HIV infection and associated risks among young men who have sex with men in a Florida resort community.
OBJECTIVE
Several recent studies have reported high rates of sexual risk-taking and HIV infection among young men who have sex with men (MSM). Most of these studies used samples of convenience. The authors obtained population-based data on young MSM living in South Beach (Miami Beach, Florida), a resort community where some of the highest AIDS rates in the United States have been reported.


METHODS
A household probability sample was drawn to survey unmarried 18- to 29-year-old MSM living in South Beach. Subjects were interviewed, completed self-administered questionnaires, and provided oral specimens for HIV antibody testing.


RESULTS
From the 2,622 screened residential units, 100 mostly white and Hispanic MSM (92.6% of eligible participants) were enrolled in the study. Fifteen percent of the sample tested positive for antibodies to HIV. White and Hispanic MSM had similar rates. Forty-five percent of the sample reported engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the prior 12 months, and 31% reported UAI with a nonprimary partner. The estimated annual incidence of HIV infection was 6.3%.


CONCLUSIONS
The high prevalences of UAI and HIV infection in South Beach attest to a previously undocumented public health concern. The extremely high estimated incidence for young MSM in South Beach highlights the urgent need for more effective risk-reduction interventions and further epidemiological research on resort areas.
Webster
Robert D
RD
Department of Public Health, College of Health and Urban Affairs, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA. rwebster@psg.ucsf.edu
Darrow
William W
WW
Paul
Jay P
JP
Roark
Randall A
RA
Woods
William J
WJ
Stempel
Robert R
RR
D000328:Adult; D001493:Bathing Beaches; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors; D021841:Safe Sex; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D015483:HIV Antibodies