Misperceptions of HIV Risk Common Among MSM

An HIV testing program at a New England bathhouse revealed a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections — and a major disconnect between behavior and risk perception.

Bathhouses have been a target of scrutiny in the U.S. since the dawn of the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM). These commercial sex venues are considered to be important drivers of HIV transmission, but they also provide a unique opportunity for real-time prevention. In the present study, researchers describe the risk practices and risk perceptions of MSM who underwent testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at a New England bathhouse.

A total of 1155 men underwent testing between mid-2004 through late 2009. The prevalence of HIV infection was 2.3%; syphilis, 2.0%; hepatitis C virus infection, 2.2%; genitourinary chlamydia, 1.3%; and genitourinary gonorrhea, 0.1%. Most of the men had primary care pro…

Reviewing Author

Demetre C. Daskalakis, MD

Misperceptions of HIV Risk Common Among MSM

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Reviewing Author