Risk patterns preceding diagnosis among newly HIV-diagnosed men who have sex with men in New York City.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for contracting and transmitting HIV. They are increasingly encouraged to get tested, but understanding of the interplay between HIV testing and risk behavior is limited. One hundred fifty newly HIV-diagnosed (within past 3 months) MSM were recruited from a community clinic in New York City. Participants completed an interview assessing sexual behavior and substance use during the 3 months pre-diagnosis, current depressive symptoms, and prior HIV testing. HIV-related health characteristics at diagnosis were abstracted from medical records. Analyses examined factors associated with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the 3 months pre-diagnosis, and with a negative HIV test in the 12 months pre-diagnosis. The sample was young (mean age=32.5, SD=8.8), ethnically diverse (62% racial/ethnic minority), low-income (71%≤$30,000/year), and educated (48% college/advanced degree). Most (95%) had a prior negative HIV test, 55% within the last 12 months. Significant risk behavior was reported, with 79% reporting UAI. UAI was associated with recent testing and use of substances during sexual behavior. Recent testing was associated with being employed/a student, having had UAI, and higher CD4 count. Implications for future research addressing perceived HIV risk, HIV testing utilization, and risk behavior are discussed.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Drabkin, AS; Sikkema, KJ; Wilson, PA; Meade, CS; Hansen, NB; DeLorenzo, A; Kochman, A; MacFarlane, JC; Watt, MH; Aunon, FM; Ranby, KW; Mayer, G

Published Date

  • June 2013

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 27 / 6

Start / End Page

  • 333 - 341

PubMed ID

  • 23730703

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC3701313

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1557-7449

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1089/apc.2012.0313

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States