Background: Circuit parties (CPs) are increasingly frequent international events attended by thousands of gay/bisexual men. While there are anecdotal reports of unprotected anal sex (UA) at CPs, no prior studies have described prevalence of UA at CPs. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 294 northern California gay/bisexual men who attend CPs. Participants reported behaviors during their most recently attended 3-day local and distant CPs and non-event weekends. Serodiscordant unprotected anal sex (SDUA) included partners of opposite or unknown status; seroconcordant unprotected anal sex (SCUA) included partners of the same HIV status. Results: 32% reported unprotected anal sex at CPs, 8% unprotected receptive oral sex with ejaculation. Among 50 HIV+s, 26% reported SDUA and 27% SCUA at CPs; in contrast, 9% of HIV negatives reported SDUA and 23% SCUA. In univariate analysis comparing behaviors during CP weekends to non-event weekends, attendance at distant CPs was associated with SDUA (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.9). However, after controlling for drug use, predictors of SDUA included use of crystal methamphetamine (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.5), Viagra (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.3-8.2), poppers (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.8), reporting that unsafe behavior increased because of HAART (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.6-2.7), and believing that HIV is a chronic, treatable condition (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8). Conclusions: Prevalence of UA in this population suggests that potential for HIV transmission is high. Public health programs should educate CP gay/bisexual men about the sexual risks associated with drug use and temper optimism about HIV.
Learning Objectives: Learn about HIV sexual risk behavior and drug use of gay and bisexual men at circuit parties, including demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral predictors of sexual risk and drug use. Learn about differences in risk behavior associated with local and distant circuit parties, including differences in salience and use of risk reduction materials available at parties
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Gay Men
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.