An Opportunity for Prevention

Abstract

In Brief Objectives: We investigated HIV prevalence and incidence and related risk factors among young Asian and Pacific Islander (API) men who have sex with men (MSM). Design: We conducted a cross-sectional survey. Methods: A venue-based sample of 496 young API MSM in San Francisco completed face-to-face questionnaires and received HIV counseling and testing. Results: HIV prevalence was 2.6% and annualized HIV incidence was 1.8% per year. In multivariate analysis, being American-born, having 51+ lifetime sex partners, and having attended a “‘circuit party” (multiday large MSM gatherings) were associated with HIV infection. Forty-seven percent of the sample reported unprotected anal intercourse in the past 6 months. Conclusions: The current levels of HIV prevalence, HIV incidence, and sexual risk behavior suggest an emerging HIV epidemic among young API MSM in San Francisco. A study of young Asian and Pacific Islander (API) men who have sex with men (MSM) and frequent gay-identified venues in San Francisco, California, found that HIV prevalence was 2.6% and annualized HIV incidence was 1.8% per year in this population.