Is the experience of hunger associated with risk of engaging in condomless anal sex among minority young men who have sex with men?

Although emerging evidence suggests that hunger may be a risk factor for engaging in risk behaviors that lead to HIV acquisition, this has rarely been explored for young minority men who have sex with men (YMSM). This study explored a range of sexual risk behaviors for associations with a measure of hunger, assessed among 448 YMSM residing in Los Angeles, CA. Forty-five percent experienced hunger (past 12 months). Hunger was significantly associated with engaging in any condomless anal receptive sex (CARS) (adjusted odds ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence interval = 1.01–3.01; P = .049). Further, hunger was also significantly associated with a greater percentage of CARS (Beta = .12; t = 2.18; P = .03). Parallel effects were not observed relative to condomless anal insertive sex. Findings suggest that the experience of hunger among young minority MSM is generally not associated with a milieu of sexual risk. One important exception is that hunger may lead to having CARS. This suggests a potential ‘trade off’ for receptive partners experiencing hunger and partially supports the idea that at hunger may predispose minority YMSM to partner demands not to use condoms.