Cruising Venues as a Context for HIV Risky Behavior among Men Who Have Sex with Men

We examined differences in sexual risk behaviors, HIV prevalence, and demographic characteristics between men who have sex with men (MSM) who visit different types of venues to meet sexual partners, and identified correlates of high-risk behaviors. 

A cross-sectional behavioral survey was conducted with a venue-based sample of 1011 MSM in Portugal. Overall, 36.3 % of MSM usually visit cruising venues to meet sexual partners (63.7 % only visit social gay venues). Cruising venues' visitors reported higher HIV prevalence (14.6 % vs. 5.5 %). Visiting cruising venues was more likely among those older, reporting high number of male sexual partners, group sex, and unprotected anal sex with a partner whose HIV status was unknown. 

Cruising venues play an important role in increasing risk of HIV transmission among MSM who frequent them. Venue-focused behavioral interventions that promote healthy sexual behaviors are needed.

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By:  Gama A1, Abecasis A2, Pingarilho M2, Mendão L3, Martins MO2, Barros H4, Dias S2.

• 1Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, n. 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal. agama@ihmt.unl.pt.
• 2Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, n. 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal.
• 3Grupo Português de Ativistas sobre Tratamentos de VIH/SIDA, Lisbon, Portugal.
• 4Institute of Public Health of University of Porto, University of Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal. 
• Arch Sex Behav. 2016 Mar 17.

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