title: Cruising Venues as a Context for HIV Risky Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex With Men.
abstract: We examined differences in sexual risk behaviors, HIV prevalence, and demographic characteristics between men who have sex with men (MSM) who visit different types of venues to meet sexual partners, and identified correlates of high-risk behaviors. A cross-sectional behavioral survey was conducted with a venue-based sample of 1011 MSM in Portugal. Overall, 36.3 % of MSM usually visit cruising venues to meet sexual partners (63.7 % only visit social gay venues). Cruising venues' visitors reported higher HIV prevalence (14.6 % [95 % CI 11-18 %] vs. 5.5 % [95 % CI 4-7 %]). Visiting cruising venues was more likely among those older, reporting high number of male sexual partners, group sex, and unprotected anal sex with a partner whose HIV status was unknown. Cruising venues play an important role in increasing risk of HIV transmission among MSM who frequent them. Venue-focused behavioral interventions that promote healthy sexual behaviors are needed.
authors.affiliation: Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, n. 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal. agama@ihmt.unl.pt.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gama
authors.affiliation: Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, n. 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abecasis
authors.affiliation: Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, n. 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pingarilho
authors.affiliation: Grupo Português de Ativistas sobre Tratamentos de VIH/SIDA, Lisbon, Portugal.
authors.forename: Luís
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mendão
authors.affiliation: Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, n. 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal.
authors.forename: Maria O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.affiliation: Institute of Public Health of University of Porto, University of Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Henrique
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Barros
authors.affiliation: Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, n. 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal.
authors.forename: Sónia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dias
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011174:Portugal / Q000453:epidemiology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cruising venues; HIV; Men who have sex with men; Risk behavior; Sexual orientation