High HIV Risk Among MSM in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Although male-to-male sexual contact has long been recognized as a risk factor for HIV transmission in high-income countries, it has only recently been recognized as such in many low- and middle-income countries. There, the prevalence of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) may exceed 20% — a rate comparable to that seen in many highly affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

To better understand the HIV epidemic among MSM in low- and middle-income countries, investigators conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed publications and conference abstracts. Data from 38 countries were subsequently included in a meta-analysis. Countries were classified according to the 2005 World Bank definition as having low-income economies …