Background: This study examined the epidemiologic characteristics of MSMs receiving publicly funded HIV testing in Los Angeles County during 1997 and 1998. Though MSMs accounted for less than 20% of the County HIV tests, they represented two-thirds of all HIV positive tests. This analysis provides crucial information regarding risk factors for HIV transmission among MSMs in Los Angeles County.
Methods: All tests administered to MSMs by County funded counseling and testing sites in 1997 and 1998 (N=22,541) were examined for risk factors for HIV transmission. Logistic regression models were derived based on traditional risk factors and exploratory data analysis to assess predictors associated with HIV seropositivity among MSMs.
Results: Among MSMs, seroprevalance for African-Americans (OR=4.29, 95%CI=3.66-5.03), Latinos (OR=2.73, 95%CI=2.39-3.11) and American Indians (OR=4.03, 95%CI=2.46-6.61) was higher than for white MSMs. MSM-Intravenous Drug Users had higher seropositivity than did other MSMs (OR=1.50, 95%CI=1.24-1.81). In addition, MSMs over 25 years of age were more likely to receive a positive test than those MSMs 24 years and younger (OR=1.95, 95%CI=1.66-2.28). These results remain consistent over the last two years.
Conclusions: These findings indicate that the local epidemic in Los Angeles County continues to be driven by sexual behavior in Los Angeles County and stresses the need for prevention services for MSMs, especially among MSMs of color.
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.