Patterns of sexual behavior change among homosexual/bisexual men--selected U.S. sites, 1987-1990.

In the United States, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission has been associated with anal sex without use of condoms. However, surveys of sexual behavior among homosexual/bisexual men (i.e., men who have had sex with men) and evaluation results from intervention studies have consistently shown that such risks can be reduced. Despite such reductions in risk, relapse from safer sex to riskier practices has been documented among homosexual/bisexual men. Because the serostatus or HIV risk behaviors of any sex partner can be difficult to ascertain, especially for anonymous partners, anal sex with nonsteady partners without using a condom remains a high-risk behavior. This report summarizes an evaluation by CDC of behavior changes among homosexual/bisexual men involving anal sex with nonsteady partners without use of a condom. The evaluation examined community demonstration projects, funded by CDC in 1986, to assess methods of preventing the spread of HIV infection primarily among homosexual/bisexual men.