Abstract
Gay and bisexual men are often treated as a homogenous group; however, there may be important differences between them. In addition, behaviorally bisexual men are a potential source of HIV infection for heterosexual women. In this study, we compared 97 men who have sex with men only (MSM) to 175 men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). We also compared the 175 MSMW to 772 men who have sex with women only (MSW). Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess correlates of MSMW risk behaviors with men and with women as well as whether MSMW, compared with MSW, engaged in more risky behaviors with women. Compared with MSM, MSMW were less likely to be HIV-positive or to engage in unprotected receptive anal intercourse. In contrast, MSMW were more likely than MSW to be HIV-positive and to engage in anal intercourse with their female partners; however, rates of unprotected anal intercourse were similar. The study findings suggest that there may be important differences in HIV risk behaviors and HIV prevalence between MSM and MSMW as well as between MSMW and MSW.
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Acknowledgments
This research is supported by grant no. U01da017373 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The interpretations and conclusions do not necessarily represent the position of NIDA or the U.S. Department of health and human services.
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Zule, W.A., Bobashev, G.V., Wechsberg, W.M. et al. Behaviorally Bisexual Men and their Risk Behaviors with Men and Women. J Urban Health 86 (Suppl 1), 48–62 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-009-9366-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-009-9366-3