Minority Men Who Have Sex with Men Demonstrate Increased Risk for HIV Transmission

Black and Hispanic (minority) MSM have a higher incidence of HIV than white MSM. Multiple sexual partners, being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol during sex, having a detectable HIV-1 RNA, and non-condom use are factors associated with HIV transmission. Using data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study, we consider minority status and sexual orientation jointly to characterize and compare these factors. White non-MSM had the lowest prevalence of these factors (p < 0.001) and were used as the comparator group in calculating odds ratios (OR). Both MSM groups were more likely to report multiple sex partners (white MSM OR 7.50; 95 % CI 5.26, 10.71; minority MSM OR 10.24; 95 % CI 7.44, 14.08), and more likely to be under the influence during sex (white MSM OR 2.15; 95 % CI 1.49, 3.11; minority MSM OR 2.94; 95 % CI 2.16, 4.01). Only minority MSM were more likely to have detectable HIV-1 RNA (OR 1.87; 95 % CI 1.12, 3.11). Both MSM groups were more likely to use condoms than white non-MSM. These analyses suggest that tailored interventions to prevent HIV transmission among minority MSM are needed, with awareness of the potential co-occurrence of risk factors.