Between 2001 and 2006, new HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) under age 30 rose sharply in New York City, especially among Hispanic and black MSM, according to new figures from the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Among black and Hispanic MSM, the annual number of new infections jumped 34 percent between 2001 and 2006, and it rose 32 percent among all young MSM. In the same timeframe, new diagnoses among older MSM dropped by 22 percent. In 2006, there were 100 new diagnoses among young white MSM, compared to 228 among black MSM and 165 among Hispanic MSM.
Nationally, the highest rates of HIV infection are among gays, blacks, and Hispanics.
The increasing infection rate among MSM is being fueled by high rates of substance abuse, including crystal methamphetamine that can reduce inhibitions and lead to extended periods of sexual activity, sometimes with multiple partners, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, the city's health commissioner. He also attributed the rise in MSM infections to treatment optimism, as many gay men receive AIDS drug messages that promise a normal, long life with HIV.
Overall, HIV infection and AIDS mortality rates in the city have steadily declined. HIV infection rates among injection drug users and pregnant women have been brought down considerably. But city health officials are concerned about the growing number of concurrent HIV and AIDS diagnoses.
City health officials conceded the department's efforts - distributing 3 million condoms monthly, expanding rapid testing, and devising new education programs - are falling short. Frieden said the health department is planning a new prevention campaign targeting young gay men as well as a new marketing strategy for the condom campaign later this year.
01/02/08
NEW YORK: As New HIV Cases Drop Overall, a Worrying Rise Among Young Gay Men
Source: New York Times:: Sarah Kershaw; Courtesy of the CDC National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention