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Published on: April 27, 2011
Migration and HIV Risk Among Men Who Have Sex With Men, San Francisco, 2011
T T Lama1, M Sudhinaraset2, W McFarland
1Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
In San Francisco, MSM account for nearly 90% of HIV infections. Studies have postulated increased risk for HIV faced by MSM who migrate, particularly to urban environments, yet empirical data are lacking. In this study we analyzed data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System collected in 2011 to ascertain whether nativity (U.S. versus foreign born) was associated with HIV prevalence, risk behavior, and service use. Among 510 MSM enrolled, HIV prevalence was 23.0%. Multivariable analyses demonstrate that while nativity was not associated with increased risk for HIV infection, those who had lived in San Francisco for more than five years had higher HIV prevalence compared to those who had lived for less than a year even after adjusting for age, race, income, education, and location of birth.
Insights
Nativity did not impact HIV risk for men who have sex with men (MSM) in San Francisco. However, longer residency in the city correlated with higher HIV prevalence, regardless of birthplace.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a significant majority of HIV infections in San Francisco.
- Previous research suggests migrating MSM may face elevated HIV risks, but empirical evidence is limited.
- Understanding factors influencing HIV prevalence among MSM is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between nativity (U.S.-born vs. foreign-born) and HIV prevalence among MSM in San Francisco.
- To examine the relationship between nativity, HIV risk behaviors, and healthcare service utilization.
- To determine if duration of residence in San Francisco influences HIV prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) collected in San Francisco in 2011.
- Inclusion of 510 men who have sex with men (MSM) in the study cohort.
- Multivariable logistic regression models were used to adjust for demographic and socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- Overall HIV prevalence among the surveyed MSM was 23.0%.
- Nativity (U.S.-born or foreign-born) was not significantly associated with HIV prevalence.
- MSM residing in San Francisco for over five years exhibited higher HIV prevalence compared to recent arrivals (less than one year), even after adjusting for covariates.
Conclusions:
- In San Francisco, the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) is not linked to birthplace.
- Prolonged residence in San Francisco is associated with increased HIV prevalence among MSM.
- Further research is needed to understand the specific factors contributing to higher HIV prevalence in long-term MSM residents.
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