Faculty Collaboration Database

Sexual risk and HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men travelers to Key West, Florida: a mathematical modeling analysis. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2006 Aug;20(8):549-56

Date

08/09/2006

Pubmed ID

16893324

DOI

10.1089/apc.2006.20.549

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-33748873488 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   40 Citations

Abstract

The present study investigated the sexual risk behaviors of men who have sex with men (MSM) traveling to a popular gay tourist destination in the United States. In 2004, a brief survey was administered to 247 MSM tourists recruited from gay-oriented venues in Key West, Florida. Data collected included demographics, HIV status, length of stay, substance use, and sexual risk behaviors. A probabilistic model of HIV transmission was used to translate participants' reports of their sexual behaviors while in Key West into estimates of their risk of acquiring HIV. Twenty-two percent of participants reported anal sex with multiple partners over a relatively brief period (M = 4.1 days), and approximately one third reported having sex with a partner met during the vacation period. Modeling analyses suggested that sexual activity among vacationing MSM would account for approximately 201 new HIV infections among MSM visitors to Key West each year. Although previous studies have documented sexual risk behavior in travelers, quantitative estimates of the impact of these behaviors on the spread of HIV are lacking. Findings suggest that the risk-taking behavior of MSM on vacation may play an important role in the dissemination of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Future research should assess additional factors (e.g., use of highly active antiretroviral therapy) that may affect HIV transmission in MSM travelers. In addition, efforts are needed to develop effective risk-reduction interventions for this population.

Author List

Benotsch EG, Mikytuck JJ, Ragsdale K, Pinkerton SD

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Condoms
Florida
HIV Infections
Health Surveys
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Likelihood Functions
Male
Prevalence
Risk
Risk-Taking
Sexual Behavior
Substance-Related Disorders
Travel