Involvement in Specific HIV Risk Practices among Men Who Use the Internet to Find Male Partners for Unprotected Sex

PURPOSE: Men who have sex with other men (MSM) account for more than one-half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. and much has been written about their involvement in unprotected anal sex and, to a lesser extent, their oral sex practices. This study reports on the prevalence of these practices and a variety of other risky behaviors in one specific subpopulation of risk-seeking MSM. METHODS: The study was based on a national sample of 332 MSM who use the Internet to seek men with whom they can engage in unprotected sex. Data collection was conducted via telephone interviews between January 2008 and May 2009. RESULTS: Unprotected oral and anal sex were commonplace among study participants. Men engaged in a large number of other risky behaviors as well, including having had multiple sex partners during the preceding 30 days (mean number = 11), simultaneous double penile penetration of the anus (16%), eating semen out of another man's anus (17%), engaging in multiple-partner sexual encounters (47%), engaging in anonymous sex (51%), and having sex while under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs (52%). CONCLUSIONS: HIV intervention and prevention programs need to address numerous behaviors that place MSM at risk for contracting and/or transmitting HIV. Merely focusing on unprotected anal sex, as so many projects do, does a disservice to members of this community, who typically engage in many types of behavioral risk, each of which requires addressing if HIV transmission rates are to be reduced.