OBJECTIVE: Several recent studies have reported high rates of sexual risk-taking and HIV infection among young men who have sex with men (MSM). Most of these studies used samples of convenience. The authors obtained population-based data on young MSM living in South Beach (Miami Beach, Florida), a resort community where some of the highest AIDS rates in the United States have been reported. METHODS: A household probability sample was drawn to survey unmarried 18- to 29-year-old MSM living in South Beach. Subjects were interviewed, completed self-administered questionnaires, and provided oral specimens for HIV antibody testing. RESULTS: From the 2,622 screened residential units, 100 mostly white and Hispanic MSM (92.6% of eligible participants) were enrolled in the study. Fifteen percent of the sample tested positive for antibodies to HIV. White and Hispanic MSM had similar rates. Forty-five percent of the sample reported engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the prior 12 months, and 31% reported UAI with a nonprimary partner. The estimated annual incidence of HIV infection was 6.3%. CONCLUSION: The high prevalences of UAI and HIV infection in South Beach attest to a previously undocumented public health concern. The extremely high estimated incidence for young MSM in South Beach highlights the urgent need for more effective risk-reduction interventions and further epidemiological research on resort areas.
OBJECTIVE: Several recent studies have reported high rates of sexual risk-taking and HIV infection among young men who have sex with men (MSM). Most of these studies used samples of convenience. The authors obtained population-based data on young MSM living in South Beach (Miami Beach, Florida), a resort community where some of the highest AIDS rates in the United States have been reported. METHODS: A household probability sample was drawn to survey unmarried 18- to 29-year-old MSM living in South Beach. Subjects were interviewed, completed self-administered questionnaires, and provided oral specimens for HIV antibody testing. RESULTS: From the 2,622 screened residential units, 100 mostly white and Hispanic MSM (92.6% of eligible participants) were enrolled in the study. Fifteen percent of the sample tested positive for antibodies to HIV. White and Hispanic MSM had similar rates. Forty-five percent of the sample reported engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the prior 12 months, and 31% reported UAI with a nonprimary partner. The estimated annual incidence of HIV infection was 6.3%. CONCLUSION: The high prevalences of UAI and HIV infection in South Beach attest to a previously undocumented public health concern. The extremely high estimated incidence for young MSM in South Beach highlights the urgent need for more effective risk-reduction interventions and further epidemiological research on resort areas.
Authors: Spencer Lieb; Samuel R Friedman; Mary Beth Zeni; Dale D Chitwood; Thomas M Liberti; Gary J Gates; Lisa R Metsch; Lorene M Maddox; Tamara Kuper Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2004-09 Impact factor: 3.671
Authors: Elizabeth A Salomon; Matthew J Mimiaga; Marla J Husnik; Seth L Welles; Marc W Manseau; Arnel B Montenegro; Steven A Safren; Beryl A Koblin; Margaret A Chesney; Kenneth H Mayer Journal: AIDS Behav Date: 2008-08-15
Authors: David W Forrest; Lisa R Metsch; Marlene LaLota; Gabriel Cardenas; Dano W Beck; Yves Jeanty Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2010-01-26 Impact factor: 3.671
Authors: Ethan Gough; Mirjam C Kempf; Laura Graham; Marvin Manzanero; Edward W Hook; Al Bartolucci; Eric Chamot Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2010-12-21 Impact factor: 3.295