabling effects of social network members may affect risky behavior. Attention to of high-risk populations’ social networks is needed for effective and sustained HIV prevention.The HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) has not only grown to alarming levels overall, but it also is one that demonstrates significant and marked racial disparities. In 2008, 28% of MSM with new HIV infection were Black, and among MSM aged 13 to 29 years, the number of new infections in Black MSM was nearly twice that of White MSM.1,2Traditional epidemiological approaches have made limited headway in explaining these findings because they tend to focus on the role of individual risk behaviors in shaping rates of HIV infection. The higher rates of HIV among Black MSM may not be explained by individual-level risk behaviors alone, and instead may be attributed in part to social and sexual network factors.3,4 But efforts to further illuminate these factors have been largely unsuccessful as they have often used sampling methodologies that can distort accurate measurement of existing networks of these MSM (e.g., lack of weighting and focus on most recent sexual partner).5,6 Furthermore, up until now, network analyses have not examined Black MSM’s nonsexual social networks; such networks may contribute to the disparities observed (e.g., lack of embedded social network members7) and might provide opportunities for future interventions.Some research has explained disparities in HIV rates by examining sexual network mixing patterns within and between racial subgroups.8,9 Previously, we demonstrated that higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within the African American community were related to sexual network mixing patterns.10 Higher levels of disassortative mixing—core high-risk groups mixing with peripheral low-risk groups—within the African American community, combined with limited interracial mixing, was a major contributor for the disproportionately higher rates of STIs among Blacks than among Whites. Similar sexual network mixing explanations have been demonstrated among Blacks in the Southeastern United States.11 Drug use behavior was found to be highly assortative (like behavior with like), whereas sexual behavior in the form of concurrent (or simultaneous) partnerships was minimally assortative.In contrast to the attention devoted to sexual12–17 and drug-use networks,18–23 comparatively little research has been conducted on how nonrisk social networks comprising MSM’s close friends and family members can affect STI and HIV transmission, with a few notable exceptions.7,24,25 Social learning and differential association theories26,27 hold that risky behaviors, including rationalizations for them, diffuse through social networks of close ties. Furthermore, network members influence high-risk behavior by virtue of the behavioral examples they provide, the normative pressures they exert, and MSM’s perceptions of these influences.28–30 Research has shown in a variety of contexts that risky sexual and substance use behavior is affected by individuals’ perceptions of what their network members do, regardless of whether those perceptions are accurate.31–33 Studying Black MSM’s normative contexts may help researchers identify not only those social conditions that facilitate risky behavior, but also potential network influences that can be exploited or modified to encourage the spread of HIV prevention behavior through modification of a social network. To date, most work that has examined the indirect role of social networks on the spread of HIV has focused primarily on the role of having social network ties in general, but has not specified the mechanisms through which social network ties affect the risk behavior of MSM.34,35Formal social network analysis of high-risk populations has focused on MSM and injecting drug users in general and not specifically on Black MSM.25,36 One recent pilot study37 demonstrated that sexual partners of Black MSM were mostly introduced through friends. Known risk behaviors associated with HIV infection and that could be “transmitted” through a social network include sex-drug use38 and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). Moreover, group sexual intercourse has also recently gained increased attention as an important risk practice39,40 that can complicate network analysis.41 Important influences and practices such as these, however, have not been previously explored through social network analysis within Black MSM despite this population’s position as a group with the highest risk of HIV infection in the United States. Furthermore, network patterns that potentially confer risk, such as disassortative social mixing, have also not been explored within this population as opposed to the larger Black community.10,11 We conducted a detailed analysis of close social and sexual networks of Black MSM to determine the salient properties and components of these networks that are most related to HIV risk and preventive behavior among these men.     

Relationship Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and HIV-Related Risks Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Findings from Mainland China

Men who have sex with men (MSM) carry the burden of HIV infection in China. Outside of China, a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been associated with HIV-related risks (behavioral, sexual, and mental health outcomes) among MSM. We therefore evaluated the relationship between CSA and these HIV-related risks among MSM in China. Cross-sectional data were collected via a survey from gay websites and social networking applications from MSM in 30 provinces in mainland China during a 3-month period in 2014 and 2015. Overall, 999 screened MSM who responded to questions on CSA were included. Multinomial logistic regression models—adjusted for sociodemographic confounders—showed that men who reported experiencing regular CSA and contact CSA, respectively, were more likely to use substances (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39–2.62 and AOR, 1.70; 95% CI 1.25–2.31), had a history of sexually transmitted infections (AOR, 1.81; 95% CI 1.29–2.55 and AOR, 1.65; 95% CI 1.18–2.96), had more male sexual partners (AOR, 1.06; 95% CI 1.04–1.09 and AOR, 1.05; 95% CI 1.03–1.08), engaged in more condomless sex with men (AOR, 1.89; 95% CI 1.39–2.56 and AOR, 1.72; 95% CI 1.29–2.30), and experienced more psychological distress (AOR, 1.05; 95% CI 1.02–1.08 and AOR, 1.05; 95% CI 1.03–1.08). Both frequent and contact forms of CSA were positively associated with HIV-related risks among MSM, suggesting that general CSA prevention strategies and interventions are needed to support this population.     

成都市男男性行为人群口交时安全套使用影响因素分析

目的探索成都市男男性行为人群口交行为时安全套使用的影响因素。方法采用滚雪球抽样选取成都市465名男男性行为者作为调查对象,通过问卷调查的方式收集人口学特征、艾滋病知晓率、高危行为等信息,用累积logistic模型分析成都市MSM人群发生口交行为时安全套使用的影响因素。结果共调查成都市465名MSM者,其中79.7%的调查对象最近6个月与性伴发生口交行为时从未使用安全套;最近6个月发生口交行为时安全套使用的影响因素有文化程度、寻找性伴最常去的场所、是否知道性伴的健康状况。结论成都市MSM人群口交行为时安全套使用率低,需通过多种途径对其进行健康教育,以提高安全套使用率。     

Differences in Substance Use, Psychosocial Characteristics and HIV-Related Sexual Risk Behavior Between Black Men Who Have Sex with Men Only (BMSMO) and Black Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women (BMSMW) in Six US Cities

We assessed associations in substance use, psychosocial characteristics, and HIV-related sexual risk behaviors, comparing characteristics of Black men who only have sex with other men only (BMSMO; n = 839) to Black men who have sex with men and women (BMSMW; n = 590). The study analyzed baseline data from the HIV Prevention Trials Network Brothers Study (HPTN 061), a feasibility study of a multi-component intervention for Black MSM in six US cities. Bivariate analyses compared BMSMO to BMSMW along demographics, substance use, psychosocial characteristics, and HIV-related sexual risk behaviors. Logistic regression models then assessed multivariable associations between being BMSMW and the odds of engaging in HIV-related sexual risk behaviors. Adjusted analyses revealed that BMSMW remained more likely to have unprotected anal intercourse while under the influence of alcohol (AOR: 1.45; 95 % CI:1.11–1.90) and were more likely to receive money/drugs for sex (AOR: 2.11; 95 % CI:1.48–3.03), compared to BMSMO. Substance use is an important factor to be considered when developing risk-reduction interventions for BMSMW. Structural interventions that address factors that may contribute to exchange sex among these men are also warranted.     

Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Risk for Unsafe Sex Among Internet Using Men Who Have Sex with Men

The present study explored the relationship between compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) for men who have sex with men (MSM) across a number of ethnic/racial groups and who used the Internet to seek sexual partners. A sample of 2,716 MSM (512 Asian, 445 Black, 683 Latino, 348 Other, 728 White) completed on online survey that collected information about their sexual behaviors with partners met online and offline. The survey also included the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI). Consistent with the notion that CSB is a stable trait, higher scores on the CSBI were associated with greater odds for engaging in UAI, regardless of the context in which sex partners were met (online or offline). Differences in median CSB scores were generally similar across racial and ethnic groups. The median CSB score was significantly higher for HIV-positive participants than for HIV-negative participants. HIV-prevention interventions are needed among MSM, but should take into account that some may be resistant to risk reduction strategies because of CSB.