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Objectives. We assessed factors associated with engagement in transactional sex among men who have sex with men recruited from one of the largest Internet sites for men seeking social or sexual interactions with other men in Latin America. Methods. We constructed multilevel logistic regression models to analyze factors associated with engagement in transactional sex in 17 Latin American countries in 2012. Results. Of 24 051 respondents, 1732 (7.2%) reported being paid for sexual intercourse in the past 12 months. In a multivariable model, higher country-level unemployment was associated with increased odds of transactional sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.07 per 1% increase in unemployment; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00, 1.13). Individual or interpersonal factors associated with increased odds of engagement in transactional sex included self-reported HIV (AOR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.69) or sexually transmitted infection (AOR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.59), childhood sexual abuse history (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.48, 2.06), intimate partner violence (past 5 years, AOR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.45, 1.95), and sexual compulsivity (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.49, 2.11). Conclusions. Structural-level economic interventions and those that address individual and interpersonal factors may improve HIV prevention efforts among men who have sex with men who engage in transactional sex. (Am J Public Health. 2015;105:e95–e102. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2014.302402) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the future of Internet-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention. It stresses the need for technology-based HIV prevention interventions, as Internet gay sex sites, Internet porn sites, and gay virtual communities continue to exist to serve as venue for men who have sex with men (MSM) to meet. The identification of computer-assisted survey interviews (CASI) is regarded a key development in behavioral research. However, there are concerns about human subjects protections, data security and access to technologies.

Public health messaging encourages men who have sex with men (MSM) to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV at least yearly, and more frequently depending on sexual behaviors. However, despite engaging in a range of sexual behaviors, many MSM do not participate in regular STI testing. The objective of this study was to understand factors associated with STI testing among a nonclinic-based population of men accessing an Internet-based social and sexual networking site. We asked 25,736 men to complete a comprehensive behavioral and health assessment after being recruited from an Internet site popular among men seeking social or sexual interactions with other men. Analyses were performed using multivariate logistic regression with effects significant at p < 0.05. Two separate predictive models were assessed: STI diagnosis within the past 2 years and STI testing within the past year. Regarding previous STI diagnosis, men who used a condom some of the time or never during both insertive (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72) and receptive (OR = 1.41) anal sex were significantly more likely to have had an STI in the past 2 years. For STI testing, men who never used condoms during receptive anal sex were more likely to have had an STI test within the past year (OR = 1.31), but men who had a STI history were less likely to have been tested (OR = 0.24). Public health efforts directed toward MSM should continue to emphasize screening for STI other than HIV, particularly among those men prioritized during condom promotion campaigns. In addition to the benefits of learning one's STI status, the STI screening and treatment environment itself may provide an important venue for encouraging a range of sexual health promoting behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circumcision's potential link to HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) has been at the center of recent global public health debates. However, data related to circumcision and sexual health remain limited, with most research focused on heterosexual men. This study sought to assess behavioral differences among a large sample of circumcised and noncircumcised men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. Data were collected from 26,257 U.S. MSM through an online survey. Measures included circumcision status, health indicators, HIV/STI screening and diagnosis, sexual behaviors, and condom use. Bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to determine differences between HIV/STI status, sexual behaviors, and condom use among circumcised and noncircumcised men. Circumcision status did not significantly predict HIV testing ( p > 0.05), or HIV serostatus ( p > 0.05), and there were no significant differences based on circumcision status for most STI diagnosis [syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV)]. Being noncircumcised was predictive of herpes-2 diagnosis, however, condom use mediated this relationship. These data provide one of the first large national assessments of circumcision among MSM. While being noncircumcised did not increase the likelihood of HIV and most STI infections, results indicated that circumcision was associated with higher rates of condom use, suggesting that those who promote condoms among MSM may need to better understand condom-related behaviors and attitudes among noncircumcised men to enhance the extent to which they are willing to use condoms consistently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partner notification (PN) is an essential element of local and state-level HIV/STI prevention and control programs. The current study quantitatively assessed the psychosocial and behavioral predictors of PN use among men who have sex with men (MSM) ( n = 189) using multivariable logistic regression procedures. STI history or being HIV-infected were significant predictors of having notified past sexual partners of HIV/STI exposure; engaging in unprotected insertive anal sex and using poppers during sex in the 12 months prior to enrollment resulted in greater odds of PN. Symptoms of social anxiety and having a drinking problem were significant predictors of future willingness to use state department of public health PN services. Efforts to increase PN acceptability should focus on HIV-uninfected MSM, particularly those with STI history. Results suggest how to increase acceptability and use of PN as a public health strategy and underscore the need for counseling as part of the notification process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the Internet as a valuable tool for promoting a new framework for sexual health among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). The fundamental elements involved in a sexual health framework that promotes the overall well-being of MSM while reducing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence are described, including an assets-based approach to research and programs that focus on resilience in the individual and the community. The need for collaborative partnerships to reach MSM who frequent the Internet is discussed.

Latino men represent a quickly growing segment of the U.S. population. As such, it is important to document the health of these individuals. Data were collected from one of the largest gay networking Web sites in the U.S. Using multivariate logistic regression relationships between participant characteristics and sexual health outcomes and behaviors were examined. The sample included 1,880 Latino men self-identifying as gay (83.7%) and bisexual (16.3%). Findings suggest the majority of men had not tested positive for any STD (86.8 - 92.0%) or HIV (79.9%), however overall STD testing was low (33.9%) compared to HIV testing (55.6%) during the previous year. Additionally, education level, employment, sexual orientation, and relationship status significantly influenced a variety of sexual behaviors and sexual health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]