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A cautionary tale: risk reduction strategies among urban American Indian/Alaska Native men who have sex with men.

Author(s): Cynthia R. Pearson; Karina L. Walters; Jane M. Simoni; Ramona Beltran; Kimberly M. Nelson

Publication: 2013. "AIDS Educ Prev" 25, 1 (February): 25-37.

Identifier(s): PubMed ID: 23387949; PMCID: PMC3951888; ISSN: 1943-2755; Citation Key: 7457

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1521/aeap.2013.25.1.25

Publication type: Journal Article

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Abstract:

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) men who have sex with men (MSM) are considered particularly high risk for HIV transmission and acquisition. In a multi-site cross-sectional survey, 174 AIAN men reported having sex with a man in the past 12 months. We describe harm reduction strategies and sexual behavior by HIV serostatus and seroconcordant partnerships. About half (51.3%) of the respondents reported no anal sex or 100% condom use and 8% were in seroconcordant monogamous partnership. Of the 65 men who reported any sero-adaptive strategy (e.g., 100% seroconcordant partnership, strategic positioning or engaging in any strategy half or most of the time), only 35 (54.7%) disclosed their serostatus to their partners and 27 (41.5%) tested for HIV in the past 3 months. Public health messages directed towards AIAN MSM should continue to encourage risk reduction practices, including condom use and sero-adaptive behaviors. However, messages should emphasize the importance of HIV testing and HIV serostatus disclosure when relying solely on sero-adaptive practices.