HIV Risk Behaviors Are Common Among Heterosexuals in the U.S.

The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) collects data on HIV prevalence and risk behaviors from three populations — men who have sex with men, injection-drug users, and heterosexuals at increased risk for HIV infection — in selected U.S. metropolitan statistical areas with high AIDS prevalence. Because the initial (2006–2007) NHBS data-collection cycle among heterosexuals suggested that low socioeconomic status (SES) was an accurate marker of HIV acquisition risk in this group, researchers focused the second such cycle on individuals of low SES.

Between June and December 2010, data were collected for 9278 heterosexual adults (72% black, 21% Hispanic/Latino) in 21 U.S. cities. Eighty-seven percent reported annual incomes <$20,0…