HIV risk associated with gay bathhouses and sex clubs: findings from 2 seattle surveys of factors related to HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
OBJECTIVE
We studied the HIV risk behaviors of patrons of the 3 commercial sex venues for men in Seattle, Washington.


METHODS
We conducted cross-sectional, observational surveys in 2004 and 2006 by use of time-venue cluster sampling with probability proportional to size. Surveys were anonymous and self-reported. We analyzed the 2004 data to identify patron characteristics and predictors of risk behaviors and compared the 2 survey populations.


RESULTS
Fourteen percent of respondents reported a previous HIV-positive test, 14% reported unprotected anal intercourse, and 9% reported unprotected anal intercourse with a partner of unknown or discordant HIV status during the current commercial sex venue visit. By logistic regression, recent unprotected anal intercourse outside of a commercial sex venue was independently associated with unprotected anal intercourse. Sex venue site and patron drug use were strongly associated with unprotected anal intercourse at the crude level. The 2004 and 2006 survey populations did not differ significantly in demographics or behaviors.


CONCLUSIONS
Patron and venue-specific characteristics factors may each influence the frequency of HIV risk behaviors in commercial sex venues. Future research should evaluate the effect of structural and individual-level interventions on HIV transmission.
Reidy
William J
WJ
Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Seattle, USA. wr2205@columbia.edu
Spielberg
Freya
F
Wood
Robert
R
Binson
Diane
D
Woods
William J
WJ
Goldbaum
Gary M
GM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001494:Baths; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D047568:Unsafe Sex; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D013287:Illicit Drugs