Background: Limited studies in the early 1990s found high rates of HIV infection among gay/ bisexual men under 30. These findings were troubling, since these young men came to sexual maturity with HIV prevention programs already well established. The CDC and collaborating researchers developed a cross-sectional, venue-based survey, to assess HIV prevalence and risk behaviors in this hard to reach population. Methods: The Dallas Young Men's Survey (YMS) was conducted from 1994 through 2000 in two phases at over 35 public venues frequented by gay/ bisexual young men (ages 15-29). Participants were tested for HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), and syphilis, and answered a survey which collected demographic, behavioral, psychosocial, and medical history information. Results: More than 1,000 gay/ bisexual men were enrolled in the study. The infection rate was 12% for HIV and 16% for HBV. Among men ages 15-17 there was no detected HIV infection; however, prevalence was 21% for men ages 27-29. HBV infection ranged from 4% (ages 15-17) to 24% (ages 27-29). Unprotected anal sex within the past 6 months peaked at 57% among men age 24-26. Our presentation will examine age-related prevalence, specific risk behaviors, and possible demographic and psychosocial antecedents to risk taking. Discussion: High rates of unprotected sex among these young men offer continued evidence that there is a limit to the value of traditionally delivered prevention messages. Findings from the YMS offer insight to prevention, planning, and evaluation services for this high-risk group.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Assess the age-related prevalence of HIV and HBV, and associated sociodemographic characteristics, sexual and drug-use behaviors, and psychosocial factors which may predetermine risk. 2. Identify those factors most strongly associated with high risk behaviors. 3. Suggest uses of this information to develop new intervention strategies, and evaluate existing prevention and education efforts that target this population.
Keywords: Gay Men, 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.