Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116366

Jay Harcourt, MPH, University of California, Berkeley, 231 Sanchez St. #5, San Francisco, CA 94114, 415-552-0450, jayby@earthlink.net

Background: The term “MSM” has come to be used to classify men who have sex with other men regardless of their self-identified sexual orientation. As an epidemiological measurement of risk, the term has merit. However, when the term is used in research, and the translation of research into practice, it presents some challenges. To examine the use of MSM in research, a review of one recent year of MSM literature was completed.

Methods: A systematic review of the published literature in 2003 was conducted on PubMed. Articles were evaluated based on the following categories: (a) Definition of MSM; (b) Recruitment of participants; (c) Measurement of MSM behavior and identification; (d) Measurement of sexual orientation; and (e) Recommendations for practice/intervention.

Results: Of 107 papers identified, 42 met inclusion criteria. Of papers that reported sampling MSM, they shared no one consistent definition or measure of MSM. About 60% employed targeted convenience sampling schemes using outreach at venues reported as “frequented by MSM” or “gay identified.” Only 50% of the articles reported any sexual orientation data, and only five examined differences among orientation groups.

In terms of practice, all papers directed recommendations towards MSM generally.

Conclusions: Significant inconsistencies in the ways in which MSM is measured and used in research were identified in current literature. Issues and questions related to these inconsistencies will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

1.Indentify inconsistencies in the way "MSM" is defined and measured in literature.
• Recognize limitations in the recruitment of MSM study participants.
• Discuss ways in which MSM research could be better translated into practice recommendations.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation