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Sexual Partnering and HIV Risk among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: New York City

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Abstract

Black men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected with HIV in the US. Limited event-specific data have been reported in Black MSM to help understand factors associated with increased risk of infection. Cross-sectional National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Study data from 503 MSM who reported ≥1 male sexual partner in the past year in New York City (NYC) were analyzed. Case-crossover analysis compared last protected and last unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). A total of 503 MSM were enrolled. Among 349 tested for HIV, 18% were positive. Black MSM (N = 117) were more likely to test HIV positive and not know their HIV-positive status than other racial/ethnic groups. Case-crossover analysis of 208 MSM found that men were more likely to engage in protected anal intercourse with a first time partner and with a partner of unknown HIV status. Although Black MSM were more likely to have Black male partners, they were not more likely to have UAI with those partners or to have a partner aged >40 years. In conclusion, HIV prevalence was high among Black MSM in NYC, as was lack of awareness of HIV-positive status. Having a sexual partner of same race/ethnicity or older age was not associated with having UAI among Black MSM.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a contract to the New York Blood Center from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (contract no. 04AS19400R0X00) and by a cooperative agreement between the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U62/CCU2233595-02-3). This study was presented in part at the 16th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Montreal, Canada, February 8–11, 2009.

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Correspondence to Hong-Van Tieu.

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Tieu, HV., Murrill, C., Xu, G. et al. Sexual Partnering and HIV Risk among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: New York City. J Urban Health 87, 113–121 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-009-9416-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-009-9416-x

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