Valleroy L, MacKellar DA, Mei JV, Kothe DL, Janssen R; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2000 Jul 9-14; 13: abstract no. TuPeC3402.
L.Valleroy, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention C.D.C, Mailstop E-46, 1600 Clifton Road NW, Atlanta Georgia 30333, United States, Tel.: +404 639 28 80, Fax: +404 639 20 29, E-mail: lav0@cdc.gov
Background: Recent findings suggest a resurgent HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the U.S. Because few recent studies have measured HIV incidence in this population, we used a new testing method to investigate HIV incidence among 15- to 22-year-old MSM in 7 US cities. Methods: The 1994-1998 Young Men's Survey (YMS) was a cross-sectional venue-based probability survey of young MSM sampled at public venues in 7 US cities. Participants were interviewed and counseled, and blood specimens were drawn and tested for HIV. HIV-positive specimens were tested with the Serologic Testing Algorithm for Determining HIV Seroconversion (STAHRS): specimens are first tested with a sensitive test and then a less sensitive test to determine which are incident infections. Results: In YMS, 3449 young MSM were HIV tested; 249 (7.2%) were HIV-positive. Of these 249 specimens, 224 were STAHRS-tested; 29 were incident infections. The incidence rate was 3% overall: 2% among 15-19-year-olds and 4% among 20-22-year-olds. We found the highest HIV incidence among African Americans and men of mixed race (4-5%), intermediate incidence among Hispanic and white Americans (2-3%), and no incidence among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Incidence was higher among those who reported unprotected anal sex or syringe use in the past 6 months than among those who did not. In this sample of young MSM, higher HIV incidence was often found in demographic and behavioral groups with higher HIV prevalence. Conclusions: With the new STAHRS method, we measured HIV incidence using cross-sectional survey data. We found high HIV prevalence and incidence among young MSM, particularly among men of color and men in their early 20's. These data show a continuing HIV epidemic among MSM and a critical need to reach young MSM with early and sustained prevention efforts tailored to their specific needs.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- African Americans
- Cities
- Counseling
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Incidence
- Male
- Sexual Behavior
- United States
Other ID:
UI: 102239361
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