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[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Sero-sorting and sexual practices among HIV+ MSM in NYC: Implications for epidemiology and prevention of HIV

Michael C. Clatts, PhD, Huso Yi, Lloyd A. Goldsamt, PhD, and Maria G. Messina, PhD. Institute for International Research on Youth at Risk, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd Street, 8th floor, New York, NY 10010, 212.845.4459, michael.clatts@ndri.org

Objective: To examine the impact of serostatus disclosure in receptive unprotected anal intercourse (AI) among serodiscordant MSM sexual encounters of HIV+ MSM

Methods: Data are from analysis of last sexual event data obtained in a brief screener interview completed by HIV+ MSM attending a sex party (N=95).

Results: Almost half (41%) had sexual encounters with HIV+ MSM, 5% with HIV- MSM, and more than half (54%) with status unknown partners. Half (50%) disclosed their seropositive status to sex partners. Most (90%) disclosed their seropositive status to seroconcordant partner while only 21% disclosed to HIV- or status unknown partners (p<.001). Two thirds (69%) engaged in insertive AI with seroconcordant partners and 63% of these ejaculated in their partners without a condom. Over a quarter (29%) engaged in insertive AI with serodiscordant partners and 25% of these ejaculated in their partners without a condom. Rates of insertive AI and ejaculating inside partners were significantly different across serostatus (p<.001). 59% engaged in receptive AI with seroconcordant partners, 74% of whom received ejaculate. 41% engaged in receptive AI with serodiscordant partners, 61% of whom received ejaculate. Rates of receptive AI and receiving ejaculate were not significantly different across serostatus.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of a brief instrument, we were unable to assess intentions. However, these data indicate that insertive AI in sexual encounters involving serodiscordant partners is less likely to involve receptive ejaculate by HIV- or status unknown partners when the positive status of one partner is disclosed. Contrary to recent concerns about widespread “barebacking” these data indicate that serostatus disclosure positively impacts role selection and thereby contributes to reductions in transmission risk.

Learning Objectives:

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

HIV Epidemiology and Prevention for Gay and Bisexual Men

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA