Search

The temporal trends in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among men who have sex with men (MSM) are determined. The results concluded that continuous trend analysis is important as it allows to follow UAI closely and to implement intervention strategies that might help to stop or reduce the present trend.

ABSTRACT: A measure of sexual activity (homosexual vs. bisexual) and a measure of sexual identification (homosexual/gay vs. bisexual) were combined to classify men who have sex with men (MSM) for [...]

Objectives. We studied the prevalence and incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the ongoing Omega Cohort Study of men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods. From January to September 2001, consenting men (n=1085) attending a follow-up visit to the ongoing Omega Cohort Study were tested for HCV. If the test results were positive for HCV, we compared them with test results from previous serum samples collected from the time of entry into the original cohort study to determine the time of infection. Results. HCV prevalence at entry was 2.9% and was strongly associated with injection drug use (32.9% vs 0.3%, P Conclusions. Sexual transmission of HCV among MSM appears to be rare.

The authors have investigated risk factors associated with HIV incidence among bisexual and gay men in Canada. Results demonstrate that HIV-positive bisexual and gay men usually live in unstable conditions and display more risky substance use and sexual behavior that HIV-negative men.

Many gay men in Montreal still participate in risky sexual behavior, according to researchers connected to the Omega Cohort project. Older gay men were just as likely as young men to engage in risky behavior.

Objectives. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among men who have sex with men. Methods. At the baseline visit of an HIV study among men who have sex with men, we asked about HBV vaccination status and tested for HBV markers. Results. Of 625 subjects, 48% had received at least 1 dose of HBV vaccine. Of 328 unvaccinated men, 41% had 1 or more HBV markers. HBV prevalence increased markedly with age and was associated with many sexual and drug related behaviors. In a multivariate model, 7 variables were independently associated with HBV infection: ulcerative sexually transmitted diseases (odds ratio [OR] = 10.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.6, 54); injection drug use (OR = 5.2; 95% CI = 1.2, 26); gonorrhea or chlamydia (OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.9, 8.9); sexual partner with HIV/AIDS (OR = 3.6; 95% CI = 1.8, 7.1); 50 or more casual partners (OR = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.6, 7.1); received money for sex (OR= 3.0; 95% CI = 1.2, 7.8); and 20 or more regular partners (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.1, 6.1). Conclusions. In Montreal, men who have sex with men are at risk for HBV infection, but a substantial proportion remain unvaccinated; new strategies are required to improve coverage. Men who have sex with men and who have a sexually transmitted infection, especially a genito-ulcerative infection, appear to be at particularly high risk for HBV infection. (Am J Public Health. 2000;90:1570-1574)