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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Karyn K. Heavner, MSPH¹, James Tesoriero, PhD², Kristi McClamroch, PhD¹, Haven Battles, PhD², Benjamin Shaw, PhD³, and Guthrie S. Birkhead, MD, MPH⁴. (1) Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, School of Public Health, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, 518-402-6809, karynkh@aol.com, (2) New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, State of New York Department of Health, Riverview Center, 5th floor, 150 Broadway, Menands, NY 12204, (3) Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior, University at Albany, School of Public Health, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, (4) Director, Center for Community Health, NYS Department of Health, Corning Tower, 14th floor, ESP, Albany, NY 12237

Background

The true prevalence of UAI among MSM is unknown. Hundreds of studies estimating the prevalence of UAI (range: 10%-75%) among MSM were published since 1995. This systematic literature review investigated trends in estimated prevalence of UAI in venue-based samples of MSM related to year and location of enrollment and/or strategies to measure UAI.

Methods

This systematic literature review included studies estimating the prevalence of UAI in venue-based samples of MSM (1995-2005). The effects of the following on estimated prevalence of UAI were assessed: 1) temporal trends; 2) geographic differences; 3) venue of enrollment; 4) method to assess UAI (i.e., in-person versus self-administered surveys); and 5) type of anal intercourse assessed.

Results

Most published estimates of the prevalence of UAI were between 30%-45%. Several trends emerged: 1) the prevalence of UAI increased from 1995-2005, 2) samples of MSM enrolled in venues known for meeting sexual partners (e.g., internet or bathhouses) had different sociodemographic characteristics and higher prevalence of UAI than samples from other venues (e.g., cafés or community events) and 3) the prevalence of insertive UAI was greater than receptive UAI. Method to assess UAI had little effect on estimated prevalence of UAI.

Conclusion

Estimates of MSM's high-risk sexual behavior increased since 1995. Estimates of insertive UAI were higher than receptive UAI. Venue-based enrollment of different groups of MSM contributed to variations in published estimates of the prevalence of UAI. Findings from this review may be used to identify venues frequented by high-risk MSM and effectively target HIV prevention programs.

Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives After attending this session, participants will be able to

• describe the range in estimates of the prevalence of UAI in venue-based samples of MSM;
• describe the potential effects of enrollment methods and strategies to assess sexual behavior on estimates of the prevalence of UAI among MSM; and
• identify strategies to enroll high-risk groups of MSM.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Risk Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation