HIV infection and sexual behaviour among homosexual and bisexual men in Bratislava

OBJECTIVE: To determine sexual behaviour and HIV prevalence in a sample of homosexual and bisexual men in Bratislava. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants were recruited at gay discotheque in Bratislava in February and June 1996. Saliva samples were collected for testing the presence of anti-HIV antibodies and a questionnaire regarding sexual practice was completed. RESULTS: In the study 170 men (1st discotheque) and 124 men (2nd discotheque) were enrolled. The prevalence of antibodies against HIV was 5.4% and 1.6%, respectively. A group of 119 attenders (mean age: 25 years) was voluntarily questioned about their sexual lifestyle and related behaviour. Sexual orientation of participants was following: 66.4% homosexuals, 20.2% bisexuals, 13.4% others. Most responders were single and did not ever been married (86.55% vs. 12.6%, respectively). The figures of sexual intercourse were: steady partners: 45.38%, non-steady partners: 49.58%. More individuals were using condoms (70.58% vs. 15.97%, respectively), while only 28.57% were using them by each chance sexual intercourse. 6.7% responders suffered from an other STD and 3.36% were intravenous drug users. CONCLUSION: The HIV prevalence (5.4% and 1.6%) was relatively low. Considering the high prevalence of unsafe sexual practice further spread of HIV infection among homosexual men in Slovakia is to be expected.