[Increase in the prevalence of HIV and in associated risk behaviors in men who have sex with men: 12 years of behavioral surveillance surveys in Catalonia (Spain)].
OBJECTIVE
To describe trends in HIV prevalence, in risk behaviors associated with HIV transmission, and in knowledge and attitudes related to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited in Catalonia between 1995 and 2006.


METHODS
Biannual cross-sectional surveys were performed. An opportunistic sample of MSM was recruited in saunas, sex shops, bars and a cruising site in a public park. In addition, an anonymous self-administered questionnaire was sent by mail to all members of a gay and lesbian association (Coordinadora Gai-Lesbiana). Oral fluid samples were collected to determine HIV prevalence. Linear trends in proportions were assessed by the chi(2) test, stratified by age.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of HIV infection increased from 8.5% (1995) to 14.1% (2006) among men aged less than 30 years old (p=0.162) and from 18.2% (1995) to 21.2% (2006) among those aged 30 years old or more (p=0.07). Consistent condom use in anal intercourse with occasional partners decreased from 72.9% to 58.7% in men aged less than 30 years old (p <0.05) and from 77.2% to 65.6% in those aged 30 years old or more (p<0.001). The proportion of men who reported they chose riskier behaviors because of ART increased from 9.2% to 19.4% in men aged less than 30 years old and from 8.3% to 16.7% in those aged 30 years old or more (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
An increasing trend in the prevalence of HIV and associated risk behaviors was found in Catalonia among MSM. Therefore, preventive programs targeting this population should be intensified and should include new risk reduction strategies, as well as other educational messages about ART.
Folch
Cinta
C
Centre d'Estudis Epidemiològics sobre les Infeccions de Transmissió Sexual i Sida de Catalunya (CEEISCAT)-ICO, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, España. cft.ceescat.germanstrias@gencat.cat
Casabona
Jordi
J
Muñoz
Rafael
R
González
Victoria
V
Zaragoza
Kati
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000523:psychology; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015897:Comorbidity; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012463:Saliva / Q000821:virology; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult