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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Yasamin M. Brown, MPH¹, Paulette Stanford, MD¹, Sue Rovi, PhD², Robert Johnson, MD¹, and Elizabeth Marino, MD¹. (1) Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, 973-204-8233, yasamin@nursing.upenn.edu, (2) Department of Family Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103

Among adult men who have sex with men (MSM), anal receptive sexual (ARS) intercourse is a salient risk factor for anal human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, abnormal anal cytology and anal cancer. To date, studies of anal HPV infection and abnormal anal cytology have primarily involved adult homosexual men, who most likely acquired HPV in their youth. We conducted a pilot clinical research study to examine the prevalence of anal HPV, abnormal anal cytology and risk behaviors in a small cohort of adolescent and young adult males who engage in anal receptive sex. The study utilized a cross-sectional design of males between the ages of 18 and 25 who engage in anal receptive sex. Subjects were recruited using a convenience-sampling scheme. Participants were recruited from three ambulatory healthcare settings. 21 adolescent and young adult males aged 18-25 who engage in anal receptive sex received an anal HPV-DNA test and anal Pap smear. 90% of participants were anal HPV positive. 40% of our participants had abnormal anal pap smears. 79% had history of previous anal infection and 36% of participants had a history of anal warts. Of great interest were the numbers of young men in this cohort who admitted to forced anal intercourse. 79% reported forced anal intercourse. The prevalence of abnormal anal cytology in this cohort suggests that anal screening should be considered in adolescent and young adult males who engage in anal receptive sexual activity.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the emerging health concern of HPV infection in adolescent and young adult MSM.
• Discuss implications of the study results to clinical practice, cultural competency, and health disparities.
• Identify other areas of research needs for improving health and quality of life of the target population.

Keywords: Gay, Adolescent Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered