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Tip of
the Iceberg: Young Men Who Have Sex With Men, the Internet, and HIV Risk |
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The authors examined the
prevalence of Internet use for meeting sexual partners (Internet partners)
and HIV risk behaviors associated with
such use among men who have sex with men (MSM) ages 16-24 years. A sample of
270 young MSM completed a computer-assisted survey. The investigators used
bivariate X2 analyses and hierarchical logistic regression to assess factors
associated with Internet-facilitated sexual encounters.
The researchers found that using the Internet to meet sexual partners was
common: 48 percent of the sample reported sexual relations with a partner
they met online. Of those, 53 percent used condoms consistently; 47 percent
reported having sexual partners more than 4 years older than themselves.
Regression analyses showed increased age, white race/ethnicity, history of
unprotected anal intercourse, multiple anal intercourse partners, and
engaging in sexual activity at a sex club or bathhouse were associated with
meeting sexual partners on the Internet. History of unprotected anal
intercourse was the only factor associated with risky sexual behaviors with
Internet partners (P<0.025).
"Young men who have sex with men and who seek partners online also engage in
other behaviors that place them at risk for HIV and other sexually
transmitted infections," the authors concluded.
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American Journal
of Public Health Vol. 97; No. 6: P. 1113-1117 (06..07):: Robert Garofalo,
MD, MPH; Amy Herrick, MA; Brian S. Mustanski, PhD; Geri Rachel Donenberg,
PhD |
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We are providing the above information as a public
service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay
media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases
does not constitute endorsement. The above summaries were prepared
without conducting any additional research or investigation into the
facts and statements made in the articles being summarized, and
therefore readers are expressly cautioned against relying on the
validity or invalidity of any statements made in these summaries. This
CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News
Update also includes information from CDC and
other government agencies, such as background on MMWR articles, fact
sheets and announcements. |
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