Venues, Patrons, and Alcohol Use Dynamics: The Creation of a High Risk Sexual Environment

• Published in: AIDS and behavior Vol. 18; no. 11; pp. 2097 - 2109
• Main Authors: Balán, Iván C., Barreda, Victoria, Marone, Rubén, Ávila, María Mercedes, Carballo-Diéguez, Alex
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01-11-2014; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; Adult; Alcohol Abuse; Alcohol Drinking - adverse effects; Alcohol Drinking - psychology; Alcoholic beverages; Alcohols; Argentina - epidemiology; Bars; Bathhouses; Clubs; Condoms; Condoms - supply & distribution; Drinking Behavior; Female; Health Psychology; Health risks; HIV; HIV Infections - etiology; HIV Infections - psychology; Homosexuality; Homosexuality, Male - psychology; Homosexuality, Male - statistics & numerical data; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Infectious Diseases; Intervention; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Metropolitan areas; Middle Aged; Original Paper; Prevention; Public Health; Risk; Risk factors; Sexual behavior; Sexual Behavior - psychology; Sexual orientation; Sexually transmitted diseases; Social Environment; STD; Unsafe Sex - psychology; Unsafe Sex - statistics & numerical data; Venue; Argentina; Buenos Aires Argentina; Argentina, Buenos Aires; Sex-on-premise venues; Bathhouse; Gay bars; SOPV
• ISSN: 1090-7165; 1573-3254
• DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0759-2

Venue-based HIV prevention interventions, especially in sex on premise venues, can disrupt high-risk sexual networks. However, prior to intervening, it is essential to understand the person-venue dynamics that contribute to HIV risk. As such, we conducted five ethnographic observations at each of six venues where alcohol is sold and sex occurs onsite (2 each porn theaters, sex clubs, and dance clubs) frequented by gay and other men who have sex with men (G&MSM) in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. Alcohol use, sexual behavior, and person-venue dynamics differed markedly across venue types. In dance clubs, substantial alcohol consumption often preceded visits to the darkroom for sex which, at times, included unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse. Condoms, although available, were not easily accessible. HIV prevention messaging was generally non-existent. These venues are in critical need of interventions to reduce HIV transmission risk.