Christian Grov1, H Jonathon Rendina, Ana Ventuneac, Jeffrey T Parsons. 1. Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA; Center for HIV/AIDS Educational Studies and Training (CHEST), New York, NY, USA; CUNY School of Public Health, The Graduate Center of CUNY, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Researchers have investigated group sexual encounters (GSEs) as potential sources for HIV/STI transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM); however, much of this work has focused on organized sex parties. AIM: To compare behavioral and social characteristics of groups of men who engaged in three types of GSEs: threesomes, spontaneous group sex, and organized sex parties. METHODS: In 2012, 1,815 U.S.-based MSM completed an online survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We compared men based on their most recent type of GSE: threesome (68.2%), spontaneous group sex (19.7%), or organized sex party (12.1%). RESULTS: Using multinomial logistic regression, with type of GSE as the dependent variable, MSM who were HIV-positive, used stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, crack), consumed five or more alcoholic drinks, and reported receptive unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) during the most recent GSE had significantly higher odds of having had spontaneous group sex as compared to a threesome. MSM who were HIV-positive, not in a relationship, and did not report receptive UAI during the most recent GSE had significantly higher odds of having attended an organized sex party as compared to a threesome. MSM who were in a relationship, had consumed five or more alcoholic drinks, had used stimulants, and reported receptive UAI during the most recent GSE had significantly higher odds of having had spontaneous group sex as compared to an organized sex party. Compared to others, those having engaged in a GSE were more likely to report recent UAI (65% vs. 45%). CONCLUSIONS: Men having engaged in a GSE were at greater risk for behaviors that transmit HIV and STIs. Unique social and behavioral characteristics inherent to threesomes, spontaneous group sex, and sex parties highlight the need to identify prevention strategies to help those who participate in GSEs reduce their risk for HIV and STI transmission.
INTRODUCTION: Researchers have investigated group sexual encounters (GSEs) as potential sources for HIV/STI transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM); however, much of this work has focused on organized sex parties. AIM: To compare behavioral and social characteristics of groups of men who engaged in three types of GSEs: threesomes, spontaneous group sex, and organized sex parties. METHODS: In 2012, 1,815 U.S.-based MSM completed an online survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We compared men based on their most recent type of GSE: threesome (68.2%), spontaneous group sex (19.7%), or organized sex party (12.1%). RESULTS: Using multinomial logistic regression, with type of GSE as the dependent variable, MSM who were HIV-positive, used stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, crack), consumed five or more alcoholic drinks, and reported receptive unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) during the most recent GSE had significantly higher odds of having had spontaneous group sex as compared to a threesome. MSM who were HIV-positive, not in a relationship, and did not report receptive UAI during the most recent GSE had significantly higher odds of having attended an organized sex party as compared to a threesome. MSM who were in a relationship, had consumed five or more alcoholic drinks, had used stimulants, and reported receptive UAI during the most recent GSE had significantly higher odds of having had spontaneous group sex as compared to an organized sex party. Compared to others, those having engaged in a GSE were more likely to report recent UAI (65% vs. 45%). CONCLUSIONS:Men having engaged in a GSE were at greater risk for behaviors that transmit HIV and STIs. Unique social and behavioral characteristics inherent to threesomes, spontaneous group sex, and sex parties highlight the need to identify prevention strategies to help those who participate in GSEs reduce their risk for HIV and STI transmission.
Authors: Joshua G Rosenberger; Michael Reece; Vanessa Schick; Debby Herbenick; David S Novak; Barbara Van Der Pol; J Dennis Fortenberry Journal: J Sex Med Date: 2011-08-24 Impact factor: 3.802
Authors: Matthew J Mimiaga; Sari L Reisner; Sean Bland; Kevin Cranston; Deborah Isenberg; Maura A Driscoll; Rodney VanDerwarker; Kenneth H Mayer Journal: AIDS Patient Care STDS Date: 2010-10 Impact factor: 5.078
Authors: Garrett P Prestage; Jeff Hudson; Ian Down; Jack Bradley; Nick Corrigan; Michael Hurley; Andrew E Grulich; David McInnes Journal: AIDS Behav Date: 2008-09-26
Authors: Christian Grov; Drew A Westmoreland; Pedro B Carneiro; Matthew Stief; Caitlin MacCrate; Chloe Mirzayi; David W Pantalone; Viraj V Patel; Denis Nash Journal: Ann Epidemiol Date: 2019-05-16 Impact factor: 3.797
Authors: Christian Grov; H Jonathon Rendina; Aaron S Breslow; Ana Ventuneac; Stephan Adelson; Jeffrey T Parsons Journal: Sex Transm Infect Date: 2013-09-19 Impact factor: 3.519