Trends in Condomless Sex Among MSM Who Participated in CDC-Funded HIV Risk-Reduction Interventions in the United States, 2012-2017

• Published in: Journal of public health management and practice Vol. 28; no. 2; p. 170
• Main Authors: Zhang Kudon, Hui, Mulatu, Mesfin S, Song, Wei, Heitgerd, Janet, Rao, Shubha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.03.2022
• Subjects: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Infections - prevention & control; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Risk Reduction Behavior; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Sexual Behavior; United States - epidemiology; Unsafe Sex; United States
• ISSN: 1550-5022
• DOI: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001143

Consistent and correct use of condoms can reduce the risk for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Studies have reported that condomless sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) has steadily increased in recent years. We analyzed data reported by 51 health departments regarding 82 556 HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM 13 years or older and participated in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded behavioral risk-reduction intervention programs during 2012-2017. The percentages of condomless sex increased from 56.3% to 72.0% (estimated annual percent change [EAPC] = 7.1%) among HIV-positive MSM and from 46.0% to 70.5% (EAPC = 4.1%) among HIV-negative MSM. Continued increases in condomless sex might disrupt progress in ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Transmission risk associated with condomless sex can be reduced by ensuring that HIV-positive persons know their status early and are linked to care to achieve viral suppression and those at risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS can readily access preexposure prophylaxis.