title: Characteristics of a sexual network of behaviorally bisexual men in Vientiane, Lao PDR, 2010.
abstract: Men who have sex with both men and women (behaviorally bisexual men) may be at increased risk of HIV acquisition and transmission due to risky sexual behaviors. We recruited a sexual network comprised of behaviorally bisexual men and their sexual partners in Vientiane, Lao PDR in 2010 to inform our understanding of the potential for HIV transmission among heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual networks. Participants completed a sexual behavior questionnaire and referred < 5 sexual partners. A total of 298 people were recruited, including 63 behaviorally bisexual men. Behaviorally bisexual men reported riskier sexual behaviors (number of sexual partners in the previous 12 months and consistent condom use) than behaviorally homosexual and heterosexual men. Using social network diagrammatic representation, heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual networks are shown to be interlinked. This study demonstrates that behaviorally bisexual men are potential key drivers of HIV epidemics and require a targeted approach to sexual health promotion.
authors: Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3001. carolinevg@burnet.edu.au
authors: Caroline
authors: C
authors: van Gemert
authors: Kongchay
authors: K
authors: Vongsaiya
authors: Chad
authors: C
authors: Hughes
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Jenkinson
authors: Anna L
authors: AL
authors: Bowring
authors: Amphoy
authors: A
authors: Sihavong
authors: Chansy
authors: C
authors: Phimphachanh
authors: Niramonh
authors: N
authors: Chanlivong
authors: Mike
authors: M
authors: Toole
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Hellard
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007812:Laos / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult