Age-Specific Race and Ethnicity Disparities in HIV Infection and Awareness Among Men Who Have Sex With Men—20 US Cities, 2008–2014

• Published in: The Journal of infectious diseases Vol. 213; no. 5; pp. 776 - 783
• Main Authors: Wejnert, Cyprian, Hess, Kristen L., Rose, Charles E., Balaji, Alexandra, Smith, Justin C., Paz-Bailey, Gabriela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 01-03-2016
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aging; Continental Population Groups - psychology; Data Collection; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Infections - ethnology; HIV Infections - psychology; HIV/AIDS; Homosexuality, Male - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Major and Brief Reports; Male; Middle Aged; Poisson Distribution; Risk Factors; Time Factors; United States - epidemiology; Young Adult; United States; USA; health disparities; HIV; MSM; black MSM
• ISSN: 0022-1899; 1537-6613
• DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv500

Background. Over half of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the United States occur among men who have sex with men (MSM). Among MSM, 16% of estimated new infections in 2010 occurred among black MSM <25 years old. Methodology. We analyzed National HIV Behavioral Surveillance data on MSM from 20 cities. Poisson models were used to test racial disparities, by age, in HIV prevalence, HIV awareness, and sex behaviors among MSM in 2014. Data from 2008, 2011, and 2014 were used to examine how racial/ethnic disparities changed across time. Results. While black MSM did not report greater sexual risk than other MSM, they were most likely to be infected with HIV and least likely to know it. Among black MSM aged 18–24 years tested in 2014, 26% were HIV positive. Among white MSM aged 18–24 years tested in 2014, 3% were HIV positive. The disparity in HIV prevalence between black and white MSM increased from 2008 to 2014, especially among young MSM. Conclusions. Disparities in HIV prevalence between black and white MSM continue to increase. Black MSM may be infected with HIV at younger ages than other MSM and may benefit from prevention efforts that address the needs of younger men.