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An emerging HIV risk environment: a preliminary epidemiological profile of an MSM POZ Party in New York City
M C Clatts1, L A Goldsamt, H Yi
1Institute for International Research on Youth at Risk, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc, New York, NY 10010, USA. clatts@ndri.org
Objective:
To develop a preliminary epidemiological description of a men who have sex with men (MSM) "POZ Party," an emerging sex environment for HIV+ MSM.
Methods:
As part of a pilot study in New York City in 2003, data were collected using a brief, behavioural intercept survey at entry to POZ Party events. Domains include demographic characteristics, history of HIV infection, motivations for attending POZ parties, lifetime and recent exposure to drugs (including use during POZ Party events), and recent sexual practices (both within both POZ Party venues as well as in non-POZ Party venues).
Results:
Predominantly white and over the age of 30, subjects in the sample include a broad range of years living with HIV infection. Motivations for using a POZ Party venue for sexual partnering include relief from burdens for serostatus disclosure, an interest in not infecting others, and opportunities for unprotected sexual exchange. High rates of unprotected sex with multiple partners are prevalent in the venue. Although the sample evidences high rates of lifetime exposure to illicit drugs, relatively little drug use was reported in these sexual environments. These reports are consistent with evidence from direct observation at the venues themselves, in which no drug use was apparent.
Conclusion:
Serosorting among HIV+ MSM may reduce new HIV infections, a stated interest of both POZ Party organisers and participants alike. However, high rates of unprotected anal intercourse within these venues signal continued risk for STIs. Additionally, unprotected sexual contact with HIV partners and status unknown partners outside POZ Party venues heightens concern for diffusion of HIV superinfection.
Insights
POZ Parties, a new venue for HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), show participants seeking serostatus disclosure relief and unprotected sex. While aiming to prevent HIV transmission, high-risk sexual behaviors persist, raising concerns for STIs and HIV superinfection.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Emerging sexual environments, such as "POZ Parties," cater to HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM).
- Understanding the characteristics and behaviors within these venues is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a preliminary epidemiological description of "POZ Parties" as a novel sexual environment for HIV-positive MSM.
- To identify motivations for attending these events and associated sexual and drug-use behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study conducted in New York City in 2003 utilized a brief behavioral intercept survey.
- Data collected at POZ Party events included demographics, HIV status, motivations, drug exposure, and sexual practices.
Main Results:
- Participants were predominantly white, over 30, and living with HIV for varying durations.
- Motivations included reduced disclosure burden, desire not to infect others, and opportunities for unprotected sex.
- High rates of unprotected sex with multiple partners were observed, with low reported drug use within venues.
Conclusions:
- Serosorting at POZ Parties may align with goals of reducing new HIV infections among HIV-positive MSM.
- However, high rates of unprotected anal intercourse indicate ongoing risks for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Unprotected contact with HIV-positive or status-unknown partners outside these venues increases concerns for HIV superinfection diffusion.
