Amy M Fasula1, Emeka Oraka2, William L Jeffries3, Monique Carry3, M Cheryl Bañez Ocfemia3, Alexandra B Balaji3, Charles E Rose3, Paula E Jayne4. 1. Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention in the National Center on HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta. afasula@cdc.gov. 2. Health data analyst with ICF International, Atlanta. 3. Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention in the National Center on HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta. 4. Division of Adolescent and School Health in the National Center on HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta.
Abstract
CONTEXT: HIV incidence is increasing among 13-24-year-old U.S. men who have sex with men, yet limited research is available to guide HIV prevention efforts for this population. METHODS: National Survey of Family Growth data collected in 2002, in 2006-2010 and in 2011-2013 from 8,068 males aged 15-24 were analyzed to describe the population of U.S. young sexual minority males (i.e., males reporting same-sex attraction, identity or behavior). Correlates of sexual minority classification were assessed in logistic regression models. RESULTS: An estimated 10% of young males, representing a population of 2.1 million, were sexual minorities. Males had an elevated likelihood of being sexual minorities if they were aged 18-19 or 20-24, rather than 15-17 (prevalence ratio, 1.7 for each); belonged to nonblack, non-Hispanic racial or ethnic minority groups (1.6); had no religious affiliation, rather than considering religion very important (1.9); or lived below the federal poverty level (1.3). They had a reduced likelihood of being sexual minorities if they lived in metropolitan areas outside of central cities (0.7). Among young sexual minority males, 44% were 15-19 years old, 29% were poor and 59% resided outside central cities. Forty-seven percent had engaged in same-sex behavior. Of those with data on all measured dimensions of sexuality, 24% reported same-sex attraction, identity and behavior; 22% considered themselves heterosexual, yet had had a male sex partner. CONCLUSION: Future investigations can further explore subpopulations of young sexual minority males and assess sexual trajectories, resilience and HIV risk.
CONTEXT: HIV incidence is increasing among 13-24-year-old U.S. men who have sex with men, yet limited research is available to guide HIV prevention efforts for this population. METHODS: National Survey of Family Growth data collected in 2002, in 2006-2010 and in 2011-2013 from 8,068 males aged 15-24 were analyzed to describe the population of U.S. young sexual minority males (i.e., males reporting same-sex attraction, identity or behavior). Correlates of sexual minority classification were assessed in logistic regression models. RESULTS: An estimated 10% of young males, representing a population of 2.1 million, were sexual minorities. Males had an elevated likelihood of being sexual minorities if they were aged 18-19 or 20-24, rather than 15-17 (prevalence ratio, 1.7 for each); belonged to nonblack, non-Hispanic racial or ethnic minority groups (1.6); had no religious affiliation, rather than considering religion very important (1.9); or lived below the federal poverty level (1.3). They had a reduced likelihood of being sexual minorities if they lived in metropolitan areas outside of central cities (0.7). Among young sexual minority males, 44% were 15-19 years old, 29% were poor and 59% resided outside central cities. Forty-seven percent had engaged in same-sex behavior. Of those with data on all measured dimensions of sexuality, 24% reported same-sex attraction, identity and behavior; 22% considered themselves heterosexual, yet had had a male sex partner. CONCLUSION: Future investigations can further explore subpopulations of young sexual minority males and assess sexual trajectories, resilience and HIV risk.
Authors: Paul L Reiter; Mira L Katz; Jose A Bauermeister; Abigail B Shoben; Electra D Paskett; Annie-Laurie McRee Journal: JMIR Public Health Surveill Date: 2017-06-02