HIV-related risk behaviors among Asian and Pacific Islander men who have sex with men (API MSM) in the San Francisco Bay Area

Methods:

Participants were recruited through community outreach in the San Francisco Bay Area. A total of 652 API MSM completed individual interviews using a structured questionnaire. The participants were: Chinese (28%), Filipino (25%), and Vietnamese (12%); average age = 31 years; 70% immigrants.

Results:

Nearly 60% of the participants reported having primary (M=1, range: 1-7) and/or casual partners (M=9, range: 1-150) in the past 6 months.

Participants had higher levels of HIV knowledge and positive attitude toward condom use; however, inconsistent condom use was reported (only 43% always used a condom with primary partners; 74% with casual partners in the past 6 months). Majority of participants said they never used condoms for oral sex (77% with primary and 75% with casual partners). 12% and 50% of participants had had sex without knowing their primary and causal partners' HIV status, respectively.

Alcohol use was most commonly reported in the past 30 days (75%), followed by marijuana (11%), and 24% reported being intoxicated with alcohol(more than 5 drinks in one sitting) in the past 30 days. 38% and 45% had sex under the influence of substances with primary and casual partners, respectively.

89% reported being tested for HIV and 6% revealed their HIV positive status.

Conclusions:

Regardless of participants' high levels of HIV knowledge and positive attitude toward condom use, many API MSM had engaged in riskier sex behaviors and substance use. Culturally appropriate prevention programs addressing both sexual and substance use behaviors need to be implemented in API MSM communities.