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Comparisons of HIV risk behaviors between foreign-born and US-born men who have sex with men (MSM) in New York City
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Liu K.-L.1, Murrill C.1, Koblin B.2, Buckley L.1, Raj-Singh S.1, Torian L.1
1New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, HIV Epidemiology Program, New York, United States, 2New York Blood Center, New York, United States
Monitoring risk behaviors is critical for effective planning and evaluation of prevention services targeting MSM at risk for HIV infection. This study evaluated different risks between foreign-born (FB) and US-born (UB) MSM in New York City.
A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted on MSM recruited through venues as part of the U.S. CDC's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system. Information on risks was collected through a computerized questionnaire by trained interviewers. This analysis includes sexually active MSM who had more than 1 male partner in past 12 months.
RESULTS:
-- Of 503 MSM, 117 (23%) were FB (56% from Latin America/Caribbean).
-- The median age was similar for FB (30 years) and UB (29 years).
-- While 49% of FB were Hispanic, 46% of UB were white.
-- FB were more likely to report a diagnosis of sexually transmitted disease than UB (17 vs. 8%; p<0.01).
-- FB reported higher but not significant proportions in unprotected anal intercourse (59 vs. 51%), injection drug use (5 vs. 4%), non-injection drug use (67 vs. 59%), being high during sex (54 vs. 47%), and HIV-tested (94 vs. 90%).
-- There were no differences between FB and UB for number of male partners, bisexual behavior, sex in exchange for money/drug, or recent HIV testing.
-- Compared to UB, FB reported significantly higher proportions of using pain killers (10 vs. 5%), ecstasy (26 vs. 18%), and poppers (29 vs. 19%). FB were significantly more likely to find male partners at bars (74 vs. 63%) and rave parties (20 vs. 11%), but less likely on the Internet (38 vs. 49%) than UB.
Of 349 who consented to HIV testing, both groups had an 18% prevalence.
Foreign-born and US-born MSM reported various risk behaviors. Subculture-tailored approaches to accessing MSM of different backgrounds are key for successful implementation of interventions.
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