Tieu HV, Liu TY, Hussen S, Connor M, Wang L, Buchbinder S, Wilton L, Gorbach P, Mayer K, Griffith S, Kelly C, Elharrar V, Phillips G, Cummings V, Koblin B, Latkin C; HPTN 061. Sexual Networks and HIV Risk among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in 6 U.S. Cities. PLoS One. 2015, 10: e0134085. PMC4524662
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Sexual networks may place U.S. Black men who have sex with men (MSM) at increased HIV risk. METHODS: Self-reported egocentric sexual network data from the prior six months were collected from 1,349 community-recruited Black MSM in HPTN 061, a multi-component HIV prevention intervention feasibility study. Sexual network composition, size, and density (extent to which members are having sex with one another) were compared by self-reported HIV serostatus and age of the men. GEE models assessed network and other factors associated with having a Black sex partner, having a partner with at least two age category difference (age difference between participant and partner of at least two age group categories), and having serodiscordant/serostatus unknown unprotected anal/vaginal intercourse (SDUI) in the last six months. RESULTS: Over half had exclusively Black partners in the last six months, 46% had a partner of at least two age category difference, 87% had