Valleroy L, Prentiss D, MacKellar DA, Secura G; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2000 Jul 9-14; 13: abstract no. WePeC4300.

L. Valleroy, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention CDC, Mailstop E-46, 1600 Clifton Road N.W., Atlanta Georgia 30333, United States, Tel.: +404 639 20 80, Fax: +404 639 20 29, E-mail: lav0@cdc.gov

Background: Bisexual men who have sex with men (MSM) are a bridge for HIV transmission between MSM and women. In a sample of young MSM, we investigated: the prevalence of bisexuality and of unprotected sex with both men and women, and the traits and risk behaviors of bisexuals compared with homosexuals. Methods: The 1994-1998 Young Men's Survey was a cross-sectional venue-based probability survey of 15- to 22-year-old MSM sampled at public venues frequented by MSM in 7 US cities. Men were interviewed and counseled; blood was drawn and tested for HIV. We defined sexual preference by sexual behavior in the past 6 months (P6M): "homosexuals" had sex with only men, and "bisexuals" had sex with both men and women. Results: Of 3492 men who had sex with men in their lifetimes, 2145 (61%) had also had sex with women. In the P6M, 73% of the 3492 MSM had sex with only men, 17% with both men and women, 3% with only women, and 7% no sex. Compared with homosexuals, bisexuals were more likely to: be 15-19 years old, have ever run away, have ever had an STD, have difficulty practicing safer sex, feel low social support, feel self-homophobic, have used syringes or been high on drugs or alcohol during sex (P6M), or have had sex in exchange for things (P6M). Bisexuals were less likely to have had unprotected receptive anal sex (P6M). Bisexuals were just as likely to have HIV infection (6.6% vs 7.8%: P = .342). In the P6M, the prevalence of unprotected sex with both men and women was 22% among the bisexuals, and 4% among the 3492 MSM.. Conclusions: Among young MSM, 17% had recently had sex with both men and women. Indeed, 4% of young MSM had recently had unprotected sex with both men and women. Compared with homosexuals, bisexuals were: younger; generally had more negative psychosocial attitudes and higher risk behaviors; and were just as likely to have HIV infection. HIV prevention efforts for MSM need to reach young bisexual men with messages about safe sex with women as well as with men.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Bisexuality
• Cities
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Male
• Prevalence
• Risk-Taking
• Safe Sex
• Sexual Behavior
• Unsafe Sex

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0003072

UI: 102240566

From Meeting Abstracts