Determinants of Recent HIV Infection Among Seattle-Area Men Who Have Sex With Men

The study authors sought to identify HIV infection risk factors related to partner selection and sexual behaviors with those partners among men who have sex with men (MSM) in King County, Wash.

Participants were recruited from Seattle-area HIV testing sites. Recent HIV infection was assessed by the Serologic Testing Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion (STARHS) or a self-reporting previous HIV-negative test. Computer-based self-interviews collected data on behaviors with three male partners. Generalized estimating equation models identified partnership factors associated with recent infection.

Data from 32 HIV-positive MSM (58 partners) and 110 HIV-negative MSM (213 partners) were analyzed. Multivariate analysis showed recent infection was associated with meeting partners at bathhouses or sex clubs, bars or dance clubs, or online; use of methamphetamine during unprotected anal sex; and unprotected anal intercourse, except with HIV-negative primary partners.

The authors concluded that improved efforts to promote condom use with casual partners -- regardless of their partner's HIV status -- are needed, as are new strategies to control methamphetamine use in MSM and to reduce risk behaviors related to meeting partners at high-risk venues.

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