182460 Racial/Ethnic Disparities in HIV Incidence among LGBT community

Monday, October 27, 2008: 1:30 PM

Swanand D. Tilekar, MPH, MSc , Sexual Health Program, LA Gay and Lesbian Center, Los Angeles, CA
Robert K. Bolan, MD , Sexual Health Program, LA Gay and Lesbian Center, Los Angeles, CA
Jason Hall, MD , Sexual Health Program, LA Gay and Lesbian Center, Los Angeles, CA
Elisa Clay, F-NP , Sexual Health Program, LA Gay and Lesbian Center, Los Angeles, CA
Precious Stallworth , Sexual Health Program, LA Gay and Lesbian Center, Los Angeles, CA
We analyzed data from our drop-in HIV testing program in Los Angeles for the calendar year 2006 through 2007 to determine whether there were race/ethnicity differences in the incidence of HIV infection among the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered community, and for associated risk factors. There were 10,135 HIV tests performed; 496 were detected positive. After direct standardization for age using US 2000 Population, when compared to Whites the rate ratio was highest among African Americans (2.97), followed by Hispanics (1.58), Others (1.28) and Asian (0.80). Amongst the ethnic groups, ANOVA showed no difference in number of sexual partners for the past 30 days (F=0.99, p=0.41) or the past 3 months (F=0.27, p=0.89). In multivariate logistic regression compared to Whites: STD history in the last year was the lowest amongst Hispanic clients [OR (95% CI]:0.41 (0.19-0.85); African Americans reported least illicit drug use [OR (95% CI]:0.26 (0.12-0.56); the educational level was lowest among African Americans [OR (95% CI]:0.44 (0.25-0.81) and Hispanics [OR (95% CI]: 0.37 (0.22-0.54). There was no significant difference in pattern of sexual behavior with respect to receptive anal sex and condom usage between ethnic groups. These findings require further exploration of social and behavioral factors amongst ethnic groups to understand this disparity.

Learning Objectives:
1. Participants who read and discuss the data presented in this abstract will recognize that there appear to be significant differences in age adjusted incidence of HIV infection across ethnic groups in a large metropolitan area that are not readily explained by sexual behaviors. 2. Participants will want to call for further research into social and behavioral factors to explain these differences.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an epidemiologist who works at the organization whose data is being presented.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Cultural Considerations for Reducing HIV Among Diverse Communities of Men Who Have Sex With Men
See more of: HIV/AIDS