HIV risk factors reported by two samples of male bathhouse attendees in Los Angeles, California, 2001-2002.
BACKGROUND
We aimed to describe the use of voluntary HIV counseling and testing services, risk behaviors, and risk factors for unprotected anal sex (UAS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) who attended a bathhouse in Los Angeles during 2001-2002.


METHODS
Using 2 cross-sectional study samples, we compared (in order below) 458 of 640 MSM who used voluntary HIV counseling and testing in the bathhouse with 398 MSM surveyed upon exit. Within each group, logistic regression identified factors associated with UAS at their most recent bathhouse visit.


RESULTS
Of 640 MSM, 71 (11%) tested HIV-positive for the first time. Of the 50 HIV-positive MSM who completed a survey, 50% tested because of the convenient services. Similar proportions of MSM in both survey samples reported UAS (7%-8%) during their recent bathhouse visit. Risk factors associated with UAS in both survey samples were UAS with men outside the bathhouse and greater numbers of partners within the bathhouse.


CONCLUSIONS
Comprehensive prevention services provided within bathhouses may reduce undiagnosed HIV infections among MSM, and targeting HIV prevention at the bathhouse may reduce risks with partners both inside and outside the bathhouse.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, HIV Epidemiology Program, Los Angeles, California 90005, USA. tbingham@ph.lacounty.gov
Trista A
TA
Bingham
Gina M
GM
Secura
Stephanie K
SK
Behel
J Gordon
JG
Bunch
Paul A
PA
Simon
Duncan A
DA
MacKellar
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003376:Counseling; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012747:Sexual Partners; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D035141:Voluntary Programs