Abstract
Venue-based characteristics (e.g., alcohol in bars, anonymous chat online, dark/quiet spaces in bathhouses) can impact how
men who have sex with men (MSM) negotiate sex and HIV-associated risk behavior. We sought to determine the association between
HIV-associated risk factors and the venues where MSM met their most recent new (first-time) male sex partner, using data from
a 2004 to 2005 national online anonymous survey of MSM in the U.S. (n = 2,865). Most men (62%) met their partner through the Internet. Among those reporting anal sex during their last encounter
(n = 1,550), half had not used a condom. In multivariate modeling, and among men reporting anal sex during their last encounter,
venue where partner was met was not significantly associated with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). Nevertheless, venue
was related to other factors that contextualized men’s sexual encounters. For example, HIV status disclosure was lowest among
men who met their most recent partner in a park, outdoors, or other public place and highest among men who met their most
recent partner online. Alcohol use prior to/during the last sexual encounter was highest among men who met their most recent
partner in a bathhouse or a bar/club/party/event. These data suggest it is possible to reach men online who seek sex in many
different venues, thus potentially broadening the impact of prevention messages delivered in virtual environments. Although
not associated with UAI, venues are connected to social-behavioral facets of corresponding sexual encounters, and may be important
arenas for differential HIV and STI education, treatment, and prevention.
men who have sex with men (MSM) negotiate sex and HIV-associated risk behavior. We sought to determine the association between
HIV-associated risk factors and the venues where MSM met their most recent new (first-time) male sex partner, using data from
a 2004 to 2005 national online anonymous survey of MSM in the U.S. (n = 2,865). Most men (62%) met their partner through the Internet. Among those reporting anal sex during their last encounter
(n = 1,550), half had not used a condom. In multivariate modeling, and among men reporting anal sex during their last encounter,
venue where partner was met was not significantly associated with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). Nevertheless, venue
was related to other factors that contextualized men’s sexual encounters. For example, HIV status disclosure was lowest among
men who met their most recent partner in a park, outdoors, or other public place and highest among men who met their most
recent partner online. Alcohol use prior to/during the last sexual encounter was highest among men who met their most recent
partner in a bathhouse or a bar/club/party/event. These data suggest it is possible to reach men online who seek sex in many
different venues, thus potentially broadening the impact of prevention messages delivered in virtual environments. Although
not associated with UAI, venues are connected to social-behavioral facets of corresponding sexual encounters, and may be important
arenas for differential HIV and STI education, treatment, and prevention.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10508-011-9854-x
- Authors
- Christian Grov, Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
- Sabina Hirshfield, Public Health Solutions, New York, NY, USA
- Robert H. Remien, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Mike Humberstone, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, New York, NY, USA
- Mary Ann Chiasson, Public Health Solutions, New York, NY, USA
- Journal Archives of Sexual Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-2800
- Print ISSN 0004-0002