Factors Driving HIV Infection Among Young MSM in the U.S.

Keith Henry, MD reviewing Halkitis P et al. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015 Mar 27.

In this population, black race, earlier age at sexual debut with another man, and low perceived social economic status increased risk for acquiring HIV infection.

Efforts to further decrease new HIV infections in the U.S. require an understanding of demographic and other factors that increase risk. In 2010, 63% of new infections occurred in men who have sex with men (MSM), of whom 36% were black and 30% were aged 13 to 24. Young black MSM were particularly at risk — 45% of the newly infected black MSM were in this age group.

To investigate risk factors associated with HIV acquisition in young MSM, researchers conducted a prospective cohort study involving 18- and 19-year-old MSM living in the New York City area. Participants were assessed for HIV status and risk behaviors at baseline and every 6 months thereafter for 3 years. Forty-three (7.2%) of the 594 participants seroconverted during the study period. Cox proportional hazards models revealed risk for HIV seroconversion to be significantly increased among individuals who were black, Hispanic, or mixed/other race; those who were younger at sexual debut with another man; and those with a perceived low familial socioeconomic status.

Citation(s):

Halkitis P et al. Incidence of HIV infection in young gay, bisexual, and other YMSM: The P18 Cohort Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015 Mar 27; [e-pub].