Background: Anecdotal evidence suggests drug- and HIV sexual- risk behavior are associated with circuit parties (CPs). This study compares behavior and access to prevention materials in two CP settings: local (LCP) and distant (DCP). Methods: N=182 men who recently attended a DCP and LCP. Behavioral variables were sero-discordant unprotected anal sex (SDUA, partner of opposite or unknown serostatus) and number of drugs used during CP weekends. Results: SDUA during DCP weekends (9% of sample [total of 76 partners; median, 2 partners]) was higher than LCP weekends (3% of sample, p=.004 [total of 15 partners; median, 1 partner]). Use of >3 drugs was higher for DCPs (57%) compared to LCPs (41%, p=.0001). 75% of the sample saw condoms (of which 37% took some), 41% saw safer sex information (of which 37% read it), and 41% saw party safe (drug) information (of which 57% read it) recently at either DCPs or LCPs. DCPs were somewhat higher in all categories of salience and use of prevention materials; significant differences (p<.01) were found for taking safer sex information (36% at DCP vs. 20% at LCP) and seeing party safe (drug) information (40% at DCP vs. 27% at LCP). Conclusions: Heightened drug use and sexual risk behavior at DCPs compared to LCPs warrants enhanced prevention activities at DCPs, although prevention efforts could benefit both settings. Prevention activities beyond condoms and written information are needed, since the current situation of greater access to prevention materials at DCPs is not reducing heightened DCP risk to LCP levels.
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: Gay Men, HIV Interventions
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.