Objective: To describe HIV-related risk factors in a targeted sample of urban young men who have sex with men (YMSM).
Method: As part of our Community Assessment Process, we recruited and interviewed 170 YMSM ages 17-28 from indoor and outdoor venues in which YMSM congregate for sex, including sex work.
Results: Most YMSM (59%) experienced at least one HIV-related risk factor: homelessness, 12%; IVDU, 9%; "hard" drug use, 22%; club drug use, 11%; violence, 33%; and sex work, 29%. A minority (14%) experienced three or more factors. Two overlapping subpopulations showed a constellation of risk: Homeless YMSM were involved in sex work (90%), IDU (65%), violence (53%), and rarely in school/work (5%). They were 5.9 times more likely to perceive themselves at risk for HIV than non-homeless YMSM, but 7.2 times less likely to have talked to a service provider about it. YMSM involved in sex work used "hard" drugs (not IDU; 44%); were IDU (31%), victims of violence (52%), and generally not in school/work (22%). They were 4.8 times more likely to believe they would contract HIV and 5.6 times less likely to be in contact with services.
Conclusion: YMSM are at high-risk for adverse health outcomes including HIV, although risk factors are not evenly distributed across the population. Homeless and sex work-involved YMSM exhibit a constellation of risk factors at disproportionately high rates, yet report infrequent contact with HIV prevention and service providers.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to: 1. Describe HIV related risk and protective factors among urban young men who have sex with men, including homelessness and sex work 2. Recognize that risk is not evenly distributed across the population; instead, it a minority of youth experience the majority of risk 3. Describe patterns of risk among two sub-populations at particularly high-risk: homeless and sex-work involved YMSM 4. Understand the service needs and utilization patterns of YMSM
Keywords: Adolescent Health, 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.