Demographic Differences in Sexual Risk-taking Behaviors of Gay, Bisexual, and other YMSM Ages 13-29

Background: Epidemiological data indicate a rise in HIV infections among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States, especially among Black and Latino men. The purpose of the study was to document the sexual risk behaviors of YMSM, 13-29 years of age, in New York City. Methods: Using handheld software, we administered a quantitative survey to 580 YMSM who were recruited for participation at social and educational venues throughout the metropolitan area. Results: Young adults (25-29 years) reported a greater number of lifetime sexual partners, but the adolescents (13-17 years) and emerging adults (18-24 years) reported having their first sexual encounter with another man at a younger age. Black and Latino men first engaged in various sexual behaviors, including receptive anal intercourse, at a younger age than either Asian/Pacific Islander or White men. Across race/ethnicity, YMSM selected an equivalent number of recent casual sex partners who matched to their own races and ages. During the most recent sexual encounter with a casual partner, most men reported not knowing their partner's HIV status, and Black men were more likely than White men to have had unprotected receptive anal intercourse with a casual partner. Conclusions: Black and Latino YMSM may be at increased risk for seroconversion because they tend to engage in sexual behaviors at earlier ages and with men of concordant race/ethnicity where prevalence of HIV infection may be higher. These developmental and cultural understandings should be embedded into HIV prevention for a new generation of YMSM.