Preliminary Results of a Survey of Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Attending a New York City Bathhouse

Background: Since early 2006, we have been providing HIV testing at a New York City bathhouse catering to MSM. We report the results of a survey of MSM attending the bathhouse designed to describe this population and identify opportunities for HIV prevention.

Methods: Project staff at the bathhouse exit offered a brief, self-administered questionnaire to patrons leaving the club.

Results: Of 605 patrons approached, 256 (42.3%) completed the survey. Participants' ages ranged from 19 to 72 yr (median = 39, interquartile range [IQR] = 33-45 yr); 40.6% were white, 16.1% non-Hispanic African-American, 29.1% Hispanic and 14.2% “other.” Among 228 participants who provided data on HIV testing and/or treatment 20.6% (n=47) were HIV-infected (2 had not received an HIV-positive test result but were receiving HIV medications). 86.7% of 30 HIV-infected individuals who responded to a question focusing on treatment reported receiving anti-retroviral medications (ARV). Of these men on ARVs, 95% reported an “undetectable” viral load. HIV-positives reported significantly more partners in receptive anal sex in the prior 90 days (median=2; IQR = 1-6) than HIV-negatives (median=0; IQR=0-3; p = 0.001). HIV-positives also used condoms less consistently than HIV-negatives, during both insertive and receptive anal intercourse. 19.0% (29/153) of subjects who responded to a question on HIV transmissibility endorsed the belief that persons on ARVs were less likely to transmit HIV than those not taking medications.

Conclusions: HIV positive MSM attending bathhouses represent an important group to target for HIV education and prevention since many continue to engage in high-risk sexual activities.