Latino MSM's sexual practices in three types of public sex settings

Background: Among MSM, use of a variety of public settings for casual sex is common, including both commercial and free public spaces. This study compared sexual practices that Latino MSM performed in different public venues.

Methods: We examined 1) public sex environments (PSEs)—public cruising places such as parks or public bathrooms where MSM meet for sexual encounters such as parks and public bathrooms; 2) commercial sex environments (CSEs)—commercial venues that serve MSM and have an ostensible purpose other than providing a place for sex, such as gay bars and pornographic movies; and 3) commercial sex venues (CSVs)—commercial venues whose purpose is to provide space for MSM to have sex, such as gay bathhouses. From a sample of 482 Brazilian, Colombian, and Dominican MSM, we analyzed data from those men who reported having a sexual encounter in a PSE, CSE, or CSV in the previous six months (N=182).

Results: A higher percent of respondents reported masturbation in the PSEs, and there was no difference in the proportion who reported having oral sex, which was a common behavior across venues. No differences were found in unprotected anal intercourse, but other types of anal sex—including anal intercourse and lingual and manual stimulation of the anus—were most prevalent in CSVs, as were encounters involving multiple partners or drug use. Many of these behaviors were seen least frequently in PSEs and at intermediate levels in CSEs.

Conclusions: The setting for public sex influences the sexual practices and risks posed.