OA07.01
Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) comprise the largest proportion of new HIV diagnosis in the United States (CDC, 2012). The prevalence among Black MSM is higher than that of Latino or White MSM (Jeffries, 2012). Most studies documenting HIV incidence among Black MSM have been based on cross-sectional studies of HIV surveillance. Very few studies have estimated incidence among young Black MSM, who continue to be disproportionately infected at higher rates than other racial/ethnic groups.
Methods: HPTN 061 (The BROTHERS Study) was a six US city study designed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-component HIV prevention intervention for Black MSM. Men were recruited from 7/09 to 10/10 through a multi-pronged approached. Once found eligible, men participated in 3 visits (baseline, 6 mo, 12 mo) visits which included ACASI interviews, demographic collections, HIV/STI testing and counseling, social/sexual network questionnaire and the opportunity to work with a Peer Health Navigator.
Results: Of the 1553 Men recruited in HPTN 061, 519 were ≤30. Overall HIV incidence for HPTN 061 was 3% but was 5.9% among<30 y.o. Younger men had more STIs, no usual place for healthcare and more identified barriers to receiving health care. A multivariate analyses found HIV incidence was associated with younger age (HR 3.4, CI: 1.4-8.3) and unprotected receptive anal intercourse with HIV positive partners or unknown status partner (HR 4.1, 1.9-9.1). Over 50% of the individuals reported no work and no health coverage.
Conclusions: In the largest longitudinal cohort of Black MSM to date in the US, HIV incidence was highest among Young BMSM. We found significant drivers for HIV acquisition among Young Black MSM to include; access to health care services, higher sexual risk behaviors, and occurrence of STIs. Additional research is needed to focus primarily on this population to develop effective prevention strategies.
