The influence of partner type and risk status on the sexual behavior of young men who have sex with men living with HIV/AIDS.

OBJECTIVES

The influence of partner type and risk status on the unprotected sexual behavior of young men living with HIV (YMLH) who have sex with men is examined.

METHODS

Sexual behavior and sexual partner characteristics of 217 YMLH recruited from adolescent care clinics in 4 AIDS epicenters (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Miami) were assessed. YMLH were categorized by sexual behavior pattern, and sexual partners were classified by type and risk status. Generalized linear modeling employing overdispersed Poisson distribution was used to analyze the effect of partner type and partner risk status on unprotected sex acts.

RESULTS

Most YMLH (62%) reported multiple partners, 26% reported 1 sexual partner, and 12% reported abstinence in the past 3 months. Approximately 34% of polygamous and 28% of monogamous youth engaged in unprotected sex. Monogamous youth were most likely to have unprotected sex with HIV-positive partners. Polygamous youth were most likely to have unprotected sex with HIV-positive partners, irrespective of whether the partner was regular or casual. For polygamous YMLH, unprotected sex did not differ among single-time/new partners with different risk levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Partner characteristics influence the condom use behavior of YMLH. YMLH make decisions regarding condom use based on perception of their partner's risk. Preventive interventions must include skills for acquiring accurate information about partner risk status and education regarding the health risks of unprotected sex with HIV seroconcordant partners.