Nonnegligible increasing temporal trends in unprotected anal intercourse among men who have sexual relations with other men in Montreal.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to determine temporal trends in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among men who have sex with other men (MSM) participating in the Omega Cohort Study, 1997-2003.


METHODS
The Omega Cohort Study was a longitudinal study of HIV-negative MSM aged 16 years or older and living in Montreal. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires and interviews every 6 months. Trend analysis using the generalized estimating equation was done for length of cohort membership (visits) and by calendar time for all visits, per type of sexual partner. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to measure the odds of increasing UAI per 6-month period.


RESULTS
Among subjects who were followed for at least 4 years, UAI increased with regular seroconcordant partners (OR, 1.06, 95% CI 1.04-1.09), and any type of partner (OR, 1.05, 95% CI 1.03- 1.07). There was a nonnegligible increase in UAI with casual partners (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09). For the analysis by calendar time, there were increases in UAI between with regular seroconcordant partners (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05) and any type of partner (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.04). There were nonnegligible increases in UAI with casual partners (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05) and with any type of partner except regular seroconcordant partner from 15.7% to 18.8% (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04).


CONCLUSIONS
There was a nonnegligible and consistent increase in UAI among Omega participants, between 1997 and 2003. Continuous trend analysis is important because it allows us to closely follow UAI and to implement intervention strategies that may help to stop or reduce the present trend.
Mental Health Services, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Clemon
C
George
Michel
M
Alary
Joanne
J
Otis
Eric
E
Demers
Benoît
B
Mâsse
René
R
Lavoie
Robert S
RS
Remis
Bruno
B
Turmel
Jean
J
Vincelette
Raymond
R
Parent
Roger
R
LeClerc
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011792:Quebec; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*