National HIV Prevention Conference Atlanta, Georgia, USA — July 27 - 30, 2003

Natl HIV Prev Conf 2003 July 27-30:abstract no. M1-B1603
Ruiz JD, Ritieni A, Facer M, Nunez A, Ginsberg M, Molitor F
California Department of Health Services, Office of AIDS, Sacramento, CA

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:: To assess HIV prevalence, sexual and drug using behaviors, and history of HIV testing among a cross-section of Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) from San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico.

METHODS: From May 2000 to April 2002, a cross-sectional survey of Latino men aged 18 to 29 years was conducted at MSM-identified venues (e.g., bars, dance clubs) and cruising sites (e.g., parks, shopping areas) in San Diego and Tijuana. Participants were interviewed using a standard questionnaire, had blood drawn for HIV testing, were given appointments to obtain test results, and were provided HIV-prevention counseling and referral for care when needed.

RESULTS: Of the 122 participants in San Diego, 42 (34%) tested positive for HIV compared to 47 (19%) of the 249 participants in Tijuana. Of the HIV-infected MSM in San Diego, 34 (81%) were unaware of their infection compared to 26 (55%) of the HIV-infected MSM in Tijuana. Over 40% of the Tijuana MSM reported lifetime injection drug use, with 90% of these ever sharing needles or works. Of the 107 men in San Diego who reported recent sex with men (in the last 4 months), 69 (65%) reported having unprotected anal intercourse compared to 68 (49%) of the 140 men in Tijuana who reported recent sex with men. Of the 139 MSM in Tijuana who reported recent sex with women, 107 (77%) indicated engaging in anal/vaginal unprotected intercourse.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the urgency of improving HIV-prevention efforts for all young MSM at this U.S.-Mexico border region.

030727
M1-B1603

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